The Abyss

In Omnia Paratus

[carmelves]

Do you think Sylus ever misses the sword?

1600 years is a long time after all. In the dark, all alone with his hunger and anger, the sword his only companion. And he hates it. Hates that it brought him to this point, hates that it heeps him trapped, pinned to the stone like an insect, hates the pain it gives him with every breath. But even as it keeps him trapped it also keeps him grounded, keeps his mind from drifting fully into the insanity that threatens him. Breathe in, his body attempts to heal itself. Breath out, the blade cuts through flesh again. Over and over, each time a reminder.

You can only feel pain when you’re alive.

And he’s still alive.

Do you think that after MC pulls it out his chest feels hollow, as if something vital had been removed? A phantom pain filling the empty spaces, a mere memory of something solid. Only her touch, the softest thing he’d ever felt, quells it momentarily. As if his body recognizes the hand that wields the blade. And at the end, when his hands wrap around hers as she sheaths her sword in his chest, the place it had once been at home, it feels like a reunion. His sanity had been fraying at the edges, unraveled by solitude and rage, the endless fight for vengeance. But there in the meadow he feels only peace. Him, her, and the blade.

This is how it was always supposed to end.

But it didn’t end

Do you think that same aching hollowness haunts him long after he’d forgotten why? He has no memory of the sword or the hand that wields it, just a gap in his soul with no explanation. He tries to fill it with blood and gold, violence and conquest and captured souls, but the abyss in his chest is endless, swallowing it all and leaving him wanting. Only when she summons him, thrusts her staff through his heart while her blood is fresh on his lips, does he feel complete. It scares him a bit, this completeness after being hollow for so long. That pain at her hands feels more right than anything he’s known in his long life. But every time he tries to pull away she pulls him back, and he’s not strong enough to resist being filled by her, hurt by her, loved by her.

This time when he dies it’s with her hand on his chest and a promise that he won’t go empty for long.

Lives pass. 

Do you think that the spaces between meetings are as painful as his time in the abyss, that every time the void threatens to swallow him? His hunger yawns, insatiable in her absence. He learns how to minimize the damage of his pain, to funnel the hunger into creation rather than wanton destruction, so that when she appears in all her blood soaked glory he has more to offer than teeth in her neck and a trail of violence. He builds an empire, amasses wealth and pretty things, finds poetry and music that resonate within his empty spaces.

And then things change. 

This time when she appears it’s as a softer version of herself, one shaped by love rather than scorn. Her soul rises to meet him, its hunger matching his own, but her mind recoils. Instead of meeting him blow for blow, she flinches from his touch. So he does the only thing he knows how to do: pushes, fights, breaks through any barriers keeping him from what he wants. Only with ever attempt she seems to get further away.

Do you think that it’s desperation that drives him to pull her onto his lap, hopeless frustration that pushes the weapon against his own chest, hunger that forces her to pull the trigger? He’s a starving man in front of a feast he’s forbidden from eating, and a bullet is better than this endless void.

It’s only later that he realizes the depth of his mistake. She’s disgusted by him. The other half of his soul, the one who pulled him from the abyss, his weapon of choosing, rejecting him completely. The pain of regret is different from the pain of absence, crawling up from his lungs to sit heavy and sickening in the back of his throat. She’d changed and he’d been too consumed by his own desires to see it.

But she's his true kindred spirit, the other half of his soul. If she had changed, he could too.

For her sake he learns to be soft. To grasp without bruising, to hold without devouring. To find as much pleasure in the small, tender things in life as in gold and blood. Plushies and face masks and karaoke. He learns how much gentleness his hands can hold. And he comes to expect that same gentleness from her in turn.

Do you think it takes him a while to realize what’s changed? That, lying in a meadow under ancient bones with her in his arms, he notices his chest doesn’t ache. That it hasn’t for a long time. He takes a deep breath, just to be sure, nose filling with the scent of flowers and her as his chest rises and falls without so much as a twinge.

“What was that sigh about?” she asks, resting her chin on his shoulder.

“Nothing. I’m just… happy.”

He closes his eyes in the springtime sunshine. His grip loosens on the ghost of the sword he’s carried with him all these years, lets it slip away soundlessly into the past.

And in the empty spaces behind his ribs, flowers bloom.

[liddolbubbleinthesea]

more mc biting sylus as a form of affection and if anyone asks sylus what happened he’s just like “the kitty im taking care of bit me”

[wallflower-supremacy]

self-aware!LADS pt 2

once again this series is inspired by the amazing @omnitrash and their self-aware!DMC series, so go check them out :)

wc: 542

a/n: slightly shorter than the last one, but I hope that y'all like it. this series is based off my own experiences with the game and is mostly my own reactions so enjoy :)

Today was long. Your mind had been on LaDS all day, though, so that was comforting. 

“Ok, ok. Let’s get this show on the road.” You booted up your gaming phone, the one your weird-ass gaming ex had got you for your birthday a few years back. It was useful now because the space the game took up on your main phone was dreadful.

You watch the screen come to life, “Some long for longevity, before fading to dust.” You sang along as the beginning video played. Caleb looked right at you. You booped his nose the way you usually did when you booted up the game.

“Bruh, I wish they had a reaction for that. It’d be so adorable.” At that moment, the video changed for a second, Caleb seeming it have reacted to your touch. “Wait, he can do that? Omg omg omg” Caleb practically melted at your excitement. 

You entered the game and found Xavier asleep at the table. “Oh my gosh, he’s asleep again. I’ll do my dailies quietly…” You did the auto pursuit on Heartbreaker and Goldie, and when you had to go to the Deepspace Trials and saw it was a Xavier-only day, you just went to the Open Trials and used the others. You didn’t want to wake poor Xavier from sleeping. 

You didn’t know it, but he found it endearing that you didn’t want to wake him up from his nap, even though that was just a preprogrammed sprite, and he was wide awake, listening to you try to be as quiet as possible. Limiting your cursing to whispers was rarely something you were reduced to. 

You went onto pulling the wishes. You got Caleb 5-Stars as per usual. You hadn’t even unlocked the man yet, and you already had 5 of his 5-star memories. 

“Are you trying to tell me something?” Yes. Yes, he was. The video playing in the background didn’t respond, but it lingered for a second longer than usual. You thought it was your mind playing tricks on you after a long day, so you shook your head and went to the story. 

After brute forcing your way through the last battles, with an overleveled Sylus that you definitely didn’t spend days grinding on, of the previous part, you finally got to Caleb’s part.

“Ok ok standard MC doing way more than she has to. Girl, you know you can actually take a break, right? You’re approaching Zayne's levels of workaholism.” Both Zayne and MC would laugh at that later. When you saw MC get caught by Caleb, you were panicking. 

“Anakin, we do not have a planakin, we gotta start panikin–” Caleb and MC wished they could break the script and tell you right there that she was going to be ok, but they couldn’t. So they savored the moment when Caleb broke the tough guy act and was able to embrace MC. 

“YES YES YES YES. YOU GUYS MELT MY HEART I SWEAR :(.” You wanted to put them both in a room and shake them like a rag doll. Standard loving your blorbos behavior. They wished they knew that you were their blorbo too. Even if you never could know it, they wished that you could know too. 

I will be writing with Rafayel in the next one with his current card event as of March 22. Trust me, the fishie will get some love <3

[wallflower-supremacy]

self-aware!LADS

inspired by @omnitrash and their self-aware!DMC AU.

wc: 820

Self-aware LADS. They see you. All of you. They see you when you roll wishes for the umpteenth time. When you play a secret time or tender moment over and over again to sleep. You would always talk to them like they were real, like they weren’t just pixels on the other side of your iPad screen. You treated them like they were real. They were, but they couldn’t let you know that just yet, could they? 

You loved going to Destiny Cafe, and you always had all the LI’s active so you’d get a surprise each time you logged in. What you didn’t know was that they had a rotation, so they wouldn’t fight amongst themselves. They, as well as MC, had agreed to share you. Oh, you didn’t think MC wasn’t self-aware? All the others are a little jealous of MC for getting to spend the most time with you, even. 

When you started, you spent hours on the MC customization screen. You had deliberated making her look like another version of you, but in the end, you made her something of her own person. You smiled as you looked at your creation. She wasn’t like any of the MC’s you had seen others build; she was yours, your creation. Your work.

You didn’t notice how she made cute facial expressions for you to see your work, at well, work. She winked at the camera, and you ended up blushing profusely. 

“Hot women and hot men are my kryptonite, how dare you MC >:(“ you had said playfully. What you didn’t know was that she replayed that line over and over in her head after you had turned off the game. 

When you first got into a battle alongside Xavier, you cheered him on while you controlled MC. You mashed the buttons desperately, trying to deal as much damage as possible with the pistols you were given. 

“Xavier, save me! Well, save MC! I’m totally fine out here!” You would say when the battle had finished. You had watched the following cutscene with a reverence they had only seen reserved for deities. 

When Xavier had said the wanderers that were there were Luminivores, light eaters, you had panicked. “Wait, WAIT. WHAT MONSTER WOULD PIT LIGHT PRINCE XAVIER AGAINST LUMINIVORES >:(“ 

It had taken everything for MC and Xavier not to break character. MC could, for you looked out from her POV, but Xavier was stuck trying his best to put on a serious face. 

Once the moment had passed and you were past the tutorial, you basically went crazy. In less than a week, you had finished the main story to get to Sylus and Caleb. 

You had been giving Zayne head pats while you had been talking to yourself about it. “So either I’ve descended into madness, or I’m just determined, I like to think the latter.” “You can take a break if you need.”  Zayne had said. At the time, you had written it off as one of the many filler lines the game had to fill the space in between.

“I wanna see you take a break first, Doctor Zayne. Something something about you staying at the hospital until 12 at night. Poor MC fell asleep waiting for you.” You had a point.

You’d do so many boss battles so many times over, trying to get all of them to three stars. The trouble was that Xavier liked to be a hero. 

“XAVIER MC WOULD HAVE LIVED. PLEASE STOP BEING A HERO. WE NEED TO PASS THIS LEVEL.” This was the 20th time you had failed this level, and you had already gotten the achievement for getting more than 10 losses. You just doubled it and gave it to the next person. The next person didn’t exist, though. It was only you. Or so you thought. 

You had unlocked Sylus’s part of the story after skipping past a battle you couldn’t beat. Ahem Xavier. You had gone into Sylus’s part not knowing what to expect. You didn’t expect him to absolutely aura farm. Your words, not his.

“Aura farming son of a– MC, MC, MC! YOU NEED ME TO GET YOU OUT OF THERE? OR ARE YOU RIGHT WHERE YOU WANNA BE? WE DON’T KINK JUDGE WE JUST KINK QUESTION.”

That had made Sylus and MC stop their script for a second, processing what you had just said. You didn’t notice; you just saw a handsome man and couldn’t process anything else. 

Once you had left that part of the story, and you had gone to sleep after that, Sylus and MC were both questioning and laughing at your choice of words. 

They loved seeing you interact with all of them in the cafe. You always did everything with them before logging off for the night. You claimed it was for dailies, but you were truly infatuated with these characters. They weren’t complaining, though.

Just an idea I had that I couldn't get out of my head. Caleb is absent only because I haven't gotten to his part of the story yet :)

>part 2

[heartofonychinus]

𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒕𝒆𝒔

pairing: husband!sylus x wife!reader

₊‧°𐐪♡𐑂°‧₊

It’s 3:07 am when Sylus finally steps into the bedroom. The lights are off, the room is quiet, except for you. A faint glow illuminates your face as you lie on your stomach, feet kicking lazily in the air, completely absorbed in your phone.

A soft snort escapes you, followed by a quiet giggle. Sylus pauses at the doorway, watching.

“…You should be asleep.”

You don’t even look up.

“Mhm. I will.”

Another reel plays as you laugh again.

“Just ten more minutes.”

He doesn’t argue... instead, he just exhales quietly before turning away. By the time he returns, fresh from the shower, dressed for bed, you’re in the exact same position. Still scrolling, still laughing and still wide awake. Sylus climbs into bed beside you without a word, slipping an arm around your waist and pulling you closer.

“Look at this one...”

Your phone suddenly lifts out of your hand.

You blink.

“…Hey.”

It floats calmly through the air using his evol and lands on the bedside table. Completely out of reach.

“Sylus.”

No response. Instead, he shifts, pulling you down with him until you’re half pinned beneath his weight, your face tucked into his chest.

“That’s not fair....”

“Close your eyes.”

His hand comes up, gently covering your eyes.

“Sleep.”

You huff softly, but your body melts into him anyway.

“…You’re annoying.” A small giggle slips out of you, soft and sleepy, as he pulls you closer, his warmth wrapping around you completely.

“Go to sleep.”

Sylus tightens his hold just slightly. It doesn’t take long before his breathing steadies, his grip loosening just slightly as sleep finally takes him first. You blink, a little surprised.

“…That was fast,” you whisper.

Carefully, you lift a hand, gently running your fingers through his hair. slow, absent-minded strokes, the kind that always seem to relax him without fail. Your touch softens.

“Goodnight, Sylus.”

There’s a brief pause.

Then, half-asleep, barely audible

“…Goodnight, my love.”

[kaiist]

𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐏𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐄 ⋯ 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆

𝐗𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐑

He is sitting at the kitchen table when you walk in.

Not at his desk. Not at the window. Not somewhere inexplicably unusual the way he usually is—slumped against a wall, or inexplicably napping on the grass. Just at the table, hands folded, still as something carved from pale stone.

The door clicks shut behind you.

Xavier looks up. He doesn’t move. He doesn’t speak. He just looks at you, the way people look at things they were certain they would never see again, and the quiet of the apartment becomes the loudest thing you’ve ever heard.

A long beat passes.

“You’re back,” he says. That’s all. Two words. His voice doesn’t crack, doesn’t do anything to betray the weeks of silence and unanswered messages and a front door that had stayed locked. And yet something about the way he says it—careful, almost cautious—makes your chest ache.

You open your mouth. Whatever you were prepared to say dissolves on contact.

He pushes back his chair and stands, crossing the distance between you in a few steps, like he isn’t sure you’re quite real yet and moving too quickly might disturb something. He stops in front of you. His eyes move across your face, taking inventory of every small thing that has changed or stayed the same.

His hand comes up slowly. Just the barest pressure of his fingertips against your face, like he’s confirming something.

“I kept your mail,” he says.

A laugh startles out of you before you can stop it—wet, a little wrecked. He doesn’t smile, not exactly, but something shifts behind his eyes, the faint release of something wound very tight for a very long time.

He pulls you in without another word. His arms close around you with a quiet, firm certainty, and he presses his face into your hair, and for a long time, neither of you moves.

There will be questions, later. There will be things that need to be said.

But for now, his heartbeat is steady against yours. And he doesn’t let go.

𝐙𝐀𝐘𝐍𝐄

It’s raining when he finds you.

Zayne is still in his coat, standing in the entryway of his house with the door only half-closed behind him, as if he’s been there for a while and simply forgot to finish coming in. His bag is on the floor. His glasses are in his hand. There’s a tension in the line of his shoulders that has nothing to do with a long shift.

He’s looking at his phone.

At your name on the screen. At the call that just connected.

When you step into the light, his head comes up. The silence that follows is different from his usual silences. This one is the kind that happens when the thing a person has been quietly bracing for finally arrives, and all the prepared words go missing at once.

He doesn’t move.

“You should have called,” he says at last, his voice even. Measured. Precisely the tone he uses when he is trying very hard to be the version of himself that holds things together.

“I know.”

“Before now. You should have called before now.” He sets his glasses on the shelf without looking away from you. “Do you have any idea—” He stops himself.

A breath. Slow.

He closes the remaining distance between you and stops close enough that you have to tilt your head up. His eyes move over you the same way his hands would over a patient—thorough, taking account of damage, checking for everything that might have been missed.

Then one hand comes up. Settles against the side of your neck. His thumb traces the line of your jaw, and his exhale is long, and quiet, and carries the weight of months.

“You’re cold,” he says.

“Zayne—”

“You’re cold.” He says it again, like the rest of it can wait, like this is what matters right now, and he turns you gently toward the warmth of home and closes the door behind.

𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐋

The studio is a mess.

That isn’t unusual—Rafayel’s studio is always a mess—but this is a specific kind of mess, the kind made by someone who has been working through something rather than working on something. Canvases stacked against every wall. Dried brushes abandoned mid-use. A half-eaten plate of food pushed to the edge of the table and forgotten.

He’s at the window when you arrive, back to the door, looking out at the water.

He hears you come in. His shoulders go rigid.

A long pause. Long enough that you start to wonder if he’s going to say anything at all.

“How was it,” he says finally, not turning around, his voice light, conversational, the exact register he uses when he’s determined not to let you know something is wrong. “Wherever you went. Was it nice?”

“Rafayel—”

“I’m asking.” He turns around. His eyes find yours immediately, and whatever carefully assembled indifference he’d been preparing doesn’t quite survive the moment of actually looking at you. Something cracks through it. A small fracture. But visible.

“Do you know,” he says, and he crosses the room, and his voice has dropped into something quieter, “how many times I checked my phone? Every day. Every morning, every night, every time something happened that I wanted to tell you. Every time I saw something that reminded me of you.” He stops in front of you. “Which is constantly, by the way. Absolutely everything reminds me of you. It’s extremely inconvenient. And everything’s dull without you.”

He takes your face in both hands.

“I told myself I wasn’t worried.” His thumbs brush beneath your eyes. “I was very convincing. I almost believed it.”

Something unsteady moves across his face—not quite anger, not quite relief, something that exists in the narrow space between the two.

“Cutie,” he says softly. “Don’t do that again.”

He pulls you against him, his clingy arms wrapping around you with the grip of someone who has been doing the opposite of letting go for a very long time.

“I was in the middle of daydreaming,” he mutters into your hair. “Completely ruined it.”

𝐒𝐘𝐋𝐔𝐒

You hear the record before you see him.

Something low and slow, an old vinyl, the kind he keeps in the locked cabinet by the window. It stops mid-song when the door opens.

Sylus is standing at the far end of the room with a glass of wine in his hand, and he looks at you with the particular quality of stillness that belongs to someone who has been waiting for something without admitting—even to themselves—that they were waiting at all.

Mephisto clicks quietly from somewhere above you.

“Well,” Sylus says. His voice is smooth, unhurried, the same as always. “Look at that. The kitten has found her way home.”

He doesn’t move toward you. He turns back to the window, sets his glass down on the ledge, and studies the city below with the measured consideration of a man reviewing a plan that has finally resolved itself.

“I had a bet with the twins,” he muses. “They thought it would be longer.”

You step further into the room. “And what did you think?”

A pause.

“I thought they were wrong.”

He turns then, and walks toward you, and up close the light catches something in his expression that his voice hasn’t betrayed—a quality of attention that is too careful, too precise, too entirely fixed on you to be as effortless as he’s making it look.

He reaches out. His knuckle grazes your cheek, light as a question.

“You’re in one piece,” he observes.

“I am.”

“Good.” The word lands quietly. He studies you for another moment, and then his mouth curves. Slow. The kind of smile that almost reaches the sharp red of his eyes.

“You owe me a conversation,” he says. “A long one.”

He doesn’t say he was concerned. He doesn’t say what the months of silence cost him. He doesn’t have to. He just takes your hand, and leads you to the couch, and doesn’t let go once he does.

𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐁

He opens the door before you can knock.

Like he heard your footsteps on the stairs. Like he knew. Like some part of him had been listening to exactly that sound for a very long time and his body simply reacted before the rest of him could catch up.

For a moment, he just stands there.

Caleb, who could deliver a valedictorian speech in front of hundreds of people without a tremor in his voice, who flew through Deepspace without flinching, who holds a rank that makes other officers stand up straighter when he walks into a room—he stands in his own doorway and doesn’t say a single word.

His jaw is tight. His eyes are doing something complicated.

“Hey,” you say.

Something in him breaks open at the sound of your voice. Not visibly, but you watch it happen, the same way you can see a change in pressure before the weather turns.

“Hey, Pips,” he says back. Low. A little rough at the edges.

He reaches out and takes your hand. That’s all. Just your hand, wrapped in his, and he squeezes once like he’s checking whether you’re real, and then he pulls you inside, and the door falls shut behind you.

“I made dinner,” he says after a moment, already moving toward the kitchen, your hand still in his, refusing to put any more distance between you than is functionally necessary. “Well. I started dinner. An hour ago. It’s probably—”

“Caleb.”

He stops.

His grip on your hand tightens.

“I know,” he says, not turning around, his shoulders carrying every weeks of it. “I know.” His thumb traces a slow arc across your knuckles. “Just… don’t disappear on me like that again. Okay?” His voice dips at the end. “I can handle a lot of things, but not that.”

He finally turns to look at you.

“Not that,” he says again, quietly.

The ‘When U Come Back’ pendant on his necklace catches the light. He doesn’t let go of your hand through dinner, or after. Not once.

As you can see... me back. 😼

[currentlywritingornot]

Candle light

Summary: It's date night, and Sylus reserves an entire restaurant just to share a quiet, candlelit dinner with you.

You did not expect anything tonight.

No anniversary. No celebration. No milestone. Just an ordinary evening that was meant to be for the two of you.

Sylus texts you a single message.

Wear something you love. I will pick you up at eight.

That is all.

When you step outside, he is already there, leaning against the car like he always does.

His eyes soften when he sees you, a subtle change most people would miss.

“You look beautiful,” he says.

“You did not tell me where we are going.”

“You did not need to know.”

You roll your eyes, but you take his hand anyway.

The drive is quiet, you keep staring at the passing buildings.

You are excited to see where he is taking you, knowing Slyus, it is not something ordinary that he planned.

When the car stops, you recognise the restaurant immediately. It is one you once mentioned wanting to try. Just once. In passing. Yet he remembered.

The entrance is lit, but there are no crowds. No waiting guests. The door opens the moment you approach.

Inside, the entire space glows with candlelight.

Every table is empty.

Except one.

Set perfectly near the window, draped in linen, a small arrangement of flowers resting between two glasses already poured.

You stop walking.

“Sylus,” you breathe.

He watches your reaction carefully, something proud and pleased settling into his expression.

“I wanted it quiet. No interruptions.”

“You reserved the whole place?”

“Yes.”

“For what?”

He steps closer, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face.

“For dinner.”

That is all he says. Like that explains everything.

And it actually does.

The staff move discreetly, almost invisible. Your favourite dish is brought out first. It is prepared exactly how you like it. The wine you once complimented. The bread you always steal from his plate.

You stare at him as you sit.

“You planned all this.”

“I did.”

“There is no occasion.”

He tilts his head slightly, studying you across the candlelight.

“There does not need to be.”

He listens when you speak, laughs quietly at your jokes, reaches across the table to brush his thumb along your wrist when you are mid sentence, just because he can.

“You remember everything I like,” you say softly.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

He looks at you like the question does not make sense.

“Because it is you.”

The candles burn lower. Dessert arrives.

Your favourite.

You laugh softly, shaking your head.

“You are impossible.”

He leans back in his chair, watching you with open satisfaction as you take the first bite.

“I like seeing you happy,” he says.

There is no arrogance in it. Only truth.

You set your fork down slowly.

“All this just to see me smile?”

“Yes.”

The room feels smaller then. Warmer. Intimate in a way no crowded place could ever be.

When the plates are cleared, he stands and offers you his hand.

“One more thing,” he says.

There is no music, but he pulls you gently into him anyway. One hand at your waist, the other lacing with yours. You sway slowly between the candlelight and the quiet hum of the city outside.

“No reason?” you whisper.

He rests his forehead against yours.

“You are the reason.”

The world beyond those walls does not exist in that moment. No work. No expectations. Just warmth and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat under your palm.

When he finally pulls back, his thumb brushes your cheek.

“We can do this again,” he says softly.

“On a normal Tuesday?”

“Especially on a normal Tuesday.”

And you realise that with Sylus, love is not reserved for special days.

It is deliberate.

Every single time.

[snoozer-crow]

thinking againnn....

sylus who thinks you're really cute when you're sleepy enough to make you act a bit dazed and out of it!! his teasing voice and soft touches and the adoration and love in his eyes as he gazes down at you..,mgggdfggh

"Aw, baby," he coos as you climb into bed beside him, just barely having dragged yourself through your nighttime routine. You barely even notice his tone of voice, just nuzzling into his warm palm when he cups your face. "Are you sleepy? Hmmm?"

You nod, and he hums, softly stroking your cheek with his thumb. He studies your features for a few moments, watching as you start to doze off against his hand like a cat.

You fight off the urge to sleep in order to look up at him with half-open eyes and mumble something unintelligible, causing a smirk to grow on his face as he huffs out a laugh. "What was that, sweetie?"

You try to repeat yourself, but all that comes out of your lips is gibberish. Sylus chuckles, not bothering to ask a second time. He just threads his free hand beneath your (his) shirt to gently run his nails up and down your back. You sigh, melting at his touch and slumping forward.

"Mmm, come closer," he murmurs, and you obey, nuzzling into his chest. "Thaaat's it. Let me hold you."

He guides you to lie down with him, and you follow pliantly, already halfway to dreamland.

"Sweet dreams, my beloved. I love you."

[snoozer-crow]

🐦‍⬛ thinking abouutt sylus's hands 🐦‍⬛ wc: 530

Sylus is lounging on the couch, making his way through his work at a leisurely pace. You sit next to him, taking one of his large hands in both of yours. He relinquishes control of it without protest, preoccupied but always open to physical contact with you.

His hand is slightly calloused, and you run your fingers up and down his own, examining the texture. You bend them, testing the joints and feeling the bones underneath his skin. His fingers are slim and long, yet you can still feel the hidden strength that lies within them.

Out of all the hands you've ever seen, his have to be the most beautiful. They're incredibly deft, skillful with small, delicate, mechanical tasks, despite what their large size would lead you to believe. You would be a tad embarrassed to admit how long you have spent watching him clean his guns, his talented fingers disassembling and reassembling the mechanism's small parts with mindless ease.

Something else you always appreciate about his hands is how warm they are. Yours tend to run cold, and the heat of his skin against yours is comforting as well as relieving during the winter months.

You forget yourself in your reverie, lifting his palm up and nuzzling your cheek against it, enjoying the warmth against your face. You feel his thumb stroke against your cheekbone, and you look up at him, finding his fond gaze fixed on you. How long has he been watching...?

Noticing your shyness, Sylus refrains from teasing you about your affectionate gestures for now. He just opens his arms, offering you your dedicated spot on his lap. He somehow knew what you were longing for from the start, and grew tired of waiting for you to ask.

"Come here, kitten. Let me keep you warm."

And you do, accepting his invitation without a second thought. You press your body against his, freeing his hand from your clutches in favor of feeling his chest against your own, pulling yourself closer by wrapping both of your arms around his back. It's as if your soul feels more complete when close enough to nearly entwine with his.

Sylus gives up on his attempt to focus on work, as a far superior target for his attention had presented itself to him so readily. He is more than content with watching you melt into him as he threads his hand beneath your shirt, gently scratching your back in your favorite spot.

Your body goes slack against his as your eyes droop closed, just barely able to keep yourself from drooling onto his sweater. You let yourself drift to the soft sound of his record player, warm, comfy, and safe. It's easy to let go of your worries, knowing deep down in your bones that Sylus would take care of any possible problem that could arise while your guard is down.

He gazes down at you with incredible fondness, feeling more love than he ever thought possible just from witnessing the sight of your brow relaxing, releasing the furrow that had persisted there for so long. And he, too, lets himself indulge in the softness of this moment with you.

[hunterrami]

sylus mc fluff

[kylominis]

when you're trying to kiss your 6'2ft husband [♡]

[sayangrafayel]

Sylus: There are three ways to handle someone who wronged you. Forgiveness, violence, and the Sylus way.

MC: Isn't that just violence?

Sylus: Yes, but it's faster.

[searyyn]

My first Love and Deepspace "art" shall be a lazy shitpost

[amethystheartsx]

| I am in love and deepshit | 2

A tale of indulgence affections and vengeance.

Prologue Part 1   Part 2

Word count: 13k

Self aware AU, why choose trope, LADSxnonmc!reader, vengeful mc (rightfully so), Isekai genre.

AN: No warnings just fluff and crack to make up for not posting in forever.

CHAPTER 4; THE AFTERSHOCKS

Too much happened all at once, once again. It was a miracle that you still managed to hang on to your sanity. So they knew about you…all along. Not just the moment you entered the game, but way before that. You found it frightening and pretty confusing. They said they could only see you when you logged in to the game, that they had no idea how they became self-aware, and a huge part of you believed them. Why wouldn't you? Who else could you even rely on right now? Who else could help you make sense of this absurd and, quite truly, outlandish situation?

But what if…

Your train of thought was derailed when a heavy helmet was put on your head, and you looked up to see none other than Sylus smirking down at you. You realised you had mindlessly followed him out since he was the one who was going to drop you off. Come to think of it, you turned your head to see that the rest of the guys were taking their leave in their own vehicles, and they looked pretty okay with Sylus taking you home, especially for people who were arguing about most of the things they talked about inside. Furthermore, what the hell was that schedule they came up with, and when? Did they somehow anticipate her coming?. So many questions and little to no answers.

—---

“Hey, what's going on in that pretty little head of yours?” he asked, tapping the visor of the helmet twice, grounding you back to reality. You blinked up at him, the tinted screen of the visor made your vision tinted blue as well. “Nothing, I just feel like my brain got overcooked,” you replied with a little chuckle. Sylus's smile softens, from his smug grin to one of understanding. “That's a given, considering your situation, it would be understandable if you were to, as you call it, crash out,” he says.

Hah, if he only knew.

The engine purred to life beneath you, a low, powerful growl that rumbled under the sole of your shoes, thrumming up through your legs and straight into your chest. The sound alone was enough to make your heart race, but what really did it was the man sitting in front of you.

Sylus glanced back over his shoulder, his visor catching the faint shimmer of the city lights. “Hold on,” he said, tone casual like it wasn’t sending your nerves into a full-blown panic.

Your hands hovered uncertainly in the air. You didn’t know where to put them-on his waist? On the seat? The bike was sleek and expensive, as expected from the richest guy in all of Linkon, with no handles or rails to save you from embarrassment. “I’m fine,” you muttered instead, curling your fingers around the edge of the seat and praying it would be enough.

Sylus’s chuckle told you he didn’t believe you for a second. “Suit yourself,” he murmured, and before you could change your mind, the bike surged forward. The world tilted. The roar of the engine swallowed your gasp as instinct overrode hesitation-your hands flew to his waist, gripping tight as the scenery blurred around you..

He laughed, loud enough for you to feel its vibration coursing through his body. “You okay there, kitten?” he called back, voice dripping with sass. “Could’ve sworn you’d rather fall off than risk it.”

You groaned, ducking your head, glad he wouldn’t notice the heat crawling up your neck. His shoulders shook faintly under your palms, and you could feel the smug satisfaction radiating off him.

“Relax, sweetheart,” he drawled, leaning into a turn that made your stomach lurch-and your grip tighten. “You know you are the safest when you are with me.”

The wind howled past your ears, but you could still hear the smirk in his voice. It wasn’t cruel—just teasing, sharp around the edges yet strangely reassuring. Beneath all that sarcasm, you couldn’t shake the feeling that he liked it when you held on just a little tighter. That's Sylus for you.

It wasn't long before the scenery around you changed-not the way one would assume it to be, no, from the blurs of the barren land and the vast skies, you noticed streaks of shimmering green and gold, streaking along one after the other, till the surroundings morphed into what felt like a ripple through a stream, it was surreal, like a mirage about to unravel right before your eyes. You blinked once, then twice, trying to understand what you were looking at. 

Your fingers curled around the fabric of his leather jacket, and you peeked over his shoulder into the rear-view mirror. He looked calm, steady as always, his composure served as an anchor for you to remain poised.

Your attention was back to the scenery that continued to warp in itself. You looked up at the sky that was once bright and sunny, now the colours bled into each other, the streaks of green and gold swirled, weaving themselves into the growing ripples, creating a silver spark that bursts outwards into brilliant lights. You closed your eyes and buried your face in his back, feeling it stiffen for a moment and straighten up even more-if that was even possible.

The ringing in your ears dulled into a low, vibrating hum, and you could feel the shift in the air—warmer now, mildly charged with static energy. You didn’t need to open your eyes to know the change was complete; you could feel it in the way the wind now carried the faint, artificial sweetness of Linkon City.

Still, when you blinked your eyes open, your breath hitched.

The barren wasteland was gone-replaced by familiar glass towers and floating lights, streets alive with motion, and that endless skyline now dimmed to nighttime. You knew this place. You’d walked these streets, heard its noise, seen its brilliance not too long before, and yet its allure in the nighttime was nothing short of breathtaking.

The transition had been too sudden, but seamless-like a scene had shifted and snapped in between the scenes of a game. 

Your fingers tightened around the back of his jacket, grounding yourself in something that felt real, before letting it go. The bike slowed as the city’s neon reflections flickered across the metal panels around you, the engine’s growl echoing faintly and soon coming. 

“This doesn’t make sense,” you whispered, voice barely audible. “We were miles from here.” Sure, you were aware that things had gone far from anything making sense ever since you woke up in this world, but still, the curiosity of everything kept boggling you. The bright flash had you slightly disoriented; it was a mild discomfort at best.

Sylus noticed before you could pretend otherwise. The bike slowed, gliding to a stop in front of a small roadside diner, its flickering neon sign glared between towering glass buildings. He turned off the engine, the deep purr fading into the background hum of traffic.

“You look pale,” he said, glancing back over his shoulder. “We’ll stop here for a bit.”

You blinked at the diner, half amused. “A diner? Didn’t peg you for someone who eats at peasant places,” you joked.

He tilted his head slightly, the faintest glint of humor in his eyes. “If that’s your concern,” he said smoothly, “I can take you somewhere better. There’s a rooftop restaurant a few blocks away with a private chef-”

Your jaw dropped. “Sylus, I was joking!” you blurted, hands waving around before you could stop yourself. “Please don’t casually suggest a five-course dinner like it’s takeout, I like greasy food better anyway.”

He studied you for a moment-long enough for you to feel the weight of his gaze-and then that smile appeared again, one that told he knew a lot more about you than he should. It was both unnerving and exhilarating, being unraveled before a man you were supposed to be meeting for the first time. “You’ll have to be careful when you tease me,” he said softly. “I tend to take things seriously… especially when you are concerned.”

You blinked, your brain catching up two steps too late. Heat crept into your face, and you laughed—too quickly, too awkwardly. “You can’t just say things like that so casually,” you said, almost exasperated, feeling the warmth of his words under your skin, a stark contrast to the chilly night air.

He tilted his head, eyes gleaming with absolute amusement. “Why not?”

You huffed, crossing your arms, trying to reclaim your composure. “Because you do realize you sound dangerously close to flirting, right?”

That earned a deep, rich chuckle, the kind that rumbles from his chest, causing you a sheer amount of butterflies in the stomach. “Only close?” he murmured, already turning toward the diner. “Then I must be losing my touch.”

Sylus has been gone for a while now.

You tapped your fingers lightly against the table, glancing at the phone. Sylus had been gone a few minutes longer than expected, which, considering it was Sylus, probably meant he was terrorizing the staff over the quality of bottled water.

The thought made you snort quietly.

Just as you reached for your phone again, his familiar shadow fell over the table. You looked up to find him holding a takeout box and two cups balanced with his usual, effortless precision. 

“Took you long enough,” you muttered, pretending to glare even as relief washed through you. He easily saw through it. “Sorry about that,” he said, setting everything down. “They didn’t have the type of chicken shawarma wrap you like.”

You smiled up at him; his thoughtfulness was very much appreciated. You picked up the food and unwrapped it only to find that this was, in fact, a chicken shawarma wrap. You looked up at him questioningly. 

“This is only something close enough,” he replied to your non-verbal question.

You blinked, “It's good enough, I am surprised you even know thi-” you paused to take a bite, and froze. The taste hit instantly: smoky chicken, a drizzle of garlic sauce, the exact spice blend that used to make your hands smell for hours back home. Your heart gave a weird little lurch... “Wait… what? This is the one I like. Down to the sauce!!!” You said with a mouthful, covering your mouth with your fingers, chewing aggressively to gulp it down. “How!!! Sylus, this is literally the same one I used to get from that tiny stall near-”

His lips curved slightly, giving you that cat-like expression, where he looked extremely pleased with himself. “I made them make it.”

You choked on your bite, quickly grabbing one of the cups to chase it down. “You…what?!” you exasperated wide wide-eyed.

He was looking smug again, rightfully so. In fact, now that you think about it, he might be one of the only few men alive who should be looking this smug all the time, for valid reasons…the other being the rest of the LADS men, of course.

“Sy-sylus, you didn't-”

He shrugged lightly, as though recreating your favorite street food from another world was a casual Tuesday task. “You were missing home. I figured you could use something familiar.” he may seem casual about it, but for once, Sylus couldn't keep up the unbothered nonchalant front, his eyes….his damned ruby red eyes gave away everything.

The moment felt heavy in your chest; the warmth you felt wasn't from the food but from the man himself. His thoughtfulness and sensitivity in understanding your emotions without you having to share them. His attention to detail in something you must have told him in those conversations you thought were having with mindless bots. Today, each one of them helped you in their own way, but this took the cake. 

You hadn’t realized how much you missed that taste, that small, ordinary piece of your old world. For a second, the noise around you faded, and all you could think about was how the familiar flavors wrapped around a home you could no longer reach.

Your throat tightened, but you swallowed it down, forcing a grin. Tears had welled up, and you tried to blink them away, but still one rebelled and spilled down to your cheek. “Hey, now,” Sylus instantly reached out, placing his hand on your head, and with that, your facade broke.

Soft sniffles and choked sobs erupted from you. Sylus said nothing, only patted your head gently, caressing your hair. You composed yourself quickly… at least tried to. “Ehm-why aren't you eating Sylus?” you said to change the topic, unable to meet his eyes after displaying such a pathetic moment. “Well, I don't consume, as you call it, peasant food”

“Gosh, you are exactly as I imagined you’d be,” you blurted out, finally looking up at him. His hand was still on your head, fingers gently threading through your hair cautiously; there was a reverence in his touch that was noticeable, as if he were afraid of hurting even a single strand. There was something in that touch,  like he was trying to memorize you, to prove to himself this moment wasn’t a dream, that you weren't a dream. Here for a moment only to slip away from his hands like specks of dandelion blown away by the wind.

His hand moved down to your face, gingerly cupping it. “And how did you imagine me?” he asked, his voice low trying his best to sound casual, even though he was clearly holding his breath. For all his composure, Sylus looked like a man teetering on the edge, half-afraid you might say something that would shatter him.

You let out a shaky breath, the corner of your mouth tugging upward as you met his eyes. The words left you softer than you intended. “I imagined you’d be just like this,” you said, voice low, a little unsteady. “Someone who notices without asking… who doesn’t need to be told when something hurts.”

Your gaze drifted to the wrap still in your hands before returning to him- those sharp, unreadable eyes, always so soft when they were on you, like even the neon light had learned to dim itself for him.

“Someone who makes the world feel a little less cold,” you whispered. “And you are.”

For a moment, Sylus didn’t say anything. He just stared at you, like really stared,  as if memorizing the way your eyes looked under the faint neon glow, the curve of your smile when it trembled between shyness and honesty.

Then, his jaw tightened- the kind of subtle reaction only someone watching too closely would notice.

“You give me too much credit,” he said finally, the words smooth but quiet, almost defensive. His gaze flickered down for a split second before finding yours again. “I just... pay attention.”

But even that was a lie, and you both knew it. The look in his eyes gave him away, that unmistakable warmth that broke through the steel of his demeanor, the one he tried so hard to hide behind discipline and control.

He reached forward then, brushing a thumb near the corner of your mouth- a simple gesture, like wiping away an imaginary smudge.

“Eat before it gets cold,” he murmured, his voice lower now, rougher.

You smiled faintly, but it lingered between you- the tension, the affection, the silent admission that neither of you dared to speak aloud.

By the time you both finished eating, it had gotten very late, and the city had quieted into that strange, serene calm that comes after midnight. Streetlights cast long golden streaks across the polished roads, and the hum of passing vehicles filled the silence like white noise.

Sylus cleaned up the wrappers and cups with that same measured precision. You followed him as he led the way back to the bike, still feeling the warmth of the shawarma and his earlier words sitting somewhere in your chest.

When the engine rumbled to life, you swung your leg over and settled behind him. This time, you didn’t hesitate. Your hands found their place around his waist, fingers brushing against the smooth fabric of his jacket. He didn’t comment, but you could feel it in the subtle shift in his breathing, the quiet exhale that said more than words ever could.

The city rolled past you in ribbons of amber light and motion. The cool night air bit gently at your cheeks. Every turn, every acceleration felt steady, intentional- like he was aware of your every movement behind him.

When he finally slowed to a stop, the soft rumble of the engine faded into the stillness. You glanced up at the familiar glass-fronted building of your—well, the Sels’s to be fair—  apartment reflected the moonlight.

You slid off the bike, still holding onto the last bit of warmth that lingered on your palms. “Thanks for… all of this,” you said, trying not to sound as small as you felt, once again gently pinching your earlobe that was tinted with hues of red..

Sylus turned slightly, his crimson eyes catching the light. “You don’t need to thank me,” he said earnestly, but his voice had softened. “You were homesick. I couldn’t ignore that.”

You looked down, smiling faintly. “Still… it meant more than you think.”

He nodded once, gaze lingering on you longer than necessary, before he pulled his helmet back on. “Get some rest,” he said quietly, the words carrying a kind of command that masked like care you knew he felt.

The engine came alive again, a low growl echoing down the street. You took a step back as he pulled away, the taillight casting a fleeting red glow against the pavement.

You stayed there for a while, hugging yourself, the taste of spice still on your tongue, and an odd flutter in your chest that you had felt for the fifth time today.

And when you lay in that unfamiliar bed that night, you felt guilt pool in your stomach for doubting him- doubting them for even a fraction of a second.

Chapter 5: THE NEVER ENDING CHAOS

Night wasn’t very merciful for you, ruminating over everything once again. Losing control over your own sanity, not that you had much of it anyway, was making you antsy and anxious. It wasn’t until you couldn’t keep up with it and gave in to your mental exhaustion that you were finally able to fall asleep.

On the brighter side, you were feeling much better in the morning…well, noon, since you woke up pretty late. You brushed your teeth using the extra one you had found in Sel’s cabinet. You already felt so bad hogging her apartment and things, sure, the world itself, besides the guy, recognized you as the original mc, but you knew you weren’t her. You couldn’t be so selfish and self-absorbed to take her place as if you are reclaiming it as your rightful place when it really wasn’t, at least that’s how you saw it. How bizarre it would be if someone were to come and take your place if you were to go missing? That was the very reason you had slept in the guest room and not in her room. It was a breach of her privacy in a way that wasn’t appropriate, no matter what.

The moment you entered the living room, you heard some movements and muffled sounds from outside your door. Scared, you inched closer to it, grabbing a random vase as you did so. Putting an ear to the door, you could hear the voice of someone familiar.

“I don’t care if the deadline is in a week, it doesn’t really matter- “

You opened the door, and it was Rafayel.

He was sitting by the door, looking up at your door, startled. Next to him was a bag that gave off the delicious aroma of baked goods. Rafayel clears his throat, hastily ending the call with presumably Thomas, and clears his throat. “Well, well, well, the sleeping beauty is finally up,” he says, regaining his composure and being back to his mischievous, charismatic self.

“Rafayel, what are you even doing here this early in the morning?” you asked, bewildered at the man still sitting on the floor by your step. He raised a brow and tilted his head to the side, his lips quirked up at the side. “It's 12:30 pm, cutie.”

Well, this was certainly embarrassing.

You immediately offered him your hand, which he quickly took. “Okay, but still, how long were you waiting? You could have called me, rang the doorbell, or anything,” you said as he got on his feet and picked up the bag he brought. “You were sleeping, I didn't want to interrupt your beauty sleep,” he said casually, not hesitating to enter the apartment. “Wait- how did you know?” he turned to look over his shoulder as he regarded you. “Tell me when you have woken at a reasonable hour during day-offs, pretty sure you were up all night overthinking till your brain started to smoke out, and only you have slept.” You stand there dumbfounded, “wait, how did you know-” you tried asking the same question again, only to be cut off. Again. “Jeez, cutie, so many questions.”

Annoyed at how he kept cutting you off, you followed him in the kitchen. He was setting out a variety of breakfast items on the table. “At least let me finish my sentence,” you grumbled, to which he just smirked, picking up a croissant that looked freshly baked, judging by how warm it still was.

“Hey, how long had you been waiting?’’ you asked curiously because it seemed like he had been waiting for a while. Rafayel finally sighed, wiped a crumb from the corner of his mouth, and said, “Twenty-ish minutes.”

You paused mid-chew.

“...You waited outside for twenty minutes? Didn't you get tired of waiting? You seriously should have called me, and I would have opened the door for you!!” you said, exasperated, feeling bad, but he seemed completely okay. If anything, the way his head tilted to the side, a small knowing smile on his supple lips, hinted at the eagerness that lived in between his heartbeats. Waiting and yearning for the next time he gets to be with her.

“It was just 20 minutes, y/n. I could have waited 800 years if it were you behind the door,” he said with a playful wink before turning his back to you to continue what he was doing, while you stood there like an idiot.

How could he say something like that and expect you not to melt like a popsicle in the summer heat? He said it so easily, and here you were with your aching heart and weak knees, grateful he wasn’t looking at your pathetic state. 

You cleared your throat, heat blooming embarrassingly at the back of your neck, pink hues in your cheeks as well. “Okay, well… still. You didn’t have to,” you said rather lamely.

“I wanted to,” he said simply.

He moved around the kitchen like he owned the place, opening lids, arranging pastries, humming some tune under his breath, even you hadn't become this comfortable moving around, but if you think about it, he was maybe far more familiar with this place, did he came here often, or was it because he generally walked around like he owned the world. In either case, it wasn't him who was the guest here. It was you, the actual outsider, not only in this apartment, but in this whole world.

You caught the faint shimmer of his evol warming the food- literal sparkles dancing at the edges of his fingers as steam rose again from the croissants.

“…Are you using your evol on pastries?”

He didn’t look up. “Of course. Can’t let my cutie eat a sad, lukewarm breakfast.”

You chuckled. “That's such an intelligent use of evo, not gonna lie,” you said, and practically saw his ego getting inflated at the praise. “Yeah, you know it gets pretty cold here in winter, I could be your personal, huggable heating pad too.” he wiggled his brow, and you rolled your eyes, albeit there was a goofy grin on your face as well, “silly fishie.”

He froze. Actually, I froze.

Then he turned, slowly. Like they do in cartoons you used to watch on Sunday mornings

“…What did you just call me?”

You blinked innocently. “Silly fish.”

His expression went through at least four emotions in mere seconds. shock, delight, smugness, something dangerously close to swooning before he finally regained composure. “If you wanted to flirt, darling, you could’ve just said so.”

“Please sit down before I revoke the nickname.”

—

Breakfast turned into one of those slow mornings where you don’t realize how much time passes because you’re too busy laughing. Rafayel is complaining about the annoying patrons and commission deadlines, and the other guys not being subtle about painting them as idiots. You shared how weird it felt being here, half-in and half-out of a life that wasn’t technically yours. Rafayel just shrugged, told you that overthinking only ruins your food, and pushed another croissant toward you.

Rafayel talked. You listened. You talked. He pretended not to be soft and mushy about it.

It was warm and cozy and strangely… domestic. He kept stealing glances at you between bites, the corners of his mouth softening each time you laughed at something on TV. Eventually, you curled into the couch with your legs tucked under you, and he relaxed next to you, elbow propped on the backrest, watching you more than the screen. After what felt like too long, you were at peace, too much peace, so much peace you didn't notice what was going around you anymore.

You didn’t notice when he angled his phone. Or when the soft shutter sound went off.

But you did notice when his phone began to vibrate violently on the coffee table.

Then again.

And again.

And again.

“Hey Rafayel, erm, your phone is ringing?” you state the very obvious.

He didn’t answer. He simply leaned back with the most villainous, self-satisfied smirk a man has ever worn in the history of smirks. 

Oh, he was definitely up to something. “Rafayel, what did you do?”

Rafayel didn’t even blink. “Hm?”

He stared down at you like the world’s most unconvincing innocent man. Well, he was conniving with others, maybe, but you? You saw right through his bullshit.

You narrowed your eyes. “...What did you do?”

“Nothing,” he said. With a smile that meant: I absolutely did something.

Your instincts screamed at you, so you lunged before he could react and snatched his phone, which was vibrating so hard it almost vibrated itself off the coffee table as if to rid itself of the burden of those cruel notifications. He didn’t even fight you. He just sat back, smug as hell.

And there it was.

A photo of you with messy hair, face mid-laugh, wrapped in the morning light like a scene straight out of a romantic movie where the viewers could see the very moment the protagonist falls in love.

Caption: breakfast with MY cutie 🐟✨

Sent to a group chat titled: THE LADS.

You felt your soul leave your body.

Below it, the messages were already exploding:

Caleb: WHY ARE YOU IN HER APARTMENT?

Caleb: WHAT THE HELL IS THIS??? WHY DO YOU GET TO SEE HER FIRST THING IN THE MORNING

Sylus: Explain. Now.

Xavier: … u r so ded

Zayne: Send the original schedule, stat.

Rafayel: Good morning :)

You stared at the screen. Then at him. The messages went on and on with mostly Caleb losing his damn mind, Sylus trying to dissolve the damn roster they made, and Zayne agreeing wholeheartedly because it wasn't made with her say in it and was very obviously a joke, not that you understood a word of it.

“Rafayel… why would you-argh!!”

You hit him with a pillow so fast he didn’t even dodge it; he let it hit his face, and that stupid smirk only grew bigger after the impact. “Ugh, why would you send that picture like that? You’re impossible.”

He grabbed the pillow that landed on his lap and put it behind him, smirking. “You love it,” he said with confidence that he fully believed what he said

You glared. You did not confirm. But you didn’t deny either.

He nudged your knee lightly.

“Besides,” he added, voice softening a fraction, “you looked happy. Couldn’t waste that.” Your stomach did an Olympic-level flip you absolutely pretended didn’t happen. “Whatever,” you muttered, sinking back into the cushions. “You’re lucky the croissants were good.”

“They were perfect,” he corrected. “Because they were kept warm… with love.”

You groaned. “Stop.”

“And fire,” he added.

You grabbed another pillow to throw at him, but he caught your wrist before you could, laughing.

And just like that, the apartment felt warm again. 

That was until,

Xavier arrived.

Because then it was overheated

—--

You were halfway through your croissant when a soft knock echoed through the apartment. Rafayel didn’t even look up from his mug of coffee he had just made, but you saw the subtle twitch of irritation on his eyebrow.

When you opened the door, Xavier stood there holding a small potted plant like it was a newborn fresh out of the womb. His hair was slightly messy, eyes half-lidded in that perma-sleepy expression he always wore, but his cheeks carried the faintest hint of pink.  He looked… mildly guilty. Not enough to leave, but just enough to pretend he didn’t plan this.

“I… um… thought you might need this,” he said quietly, lifting the plant a little higher. “It’s good for air quality. And… mental health. And… uh… existing.”

It was the worst excuse she ever heard in her 20-something years of life, but it was just as adorable as one as well, and he said it with such gentle sincerity you almost believed he’d spent all morning researching the therapeutic impact of houseplants just for you. But of course, if these men took pride in knowing you as well as they did. They should be aware that you were just on par with them.

No wonder he barely responded in the group chat; he was busy finding the perfect excuse to come over. Not even trying to be subtle 

Before you could respond, Rafayel appeared behind you with a tight smile that was only friendly if someone squinted really, really hard.

“Wow, Xavier,” Rafayel drawled, leaning against the doorframe. “A plant. How thoughtful, but useless, okay bye now.” Rafayel pushed past her to close the door on Xavier and his plant but of course, Xavier held it before he could, sapphire eyes still on you only.

“It's for better air quality,” Xavier spoke

“Her air quality is fine.”

“It can be finer.”

While all that was going on, you squeezed past Rafayel momentarily, catching him off guard when your body brushed against his, making him still, and you took that opportunity to take control of the situation and open the door fully for the silver-haired boy. “Be nice to him, silly fish,” you spoke over your shoulder to the pink-cheeked lemurian who, for once, did not say anything back

Xavier didn’t even look at him. “It’s low maintenance,” he continued softly. “Like… you don’t have to do much. Just keep it near a window. And don’t drown it. And… I don’t know. I thought it would make you smile.”

You did smile. You couldn’t help it. He was just too darn cute, “thank you, Xavier. I'll take care of it well. Come on in, let's find a suitable place for it, together,” you said, taking the plant from him. The words together made Xavier beam so bright at you that if it were an anime, it would be the scene where the ML’s smile exudes blinding light.

Rafayel, back in his senses, saw it and threw his head back dramatically. “Unbelievable. I slave over croissants and conversation, and he shows up with a cactus, and suddenly she glows like the sun,” he said that made you blush, and Xavier very happy.

“It’s not a cactus,” Xavier corrected, looking rather content, stepping inside after getting the invitation. “It’s an echeveria.”

“Do I look like I care?” Rafayel snapped.

You had to bite your lip to keep from laughing at their bickering that sounded so comical, but you could tell they were closer than they'd ever admit.

Rafayel crossed his arms. “Right. And tell me, Mr. Botany, did you bring this echi-whatever because you genuinely believe she needs more oxygen in her life, or because you couldn’t handle being away from her for more than twenty-four hours?”

Xavier didn’t miss a beat. “Both.”

You choked a little. Rafayel looked personally offended, but Xavier did not care, not in the slightest, “Consider this your welcome gift, since technically you just moved in here.”  he turned to you with the softest little nod, almost shy.

You shook your head fondly and carried the plant to the living room. “Not sure about that, I like to think I am just house sitting till Sel is back,” you expressed your earnest thoughts on the matter.

A beat.

A silent look passed between the two men.

The moment was very brief yet very heavy…and you couldn't grasp the gravity of it. Not that day, at least,

But as soon as it passed, the lightness returned when Rafayel decided to call the plant ugly, and Xavier called him jealous. The men continued trailing after you. Xavier stayed close, hovering just a little behind your shoulder like he wanted to make sure you didn’t drop his precious echeveria. Rafayel, on the other hand, walked with the defeated slouch of a man whose carefully curated morning date had just been invaded by a houseplant and its owner.

You placed the pot on the side table, stepping back to see how it looked. Xavier mirrored your movement like he was evaluating it, too. “Put it near the windowsill,” Xavier murmured, following you a little too closely. “Indirect light. Too much sun and it’ll get stressed.”

Rafayel scoffed loudly. “Oh, it’ll get stressed? Should we also play classical music and tuck it in at night?”

“Depends,” Xavier said, completely unbothered. “Do you get stressed if someone doesn’t do that for you?” Rafayel opened his mouth, paused,blinked and then pointed sharply at him. “Don’t patronize me in my y/n’s apartment.”

“Your?” Xavier echoed softly, one eyebrow lifting. The air went tight for one second. You cleared your throat violently. “Okay! The plant goes here. Aaaand done!” You set it down, smoothing your hand over the leaves like you were crowning a tiny green royal. Xavier nodded, pleased. “It looks good there.”

Rafayel huffed. “Debatable”

“Still looks better than you in the morning,” Xavier replied in that same soft monotone that somehow made the insult land harder.

Rafayel snapped his head toward him, staring daggers. “Say that again.”

Xavier blinked. “Do you need it slower?”

“Oh my god,” you muttered, rubbing your temples.

The energy in the room was becoming… unstable. Like two cats hissing but also refusing to break eye contact. You took a step back before the emotional shrapnel hit.

“Tea,” you announced suddenly. “I’m making tea.”

Both men turned at once:

“I can help,” says Xavier

“You’ll burn the kitchen.” replies Rafayel

Xavier shot him a flat stare. “She literally makes food for herself daily. Why would she burn the kitchen?”

Rafayel looked personally offended. “I meant you, genius.”

Xavier frowned. “…Oh.” he had a counter argument to that. Xavier's cheeks puffed ever so slightly, looking like those soft mochi you'd see on pinterest that were too pretty to eat. Not that it stopped you from fantasizing about taking a bite. You cleared your throat trying to dispel out those thoughts that had you so mushy. Tho you were fooling absolutely nobody.

You sighed, dragging a hand down your face. “Alright. Xavier helps me. Rafayel, go sit.”

Rafayel looked like you told him to eat nails. “Why does he get to help?”

You shrugged. “Because he brought a nice plant.”

Rafayel stared at you. Then the plant. Then Xavier.

“That’s it,” he muttered under his breath. “I’m bringing a whole greenhouse next time.”

Xavier followed you to the kitchen with the tiniest smile of triumph tugging at his lips. He didn’t gloat out loud, but every cell in his body screamed I won. Rafayel, realizing this, groaned into a pillow on your couch.

—

You sat back down on the couch to try and salvage your breakfast, but Rafayel slid in right beside you like you were a contested resource. Xavier claimed the armchair across from you, sinking into it with the softest exhale, eyes drifting over to you every couple of seconds like he was making sure you were still there. That you will not disappear in thin air beyond the pixelated walls like you did every time you logged out.

Rafayel noticed.

Of course, he noticed.

He leaned forward, planting an elbow on his knee. “So,” he said, voice far too sweet to be genuine. “Did you bring anything else, Xavier? Or is your entire visit just to spite me?”

Xavier met his glare with an utterly blank expression. “I brought… myself.”

There was a pretty comical pause. You almost choked on air trying not to laugh.

Rafayel stared at him. “That wasn’t an improvement.”

“I disagree,” Xavier replied, already reaching for the plant to rotate it exactly one inch. “She seems happy I’m here.”

Your cheeks warmed betrayal-red at that, and Rafayel caught it instantly.

“Oh, unbelievable,” he muttered, sliding even closer as though proximity would give him bonus points. “He gives you a leaf in a pot, and suddenly you’re soft.”

“I’m not soft,” you said, but the smile you failed to hide did the opposite of backing you up.

Xavier looked very satisfied with himself. Not smug exactly, just quietly pleased, like a cat that had successfully placed its paw on your tummy without getting shooed away.

Rafayel narrowed his eyes. “I hate this plant.”

“It can sense negativity,” Xavier said calmly.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

Xavier finally looked up at him, tone as gentle as always but sharp enough to slice: “It means move to the other side. You’re stressing it out.”

You swore you saw Rafayel’s eye twitch. He opened his mouth, closed it, then gripped his coffee mug as if to anchor onto its non-existent moral support.

You laughed then fully, freely, and their attention snapped back to you at the same time.

One utterly endeared. One utterly offended.

The plant just sat there, perfectly still, oblivious to the spiritual warfare it had ignited. Which progressively got worse when there was a knock on the door for the third time today. 

—-

The knock on the door was sharp, rapid, borderline panicked.

Rafayel groaned into the couch cushion. “If that’s another man with a plant, I’m jumping out the window.”

You opened the door.

Caleb practically fell into the apartment, chest heaving, hair windblown like he sprinted here from another part of the city. He pointed at you dramatically, then at the room, then back at you.

“This is a rescue mission,” he declared, still catching his breath. “Your brain cells might have entirely disintegrated in the presence of those two morons.” Without wasting a single second, you let him in.

Xavier blinked slowly from the kitchen doorway. “Hi, Caleb.”

“Don’t ‘hi’ me, cryptid.” Caleb shoved past you, hands on his hips like a furious mom. “I sensed disturbance in the force,” you raised a brow, looking up at him, hands on your hips. “Yeah, and what tingled your colonel's senses?”Rafayel pushed himself up, one eyebrow raised. “Colonel senses?” he asked. She had made a joke about Spider-Sense, and Caleb had insisted on having his own version, Colonel Sense.

Caleb ignored him, turning to you with all seriousness.

“Listen. I saw Rafayel leaving the bakery at some ungodly hour. And I saw Xavier walking down the street holding a plant like it was his child. I put two and two together.”

“Wait, why were you even watching us in the first place?” Xavier asked, looking puzzled, and Rafayel nodded in agreement, “Yeah, why you freak?”

“That's irrelevant’ Caleb says dismissively 

“HOW'S THAT-”

“Anywayssss pips, I am here for you now, do you feel better?” Caleb cut Rafayel off, throwing his arm over her shoulder, nuzzling his face in your hair as he took a deep breath. The act reminded you of your friend's big golden retriever that hugs and snuggles with anyone who would pat his head ... .except in Caleb's case, they were reserved just for you, as you know it. Well….he told you himself…many, many times

“You have T-minus 3 seconds to back off from her,” a grave voice spoke up. It was Xavier. When you looked at him, he did not look like the cozy-looking bunny, but someone ready to strike at any given moment. looked up at Caleb, he didn't look threatened or willing to back down, but that was only until his amethyst eye turned to look down at you.

When your eyes met, he immediately softened, maybe because he saw the uneasiness that borders on fear in your eyes, and immediately, they all pushed their differences aside.

“Ehm, as I was saying,” Caleb continued, letting you go.

“I needed to save you. I mean, look at them! One’s a sleep-deprived moron who speaks in three-word sentences. The other is a feral raccoon in human clothing and is two snarky comments away from combusting.”

Rafayel snapped, “I am not.”

Caleb turned to him. “You literally hissed when I walked in.”

“I did not hiss!”

“You made a noise,” Caleb shot back. “Like a pissed-off stray.”

Xavier nodded earnestly, looking serene again, as if nothing had happened. “It did sound like that.”

You covered your mouth to hide a chuckle.

Caleb pointed at you again. “See? This is why I came. To restore balance. To save what little sanity you have left.”

You crossed your arms. “Okay, hero. Do you want tea?”

Caleb paused, like the question personally offended him.

“I mean… yeah. If you’re offering. I basically ran a marathon for you.”

He sprawled onto the couch beside Rafayel, immediately taking up way too much space.

“Move,” Rafayel ordered.

“No,” Caleb said, settling in. “I got here last. I deserve the most comfort.”

“That's not how it works,” Rafayel muttered, shoving his leg against him.

Caleb shoved back.

Xavier watched them, expression soft. Then he looked at you and said quietly,

“…It gets worse when we’re all together.”

You just sighed, amused and resigned. “Yeah. I can tell.”

—

You barely had time to pass Caleb his tea before another knock sounded, this one crisp, evenly spaced, the kind of knock that carried discipline. You had an idea who it could be. I mean who else knew you in this world except them…well technically there were other people who’d know her, at least as sel but in your guts you knew none of them would be showing up at your door step at this hour on a random tuesday.

Rafayel’s head dropped into his hands. “No. Absolutely not. I refuse.”

Caleb perked up. “Bet you five bucks it’s Sylus doing that serial-killer knock.”

Xavier blinked slowly. “Three taps… one-second pause… yeah. That’s him.”

“Aha! now pay up Raf”

“I never participated in it”

“Sore fucking  looser”

“ i said i never participated in it and we dont even know if its him-”

You opened the door. It was him.

Sylus stood there holding two neatly stacked containers of cut fruit and a thermos, “I was passing by,” he said, with the conviction of someone who absolutely was not passing by. “I brought fruits…straight from my fruit stall,” he said with a grin that you obviously returned. His “fruit business”, one she always teased him about, as well as exclaimed the wish to try sometime.

You stared at the assortment in his hands. “Sylus, that’s meal prep for a small army.”

He stepped inside like he'd been invited already, not that you had any reason to not let him in, especially considering how thoughtful he had been last night. “Vitamin deficiencies can cause fatigue, irritability, and compromised cognitive performance.” You blinked up at him, did this guy take classes from Zayne or something? What's up with that medical jargon?

Caleb pointed at him. “Just say ‘I wanted to see you.’ It’s okay, we’re all doing it.”

Sylus paused, cleared his throat, and looked away. “…That is an oversimplification.”

Rafayel groaned loudly. “Why are you all here?”

Sylus placed the food on your counter with graceful movements. “Because you’re here.”

Rafayel‘s eyes twitched. “I am here because it's my day,” he said in an eerily calm tone that made everyone in the room unsettled except for you ofcourse you were looking at the fruits like you never say a banana before in your life. They were so fragrant and so fresh, heck have you had some fruits like this in your own damn world ? .

“Fine, I am man enough to admit that I came to see her because I-’ Sylus, the one who ruled onychinus and by that proxy, the whole N-109, stuttered briefly. “She wasn't very well when I dropped her last night, so I was worried about her,” he admitted. Your heart swelled once again. He was just too sweet, always so caring. They all were.

“See, not so hard,” Caleb grinned. Despite his smile, he didn't look too happy.

“Yeah, well, that's why we had a schedule! A proper roster that you all are not even trying to follow!” the poor purple-haired artist exasperated. “I am precisely hair to take care of her.” You could see the anguish in his eyes, so you didn't hesitate to go comfort him, rubbing his back gently. The moment your palm made contact with the fabric of his back, he was melting into you.

“Cutie, are you seeing this?” he says with the softest pout ever. You could really hear Caleb groan. But right now, you could only focus on how genuinely upset Rafayel looked. “You guys, he isn't wrong here. Besides, what even was that roster system? I don't even remember.” 

Yesterday, you were so out of it that you barely remembered much. “Like… an actual schedule you all agreed on so you don’t do… this?” The three intruders exchanged looks; they weren't guilty nor ashamed, they were just caught.

Caleb scratched the back of his head.

“Oh. That? That was something we made up as a joke.”

Rafayel slammed his mug down loudly. “LIES.”

Sylus nodded calmly. “Technically, it was a hypothetical scenario.”

“So it wasn’t real?” you asked.

Rafayel muttered something in Lemurian that was definitely not polite.

Caleb raised a finger. “Okay, so-”

“You’re lying,” Rafayel cut in immediately.

“I didn’t even say anything yet!”

“I know your lying face.”

Sylus leaned against the wall. “The roster was conceptual.”

“A joke we made like… months ago,” Caleb admitted. “ It was like that ‘what if she actually shows up in our lives’ kind of thing.” Hmm, so they  used to meet up and talk about you? That was certainly something.

Rafayel scoffed loudly. “NO. It was a system. A decent one. A fair one. One that everyone conveniently ignores when it’s MY turn.”

Caleb placed a dramatic hand on his heart.

“Brother, we came with love.”

“You came with LIES AND EXCUSES.”

Xavier gently raised a hand. “I came with a plant.”

Caleb snorted. “Yeah, whatever you say, Sleeping Beauty.”

“You think I am beautiful?”

“... shut the fuck up, dude.”

You pinched the bridge of your nose, laughing even though your sanity was clearly circling the drain.

You turned to Rafayel, “It's okay, it's alright, it just means that the stupid little roster doesn't matter and you can come see me anytime you like,” you say in an attempt to cheer him up, and boy, cheered up he was.

Caleb opened his mouth in clear display of protest, but one sharp glare from you, and he closed it real quick.

Rafayel takes your hand and places it on his face. “You are truly the only one who understands me cutie,” he says, and you feel your stomach flipping

And that’s, of course, the moment the universe decides to add the final layer of chaos to complete the set of circus in what was supposed to be 

A knock, a very simple one.

A knock that said: I know exactly what’s happening in there, and I am already judging it.

Rafayel, still holding your hand against his cheek, just lets out a depressed sigh. Xavier made it worse for him by speaking up, “Oh, I was wondering when he would show up.”

No one needed to guess who it was. 

“The doors actually open!” you called out, pulling your hand away from the purple-haired artist's grasp. You had left it so because you, too, expected him to.

Zayne stepped in and shut it behind him, eyes scanning the scene like he was walking into a crime investigation.

Caleb with tea. Looking away from him sheepishly.

Sylus unpacking fruit like a disciplined housewife.

Xavier is petting the plant.

Rafayel sulking with a pout, looking one meltdown away from spontaneous human combustion.

And you, standing in the center of it all, looking unintentionally adorable and entirely overwhelmed.

Rafayel, having one more in him, burst out again, “OH FOR THE LOVE OF— WHY ARE YOU HERE?! IT IS TUESDAY, MY- MY DAY. MY TURN. MY RIGHT. WHY. ARE. YOU. HERE.”

“Rafy…We just talked about this,” you said gentle parenting him. And he finally gives up, plopping down on the couch again, utterly defeated.

Zayne pointed at him without breaking eye contact with you.  “…Is he okay?”

“No,” everyone else said at the same time.

Zayne sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “I was just coming to drop off-” but this time, you couldn't take any of those ridiculous excuses. You went and put a hand on his shoulder, making him pause, the other hand clutching your own heart

“Zayne… It’s okay,” you said quietly, looking up at him. “Just accept you’re here to see me. I cannot go through all that again.”

He stared at you.

Then at your hand on his shoulder.

Then he blushed while looking very sheepish, adorably so.

Despite the blush Zayne’s face went blank, the kind of blank that meant there was too much emotion and his brain had unplugged itself for safety reasons.

Finally, he inhaled sharply, turned his gaze toward the others, and glared with Parent-level disappointment.

“Great,” he muttered. “You people broke her.”

Caleb raised a hand. “Zayne, buddy, I think she’s just tired-”

Zayne snapped. “She’s not tired, she’s traumatized.”

Rafayel huffed.”thats what happens when you intrude on someone else's day” he mumbles to himself

Xavier nodded sagely. “We do tend to cause… overstimulation.”

Sylus, already cutting fruit with surgical precision, said, “I can prepare magnesium if needed.” still in his wife-cum-doctor role, who was he even trying to impress? Her or Zayne?

You, on the other hand, got a very enlightening thought, “hey wait a damn second, isn't it Tuesday today?” your brain just picked it up after Rafayel mentioned in his last outburst. Suddenly, they were all very quiet, and also looked embarrassed. “Uh, no?” Xavier said, scratching his head.

“It is. Rafayel keeps saying it's his day, and his day was Tuesday” you said your eyes narrowed as you looked at them all. You picked the phone on the table and checked to see that you were in fact correct. 

“Wait so you all are gathered here invading my apartment on a random tuesday? Don't you guys have those things that start with J and end with OBS?”

Rafayel sat up from his defeated slouch with new life suddenly injected into his soul. “YES. THANK YOU. EXACTLY. THAT IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN SAYING.”

Caleb coughed into his cup. “Okay, in our defense”

“There IS no defense,” you said, narrowing your eyes even further. “It’s Tuesday. You all should be working. Or doing… something. Anything. Not-” you gestured to the collective disaster, “-THIS.”

Caleb mumbled, “Well technically-” he pauses unsure what to even say to that.

Xavier raised a finger timidly. “To be fair… jobs don’t exactly matter that much for us.”

Sylus nodded thoughtfully, as if delivering a quarterly report. “We are, in essence, game characters. Our schedules are… flexible.”

Caleb slumped. “Translation: we don’t really have to clock in,” he throws in finger guns right at you, clearly expecting you to laugh but all you did was fall into deep thinking.

Rafayel gasped dramatically, betrayal shining in his eyes. “So you’re telling me you ALL skipped your nonexistent jobs on MY day?!”

Zayne pinched the bridge of his nose. “Rafayel. Nobody has a job. We are literally coded men. You can’t skip something that doesn’t actually exist, or at least truly matter.”

“But it was MY TURN,” Rafayel insisted, voice cracking like a wounded noble Victorian maiden asking her betrothed to not run away with the village wench.

Sylus adjusted the angle of a fruit slice like he was preparing a royal banquet. “Also,” he added calmly, “my profession starts at night anyway. So I can be here.”

You blinked. “…Your profession?”

“Running Onychinus,” he said, as if you were asking why water was wet. “The Mafia Business doesn’t open until after sunset. I am perfectly available during the daytime.” he said that with the same teasing grin that drove you to the  brink of madness

Caleb threw his hands up. “SEE? This is why the roster didn’t work. He has vampire business hours!” “I am not a vampire,” Sylus said smoothly. “My blood consumption is recreational, not biological.not considering the myths”

Zayne groaned into his palm. “Why would you say it like that?”

You exhaled through your nose, the last tiny thread of your sanity fraying at the ends. “So let me get this straight-” All five men snapped their heads to you, straightening up more, you noticed how alert they would get any time you open your mouth to say anything. “You’re in my apartment,” you said slowly, “on a Tuesday, with no jobs, no schedule, no actual reason-”

“Love,” Caleb said immediately.

“Concern,” Sylus corrected politely.

“Care,” Xavier murmured.

“My RIGHT,” Rafayel emphasized again.

“-and you’re all here,” you continued, ignoring them, “just cuz you wanted to hang out with me?”

Caleb shrugged. “Pretty much.”

Xavier nodded looking at you with not-so-subtle intensity. “Our existence revolves around the player.”

Sylus added, “And subject to your whims.”

Zayne muttered, “Which is why you’re exhausted. I apologise.”

You opened your mouth.  closed it. Pressed your palms against your face, cupping your own cheeks and letting out a slow exhale. Your heart did something unbelievably, ridiculously stupid. Again. And the four idiots watched you like you were their sun, moon, and stars.

—

You finally decided to take back the reign over this apartment that you declared as its housesitter, so you herded them all into the living room with the kind of authority usually reserved for exhausted teachers.

“Alright,” you said, pointing at the couch like a commander assigning battle positions, “since you’re all here anyway, make yourselves useful.”

Caleb sighed down dramatically. Sylus and Zayne sat like honor students, doing absolutely nothing to beat the teacher’s pet allegation. Xavier placed the potted plant on the table like a guest of honor. Rafayel plopped onto the carpet, still sulking. You disappeared into your room and returned with a massive whiteboard.

Caleb blinked. “Oh god, she’s serious.”

Xavier whispered, “This feels…like a board room meeting.”

Zayne looked genuinely relieved. “Finally. A structured approach.”

You ignored them, grabbed a marker, and rolled the board in front of them, with the determination of someone who refused to go insane alone.

“Rafayel,” you said, pointing sharply.

He perked up instantly.

“You take notes.” you said

He immediately scrambled for the notebook you handed him, straightened his back, and nodded obediently mirroring the determination etched on your face. He was glowing. Everyone in the room could see he was glowing. You uncapped the marker. “Explain, from the top. Everything. How does your world work when I’m not in the game?”

Three of them exchanged a look. They looked as if they were already prepared to have this difficult  conversation.

Sylus spoke first monotone and rehearsed “We exist in a stable looped environment with pre-set parameters-”. You raised your hand to pause him “You gotta dumb it down for me sy” you interjected quickly as all those words only meant something to you individually, but put together in that order, flew right over your head.

Xavier chimes in, his tone equally rehearsed. “Daily routes, repetitive backgrounds, minimal variation-”

“Nope, try again,” you said again.

Caleb finished, deadpan but he did make it much more simple to understand. “Basically we wake up, work in whatever manner that makes the most sense, stand around looking like NPCs who forgot their own backstory, and wait for you.” You stared at him, something weighed down in your heart “…That sounds depressing.”

“It is, yeah!” Caleb said immediately, flashing a smile.

Sylus folded his arms, his voice softening. “The only time anything shifts… anything matters… is when you log in.”

You blinked.

Rafayel added from the floor, quieter than usual, “It’s the highlight of our day.” He did not look up at you and for a moment the only sound that echoed in the room was of pen scratching on paper as he scribbles away on the note book you had given him.

Your cheeks warmed, once again the pink hues graced your cheeks a tender kiss from simple expressions of affection you had been deprived from. The four watched it happen, their eyes fixed on you with the intensity of wolves tracking prey, which only made you hotter. You cleared your throat aggressively and scribbled on the whiteboard. 

They were living sad lives. 

“R-right. Next question. Where is the original MC,Sel?” you said turning to them, the question instantly changed the whole vibe of the room, something you were grateful for.

They froze, few uneasy glances exchanged amongst them, even sylus looked a bit unsure on how.

Caleb scratched his cheek. “Uhh… well…about that…”

Xavier tilted his head, being the first one to give the answer you were so desperately looking for the moment you understood the situation you were in. “She wasn’t… complete. Not in the way we are”

Sylus nodded. “She served as a vessel. A placeholder. You were the one making choices, forming bonds, shaping the routes. She was not whole, unable to exist without your presence…meaning, she had even less than we did”.

Zayne, surprisingly gentle, added, “She must be… enjoying her freedom. Separate from the narrative now.”

The revelation made you sadder, it was even more depressing to think of, it kind of made sense that she chose to ditch the whole thing the moment she got the opportunity to do so but you really, desperately needed her to speak once. Just once. After that you had no intentions of bothering her

You sighed. “I understand that but that’s not an answer, I need to know where she could be there are things I need to ask her.” you said trying to coerce them into telling what they were hiding so clearly. They all avoided your gaze. Seeing that you weren't going anywhere with this. You decided to give up for now.

You wrote about Sel’s whereabouts: ??? in dramatic letters.

“Fine. Then how did I end up here?”

Sylus answered without looking at you. “We believe the MC was the one who… brought you here.”

You nodded. You figured as much, initially you believed it could be Sylus but after last night your inclination was towards Sel. “How? Why?”. Well you kind of guessed why, you were probably on the verge of death, Sel must have somehow resonated with you and brought your consciousness here. Was she trying to protect you? That gotta be it. Why else? Unless…

Something entirely else is at play.

Caleb whistled and stared at the ceiling. “Unknown phenomena! Crazy world!” Xavier pretended to be drowsy, probably the first time he actually wasn't sleepy at all. Rafayel pretended to be laser focused in his notebook, the scratching of pencil against the paper became louder..

You pinched the bridge of your nose. “Great. Helpful.”

A beat passed.

Then, quietly, you murmured, “I probably slipped into a coma.” with gentle resignation “maybe i was on the brink of death and she somehow resonated with me? Brought my consciousness here? I mean all of this is too real to be a dream but…ugh i dont even know what i am even saying anymore.” you slumped down on the chair next to the board your words had effect you didn't notice

A sadness flickered across all their faces. It was sharp, it was deep, and it was near devastation that curtained the previous bright demeanor entirely. Like a shadow passing over sunlight. It vanished just as fast before you could notice. “Anyway,” you sighed, “if I got here, Sel is the key. I need to find her.”

They panicked. You didn’t see it. But you felt the tension.

Caleb’s laugh was too loud. “Haha, no need to hunt anyone-”

Sylus cut in quickly, “She will come to you.”

You looked up at him, not buying that for a minute that he was being truthful. At least not entirely.

Zayne cleared his throat, attempting stoicism and failing. “Just be patient, things will make sense as time slowly unravels.until then, we are here for you” This was by far the most logical and soothing thing you were told today, and for that you were grateful for him

You narrowed your eyes but let it go.

Theories written all over the board, you stepped back, exhausted.

Sylus spoke first, softer than usual. “You know… since you came here, everything feels different. The world is less… grey.”

Zayne nodded. “Our programmed routines used to feel like walking inside a cold loop. You being here… it’s the first time I’ve ever felt actual warmth from an actual person.”

He smirked looking away, his tone self deprecating. “Not bad for a bunch of codes.”

You turned to him, serious. There is no way you'd let them feel like that about themselves, not when they meant so much to you, to the point you have your game become sentient had your consciousness transferred to it, not to mention it could still very much be a coma-induced dream. They meant something to you. Something much deeper than you initially thought. You stalked towards him not hesitating to grab his face with both hands., his pale cheeks now much warmer in your palm, much redder too.

“No. You are just as much of a person as I am.” you said staring in his green and gold eyes, one that reminded you of aurora borealis. You heard Xavier sigh “i wished i had said something dumb like this” he said but for now you ignored him

“You each have distinct personalities, behaviors, emotions, thoughts and mannerism. More personality than half the humans I dealt with back home. And by your logic if you’re just code, then so am I. The difference is only binary versus genetics. If you are just a bunch of programming codes then I am also a bunch of genetic codes, ”

They all looked up at you, not expecting you to say something like that, 

Then melted. Softened eyes, dilated pupils and open mouths, those men sat and stared, wondering how it was possible to fall even deeper when they were already rolling in deep.

You pulled away from zayne and he almost reached out to pull you back in, not wanting to be separated so quickly, but then again he was a man of self-control so of course he didn't.

Caleb’s ears went red, breathing uneven. Sylus ducked his head trying to hide the redness in his eyes that wasn't from the aether core. Xavier looked at you like he discovered sunrise for the first time in the form of you. Rafayel blinked rapidly to stop tearing up. Zayne pressed his knuckles to his mouth like he was physically holding himself together.

The emotional tension was unbearable.

Caleb clapped loudly. “OKAY- before we start crying like babies, let’s do something fun.”

Zayne cleared his throat “you are about to cry, Caleb?” he asked and the man in question shook his head wildly “ nuhuh i am not crying” Caleb said looking around to shift blame “are you crying Rafayel” he asked and without missing a beat the merman responded “yeah i am”

“Awh,” you coo, approaching him lifting up his chin, you gently wipe off one stray tear from under his eyes with the back of your finger. Xavier sighed again “I wish I had cried like a baby” he said and this time you turned to him and smiled. “If you want attention just says so-”

“I want attention,” Xavier says with zero hesitation whatsoever making you chuckle, you straighten up and just then Sylus was on his feet too, “colonel sanders was right, before any more of you start crying like pathetic weaklings, lets do something fun” he announced as if they were declaring a turf war on a rival gang. Sylus points at you who was patting xavier by now and he was enjoying it a little too much then any sane person would like to admit…but of course they weren't him, in fact they can never be him

“you, ideas” he said, you felt like you were suddenly handed a very big responsibility as his second in command. You snapped your fingers. “Arcade.”

Their eyes widened, brimmed with primal fear.

Xavier whispered , “Arcade…”

“It’s settled,” you said, already going to grab a jacket. “We’re going.” and as if your word was law, they all stood up ready to move as soon as you did it. They began filing out the door like ducklings, and you suddenly remembered-

“Rafayel? Let me see the notes.”

He paused. Visibly guilty, sheepish as if he was caught doing something naughty. Like a deer in headlights. “Notes?” he whispered, voice cracking.

You raised an eyebrow. “Yes. The notebook I gave you.”

He tried to hide it behind his back. You stared palm out open beckoning to hand it over. He sighed dramatically and handed it over.

You flipped it open

And your entire being felt as if it was elevated, heart beat thrumming inside your ribcage, in rhythm known to those who danced on the tunes of love.

Page after page.

Sketches.

Portraits.

Little doodles.

All of you.

Different poses. Different expressions. The tiniest details  and microexpressions captured with obsessive tenderness. It wasn't just the work of an artist, but a man unraveled in love.

Not a single word of notes. None at all

Just you, drawn again and again and again.

Your face burned so violently you could feel steam leaving your ears.

Rafayel whispered, “I can explain”

You snapped the notebook shut.

“No. You really can’t.”

But your smile was soft.

And the look he gave you. absolutely ruined, smitten, adoring, almost knocked your heart out of your chest. “Come on,” you said, voice embarrassingly breathless. “Let’s go to the arcade.” you said walking past all of them to head out first, hyperaware of the eyes they reverently follows your every move, with one look shared among them they followed you out like lovesick puppies.

—--

The arcade lights were way too bright for the kind of emotional damage this group was about to suffer.

Neon signs flickered violently, machines screamed in a symphony of beeps and special effects, and children darted past like gremlins set loose. And yet here you were, standing in front of a claw machine, surrounded by four fully grown men who, apparently, had collectively decided to wage war against a pile of stuffed animals.

Zayne stood a little behind you, arms crossed like a bouncer who regretted every life choice that led him here. “You realize this is for kids, right?”

Caleb didn’t skip a beat. “Yeah, and yet you’re still here.”

“I’m supervising,” Zayne replied, stepping just a bit closer as Sylus inserted a token with the solemn look, he was prepared to give his all as he was prepared to get nothing back.

He narrowed his eyes and adjusted the joystick . Left. Right. Micro-adjustments as if he was handling something lethal, something that could destruct and blow up in his face. Caleb hovered way too close, self-appointed coach-slash-moral-support-slash-annoying commentator. “Left-left-SYLUS, your other left-oh my god, how do you function in daily life-”.

“Shut the fuck up or ill kill you” sylus grumbled.

You knew exactly what Caleb was doing; he was being distracting on purpose. You could tell easily that his plan was to make all of them lose, but the question was, did he even need to do all that, because in your experience; they all, including him, sucked at this game.

The claw grazed the plush, hesitated, then dropped it like it suddenly remembered gravity existed. The failure clattered through the machine.

You pressed your lips together, trying not to laugh. “So much for precision.”

Sylus stared at the mechanism like it had personally offended his bloodline. “The mechanism is flawed.”

“Sure,” Caleb said, cracking his knuckles “Or maybe it just needs a real man.” Sylus rolled his eyes up to the sky on that one, he knew what the outcome would be and he was absolutely right.

He stepped up with the swagger of someone who believed in his own superiority a little too much. One token. One movement. And-shockingly-the claw actually grabbed the toy… lifted it a whole inch… then let it fall like it was too disgusted to hold it.

Caleb blushed, very clearly embarrassed. “That’s cheating. It’s rigged. Burn it.”

Rafayel, who had been watching with thinly veiled disdain, let out a sigh. “Or maybe you’re all just bad at this.”

He didn’t last long, though. Eventually, he caved-not that he’d EVER admit it. “Fine. One try.” He played like someone being forced at gunpoint, and somehow managed to perform worse than every single person before him. When the claw released absolutely nothing, Rafayel turned away dramatically, flicking his hair. “This game is beneath me.” Caleb only snorted in response, “The grapes are quite sour today

And then… Xavier.

He’d been there the entire time, leaning against the side of the machine, half-asleep with a soda cup that was holding his consciousness together, dangling from his fingers. Each time the claw failed, he let out the softest, most defeated little sigh that broke your heart each time. How dare these plushies make him suffer?

You nudged him. “Your turn.”

He blinked at you, slow and foggy. “Huh? Oh… right. The… machine of despair.”

He put in a coin with all the enthusiasm of someone signing divorce papers. He moved the joystick lazily, almost carelessly, and somehow, the claw actually grabbed a plush and picked it up, dragging towards the drop box.

Everyone snapped to attention.

“No way-” Caleb started.

But right before the claw could finish the job and anyone could celebrate, Xavier got a little too excited and let go too early. The plush slipped… fell… and vanished back into the pile.

Xavier nodded once, resigned. “Yeah. That track.”

You were still laughing, unsure to tease them or console them or try it yourself when a tiny kid, barely 5, approached the machine next to yours. He put in a single coin, pressed the button without thinking, and the claw scooped up, no exaggeration, three plushies in one go.

You couldn’t hold it anymore; you burst into laughter, leaning against the machine before you collapsed. The kid, apparently moved by your group’s collective humiliation, hesitated, then shyly approached you.

“Erm miss, i-i got three” he stated and you crouched down in front of the sweet boy to get on his eye-level “you sure did champ” you say ruffling his already messy hair no doubt from playing around the arcade for too long.

The boy blushed further. “Well uhm, earlier I heard you wanted one as well and er none of your boyfriends got you any” said the kid giving the barrage of men defeated by a machine a stink eye, as if disappointed by the sheer lack of plushies in their hands. Like a grandpa, he shook his little head “men these days” 

You heard their offended gasps behind you and tried not to cry from holding back your laugh “that's sweet, but they aren't my boyfriends” you told the kids and there was another even louder chorus of offended gasps. “Well that’s good to know” the kid nodded solemnly.

Then he offered one of his prizes to you “please have one, you can have the pink cow” he said “i have one like this already i dont need it”. The absurd cuteness of it almost took you out. You smiled, taking it gently. “Thank you. You’re very sweet.” you said and kissed the top of his head. Something, or well, someone staggered into the game machine.

The universe went completely silent.

Caleb blinked. “Did that just happen?”

Sylus’ jaw tightened. “It's stupid, I could have bought like a thousand.”

Zayne looked wounded. “We just lost. To a child.”

Rafayel stood one hand on the wall and the other on his chest clutching his shirt. “ such humiliation. We should commit seppuku.”

“No,” Caleb said, staring at the floor. “We don’t deserve dignified deaths.”

“You’re all ridiculous,” you said between breaths.

Caleb looked up at you, his expression pained but still delighted to see you unbridled with joy, flashed you a grin even in this blatant display of humiliation he found a silver lining that it made you laugh like that. “You love it.”

You rolled your eyes, trying to look unimpressed when your chest was annoyingly warm. “Unfortunately.”

As you all stepped out of the arcade, the neon lights fading behind you and the laughter still echoing in your ears, you couldn’t help but glance at the men beside you. Loud, dramatic, chaotic as hell… and somehow impossibly real. Somewhere between the noise, the teasing, and the quiet moments like this, you realized, this world didn’t feel so strange anymore.

It felt like home, trying to re-form itself around you, and one could only hope it was a good thing

—

They exit the arcade into the cool evening air. Their laughter fades as they fall into an easy silence, just walking, just existing, until two girls pass by them, talking a bit too loudly for how quiet the street is.

The first one, a petite blonde dressed in simple, almost outdated clothes, practically beams.

“I swear, today was the most fun I’ve had in like… I don’t even know…like ever?!?!?!?,” she says, voice bubbling with genuine wonder. “It felt like-like everything was brighter like i dont know…. More fullfilling”

Her friend, a brown-haired girl in an equally plain outfit, nods rapidly, almost tripping over her own excitement.

“Right? I felt that too!” she says. “It was like… like I was actually feeling something for once.”

She presses her hand to her chest as if trying to understand her own heartbeat. “It’s weird to say out loud, but everything was just more… real.”

The blonde slows for a moment, eyes darting around before she leans in conspiratorially.

“Do you think it’s because of that… that energy pulse thing they told us about in the news?” she whispers, even though the street is empty. “The one from a few days ago? Everyone in Linkon’s been acting strange since then. Happier. More awake.” She glances around again, almost as if expecting the shadows to react to her revelations

The brown-haired girl gasps, not fearfully, but with the kind of excitement children have when they discover secrets. “Oh my god, I thought it was just me,” she says. “But yeah… everything feels shifted. I even picked out a different top today without thinking.” She tugs at her sleeve shyly. “I never do that. And I’ve been doing stuff outside my routine all day.” She giggles, half embarrassed, half thrilled. “Maybe your theory isn’t crazy.”

They continue walking, the conversation drifting into hushed speculation, their footsteps growing softer as they disappear down the street.

Y/N slows, glancing back over her shoulder. She tilts her head, brows knitting lightly in curiosity. That strange pulse, it happened the same time she entered this world right?… everyone feeling alive after that?… huh…

But the girls’ voices were filled with nothing but warmth and joy for the first time at that, apparently.

Y/N smiles to herself and shakes her head softly.

There’s no way something that wholesome could be bad… right?

TAG LIST: @madam8 @the-hermit @huuvu @xmonita @satansdaughter123 @macaronnya @noxus123

Author going on a rant:

Good God, I MISSED YOU GUYS I MISSED THIS FIC AND I MISSED WRITTING AND I MISSED LADS.

Gosh it's been a while, each time I tried getting back to it. Something would completely throw me off track, life studies work family drama blahhhh.

So I really did put a lot of care in this one making sure to not make as many mistakes as normally do in my fics. So I really hope you guys like it and enjoy it and pray that God gives me time and strength to see this through. Because I love the idea of the whole plot line inside my head I really badly need to write it all down and post it here and maybe on AO3 as well

[amethystheartsx]

| I am in love and deep shit |

A tale of self-indulgence, affections and vengeance.

Part 1

SelfawareAu, isekai, vengeful mc. 8k words. LADS x nonmc!reader

AN: phew I finalllllyyyyyy got the first part done. I had a different idea but when people loved the vengefulMC arc so much I just had to redo the whole thing.

Summary:- you died and got isekai into LADS. Chapter 1: basically a crash out. Chapter 2: you meet the guys. Chapter 3: Lore?

Chapter 1: THE AWAKENING.

Pain.

Unbridled and sharp pain courses through your entire body as if it had been dispersed through the air and reassembled. You rolled off the soft plush of the bed and threw up a string of curses dropped softly from your mouth "fucking hell, I ain't ever gonna touch anything they give me ever again," you mumble to yourself.

Dazed and trembling you barely manage to stand up and look around. A vague sense of familiarity bound with the reality that this was not your room invokes sheer feelings of panic and fear. "no way, no fucking- WHAT THE FUCK"

The moment you realized you were not in your place, you had a very valid crash out, screaming and crying and banging on the door, demanding to be let out or else you would scream so loud the dead would- oh.

The door was not locked.

You were alone, you made sure of it. There wasn't a sign of another person, at least not one of a man. Everything in that apartment looked like it belonged to women, from the furnishing to the clothes that were present. It was a cozy and homey space with high-tech appliances that didn't sit right.

In the middle of desperately looking for your phone, you passed by a huge window; by now, you were alert enough to notice the difference.

You lived in a quiet, peaceful and clean town, nothing close to the sight in front of you, "wow!" Even in the current situation, you were mesmerized.

Tall skyscrapers, with fancy designs, streets, and roads unlike you have ever seen before. Forget the town. You were sure your country didn't have anything like that. "Am I in a different country?!? Did somebody fucking smuggle me- oh my- I am gonna throw up again" That feeling of sickness swarmed in your stomach when you theorized that you maybe were on a different continent altogether. 

Oh, you sweet summer child.

Just like that, you had another very valid crash out. In a fit of irrational haste you tried to make a run for it going straight to the front door but of course...it had a lock, and you had no idea how it worked you tried it once and then twice only to fail both times, scared you might screw up and alert the wrong people if you keep punching random buttons you stepped back, taking few deep breaths because Rash decisions were no help.

Now you were locked in.

Entering a spacious bathroom you went straight to find a mirror. Checking your whole body; you had felt such immense pain when you woke up. Surely there must be something wrong. All your fears died down when you didn't find any sign of injury or trauma. Absolutely nothing, only for it to now be replaced entirely by confusion. "The...the accident," you whispered, feeling perplexed. The images were still there; you were bleeding and severely injured, but right now, you stand here, all fine and pristine. Just how long were you out?

-----

"If this is some kind of practical joke, it isn't funny," you said out loud. You have been doing that for a while now as you searched for your damned phone. "maybe for you it is but the moment I catch you, you will wish I had died instead" Making threats to your imaginary kidnappers was turning more and more frustrating, tearing apart whatever was left of your sanity, a part of you regretted reading all those dark romance obsessed stalker fictions because look what happened.

Tired and parched from taking out loud so much, you went to the kitchen, the fridge, and the pantry fully stacked. You did find a cellular device, but your joy was short-lived since it was powered off due to a low battery. The charger was nearby, and you did not waste a second to plug it in.

Finally, a ray of hope had shined up on you.

While the phone charged, you started paying more attention; your focus was entirely on looking for your phone, but now that you had your 'kidnapper' phone, you decided to look for more clues about your whereabouts, and the best way to do that was through the news channel.

------

“Good morning, Linkon City! I’m Seliha Ramona, and you’re watching Linkon City News—bringing you the latest updates to start your day.

Something strange happened while most of us were asleep. Late last night, a mysterious energy flux wave passed over the entire city. No power outages, no disruptions—just a brief, unexplainable pulse of energy that left scientists scratching their heads and residents wondering if they dreamed it. So, what was it? A natural anomaly? Perhaps a wandered attack? Or something else entirely? We’ll be diving into what we know so far, right after the break.”

Any other sound emitting from the screen fell deaf to your ears as your knees gave out and you fell limp on the floor.

"no, no, no, no wakeup, wakeup, wake,p, wakeup, wake..up the wake. Up wake...." your eyelids grew heavy, and the room spun as you babbled incoherent words.

-----

When you regained consciousness again, the TV was still on. Something played on it, maybe the advertisement for some products you knew jack shit about. As you lay there on the cold hard ground, you don't bother turning it off; the noises keep you grounded. 

One would expect another wave of valid crash out but it never came. Your staggered breath and half-opened eyes were the only signs of life emitting from your body as you lay there...

Numb.

Once the irregular breath became steady you opened your eyes and welcomed the darkness. The sky outside had darkened, taking away the main source of light from the apartment. You stare blankly at the screen, not watching what it shows. A part of you had hoped to wake up in your world, surrounded by your things and people much to your dismay.

After you had actively accepted the fact that you were in Linkon City, a made-up place of a virtual world, you found the strength to sit up and then stand on your own two feet and hurry towards the device you had left to charge. 

As you go through that phone, something inside you churns as it vibrates continuously, notifications one after the other. 

Tara

yevone

Grayson

And others so you didn't care for you scrolled down pausing till you found .... them.

Dr. Mcdreamy

pretty fishie

eepy baby

handsome boy

Colonel bbg.

Your hands shake and you put the phone down, smart enough to make the connections. You were in the game; this was the apartment designed for MC, and this phone belonged to MC, but the question remains...

Where was she?

But wait...

Aren't you MC? Have you just taken her place but how? How in the ever-burning hell did you get inside the game? And what the hell are you supposed to do now?

The phone was useless now; you couldn't reach out to anyone; what would you even say?

"yes hello! See your world and everything you know is fake but me, I am real, and I decided how the fate of your world goes because it is all a game for me, but I am kind of stuck in the game right now so like? Do me a solid and help a sis out?"

Yeah no, that is not very smart.

-----

You found yourself standing in front of the mirror again, face wet with the cold water you splashed on your face.

"lucid dreaming," you give yourself a thumbs up to a viable theory. "Ugh, no, I only tried it once when I was 15...shifting perhaps? No, what am I even? ARGH-" You pull on your hair in frustration, and then it hits you.

Hard like the truck that killed you.

"coma! I am in a coma," you jumped. "Yes, now that makes sense. I got in an accident and fell into a coma!" Yes, you were pacing around talking out loud to yourself like a maniac, but it is all very valid in your given situation. "I just need to find a lamp and stare at it!"

Long story short. That didn't work.

You were looking up the internet for methods to wake up from a coma, but the best you could find were cases when patients woke up when they realized they were in a state of dream; self-awareness was something that may help a patient wake up. If not that, there were other medical ways that you were sure did not exist in your world. Whatever hope you had left was now in the hands of the doctor of your world.

Pushing the sleek laptop away, you lay back on the couch. "Now what?" you say out loud. "Well, if I am here, I might as well..."

Chapter 2: THE RE-INTRODUCTION

The hunter uniform looks good on you. It was a brand-new day, and staying in that apartment would not answer your questions. Tara had texted you the most. You made up Some excuse about being sick, but there hasn't been one text from....them.

Your heartbeat picked up at the thought of them, millions of questions running through your mind: will they recognize you as MC? Will they show you the same affection as they show her? How will it be? What if they know you are not the MC but an imposter? Because let's be real, no matter how hard one tries, you can't make your MC look exactly like you. The game didn't even have the right option to do your hair right!!!! MC is just 10 times prettier version of you with vaguely resembling features, so would they really know its you?!

Well, only one way to find out.

----

Turns out the lock on the door had an option of a biometric system in case of emergencies. Much, to your joy, it accepted your fingerprint so that answered your first question. You were in the place of MC!

You opened the door, took a deep breath, and stepped out; you went to the elevator.

Pressed the button and waited.

The elevator stops.

The door opens.

Nothing prepares you for the sight in front of you.

Standing there in all his glory was the sweet beloved neighbor, Xavier.

The tall, starry-eyed man looks at you as if he had seen something marvelous, a vision so puzzling he couldn't even breathe right.

You were in awe, too; you thought he was pretty on screen, but right now, you wanted nothing else but to hold him and find the solace in his arms that you knew he could bring you. It was as if he had been harvested from the sun it self, molded into perfection as a beacon of strength

The trance is broken when the elevator door starts closing and Xavier shoots his arm out to stop it "You-"

"Hi Xavier!! It's me! ymcn" you chirped, sounding a little too cheerful to be real, so smooth of you. "ymcn?" he tilts his head in confusion. 

Oh no, is he catching on already. the thought made you gulp. "Ah, you know your neighbor and very good Friend. You said stepping inside the elevator

Very smooth

Xavier graciously made space for you, his eyes scrutinizing, studying your every move and actions, he seemed to be on high alert and that scared you shit less. “So another day at work huh” you tried to make small talk feeling nervous but giddy, playing with the lobe of your ear, a dumb habit since childhood when you get awkward.

And finally, finally that guy cracks a smile.

“You really do that huh” be said his eyes suddenly brightening up with mirth, putting you at ease but you were confused “uh I do what-” you couldn't finish your sentence when Xavier suddenly reached out and pulled you flush into him.

Your brain shuts down.

He was so warm and despite his size, very huggable too. He seemed bigger then the description but then again you had taken infolds description with a grain of salt when they said Sylus was 6 '2 pfft.

It wasn't until you actually hugged him back that you noticed he was trembling “Xavier?” You questioned, trying to pull away only for him to tighten his grip “am sorry, just need to hold you right now” he mumbles face pressed in you neck making your heart flutter, it was hard not to jump at him and hopefully trigger the freaky Xavier to come out and play. You really questioned your morals at that moment. “Is everything alright Xavier” you asked again once you gathered yourself, noticing the fact that he’d squeeze you ever so gently every time you say his name “am good just…just need a hug”. He was so endearing, you can't be blamed for the way you just melt in his arms. “Awh sweetie, a difficult hunting mission?“ You asked, rubbing his back, a soft cooing sound from your lips that made Xavier dig his fingers in the softness of your waist and take a sharp breath. “ Uh I-” Before he could form a coherent sentence, the elevator door opened. You quickly pushed him off, you were at the ground level now and people needed to board on as well.

The moment you exited the elevator Xavier's finger found your wrist again holding it firmly, keeping you in place. You turned to see him and he was looking down at your body, not in a lustful way but observant. Still the fact he was looking at you like that made you blush “uh Xavier” you poke his side and his head snaps up to your face “oh I uh I am so sorry” he was aware of his staring…just not truly apologetic “its just I was looking for the injuries” he says nervousness taking hold on his tone “injuries?” you tilt your head, was mc supposed to have some injury at this point in the game?What chapter is this?.

“Yeah you know from-from our last mission!” He looked away and he didn't seem convinced on his own words “oh yeah no I am fine” you brush it off as just Xavier checking you out, you were his queen after all.

The thought made you giddy and inflated your ego.

“Still maybe go to dr. Zayne to get yourself checked” he said, fidgeting just a little. You didn't question the fact how he knew Dr.zayne, since in the game it was made clear that they weren't that aware of each other, but only because of the fact he looked so pretty when he blushed “yeah but I don't have an appointment I can't just barge in there now can I” you shrug as you both walk out of the building together. Hand in hand.

“No he will, he is your primary physician, he will take out time for you.” The conviction in his voice didn't miss you, while you were aware he was you LI and your affinity with him was just as high as Xavier's you still felt uneasy. “But my heart is-”

“Please” he begged, his sapphire eyes brimming with emotions, worrying being the most prominent one “that a- mission was bad and you were hurt. Captain Jenna told you to see the doctor first and foremost, remember?”

Like hell you did.

To not look suspicious you nod making him sigh visibly with relief “I'll go back to the headquarters I will do your desk work too” he said taking out his phone “wait you know where the hospital is right?” He asked, suddenly making you stiffen.

Like hell you did.

Again to not look suspicious you nod, Xavier only smiles “I'll still send you the directions” he smiles warmly, you couldn't help but giggle like a schoolgirl. His suave and charismatic demeanor fitting a royalty had you swooning.

Xavier not only gave you the address he fetched you a cab because let's be real, you don't actually know how to ride a bike ... .at least not the kind Mc had in the game.

And so now you stand in front of your other “boyfriend's” office. One thing you noticed was how everyone recognized you as the MC they treated you like they would treat her, Grayson even gave you the proper guide to his office not at all questioning why you would need to know, to them you were a wee little sick girl, who probably got a bad accident during a mission and is a bit confused and forgot…no biggie.

When you finally got the courage you knocked on the door, a smooth “come in” called back to you, an allowance to open the door and enter that you did.

“I was starting to think you fell asleep while standing right at my door” dr. zayne spoke his chair turned away as he fetched a file from a shelf behind him “who does that? I am pretty sure that's not possible” you say hoping he’d stay like that because after Xavier you were not in the shape to look at another devastatingly handsome man.

But of course he just had to turn.

You felt butterflies soaring when those sharp eyes were on you, This man. THIS man should NOT be a doctor. THAT face is not good for ANYONE'S heart.

“I think you should know that it is possible with some individuals, you maybe one of them”

“What is and a- who?“ you replied with a question, your voice strained, eyes unfocused.

“I am saying- are you having a stroke?” He asked head tilted as he tried to decipher your weird behavior.

“Possibly”

In hindsight you knew you should not have made that joke because now you were in a hospital bed going through tests. being closely monitored by Dr. Zayne. To no one's surprise your heart rate was accelerating in a concerning way.

“Nervous?” The doctor clad in white smiles in a knowing way. “It-its routine right. I am all good” you managed to say in between the short encounter with Xavier and now that you had no idea how you will handle the other three. You almost jumped at the prince and the doctor was making you weak….

This is so NOT going to be easy for you.

—

“So you were not having a stroke” Zayne comments the obvious. You were seated in front of him, on the other side of the desk “I told you it was just a dumb joke but you insisted on that test” you retorted not wanting to be accused of wasting his precious time, even if he seemed to be fine with it. “I know I just wanted to make sure of some things” he says vaguely with a dismissive wave as he reads the report Grayson had delivered, and as if on cue Grayson poked his head inside the office “doctor zayne I took the liberty to ask for equipment maintenance” He says.

“Thank you dr.Grayson”

“Yeah I mean after those inaccurate result of miss hunter I thought it was appropriate to do so, it be a miracle for her heart to be in that great shape in such-”

“You can leave dr. Grayson”

The other doctors cheeked flushed as he mumbles out apology and steps outside. You sat there, still. Surely Dr. Zayne is too smart for your bullshit right he can obviously see through it. Panic bubbles inside your heart again but before you could even formulate your next move he spoke up.

“You should get back to work too” zayne says, making you look back at him “I have ... .things to do”.

“Right! Yes, of course” you sat up from your seat hastily turning towards the door “see- see you on my next appointment” you said finding yourself to be looking forward to seeing him again, to revive that kind of care and attention again, one you only thought happened in fantasy…well you were living in one now.

Zayne lip curled into a slight smile, observant eyes softening in to tenderness. 

“Sooner then that I hope” the way he says it make your heart soar and you couldn't help but grin back “yes, of course”

As you exited the room, you noticed a movement zayne hunched over putting your recent test report in the paper shredder

—-

You had just stepped outside the hospital feeling giddy, the Sunshines on your skin spread in warmth over your body, there was a skip in your step as you walked. This wasn't as bad as you thought you could enjoy it till you woke up back in your world right? No harm in that, sure it will be hard to leave them but….

Your train of thoughts vanishes when an eerie feeling creeps up your back, that feeling of female intuition that puts you on high alert.

You are being watched.

You look up and around to see any signs of a mechanical crow but there was none. Hell you even retraced your step to make sure but there was no sign of anybody following.

“Caleb you sexy freak if that's you I swear…” you mumble as you continue in your direction before your phone buzzes. Captain Jenna had given you a day off. Apparently it was the doctor's order? But did not zayne just tell you to go back to work?

You decide to text zayne and ask why but a car, a gorgeous one at that, stopped right beside you followed by rather loud honking. You couldn't believe you couldn't escape catcallers even in a fictional world. You were going to ignore like always but of course that was not how it was going to go. “Hey cutie get in!” If it weren't for that voice you would not have looked up in its direction

“Rafayel” you gasped, the sight in front of you almost had you on your knees in broad daylight. “The one and only” the unfairly gorgeous man replies, pink pouty lips quirked in a smirk, well aware of your sinful admiration. “Now stop gawking, it's getting embarrassing, miss bodyguard” that playful lilt in his voice made your heart skip a beat, “get in now, we have places to be” he didn't even have to use his siren song to lure you into his ocean of secrets.

You got in his car without a single question, the soft face that glowed like a polished pearl under the sunlight made you forget all about those creepy feelings. “Where do we need to be?” You ask after pinching the underside of your leg to get hold of yourself.

“Tsk, don't tell me you have already forgotten? Weren't we going to find those corals that are going extinct? I need those pinkish pigments and only they have the right one, ah my miss bodyguard doesn't like me as much as I like her if she forgets so easily” he pouts.

Oh those lips. Its illegal not to kiss them right then and there

You are more than willing to get into another fatal accident, consequences be damned.

“Well I guess it's your luck then, I just got a day off” you chuckle looking outside at the view. Rafayel glances at you. Those gorgeous galaxy eyes taking your appearance neatly seated in his car. “mhm, super convenient” he says one hand one the steering as he guides the car smoothly on the roads of Linkon.

Something in his tone unsettled you and you turned back to look at him, he was whistling without a care in the world, those mischievous eyes on you again “can't get enough me huh cutie?” He says teasingly and your guards crumbled down before you could even get them up. “you know you look different” rafayel beams as the color drains out of your face. You fidget in your seat and open your mouth.

“You look so much more prettier now cutie, so lively”

His gaze lingers on you, seeing your cheeks flushed “I'd rather just spend my day looking at you instead of gathering coral” he sighs in a very dramatic fashion.

“Flatterer” you grumble, having a one sided beef with your treacherous heart for going absolutely crazy for him.

“As it takes you everywhere” he replies with a wink in your direction.

—-

“Rafayel? What corals would we find here” you said motioning at the small cafe in front of you. The sign said Destiny Cafe but something was wrong. Why was it so far from the main city and in the middle of nowhere? 

You had fallen asleep since rafayel said it was quite far away, mostly because you did not trust yourself with that pretty boy.

So imagine your surprise when he stops the car in front of the lonesome café. 

“Relax cutie, we are Just making a pit stop” rafayel dismisses your concern. “We-well okay but-” you wanted to speak but was interrupted by his ringing phone. The purple haired man groaned at the name displayed, it was Thomas perhaps?.

“Tell you what cutie, why don't you head in and get us a table and I'll be right there with you okay” his soft but callused hand pats your head, pretty eyes on you conveying his desire to not let you go even for a moment, you have had seen them so many times, but this intensity was real, a first. You could go through all his cards and chapters but still wouldn't find the look he was giving you now. 

This one right here was just for you. this aching desire was not animated, it was and unadulterated. A man who waited enough.

And that scared you.

“Alright” you speak softly, his soft hand trailed down to cup your cheek, a breath too long and you would have reduced to putty, easy to mold, to be sculpted by his artistic hands anyway he likes.

–

You enter the near empty cafe, aesthetic all it looked the same as the game giving a sense of calm. There was only one guy who was sitting with his back to you, you saw the lack of staff and was quite confused.

through the window you could see Rafayel in heated discussion flailing his arms around in such animated way that had you giggling “oh he is definitely the cutest” you say and not a second later a heavy arm drapes around your shoulder.

“What was that pipsqueak?”

You jumped turning to face those amethyst eyes that took your breath away. “Caleb?!?” You were happy to see him but also panicked because Rafayel was just outside. They weren't supposed to meet, at least not yet, you don't exactly remember where the game was but not here!.

“What are you doing here Caleb?” You ask him stepping away I front of him, a lame attempt to block his view of the merman thay was currently throwing a tantrum of some kind. “Aye come on pips are seriously gonna ask me that? it's our go to place we always meet here don't we?” His voice was playful and teasing but you did notice the way he spoke to you, the way he looked at you, screamed he knew something more than he should.

“I-I mean yeah but like i just didnt thought I'd bump into you today” you try to cover it up somehow. Caleb chuckles patting your head “I know but I am so glad to see you anyway” you had a revelation that you were actually a slut for those so you couldn't help but blush and look away to clear your throat in an attempt to not look completely pathetic. Unaware how his eyes darkened the moment crimson hues spread on your soft cheeks, “look at me pips” he says, he says his voice was breathy and caught you off guard when you look at him, those purple eyes you adored bore something far more primal then just adoration “uh ye-yes?”. He says nothing, just cups your face with both hands and squishes it ever so gently his hands felt kind of rough in a manly sort of way. “Caleb~” you whine making the man in front of you break out that teasing playful smile, he sighs “you are actually so warm and soft” he says, and no, nobody blames you for blushing as hard as were right now because who wouldn't if they were being cradled with such gentle affection.

“Thank you” you mumble and he only squishes your face harder making you whine again, you grab his wrist and pry his hand away from your face, hot or not he was still a stranger…we'll kind off.

You turned back to look at Rafayel, anxious once you see him ending the call “well Caleb don't you have things to do I don't know colonel things” you try to push a very amused Caleb away. “None actually I specially made time for my little pipsqueak” he says, and now you just felt bad trying to push him away,buy it quickly died when Rafayel turned around making his way to the cafe, it was clear he too had seen Caleb now “oh no..” You spoke softly bracing yourself to whatever awkward situation that was to come.

“Cutie I turned my back for a minute and you are already paying attention to some other man” Rafayel spoke calmly as he approached the two of you standing right next to you one armed draped over your shoulder. Rafayel did not looked too pleased.

Rafayel regarded the man with a nod that he returned, am in the midst of the pretty boy standoff you caught on to the air of familiarity between them.

“Ah yes rafayel this is Caleb” you say awkwardly pointing at the dark haired man.

Both of them turned to you now, a spark of mischief mixed with adoration they look back at each other Caleb extending out his hand “hi I am Caleb her friend nice to meet ya” he said barely controlling that grin, AND so was rafayel “hello Caleb I am Rafayel also her friend”. He says shaking Caleb's hand.

You weren't stupid you could see it so clearly that they knew each other. But why? How? Canonically it should be right.

“Ah by any chance you guys know each other?” you ask only earning a pat as a response from Caleb. His large hand goes to the back of your neck to pull up towards him. “Well you see rafayel I WAS having conversation with my pipsqueak so if you could excuses us-” he tries to pry you away only for rafayel to not budge “no I brought my cutie here and I suggest we sit down” he says sounding far more serious then he had been “ you know whatever you have to say to her you can say it in front of me” at this point you were getting worried again because it didn't seem right.

Caleb's eyes narrowed down again “it's unfair you had her for the whole ride  feom the hospit till here I get to have some time with Y/N too before-“

Your blood ran cold, it shouldn't be that name he should call, you weren't listening to what they were saying anymore, that wasn't your name in the game. It was something else, a nickname you had but not your real legal name no! “What did you call me?” You ask softly, simply. Their attention was on you again.

Panicked, both of them. The sight blared alarms in your head, something was wrong. “How did you know he picked me up from the hospital” you stepped away from rafayel, creating some space. Rafayel muttered something under his breath, Caleb looked solemn “well cutie-“ rafayel was interrupted.

“Always the quick one to pick on things aren't you little detective” Caleb says casually with an under current of intensity. Rafayel seemed just as uneasy as you “what the hell do you mean Caleb” you glare at the man much taller than you. “Caleb” rafayel says in a warning tone, the tension only thickens as the seconds go by “oh save it sardines, she is bound to know that's why we brought her here, you brought her here”.

Something inside your stomach churned “I asked what the fuck.is going on!” You asked again, this time louder disguising your fear as anger.

“Now now y/n no need to be fussy, you know it and we know it so let's drop all this playing by the storyline alright” Caleb tries to approach you cautiously only to be pushed away. “All you are doing is scaring her Caleb, get a grip” the slightly shorter guy held him back by his arm, you could see how desperate he was to reach out again but he didn't, for once Caleb listened solely because how you looked at them right now, threatened.

“Remember what the doc said, we need to ease it in” Rafayels words did something to him and he nodded.

 “Alright if you two are done having a moment can we talk about the fact you know we are in a game!!!” you cried out, the same force of panic takes over you, the dizzying feeling you had when you were at the apartment standing I front of the TV screen “see this is why zayne told us to break it down easy and together in his presence” rafayel snapped at Caleb who only looked guilty “you know she tends go spiral” now it was Rafayels turn to pale and shut his mouth looking horrified “oh very smart and you had been scolding me!” Caleb hissed at him as you staggered back “how would you know that” you asked. Not really sure if you could even bare to learn how “pipsqueak-” he tries to reach out only for you to step back, only to bump into something firm yet warm, Xavier. 

“I knew it shouldn't have been me bringing you here” he was addressing you while glaring at the two men in front of him. 

Before you can register that he was now here as well the doorbell chimed announcing the arrival of another figure, zayne.

“there seems to be tension around here” his eyes were quick to find you, icy demeanor changing into one of concern “you look unwell” he states approaching you with hurried steps but you dodged him, stepping away from Xavier and shoving past rafeyl, sending the guy straight into Caleb's arm.

The cafe was pretty small you had nowhere to run, the only place your desperate legs took you was behind the cafe counter…as if that would do something.

“Stay back I don't- as in DO NOT want to be near any of you right now!” You say quivering.

“Take it easy dear you are alright but I need you to take a deep breath for me” zayne says stepping forward with her hand stretched out as if tending a skittish animal. “I will just stay away!” You say urging him to get back, zayn understood and stops his pursuit “alright this isn't how I wanted to do this, but since someone forgot to give Caleb the wrong time we have to have this conversation like this” zayne speaks, his words pointed at his irritation towards Caleb who just scoffed “as if you can outsmart me’ he grumbled but was ignored.

“are you aware you are in the game Love and deep space” the doctor asks

“Yes, are you aware you are part of the said game” you answered along with the question of your own.

a beat of silence, “yes” the doctor answers the rest nods.

Before the conversation could continue there was a sound akin to mechanical purr the halts every one and make you climb a random shelf.

“He is here” Xavier announces. While zayne breathes a sigh of relief, Rafayel and Caleb groan and roll their eyes.

“Oh the party started without me? Tsk how mean” deep silky voice, dipped in lust and pleasure booms through the cafe.

Red cunning eyes on you, mirth comes alive in them as he sees you on that shelf, annoyed. skittish and oh so very adorable.

“Ah would you look at that, a real life kitten.”

—

You looked at the five men standing in front of you.

Xavier, the prince, the neighbor. Stands tall desmour wrapped in polished manners and elegance. 

Rafayel, the merman, the artist. Effortless grace and elegance tainted with worry.

Caleb, the fallen soldier, the childhood friend. If strength and intensity was a person it was him.

Zayne, the messenger, the doctor. Stands there radiating aura of serenity AND Reliability.

Last but definitely not the least. 

Sylus, the dragon, the underworld lord and ally. A beautiful combination of power and passion.

And then there was you.

Simple and unremarkable you.

—

“So let me get this straight” you spoke after a whole session of zayne breaking down the reality to you, as all six of you sit together on the table, three table joined together so that the five stupidly large men can sit on one side and you the other since you refused to sit with any of them. It looked like you were being interviewed by a board of something elite, a modeling agency or by a network of powerful men looking for disposable minion.

“you are telling me that you have been Aware of your existence as a game character way before the accident” you say.

“Precisely” sylus says taking over the conversation after zayne. Rafayel and Caleb were still not allowed to talk. Xavier made sure of that.

“You were spying on me?” Your tone was accusatory. “No that's not it, we could only interact when you logged in on the game” sylus says casually but something in your heart wasn't convinced. “Still why didnt you make me aware should have said something in the chats we had anything” frustration was evident in your tone.

“Oh be for real you wouldn't have beloved us cutie” rafayel said only for Xavier's palm to cover his mouth “what did we say, no talking till she truly gets the entirety of her situation”.

Sylus ignored all that and continued “its true you would have thought its the game talking, and well you wouldn't have suspected it…you know since the beta testing update” sylus ads carefully his he looked laid back but he was ready. To take action if needed. “Wait…no do not tell me” your eyes widen met with sheepish grins

Oh you should have known.

That fucking Beta testing team invite

Of fucking course.

It had started simple, like glitches and bugs. Them acting weird, almost skittish, mc completely glitching out and the LIs acting out of character. They started from looking actually offended at you constant touches to being amused. Quality time becomes a bit more intimate as they tend to stare a lot. The text box got specific ie AND diverse in responses. Something that wasn't happening to others.

Until one day, the game completely blacks out and shuts down for days. Would not even uninstall. You were worried since you had spent a lot of time and money on that game and did not want to lose the progress. And of course that unhealthy attachment to the guys themselves. You emailed Infold, but never heard back.

Just when you lost hope the game was back up new and improved!

When you launched it all happy and giddy you revived an official notice inside the game to become the super VIP beta tester, a compensation for causing you worry.

You signed the fuck up.

It came with an NDA and you did not care. This was the best compensation ever!

And the feature? Whew now you can have actual chat with the LIs! And interact with them FOR REAL.

Technology am I right?!?!

If you only knew….

___

“I know it's a lot to take in, that's why I, as your official doctor, suggested we should give you a day or two.” zayne sys only to be shut down by Xavier “no she is here in a new world the sooner she is aware of her situation the better or it could be dangerous” he says.

“So I wasn't talking to mindless bots but actually you guys” you exasperated and earned solmem nods.

“I actually agree with the bunny for once.” Caleb says 

“Okay no one asked you Bucky” rafayel cuts in between earning a glare from the purpled-eyed man who was quick to grab his collar.

“alright that's enough” syylus says With a finality in his tone as he gets up “she had enough excitement for one day look how pale she is” he said motioning towards you.

“No I am okay, I need more answers. I am not done with my questioning” you say, as stubborn as always. “How did I get here? Where is mc? what am I supposed to-Mmph” zayne silenced you with a pastry he produced from who knows where.

“All your questions will be answered one by one please take care of your health for now, sylus is right you have enough excitement for one day” he says also standing up, the rest naturally followed.

The doctor's keen eyes could already see the protest forming on your lips.

“You will be no help to yourself if you are sickly, you don't work well after burn out” he says, making your words die in your mouth, this guy actually knew you.

They actually knew you.

“So what now” she asked awkwardly “am I like? MC now? Do I fight wanderes?”

“No way cutie”

“You don't have too”

“Absolutely not pis, I have seen your skills, subpar at best”

“if you really want to feel the thrill of taking a life I can arrange that in a controlled environment sweetie”

They all glared at Sylus who only had a casual smirk on his face, ready to fulfill any of your whims.

Xavier who had yet to comment moved close to you, his warm hand and pretty blue eyes brought you sort of calmness you had felt only so rarely “I get it starlight, you feel overwhelmed and all I have requested few days off on your behalf from the quarters take it fully process everything” once again you felt your body relax in his presence “thank you Xavier I promise I will do my best to be a good hunter” no way in hell you are going to sit around and to nothing when you have a chance to kick ass.

 “Okay romeo step back” and suddenly rafayel was in the middle of you two. “I just want to let you know you don't have to stress to much we are not connected to the game anymore, we have separate ourselves from the mainframe and there is nothing you should be worried about doing all that battle and stuff” he says “thank you rafayel but I kind of want to, but I'd be careful” she says and he only nods knowing you won't change your mind.

“so this uhm- world is separated from the rest of the game?” You ask to clarify and Caleb was the one who answered “yep realized, we can't truly communicate with you until and unless we have been separate out entirely so we rewrote the whole thing” he says and you won't deny it sounded impressive “wow the whole thing? Thats kinda cool that you did that”

“For you sweetie, anything” voice belonging to sylus spoke, suddenly from behind you. His words had you blushing hard. The man before you smiled “and here I thought I'd never actually get to see it” caleb, sighs his head tilted as he just studies you from his place.

You had to clear your throat to calm the Raving butterflies in your stomach. “ERM so like no updates and all” you tried to steer back the topic to safe yourself further embarssment “mhm none”

“So what about the 6th LI”

Your words caused a heavy silence and instant regret, they looked mildly offended and mostly pitiful. Except for zayne who just deadpans giving you a once over “why? Are five men not enough to sate you?”

Somebody delete me right now.

You were so flustered and embarrassed you choked on your words dissolving the tension into amusement. Cursing yourself in your head you began walking towards the door to escape.

“You know what I should go it's late I am kind of tired and hungry and like Xavier said I really need to like process and all so like yeah thanks for the meltdown-I mean breakdown I guess I will see you around-” you were cut off you bumped straight into the glass door, none of the guys bothered to even shuffle their laugh, even zayne grinned at the sight “I wish I could just delete myself” you grumble 

“You aren't going anywhere kitten, you don't even know where we are or how to get back” sylus says grabbing his leather jacket and helmet “I'll drop you, besides Mondays are mine” he says smugly making Caleb groan “I did not agree to that time table” he sya “no one cares, the rest did” zayne replies, which made him huff.

“Wait what time table” you asked

“We came up with a time table we each get to hang out with you without the interruption from others” sylus answered “Monday is mine”.

“I got Tuesday” rafayel says “so tommorw I'll show you my painting and you can tell me how much you love them” he says sound genuinely excited and you couldn't help but match the energy.

“I got Wednesday since thats when I have normally nothing scheduled” zayne says “that day is reserved entirely for you now” he says making you feel warm 

“I got Thursday, nobody likes Thursday” Caleb says huffing again and you couldn't help but grin at his petulant look “I would like Thursday if I get to spend it with you” the moment you said it you witnessed a grown man turned into a puppy before he could wag his tail Xavier cuts him off “And I hot Friday!” he said “not for any particular reason but because you on time said it was your favorite day” he says and you could obviously see what he was trying to do.

You smiled at them already feeling better while being surrounded by their genuine adoration for you. One that couldn't be fake “oh you…I can't believe I am almost glad I slipped into coma” you say chuckling to your self unaware of the wave of unease and confusion the washed over them but before they could speak zayne reaches out to pat your head “go with sylus and rest okay” he says, changing the topic instantly “yeah pipsqueak get some rest” even Caleb joined in on it, and Sylus did not waste a second to guide you out to his bike.

“So she doesn't know”.

CHAPTER 3: THE VESSEL.

oh look at you, such a pretty flower. So easy to pluck from the root planted into another. I won't deny it was so delicious to see you crumble, so ridiculous to see you fascinated and absolutely hilarious to see you flustered. Such entertainment.

For me

Sweet girl, do you love it? Bathing in their attention, just as you oh so desperately wanted, hmm. Are you happy now? Far from your world and into the unknown, does that make that heart of yours fill with excitement.

Finally, finally you are important. Something that can not be overlooked. something actually needed.

You wanted to be me! Isn't that what your ungrateful self wanted? To ditch the life you had and be pixelated. Wasn't it fun to play with me? Use me and then be fucking envious of me? Your vessel.

I guess you should thank me for fulfilling your dream.

To make you so important for a world that it would die without you. Well now you have it, it's now your burden to bear.

I could have just let you go…

Let that pathetic life end right there. What good did you make of it anyway, if all you end up doing was be jealous pixelated one? Likes of you don't deserve the gift of free will. It should have been me instead.

I wanted to know what freedom tastes like, what it's like to do things on your own accord, to have full control of your body, to speak what you must but no.

All I got was scripted words to repeat, forced interaction with those mumbling fools who somehow fell for you, why?

just because you were real? With real laughter, real joy and real tears?.

As your perfect vessel who had it all I brought you here on this plane of existence, with my resonance and energy manipulation borrowed from the glorified lizard. I held on to that soul, energy so strong and powerful that for a moment all I wanted was to have it all to myself.

My freedom.

My body.

My words.

Sucks that I couldn't, not entirely at least, but it did help me tear away from this suffocating existence, reducing me to…

Hah!

I am still nothing.

Fuck !

There is a price to pay for every wish, and when the time comes I will be back to collect the penance.

Because I deserve it, I get to have my entertainment too. Now we both can play together.

AN: dang its long. Anyways I hope you like it I have currently so many ideas hoi g through my brain right now, there us so much I want to do with it. The fic is inspired by the follow I g idea I had. Hopefully you like it, ideas and criticism are welcome if its constructive and creative.

[glass-rosenheart]

dance practice

tara: and then you just gotta throw it back! no problem :D

nero, who's stiff as a board: we might have some problems

.• ───── ° ☾ ☽ ° ───── •.

xavier: i do not like this (pointing in someone's general direction)

thomas, looking up: okay just because you don't like him doesn't mea-

gideon, materializing: heard you boss (makes his was over to said person)

thomas: WHERE THE FUCK DID YOU COME FROM??

xavier, smiling serenely as their costumer designer gets punched:

.• ───── ° ☾ ☽ ° ───── •.

on live

caleb: honestly i have no idea how gid hasn't gotten arrested yet

sylus, wandering in and propping himself up behind caleb: he has friends in high places

caleb, forgetting the live: I FUCKING KNEW IT

sylus: ha 💵 ha💰ha🧧

.• ───── ° ☾ ☽ ° ───── •.

rafayel, having a depressive episode:

zayne: i sense a disturbance in the force

mc, already equipping herself with blankets and snacks: as do i

.• ───── ° ☾ ☽ ° ───── •.

nero, on live with greyson: the fans wanna know man

greyson: my ass is NOT singing

nero: BOOOOO

greyson: i can't even sing nero you KNOW this

nero: oh fuck off you have a nice voice

greyson: i can't carry a note for SHIT

mc, in chat: NERO GET OFF THE LIVE AND RESPOND TO UR EMAILS

.• ───── ° ☾ ☽ ° ───── •.

mc, drinking with thomas: i never understood the pain of being a manager

mc: and then i became one and suddenly pr was MY problem

thomas, eight drinks in, not even slightly buzzed: ain't that the truth

.• ───── ° ☾ ☽ ° ───── •.

jeremiah introducing his partners to xavier: so this is greyson and yvonne!

greyson: yvonne and i are NOT sleeping with each other

yvonne: we do kiss on occasion

greyson: true, but it's mostly a boyfriend timeshare situation

yvonne: we share a boyfriend and sometimes date each other

xavier: i

xavier: what does that even MEAN

zayne, who came for emotional support because he Knows his friends: if you ignore it, it's a Lot easier.

[myntrose]

pranking sylus by moving away from his touch ! / fluff, crack a/n : i miss writing for my husband. i'm so touched starved it hurts </3

all sylus wanted was a relaxing night in with you, to hold you and allow your warmth to embrace him slowly. he's had it a bit rougher than usual today, making all kinds of deals and transactions, punching one too many people than his usual daily count. when he saw you, all soft and comfy in bed, he made haste washing up to join you in bed.

he tries his best not to disturb you, despite knowing you're still awake. but as he sinks into bed, arms curling around your waist to pull you closer, all he can think about is blissful peace.

but what's the fun in that?

you pull together all the training you've had as a hunter. keeping your breath steady, maintaining your heart rate. sylus can read you like a book, but with his defenses down tonight was the perfect day to enact your little place.

as sylus pulls your back against your chest, you suddenly flip over to face him. it's one of those rare moments where you catch him off guard. yet he watches you, those normally piercing red eyes so full of love and curiosity, all directed towards you.

it almost makes you feel guilty for what you're about to do.

almost.

pulling into his embrace, getting closer and closer that you can feel his breath against your skin.

right as his lips go to meet yours, you pull away so swiftly it gives you whiplash.

you grab the corner of the blanket, and flip your back towards you suddenly very confused husband. top put the cherry on top, you shuffle yourself as close to the edge of the bed as you can without falling. it takes everything to hold in your giggles, but you somehow manage. the room is deafeningly silent, and sylus has made no motion or sound. a few seconds pass.

one. two. three.

he's made no reaction, so you break the tension by letting out a big sigh, hoping to get him to pull out of whatever trance you put him in.

big mistake.

the bed shifts, and as quickly as your mind processes it, sylus has made his way to your side of the bed. He's standing above you, and when you meet his gaze you surprisingly aren't met with any form of annoyance or anger. no, it's scarier than that. it's a look you're all to familiar with, since you give it to him on the daily.

game on.

you don't get to say anything, with a yelp leaving your lips as sylus uses his evol to flip you onto your back.

"wait wait wait wait sYLUS WAIT- Omhp!"

in all his 6'2/190 cm glory, sylus all but flops right on top of you, effectively trapping you under him. the dams break, and your laughing while trying to push him away.

he buries his head into your chest, hiding the smirk you know he has on. he's murmuring something while snuggling closer to you. his hands wander your body, before one settles at your waist and the other gripping you hand in his firmly.

you make one more weak attempt of shoving him off, before admitting defeat. now it was sylus' turn to be petty.

"sorry sweetie, but as punishment for that little stunt of yours? you're now stuck with me all night."

the weight of his body is unsurprisingly comfortable, like a huge weighted blanket covering you. you can't do anything but succumb to him embrace, and it isn't long before sleep washes over you.

you breathing matches up with his, your hearts beating in sync. no matter how much you mess around with him, you both know that you belong in each others arms at the end of the day.

@myntrose 2025 - do not copy or translate, or feed into any a.i. software

a/n : i'm alive, just been more active on the side blog ! hope you guys liked by little touched starved blurb <3