"I refuse to use y/n so I give her oc name"???? SO IS NOT A READERINSERT ISN'T, WHY DONT YOU DO (F/O)/OC IS NOT THAT HARD OMG I HOPE THE A03 CURSE GET TO YOU
What if you were like, the neglected Wayne kid’s partner, honestly. And what if, for some reason, their family keeps trying to split the two of you apart. And of course you assume it’s because you are dating their daughter. They’re being overprotective after years of neglect.
But no, it’s because they’re trying to get you. Not your girlfriend—you.
And now you’re sitting with the awkward, terrible realization that your girlfriend’s somewhat neglectful family has been lusting after you for years.
"I know that we're destined to break." Tomoya x FEM Reader
Synopsis: When Tomoya's eyes landed on you, he got this odd feeling something was weird with you. It made his heart flutter, and for no reason... he felt a tug that told him to get closer to the "man" that he's interested in.
Pairing: Tomoya x FEM Reader, One sided Rui Mizuki x FEM Reader
Content Warning: ANGST NO COMFORT just slight!! AND SPOILERS FOR HAUNTED HOST CLUB (OBSCUARY EPISODE) if you have NOT read it, DO NOT READ. HEAVY SPOILERS.
A/n: HI, omg I finally managed to FINISH SOMETHING??? HI HI GUYS I MISSED ALL OF YOU SO MUCH!! I hope you like this cause I didn't wanna beta read it, I'm sorry! so this is just raw writing power. My bad for the multiple errors, I went with what I can write so yes! I'll try catching up more writing during break, I love you all. Enjoy! I hope yall like Tomoya, he was so cute, maybe a bit OOC cause we never really established what he was honestly.
There was an odd feeling that Tomoya felt when he saw the new batch of newbies after Seia came inside the employee’s prep room first. His eyes usually would ignore the way they look at him like he’s a challenge (which he is). They’re all competing for the best hosts here every 6 months. Since Seia just decided to announce his head as the target, you’d expect that these newbies would glare at him…
But no, one guy looked at him like he’s asking to be entertained, the blonde one looks just happy to meet new hosts, one of them look pissed off though, he’s unsure if it’s cause of the hierarchy here. Whatever the reason is. He already despises the guy.
Clicking his tounge, he didn’t wanna handle idiots who doesn’t understand the industry. His eyes darted from each host, till it reached to you. While Seia was busy yapping to the blondie. You on the other hand, look incredibly basic.
But for some reason, he couldn’t stop observing you keenly, like he discovered a new type of man in this field. He’s always surrounded by both, pretty girls, pretty boys. Heck, of course he’s one himself.
But your beauty precedes every visual appeal that his eyes had observed. You look basic… but in an endearing way.
When you noticed him staring at you. It caused you to feel a bit shy, but bold enough to flash a sweet smile. He stiffened a bit causing him to look away immediately.
“Just don’t get in my way” he scoffed, leaving as Seia tried to get him back to greet the newbies.
He didn’t need to greet them. They all leave anyways. When work started, you were the only one without requests. It made him pity you honestly, the poor little host who can’t get princesses. You could’ve just worked at the kitchen and you’ll be just fine, not being pushed by others to go serve drinks or be a shadow of other hosts.
When you fell down, spilling the drink on one of the princesses, he saw the way your eyes looked so guilt stricken. Apologizing to the angry patron while the other host, which is Gen tried to pull the princess away from you.
“I - I’m so sorry!” you squeaked out, bowing so low that he flinched at the future back pain you’re gonna get afterwards. Placing his cup down, he flashed a charming smile at his princess. “I’ll have to go help the little fawn there” he gestured by tilting his head seemingly pointing at you. “Oh! poor boy…” the princess said, watching “Go ahead!” she chirps, heck seeing him eager to help another host got her swooning, women are weird.
Tomoya stood up, walking towards you, he clasped his hand on your shoulder, pulling you to sit up straight as he signaled Rui to get a staff to get the princess new fancy clothes. “We apologize for our new fawn” he said, touching the princess’ hand and giving it a kiss. “We promise to confiscate you in the most necessary way” he murmured, soft enough to hear just to deescalate the situation. When he finished, the princess’ anger disintegrated and she just giggled to herself while Rui went to pull her away.
You, on the other hand, he noticed your hand trembling. He usually would’ve just scolded you for almost losing a patron, but with the way you looked like you’re about to cry. He decided to go against it and usher you to the side, where no eyes can watch and judge.
”Are you okay?” he asked, sharp enough to make it not sound that he has a soft spot for you. Tears started to accumulate into your eyes, not used to fucking up things for yourself. “I am so sorry” you sob quietly, wiping your tears with your fingers. “I got overwhelmed-”
“You don’t need to explain yourself” he said, looking away, he leaned on the wall. “It’s your first day,” he pulls out a pack of cigars, and shook it a bit for one to go out. “Things are bound to not go your way when you’re just starting out.”
Offering the cigar to you. He noticed the way your eyes widen, and immediately shook. “Not a smoker?” he asked, as you continued to wipe your tears. “No… I’m still sorry for causing trouble, are you taking a break?” you asked, grabbing your napkin, it looked quite girlish. Maybe it came from your girlfriend?
Whatever. Why is he so interesting in knowing about your life? he shouldn’t be. He lit up his cigarette, going out to the side where there’s an opening but not visible to the princesses being served by the other hosts.
“I decided to help you out before you made yourself a fool there” he answered rather harshly, taking a slow drag and letting the remnants of burnt cigar fall down from a high height. You just stood there, watching, or observing him. “Do you not interact with women occasionally? friends? sisters? mothers?” he asked, glancing back at you while his body still remains in the same position.
“No..” you admitted, “But they’re not the only ones I get embarrassed around, it’s people in general” you continued, fidgeting with your fingers. “I’m sorry for keeping you here Tomoya” you bowed once again. “You’ll hurt your back bowing so low” he chuckled to himself as he taps the cigar on the edge. “Learn to be confident”
Why is he giving advice to the enemy? but either way, with your performance being so poorly, their reputation might get tarnished, so he guessed it’s better to give advice. “I’ll let you in on some advice” he said, finishing his smoke and walking towards you.
You caught the whiff of cigarettes on him, he grabs a perfume in his pocket, spraying it on himself to hide the scent. When he was taking long strides to you, it made you unconsciously back away. Sure, this isn’t your first rodeo on men invading your personal space, but the way he was staring at you got your heart jumping out.
He didn’t care though, he got you on the wall, he places his hand near the side your head before he leans to your ear, breath warm on it causing you to shudder. “How about you try and watch from other hosts like us so you can catch on what the princesses ‘really’ want?”
It almost felt like he purred that word into your ear, causing your breath to hitch, “yes” you mumbled, voice a bit too high pitched. Satisfied he pulled away, pushing you out of the “break down room” or whatever. “Then that’s it, go on rookie. Don’t disappoint me.” he said, before you could even turn around, he already closed the door, occupying the space used by other hosts.
“Try and watch…” you thought as you huffed, slapping your cheeks for determination. You’ll try looking at how Rui and Ed do it, so far, they’re the ones with customers already. Seia too!
As you left, taking his advice to heart, he stood there, frozen near the door. He groaned, scratching his head. “Shit” he hissed to himself. He didn’t know what spell you just placed on him to have this immediate soft spot with the way you cried. Did you remind him of his sister that he loved so much?
He doesn’t fucking know. Either way, In the first day, you didn’t get a princess…
But you got a prince.
As the months continued, he started seeing improvements on you. Well, more like a Tiktok video ended up going viral with you dancing with a famous influencer. It got him overthinking if the guy was your boyfriend because of how handsy he was with you. Is the guy gay? ugh.
When he clocked in, he didn’t realize how big of the influence Leo Kurosagi had, when a bunch of women were piled up in your spot, eager to see you in the flesh, the host that Leo personally vouched as a good friend of his?
He clicked his tounge, glaring at the door. A man that he can’t beat, someone you’re close with that’s more famous than him.
Why are you eager to learn his ways when you can just ask a man like that?
He couldn’t help but feel a bitter ache in his chest about it. Before work started, all of the hosts were gathered around to give a few reminders, and he warned you that the customers outside were mostly coming for you.
He wonders if it’s because of his advice or what. When words of encouragement were passed from one host to another, you, who was beside him, glanced his way.
“Let’s do our best Tomoya” you said, flashing him the cutest smile he’d ever seen, making his own mysterious and lone wolf personality falter.
“…You too” he answered rather meekly, trying to balance himself from getting blown away by his own feelings.
Yes, he knows he’s falling for you.
He couldn’t keep his eyes away from you for one second. He even thought he was getting away glancing at you all the time so discreetly, but women in general are observant and he got one of his princesses pissed because of it.
“Tomoya!” they huffed and puffed, “you’ve been staring at that host for so long! you’re not giving me any attention” she crossed her arms, looking away with a gentle pout. He scratched his head and tried his best to go back to his one-dimensional personality to woo the woman, but she wasn’t buying it. Standing up and walking out.
A first time he flunked a princess, all because he was worried for you. He sighed, deciding to stand up and walk into the break room for now.
While you were entertaining the princesses. you noticed Tamayo going to the break room, looking dejected, with the princess he’s entertaining huffing at the side with the bartender. Once you’re done with a few princesses, you had to take a quick break, managing to slip into the break room.
Tomoya was slouching there, looking drained, so you take it upon yourself to brew him coffee, maybe get a snack first.
But before you could even do that, his tired voice rang throughout the room. “Fawn, don’t bother” he said, putting his arm down to look at you. “We’ve been drinking beer and soda for the whole day you think I want to get something to eat now?” he chuckles, seeing the way you turned flustered, looking like a deer caught in headlights.
“What else can I do to help?” you asked, deciding to sit beside him. “We’re still on the clock; I thought maybe coffee could help you spring back up”
” I wish” he laughs, deciding to stare at the ceiling. “I just got distracted” he muttered, thinking you didn’t hear him, but you did.
“By what?” you probed. His cheeks turned a bit red, before looking away. “You suck at being a host” he said out of nowhere. You stiffen, frowning before looking down at your lap. “I’m trying” you tried to defend yourself. “I didn’t know I was getting in the way a lot,”
Wrong fucking move Tamayo, he thought to himself, mentally spiking his brain like a volleyball. “I didn’t mean-” his words died down causing him to groan in frustration. “You’re improving, don’t worry”
“But you said-”
” I just, couldn’t stop worrying about you” he cut you off, causing you to peel your eyes away from your lap back at his face. “I was worried you were getting overwhelmed and ...” he crossed his arms, still not looking at you but even without it you can see how his ears were flushed red. “I thought maybe I can go finish on my princesses and try to woo yours, so they pick me”
” So that I could get rest?” you asked
“So that you can get a rest” he affirmed, voice soft a contrast to his persona as a host, this made you smile, out of everything, the crazy missions you go to, the incompetence that you feel when you’re surrounded by non-human ability-stricken ghouls. This man was clueless about that world, a human, just like you.
Of course, you can’t help but feel a bit of warmth being able to finally communicate with someone that was powerless like you. Just… normal. “You’re funny” you chuckle, causing him to glare at you confused. “Wanting you to get rest is funny?”
You nudge his sides, making him grunt. “You want Harasaka to flame you again?” you teased causing him to stand up and just stretch.
“You’re right, he’d go “Why are you two in the break room again? if you don’t go out and entertain the princesses, you’ll start making us lose money” the way he was impersonating your manager made you both laugh.
“Real funny, isn’t it?” you froze, hearing the door creak open, and Harasaka was there, if looks could kill… “get back to work you two”
“Yes sir” both of you said defeatedly. glancing at Tomoya, he looked like he’s feeling better, which was a relief.
After work was done, Tomoya was supposed to invite you to get dinner but he saw that you were surrounded by your “Friends” again, and that gangster wannabe glaring at him for staring at you for too long. He debated whether or not he should try and still talk with you.
In his brain, why the fuck not honestly? he thought to himself, walking towards you causing the others to open up a path for him. In this Host club, Seia aside, he’s the top 1. He shouldn’t feel like he needs to accommodate these rookies.
“Hey” he said, your eyes already fixated on him, giving him that cute smile “Hey” you said it back, his hand on your shoulder. “I think we deserve a celebratory feast for being number 2 right?” he suggested. Rui looked at him like he just snatched the person he’s been aiming for, which Tomoya knows… he just didn’t care and considered it as competition.
“Sure!” are they invited? you asked, “nope, only top two” he said in a sing song voice before dragging you away, “If they get the next top spot, I’ll bring them with me one on one”
” Oi-” Lyca tried to interrupt but Ed stopped him. “Let them be...” he smiled, leaning his head on Lyca’s shoulder. “The human’s obviously expressing some affection to our dear Inspector” he muttered, Rui’s face soured. “Huh? and he’s already making a move?”
” Maybe Lyca’s right Hosts are trash” Rui crossed his arms, watching the love of his life get taken away by another guy, worse, he’s not even a ghoul… just a host.
And yet… he saw it, the way your eyes lit up, casually saying goodbye to the three of them. Heck, you didn’t even look at him much, you just waved and both of you left.
It made his heart ache, his lips turning into a thin line that was noticed by Lyca and (probably) ignored by Ed. “You okay Blond Giggolo?” he asked, a bit worried for the reaper.
Rui snapped out of it, scratching the back of his head. “Well - can’t be helped!” he chirped, turning around to remove his Host uniform. “If cutie wants to ditch us for a dinner date with the top 1 host, we clearly couldn’t keep her eyes on us” he joked, even though it stinged his heart.
Ed liked that look though. “You’re right” he wraps his arms around Rui, leaning close to his ear. “Maybe you should step up your game… Gen” he sneered, causing Rui’s whole body to activate his fight or flight to jump away from the vampire. “Stop harassing me and go change!” he growled, making Ed laugh. Did he really think that Rui would ever succumb into thinking about stealing Honor Roll like that??
Absolutely not…!
When you left with Tomoya, he released your shoulder, only walking just besides you. “Sorry about that” he muttered, making you laugh a bit. “For what?”
” Being so forceful” he continued, he really just wanted it to be just you and him to go out. “I don’t really know if your friends trust me yet” he looked upfront, watching people… or rather, couples walking side by side, the girl holding the guy’s arm, his eyes darted back to you, hoping you’d do the same…
What is he thinking? he’s acting like some kid in high school who just got his first crush…
Which is accurate cause he’s been so focused on keepng his family alive that his lovelife was getting dust and flies hovering around it. Only you decided to awaken his desire to have a lover. “Where do you wanna go eat?” He asked, wow, he kind of sucks. He’s a host but he outright asked you what to eat. If he remembered that’s like… don’t ask what a girl wants 101 given by Leonardo cause they love it more when you know what they want first.
Yet, all of that rizz stuff flies out the moment he watches you, the red district night lights making your prettiness shine. Like a firefly he used to see back in his hometown. The type he would wait till midnight, till every light was off so that they can finally shine.
That’s… what he thought you of.
His heart flutters, cheeks turning beet red at the sight of you. Is this how the girls felt when they watch their favorite host take their seats with them? he thought, his hand twitching, aching to hold your hand.
Do it, Tomoya. He encouraged himself, yet due to him being so fixated on your hand, it suddenly vanished, as you touched his cheek with the back of your fingers, “You okay?” you asked, he was dazed, staring down at where your hand was earlier causing him to snap out of it. “Huh?”
” I said I wanted to eat something that feels celebratory” You smiled, putting your hand down to intertwine it with his. “You wanna go to the ramen shop outside?” you suggested that his eyes twinkling and softening. “Sure”
”It’s my treat” you declared, swaying both your hands together, he laughs at the audacity you have. “I think if we were in a relationship I’d be top” he joked, making you both giggle together. “No way! you’re like that tsundere!”
”tsundere?” he gasped, looking down at you before letting your hand go and pulling you by the waist. “With this waist you think you can top?” he teases, the moment he pulled you, that caused you to squeak and blush.
“That’s sensitive!” you reprimanded, making him blush a bit from the sound you made, but he pushed through, keeping one hand on your waist. “You’re so bold,” you added, but didn’t stop him.
”I thrive to dive headfirst into flirting when it comes to my clients”
”So… do i pay?” you lit up, your hand resting on his wrist instead, you two looked like lovers.
“No”
The night after, Tomoya bid farewell to you after getting you back “home” where you ushered him to go when you got nearer Darkwick.
Humming to yourself, as you walk back alone, tapping your card, the kitty meowed at you, as you pet it, you noticed a familiar blond leaning on the poll on the waiting shed. Your eyes lit up, seeing Rui there. Has he been waiting for you?
“Rui!” you called out, waving to him, he stood straight, smile not reaching to his eyes as he waves back. “Cutie!” he said cheerfully, “How was your..date?” he asked, you walked towards him, almost ready to bombard him with how your “date” went.
” He’s really nice, he bought me food and got me some take outs” you babbled, showing the plastic full of food. “He said that-” Rui already stopped listening as you enthusiastically yapped about it. How you had so much fun in just a few hours. Which he tried his hardest to make you smile before. Yet you continued frowning, of course he didn’t mind, but why does a mere human like Tomoya make you forget about your curse but when it’s him, it’s like he’s constantly reminding you of it?
”That’s great” he said, trying his best to sound like his heart wasn’t fucking breaking. But unfortunately, you, his cutie, is too observant for your own good. “What’s wrong Rui?” you asked, upsetting him, he wished he could just tell you how he felt, before you started looking like you like the guy.
“Do you like him?” he asked, his voice faltering at each word, as he noticed the difference in your scent, you didn’t smell like your usual perfume. It was more of a stronger scent. A masculine one.
Tomoya’s? Was he that close with you. You blush a bit, looking down. “I-”
”So you do” he finished, he didn’t wanna hear it. “I’m glad for you Honor Roll”
Your smile faltered, he went back to calling you Honor Roll for some reason? “Rui? what’s wrong?” before you could even touch his arm, the loud ring of the expressway came. You couldn’t see his face, as he turned a bit, “Let’s go? It’s already so late” he said, you didn’t notice the little quiver of his voice as you both board the expressway.
The whole ride felt awkward, it was rare for Rui to be so silent, arm resting on the windowsill, just watching the trees pass, waiting for the Expressway to do it’s magic. Your sweat dropped, looking at your food, trying to think about what you did. Was it because you just half-heartedly waved at them before leaving with Tomoya.
You didn’t know, you tried your best to wrack your brain but none come up. You heard Rui sigh a bit, “I’m sorry” he apologized, pressing his fingers on his nose. “I didn’t know what came over me, I’m sorry cutie” he muttered, bowing to you. This made you smile a bit.
“It’s okay-! I’m sorry” you apologized as well. “I didn’t think it through to not even say goodbye properly to all of you before leaving.” You went to rummage in your bag, grabbing a apple candy. “Here’s a token of apology” you said. Smiling at him.
You didn’t even know why he was upset, he could feel his body turning cold, finally looking at you. He accepted it. Watching the apple candy gleam under the moonlight, it felt somewhat mocking, how an apple could have made you appreciative of this man. “This looks yummy cutie”
“Thank you”
Everything went smooth for the next few days, until the death of Seia. You and the Jake found his body in such a grotesque way. When Harasaka broke the news, Tomoya’s heart dropped. He considered Seia as a competition, without him… what use does he have being here?
He looked down, noticing the way your hand was shaking. He wrapped his hand on yours, giving you a gentle squeeze. Tomoya knew you cried the whole time, eyes puffy from what you’ve seen. You weren’t close with Seia, but maybe, the guy’s wholesome personality and being a happy-go-lucky made you think of him as a close friend.
”I got you” he whispered, you gave him a slight smile , steeling yourself a bit, and going close to him. “Okay” you muttered back. Little did you know, one of the host was staring at both of you, and deciding to look away, before he hurt himself too much. You had to part ways with him for now. Needing time to focus on your mission. You hid it in the pretense of needing alone time to yourself.
And Tomoya, he knows a person needs her time, especially after something like that… He watches as more and more girls horde you. He guessed working more means you’ll be able to distract yourself from what happened. He decided that since you’re working hard… He’d work hard with you.
In the hopes that he would ask you for one thing… Tomoya stared at his breast pocket, where his resignation letter was in.
He hopes you’d come with him when the time comes. After work was done, he wanted to get your attention, till Cross went in front of him, effectively blocking his way to you while you talk to the two other guys. “Hey-” he glared at Ed, who looked behind eyes glinting under the night light. “Sorry about that, top 1” he hummed, giving him that smile that caught every princess's attention.
“We’re gonna borrow your sweetling for a bit yeah?” he turned his head back, making Tomoya felt helpless, when Ed stared at him, it caused his whole blood to freeze…
Like he was dangerous. The hand that was supposed to be back where it was, your waist, your hand didn’t make it as he walks away, tucking the resignation letter and going to Leonardo’s office first instead.
He’ll tell you next time.
You went on a meeting with the other three ghouls, as you tried to decipher with them the case. It made you rack your brain because it was a bit confusing. The ghost you saw and the time you almost died because of the girl who was apparently named Sachie… You wanted to ask Tomoya about it but Ed smoothly pushed that thought away. Telling you indirectly that he was one of the new hosts… he doesn’t know anything.
This made Tomoya’s departure more painful, when Harasaka announced it, that he’ll only be working for 2 weeks. Your hurt gaze made his heart ache that he had to look away. “I-”
” I’m leaving this biz for family reasons” he stated, finally staring at all of them - well you specifically. “Honestly, i felt pretty conflicted about it whether I should do this after claiming number one but…”
He stepped closer, putting a hand on Kaworu’s shoulder, he kept his contact with you, just like how you both first met. “I think he deserves the top 1 more than me” he gave you a small smile, but you didn’t return it back. “Tomoya-”
He leaned down to your ear, just as he did back then in the breakroom. “After work, come meet me out, I wanna talk with you” He muttered it like a secret. It felt so soft, just like the first time he did it.
Except this time, it felt more raw than the other. “I’ll try” you answered, not really sure if you can talk with him while the mission is ongoing. It pains you that you can’t tell him any details, especially when he’s been an anchor to you even if it was just a few months. That gave you your answer when the anomaly “Sachie” popped out, causing you to stiffen.
You don’t want to endanger him, He’s just a civilian, and yet he pulled away, eyes filled with love as if reminding you that this sweet dream that you’re having won’t last long, that you will have to light up the mesmer match yourself and make him forget about all of this,to make him forget about you.
All for his sake.
He walks out, looking at peace. “I’ll see you later” he mouthed, closing the door as work continued after, cause of the meeting with the ones who won’t be leaving Your spot. You didn’t have time to say goodbye, as the moment he shut the door, Harasaka started screaming. Telling a ghost to get away from him…
He waited.
Waited for you to pop out of the store, but he never saw you, he didn’t even know that Harasaka died, and that had you going with the ghouls as well. He didn’t have your contact number either. Forgetting to even ask. “Shit”
He sighed, closing his phone, should he go home? he noticed your spot was already closed. He went to go around it, seeing you, he wanted to go run up to you, till he noticed you looked scared. An arm placed around you, seemingly by Gen.
Yeah - his eyes aren’t deceiving him… That’s Gen.
His brows furrowed, he didn’t want to doubt you. He didn’t know what happened so Maybe - just maybe that he was misunderstanding. Yeah, you wouldn’t do that…
The next day, he saw you again, but this time, you weren’t going to him, you were looking troubled, getting help from either one of the three hosts you came with. He really wants to help, if you just let him in, whatever you were thinking about he could help.
It turned him sour, causing him to glare at the other hosts instead of focusing on Purin, the princess he’s supposed to care for. “That Gen…” he snarked. Purin pouted. “Why are you so mad at him, focus on me!” she whined, but it was just static in his ears. He continued to stay in a bad mood. While you were busy with the mission. Hoping to find a way to decipher it.
He tried. He really tried, yet whenever he tried to get you alone, the one or another was blocking him. As if whatever problem they had was more important.
”Fawn” he walked to you, the breakroom being a silent sanctuary when the hosts are overwhelmed. “Are you oka-”
“Kawuro” Harasaka opened the door. “Table six, go immediately, VIP seat” he called bluntly before closing the door. It made you stand up, brushing your hand with his. “I’ll talk with you when I can Tomoya” you smiled, although fakely. Within that few seconds, he noticed how tired you were. Eyebags deep under your eyes. He knew you were juggling school with work…
It caused his heart to ache, effectively shutting him up as the door closed with a soft click.
He felt like you were closing your heart to him. Shutting him out. And he doesn’t blame you. After all, why do the hosts kept dying, and you managed to witness one of them to perish.
He bit his lip to the point it bled, as Harasaka called him, summoned by another princess
It went on for the last few days of his work. After that, all of you were told that the next day (which is the last day of his work) was free, and it was supposed to make him happy, but not being able to see you filled him with dread. Sure, it hurts him plenty and upset him that he couldn’t say his plans with you properly.
Back when his feeling started developing for you, it was great. He started to think that if he asked you to run away with him, live with him and be together. You’d surely say yes.
But now… he doesn’t know, but that doesn’t matter, this time he’ll ask you.
You and the others suddenly started running towards the highest floor, the roof top, causing him to look confused and run with you. “Fawn where are you going?” he managed to ask, running to the steps with you.
” Leonardo” you answered; adrenaline pumping as you slam the door open. “He’s in danger- wait!” you screeched as Tomoya noticed that he was reaching the edge of the tower.
“Leo!” he gasped, eyes zeroing at his boss, but before he could even bolt there, a ghostly woman came, stopping… whatever was luring Leonardo in. Tomoya glanced at Jake, who just had turned into some kind of wolf
“What..?” He was lost, and it was irritating him. “Fawn, what-?” he tried to grab you, only for you to unconsciously pull your hand away, putting it on your chest. “Thank god” you muttered, looking at him, “That’s” you panic a bit, looking at Lyca.
”Oh don’t worry” Ed said, watching the scene unfold as Leonardo falls on the floor. “We’ll just make him forget, right? Honor roll?” he places his hands in his pockets. Tomoya furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.
“Honor roll?” he repeated back, looking at you. “Isn’t that a bit too feminine of a name…?”
And then it hit him.
You weren’t just a feminine boy… you were actually a woman. “Oh-”
You didn’t really expect such a relaxed reaction from it, then again , it wasn’t that big of a news that you were crossdressing as a man. “I’m sorry for deceiving you” He shook his head, laughing a little cause he did piece two and two together. “I was pretty much ready to be gay” he joked, “I still feel the same.. either way” he muttered, “What’s going on, Honor roll?” he asked, finally being able to talk to you. “You can tell me”
You frowned, as he takes a hold of your hand. You looked down, instead of feeling your heart fluttering at the gentle handsome smile he gave you…
You just felt dread. You looked at Lyca, Rui and Ed. Hoping that their expression said anything but all of them looked.. off. As if rejecting the thought of ever letting a normal human in the world of anomalies/ghouls and what not.
You were torn. But not for long, as you held his hand back, taking a deep breath as you. Even if it means that he’ll lose his memories, at least you’ll be able to know that he existed to be your.. friend. In some way.
“Let’s talk downstairs, yeah?” you answered, giving him a reassuring smile. He nods as all of you make your way downstairs.
While doing so, you could feel the worried gazes of your friends behind you, but you didn’t want to tell them the reason. The Mesmer match in your breast pocket was ready.
This mission is about to be over anyways. If you manage to actually uncover who the killer is by tomorrow. Tomoya can go back to his sister, without you in it.
You sat down with him where he’s usually summoned by princesses. This time, not as the host, but as his princess. Leonardo wanted to give both of you privacy, especially after nearly dying. Your friends deciding that since you’re going to do the deed. You might as well enjoy another human being that is magicless, similar to you.
He was… amazing, you realize why the girls kept wanting him. “I’m sorry that I am too broke to try and buy your time with me” you teased him as you drink the tea he made from the break room. He laughs, “For you Honor roll, anything’s free” he flirted causing you to take a deep breath just to relax.
”You damn flirt” scowling, you glare at him playfully, which he flashed his smile against. Unfortunately for you, you lost. You ended up telling him about your story. How you ended up in Darkwick, stopping from time to time to let him process the information.
“That’s.. tough” he frowned, the tea he made was already cold just from eagerly wanting to hear from you. “You’re cursed” he looked down, “and you have a year left?” he continued, feeling bad for you. “Oh no it’s fine,” You lied, “the ghouls you met are trying to help me with it”
”But like you said” he looked back at you “There’s no progress for 5 months already” pointing it out, you flinched from what he said. “Yeah- But that doesn’t mean i’ll stop trying, even if the chances are slim to 0.01%”
Tomoya knows he should be happy that you’re telling him all this but…
He can’t shake off the feeling that you were keeping one thing you’re hiding from him. And he was not stupid.
“You’re freely telling me everything.” he blurted it out, gripping on the little cup. Hoping that he probably has it wrong. “Are you going to erase my memory? about you”
He finally decided to face you, “About us?”
This caused you to stiffen up, guilt etched on your face, causing you to avoid his eye contact. “Please” he said, voice laced with sadness. “Please look at me and answer me Honor roll”
”Am i going to forget about you?” He asked again.
You bit your lip, darting your eyes anywhere but him, but with his voice sounding so desperate you can’t ignore him for so long. “… yes”
A wave of silence washed over the table where you two were in. Tomoya chuckles to himself. “I guess It was never meant to be” he said to himself bitterly, but it was loud enough for you to hear.
“What do you mean?” you asked, your heart breaking at each and every word he just said. “What do you mean by that Tomoya?”
“I wanted to ask if you wanted to quit with me” he admitted. “You were with them, - your ghoul friends”
“I’m sorry-” you choked out, tears finally starting to stroll down your cheeks, causing Tomoya to panic. Making a girl cry is the least he wants to do.
So he breaks his own rule, standing up and going to the other side. Near where you are. Even if it meant this would be the last time he’d ever be able to hold you.
He pulled you into his arms, crushing you with the weight of him. You felt the warmth of his body, as you wrapped your arms around him. “Tomoya - I’m so sorry” you buried your face into his shoulder. “I didn’t mean to-”
”It’s okay” he soothed, “don’t cry- don’t cry” he rubs your back. “It’ll be okay, we’ll see each other again” or at least he hoped so. If you truly are the one for him, then fate will allow it to happen once more.
You calmed down as he continued his repeated phrases, that was luring you to relax, to rest in the arms of the human you ended up liking. “You have to do it soon right?” he asked, pulling away from you but ending up holding your hand instead. You didn’t want to. You wanted him to be around at least.
“Yeah-” you grabbed the Mesmer match with your free hand. “Do you want to do it now?” he asked, “So that, later, you wouldn’t feel hurt that much?”
You didn't want to, you didn’t want to, you didn’t want to.
But the way he was looking at you, like he was prepared himself, and just waiting for you to be ready, forced you to put on a brave face. “Okay” you answered, gripping on his hand a bit too tightly, but he didn’t care, he wanted to feel you one last time, just enough that even when you leave him, he’d still yearn for you.
The woman that he ended up loving.
You lit up the match, as it shone a beautiful small fire, even he admired it, another thing he admired aside from you. “Honor roll?” he called you out as you got distracted by the fire.
“Yes-?” you gasped, feeling his hand touch your cheek and he pulls you for a kiss, a soft one. You stiffen up, feeling your heart break as tears start to fall down your cheeks again. You kissed him back, gripping on his hand, wanting to leave a mark on him.
When you pulled away, the smoke started precipitating, covering the small area that surrounded the both of you. “I love you,” he said, breathless, smiling as he pressed his forehead to yours. “Come back to me, when you’re ready Honor -” he said, but stopped as his memories started turning foggy.
You sobbed as the smoke envelopes him, “I.. - I will” you reassured one last time, before letting him go and slipping away before he woke up from the short slumber caused by the mesmer match.
“Roll…” Tomoya blinked, confused as he looks around. “Strange…” he thought to himself he’s a picky sleeper so dozing off where he’s working was odd. “I don’t remember being seated where the princesses are..”
Fin
Summary: Haru wakes from a nightmare tied to the trauma surrounding his prosthetic arm. Usually energetic and endlessly cheerful, he finds himself unable to hide his vulnerability from you. Instead of letting you leave, Haru quietly asks you to stay beside him, leading to a tender late-night moment filled with unspoken understanding. As rain falls outside, you soothe him back to sleep with gentle touches and a lullaby, hoping that one day he’ll no longer have to carry his pain alone.
⌯⌲ The lullaby that you humm: The Last Night in Lahai-Roi
Rain tapped softly against the windows endlessly. The room was dim except for the pale blue glow leaking through the curtains. Lightning occasionally flickered somewhere far away, briefly illuminating the scattered energy drink cans on Haru’s desk and Peekaboo curled into a tiny ball near the foot of the bed.
You slept beside Haru beneath tangled blankets, your face half-hidden against the pillow. Unlike him, your sleep was light enough that even someone coming down the stairs that’s close enough to the bedroom could wake you. So when Haru suddenly jerked upright with a sharp inhale, the entire bed shook. His breathing was ragged and uneven, like he had surfaced from drowning. For a few seconds, he didn’t move at all. The rain outside continued to fall.
His silver eyes stared blankly ahead and unfocused, strands of his hair clinging to his forehead. Moonlight caught the metallic sheen of his prosthetic arm, the cold steel contrasting harshly against the warmth of his bare skin. The mechanical fingers twitched once, then clenched tightly. You stirred a moment later, blinking sleepily into the darkness.
“…Haru?”
Your voice came out soft and hoarse with sleep, he flinched slightly at hearing your voice. You pushed yourself up slowly, rubbing one eye before looking toward him properly. Even in the dim light, you could tell something was wrong immediately.
Haru was always loud, bright, cheerful in a way that overwhelmed entire rooms. Even exhausted, he smiled. Even stressed, he joked. Even when everyone else was falling apart, Haru somehow stood at the center holding everything together with ridiculous optimism and caffeine. But right now he looked painfully small, the silence around him felt unnatural. Rainwater rolled down the window behind him, streaking the glass like tears.
“…Bad dream?” you asked quietly.
Haru didn’t answer, his shoulders rose and fell. You noticed his gaze slowly lower toward his right prosthetic arm. Something in your chest tightened, you didn’t need him to say it as you had seen that look before. The distant expression, the way his jaw locked slightly. The subtle tension whenever conversations drifted too close to his arm, to the past, to things he carefully buried beneath laughter and endless energy.
You never pushed for answers not because you didn’t care. In time, you know that he’ll say it all when he’s ready. So instead, you simply shifted closer beside him, close enough for your shoulder to brush his back. The room remained quiet except for the rain, after a long moment, you spoke gently.
“…Do you want a warm drink before going back to sleep?”
You stretched slightly, trying to sound casual despite the worry curling inside you.
“I kind of want one too.”
Haru still didn’t answer immediately then he turned toward you. The expression on his face caught you off guard- he looks tired and vulnerable. Before you could move to get up, cold mechanical fingers lightly wrapped around your wrist.
You blinked. Haru’s grip wasn’t tight, it felt hesitant like he was afraid you might pull away.
“…Don’t go.”
Your breath caught slightly, it startled you more than if he had shouted. He was looking at you now with something painfully soft in his eyes. The storm outside rumbled quietly, he gave your wrist the faintest tug. Those silver eyes met yours fully now, no jokes hiding behind them. And suddenly, he looked like a lost child asking not to be left alone, your heart melted instantly.
“…Okay,” you whispered.
Haru visibly relaxed at that single word. You shifted back against the headboard, pulling the blankets around your lap. For a moment he simply watched you almost uncertainly, before slowly laying back down beside you but Haru buried his face against your waist, arms loosely wrapping around you while carefully avoiding pressing the metal arm uncomfortably against your side. The position was so unexpectedly clingy that warmth flooded your chest immediately. You looked down at him in disbelief.
“Haru,” you whispered with a tiny laugh, “you’re acting like a baby.”
“I’m sleep deprived,” he mumbled against the fabric near your stomach. “That doesn’t count.”
“You say that every time.”
“Because it’s true every time.”
Despite yourself, you smiled. There he was, a little bit of his usual self. Your fingers slowly moved into his hair; soft and slightly messy from sleep. You gently combed your fingers through his hair, scratching lightly against his scalp the way he liked. His reaction was immediate, Haru exhaled quietly, shoulders loosening beneath your touch.
“…There,” you murmured. “Better?”
“Mhm.”
“You’re too easy.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“It absolutely is.”
He huffed softly and you felt the faintest smile against you as the room settled again afterward. The mechanical arm rested beside him on the sheets, unmoving now. Yet even without words, you could feel the lingering ache surrounding it. You wondered what he had seen in that nightmare, what memories haunted him enough to rip him awake like that… or maybe something worse. Maybe not the physical pain at all, maybe the loneliness afterward, the helplessness and the fear.
You looked down at him quietly.
Haru spent so much of himself taking care of everyone else that you sometimes forgot who took care of him. Jabberwock relied on him. Others complained about him constantly, yet still followed him anyway because Haru somehow kept the entire house from collapsing into chaos. He motivated people even when they hated it, he worried constantly like a mother, worked endlessly like a father, smiled endlessly and somewhere along the way, he had probably forgotten he was allowed to be weak and rest too.
Your hand slowed slightly against his hair.
“Haru?”
“Hm?”
“You know…” your voice softened, “you don’t always have to pretend you’re okay.”
His hold around your waist tightened faintly.
“…I know.”
But the answer sounded uncertain, you continued gently running your fingers through his scalp.
“I mean it.”
“…Sometimes I feel stupid.”
“For what?”
“The nightmare stuff.”
His voice was muffled slightly against you.
“It’s just a dream, right? But sometimes I wake up and it still feels real.” He laughed weakly. “Kinda pathetic of me.”
Your chest ached, you immediately shook your head.
“That’s not pathetic.”
Haru didn’t respond. You looked out toward the rain-covered window.
“I think…” you began slowly, choosing your words carefully, “when people get hurt badly enough, some pain stays longer than it should.”
The storm flashed pale blue across the room.
“And pretending it doesn’t hurt anymore won’t magically make it disappear.”
For a while, Haru simply listened.
“…You always say things like that.”
“Like what?”
“Stuff that hits too hard at two in the morning.”
You laughed softly under your breath.
“Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize.”
His voice had grown sleepier now, your fingers continued threading through his hair slowly and rhythmically. You could practically feel the exhaustion dragging at him again.
“…Can you sing me a lullaby?” he asked suddenly.
You blinked.
“You’ll regret this when you hear my voice.”
“I doubt it.”
You sighed dramatically, though affection tugged at every word.
“Fine,” you whispered. “Only because you asked nicely.”
“I always ask nicely.”
He laughed softly.
Carefully, you leaned your head back against the headboard and began humming softly. The kind meant for quiet nights and tired hearts. Your fingers never stopped moving through his hair while you sang. The rain outside accompanied you like background music, soft percussion against the windows. Gradually, Haru relaxed further against your waist, the tension left him piece by piece; his breathing slowed and the faint crease between his brows disappeared. You lowered your gaze toward him, eyes already closed now. Without his usual grin and loud energy, he looked unexpectedly delicate, just a man carrying more weight than he should. Your voice softened even more toward the end of the lullaby. You gently brushed his bangs away from his forehead.
“…I hope,” you whispered quietly after the song ended, “that someday the nightmares stop hurting you.”
The rain continued falling.
“I hope you can forget the pain enough to sleep peacefully.”
Your fingers lightly traced through his hair once more.
“And I hope,” you murmured almost silently, “you never have to carry it alone again.”
No response came, only slow even breathing and you smiled faintly. Haru had completely fallen asleep, his hold around your waist had loosened; soft and unconscious now, like he simply wanted reassurance you were still there. You looked down at him fondly and carefully, you adjusted the blanket around his shoulders so he wouldn’t get cold. Peekaboo stirred near the foot of the bed before waddling sleepily closer, curling near Haru’s side again.
The storm outside slowly softened, the rain no longer sounded lonely. You leaned your head gently against the bed headboard behind you, continuing to card your fingers lightly through Haru’s hair even after he was asleep just in case he woke up frightened again. And with pale blue light spilling softly into the room, you fall asleep too. Still holding him together quietly in your arms.
NOTES:
⌯⌲ I wrote this while it was raining in the afternoon with the perfect scene and then listening to this Album hits so hard it fits.
⌯⌲ I saw that scene too where women do the scalp massage thing at their men so I finally get to use it here!
Summary: The Astral Express had been your home for a while. You slept alongside Caelus when suddenly, homesickness hit you. Caelus comforts you in his own way.
Warnings: No warnings!!
w/c: 970 words
loud notes: Ughh, this was just short of 1k, but I didn't know what else to do after! I still like this a lot, and I feel like Caelus deserves so much more love. He's so goofy.
The moon hung high in the sky, looming over the world below. A soft breeze shifted leaves on their branches, creating noise in the quiet night. The scent of pollen filled your nostrils, your body lying in a sea of flowers.
Night had always been your favourite. A time in the 24-hour cycle where the world grew eerily silent, as if no life had even existed in the first place. Where you didn’t have to fret over messing up or saying the wrong thing. Where you had the freedom to dance beneath the stars, to let the moonlight be your spotlight.
But even you knew that dream wouldn’t last forever.
When you opened your eyes, there was no morning sun to greet you, no birds chirping outside your window. Just the hollowness of deep, empty space staring back at you. You rolled onto your side, gazing out your window. The stars were there, but space had never settled well in your stomach. Now, you were on a train in space, trailblazing across the galaxy.
It was a dream, of course it was. A living dream that you got to have as your everyday life. Living on the Astral Express, being one of the Nameless. Travelling across the galaxy, visiting different planets. Though sometimes, homesickness creeps up on you. It just hits you, and when it hits, it hits you hard.
You could be going about your day, pouring a cup of coffee from a fresh pot, separate from Himeko’s monstrosities, when you think about the coffee shop you visited every Friday. It pools deep in your gut, making your throat and chest swell with emptiness. It’s like after that thought crosses your mind, you can’t breathe properly until it passes; whenever it does.
Caelus lay beside you, face nestled in the crook of your neck, arms encircled around your waist. From the way he was breathing against your neck, he was just pretending to be asleep. You don’t know when he woke up, but it was sometime recently.
“Caelus, I know you’re up. You don’t have to keep pretending,” you sighed, petting his hair. Caelus stubbornly kept his eyes shut but you knew he would crack soon. “Fine. Don’t respond to me. I’ll just go and eat the last of your cake in the fridge.”
“Not my cake!” Caelus shot up in bed, pouting dramatically, grabbing your shoulders and shaking you back and forth. “Anything but my cake!”
His cry was so loud that you had to physically slap your hand over his mouth to keep him from waking everybody else up. He looked at you behind hurt puppy dog eyes, acting like you just threw him into open space.
“Darling, I love you, but you need to be aware that there are many people here who would absolutely hate to be woken up right now. Even in another train car, we need to not be so noisy,” you scolded, pinching his nose. That made him gasp loudly. “Just lower your voice. That’s all I need you to do.”
“You’re always so mean to me,” Caelus grumbled, pushing your hand away from his mouth. “But I really don’t want to face March’s fury when if I interrupt her beauty sleep. Last time did not go well.”
“Yes, I heard of that. That is why I suggested why you should be more cautious,” you chuckled softly. “Now, can you let me roll over? I need your warmth.”
Caelus grinned like a kid getting the last piece of candy. He loosened his grip, letting you roll over in his arms, throwing his legs over your body. Most people said he was like a raccoon; you thought he was more like a koala.
“Wow. I’m just a heater to you, huh?” Caelus joked, wiggling his brows. “I think I’m so warm because of the Stellaron in my chest. It makes me super-heated!”
“That could be the case,” you agreed with a nod of your head. “Maybe we’ll get the answers to your strange phenomenon another day. I would prefer to just be held.”
Caelus made a knowing sound, resting his chin atop your head. “Missing home again?”
“I wouldn’t call it that much of a home anymore,” you mumbled. “I have my true home squeezing me to death right now.”
“Stop deflecting,” Caelus tutted, sliding his hand beneath your shirt, warming your skin. “I know you love me, but nothing could ever replace your planet. We both know how much it means to you.”
“I hate how well you know me,” you groan, voice muffled by your face being pressed into his chest.
“Deal with it.”
His thick arms tightened around your waist, his lips brushing your hair. His hand rubbed up and down your back, sending a shiver down your spine. You forgot just how comforting your boyfriend’s hugs were, especially when your mind was elsewhere. He made it easy to just focus on him instead of everything else.
You hadn’t realised when you started crying, your heart picking and your body shaking with your sobs. Caelus held you through it the entire time, holding off one of his stupid jokes that somehow always made you laugh. Even if he wanted to be silly right now, he couldn’t while you were crying in his arms, bestowing your trust in him to comfort you and love you even on your worst days.
And that’s what he did.
When your sobs began to fade, your shaking body easing into an occasional shuddered breath, he lifted his head, looking into your eyes. They were red and puffy, swollen so much that you could only open your eyes halfway. How much time had passed? You had no idea. All you knew was that he stayed.
Maybe, just maybe, Caelus could cure your homesickness. For Good.
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