Malbonte x Vicky Walker/Reader fanfic
Word Count: 9,075
(The name Vicky is never used. Vicky/Reader is always referred to as her/she.)
Summary: Malbonte walks up memory lane and thinks of her, their relationship, and how they got where they were. All while the world is announced to be on a timer.
Note: This is an old fanfic that has been on my Google Docs for maybe 10 months. I’ve gotten tired of it sitting there and wanted to delete it. So I’ll just post it. Some trigger warnings for violence, mild gore (not descriptive), one brief hint at self-harm, and one scene with alcohol.
"Shepha is dead. Shephamalum will die soon. And together with them, you will sink into oblivion. You have a week to say goodbye to your loved ones and accept death."
Those words spoken by the universe had rattled even those with the coldest of hearts. Everyone was dealing with a flurry of emotions. Malbonte could hear them outside his room.
He heard someone scream, "No! This can't— No!" Shortly followed by loud ugly crying. The sound of panic quickly became greater, it was almost pricing. People could be heard begging for things to not end this way as if Mother of Life would listen.
Maybe she could hear them, but he knew that she wouldn't consider their desperate pleas. Shephamalum told him long ago that Mother of Life would not spare such beings like them. For she could never accept something so inherently rotten in its roots.
Despite knowing the outcome, Malbonte felt uneasy. At one point, he played around with the thought that maybe the universe would show them mercy. Considering she didn't wipe them out the moment she entered their plane of existence. Only observing them as if they were ants.
If she spared them, that would lead to another onslaught of problems. Shepha is dead. That permanently damaged the balance of harmony. This world needed both brothers to exist. Would she make another life form to substitute them? Or maybe she’d let it collapse in on itself and become true pandemonium.
Even if she did all that. Making it the best outcome for everyone. She'd undoubtedly get in the way of his goal. The whole reason why he set out on this journey. To kill Shephamalum.
He shook his head to get rid of the what-ifs. He's been waiting so long for these chain of events. And now he was anxious. When he was younger, he thought he'd be more excited by this, but this feeling. This build-up of dread was entirely her fault.
The choir of sorrows was getting too much for him. He opened the door to find both guards gone. They were supposed to keep an eye on him, but they most likely fled after hearing that announcement.
He silently tread through the halls, hoping to find a quiet place. No one spared him a glance. They were either running around, comforting the students, or trying to hold themselves together.
It didn't take him long to realize that he wouldn't find an area to drown out the chaotic misery. He walked a bit away from the academy and found himself standing at the stone tower. The place where his other half had been locked away.
It was amazing this place was still up after all these years. At least for the most part. The room where Bont had resided in for his whole existence had been destroyed long ago. Most likely during the war ten years ago, but most of it still looked the same.
It stood there forgotten and neglected just like Bont. The destroyed room wiped away the last semblance of Bont. The angel had no one or nothing aside from that room. It was the only proof of his existence besides word of mouth. He was effectively erased.
Malbonte's shoes clacked against the stairs. He dragged his hand along the cold stone wall. As he slowly went higher up the stairs the image of them crashed through his head.
Her gray wings labeled her as inferior to birthright immortals. Then there was the purest angel, locked away as if he were Shepha's dirtiest secret. A broken mirror and their naivety brought them together.
Things were more straightforward back then, but he wouldn't wish for those simpler times. He'd never look back. Never regret everything he did for himself to get where he was. To this moment.
There were less than a handful of things for him to reminisce about. He wasn't a very sentimental person to begin with. Yet he’d admit in an empty room, that most if not all of his best memories had her in it.
He stopped moving as a memory of them filled his head. His mind desperately clinging to Bont's last weeks.
──────𓆩 • 𓆪──────
The young woman immediately noticed how Bont shifted uncomfortably. "What's wrong?" Bont moved his eyes away from the plate.
He contemplated lying for a moment. Only to spare her feelings and not be unappreciative of the food. Unfortunately, Bont had never been a good liar and quickly came clean.
"I don't…" He glanced at the cooked rabbit and shuttered slightly. "I don't really eat meat." He turned his head away to calm himself. He loved all animals, especially the fuzzy ones.
Rabbits were small, innocent, and defenseless little things. When he was younger Arch Angels would tell him tales about rabbits. The little creatures’ misadventures would always end with some kind of moral. Now one sat there on a plate with four boiled potatoes beside it.
Seeing how upset he was. She quickly tried to fix her horrible mistake. “I'm so sorry! I can um—” He cut her off, “No, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to be ungrateful. I can eat it.” He snatched the plate from her hands and picked up the fork.
His hand slightly shook before stabbing the boiled potato. “No, it's okay. I can try to find something else.” He ignored her words and ate the potatoes like his life depended on it. Once they were all gone, he hesitated to poke the rabbit.
She ripped the plate out of his hands. “I’ll make sure it doesn't go to waste. But first, I'll get you something less… departed.” She tried to give a reassuring smile, but her panicked expression made it look awkward. “No, I can't reject your gift.”
He was going to start going on a tangent until he saw her face. That panic was swept away and replaced by pity. “Bont, you're crying.”
Bont looked at her confused before lifting his hand and touching his cheek. She was right.
The soft clatter of the plate being set down echoed in the room. Taking a step closer to him, she started to wipe away his tears. She did it so slowly and gently like he'd break at any moment.
“One day we’ll go outside and search for rabbits. We’ll watch them hop around with their friends until sunset.” She quietly promised. It was more of an apology though.
──────𓆩 • 𓆪──────
Malbonte blinked his eyes. The image of her standing in front of him, cupping his face suddenly dissolved. Reminding him where he was. Who he was.
Even though the moving pictures stopped playing. He remembers what happens next. Bont, being the oh-so-perfect and grateful angel, scarfed down the rest of the food. He didn't want her effort to be in vain.
Then not too long after eating the rabbit. He was overcome by guilt and pity for the dead animal and threw it up. His vomit accidentally landed right on her.
Embarrassment crawled onto Malbonte's shoulder at the memory. That emotion and action were all Bont’s, not his, he'd claim. Though he wasn't sure if that was entirely true. He and Bont were one in the same, right?
‘When did your attraction to Bont even start?’ Malbonte asked as if she would hear it. He started going up the stairs again. Leaving Bont’s embarrassment on those steps and becoming nothing more than a fleeting emotion.
Eventually, he made it to the first crossroad. The stairs went higher, but there was a small hallway with a few doors. He took the detour because he wasn't in a rush. She was still hours away from returning to the academy.
He opened the first door. Bookshelves were pushed up against the wall. A long table rested in the middle of the room with chairs gathered around it. Everything had a layer of dust.
Making him wonder when this place was last used.
He was going to lazily examine the books when a small statue caught his eye. It was small and wooden. Depicting an angel on one side with a halo and the other a demon with a pointy horn. He couldn't tell if it was meant to symbolize the balance of harmony or a half-breed.
Regardless of its intent. It was well made even though it was simplistic. He remembers finding a similar statue once. It would sit on his desk in that ramshackle camp.
──────𓆩 • 𓆪──────
“I know Bont is still in there.” She claimed before raising her voice, “Bont, you have to fight this. I know you win back control.”
A laugh erupted from him, making him throw his head back. Her words and the fact she never realized that Bont wasn't his own person was amusing. She was given more than enough time to realize that. Maybe she was even dumber than he thought.
When he stopped laughing he looked at her face. Her eyebrows were furrowed, nose slightly scrunched up, and her mouth was a scowl. It looked like she'd start fighting if she wasn't in enemy territory. But her eyes, they silently plead for that angle to be freed.
A small needle punctured his heart. Just an inkling of pity for the girl who thought she saved a prince from a tower. Only for him to be locked away again.
“Do you want to see Bont again?” Malbonte asked, almost softly whispering.
Her tense shoulder eased up and her hardened expression lessened. She responded without hesitation the moment she realized he was serious. “Yes.” She said it so desperately, but her eyes were more pleading. They were wide, waiting to save that angel once more.
Malbonte slowly raised his hand and pointed at his chest. “He's right here.” The way he said it and his toothy grin had a level of mockery to it. With just a hint of sadistic glee.
Silence filled the room. She stared at where he was pointing for a moment and then shifted her eyes away from him. She focused her eyes on the corner of the room and said, “No.”
His mouth was left agape for a second before he quickly shut it. “No?” He repeated her words, completely dumbfounded.
“Bont can't be,” She cut herself off. She couldn't bring herself to say that they were the same. “He's somewhere.” She choked out.
He scoffed at her denial. Her behavior wasn't pitiful anymore. It's idiotic now or maybe it always has been.
He walked around the desk before stopping in front of her. With him blocking her view to the corner of the room, she turned her head to the other side. She didn't want to look at him, not at that monster that wore Bont's skin.
“He was never a full-fledged person.” He started, grabbing her chin tightly. Not caring if it hurts or not. He forcefully turned her head and tilted it up to look at him. She shut her eyes, but he kept speaking.
“Tell me, if someone was stripped of all their bad qualities. Are they really themselves anymore?” She didn't respond. So he asked again, “Is that even a real person?”
“He'd never do this!” She screamed, her eyes still shut tightly. “Bont isn't a monster! He's a good person! He's nothing like you!”
Frustration arose within him. It had started at a simmer, but now it was starting to boil. With his free hand, he reached out to her left eye. His pointer finger and thumb pulled apart her eyelids. Forcing her to look at his face.
With each word, he moved his face closer to hers. “Bont never left.”
He was close enough to her face to see that she was replaying a memory. He held his breath and froze when he saw it.
Their second kiss. Her and Bont’s kiss. They were hidden away in the abandoned ballroom and unashamed by the innocent kiss. Neither questioned if this was love because they both knew the answer.
Suddenly he felt wetness on his thumb. Crying. She was crying. He recoiled. Both of his hands fell to his side so quickly as if her tears burnt him. His face no longer itches away from hers.
“Bont…” Her voice wavered, “He's—”
They spoke at the same time. He said. “Here.” While she mournfully whispered, “Lost.”
This started as a debate which was more or less him trying to recruit her. An argument of whether or not the current state of harmony was really balanced. If the Council of Angels should be allowed to have a monopoly over parts of Hell. They were all talking points he stole from the demons in his camp.
Ultimately he didn't care so much for the injustice or balance. He was using the divide between immortals as a shield. Parading around as the antihero that strived for true harmony.
And this conversation slowly devolved into something more personal. It wasn't even a debate anymore, was it? This was her voicing her denial of reality.
She looked at him. Her tears trickled down the side of her face without a care and she cracked a tiny smile. Her expression was soft and it had a sad fondness to them. It was like she was sending a silent apology to him. Or was that look meant for someone else?
“You're lost.” She mumbled. She spoke her next words a little louder yet it still held a level of tenderness. “I'll become your guiding light again. No matter how long it takes for you to get here, I'll wait for you. Come back to me, Bont.”
He balled his hands into fists. His face twisted into sneer filled with disdain. “I am Bont!” He roared. No matter how loudly or how much the lion screeched. The rabbit longed to free the lamb that lay dormant in the feline’s stomach.
Her gentle smile faded and a look of determination crossed her face. “Bont, forgive me for this!”
She raised her hand that was covered in a thick layer of darkness. Becoming a second skin of sorts. Any ridges, small wrinkles, or softness on her hand was replaced by a sharp and unnatural smoothness. Sharp, pointed nails were now at the end of her fingers.
While the second skin ended at her wrist. Dark pulsing vines traveled up her arm, seemingly stopping at her forearm. It looked painful. With surprising speed, she got out the chair and lunged at him.
Her transformed hand reached out to him. The element of surprise had given her a split second before he moved out the way. Despite smoothly sidestepping, her nail cut his wing.
The moment her nail came in contact with his wing. He felt a burning sensation. Not from suddenly being cut. It was the thing that clung to her skin like a leach. Her right hand felt like it contained one of Hell's various fiery pits.
She had put all her force into that attack and with him out of the way, her lower body crashed against the desk. Everything on the desk was knocked off, crashing onto the floor. A pained and displeased groan escaped her mouth.
He felt warm blood run down his wing. It was a surprisingly deep gash, so it'd take a moment to heal. She pushed herself off the desk and turned around to see his hand raised. His palm was facing her, his fingers were stretched out. What started as a dark speck in his palm quickly evolved into a dark sphere.
Without much sound, it charged straight for her head. She was able to move out of the way in time. For a split second, she felt the dark energy graze her ear. Giving her access to what she would have felt if she reacted any slower.
Cold. It was so intensely icy that it felt like her ear was developing frostbite. A horrible feeling of pins and needles. Then that icy feeling disappeared as quickly as it came when his energy darted past her.
A shaky breath came out her mouth. The whole time she held her breath. Death had been so close to her. It seemed like every tribulation for her since she came to Heaven had death involved in one way or another.
She hadn't become acquainted with death and welcomed it with open arms because of that. No. She despises it more than ever, but it hasn't caused enough fear to keep her from jeopardizing herself.
The sphere hit the wall with a loud bang before the energy dispersed within a blink of an eye. The sudden ruckus caused Fencio to throw open the door. A few guards followed the old man. Fencio blocked the way for anyone to get in. He didn't want some fool getting caught in the crossfire.
She completely ignored them and held out her hand. Those long nails pointed at him before her hand tensed. She sharply inhaled before a loud crack of thunder echoed out. Immediately after that, there was a sound of flesh ripping and wet chunks landing on the floor.
A black bolt of lightning zipped through the air towards Malbonte. He swiftly dodged the attack like it was nothing. The overlaid frustration on his face lessened. Curiously and mild surprise crawled its way into his eyes.
The ritual had done wonders for the Unclaimed. Not only boosting her strength, but allowing her to wield his darkness. While his power took on an almost smoky form. Hers was electric, at least that's what it looked like. He wasn't entirely certain that it behaved the same as lighting.
It was impressive and it caused Malbonte to realize that she could be a real threat. Yet she clearly couldn't conduct it thoroughly. As her hand was splattered across the room. From her wrist downward was only exposed bone. Darkness could destroy anything, even the user, if they weren't careful.
“Should I take her to the cell?” Fencio asked. The old angel eyed her right hand and the mess it had made.
“Leave. I'll take care of the thief.” Malbonte ordered. The demons behind Fencio quickly moved out the doorway and scampered off. They didn't want to be on the receiving end of Malbonte's ire. Fencio hesitated before closing the door and waited outside.
He watched as her other hand went through the same transformation. “You can't even control it why—”
She once again lunged at him with her other hand. Already fed up with her behavior, he allowed her nails to dig into the flesh of his chest. He gritted his teeth. His blood boiled inside of him. The skin around the pierced flesh was already starting to blister at the high temperature.
Seeing that her attempt was successful, her eyes widened in amazement. Her mouth didn't move, but he swore he heard her speak. “It’s fine. I only need the intent to kill. He's fine.”
Grabbing her wrist, Malbonte ripped her hand out of his chest and kicked her in the stomach. A pained yelp fell from her mouth. She doubled over herself allowing him to easily twist her arm.
He started to speak, but she wouldn't let him get a word in. “We talked about going to the zoo one day. To see all the animals you've read about. You loved all plants, colors, stories, the sky—everything.”
After the first sentence, he realized she was trying to conjure up Bont. He twisted her arm, threatening to break it. “You're delusional—”
She didn't react. Instead of shutting up, she kept speaking. “You were so beautiful because of how you looked at everything.” She blabbered on and on. Bringing up old conversations that no longer meant anything. They were nothing more than ancient history in the face of war.
Was there even a point in arguing with her? The grieving woman seemingly had no interest in joining his sham of pursuing justice. Pity was long gone because this was just pathetic.
If this was one who stole half of his power, then he needed to get it back. Fast.
Malbonte was about to tug on her arm, dislocating her shoulder. Until she blurred out. “—And I loved you. I wish it said it sooner. But I do. I love and miss you so damn much.” Her voice was sluggish from the blood loss and her attempt to heal her wound. Still, anyone could hear the sincerity.
He hesitated for a moment and actually listened to her words. “We shouldn't have ever met. We shouldn't have done a lot of things, but I don't regret it. I'll never be selfless like you. I'll never be so beautiful and pure. Still, Bont, I'm so sorry for things turning out this way.”
He tightened his grip on her arm, before letting go. A quiet, frustrated sigh escaped his mouth. Placing his hand on her shoulder, he pulled her up. Forcing her back onto her feet. The sudden movement made her stagger.
“Just for freeing Bont, I’ll show you some mercy.” He practically hissed out his words. Freely expressing his disdain for her. Yet at the same time she felt energy flowing through her.
The question of if it was only gratitude was never asked or thought about. Buried and unresolved feelings shouldn't be bothered exploring at the forefront while war raged on.
Her right hand was suddenly healing faster. Fleshed wrapped around her bone before developing muscle and then layers of skin. A sense of calm washed over her, drowning out her previous emotions. She couldn't tell if it was the sudden healing or her blood loss. Probably both.
Even though the sudden energy moving through her felt like she was being drunk in the Antarctic water. She could just fall asleep like this. It was pure bliss.
With her being in an almost trance-like state, Malbonte guided her out of the room. She stumbled over her feet leading him to start dragging her along.
“Have someone clean up that mess.” Malbonte ordered Fencio as he walked by him.
Demons watched as their leader pulled her along like some ragdoll. He could hear some snicker at the sight of her. There were even a few chuckles here and there. He ignored it.
Opening the cell door, he wasted no time shackling her. No words were exchanged between them. She was nodding off, barely there. And he doubts she'd actually listen to a word from him regardless of lucidity.
Once he was done. Pity buzzed around him like an annoying fly. No matter how much he tried to swat it away, it always came back.
Wanting to squish that fly and no longer gaze at what laid on the floor. He made his way to the exit. He grabbed the handle and was ready to close the door when she muttered some words. It was just loud enough for him to hear.
“I'll save you, Bont. No matter the coat.” Her voice was weak, but that foolish determination was loud and clear.
He halted at the doorway. Waiting to hear what other delusions she'd spout out. After a few seconds it was clear she was completely out. He closeted the cell door without looking back.
──────𓆩 • 𓆪──────
Not long after that confrontation, her friends tried saving her. The group thought too brashly and immediately became prisoners as well. It was clear that they were all haphazardly doing things as they went. Yet even with that clear disadvantage, she and her friends managed to escape.
It seemed like it was a common trend not just with him, but with everyone. To undermine her efforts and her as a person.
To be fair, her outrageously bold actions usually ended up with her getting hurt. Making it look less like a success and more like a trip to the hospital. She unfortunately never dropped that behavior. Almost like it was her nasty addiction.
Still, their rocky start was almost amusing in a way. Considering how he found himself wrapped around her after the war. Even living together, at least for the most part. With Hell's line of succession only retaining a madwoman, unfit to be in any position of authority. He'd partially take up the throne, sharing it with the Demons.
He placed the wooden statue down and back its original spot. Then he walked to the bookcase. There was nothing particularly interesting. There were history books recounting old events with a few spell books. The variety was very lackluster. So he moved on and out of the room.
Walking a little further down the hall, Malbonte opened the next door. The room was cramped with a desk littered with papers. Everything about this place was small. It was almost claustrophobic. He couldn't imagine willingly spending more than an hour here.
He looked over the papers. The handwriting was neat. It wasn't anything too interesting. Detailing what students excelled at and what needed improvement. He couldn't imagine half of those names being alive right now.
There wasn't anything to kill time with here. It was also uncomfortable to be in there. Shutting the door behind him, he entered the last room on this floor.
It seemed to be a storage and janitorial room. A bucket with a mop sat in the corner with a broom beside it. The shelf that was placed right next to the window was bare. This place was no less neglected than the others.
A few spare chairs filled the area. Completely out of place was a wooden crate. Chairs surrounded it, poorly hiding it. Moving them out the way, he got a closer look. It was cracked open already. Taking off the top, he carelessly disregarded it before peering inside.
Wine.
It was filled with it. He picked one up to be surprised by the fact that the bottle was half empty. It was foolish to think that someone didn't seek some type of refuge here. By how there wasn't a layer of dust, this person probably came here periodically.
Looking closer at the bottle it seemed to be manufactured in Hell. All bottles of wine had a similar design and aura. It was hard to describe how to differentiate what product came from where. Aside from the obvious physical appearance. For the most part, you couldn't point out which was which.
Most things didn't carry that quality. It was just something things were holier and other held bad intentions. It usually depended on the origin in which the product was made. Higher in Heaven or deeper in Hell, gave it a particular air.
Despite carrying the same heavier, almost smoky aura. Interestingly, the bottle had Enochian writing on it. Heaven's primary writing system. It had big bold letters that translated into wild black raspberry.
Popping the top off, he held it up to his nose. Almost immediately he scrunched his nose and recoiled. That scent brought back a memory of her that he'd much rather forgot.
──────𓆩 • 𓆪──────
Until like in Heaven, you could never tell the time in Hell. Demon’s didn't have the privilege of looking up at the sky and seeing the twinkling stars. Still, Malbonte knew it would be dark once he returned to Heaven's citadel.
Although he wasn't sure if he'd be returning there tonight. Meetings were a drag regardless of if it was with Demons or Angels. The whispers of a condemned God only added unnecessary luggage to an already abysmal task.
Another argument broke out. Beelzebub seemed acutely aware of Malbonte's agitation and quickly tried to resolve the verbal fighting. It wasn't even a serious matter. Just a petty land dispute.
Malbonte leaned back in the chair and deeply inhaled. Though maybe calling it a chair was wrong. Throne was a better definition for the thing.
Black bedrock from one Hell’s many, many pits were carefully sculpted in towering thrones. They had the aesthetic of only being used by Hell’s highest demons. Unfortunately after a while they were as comfortable as sitting on a cactus.
“I demand that Ronove give back what is rightfully mine!” Valefar screeched. The demon’s high-pitched voice was grating even to those deaf.
“You lost it by betting it when you lost all your gold! You signed the paper, I watched you do it and I still have the paper right here, you absolute buffoon!” Ronove's nasally voice wasn't exactly a choir of angels either.
Malbonte rested his elbow on the arm of the throne and rubbed his temples. It felt like the whole thing was going in circles. The only reason this case was being bothered was because Valefar had a high standing in Hell.
‘Revanizes tuz emenderty cevear. Aristorant meie zower.’ Shephamalum whispered from beyond his cell.
It felt like with each word a dull pain went through his head. The longer it went on, the pain would evolve to a sharp stabbing sensation. Sometimes leading him to become physically ill.
Back when he was in the dungeon with the almost forgotten God. Back when he was Mal, he never experienced anything like this when hearing Shephamalum. He had to endure a lot of things, but the mere sound of his voice wasn't one of them.
It made him wonder if his angelic side was the reason for this pain. Fighting back against the pure wickedness that invaded his mind. Which only brought up another question. Could a Demon hear Shephamalum’s voice without any defects?
The sudden intrusion in Malbonte’s mind made him straighten his posture. Belial shot a curious glance his way, seemingly the only one who noticed how Malbonte tensed.
‘I have to get out of here, It's too cold.’ Her voice crashed against him like waves bullying the side of a ship. Her voice was attempting to sound calm. Unfortunately her uneasiness was shining through.
‘I think I'm going to throw up. No one would notice it in the house plant, right? But that was a gift from Reguel, oh… I'm not overworking Pike, am I? It feels like it. I'm such a mess. I should wear this more often.’
There was a disconnect in each sentence. Each one was spoken with a different tone. All of them lack context and consistency. It was as if they were from different times either seconds, minutes, or maybe even hours apart.
Malbonte had already gotten off the throne and strode halfway out of the room. “I have other business to attend to.” No one had the time object or attempt to persuade him. It wasn't as if anyone would. He was still feared by many and unsurprisingly loathed.
Once out of Hell's castle. He spread his wings before taking off. He flew over lakes of lava and the scorching fires. Ignoring the houses that were built like mighty fortresses and lined with gold.
He had to get back to Heaven's citadel. To the place that she called their home.
Their connection to his power had led to telepathic speaking. It took time for them to develop it. At first they needed to be in view of one another. Over the past four years, they have been able to communicate while yards away from each other.
But for her words, her thoughts to reach him while in Hell was impossible. Or it had to be.
The unintended side effect of strengthening their telepathic link was having easy access to her thoughts.
It wasn't like opening a door and he'd be bombarded with her thoughts echoing in his head. It was more like a river. Her thoughts would flow down to him and he'd willingly drown in her voice.
Though the water wouldn't flow down the river because she was able to build a dam. A mental block. Giving her back the privacy that she had lost for a moment. Though, an emotional moment will lead to the dam breaking for a moment. She didn't feel a positive or negative emotion for the dam to break. She only needed to feel an extreme emotion.
That must have been happening now. The extreme emotional distress that was happening was so great, that she inadvertently sent a message to him. It was clear by her thoughts that she was home. With the mention of Pike and her Reguel’s gift.
Though she could have very well have left the house by the time he got there. The house would be the closest thing for him to check. After that he'll go to the council’s offices and find out more from there.
After an annoying amount of time flying through the sky, he finally saw those pearly white buildings of the citadel. It was odd how a place could look so cold and lackluster, but be picturesque with life bustling around every corner. It was more humble, so to speak, compared to the grandiose architecture of hell.
He gilded through the streets. Ignoring the eyes on him. Some acted as if he was going to wreak havoc on Heaven once again by hiding inside. How right they were to fear him, but not for today.
He didn't even have to open the door to feel her energy. He didn't allow himself the luxury of feeling her energy surround him like a comforting blanket. Opening the door he found her lying on the floor in the middle of the living room. She had her left arm slung over her face, covering her eyes.
The coffee table that was placed in front of the couch was pushed off to the side to make room for her. The room littered with little tickles of blood. It didn't take a genius to find the source of drying blood. As she sported a new pair of wings.
Pike, the housekeeper, came rushing to the front door. The small angel bowed and quickly tried to explain the situation to Malbonte. His voice violently shook, unable to contain his anxiety. “The mistress, she was fine when she came home. Then she started—”
He suddenly stopped speaking when Malbonte walked past him. A momentary sense of relief came over Pike. His shoulders tensed back up when Malbonte spoke. “You can leave now.” There was no anger behind those words. Just a steady clam.
“She made a big mess in the bathroom, kitchen—everywhere. I haven't finished cleaning half of this place.” Pike stuttered out.
“You can have the day off tomorrow too.” Malbonte said while taking long strides toward her. Pike hesitated for a moment. Watching closely as Malbonte crouched and gently removed the wine bottle from right hand. She didn't react. Either sleeping or too caught up in drunken thoughts.
He spared a quick glance at the bottle. The glass was a deep maroon shade, almost looking black if not for the light. The label stated the name of the manufacturer, a business in hell, and the flavor. Wild black raspberry. It still had a decent amount of liquid in there, so he placed it on the coffee table.
“Goodnight, Pike.”
“Goodnight, sir, I'll see you Thursday.” Pike squeaked out before quickly fleeing. He closed the door a little too loudly causing her to move her arm, which snapped her out of her daze.
A confused expression was drawn on her face. “Where is,” Her eyes slowly moved around the room. The haze in her eyes told him how she wasn't there. Although he already knew that the moment he stepped in.
Her eyes landed on Malbonte. “You took my hair rollers again didn't you?” Her accusatory tone wasn't harsh, it sounded playful probably because of the wine. The accusation caused him to raise an eyebrow. As if he'd take anything like that from her. She was going to say something else, the sound of ‘M’ just on her tongue, but he interrupted her.
“You're going to bed.” He helped her off the floor and back onto her feet. The moment she was standing she leaned against him, putting all her weight on him.
She buried her face against his arm. “I'm not angry. You can keep them.” Her words were slightly muffled, but he could feel her smiling against him. He froze at that feeling.
His lack of a response didn't stop her from babbling on to herself. Carrying on a one-sided conversation with someone not there. A person who had been a ghost for far too long.
He could feel her smile. It felt carefree and guinea in a way. Dopey due to the alcohol, yet still unapologetically warm. Happy.
It wasn't a tight grin she'd wear when out. Where she'd show teeth and the corner of her eyes didn't wrinkle with glee. She wore the smile of a politician. She practiced it well throughout her four years of being a councilor. He realized now that she doesn't smile that much, does she? Not like how she was now.
Or had she always smiled like this? Did he make her stop?
“You're going to bed,” Malbonte said again. There was a silent tension starting to press down on him. She didn't object as he guided her through the house. She continued to speak to him incoherently. Her voice becomes a little too loud or a murmur mid-sentence.
He wasn't even keeping track of what she was spouting out. It was hair rollers first to something about a dragon, and now about needing a book from Hell. Honestly, he would need a translator to even understand what she was going on about. As they walked up the stairs, he saw things from her make-up cabinet littered across the stairs.
They looked to have been dropped down. Not haphazardly thrown out of frustration or sorrow. Just dropped as if to see what would happen. Some powder sat on a few steps with a small container wide open. Brushes of various sizes, little bottles of mascara lay out on the steps. Their original use had long been forgotten.
She had told him a long time ago that she didn't drink much because she was a lightweight. He suspects it now that it was for other reasons. With a sigh, he kicked away some of the clutter so she wouldn't step on anything. She clung to him like he'd disappear.
When they made it to the top of the stairs he let out another sigh. She made the upstairs walls her canvas with lipstick. There was red, black, purple—all the colors in the rainbow he swore. She must have had fun wasting it and tomorrow she’ll be angry at herself for it.
“Then we’ll all go to that theater. Sneak in popcorn again. Even bring grumpy pants with us.” She said as they walked down the hall. She stumbled slightly over her feet, but Malbonte kept her upright. He responded with a dry. “That's great.” She didn't seem to notice his lack of engagement or maybe she didn't mind. She didn't seem to mind a lot of things about him.
Finally reaching the bedroom, he found the closet wide open. Her dresses and outfits were haphazardly thrown about. Clothes were draped over the mirror, almost hiding it. It looked like a planned attack on that specific piece of furniture. It made him wonder if she broke it and was hiding like a kid, or if she just didn't want to see herself.
He was starting to regret dismissing Pike early now. Carefully, he placed her on the bed. She let him go to pull the covers over herself. In her haze, she could see him starting to move away from the bed, so she swiftly grabbed his wrist. Her dopey look, that carefree smile fell. “Don’t. Stay with me.” She whined like a child. It was off-putting.
“I'm not going back to Hell. I'll stay here tonight.” He told her while trying to pry her hand off him. That action only made her grip tighter. “You're choosing me?” She sounded so hopeful and almost surprised like she hadn't expected those words, yet wanted to hear them all the same.
“I chose you long ago.” Her grip lessened as lips curled into a dopey smile. Those simple words that he slips out to keep her occupied always make her so damn happy. He could never really understand why, or maybe he never allowed himself a moment to try to understand.
“We’ll go to the theater after all of this. I promise.” It was an odd thing for her to promise to Malbonte, but he simply nodded his head. He didn't know how to interact with her right now. Letting things play out seemed like the best.
He watched as her lip quivered, her breathing became a little heavier, and those hazy eyes became wet with tears. One moment she was smiling, now she was getting misty-eyed when he did nothing. The swift mood change made him contemplate taking back his word and leaving for Hell. Inebriated people were the most annoying to deal with.
“Please hold me. I miss you.” Her voice cracked slightly at the end. Before he could even move, she yanked on his arm, causing him to topple onto her. He forgets sometimes how physically strong she was with his power. Her demeanor wasn't as imposing or silently threatening as his, so she was often underestimated by opponents. Even Malbonte.
She wrapped up arms around his torso. “Let me go. I'm going to crush you.” He said like a parent scolding their kid. “Crush me then.” Her response made him scoff before he rolled on to his side. He needed his vessel alive, not a pancake. The bed squeaks quietly at the movement.
She nuzzled her face into his chest, clinging to him as if he'd be taken away at any moment. Her left wing stretched out to cover both of them. It felt like she was trying to hide from the world. Escaped to a quiet paradise that she could only find in him. She deeply inhaled before murmuring, “You smell different.”
He tried to relax in her arms, but it was too difficult for him. He'd always be tense in one way or another. “I was just in Hell.” He reminded her. She hummed at his response. He could feel wetness gathering in the middle of his chest. For a brief moment, he thought of pulling her off him and leaving her alone in the house.
Malbonte couldn't handle this sort of emotion. He wasn't even equipped to handle much of any emotion. The inability to relate or understand never bothered him. It was more of a strength than anything. It allowed him to cross lines that no other immortal would. With a lack of emotion, no true empathy, he didn't need to think about morals. Mortals were a poor man's quality.
Yet feeling her pressed against him, silently crying. Just for a moment, it made him question if his incomprehension of feeling was a strength. Was it his justification for something everyone else has? A hidden jealousy or fear? Everyone around him experienced such complex emotions.
He moved through the days without too much care. The only thing keeping him going is the fantasy he planned on making reality, killing Shephamalum. He experienced emotions just like others, yet they seemed to be muted. It felt like he was an unfinished or blank canvas while everyone else wore vibrant paints.
There was a tightness in his chest now. He felt her relax against him now. Though her arms were tight as ever around his torso. This inadequacy was far too troubling for his liking. It was his strength, he told himself. He'd need it again once he finds the book. When the world learns the real definition of pandemonium.
However, his hand reached out and touched her back. The touch was hesitant, almost tender in some aspect. His fingers brushed against where skin and feathers fused. “New wings?” He quietly questioned. Her wing that covered him slightly twitched at his touch.
“Blue was too sad. I want to feel pure.” Her voice reverberated against his chest. He glanced at her wing. The feathers were white and soft with gold edges. He supposed brighter colors were fitting for an angel.
Although he wonders if she wanted to be an angel, or if this was an apology to her late mother? For not killing the stubborn woman like she wanted in the final battle.
“They look good. All your wings do.” His compliment was dry and awkward. He could only silently wonder if this was how people comfort each other. If so, he knew he wasn't doing a good job at it.
The woman deeply inhaled again, her shoulders tensing before relaxing as she exhaled. “Won't leave again? You're staying this time?” He couldn't understand why she had to be reassured again. He thought telling her once was enough. It must have been the wine, or she could just be that lonely.
“I’m staying here the whole night.” He said. There wasn't any real comfort in his tone. His monotone voice didn't allow for such sincerity. It wasn't like he was sincere in the first place. He silently cursed as he felt wetness against his chest again. A new wave of tears was produced just for him.
“Don't leave. Stay. Stay with me forever.” There's another spike of discomfit. He was sure this would be romantic for anyone else. Isn't that what lovers want? Sappy words and fragile promises.
“I won't leave.” There was a hesitation in his words. Was this remorse? For telling her a bold-faced lie. Did remorse always make one's chest hurt, he questioned.
She makes a strange noise. It was a mix of a strangled whimper and a gasp. She nuzzled her head against him again and slightly squeezed him. She whispered to him, “Never leave me again, Mimi.”
──────𓆩 • 𓆪──────
Malbonte stood still as a statue. His eyes stayed glued to the bottle, rereading one word. Raspberry.
After a moment that went on for far too long, he placed the cork back in the bottle. Placing the wine where it was originally from. There was a gentle clank of glass as it rested against other bottles. He returned the lid to the crate with stiff movements. That sudden memory left him more shaken than he would have liked. His heart was racing as if trying to escape his chest.
He grappled with the fact that he was meant to hate and be hated. He could live with that. He was living that.
Yet that small part of him, Bont’s purity, was still alive within him. It would creep its way out at times. Nails bloody from desperately crawling out of the seemingly endless darkness. Bont was naive enough to believe that she'd fully love Malbonte. Love him purely as she did Bont. Love him as she loved her roommate.
Malbonte found himself believing that for a split second. For only she could make him feel so sinless.
As horrible as it sounded, he was never tormented by his wrongdoings. He never gave his victims of the first war a real second thought. The only reason he thought of that war was because of how tormented she was.
It seemed like every few months she donned a new pair of wings. Knowing damn well her old ones were fine. Still, no one said a thing. He didn't say a thing because it was easier to ignore.
He knew only a fraction of how the war damaged her psyche. Her friends were mercilessly taken out in the brutality of war. Her mother ripped away from her again. It was all his doing. Everyone one of her loved ones was her price to be with him.
He foolishly, maybe even arrogantly, adopted the idea that she wasn't that hurt. She made her choice during the war. She willingly paid that hefty price. It was her doing. It was all hers. Each life taken from her was priceless. Each person he slew with his own hands, did that make him just as priceless in her eyes? Did the wealth and weight of souls transfer to him?
No was not priceless in the way that they were. He had taken, stolen, and lied like it was his native tongue. He was worthless. No price tag could be placed on him.
Through her attempt to develop another unhealthy coping mechanism, of drinking her pain away. It forced him into the position of facing the fact that she'd always love someone more than him, Malbonte. He kept her at arm's length after that. Not too far to keep her from running off, not too close that she'd know every little detail about him. Have they ever been in a relationship?
Her having hidden resentment didn't sound far off. He'd understand if she did. As they would never be a fairytale that people tell children at bedtime, because that wasn't their story. This wasn't going to end on a good note, was it?
Looking back on it now, it made Malbonte question why she even joined him all those years ago. Why did she fall in love with him? Or did she even love him?
He couldn't imagine how her mind was processing everything going on now.
With nothing else, Malbonte exited the room. Quickly going back to the stairs and making his journey to the top. Waiting for her to come back from the snowy peaks filled him with a familiar feeling of loneliness. It was not longing. That word was too flowery for his situation.
This heart ached at that forgotten memory and the situation he created. Nearly every predicament in her life was manufactured by his hands. His lack of care was overridden by this ageless revenge.
“Where are we going?” He asked aloud. His voice echoed around him before it went silent again. There was no answer.
Where was this relationship going? However, the biggest problem was whether there was still a ‘them’. He's seen how she looks at that demoness. She genuinely smiled at that woman despite the chaos around them.
The look on her face when she was dragged out of the dungeon was tired and lost. Then the moment her eyes landed on Mimi, the one she had lost ten years ago, lit up like a Christmas tree. Her eyes constantly darted between him and Mimi. A clash of overwhelming emotions.
It still bothered him. He continues to be bothered because he knows he's not the better option. There was the fact that Mimi had already taken the spot he used to have. No, Mimi was just taking the spot she always had. He was a mere placeholder.
The realization wasn't new to him. It came to him during one of Plague's many tone deaf parties. It's just that now it hits even harder. The world was on the brink of ending, and he was alone, wasn't he? Just like Bont in that tower. Waiting with anxious anticipation for her to speak to him.
The purest angel would wait hours on end for her face to pop up on the broken mirror. Her face would fill him up with such boyish glee that he couldn't hide his smile. Nine times out of ten, she'd smile back at him. Mirth behind her eyes.
Except for that one day.
──────𓆩 • 𓆪──────
Quiet. That's what she was today. The lack of response was discouraging to the conversation. Her dry words are even more so. It was clear to Bont, through the chipped mirror, that something was bothering her.
He abruptly stopped speaking and called her name. Drawing her attention back to him. She let out a questioning hum. Somehow, even that sounded cold and distant.
Without hesitation Bont asked, “Are you alright?”
A short sigh escaped her lips by accident. “I don't know.” Her eyes turned away from the mirror to look at something else. Almost as if she were afraid he'd read her mind or look through the memories replaying in her head.
“What’s making you feel uncertain?”
She furrowed her eyebrows and pursed her lips, making a thoughtful expression. After a few seconds had passed, she shrugged her shoulders. “It's just me making myself a problem. It's nothing really.”
It was bizarre behavior for her. To be guarded. When they first started talking she was like that. Secretive and almost dismissive, but she quickly opened up. Bont’s warm personality shone down on her, opening her up like a flower embracing the sunlight.
She'd always talk about her day and what new thing she learned about the world of immortals. She was his window to the real world. While he was the window to additional information. Together, they explored the world through their words.
The two become friends within a matter of days. Maybe it was naivety that caused it to progress so fast. Maybe it was their shared, yet different loneliness. Either way, Bont wouldn't allow his only friend to deal with something on their own. He had to help. Well, he'd at least try with the limitation of the tower.
“How are you making problems for yourself?”
The wrinkle between her eyebrows slightly deepened at his innocent inquiry. “It's just thoughts. It can't hurt me or anything.” She tried her best to downplay her emotional state.
“Thoughts could lead to something more.” He said, gently rebutting her. A small, defeated yeah came from her mouth. The admission didn't sound bitter because she could never allow herself to spit out such frustration to someone as sweet as Bont. “Why don't we talk about it? Sometimes speaking aloud helps me when my thoughts are tangled.”
She slightly inhaled and looked at the mirror. She took in his face, examining it closely. A clear debate was going on in her head.
Not wanting to force her into anything. He added, “But we don't have to talk about that. Just know that my ears are always available to you.” She let go of the breath she was holding. The exhale sounded tired, even sad.
All of a sudden, Bont found himself looking up at the blue sky instead of her face. She curled up in the lush green grass and placed the mirror upward. Her mouth was right next to it so that he could hear her.
“I'm just making myself sad and upset.”
He nodded his head before speaking up, realizing she couldn't see him. “Everyone tends to have non-productive thoughts. Making yourself sad or angry. What's yours?”
That all I manged to write. I don't think I'll ever pick this fanfic back up, but if you made it this far. Thanks for reading this dumpster fire of a draft. Would have tagged Mimi, but I gave up before I could dive head first into the Vicky/Reader's love triangle.
I was sifting though my slow ass Chromebook and found my little collection of incorrect quotes. I collect them for comic ideas, but never used them. So thought why not make them into HS incorrect quotes.
There's a lot of them.
Heaven's Secret 1
Mimi: I’m begging you, just be cool.
Vicky: Hey, who’s cooler than me?
Adi: Everyone.
Lucifer: I gave Dino a get well soon card.
Vicky: That’s… Surprisingly nice of you.
Lucifer: He’s not sick, I just think he should do better.
Mimi: Your future self is probably talking shit about you right now.
Adi: Jokes on him. I’ll ruin his fucking life.
Lucifer: There’s something seriously wrong with you.
Dino: ...Coming from you, that's actually a little worrying.
Vicky: Do you have a date for Valentine’s Day?
Bont: Yeah, it’s February 14th! :)
Vicky: I— never mind.
Dino: *Holding the door open for Vicky* After you!
Vicky: Oh no, after you!
Dino: I insist, after you!
Lucifer: *Pushing past both of them* After me, peasants.
Vicky: I’m ten times funnier and sexier than you.
Austie: Ten times zero is still zero though.
Vicky: Jokes on you, I can’t do math.
Vicky: What if Cinderella was a baking slave instead of a cleaning slave, and her name was Mozzarella?
Lucifer: Don't ever speak to me again.
Mimi: *Crying in the hallway*
Vicky: Hey hey, it’s okay, don’t cry. What happ- oh wow, where did you get that eyeliner? It isn’t smudging at all.
Mimi: *Sniffling* It’s sharpie.
Vicky: *Talking about Lucifer* So, uh- what’s wrong with him?
Adi: Everyone has a different theory.
Dino: I just realized something. I had a bad childhood.
Lucifer: Yeah, I know.
Dino: What do you mean you know?
Lucifer: Look at you.
Lucifer: *After getting in trouble* I can’t help it, I love disasters.
Geralt: Of course. Self-love is a healthy thing.
Sammy: I’m sure wherever Lucifer is, he’s looking down on us.
Vicky: Lucifer died?!
Sammy: Oh, no. He’s not dead. Just very condescending.
Vicky: Hey, I'm getting in the shower. Wanna help me out?
Bont: ...Have you never taken a shower before?
Vicky: Never mind…
Vicky: If someone attractive disagrees with me I will immediately change my views. I have no principles.
Malbonte: You really should have some principles.
Vicky: You’re right, I should.
Adi: I didn’t want to do this, but I know one way we can get the money.
Austie: Well, aren’t you sugar and spice and everything nice?
Vicky: Well, aren’t you rudeness and sarcasm and everything… uh…
Austie: No, go on. You find something that rhymes with sarcasm and makes sense and I’ll stop acting like an asshole.
Vicky: I’m not an idiot. I don’t take risks and I think about my every action.
Austie: Hey, I bet you can’t fall down the stairs faster than me.
Vicky: Fucking wATCH ME-
Vicky: Revenge is a waste of time.
Malbonte: So is watching TV and eating candy, but you do it because it feels good.
Vicky: In your opinion, what is the height of stupidity?
Mimi: *Turning to Adi* How tall are you?
Seraph Crowley: I’m… I'm at a loss for words!
Lucifer: *Narrating* Despite being at a loss for words, Crowley yelled at me for the next 45 minutes.
Lucifer: What happens when you die?
Satan: I’ll go to the realm of non-existence.
Lucifer: No, I mean when you die, do I get all your stuff?
Lucifer: I was arrested for being too cool.
Austie: The charge were dropped due to a lack of supporting evidence.
Mimi: I left Vicky and Adi alone for two hours and they dumped three bags of sugar into the dryer to try and make cotton candy.
Lucifer: Did it work?
Adi: Rules were made to be broken.
Sammy: They were made to be followed. Nothing is made to be broken.
Mimi: Glow sticks.
Vicky: Karate boards.
Adi: Rules.
Sammy: …
Geralt: Did you four really think you were going to get away with this?
Vicky: …
Mimi: …
Sammy: …
Adi: Well it would be stupid to say yes to that now.
Vicky: I heard Adi is in jail?
Mimi: Yeah, for something he didn’t do.
Vicky: What didn’t he do?
Mimi: Fly fast enough.
Rebecca: Promise me you’ll win this thing today.
Vicky: I promise you I won’t give up!
Rebecca: That’s not what I asked you to promise me.
Lucifer: *Trips and falls*
Vicky: Are you oka-
Lucifer: You’d better make a wish because you just saw a falling star.
Vicky: To be or not to be-
Lucifer: Don't pretend you read Shakespeare just to try and bond with me.
Vicky: …
Lucifer: You can't fool me. You're illiterate.
Lucifer: Just buy me strawberries like a normal person.
Sammy: What do we say when people get to know us?
Adi: Welcome to the shit show.
Sammy: NO-
Haven's Secret 2
Malbonte: *Watching at the horsemen destroy the world*
Malbonte: Okay, so I know that this is MY fault entirely, but this is OUR problem now.
Misselina: Rise and shine, everyone! Good morning, rise and shine!
Geralt: I’ll rise…but I refuse to shine.
Astaroth: Oh my god, it’s Vicky! I’m in love with her!
Christopher: Oh that’s so sweet! How long have you guys been going out?
Astaroth: No we’re not going out. I’ve never even talked to her.
Vicky: *Smiling and waving excitedly at Malbonte*
Malbonte: What an absolute fucking idiot.
Malbonte: I can’t believe I’d die for her.
Rebecca: *Eating* This is really good, who made this?
Vicky: Oh, I did.
Rebecca: *Spitting food out* This is fucking disgusting!
Vicky: I thought happiness started with H but mine starts with U.
Malbonte: Are you sure you’re not dyslexic?
War: *Standing outside holding a sign that says “Marry me?”*
Adi: *Looks out window*
Adi: Oh, Shepha! YES!
War: No! Tell Vicky!
Adi: VICKY I'M MARRYING YOUR BOYFRIEND!
Malbonte: There’s a tree out there growing wood for your coffin.
Vicky: Bold of you to assume my body will be found.
Astaroth: Tell me a joke.
Adi: You look great today!
Astaroth: Thanks!
Astaroth: …
Astaroth: Wait a damn minute-
Vicky: Awww, look at you, finally trying to be romantic with all these candles.
Malbonte: First of all—
Malbonte: I’m about to sacrifice you.
Vicky: I love you guys. You're the best thing that ever happened to me.
Mimi: We're the best thing that's ever happened to you?
Vicky: Yes.
Adi: Now I'm starting to feel a little sorry for you.
Sammy: Adi!
Vicky: *Accidentally doing something really well*
Vicky: Ah, shit. I’ve given them higher standards now.
War: My head hurts.
Plague: that's your brain trying to comprehend its own stupidity.
Rebecca: I hope you get run over.
Malbonte: Hoping is all well and good but ultimately it gets you nowhere. Get in the damn car and run me over yourself. Be the change you want to see in the world.
Malbonte: [Enters the room]
Rebecca: Do you ever get pre-annoyed? Like you already know someone is going to piss you off before they even start talking?
Malbonte: How do I make a date really romantic?
Shephamalum: Be mysterious.
Malbonte: Okay.
*While on a date with Vicky*
Vicky: Where are we going?
Malbonte: It's none of your business.
Plague: Hunger hasn’t stopped staring through the window since the storm started.
Plague: The French have given us many good things.
Twilight Various x Fem! Reader
Summary: y/n and Bella finally go out. As friends of cores.
Perv Chapter
𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐧
"Sure. Let's hang out sometime."
All Bella could wonder was when would that "sometime" be? A week would pass, and there weren't any further interactions with y/n. The [hair color]-haired girl walked through the hallways, never really acknowledging her. There wasn't a slight head nod or even a single glance her way.
Everyone in this school was focused on her, but the one person she wanted attention from wasn't giving it to her. It sounded childish, she knows, but she'd rather have those [eye color] eyes on her than everyone's.
Facing y/n in a one-on-one conversation felt too much. Even sitting next to her made her skin prickle with unease or maybe it was overwhelming excitement. Bella couldn't explain the feeling, but she wanted to be closer regardless of the uncomfortableness.
There was Edward Cullen, who reacted almost similarly to y/n. Not swarming Bella because she was a new toy. Edward and the Cullen family seemed cold and mysterious with their reclusiveness. Well, y/n had that air of mystery around her as well.
The only memory she had of her was old photos and those forgotten dandelions. She was a frozen memory. Forever staying as the rambunctious child of the summer until Bella came back. The memory of that girl was still there, but it was being overtaken by who she really was now. There only stood a quiet girl now. Never bothering to talk with others and walking around like a ghost.
It was a bit sad to see that y/n had changed so much. Her loudness and warmth were what Bella initially liked about her. Fondly, looking back on how she'd hide behind y/n. Whispering into her ear just so that y/n could answer for her.
With that change, it made Bella wonder if y/n was purposefully avoiding her. Just like how Edward would scoot to the edge of the table during biology. Except y/n was just trying to be nice about it, maybe? It came off as passive-aggressive regardless of if that's true or not.
Bella couldn't understand what the reason behind either of their behaviors was. If she was brave enough, she would face them head-on. Asking what their problem was while putting on an "I don't care" facade. But that wasn't anything like her. All she'd really do was be taken in by Jessica and her friends and just accept things.
If Edward wanted to act like she smelled like rotting garbage by physically moving away from her. Then fine. If y/n wanted to ignore her like they hadn't been friends at one point, that was fine too.
It was okay with Bella. She was completely fine with that. Totally fine.
With all her homework done, Bella spent most of her Friday afternoon indoors. Curled up on the couch, absorbed in a book, all while wrapped up in a blanket. When Charlie came back home from work he suggested going out to eat.
She remembers passing by one when Charlie picked her up and drove to what was supposed to be her new home. She never gave it much thought. It looked worn out and could have been called a greasy spoon, but it looked clean enough. It was probably run by some family.
As much as she didn't like going out to eat, the ordering and being surrounded by people was mildly uncomfortable. Yet the idea didn't sound too bad to her right now. Since she was going to be here living in Forks, she might as well get used to this place. Even if she ends up only driving to school and home.
So she agreed.
They left around six. Taking Charlie's cruiser, driving through the partially empty streets. At least to Bella, they seemed empty, almost like a ghost town compared to Phoenix. The radio blasted music, keeping Charlie from trying to fill dead air with an awkward conversation. Though she wasn't paying much attention to the music in general.
She looked out the window, watching the car pass by everything. It wasn't long before her mind went to those two passive, aggressive bastards. 'If they had a problem with me, why couldn't they just say it?' She thought to herself as she leaned her head against the window.
The more she thought about the idea. If they told her flat out why they had a problem with her, she realized she wouldn't be able to take it. Edward Cullen, in all his beauty, told her every single flaw of hers. It would be humiliating, regardless of if people were around. But if y/n did that, Bella would have cried like she never had before.
Even this scenario that she made up herself was making her upset. Her borderline obsession with them was bizarre and a bit scary. Yet Bella couldn't help wanting to know more, like a scientist dissecting a frog. She suspected that this little obsession would pass and be replaced with something else.
Charlie pulled into the driveway of the homey diner. The radio shut off along with the purring engine after he pulled out the key to the ignition. They got out of the car. Bella trailed behind Charlie as they walked up. Mild anxiety rose in Bella as they got closer, but she kept up a cool face. The only thing giving her away was her tense posture.
The moment they entered the doorway, a cheerful, slightly teasing voice called to them. "Good evening, Officer Swan!"
Bella wanted to hide under one of the tables when she heard y/n. Charlie sent the girl a head nod before taking a spot at an unoccupied table. Bella hesitated by the entrance for a moment before following Charlie. When she sat down, y/n told them, "I'll be right with you in a moment!"
Her stomach churned at the thought of y/n coming close for some reason. This whole week Bella has been subtly sitting close to her during class. The thought of being close to her shouldn't be as nerve-racking as it is now. If anything, she should be a little excited.
It didn't matter if Bella sat beside or in front of y/n because they'd never interact. Both girls were too scared to even consider talking during class. Their fears differ, but both of them are the cause of the lack of communication. One was also more focused on the class itself than the other.
Menus were laying on the table. Charlie picked one up and opened it. He browsed it like he wasn't going to get the same thing as he always does. Bella did the same. Her eyes looked through all the items, but she doubted that she'd be able to eat much of anything.
"What will our most loyal, dashing customer be having tonight?" Bella took a sharp inhale at the cheerful voice and kept her eyes on the menu. She listened as Charlie gave his order. y/n lightly chuckled as she wrote it down before making a reference that made them both laugh. Bella didn't understand the inside joke. Something about a bear.
Then y/n turned to Bella. "What will you be ordering, ma'am?" She didn't like that. Ma'am. It sounded so informal. There was also a small, hidden part of her that would have liked hearing her name roll off y/n's tongue.
"I'll have." Bella suddenly forgets what she was going to order, despite looking at the words. Her sudden and unexpected freeze lasted for a few seconds. Getting over her sudden brain freeze, She told y/n her order. Not putting down the menu until y/n finished writing on the pad and began moving. "I'll be right back with your drinks." y/n told them with a smile.
Once one of her mild discomforts was gone, another one came to take its place. Charlie awkwardly spoke up, "How's school going?" The rift between them was feeling even stronger now. The Father and Daughter have barely interacted or even seen each other for years now. It was just two strangers sitting at that table.
"Yeah, it's…" Bella thought about school and immediately went to those two. She mentally cringed. "It's going good." The two carried on a superficial conversation. It didn't even feel like a conversation—just questions and one-word answers.
After talking about how she had nothing planned this weekend, she got up to use the bathroom. For the most part, she wanted to escape the painfully awkward talk with Charlie. She also saw y/n walking over to them with their drinks and wanted to get away from the girl.
She followed where Charlie had pointed. She went into the bathroom and turned on the sink. Then she splashed cold water on her face before taking a deep breath. It helped calm her anxious heart. 'It's okay. It's y/n, not a serial killer out there.'
y/n set the soda and water down. She jokingly said, "I'm worried that all that steak is going to make you into one." The man rolled his eyes. Always taunting him for ordering the same thing. "It's not good for business if you heckle your customers."
The girl disregarded his complaint. All the taunting was done jokingly. "Heckle. I have never heard someone say that out loud before. Well, maybe beside people who grew up with dinosaurs as pets."
Charlie audibly huffed at her words with a slight head shake. "Dinosaurs as pets. I never heard that one." y/n would always find new ways to call him an old man. It seemed like she came up with a new one each time they met.
She mockingly saluted and played up her seriousness. "I'm only doing my duty of reminding you to take it easy, sir. Those knees won't carry you forever if you don't rest."
He spoke as he went to take a sip of his drink. "My knees are fine without you worrying about them." She quickly responded with, "Not if I kick them, but I feel like you have a few years left."
He gave her one last eye roll before switching to another topic. "Not getting into any trouble this weekend, are you?" The question made her slip out an airy laugh. "I'm a good kid. I've never gotten in trouble before." She didn't give him the chance to respond, as she kept speaking. "I'm just planning on going to the theater to see Dr. Joy's Extreme Experiments with my friend, Lena. I've been really excited about it."
The girl went on about the promos she saw. The posters and short trailers she saw had her buzzing with excitement. Her enthusiasm was contagious in a way. Charlie probably would have gone out to see it, but it was some gory horror. That wasn't really his thing. He liked things that are a bit more lighthearted.
When y/n started calming down her raving. Charlie asked what had been worrying him. "How has Bella been doing in school?" The lack of details made him worried. There was no favorite subject, no talk of friends. Just a hesitant "good" from his daughter.
He watched y/n shrug her shoulders and responded nonchalantly. "It looks like she's been doing fine. She made friends with Jessica Stanley and that little group." Her relaxed demeanor suddenly tensed when a thought came to mind. Her eyes were overcome with worry as her eyebrows furrowed. "Why? Did she say something was bothering? Or someone?"
He swiftly dashed the worry from y/n's face and admitted he was worried. There was brief silence between them. Both knew the reason why Bella wasn't being as open as she should. It was simple. The years apart made them strangers.
The sunny atmosphere between them was gone. "Could you keep an eye on her? Just not to let her get into too much trouble." He asked because they both knew. Bella probably wouldn't talk to him about anything troubling her.
Charlie looked like an old dog that had kicked repeatedly. Though y/n knew that even if the whole world kicked down Charlie Swan, he'd keep getting back up. Just so he could get back home to watch the game. Still, how could she reject the simple request?
"Don't worry, Officer Swan. Miss Swan won't even trip on her own feet, not on my watch." y/n once again did a mock salute.
From across the diner, someone called out for a refill. She had almost forgotten that she was filling in for Ellie. Ellie's daughter threw up and had to stay home with her. "I'll be right there!" She said before turning back to Charlie. "I know parents can't help it, but don't worry too much about Bella. You already got gray hairs forming."
When Bella was done calming herself down. She left the bathroom. She quickly walked by y/n, who was serving drinks to some other customers. When she sat down at her table, another awkward conversation started with Charlie. The talking would die out between them. Their attention was focused on the TV that was hanging on the wall.
There was some crime drama playing, though neither of them seemed that interested. They just needed a reason to end the uncomfortable conversations. Minutes would pass, and so many ad breaks would come up. It felt like every time a character spoke, they'd go to an ad.
Just as Bella saw y/n coming over with their food, Charlie asked again if she was doing anything this weekend. The sudden timing of the question was odd as well, but she answered regardless. "No. I'll probably just stay home and finish reading my book."
Just as y/n came up and set the plates down, Charlie brought up the movie y/n was seeing. "Maybe you could take Bella with you." He suggested to her. Bella dug her nails into her thigh the more Charlie spoke to y/n. She could feel her heart beating out of her chest.
It was like Charlie was setting up a playdate for her. This had to be the most embarrassing thing this week. y/n looked unbothered by the whole thing. "I'd be fine with it, and I'm sure Lena would be fine with it as well. Would you want to go with us?"
This whole situation was just cruel. Embarrassing Bella with Charlie pushing her onto y/n. Then dangling y/n right in front of her face. Cruel. Just cruel.
As much as Bella didn't want to. Her curiosity about what y/n's deal was too strong. Along with her longing for that summer friend she had in her childhood, the answer was too obvious. At least to her.
"Sure."
y/n gave Bella a dazzling smile after hearing her response. If y/n wasn't careful, she'd turn Bella into a puddle. "Great. Be at the theater at four. If plans change, call my auntie's house phone. I don't have my own phone. You still have the house's number, right?" She directed the last part to Charlie.
When the man nodded his head, y/n mentally thanked him. She couldn't remember anyone's phone number for the life of her. The only one she knew was 911, and that was all that really matters in the long run.
"Well, I'll see you tomorrow then." Bella only responded to y/n with a slight head nod. She kept her eyes on her plate, as she couldn't risk being blinded by another smile. Just as y/n was going to walk away, Bella quickly asked what movie they were going to see.
"Dr. Joy's Extreme Experiments." Bella made a mental note to search up the movie later.
The rest of dinner went relatively smoothly. There were no awkward words exchanged between the two. The food was also alright. It wasn't high class, but it fit the outdated, cozy diner feeling.
Bella was slightly hoping to see y/n again when they were done. But another waitress came to drop off their check.
When they got home, Bella went to her room. She grabbed her laptop before diving into bed. Then she put the name of the movie in the search bar. There was a summary, but she didn't need to read it to realize that she wouldn't like it. At the top, it was categorized as a horror thriller.
The thing was that Bella couldn't handle horror. Scary things like jump scares and a spooky atmosphere were unnerving. But almost any horror movie had gore. She couldn't handle blood and guts. The smallest paper cut made her unbelievably uncomfortable.
For a moment she thought of pulling out her phone and calling y/n's house. Leaving a voicemail telling her that she couldn't watch that movie. Or maybe make up some lie so that she wouldn't sound like a wuss.
Yet somehow, Bella diluted herself into believing that she could handle this. 'The blood is fake. It's not like it's real or anything.' She'd tell herself, but for the most part she didn't want to throw away this chance at getting closer to y/n. With how distant and almost uninterested y/n was with Bella, it felt like her only shot.
When she convinced herself to go tomorrow. She got ready for bed. It was a lot earlier than her usual bedtime, but she didn't want to oversleep or anything. It was unlikely for that to happen with having to be there at four. Still, she wanted to be ready. It wasn't like it was hard to fall asleep. School had drained most of her energy, and that brief interaction with y/n had her wishing for a hiding place.
Morning came and went. Most of the day, Bella was trying to find something to wear. Question whether she should have her hair this way or that way. She saw her mom get ready for a date before. The woman would run around and ask Bella's opinion on everything. At the time, she didn't understand the anxiety behind wearing clothes and getting ready. Until today.
It felt like she was getting ready for a date. Except this was just for a friend or someone who had been a friend.
In the end, Bella went for a long-sleeve shirt and jeans. She'd throw on a jacket when she left because the fall wind wasn't being kind today. She mostly played with her hair. Putting it up into a ponytail before undoing it and braiding it. Then she'd undo that and pull out the hair curler that a friend from Phoenix had gifted her for her birthday.
She hadn't touched it before until now. Her only experience with hair curlers was watching her mom do it. And admittedly, using it on your own and for the first time with that as your only experience wasn't a good idea. She quickly paid the price by burning her hand a few times. Before she finally looked up a guide online.
By the time she was done, it was nearing four. When she looked into the mirror, she wasn't nearly as satisfied as she thought she'd be. The curled hair made her look like she tried too hard. Of course, she did try too hard, but no one needed to know that. Regardless, she had no more time to fret over her look.
She told Charlie bye as she put on her jacket. Then she hopped into her truck. She drove by the school and the diner as well before she made it to the theater.
Right outside the building was y/n with no Lena nearby. Bella parked the truck before walking over to y/n. As she got closer, she saw y/n wearing an oversized turtleneck with sweatpants. It looked like she had rolled out of bed and threw on whatever. She didn't even have a jacket on.
"Aren't you cold?" Was the first thing Bella said to her. The girl slightly shook her head as she said, "No, not really." Then she sighed, "Lena isn't coming. She caught that stomach bug going around." She seems genuinely upset that her friend wasn't here. Bella would have tried to comfort her, but she wasn't sure how.
"I'll just watch it with her another time."
Seeing that as her possible way out of seeing this movie, Bella spoke up. "We can just watch a different movie if you want to." Yet y/n ripped that hope into shreds. "No way. I've been waiting for this movie for months. Lena is fine with us seeing it before her. As long as we don't try to spoil it or anything."
Bella mentally cursed. "Are you ready? I got some popcorn and candy in here." y/n gestured towards the purse slung over her shoulder. Bella swallowed the lump in her throat before nodding her head.
Much to Bella's surprise, the movie seemed relatively tame. At least it was up until the half hour mark. There was no wind-up or tense music that signaled the first death in the movie. It just popped up, and Bella couldn't take it.
At first, she tried to close her eyes, but the screaming and sound of the roaring chainsaw didn't help. And the image—the overexaggerated blood—was horrible and grotesque. She couldn't understand why people would watch this type of stuff.
She could feel herself getting queasy. That was when she bolted out of the theater with a hand over her mouth. She busted into the bathroom and took one of the stalls before flipping the toilet lid up. She hunched over the toilet. Her shaking hands pulled her hair back.
Minutes would pass with nothing coming out. Bella isn't sure if she should be thankful or not. On one hand, she didn't throw up, but on the other, she was still slightly nauseous and would rather get the worst part over with.
The door would creek open. "Bella, are you in here?" Hearing her own name being uttered out of y/n's mouth would have sent shivers down her spine. Yet her sick state wouldn't allow her to relish in that fact. Bella croaked out a small yes.
She could hear y/n's shoes echo through the empty bathroom, getting closer to her stall. "Do you need anything? I can get you a bottle of water." y/n's voice was gentle, like she was scared Bella was going to run off again.
"No. Just give me a minute. Please."
"Do you want me to stay or wait outside?" Bella responded without hesitation. "Please stay." With that plea, the [hair color]-haired girl leaned against the wall and waited.
During the movie, she could slightly see Bella from the corner of her eye. It was dark, but she could still see her. Bella looked tense. y/n thought it was because of the movie and didn't think anything of it.
Then she suddenly fled the room. If Bella hadn't shoved the plastic bag of popcorn back to her, y/n probably wouldn't have noticed. As weird as may it sound, y/n was rather fond of seeing blood, guts, and all the nasty galore in movies.
She would have thought that Bella needed to use the bathroom. Until she saw her hand over her mouth. y/n would have automatically followed her, but she had to zip up her bags. Her fingers were covered in popcorn butter, which made it quite challenging to close the plastic zip bag. She didn't want to be caught leaving outside food in the theater.
The first thing y/n thought to look was outside. Thinking that maybe Bella needed to get some fresh air, but the guy at the ticket booth didn't see anyone run out. So y/n spent a few minutes going to every bathroom looking for Bella before finally finding her here.
The stall door would open. y/n would ask again if she needed anything, but she only shook her head. It was uncomfortable being unable to help. y/n watched as Bella washed her hands.
When she was done, y/n spoke up. Her voice conveyed how worried she was. "Do you have Pepto at your house? If you don't, I can grab the one from my house and drop it off at yours."
Bella shook her head. Both of her hands were planted against the side of the sink. Her head hung down as she explained what happened. "I can't stand blood." There was no comment from y/n, so she continued. "It makes me sick. I thought maybe I could get through the movie because it was fake."
y/n was quiet for a moment. Probably processing the odd situation they found themselves in. Bella couldn't bring herself to look at y/n's face. She kept her eyes on the sink. Too embarrassed by the whole thing.
"So you don't have the stomach bug or anything like that? It was just blood that freaked you out?" y/n wanted to make sure that Bella wasn't coming down with anything. But to Bella, it sounded like she was mocking her.
"Yes. Blood freaks me out, okay?" Bella spoke with mild exacerbation.
She couldn't see it with her head facing down, but y/n put her hands up in defense. Trying to physically say that there's no need to get hostile. "We could have just watched—never mind. You should go home. Are you alright getting home on your own?"
This was so confusing to Bella. How y/n's soft tone made her heart melt, but the attention. After a whole school week, she finally got her attention. It didn't feel as delightful as she thought it would. Probably because of how she got it.
Bella stopped looking down and stepped away from the sink. "Yeah, I'll be fine." As she said that, she finally looked at y/n's face. Even though concern overtook her features, Bella found it looking appealing as ever.
Feeling her face starting to heat up, she quickly turned around and began walking to the exit. "I'm fine. You can finish the movie. I'm going home." Just as she said that, she tripped over nothing and fell face-first on the floor. Her face slapping the floor echoed throughout the room.
"Oh, God! Are you alright?" y/n ran over to Bella and fell to her knees. She placed a hand on Bella's shoulder to turn her over. Then she scanned Bella's face with her eyes to make sure there were no physical bruises. Thankfully, it looked like everything was fine, but Bella had her eyes shut.
"Are you okay?" y/n asked.
In all honesty, Bella was not okay. She thought yesterday was the worst, but some higher power felt the need to up the ante. Not only did she embarrass herself in front of y/n once. No, she embarrassed herself twice in one day. She felt like crying.
All of a sudden, Bella threw her hands over her face. "Why does it matter to you?" Bella asked, her voice slightly muffled by her hands. "Because I care." y/n couldn't hide the confusion in her voice.
y/n could hear the girl huff. "Then why do you even care? You don't even talk to me at school. You just ignore me." The hurt in Bella's voice was evident.
"I don't know. I just don't talk that much. Not at school at least." y/n slightly shrugged.
Bella quickly picked up on the lie. "But you're always talking with your friend. In the halls and during lunch." Avoiding the question, y/n pointed out her odd observation. "What? Have you been watching me?" The accusatory tone made Bella shrink a little.
She quickly said no. Even with that denial, she could feel y/n giving her a suspicious look. "I just don't understand why you're being so nice right now. Is it so bad that I want to be friends?"
"I think stalking people you want to be friends with is going to help, Miss Swan." The [hair color]-haired girl sighed.
"I wasn't stalking you! I just saw you everywhere. I just miss you. Is that hard to believe?"
y/n went quiet. A minute would pass before Bella moved one of her fingers to peek. "Are you laughing at me!?" Bella asked in disbelief. y/n had her lips curled in, and her upper body was shaking from holding in her laughter. When Bella pointed it out, she couldn't hold it any longer.
For a moment, her laughter distracted Bella from the fact that she was laughing at her. Not just at her, but at what was bothering her.
Frustrated and embarrassed, Bella sat up and started to get off the floor. Seeing that she was going to leave, y/n quickly apologized and recomposed herself. "I'm sorry, I just couldn't help myself." She got off her knees before putting her arm over Bella's shoulder and began walking out of the bathroom with her.
"Okay. Let me walk you to your truck, at least. We can't have you tripping again," y/n said. Her voice was as sunny as it was in the diner.
Being so close to her, Bella could smell the shampoo y/n used. "Why are you like this? You're being so—you're being an asshole." She whispered her words as they passed the ticket booth. Yet she stressed the last part.
She could feel y/n shake her head. "I didn't realize you wanted to be friends. You can't just watch me and expect me to read your mind. You aren't even here because you wanted to. Your dad forced you here, didn't he?"
Her face flushed red at y/n's words. They were true for the most part, but there was no denying that y/n wasn't ignoring Bella in some way. "I wanted to come." y/n let a small, questioning yeah.
As they reached the parking lot, Bella asked another question. "You aren't going to be cold to me after this, right?"
y/n clicked her tongue before sighing in frustration. "You know half of the school thinks I'm a lesbian?"
"But it's not true, right?" Bella asked innocently. Jessica told her that right after lunch because Bella chose to sit with y/n on the first day. Jessica made it sound like y/n had a contagious disease.
For the briefest moment, y/n hesitated to respond. "No, of course not." She partially lied.
They reached the beat-up truck. "Then I don't care." Bella said confidently, which earned her an eye roll from y/n. "But what if I was? Would you care then?" y/n hid her interest in Bella's answer. Playing it off as some hypothetical.
"It doesn't matter to me." y/n wasn't sure if she could believe that, but she didn't feel like pushing the topic any further. She let go of Bella and backed away from her. "So you aren't going to ignore me anymore, right?"
"As long as you stop watching me, yes."
Bella pouted and defensively claimed, "I wasn't watching you."
"Whatever you say, Miss Swan. I'll see you at school." With that y/n walked away from Bella. The sweet scent of y/n lingered on Bella as she went into the truck. Then it disappeared.
All in all, things could have gone worse. Though, Bella still felt like dying from embarrassment.
Crossed Hearts Masterlist
It's probably noticeable that I lost steam near the end. I know a lot of people don't like Bella, so I'm sure not a lot of people will be interested in the chapter. For the most part, I'll be following the original story, but I'll be having y/n derail it in the future.
Descendants × Fem! ReaderSummary: Saturday is when the fun begins.
Prev Chapter
•| ⊱ Wigs Part 1 ⊰ |•
Dear Family,
I'm afraid I have misplaced some of my letters I've written on the first day because I can't find them. I would have rewritten all of them, but I have been doing a lot of writing and my hand hurts. As you can already tell, this handwriting isn't my own. My roommate Frida Sutree has offered to write for me.
I am more than thankful that she is my roommate. We might even be reaching the point of calling each other friends. After a brief conversation, it is safe to say that I have made a friend here.
Everything is going well enough. The first day was eventful, and most of my time has been doing tests. The school wants to see what my academic level is. I can proudly say that I have been working hard! There hasn't been a moment where I haven't missed all of you. I hope you are all doing well.
Hopefully, in the next letter, I'll be the one writing it and I won't lose it. I still don't know what could have happened to them.
Next week is when I'll be starting my classes. I can't wait to see what it'll be like. Though regardless of how we did on the tests, we'll all be taking Remedial Goodness 101. They didn't explain much about it, but I have a basic idea of what it is. They also let us choose some classes. Aside from the required one, I'm most excited for art. I'll try to write to you soon. I love you all!
XOXO
y/n Vainira.
"Remedial Goodness 101?" The woman could feel a fire flaring up in her as she washed the dishes with her husband. The man gave her a sympathetic look, but she was too focused on scrubbing the dishes. "It's not like they could do anything. They're just kids. And they made a whole class because they don't think they'll behave or have basic morals? The gall to even think that. You know what it reminds me of—"
There was a slight cracking sound coming from the plate she was scrubbing. He gently grabbed the woman's wrist, stopping her movements. When she looked at him, the frustration in her eyes softened. She realized that she almost broke another plate. A sigh escaped her lips.
"I just worry. I'm already wondering if I made the wrong choice by letting her go there." He couldn't give her any comforting words without lying. It wasn't like he could speak anymore. So all he could do was rub circles on her wrist with his thumb. Tears poured down the woman's wrinkled face.
"I'm just scared that something's going to happen to her, and I can't even be there for her." She turned her head away from her husband. She hated being seen crying by anyone.
"But y/n's a good girl. She'll be fine. She's always been lucky." Her words sounded desperate. He let go of her wrist and held her hand. The two could only hope that their fears wouldn't come true.
For a brief moment, there was frustrated anger in her. It wasn't directed at y/n's future tribulations and her own inability to help her child. It was toward the one who was holding her hand so gently right now.
If only he hadn't been so reckless and fanatic, they wouldn't even have to be worrying about this. To her, it felt like the obvious choice was to throw everything behind. They could have run away. Left Vrahan that place only seemed to give him trouble anyway. Then they could find a new place to start their family. That's what they should have done. That should have been her ending.
It was either his extremist pride or his belief in this grandiose picture that led him down this path. He had spent years going to war with his only family. So much blood tainted the land he called home. He couldn't just throw that away, no matter how much she begged and cried. Love wouldn't win against a sword.
But in the end, it was both their fault for ending up here. Codrin with his unwavering belief and her own willingness to follow him to the end. They were the ones to bring children into this world. They brought this situation upon themselves.
She cracked a small, wistful smile at the image of her children. All of them are so different from one another, but still so precious. They were the ones who made her feel alive on this hellish island. "Everything will be fine." She said aloud. He squeezed her hand, and she responded with one as well. A wordless apology to each other and hope that her words were true.
ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ
The idea of going clothing shopping for the new students had been stirring around in Ben's mind for a while now. He wasn't against the shabby look of their clothes. They were fine, but everything looked like they had been through a number of fights. There were holes and poor stitches that were barely holding the fabric together.
Not to mention the backhanded comments from other students. No one said anything when the five were around, but when they were out of sight, so many snide remarks slipped out from the students' mouths. Sometimes they'd say it openly in front of Ben as if trying to bait a reaction out of him. Of course, he never caved in and gave them what they wanted.
He wasn't going to say that he regretted his choice. From what little he has seen of the five, they all seem to be a well-rounded bunch. Just a little different from everyone here, but that didn't make them bad. Their blood didn't mean they were any less than them. No one's future was determined.
So when Frida came up to Ben and asked if she could take y/n out for some shopping. He couldn't hide his grin. His plan of trying to integrate the Island kids was working faster than he thought.
"You don't have to ask for my permission." Ben's words were followed by a slight chuckle. Frida gave him a dubious look, which stopped his laughter. He went silent for a moment before realizing that asking for permission was probably the best thing.
As much as he didn't want the school to be a prison cell for the five. He couldn't exactly let them leave school grounds without some sort of security following behind them. It was a bit dehumanizing, he knows, but his parents believed that this was a safety net of sorts. Things could be worse. He just hoped that, over time, everyone would learn to respect one another.
Frida waited for the prince's response. Watching his face shift from mild sadness to his usual sunny self. "That is a great idea!" He gasped before adding, "We should plan a whole day for them to get out of school and do some shopping!" Frida stood as still as a statue and watched Ben go on and on.
She wasn't into fashion, but she thought updating y/n's wardrobe would brighten her mood. The Island girl had become less enthusiastic as the first week went on, and it wasn't just her missing letters that were bothering her. When Frida asked what was wrong, all she'd say was that she was tired and was missing home.
It was clear that wasn't the only problem, but she never pushed y/n to give her the full answer. Why bother forcing it out? That usually leads to hostility. Still, she was glad to have Ben back up her idea. She wasn't sure about adding the other four to their little field trip, but she'd put up with it.
The rest of that free period was spent talking about what shopping would look like. It was mostly Ben brainstorming aloud and Frida trying to get back to her classwork.
'At least we have everything planned out, I guess. Well, that's if the King and Queen agree.' Frida thought glumly as the bell rang. She was still slightly upset that her classwork wasn't partially finished. It threw off her whole schedule. With the appearance of y/n, she had thrown everything in for a loop.
Later that day, when school was over, Ben made a beeline towards the palace. It wasn't too far from the school, just a little over half an hour ride. When the carriage came to a stop, he practically jumped out and sprinted in. He quickly found his mom in the library. If she wasn't anywhere else, then she was there.
When Ben loudly busted down the door, Belle slightly jumped at the sudden noise. She looked up from her book with curiosity at who had rudely entered the room. Much to her surprise, it was Ben.
Belle looked at the clock and asked, "Don't you have tourney practice?" Ben shook his head, then thought for a moment before nodding. "Usually, yes, but all the bats have gone missing. Every single one, even the spare ones. Everyone thinks Percy is behind it, and I don't want to be quick to judge- ah. That doesn't matter right now. That's not why I'm here right now."
She was getting to the good part of the book, but she put it down and put all her attention on Ben. Not interrupting once while he talked on and on about getting the Isle kids new clothes. He wanted them to pick their clothes themselves instead of some random person doing it for them. He also wanted them to experience more than just the school. There was a whole world that they had yet to know about.
The whole time Ben spoke, his eyes sparkled with excitement and hope. He was hoping that with these five, they could show that rehabilitation was possible for some of the children of the Isle. With them being a success story, other kids could join the rehabilitation program as well. But at the same time, there wasn't anything wrong with wanting them to enjoy their time here.
Once Ben finished speaking, he looked at his mom. He looked at her with pleading eyes. Belle gave him a sympathetic smile as she said, "Let's talk to your father about this." She watched his shoulders slump slightly. They both knew how this would end, but he would need permission from both parties.
And so, during dinner, another debate between Father and Son began. Ben didn't bother easing into things or touching his food. When the king took his seat at the head of the table, Ben brought up his idea. Catching everyone off guard. Belle played moderator during the whole discussion to keep things from getting out of hand.
The two were so stubborn that it wasn't amusing to Belle anymore. In the end, the king declared that those five were to stay on school grounds until he believed that they wouldn't try to run away or something worse. Ben was going to argue more until Belle called his name. Her voice was as stern as her expression. Silently telling Ben to back down.
Ben bit his tongue and nodded his head. If his mom wasn't going to back him up, then there was no point in fighting with his father. It'd be an uphill battle, but regardless of the obvious loss, Ben was thinking.
Just as the room had calmed down, Ben spoke up to bring back the tension. "At least let me, Chad, Audrey, and Frida be the ones to pick out their clothes. We'll ask what they like, and then we'll get it." He turned to his mom while saying, "It's better to have us do it than some random strangers, right?"
Already wanting to be done with this topic in general. The king agreed, which ceased further conversations about the Isle kids. With that, Ben spent his free time silently thinking to himself.
It didn't take him long to plan out this idea. All that needed to be done was to get the cogs moving. There were definitely some cogs that wouldn't move, but a little oil would loosen them.
During the wee hours in the morning, Ben woke up. He didn't bother waiting around to join his parents for breakfast. There was too much to be done. He was on a timer, and his deadline was Saturday.
In his closet, he spent a good moment looking through clothes. Trying to find something that didn't look too flashy or make him stand out. Then he finally settled on a simple white button-up and some brown pants. He looked in the mirror and messed up his hair. With his hair looking like a bird's nest, he looked a little less recognizable. If someone were to really look at him, then they'd probably realize who he was.
He ordered his carriage, which surprised the servants by how early it was. Still, an order was an order, and they began preparing everything for the prince. While his ride was getting ready, he grabbed a bag and threw his usual clothes in there, along with a purse with too many coins in it.
When the carriage was ready, equipped with a horse and a coachman, Ben's parents were waking up. Just as he was about to enter, he turned to the servant standing by. "Tell Mom and Father that I said good morning for me." He said with a smile before jumping in.
As always, the ride between the castle and the school was long and boring. It was the main reason why he has his own room in the dorm. He used to share his dorm room with someone, but his parents unrolled him with the announcement about the Isle kids. Ben seemed to have lost a bit of respect amongst his peers and even friends because of his decision.
Ben didn't regret any of this, but he does wish some of his friends didn't leave him behind. Or at least tried to understand where he was coming from.
His social circle may have diminished quite a bit, but at least he had Audrey and Chad. They were still opposed to the Isle kids, yet were willing to support Ben. It seemed like Frida Sutree, the recluse princess, would be joining them in their effort. Though it seemed like Frida was only interested in y/n. Which was a small victory to Ben regardless.
As the carriage entered the town, Ben told the coachman to stop when he saw what he was looking for. The coachman did as told before Ben leaped out. "Sir, what are you doing!?" The old man yelled out to the prince. "Don't worry, I'll be right back! I just need to pick up something!" Ben told the coachman as he entered the store.
The store owner was startled by Ben busting into the store. He couldn't tell if the woman was more startled by having a customer this early in the morning or how much energy he had. The prince smiled as he made his way to the counter. "Good morning! How are you doing?"
The woman spoke with wide eyes, "Good morning to you as well. I-I'm doing well." Ben looked around the shop. Taking in everything in the prop shop. The whole place looked messy yet organized at the same time. So many knickknacks. The woman rubbed her eyes, trying to see if her sleepiness was making her see things.
"You do wigs here, don't you?" He asked. His question was responded with a wordless nod.
"Great! You don't happen to have." He stopped and looked at his hands. Silently naming off names with each finger. Then he looked back at the woman to continue speaking, "Nine spare wigs?"
The woman didn't raise an eyebrow and went in the back. After waiting for a few minutes, she came back with a box of wigs. He grabbed the whole box and asked, "How much for them?"
"All of them?" She asked.
"All of them."
The moment Ben got back to school, he sneaked into the girl's dorm. Tiptoeing to Audrey's room. He knocked on the door lightly. Audrey wasn't a light sleeper, and she always got up early, so he was confident that she'd answer. The moment she opened the door, he rushed in and right past her.
Before she could question her boyfriend, he held out the box. "Do you think any of these bring out my eyes?" She peered into the boxes to see wigs. "What are these for? Wait, why do you even have these in the first place?"
He gave her a sheepish smile. "Listen, I have a plan." At that moment, Audrey's confusion turned into weariness. Ben and his little ideas were interesting, but not always successful. For instance, the tree incident that his friends would bring up. Or when he put hot sauce up his nose when he had a cold when he was younger.
"No! Don't look at me like that! Just hear me out, please, Audrey. It's for a good cause." Ben pleaded with his girlfriend. She didn't even have to look at his puppy dog eyes. His voice was enough for her. The prince of Auradon could make her do anything if he just asked. It was unfair how much power he had over her, but she supposed that was just love.
She let out a slight sigh and sat on her bed. "Fine." There was a slight pang of satisfaction when she saw him smile, and he thanked her. He set the box down and began explaining everything. How his father still didn't trust the five off school grounds. Even with security. Then on to his plan.
On Saturday, they'd sneak the Isle kids out. Everyone would be disguised, just so they wouldn't attract any unnecessary attention. He's already working out a deal with one of the coachmen, and he could bribe some of the guards. Although he would prefer fewer people get involved, he doesn't want to end up working with loose lips.
The boy stood the whole time while he talked. Making slight hand gestures from time to time. When he was done, he asked what Audrey thought about it. Without hesitation, she told him, "You're doing too much for them." He blinked. "You've brought them here. Isn't that enough?"
"Audrey," His usual sunshine aura slightly disappearing. "You know there's so much that needs to be done. Think about how many kids will be saved from that place if this program works. I know you don't believe in this, but—"
Audrey held up her hand to silence him. His mouth slightly hung open, but he quickly closed it when she spoke. "I believe you." She looked him in the eyes to clarify herself. "I believe in you. And if this program doesn't go right. If everything goes up in flames, I won't say I told you so. Because Chad and everyone will be saying it for me."
A slight laugh slipped from Ben. She continued on. "But no matter what, I'll always be right beside you. Helping you with whatever trouble you get into next. I'm sure Chad will be right there as well."
Ben wiped the corner of his eyes with his fingertips. "Why do you always say the sweetest things that make me cry? It's not fair."
She spoke in mild amusement. "It must be love, I suppose."
Once his eyes were cleared of any tears, he asked the important question. "Are you going to help me sneak them out?" His words made her "tsk" aloud and shake her head. "After everything I just said, you think I'd say no?"
ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ
"Why do you have to wear a wig?" y/n asked Frida.
"I guess the Prince is worried that I'll be recognized and ruin everything." Frida explained while putting on a red wig. Then she looked in the mirror and thought to herself, 'I don't even think the people of Auradon even know where Murkmire is on a map.'
The two went to gather Evie and Mal. Jay and Carlos would be picked up by Chad. Audrey and Ben would be waiting at the carriage. As the girls sneakily made their way to where the couple was waiting, y/n glanced at the two. Mal wore a short black wig. While Evie had a long green wig.
"Green looks good on you," y/n said without much thought. Evie smiled and spoke proudly, "Everything looks good on me." The other two had second thoughts on Evie's wig. The color was rather obnoxious and looked ugly. It didn't matter who wore it. No one could pull it off. Not even Evie. Still, they didn't voice their opinion. Mal had already spoken her mind just an hour ago.
When they made it to the stables, the boys had arrived before them. Jay busted out laughing when he saw Evie's wig. Carlos laughed as well, but he was much quieter. "What the hell is that?" Jay asked, pointing at Evie.
Evie flipped her hair while striking a pose. "It's called fashion, Jay. It's something you've never heard of." He shook his head slightly. His smile never faltered. "Whatever you say, snot green." She paid no mind to the name.
Chad introduced himself to the girls. Evie's eyes went wide when she heard his last name. Before she could start flirting with him, he focused his attention on Frida. "What do you think about long hair?" He asked while running his fingers through his blue wig. Frida shrugged her shoulders, uninterested by him and the question. "I have no opinion on it."
"Hm, well, do you think I should grow my hair out?" He asked. Frida shrugged her shoulders again and gave him a cold look. "I don't care." He quickly backed off.
Evie would add, "I think you'd look good with any hair." Chad didn't pay much attention to her and said thanks before moving closer to his friends.
While everyone chatted, y/n discreetly inched closer to Carlos. She took in the wig he wore for a moment before turning her eyes away from him. "That wig looks bad on you." She bluntly stated. He gasped and spoke with a quiver. "I thought it looked good on me."
Carlos watched her tense her shoulders from the corner of his eye. "I'm sorry, I just—" He quickly cut her off. He felt a little bad for making her worry, but only a little. "I'm kidding. That [random color] wig doesn't look good on you, either."
Her lips quirked up into a small smile. "I don't mind it looking bad, but it's a bit uncomfortable, isn't it?" He only hummed in agreement.
Ben clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. With all eyes on him, he went over a few things. They all stay close to each other, no wandering off. There should be no unnecessary conversations with strangers. When they get into town, they'll be divided into two groups, boys and girls.
"Today we are different people." Ben said.
Noble To The Core Masterlist
I just wanted to get something out before my birthday and get something out. Also sorry for the Ben focused chapter and lack of y/n. I enjoy stuff that doesn't focus on the main cast and fleshing out.
As always, I have a vague idea for what I'll write, but I'd like to know what character/characters you would like y/n interact more with. Maybe I'll write it in the next chapter.
Thanks for reading, and here's a quick doodle I made in an hour.
Twilight Various x Fem! Reader
Summary: y/n has always had an interest in the occult. Being raised in a superstitious family was part of the reason. The other reason was because of her fascination with horror. There were so many things that were hidden in the dark that people never noticed. She could only imagine what unspeakable and borderline eldritch beings are hidden away from the world. But for her, that's all it was at the end of the day. An imagination.
Living with her auntie in Forks wasn't too bad. She helped out with the dinner and always called her parents every week. Then a young girl came back to town. y/n was surprised to see her childhood crush back and her feelings intensifying. Yet it seems like y/n isn't the only one interested in Bella Swan.
♱ Before reading, y/n is depicted as half-naive American and not looking like she is. This plays a role in her identity.
♱ She isn't from the Quileute tribe, but from the six nations.
♱ Most of my knowledge comes from the six nations. As I am Onondaga.
♱ y/n is depicted as a closed bisexual. So, as always, there will be male and female love interests.
♱ There will be religious themes as well as discouraging remarks about y/n's appearance and sexuality.
𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞
The weekend hasn't been too kind to y/n. She was helping out at her auntie's diner when she lightly cut her finger on Saturday. It wasn't too bad. There wasn't blood spewing out or anything like that. The small cut would be covered up by a band-aid before she continued working. Even though her auntie, Darla, kept insisting that she quit for the day.
Then on Sunday, she accidentally splashed her hand with hot oil while making fries. The oil didn't get all over her hand. Only a few fat drops landed on her, but it hurt like hell. Some of the customers could hear y/n loudly use the Lord's name in vain before being followed by a few curses.
y/n made no attempt at fighting against her auntie when she brought up throwing in the towel. y/n didn't bother taking off her apron when she left the kitchen. She sat on the stool while someone gave her a bowl of water that had ice cubes bobbing in it. She let her hand soak in the cold water while absent-mindedly playing with her hair.
Darla would drive her home after half an hour. Telling her that dosing the burn in cold water immediately would help. It wasn't the first time y/n burned herself in the kitchen, and it probably won't be the last, so she knew the routine. Mishaps in the kitchen had become so much of an occurrence in the past three years that some of the staff would joke about it. Wondering when or how y/n would end up getting hurt this time.
In y/n's defense, she had been doing relatively well recently. Up until now, she's been accident-free for six months. Yet she could still feel and hear some of her coworkers chuckling at her. She did her best to ignore it.
There wasn't too much business going on at the moment. Lunch hour was over, and there were only a few customers hanging around. With nothing else to do, one of the staff members took a seat next to y/n. Ellie leaned her back against the counter with both elbows resting on the edge. She wasn't friends with Ellie, but they weren't enemies or anything. Just two people that worked together and chatted to pass the time. Nothing more than that.
"Heard you're getting a new face at school." The words came out slightly awkward and indifferent. Ellie was trying to strike up a conversation that the girl would be interested in. Acting as though she was years older than y/n when, in actuality, they were a few numbers apart. Though in some aspects, Ellie was older.
y/n shrugged her shoulders while glancing at the clock. "I haven't heard." The starting topic was awfully boring. She didn't care for the people in this place all that much. It wasn't to say that she hated them. She was neutral. But then again, she was in one of her moods right now. So if she was asked if she liked this place tomorrow, then she'd probably have done a 180 by then.
"Someone said it was the chief of police's daughter. I can't remember his name, but he comes around here often. He's the one you talk to."
A lightbulb turned on in y/n's empty head. "Charlie Swan?" If one of the waiters was out or just short on staff, y/n would step up to take orders. Charlie was a familiar face that she always found herself talking to. When she was younger, he was often talking with her parents while she played with the other kids. He was a family friend of sorts.
When she moved in with Darla, there was something off about the man. He was more standoffish than she remembered. A melancholic look in his eyes. Darla told y/n not to bring up his daughter, briefly explaining that there was a divorce. Ever since then, y/n always made an effort to talk with the man. Asking about his day and talking about her own.
He was always interested in what she said, and over time they'd made inside jokes. y/n was slowly filling in the big hole that his daughter left behind. It was clear that she'd never hold a candle to his flesh and blood, but she still found a meaningful, uncle-like friendship with the man.
"That's his name," Ellie slapped her forehead lightly before continuing, "But yeah, I guess his daughter is coming to live with him." For a brief moment, y/n's heart sped up.
Bella Swan.
When y/n was younger, her family would come out here for a month during the summer to visit Darla and her now late husband. Darla lived on the reservation with her husband, she'd later move off the rez after he passed. But that was how she met Jacob and his twin sisters. Darla's husband was close to the Black family. And of course, that was the gateway to meeting Bella.
Thinking back on it now and with the addition of hindsight. y/n always had a crush on the Swan girl. Following her around and doing whatever she asked like some loyal dog. Her favorite thing to do was pick a dandelion, tie the stem, and leave a little loop. Then present it to her as a ring. She could still hear the families chuckling at what they believed was a platonic display. Then Jacob would throw a hissyfit, and y/n would have to make him a ring as well to make him shut up.
It was embarrassing to think about now, so y/n brushed off the memories that were coming to her.
"Oh, that's interesting." She feigned her disinterest. In actuality, she wanted to throw away the thought of Bella. Ellie picked up that she was slightly losing y/n and quickly changed the topic to something else. The conversation went on for a little while longer until it was cut short after a customer came in. Ellie gave y/n a rushed bye before getting to work.
Leaving y/n alone to fall down memory lane. Going years back to the summers of when she was seven or eight. The fathers were fishing by the lake and quiet for the most part. While the mothers were sitting back at the picnic table, chatting away while glancing at the kids every so often. It was one of those rare days in which Forks was sunny and everyone was taking advantage of it.
"Where is mine?" Jacob pouted and slightly stomped his foot. y/n snickered at him while Bella smiled at the dandelion. The [hair color]-haired girl was going to say something snarky, but Bella spoke up. "Thank you. I'll keep it forever, and I'll put it in the basket with the others."
The basket was where she put all the dandelion rings y/n made. It seemed like every day, y/n handed her one with that same goofy smile. Each time Bella accepted it, giving a shy smile in return. They'd be lovingly stored in the weaved basket that sat in the corner of her room. The flowers were wilting and dried, but she kept them as she promised y/n.
"y/n!" Jacob whined.
Bella silently laughed as she watched the two bicker. They always fought over the smallest thing, like who got to have the last orange popsicle. It was always amusing to watch. Jacob was an emotional boy, so y/n never let things get too out of hand.
One time, she had picked on him while they had a squabble over who got to be the seeker in hide and seek. They went on and on. It got to the point where he got frustrated, started crying, and ran off to his dad. After that, y/n has always been the bigger person, since it seemed like he never could. Yet they always playfully fought, but she made sure to never cross that line again. Bella suspected that she felt guilty for making him cry that day.
It didn't take long for Jacob's annoying whining to make y/n cave in. She let out an exacerbated fine and grabbed a dandelion. Grumbling that he could just make one himself as she tied a loop in the stem. After handing the flower ring, she always sent Bella a look. Silently telling her that the flower around her finger was special. It was only made for her because she wanted to. It wasn't forced to please her, like with Jacob.
Her cheeks would slightly go red because of y/n's gaze. Her shy smile would slightly widen as she shifted her eyes down at the flower ring. Seeing her reaction showed that she understood what y/n was trying to convey through that look. She always understood what it meant when y/n did that.
Bella was important to her.
She had been, at least. It's been a good number of years since they last saw each other. They played together in the summer before she left Bella behind. People changed, and that surface-level childhood crush wasn't going to keep their friendship alive.
Maybe it'd be nice to see a new face around. Sure, but y/n personally wanted to keep Bella at arm's length. y/n had already been ousted by half of the school. She was called names behind her back, and lovely notes slipped into her locker that had crude language.
She wouldn't fault Bella for following everyone's example and awkwardly avoiding y/n. It was only human for people to follow the crowd. Yet a small part of her didn't want to tarnish the memory of Bella. She didn't want to replace the shy girl with the new one. She didn't want to face her childhood crush and be called a—
"Are you ready?" Darla's question made the girl nearly jump off the stool in surprise. The startled look made Darla raise an eyebrow. "I was just deep in a thought, and I didn't hear you coming." y/n laughed, which made the woman lightly chuckle in turn. Darla gave her a small apology as she got off the stool.
y/n shook off the cold water while Darla told the staff that she'd be back soon. After that, the two left the diner and got into the car. Music blasted from the radio as the two started talking about little things. The name Bella Swan was nearly forgotten yet crept in the back of y/n's mind.
Monday morning was much like any other. She rolled out of bed and checked the clock to see that she had woken an hour earlier than her alarm. She'd jump into the shower. Normally she would have had the water to a boiling heat, but her burn was dissuading her. So she turned it down to something more tolerable, or at least something that wouldn't irritate it.
After getting out and throwing on whatever was near and clean. She made her way downstairs to find her auntie. A good morning was exchanged between them as y/n fed her cat. Darla's small dog skittered across the wooden floor to sniff her leg. Her cat hissed at the dog, which caused it to scamper off into the living room. A huffed laugh came out of her.
Darla got up from the table and explained that there were some eggs and toast on the counter. y/n nodded as she watched the woman pull on her coat and run around trying to find her purse. Only to laugh when y/n pointed out that she was holding it the whole time.
"Bye! Have a good day! Love you!" y/n yelled out as she heard the front door open. Darla responded with the same words before the sound of the door closing was heard.
Most breakfasts consisted of something made on the spot. Darla was a saint, y/n swore. She never understood how that woman could have the energy to make something this early. Though y/n did suppose that it was kind of her job. Still, she was grateful to have a warm breakfast every morning if she woke up on time.
When everything on her plate was gone, no crumb was left behind. y/n would wait for her personal chauffeur, who drove only the most luxurious car ever. It was actually just her only friend, Lena, and some old car. No matter how many times Lena told her the model of the car, y/n would forget it. All she knew was that it wasn't a truck or too big.
She sat at the window with the TV playing in the background. Her cat was resting on the windowsill to keep her company after it got done eating. It purred loudly while her [skin tone] hand smoothed its fur. The moment that old gray car came into view, y/n planted a kiss on the cat's head and raced to turn off the TV. Then she ran out of the door, first making sure it was locked, and continued her sprint to her ride.
"Good morning!" y/n said with a cheerful tone. She had accumulated enough energy to start acting like herself.
Lena gave her a tired morning before asking about her weekend. y/n went on about her mishaps in the diner kitchen. Of course, Lena rolled her eyes, unsurprised by the information. She didn't even bother making any sarcastic remarks. She had said everything at least twice before, and saying something never prevented y/n from getting hurt. She'll admit that some kitchen accidents weren't y/n's fault, but most of them could have been prevented if she just paid attention.
Soon y/n would ask about Lena's cheerleading practice. There were a few snide remarks about Jessica Stanley and some other girls in the group. In Lena's words, they were all fun and no work. Sometimes it felt like she was the one doing all the work. y/n would wordlessly listen to Lena's rant. Giving a few head nods here and there.
As they pulled into the parking lot, Lena pointed out the new vehicle almost immediately. y/n wasn't into cars like her friend, but even she had to admit that the truck looked to be on its deathbed. "Looks like a rez bomb." y/n said as they passed by.
Her comment made Lena give her a look. Asking her to explain the phrase. "A car usually only legal to drive on the rez and looks fucked." Lena let out an understanding hum. She parked in their usual spot and hopped out the car.
"I heard there was a new kid today. Some girl." Lena said as they walked to campus. y/n mentally groaned as her childhood crush popped into her head. She has almost forgotten all about her.
"Yeah?" y/n masked her indifference with interest. The topic of Bella Swan had already become stale after one brief conversation. Lena didn't detect her hidden boredom and questioned, "Who the hell makes someone move at the start of junior year? That's someone's whole life uprooted to come here of all places."
y/n slightly shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. Probably something personal, I guess." Lena found herself agreeing with her friend. It was most likely personal, and it wasn't really anyone's business. Still, she is a little excited at the prospect of meeting someone new.
She elbowed y/n playfully while asking quietly. "You hoping she's cute?" Her conspiratorial smile widened as y/n's face slightly blushed. "Shut it." She giggled while her friend recomposed herself.
Ever since y/n confessed her sexuality a while back in the school bathroom. Lena has been on the lookout for potential partners for her friend. She noticed that not many boys caught y/n's eyes, but she saw her taking second glances at some of the women when they went to Port Angeles. No one at school seemed to interest her, so maybe this new girl could turn y/n's head. Though that would be praying that the girl was also into girls as well.
Lena could only cross her fingers and pray to all the gods that her friend doesn't end up dying alone. Because she knew that regardless of gender, y/n wasn't going to make the first move. As her babysitter that was hidden by the title of friend, she'll do everything to support y/n.
The two friends would go their separate ways because they had different classes. "See you later!" y/n said, already deciding to forgive Lena for the embarrassing question. She didn't stay around long enough to hear her response as she quickly walked to class.
She took her usual seat in the back and began pulling out her things. There was still some time before class, so she began doodling on one of the pages. Completely oblivious to the brunette entering the room. y/n kept her head down, her pencil lightly sketching some shapes that vaguely resembled a human.
When the teacher arrived, she swiftly turned to an empty page and put down her pencil. The teacher asked how everyone's weekend was. Only a few people responded and they only said one word. It was either a yes or no, but never going into detail. It wasn't like the teacher was actually interested. They seemed to be asking out of courtesy.
y/n was expecting the teacher to start calling out names for attendance and then go over a short review of their last class. Yet, much to her surprise and slight horror, they'd introduce their new student.
Once she was called out, Bella stood up from her spot. She was in the back as well, but took the spot next to the window. So she was across the room from y/n. The whole time Bella spoke and answered a few questions, y/n kept her head down. Her eyes stayed glued to her blank page as her heart thumped. She could hear the awkwardness in Bella's voice, but she didn't bother trying to understand what she was saying.
'Fucks sake, get a grip on yourself. This isn't the end of the world.' She scolded herself.
When Bella was done, class carried on as usual. Except that everyone seemed to be buzzing with some excitement over the new girl. Everyone stole at least one glance at Bella during class, but y/n did her best to ignore her. Her [eye color] eyes would only move to the teacher and down to her desk.
Ignoring the quick and sudden looks sent her away from across the room.
•─── ∘ ° ♱ ° ∘ ───•
A sense of relief came over y/n as she sat down next to Lena at the lunch table. She acted casual and asked how she was doing. Trying to forget about that damn Swan who had infiltrated two of her classes already. She silently hopes that she doesn't share any more classes with her.
As Lena got done talking about how she saw someone get tripped, she turned her attention to something behind y/n. Seeing her eyes shift, y/n turned her head and was absolutely gobsmacked to see Bella Swan entering the cafeteria.
Her long brown hair looked silky, and her skin appeared to be soft and smooth as warm butter. y/n and Bella's eyes met for a moment. Lena swore she could see y/n's pupils dilate even though her head was facing away from her. When she turned her head back and away from Bella, Lena sent a knowing look at her.
"Do you hear that? I think I hear wedding bells in the distance." Lena spoke with genuine excitement. Her words made y/n promptly hiss out a shut up.
Before Lena could fully revel in the thought of her friend possibly finding someone, her mouth fell open for a moment. Then she sent y/n a mischievous smile. The girl gave her a confused look, silently asking what she was so damn happy about. Lena leaned over the table slightly and whispered, "She's coming this way."
Lena watched y/n's eyes be overcome with panic. It didn't look like an "oh no, the teacher is coming" type of look. To her, it was wondering if you looked alright, but y/n was mentally screaming to herself. She wanted nothing to do with Bella. She couldn't handle her calling her some sort of freak. It wasn't fair.
'Just walk by. Just walk by, please.' Bella's voice snapped y/n out of her silent pleas. "Can I sit here?" The question made y/n want to smash her head against the table. It felt like the whole lunchroom was staring at them, and they probably were because of Bella. Lena responded for both of them since it seemed like y/n was a bit tongue-tied.
"Yeah, of course." Lena said with a friendly smile, "I'm Lena Thornton. This is y/n Hollister." Bella sat next to y/n and said while awkwardly smiling, "It's nice to meet you both." It didn't take long for a barrage of curious parties to overtake their table. One of them being Jessica Stanley, who was sent a dirty look by Lena, but she ignored the look and focused on the new face.
The two didn't bother joining the conversation that Jessica had control over. Overhearing everything, y/n learned that Bella had been in Phoenix. The whole time, there was uncomfortable energy emitting from Bella. When y/n glanced around, it seemed like no one else was feeling this electrical current.
y/n couldn't take it any longer and scarfed down the food on her tray. This earned her a few odd looks sent her way, but she didn't care. When she was done, she got up from the table before quickly fleeing the lunchroom. She went to her next class and acted as if nothing had happened.
A handful of classes would go on without a problem. No sight of Swan, thankfully as that would have made y/n's heart stop. Until her last class, gym. They were going to be playing volleyball, and teams were picked by two students. Again, she did her best to ignore Bella and get through this. The day was almost over anyway. Having to deal with one little bump wasn't the hardest thing.
The two were on opposing teams. A net dividing them. The coach blew the whistle, and the game began. The ball was passed and served so many times that y/n didn't bother trying to keep up with who was winning. It wasn't like she completely understood how to gain points in volleyball.
During the middle of the game, the ball was speeding near Bella. It was going to go over her head, but she'd be able to hit it if she jumped high enough. Taking the chance, she bent her knees slightly before leaping up in the air. She smacked the ball as hard as she could to get it over the net. The ball went straight towards y/n and hit her right on her forehead.
The force behind the ball caused her to fall on her back with a thud that echoed through the gym. Both of her arms were sprawled out, and she made no attempt at getting up. Her teammates gathered around her, asking if she was alright. Yet she looked at them with a slightly dazed expression before finally getting up.
She insisted that she was fine, despite the red mark on her forehead. Rejecting the question of whether she wanted to go to the nurse for an ice pack. After that, the game continued on, with Bella hitting two more people with the ball. One being her own teammate. Everyone quickly found out that no one should let her near the ball unless they wanted to get hurt.
Bella's team would place her in the back for safety precautions. With the danger of another attack looming over everyone, the rest of PE went surprisingly well. Though y/n's forehead still stung.
As everyone headed to the locker room to change, Bella quickly caught up to y/n. Much to her dismay. "I just wanted to say sorry for hitting you." Bella said. y/n shifted her eyes away to look at anything but her.
"Don't worry about it. It's not like you did it on purpose." While y/n said that, Bella took in her face. Her face had matured so much that Bella almost didn't recognize her during class. Yet those [bright/dark] [eye color] eyes were recognizable from a mile away. Even if there were dark bags under them.
"I, um," Bella slightly struggled with her words and looked at y/n's eyebrows instead. Her eyes were just too much right now. "Still, I'm sorry."
y/n licked her dry lips and shrugged her shoulders. "Whatever, it's fine. You didn't stab me or anything." Her hands were starting to become clammy the longer this dead conversation went on. Just as she believed that this was the end, she was going to walk away. Bella blurted out, "Do you remember me?"
Bella's voice sounded so desperate, like a child begging for a treat. y/n looked at her, a bit befuddled by the whole thing. The way she awkwardly stood there with wide eyes was reminiscent of a sad animal. "Yeah. I remember you," y/n said almost a bit too dryly. Then y/n swallowed a lump in her throat, she asked, "Are you asking to hang out or something?"
Bella slightly mumbled her words. It was hard to hear, but y/n heard it. "Only if you want to."
At that moment, y/n mentally cursed herself. "Sure. Let's hang out sometime." A small, shy smile graced Bella's lips. And just like that, y/n had fallen into Swan's hands once more.
Next Chapter
Crossed Hearts Masterlist
I've had this idea of writing a Twilight fanfic for a few months now. I'm glad to finally write something. I probably won't write as quickly as I do for my other stuff, but thanks for reading the first chapter.
Twilight Various x Fem! Reader
y/n has always had an interest in the occult. Being raised in a superstitious family was part of the reason. The other reason was because of her fascination with horror. There were so many things that were hidden in the dark that people never noticed. She could only imagine what unspeakable and borderline eldritch beings are hidden away from the world. But for her, that's all it was at the end of the day. An imagination.
Living with her auntie in Forks wasn't too bad. She helped out with the dinner and always called her parents every week. Then a young girl came back to town. y/n was surprised to see her childhood crush back and her feelings intensifying. Yet it seems like y/n isn't the only one interested in Bella Swan.
That's it. I'm writing a Twilight x Reader fanfic. Here's the summary down below.
Twilight Various! x Fem! Reader-Insert|
y/n has always had an interest in the occult. Being raised around a superstitious family was part of the reason. The other reason was because of her fascination with horror. There were so many things that were hidden in the dark that people never noticed. She could only imagine what unspeakable and borderline eldritch beings are hidden away from the world. But for her that's all it was at the end of the day. An imagination.
Living with her auntie in Forks wasn't too bad. She helped out with the dinner and always called her parents every week. Then a young girl came back to town. y/n was surprised to see her childhood crush back and her feelings intensifying. Yet it seems like y/n isn't the only one interested in Bella Swan.
I'm also looking for someone to proofread the first chapter. It's far from done, but I'd like to just throw this out there right now instead of waiting when I finish it.
Descendants × Fem! Reader
Summary: The week is filled with tests, tests, and test. Then even more tests.
Prev Chapter
•| ⊱ Test Week ⊰ |•
When y/n woke up, she didn’t immediately get out of bed. She just laid there. Her mind was blank and fuzzy. Light fluttered through the curtains, and birds happily chirped outside. It felt like a dream, but her mind could never come up with something so nice and peaceful. It was strange waking up and not hearing the lunacy ensuing outside her bedroom. Or hearing the clanging of pots and pans downstairs.
It was nice but off-putting as well. Then y/n shot up from her bed, looking at the clock before she suddenly relaxed. She still had time to get ready. Looking around the room, she noticed something on her nightstand and that Frida's bed was empty. Sitting on her nightstand were a muffin and a cup of juice with a note beside it.
You didn’t eat dinner.
At least eat this.
You need energy for the day.
- Frida
y/n’s stomach rumbled and she took a bite into the muffin without any hesitation. The muffin was easier to eat than the pudding in some ways. It was just the outer layer that made it hard to eat. It wasn’t sweet like the rest of it, and it actually tasted really bad. It was like eating paper.
Regardless of the weird bottom half layer, y/n ate it. She chugged the juice down before hopping into the shower. She reveled in the nice warm water a little longer than she should and then got out.
Since Auradon was colder than she expected, she put on long pants and a turtleneck sweater. Her outfit had seen better days. Her green sweater had a few holes and was frayed at the edge. Glancing at the clock, she knew she had time to go down the cafeteria to drop off the cup. y/n wasn’t sure how to thank Frida for last night and breakfast. But she figured taking care of her dishes would be a start.
It took her longer than she’d liked to admit for her to gather the courage to leave her room. When she did, she regretted it almost immediately. The moment she left, she could feel eyes on her. Seeing the looks on everyone’s faces made the air tense.
Walking down the hall, most of the students discreetly backed away from her as if she had a contagious disease. Some of them looked at her with curiosity, fear, or disgust. This was a far cry from the welcome she got yesterday. Nonetheless, she tried her best to ignore the stares and remind herself that this isn’t the worst thing.
She’s been kicked, punched, and scratched. This was nothing. She could handle this. There was no point in denying that being stared at like she was a zoo animal was comfortable. Admitting that she felt conscious didn’t undermine her.
‘I can do this. It’ll be hard, but it's not impossible.’ y/n told herself. Once she dropped off her dishes, she walked to the room where she’d be taking the tests. Feeling their staring intensifying, she picked up the speed of her walking.
When she made it to the door of the classroom, she could hear whispers. Peaking through the door window, she saw that everyone was there except for Fairy Godmother. The four Island kids were huddled together talking about something.
y/n normally doesn’t snoop into things. Minding your own business and keeping your head down had been her rule. Though Uma, Harry, and Gil did make her bend and twist that rule many times. y/n couldn’t ignore how suspicious the four looked.
She glanced down both ends of the hall before putting her ear against the door. For once in their lives, they were too quiet. She hears them murmuring something, but it was all unintelligible.
Then she mentally slapped herself for this behavior. Eavesdropping on others' conversations? This wasn’t the Isle. She didn’t need to stay on guard and wait for the next big fight to happen. Even though those four didn’t like Uma and her group, that didn’t mean they were after y/n. Why even bother trying anything when they were at the mercy of Auradon?
‘I’m so stupid. Getting worked up over nothing. They’re probably just talking about... I don’t know what they talk about. Don’t worry about them. Just focus on yourself. You can get through today. I know you can do this!’
After giving herself a pep talk, she opened the door. Hearing the door open, the four went quiet and looked at her. “I’m surprised that I'm the last one here.” y/n said with a chuckle as she took a seat in the front row. Everyone followed her example and sat down. Mal clicked her tongue, “Don’t worry. We won’t be taking your title of teacher’s pet.”
‘Geez, Mal, it’s only morning, and I already wish Evie would sew your mouth shut.’ y/n thought to herself before turning to Mal with a smile. “Don’t worry about me. If I were you, I'd be more worried if I could actually read the questions on the test. Skipping so many days of school probably hasn’t done you any favors. I'd be surprised if you could even spell your own name.”
Then y/n turned her back on Mal and kept her eyes forward. There was a slight pang of pride when she didn’t hear Mal instantly snapback. ‘I think I kind of said something mean. I could have said something worse, but I did say something back.’ y/n slightly smiled to herself. ‘Uma would be proud of me.’ The mere thought of that turquoise girl dampened her mood.
‘Dad always said it was better to ignore petty insults. Maybe I should apologize? It was a bit uncalled for as well.’ y/n wasn’t allowed to dwell on that thought as Fairy Godmother busted through the door. “Good morning!” The woman slightly sung her words.
Everyone slightly jumped in their seats at the woman’s energetic entrance. The woman was radiating with joyous positivity that made everyone slightly grimace. Even y/n winced at her loud appearance.
Once Fairy Godmother got behind the desk that was stationed in front of the class, she looked at all of them. She quickly had them change seats, as most of them were huddled in the back. She had them space out to make sure they weren't peeking at each other's answers before explaining how the tests would be taken.
Everyone would be given six hours for each subject. There were five tests they'd have to take. Language arts, math, social studies, and science. They were allowed to choose the order of how they would take them. Everyone could use the bathroom, but only one at a time.
To say that this was going to be a grueling process was an understatement. Not even an hour in y/n was struggling to answer most of the questions. She chose to take math first because it was her weakest subject. It was just better to get over that hurdle, but she couldn't even understand most of the questions. Back home, she was one of the top students, maybe even the only one considering how most stop going after a certain age.
Auradon's education system was more than humbling her. It was completely humiliating her. It could have been karma for that backhanded comment towards Mal.
The only thing that would be heard in that room was the occasional page flip and their pencils scratching the paper. It was horribly boring. Mal was mostly doodling on the edge of her papers. Jay was tapping his shoe on the floor, almost like he was trying to annoy everyone. Carlos would often get bored and start playing with his hands. Playing rock, paper, scissors, shoot with himself. Evie was curling her hair with one finger as she looked at the paper.
Once the bell rang for lunch, the Isle kids practically ran out of the room. All thankful to be stretching their legs out and getting out of those wooden chairs. y/n would try to catch up to Mal. Though it seemed like Mal would start taking longer steps. Before walking a little faster if she got too close.
y/n was nothing if not annoyingly persistent. Mal swore that y/n's sole reason to exist is to annoy her. y/n spoke up. "Hey, Mal." The purple haired girl didn't even spare y/n a glance, her eyes staying forward. "What do you want?" She spoke with a curt tone that had a hidden venom to it. That was just how she was. Venomous.
Carlos watched the two interact with worry. Mal's vitriol towards y/n in particular wasn't a secret. While Jay and Evie were mildly interested for a moment, they didn't care enough to listen and carried on with a conversation of their own.
"I just wanted to say sorry. It wasn't right for me to insult your intelligence." Mal suddenly stopped and y/n continued. "Here in Auradon, we should try to work together, not against each other. I hope you can forgive me for saying that."
Mal snapped her head towards y/n. She snared and gave y/n a dirty look like she just spat on her. There was some anxiety rising in y/n, yet she didn't let herself run away. There was no one she could run to, and it was best to apologize for something trivial. Even if the person you're apologizing to is the most petty being alive.
"That's not going to get you to sit with us."
"What?"
Mal snickered at the girl's ignorant expression. y/n had always been a slippery snake to Mal. Always running away to hide behind others backs. The girl was a backstabber, but worse of all was that she was a coward. Mal took a step towards y/n. "No one here's to protect you, and that scares you, doesn't it?"
y/n didn't allow herself to be scared by Mal. There was no way Mal could physically harm her. They were in the middle of the hallway. Even if there wasn't anyone walking down it, Fairy Godmother wasn't far away. That's when a thought came to her.
Mal could throw in a punch or even start a fight with y/n. When Fairy Godmother or anyone comes to see what the ruckus is about, Mal and the others could turn the tables on her. Say that she was the one who started the fight. That Mal was only defending herself from y/n. It'd be too risky to do such a thing, but it's not like it wasn't possible.
Seeing that the gears in y/n's head were turning, Mal asked. Looking her dead in the eyes. "Where is it?" The three behind them had stopped their chatter long ago. All of them were looking at y/n. Watching and taking note of any slight reaction she had to the question.
There wasn't any hesitation in her puzzled face. "Where is what?" Mal gritted her teeth and put her hand in y/n's pockets. "Hey! What the hell!?" She checked both of y/n's pockets and came up empty-handed. "I don't think it's small enough to be there." Jay commented, already convinced that y/n didn't have what they were looking for. Carlos was thankful Jay said exactly what he thought. He was too afraid to say it aloud.
y/n backed away from Mal. "I don't know what you're looking for, but I don't have it." Her civil tone was gone. Replaced by flustered confusion. Mal's eyebrows furrowed and gave y/n a threatening look. "I know you have it, and when I get it back, you'll wish you never met me."
This ridiculous situation was getting to y/n. All she wanted to do was apologize for her mean words, and now Mal was accusing her of stealing something. "You don't have to do much on that front; I've regretted coming across your ugly face long ago." y/n didn't allow herself to feel bad for saying that. She quickly turned on her shoes and began walking down to the cafeteria. "I just wanted to apologize." She mumbled.
The group watched y/n disappear behind the corner. Once she was gone, Mal spoke up. "Do any of you know where her room is?" Everyone seemed a little shocked. Most of the group silently agreed that y/n probably didn’t have it. Even if she reacted a bit out of character, actually biting back and not being pushed down. It could be because she knew everyone would be on their best behavior here and was probably using that to get in a verbal jab here and there.
Jay shrugged his shoulders. Carlos' silence meant no. "If you really think she has it, do you think she'd hide it in her room?" Evie asked. Jay thought about the question and nodded. "I didn't see her during dinner. I didn't see her after lunch either."
Evie added, "Then she was probably looking for a hiding place for it. That's if she does have it." The blue haired girl looked at Mal. Waiting for any further comments. After a moment of thinking, Mal would explain that it's better to be safer than sorry, and searching y/n's room wouldn't take a long time. Everyone would agree. Mal would notice Carlos' lack of response.
"Anything else to add?"
He shook his head. "No, but we should do it another time. Running around the dorms trying to find her room will look suspicious." Jay agreed with Carlos. They'd be wasting time by running around like headless chickens. Mal was strongly against the idea. "We need to get it back now, and this is the perfect time. Everyone is having lunch, and we can sneak in and out without too many witnesses."
Jay would argue that it was safer if they didn't act on impulse. If they were going to break into another student's room, it'd be best to think this through.
"What if we have someone follow y/n around for the day? She could lead us to the hiding spot, and if not, then we could find out where her room is. Since we need it back soon, then we could sneak into her room in the middle of the night." Everyone thought over Evie's idea. Mal seemed satisfied enough with the plan. If Mal likes it, then that means everyone likes it.
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"It just makes me uncomfortable seeing you so..." y/n struggled to find a word that didn't sound too negative. Something that didn't blow the situation out of proportion. So she tiptoed around it by saying, "Close to them." y/n shifted her weight to one foot as she spoke. She kept her eyes away from Harry and chose to gaze off into the distance.
He'd laughed at her face. It always looked funny seeing her angry. She'd always slightly pout with furrowed eyebrows. It made her look like a child that was told no by their parents. y/n would slightly groan in frustration. "Harry." He had a hard time taking her seriously. It seemed like everyone did. "You're overreacting again."
Overreacting. She slightly winced at that word. It wasn't the first time she was told that and it probably wouldn't be the last. Yet that didn't invalidate her emotions. Crying and being upset wasn't an overreaction. Her emotions and trying to explain her feelings wasn't what he'd always make it out to be.
A conversation with her mom made her realize there wasn't anything wrong with how she felt. In fact, there wasn't anything wrong with what anyone felt. Frustration, sorrow, joy, and everything that came with being human. There wasn't anything wrong with that. Remembering what her mom said, "It's okay to feel. No matter what anyone tells you, it's just you being human."
y/n wasn't wrong to feel jealous. It was okay for her to be annoyed or even irritated with others. As long as she tried to keep things respectful.
Harry came up close to her face and gave her a peck on the cheek. That's usually all he had to do to make her let him off the hook. Often sprinkling in embellished words that came out of his mouth too easily. It was like he never gave a second thought to what he said. Which was probably true. y/n has been nicely wrapped around his fingers. Everyone knew that.
Seeing that his gesture hadn't made her flustered and smile like the lovestruck fool she was, he'd step up his approach. He shoved his hook into his coat before cradling her face and turning her head towards him. Her [skin tone] skin was always so soft despite living here. It was a personal mystery for him. One that he'd never bothered to investigate because speculating was so much more fun. Thinking that she was part mermaid or even an angel were a few of them.
"Doll, there's no reason to pout like that. There'd be no one else who could make me smile like you do. I don't think I'd find someone who could even if I tried."
Harry looked into her eyes, smiling. y/n wanted to believe what he said. His face and his words made it sound like it was true. That she was irreplaceable to him. Not irreplaceable to anyone else. Irreplaceable to him.
She had to ask. "Do you even..." Love. She wanted to say love, but everything was slowly being pieced together as they spoke. They weren't anywhere near being in love with each other. She wasn't like him. She couldn't bring herself to spout out affectionate words without meaning them. This was nothing more than a childish crush. A game where she'd run to keep up with him because she knew long ago she couldn't catch him. All she could do was try to keep up, but even that was wearing her out.
"Do you even like me?"
He didn't seem surprised. They have had this same dance a number of times before, so this was foreseen. Still, he couldn't help himself from chuckling at her question.
"After everything we've been through, you still ask that?" He was being honest in a way, yet his teasing smile overshadowed it.
"Do you?"
Harry slightly threw his head back and laughed. She had always been there. Not just for him, but for his crew. The crew weren't soft and nowhere near as well-mannered as her. Still, there was no denying that she was one of them. Maybe not rough and tumble, but that made y/n, y/n. No matter how disgustingly virtuous she could be.
"Of course. If I didn't, I don't think we'd be here right now."
"Then can you please stop being so flirtatious with every person that walks by?" Her tone was surprisingly firm. At least for her.
"Like I said, there's no reason to be jealous. I'm not leaving you for anyone else."
For the first time, Harry didn't tell y/n the right words. Her eyes hardened, and she shook his hands off her face. "That doesn't make it any better." He raised his eyebrows at this sudden backbone. His surprise was swiftly replaced by amusement and cat-like curiosity. "What do you want me to do? Not talk to anyone? Maybe learn sign language?"
Their relationship foundation was cracking each time he opened his mouth. "I'm being serious, Harry." He'd mockingly put his hands up in the air. "Hey! I am too. I'm being serious about learning sign language." This whole time, he had been just teasing her. Taking everything as a joke.
"Do you like me?" She'd ask again. Trying her best to not sound and look as though she was grasping at straws.
He gave her a smile. "You're sounding like a broken record there, doll."
y/n found herself wondering for a moment if it was her fault. That she was overreacting. No one has ever pointed out Harry's flirty ways. No one ever tried to stop him. It's not like he was cheating per se. He only played around because that's just how he was. Maybe this was normal. She didn't want to throw away something she had worked on for so long. Something that they nurtured together. Even when it sometimes felt one-sided. Petty jealousy shouldn't be this relationship's downfall.
But y/n reminded herself that there was no need to put herself down. Her feelings were valid. Her experiences were valid. "Well, it doesn't feel like I have a boyfriend." y/n spat out. "I wouldn't have to ask that question over and over again if you didn't ogling at everyone. Or start flirting with anything that was alive."
As y/n felt her frustration building up and getting ready to be fired at Harry. It'd suddenly be stopped by his laughter. "I guess you're starting to get a backbone. I'm sure Uma will be happy to hear that." Her face was drained of any color. All she could feel now was her heart thumping in her chest. Everything else felt numb, like she was going into shock.
Even when no one else would, Harry should at least be the one to take her seriously. Everyone could laugh at her to the point of tears as long as he wiped her tears away. He could have been a lot of things, but he wasn't. He wasn't this perfect person that she believed him to be. He was no blessing in disguise. She was just lonely, and he wanted to play a long game of tag. She could never win against him.
All he had been was a silly boy that wanted to play. That's all he ever could be.
"We should break up."
Even now he doesn't acknowledge the weight of this moment. The only one who laughed and smiled right now was him. As she walked away, he acted as if the breakup had never happened. Brushing her off and heading back to the crew. Not without telling her goodnight, of course, but she didn't say it back. She kept walking away from the dock. Not looking over her shoulder with a smile or waving goodbye like she always did.
That was the last time Harry saw y/n for a few weeks.
It seemed like the whole Isle gathered to see the five be set free from this prison. Harry and Gil trailed behind Uma since she wanted to watch as well. Everyone was there for different reasons. Some wanted to get a glimpse of what wonders came from a world that could be described as paradise. While others thought of ways to take advantage of the barrier being slightly opened.
Uma wasn't dumb enough to take the risk of trying anything. There were guards everywhere. This wasn't the first time the barrier would be opened, but it was the first time someone would be taken out. She ordered her crew that no one was to do anything. It was best for them to observe.
Of course. She also wanted to yell some profanities at Mal and wish y/n off.
Harry would watch as y/n tightly hugged her mom, dad, and younger brother. Her mom whispering something into her ear and her dad giving her a pat on the back. Her younger brother seemed to look bored by the whole affair, but if one looked close enough, they could see him blink away tears. The whole time y/n held up a small smile. She wasn't being as loud as the others. They cheered and yelled their goodbyes to the whole Isle.
She'd depart from her family and make her way to the carriage. Mal and her little group would shortly discuss their seating arrangements. Without much hesitation, Mal would suggest that y/n be seated in the carriage that carried their luggage. y/n wasn't opposed to the idea and practically jumped into the carriage. Probably wanting to stay away from those four and get out of everyone's prying eyes.
As she took the step to enter the carriage, Uma yelled out to her. "Don't let those moneybags pull one up on you! Give them hell! You hear that, y/n!?" y/n froze for a moment before looking over her shoulder. She only looked Uma in the eyes before smiling, then turning around to get into the carriage.
"Yeah! Good luck, y/n!" Gil cheered.
As the carriage door was shut by one of the guards, Uma elbowed Harry. She gave him a look. She wanted him to yell something encouraging to y/n, but he's been silent as a church mouse. "Come on, say something to her." Uma hissed quietly. Harry scoffed at his captain. "Like what?" Uma clicked her tongue in annoyance. He's been brooding for the past few days now. "Maybe sorry for being the biggest lubber? Or better yet, that you'll be waiting for her."
Wait for her?
"Come on, say something while she's still here."
His captain would keep pestering him to say something. He'd open his mouth a few times, yet nothing would come out. He wasn't sure if he couldn't find the words or if he didn't have the strength to say something. The moment the carriage started moving, Uma urged him to hurry up. But there wasn't anything he could say that hadn't been said before. Anything that came out of his mouth would have sounded cheap and overused. It might have been better to stay silent.
"—And don't worry, y/n! Harry will be here waiting for you! Like the dog he is!" Gil yelled out. There were a few chuckles at the blonde boy's statement.
"Ack! You moron! Don't say that!" Harry hissed while Uma patted Gil on the back with a smirk. The two had planned on doing that from the start.
Once the little event was over, the crowd slowly disappeared. Only a few stayed behind to watch as five of their own reached freedom. Uma had no interest in sticking around any longer. So as they walked back to Ursula's, his two friends were ragging on him about how red his face was. Was it out of anger or embarrassment? He didn't know; maybe it was both.
Every time the crew would get into a skirmish, y/n would ask why they resorted to violence for every problem. There were a wide variety of answers from Uma's crew and the main three. Each time she asked, it seemed like she was directing it towards Harry by how she looked at him. No matter what condition he was in. He'd respond to that question with a smile.
"Because it's fun." She'd hide her mild disappointment. Turning her head away from him to focus on bandaging up another crewmate.
She was never one for anything more than playful roughhousing. Sword fighting was fun until it became life or death. She took pleasure in the boring things. Compared to them, she had always been levelheaded. Which was ironic considering she'd always try to wuss out and called a crybaby. Maybe she was meant for better things. Still, she was refined as a person.
Uma absent-mindedly spoke. "She's too good for you." Harry didn't disagree. She put a hand on his shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze. "She's going to make out it there. I know it."
"Yeah. She will."
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The next week was mostly spent in that classroom. Writing on paper until their hands cramped up. Their eyes were strained from reading lines of text and equations. The Isle kids dreaded each day. There'd be a new test that felt as though it was written in another language. They'd spend hours decoding it, and even then they couldn't understand what was said. It felt like Friday would never come.
y/n has tried her best to keep her distance from those four. After their exchange on Tuesday. Right after that moment, she grabbed lunch while feeling others staring at her. As she waited in line, she realized that they weren't giving her odd looks because of where she came from or that she was a new face. That was a large part of it, but one of the major factors was her clothes. It made her stick out like a sore thumb.
Everyone around her wore such beautiful clothing. Each one looked even more lavish than the last. It was like each stitch and weave was methodically thought out. While all her clothes were worn out over the years. It felt humiliating having people look and snicker at something you didn't have.
She wanted to tell them to stop staring or just to mind their own business, but she didn't want to make a scene. Once she grabbed some food, she quickly made her way out of the cafeteria. She had seen that there were picnic tables near the garden. Seeing that it wasn't a bad day out, she figured that she'd eat outside. Silently hoping that there wouldn't be at least too many people.
When she made it to the picnic tables. There was almost no one there. Just an alone girl picking at her food with her fork. The girl looked bored and sad, like there was a rain cloud hovering over her. Taking a deep breath, y/n put on her best smile and walked over to the girl. "Hi! I was wondering if I could sit with you."
The moment y/n spoke up and came into view, the girl nearly jumped out of her skin. Her eyes widened in fear. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." The girl didn't respond. Only staring at her like a poor deer that was about to be hit by an arrow. "I'll just find somewhere else to sit." y/n tried to keep up her smile and not look dejected. She wouldn't want to make the poor girl any more uncomfortable, so she decided that she wouldn't sit at the picnic tables.
She'd find a tree to sit at. Leaning against it with her back. She hadn't grabbed a lot since she was too busy trying to hide away, but everything was delicious. Even a simple apple was more savory than anything she had eaten back home. Just as she got done eating, a lanky boy popped out from the side of the tree.
"Hey! This is my spot!" Getting a good look at the boy's face, y/n quickly recognized him. It was the boy from yesterday. The one that threw water balloons with paint at her and the others. His hair looked a lot messier from when she first saw him. "You have to pay the toll now." He was going to continue speaking until he was cut off by another boy.
"Percy, shut up. We aren't here to extort money." Percy huffed and said that he was no fun under his breath. The other boy gave y/n a charming smile. He looked nice enough, but she wasn't sure if she liked the look in his eyes. Looking as if he knew something that she didn't. The scar on his lip didn't make him look any less intimidating. "Sorry, I couldn't meet you when you first came here. I was busy." He held out his hand.
Something felt off about him. Still, y/n wasn't going to brush off someone who wasn't treating her like a criminal. So she shook his hand. They both seemed surprised by the texture of one another's hand. y/n thought his hand would have been soft like Frida. Not callous. She had predetermined that no one here would have soft skin. Simply because softness was associated with wealth and power. He was mildly surprised that her hands weren't rough. After the handshake, he put his hand into his pocket.
"So are some forms of magic able to be cast even with the barrier up?" The moment he asked that, y/n became confused. Taking note that she hadn't taken his very vague hint. He would swiftly add. "Because I don't believe someone as pretty as you could exist without some sort of magic. Right, Percy?" y/n's face went red, and Percy gave his friend a puzzled look.
"Why are you flirting with her? Aren't we here to- OW!" The boy kicked Percy's shin to keep him from leaking out any information. "Ignore him. He was dropped on his head as a baby and can't say the ABCs." Percy gasped at his words. "You promised to not tell anyone!" He paid no attention to Percy's betrayed cry.
"I'm Gallagher, Gallagher Ivanov."
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sure you already know, but I'm y/n Vainira."
Gallagher wanted to make a joke. Though seeing that she didn't have a reaction to his last name made him think she probably wouldn't get it. Then again, the joke would have come off as more insensitive than humorous. He wasn't looking to make enemies just yet. He put his arm over Percy's shoulder. "Well, it's nice to see a pretty face from time to time. We'd love to stay around longer, but we better get going. Right?"
He sent Percy a look. He was still confused by the whole ordeal. They had come here looking for information. Not for Gallagher to make flirty remarks at the girl. Still, Gallagher was their mastermind in a sense and went along. "Yeah, we got stuff to do, like... stuff." Gallagher rolled his eyes at Percy's words.
"Again, he was dropped as a baby. Anyway, I hope to see that pretty face more. Bye, Miss. Vainira."
"I hope to see more of you too, Mr. Ivanov."
y/n would hear Percy mumble to his friend as they walked away. "I didn't come here to watch you and a girl make moves on each other." Once he said that she could see Gallagher pinch his arm. Making the boy let out a yelp in pain.
'Make moves on each other? Did I flirt back?' y/n couldn't help herself from blushing slightly. 'Yeah, I guess I was kind of flirting at the end. But I should step up my game if that was the best I could do.' Her thoughts made her shudder. 'One cute boy flirts with you while you're single and you're already thinking about dating him. Get yourself together, y/n.'
Next Chapter
Noble To The Core Masterlist
Thanks for reading. I'm grateful for the support. Love you all!
There wasn't much time to converse with one another. The garrison regiment gathered everyone to divide into squads. The cadets were assigned different streets while most of the garrison led the charge.
Unfortunately, y/n wasn't paired up with Marco or Jean. She wasn't even able to see either of them as everyone rushed around. She was assigned to squad thirty. That meant she was with Mian Coraline, Floch Forster, Emeric Biermann, Conrad Wendell, and Susanne Wendell. There were a few familiar faces, at least.
Going into battle was terrifying. Some of y/n's squad mates were struggling to even bring themselves out to fight. The squad's anxieties wouldn't improve when they faced their first titan. It looked so human, but at the same time it was completely unnatural. y/n found herself trying to put a face to the disgusting creature.
Throwing away that thought, she went for the kill while everyone was distracting it. Seeing her sword tear through the titan's flesh was surprisingly exhilarating. To say that something clicked in her might be an understatement. After that first kill, she couldn't stop moving. With each one that fell, she looked for her next kill. She zoomed to them with her ODM gear, not bothering to be cautious, resulting in her almost being grabbed multiple times. Still, in the end, she'd always deeply cut the nap of their neck.
It was almost like she was having fun.
Mian would catch up to the girl. "You need to be careful with your gas usage." y/n would hear Mian's words, but y/n would ignore her. This dopamine rush she was getting wasn't like anything she had experienced. Greedily, she would keep chasing this high. She didn't care if this got her killed in the end. This was how she wanted to go out.
Nearing the hour mark, everyone was tired and worryingly low on supplies. y/n had so little gas that she basically had none left. They seem in the clear for now, but it was only a matter of time before another titan came crawling up on them. Most of the group sat on the rooftops of houses. While they sent two people to check out what was taking the group in charge of supplies so long.
y/n laid back on the rooftop. Her arms rested behind her head, and her legs were crossed while she looked up at the sky. 'It would have been such a nice day, wouldn't it? But hey, at least you get to enjoy this wonderful weather before you die. So it's not all bad.'
She kept telling herself that this wasn't the worst thing and closed her eyes. Then thoughts of her friends came. All those laughs that were shared, punches that were exchanged during training. Each face made her heart get heavier and heavier. And of course her mind ended up going to closest friends. Jean and Marco.
She kind of regretted telling Marco those dressed-up lies. She wished that she and Jean left off on a better note, even if it was bittersweet. At least they knew a fraction of how much they meant to her. She couldn't ever fully express it into words, but at least they had that idea.
'I wonder if you guys are even alive now.' She shook that grim thought away. There was no need to bring down her already fragile optimism. 'Maybe they did, but I doubt it. Jean isn't stupid, not completely anyway; he isn't going to die so easily. And Marco…he's…he's…'
"The supply depot is by titans." y/n felt the carefree smile fall for a moment before repairing. Everyone erupted into panic. She opened her eyes and stared at the sky as her squad became more distressed by the second. She tried to think of something, but her mind went blank. 'You two can't die on me. It wouldn't be fair if you guys die before me.'
One of her squadmates kicked her in the side so hard that she started rolling. She probably would have fallen off the roof if she hadn't grabbed the edge of the rooftop and Mian grabbed her arm. "There is no need for that, Conrad!" Mian yelled before pulling y/n back on the roof. Once y/n was back on her feet, Mian asked, "Are you okay, y/n?"
y/n gave Main a small smile and a head nod. "Yeah, thanks for that." Then they turned to Conrad, who was marching up to them. His face was red, and he was grinding his teeth. He might as well have steam coming out of his ears. Realizing that he was coming up to y/n, Main jumped in front of him, arms wide out. "I know you're scared, but there's no reason to take that out on y/n!"
It was an amusing sight. y/n was one of the tallest girls in their class, and here was little Mian. Standing in front of y/n as her line of defense. Though it seemed like Conrad was only seeing red and swatted Mian like she was a fly. Their other squad mates tried to hold him back or at the very least calm him down.
He grabbed the collar of y/n's jacket and pushed his face into hers. "During all of this, you've just been smiling! Laughing even! People are dying, and now we're just sitting ducks without any supplies! Or did you not hear that!? We're not going to be able to refill on gas! Or do you have some grand plan to get us out of this!?" As Conrad yelled, some spit landed on her face. But she couldn't even bring herself to grimace at it.
She was too taken back by Conrad. Her eyes scanned the squad. Mian was standing back, rubbing her arm that was probably bruised. Floch hasn't stopped crying since he heard the news of the depot. Susanne and Emeric were trying to pull Conrad away from y/n.
In all of their faces was desperation. Even as Conrad lashed out at y/n, his voice conveyed his pure fear and hopelessness. Looking into his dark brown eyes was nothing but desperation. Desperation that held hope. Hope that y/n's relaxed demeanor meant she had a full foolproof plan to get everyone out of this alive. She wouldn't be smiling wearily if she had nothing up her sleeve, right?
"Conrad! That's enough!" Susanne yelled at her twin brother as she finally pulled him away. Then she started scolding him for his behavior. "People cope in different ways. Just leave y/n alone. She hasn't done anything wrong."
Emeric added, "She's been killing titans left and right. You haven't gotten a single kill. Don't act like she hasn't been doing anything."
"I wasn't implying that in the first place! You haven't even killed any titans either! Floch has been sitting on his ass the whole time crying! We're all fucking dead!" Floch didn't even bother to defend himself. Crying and hiccuping prayers to himself.
Mian and Susanne were trying their best to distinguish the fire between two boys now. Insults were flying at both sides.
y/n walked up to Floch, not bothering to interact with Conrad out of fear of getting him more fired up than he already was. "Are you good?" Hearing that the voice was close by, Floch looked up. There was no smile on her face. Not even a weak one; it seems like she gained some situational awareness.
He gave her a look. As if to say if that was the right question to ask when his eyes were red and puffy. She shifted her weight to one leg and shifted her eyes away. "Sorry, that wasn't a good question to ask."
She watched at the four still going at it before speaking up again. "You have a lot of gas left, right?" His voice was hoarse, and it sounded like he was going to cry again. "Yeah, I-I have some." She looked at Floch and asked, "Do you think you have enough to make it to Wall Rose and carry someone with you?"
Hearing her words, Emeric turned to them. "Not everyone has enough to get to the wall." Conrad stopped fighting and looked y/n in the eyes. "So you're planning on abandoning us? Use Floch and let us get eaten? Was that your plan the whole time, wasn't it, y/n!? You fucking whore!" Susanne slapped her brother across the face. Telling him to shut up already.
Emeric looked at Wall Rose, then back at Floch and y/n. "I don't think any of us could make it. We're practically in the middle of Trost, not to mention having to out maneuver titans." Floch started hiccuping before it quickly evolved into crying. Everyone went silent, trying to come up with something else.
"Could we wait for reinforcements?" Mian asked. Her eyes darted between the group, hoping for someone to say something. "We don't even know how long that would be. Even then, by the time reinforcements come, we could already be in a titan's stomach." Hearing what Conrad said, Floch curled into himself, slightly muffling his crying.
No one could find any words. There were no solid enough plans to voice. Any false hope will be shot down by Conrad. It felt like they really were going to just die here.
'ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ʟᴇᴛ ᴍᴀʀᴄᴏ ᴅɪᴇ.'
y/n looked over her shoulder to see no one there. That voice sounded as clear as day, like they were right next to her. It wasn't recognizable. She couldn't even put a face to it, but if she had to, it sounded like a girl. Maybe someone around her age. She glanced at her squad to see that none of them reacted. They were all wallowing in their helplessness.
She would have slapped herself. All this stress was making her hear voices now, but it made her realize something. If she was dealing with a supply shortage, then Marco and Jean are as well. No one could make it to the supply depot. Not with titans crawling all around it.
Once again, she found herself looking up at the sky like it'd provide some sort of answer for her. "If I find out that either of you are dead, know that I'll…I'll follow right behind you." y/n quietly mumbled to herself before looking back at her group.
"How many titans were there?" She asked Emeric and Susanne. Susanne didn't answer right away, only asking why she wanted to know. Emeric gave her the answer she wanted: "We couldn't see all of them. There were at least seven from where we were standing, but there's a lot, no doubt more."
"Do you think…" y/n couldn't bring herself to say the words. It sounded so stupid that it might have been something Eren would say. The others look at her with mild concern. For the first time today, she shared the same desperate look in her eyes.
"Do you think we could kill enough titans to get into the depot?" Everyone looked at her like she was going mad, but she kept talking. "We could refill our gas. With that, we could finish off any other titans that remain." She waited to hear their response.
Susanne spoke up first. "I think it could work." Her brother started listing off all the reasons this could go wrong. "It's better than waiting here. I think we should do it." Mian said. Everyone, aside from Floch, looked at Emeric. Awaiting for his vote. "Do you believe this is possible?" Of course y/n didn't believe in this. "Honestly, I'm not sure." She allowed herself to half-heartedly lie.
Emeric sighed, "It might work, but if you had more gas, I think we'd have a better chance." She raised her eyebrows, which made him roll his eyes. "You've been killing titans like you had years of experience. You've even dulled most of your blades." She mentally hit herself to keep herself from smiling. 'We're probably going to die. Now isn't the time to get flustered over being praised.'
"I'll give y/n my gas and blades then." Susanne volunteered. Conrad was quick to shut down the idea as always. "Then you'd be left behind. We could just leave y/n behind. You said that we'd have a better chance with y/n. That means we still have a chance." His last sentence sounded more pleading and less aggressive than the rest.
"We aren't leaving anymore behind. Right? No one's going to be..." Mian slowly realized while speaking that someone would have to. "y/n didn't preserve her gas. It's her own fault. She brought this on to herself." Conrad hissed.
Much to everyone's surprise, y/n seemed to relax. She shrugged her shoulders slightly. "As long as someone tries to clear out the depot, you can leave me behind." Silence fell upon the group once more.
Conrad clenched his fists and took a deep breath. "Floch should be the one to trade his gas and blades with y/n. He's mostly been hiding behind chimneys the whole time." Floch's crying came to an abrupt halt. He picked up his head and slowly turned his head to look at Conrad with betrayal.
Susanne started taking off her gas tanks and walking towards y/n. Seeing what his sister was doing, Conrad went to stop her, but Emeric held him back. "You're the one who can get us out of this mess. Don't overuse it again." Susanne told y/n. y/n nodded her head, "I won't. I promise you that." As the two traded, Conrad screamed. Trying to get out of Emeric's grasp.
When y/n was ready, Conrad had begrudgingly accepted their plan. Before they took off, he exchanged a few words with his sister. "I'm sorry for slapping you. You kind of—no. You definitely deserved it." Susanne said with a smile. She was trying so hard to hide her fear to keep Conrad from staying behind with her.
"I think you should take the charge." Emeric told y/n. "With this being your plan and all."
"Yeah, sure."
Emeric and y/n kept their backs turned away from the twins as they talked. They tried to give the two some semblance of privacy as they said their final goodbyes. Once the twins were done, the group jumped off the roof. No one dared to look behind them. Only Conrad did. Yelling at her, "We'll be back for you! I promise!"
'You can't just say things like that.' y/n thought as the wind went through her hair. 'But I'm sorry, Susanne. Thank you for believing me. We'll try our best to get back to you before anything happens.'
It didn't take them long to get to the supply depot. They were right; it was surrounded by titans. They weren't going to be able to make it through the front door, but Emeric suggested going to the top. There was a watchtower, meaning there was a trapdoor. Going through that trap door meant that they wouldn't have to engage with too many titans.
y/n would take down the titans to make a clear path for the others. Just as Emeric had latched on to the watchtower and began moving up it, a large titan reached out for him. It had knocked down half of the watchtower and taken Emeric in one fell swoop.
"What now!?" Mian screamed. y/n looked over shoulder to yell for them to retreat. She didn't have time for the words to form as she was kicked in the side by Conrad. She hadn't latched on to anything at that moment, and her body was flung through a window. She groaned in pain before opening her eyes to see Conrad's lower half sticking out of a titan's mouth.
He kicked her out of the way.
There wasn't anything she could do to save him. There was no screaming or sound coming from him. His blood slowly seeped from the titan's lips. The titan slightly crouched down to peer into the window. Its eyes looked so disgustingly human. y/n tried to move her body back away from the window with her hand. She tried to ignore the pain as her pieces of glass priced her palms.
Then the recognizable sound of flesh being ripped apart echoed out, and the titan fell to the side. The person who jumped through the broken window would have brought a smile to y/n's face, but her mouth was left open for a moment. She was almost afraid to reach out to them to confirm if they were real and not just some hallucination.
They walked right up to her and crouched down to her level. "What the hell were you thinking? You almost die. Wipe that damn smile off your face! You almost fucking died, don't you understand!?"
"Jean." She breathed out. Her eyes were as wide as saucers. People started crashing through the windows. With that, Jean drew his attention to some of the garrison members that were cowering in the corner. He began braiding them, or maybe he wasn't. y/n couldn't tell because her mind went blank.
"Have you broken your leg?" She turned her eyes to the side to see Reiner beside her. Her eyes were still wide. She wasn't responding right away, so he asked. "Do you need me to carry you?" He seemed to be growing more anxious with each second she didn't respond.
Her mouth slightly moved. "Marco." Was all she got out. She was afraid to ask if he was alive, but she wanted to know so badly. Yet it was like her body didn't want to know. Making her struggle to say anything but his name. It was trying to protect her from the inevitable pain.
"Are you okay?"
Seeing Marco alright with not a single scratch on him almost made her cry on the spot. Both of her anchors were fine. Her eyes and stressed smile relaxed as she let herself lay down. "Hey! Don't pass out on us now!" Reiner said as he pulled her up by the shoulders and off the floor that was riddled with broken glass.
"You can lay down, but not here! You're going to get glass in your hair and cut your head!" Marco worried out loud. Then he took notice of her bleeding hands. "Ah! Your hands! We have to get that bandaged up! Reiner, please carry y/n down stairs. I'll try to find a first aid kit." Reiner nodded his head and scooped y/n into his arms.
Her mind and body were exhausted. Though she wasn't the only one who was. Still selfishly, she let herself be carried down the set of stairs and leaned her head against Reiner's chest.
'They're okay. They're going to make it through this alive.' As she rested against Reiner, she took note of the heat emanating from him. 'You feel like a fireplace. You probably give the best cuddles during winter.'
Reiner set y/n down on a crate. She leaned her back against the wall and closed her eyes. "Thank you, but I could have walked on my own." He smiled at her words. "Why didn't you say that when I was carrying you?" She shrugged her shoulders, eyes still shut. "Can't a girl feel like a pretty princess being carried away from the danger?"
"I'll carry you away from any danger." She cracked a smile and opened her eyes. He wore a surprisingly gentle smile. His hazel eyes held a familiar warmth in them. She couldn't put a finger on why this felt like a long-lost memory.
All of a sudden that warmth disappeared when something caught the corner of his eye. "I've got to check on Bertholdt. Will you be alright?" She gave him a nod before he walked off. She closed her eyes and waited for Marco to come back with that first aid kit. It didn't take her long to drift off, even with all the nose around her.
Her eyes snapped open when she felt something get pulled from her hand. Her whole body bolted up. "I'm sorry! You looked so peaceful sleeping that I didn't want to wake you up." Marco apologized. Jean snickered, "I'm surprised that she woke up now." She looked down at her hands to see one was already banged. Marco had pulled out most of the glass with tweezers on her other hand.
She looked over at Jean, who was tinkering with some OFM gear. She glanced around the room to see mostly everyone cleaning out guns. "What's going on?" Marco was going to respond, but Jean beat him to it. "Don't worry about it; just go back to sleep, you freak." Everyone was looking more anxious than she'd expected. "No, there's clearly something going on."
"There's seven titans down in storage." Jean hissed at Marco; it shut up, but he ignored his friend. Focusing on taking out glass from y/n's hand. "We have a plan to get rid of them, so don't worry." He gave her a small smile.
"What's the plan?"
"The plan is for you to stay right here." She made a confused face at Jean's words. She looked at Marco to explain, but he didn't seem interested in doing so. He pretended to be occupied with bandaging her other hand. "Why won't you tell me? How bad is the plan?"
As y/n started getting worked up, Marco purposefully tightened her bandages a little too much. She let out a small yelp. Marco would innocently ask. "Sorry! Is that too tight?" She was easily fooled by his brown eyes and saw it as an accident. "But seriously. How are we getting rid of the titans?"
Jean groaned at her persistence. "If you don't stop asking, I'm going to strangle you until you pass out."
"There's no need to get kinky; I'd just like to know how I can help."
"You must be doing better if you're joking now." Jean rolled his eyes.
"It wasn't even a funny joke." Marco mumbled to himself. y/n huffed a laugh. ' You still can't handle slightly suggestive jokes after all of this. You must have been a nun in your past life. I swear.'
After some poking and prodding. Marco would explain the plan Armin came up with. The moment she heard the plan, she wanted to participate in it. The two rejected the idea immediately. "Your hands are cut up. You can't even do anything with them." y/n would claim that the cuts weren't too deep and that it doesn't hurt to put pressure on them.
Marco would come up with a horrible lie. "We don't have enough guns. So you'll have to sit this out." y/n blinked at him slowly. Jean gave him a deadpan look. 'You couldn't lie, even if your life depends on it.' The two thought to themselves in unison.
y/n realized that she wasn't going to get either of them to budge on their stance on keeping her out of this. Then she'd go talk to Armin himself to see if there was anything she could do. So she relaxed her body and acted as though she wasn't bothered. "Have you seen Mian or Floch? They were with me when I tried to break in here."
"I've seen Mian. She's fine. I don't know who Floch is." Jean said his tone was curt. Marco thought for a moment before realizing who y/n was talking about. "Floch Forster, right? He's the guy with the uh…interesting hair."
y/n smiled at Marco's attempt to not sound mean. "You can just say he has a bad haircut. No one's going to disagree with you on that." Marco tried to defend himself, but she didn't bother listening. She knew he'd never be rude to anyone on purpose. At times she wondered if there was a single bad bone in his body.
Seeing that neither of them had seen Floch, y/n got up. Making the excuse to look for her missing squadmate in the crowd. Then she started looking for Armin. It was actually a lot harder to find him than she realized. She figured she had to follow the sound of Eren screeches since Armin wasn't too far away from Eren and Mikasa. Though it seemed like Eren wasn't here.
She wandered around like a lost puppy until she finally saw Armin. He was cleaning up a gun just like everyone else. Though he seemed to be struggling. He looked like he knew what he was doing, but his hands wouldn't stop shaking. "Have you heard of square breathing?" The boy nearly jumped out of his skin hearing y/n's voice.
"What?" He was too lost in his thoughts to hear what she had said. "Square breathing? Ever heard of it?" He stared at her. She could have almost swam in those deep blue eyes if fear was visible a mile away. She slightly smiled to lighten the mood. "I'd ask if you were good, but that'd be a dumb question."
He turned her hand back to the gun. Fiddling with the thing. "Do you need something?" y/n didn't respond right away. She just watched him handle the weapon. She wasn't sure what it was, but the titans and all these must have caught up to him. Now he was struggling to handle the stress of it all.
She gently pulled the gun for his hand. He tried to take it back from her banged hands, but she held it up to keep it out of his reach. "You aren't going to get much done with those shaking hands so much." He looked at her with pleading eyes. "But…"
'Don't look at me like I kicked a puppy. I'll give it back to you; don't worry. Eren and Mikasa would give me hell if I even thought about picking on you.'
"I want you to breathe with me." He tried to protest, but she dangled the gun above his head. "You'll get this back; just follow my finger." Seeing him nod his head made her smile brightly. "Good! I'm going to draw a square. With each side I draw, you'll either inhale or exhale. When I get to a corner, you'll switch, okay?"
He did as she said. Expelling all the air from his chest until she came to a corner and started inhaling. She made him do the breathing exercise a few times before handing the gun back to him. "Is there enough room for me to get on the elevator and help distract the titans?" The moment she asked, he looked at her hands. "They're fine. I don't feel a thing." His eyes widened with worry. "You can't feel your hands?"
"No! That's not what I mean. I can still feel it. It's just not that bad. Alright? I'll do anything to help." He visibly relaxed. "We have enough people to distract them." She could feel what he was about to say next. "I think it's best if you just rest."
'Ugh, useless. All I'm allowed to do is sit on the sidelines while those two risk their necks. Lady Luck, why can't you be on my side once in a while?'
She kept up her smile. "Alright then. Good luck." Then she slipped away. She leaned against the brick wall and slid down to the floor. Closing her eyes as she listened to everyone's shoes slapping against the floor. Words muffled and jumbled together. All she could do now was wait and pray that things don't go wrong.
"What are you doing?"
Opening her eyes, she was mildly surprised to see Mikasa. There was no sight of Eren. Looking at Mikasa, there was a new level of coldness to her. She always came off as blunt, but there was a semblance of liveliness in her. Now it seems to be washed out. Her dull gray eyes somehow become even more lifeless.
That's when y/n realized. 'Eren, he's dead, isn't he?'
y/n shrugged and shifted her eyes to the side. "Just waiting, I suppose." She doubted Mikasa would want to see her pity. "Can you still use your hands?" Mikasa held out the rifle to y/n.
Mikasa watched y/n turn her head and look up at her. y/n's [eye color] eyes looked up at her like she had given her one of the most valuable things known to man. Grabbing the gun, y/n gave her a big smile. "My hands are as good as ever. Thanks."
Then y/n's smile faltered when she took notice of the bandage around Mikasa's wrist. She wouldn't have even noticed it if Mikasa's sleeve didn't travel up when handing out the weapon. "Are you okay?" Seeing that y/n is looking at her wrist, she pulled down her sleeve. "It's just a scratch."
"Did you put any cream on it? I can get you some." Mikasa discarded all of y/n's words. "I'm fine. Be ready in five minutes." y/n watched the dark-haired girl walk away. She kept her head held high. If Eren really was dead, y/n couldn't help but admire her strength to keep moving.
'Your wrist… Did you try to...' y/n shook her head and checked her gun. 'No. She didn't. She always had a bandage on her wrist. Just because Eren might be dead doesn't mean she'd follow him to the afterlife. She'd do anything for him and Armin. Just because one is dead doesn't mean all is lost.'
y/n stole a glance at Mikasa, who was talking to Armin. 'Maybe we're a little more similar than I realized. But I guess the main difference is that you're strong enough to keep fighting.'
She smiled to herself and huffed out a laugh. 'Okay, Jean. I think I understand your crush on that cold-hearted girl now.'
Sound Mind & Heart Masterlist
I've mainly been posting on Quotev, but finally got around to posting it here. Also made a drawing about the end of this chapter.
[Link to doodle]
That song remind me of (Y/N) Vainira's parents in "Noble to the core". It's giving me the same vibes, their villainous past/mistakes, their banishment, how they love their children and really want what best for them, their support of (Y/N) leaving but also their worriness for her future in Auradon and the challenges ahead of her but their hopes also for all their children
I don't know anything about Hazbin Hotel, but I liked the video. I'm more surprised that a few people took interest in y/n's parents.
Anyway they do know y/n is going to struggle in Auradon. They'd rather not have y/n struggle and face problems for her dad's actions, but they hope for her to get off the Isle. If she able to live in Auradon then maybe their son's can join her as well. That's what they hope at least.
I always have a soft spot for parents that really care for their kids. Thanks for the ask Anon.
"Ack, that's so-" Reiner finishes y/n's sentence. "Fucking gross, right?" She shook her head slightly, as if that would help the taste disappear faster. "I wouldn't use that language, but yeah. Disgusting." She pushed the cup away with her index finger.
"Are you sure you didn't just hand me a cup you pissed in?" Reiner laughed at her accusation. "I didn't piss in your cup. It would have been warm." She crossed her arms and rested them on the table. "You could have waited for it to go cold. Mix it in with a little something to try to hide the smell and taste a bit." She didn't get embarrassed when he gave her a weird look. She kept staring at his face as if trying to see any detection of a lie.
"I don't think I want to know what goes on in that head of yours." She cracked a smile. "It probably has more going on in it than yours." The two laughed before Bertholdt spoke up. "It doesn't taste that bad."
y/n raised her eyebrows before smiling. "Oh, yeah? Then finish my cup if it's not that bad." Bertholdt looked at the cup sitting in the middle of the table. She only took a sip, so it was basically full to the brim. He was going to reject the offer until Reiner started egging him on.
Then y/n tried to fan the flames by making a bet. "If you drink it all without stopping and swallow it, I'll juggle knives. How many knives? That's up to you." Her smile showed that she was confident in him failing, while the mischievous look in her eyes said she'd follow through with her bet. "You're going to end up hurting yourself." Bertholdt said.
To her surprise, Reiner didn't back her up. "Yeah, there's no reason to get yourself hurt over this." Her shoulders and smile slightly fell. It wasn't often Reiner didn't agree with her dumb antics. Though she supposed that juggling knives crossed the line. She sighed and quickly came up with another, much safer bet.
"Okay, no sharp objects will be thrown. If you drink all of it, then I'll sing any song of your choice right here. I'll jump on to the table and flex my vocal cords for everyone to hear." It didn't take long for Bertholdt to take on her bet.
The cup hovered near Bertholdt's lips as Reiner and y/n counted down in unison. Once they shouted zero, he started chugging the contents of the cup. Reiner cheered on to keep going. y/n yelled that he couldn't do it to discourage him, but it didn't seem to work. He slammed the cup down on the table with a loud thud.
y/n grabbed the cup to find it completely empty. "No!" She cried out before quickly recomposing herself. "I'll only sing if you drink three more cups." Reiner shook his head with an amused smirk. "A deals a deal. What song do you want her to sing?" He asked while nudging Bertholdt.
She put her hands together in a mock prayer and looked Bertholdt with pleading [eye color] eyes. "Bertholdt, my sweetest darling, my gentle giant. Please, don't make me do this. Don't let me embarrass myself like this. I'm a horrible singer, please." Reiner laughed, telling her that she did this to herself and it was her own fault. She didn't listen to him. She was too busy pleading to Bertholdt. Calling him sweet pet names and complimenting him while she did it.
After a bit, Bertholdt looked her in the eyes. "You want me to drink three more?" She nodded her head so quickly that it looked like her neck would snap. "Yes! Drink three more cups of that abhorrent liquid, and then I'll sing any song you want."
"You have to sing it loud for everyone to hear." Reiner said, already on board with the idea. She sucked in a deep breath before adding, "I'll even sing a song that has foul language." The blonde boy snickered at her serious expression. "Feeling confident and daring today."
"Shut it, you brute." She turned to Bertholdt and held her hand out across the table to him. He stared at her face with a blank look. It looked like he was far away from where they were. If it wasn't for Reiner, who nudged him with his elbow, he probably would have stayed like that the whole night. He held her hand and shook it.
"Deal."
As he was about to pull his hand away, y/n held on to it. Slightly squeezing it, and then she pulled it closer to her. "How is your hand so soft?" She asked while running her rough fingertips over his palm. He went red and pulled his hand away. "Um…" He struggled to come up with something to say.
Reiner jumped in. "If he loses, he'll tell you the secret of how he keeps his hand soft." y/n looked at Reiner with wide eyes and then back at Bertholdt. "Will you?" Bertholdt glanced at Reiner with an anxious expression. Reiner gave him a nod, though it didn't seem to ease Bertholdt in the slightest.
Taking notice of how the jovial air became tense. y/n spoke up. "If it's so important to you, you can keep your skincare routine a secret. I don't really need it." She hoped that her words would have quelled the edge, but it seemed like her words weren't even heard. "Y…Yeah, that sounds good." Bertholdt gave an uneasy smile.
"Great, I'll go get the cups." Reiner said as he stood up and walked through the crowd. y/n gave Bertholdt a concerned look. "Hey, you alright? You aren't looking too good." It wasn't uncommon to see the tall boy look anxious, but this looks different. He was suddenly sweating bullets and looked like he was going to throw up.
He brushed off her concerns, yet she wouldn't let up. So he tried to dodge her question with, "Have you thought of what regiment you're going to join?" His distraction seemed to work as she let out a sigh. "I'm joining the scouts." As he was about to open his mouth, she held up her hand with an exasperated look to continue. "Jean has always been criticizing me about it. Yes, I know the risk of it. It's my life, I should be able to die how I want to."
Bertholdt waited for her to put down her hand. "I was going to say that's really brave." Suddenly y/n felt bad. She didn't yell at him or anything, but she had no reason to expect him to ridicule her for her choice. There was no reason to use a spiteful tone toward the gentle giant.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you. That was uncalled for. I hope you can forgive me for that." The sincere look on her face made Bertholdt slightly smile. The smile looked awkward, but everything about Bertholdt was awkward. "If that's you snapping them, I don't want to see you angry." She was surprised to hear Bertholdt make a joke. They hadn't been too close during training. At least not close compared to her friendship with some of the other cadets. Still, she couldn't help herself from perking up at his joke.
"Yeah, you don't even want to know what I can do when I'm angry. I could probably, uh…Give me a minute. I'm trying to think of something cool to say." There wasn't much he had to say, so he waited for a short while. Watching y/n think and mutter. Seeing her having a conversation with herself that no one could hear was nostalgic to him. "Oh, okay, I got it. If I'm angry, I could knock Annie out with one hit.
He smiled as she punched at the air. "Really?" He questioned, and her facade crumbled without resistance. "No, but it was the coolest thing I could think of. Being able to take down Annie in hand to hand. Even if it was just for a second it would be amazing to see." He silently nodded his head.
"Anyway, what regiment are you joining? The military police?" His small smile was gone and replaced by his normal anxious expression. "I'm not sure yet." Their graduation was just in a few days.
'And Jean calls me indecisive.' y/n thought to herself.
"But it's almost time to choose."
"I still have some time."
Reiner placed three full cups on the table. "Still have some time to confess to Annie?" Reiner asked. y/n chuckled seeing Bertholdt's face redden. "I didn't know you had a crush on her. I'll help you; confess to her. You should—" He shook his head. "No, I'm not interested in her. I…I just…" He struggled with his words.
Taking pity on him, she pointed their attention back to the drinks. "After this there is no backing out, y/n." Reiner said. She held out her pinky, "I pinky swear it." Reiner gave her an unimpressed look. "Don't look at me like that. I'm pinky swearing! No one breaks pinky swears!" He rolled his eyes while trying to hold back a smile. With a quick pinky swear between y/n and Bertholdt, the challenge started.
Much to y/n's horror Bertholdt drank it like it was water. Not stopping for a moment. The only air he got was when he was putting down a cup to grab the next one. Reiner looked at him with a mixture of impressed and pride at his success.
Reiner ignored y/n's overdramatic cries of how her fate was too cruel. "What song are you thinking of?" Bertholdt thought deeply. Digging through old memories that he cherished. "I know which one." He finally said.
He'd get y/n's attention, making her stop her 'woe is me' speech. "I want you to sing your favorite song." He could see in the corner of his eye Reiner gave him a curious look.
"My favorite song, huh," y/n muttered to herself while closing her eyes. She dug through her scattered memory. There were a lot of blank and dark spots. The deeper she tried to dig into her memories, a headache would appear. This time was no different. There were so many songs. Most of them had no vocals, just instruments playing in harmony. Then she found one.
Her eyes snapped open. "I got one!" She said and hopped on to the table without hesitation. A few people turned their heads toward her, but most didn't notice. They were too immersed with their conversations. She cleared her throat before she started singing. Her voice wasn't as bad as she made it out to be. She managed to hold her notes well without her voice shaking. It was steady.
Some might have said she had a nice singing voice if they knew what she was saying. Everyone could hear her pronunciation of her words clearly. Yet she was singing complete gibberish. Not a word was recognizable to them. While she sang, she was slightly dancing along. Almost falling off the table a few times. Bertholdt held out his arms to catch her anytime she got dangerously close to the edge.
Once she was done, she bowed and jumped off the table. There was a thud when she landed on her shoes. She sat back down on the wooden picnic table. Everyone slowly went back to chatting, very confused by y/n's performance. Reiner looked mesmerized by the whole thing.
Bertholdt lightly kicked Reiner's leg to get that smitten expression off his face. "That was interesting." Bertholdt said with visible confusion. "What is the song called?" Reiner quickly became serious. y/n slightly shivered at how the air around them became intense again.
She tried to ignore his serious expression and casually responded with a shrug. "Uh, I don't know the name of it. I think it was from one of the regulars that would drink at the bar where I did the dishes. It just stuck with me, I guess." Hearing the explanation, Bertholdt seemed to be sweating even more.
"Do you want to lay down or something?" y/n questioned. Reiner was about to say something when Bertholdt put his hand over his mouth. "I think I'm going to throw up." The two panicked. Reiner quickly helped his friend up and headed outside. He told y/n to just stay there and enjoy the party while they get some fresh air.
She wanted to follow them but figured that staying behind was probably for the best. Bertholdt would probably feel more comfortable being with a friend than with her standing by. There was no need to make the awkward boy feel more anxious when he's feeling nauseous. Thankfully, she wasn't left alone to dwell on her classmate's condition.
Marco took a seat next to her. His face showed concern. "Are you alright? Did you drink too much ale that the others snuck in?" She smiled at how worked up he was. "No, I've only been drinking water. Only take a sip of whatever they're handing out over there." She's sure Jean would have walked over here with Marco, but he must be still angry with her decision. Or maybe trying to distance himself from what could be a person who doesn't have a guaranteed future.
It was a little disheartening to think about, but she doesn't blame Jean. She can understand his frustration. Though she couldn't help herself from wanting to see him. She didn't bother looking for him because he probably would just give her a scowl instead of the smile she wanted. But at least she had Marco.
The two talked for a bit before their resident loudmouth started making a scene. Not Jean, Eren Yeager. Eren was having a loud squabble with Thomas, surprisingly. Thomas was pointing out the dangers of joining the scouts and trying to coax him to join the garrison. Yet Eren wouldn't hear it.
Eren raised his fist in the air and shouted. "I'm not going to live here in fear for the rest of my life! The only way to solve humanity's problem is to kill all the titans!" The more he went on, the more y/n's mood soured. They were here to celebrate their four years of training, and Eren just couldn't help himself from emotionally ranting.
Marco noticed y/n's rising frustration. He tried to calm her down by saying that he would be done yelling sooner or later. Though seeing how uncomfortable Thomas looked made her angry. It didn't seem like Eren was far from done, and Jean seemed to be out somewhere. Probably going to the bathroom. So no one really challenged him.
Eren's friend, Armin, was trying to quiet him down, but it was like trying to close a door with no latch. Marco tried to keep y/n from getting up. There was no reason to engage with Eren; he'd tire himself out eventually, though y/n's frustration with him had been building up. It was about time she told him to shut up at least once.
She took a breath to compose herself before approaching. Even though she wanted to verbally slap him across the face, she'd be more diplomatic than Jean ever could be. She plastered a smile on her face and kept her voice light. "Looks like you've been drinking a little too much. You might want to quiet down or just head out for the night."
"I'm not the one dancing on the tables while speaking nonsense." She laughed a little. Trying her best to keep the mood light. "Not a fan of my performance; I'll remember that. But how about we quiet down on scout recruitment?"
The fire in his cyan eyes seemed to intensify. "Are you joining the garrison? Hiding behind the walls like the rest of these cowards?" Armin told him to call down but wasn't heard. She clenched her jaw yet kept her smile up. "I'm joining the scouts."
'Which is unfortunate because I'll have to be dealing with your rants even longer.' y/n thought to herself. He narrowed his eyes. Trying to find anything that could point out that she was lying.
"Then you agree that everyone who isn't joining the scouts is turning their back on humanity's future, don't you? That the scouts are the only ones who can and will bring pace. If everyone stops—"
"Eren," y/n sighed. "Please. There's no reason to insult people who aren't joining the scout regiment. They're completely justified in their reasoning. Normal people don't want to die. Yelling at everyone about how it's the only way isn't going to convince them. You have to show them. Prove it. So until then, just shut up about titans already. This is supposed to be a celebration party, and you're just souring the mood with your words."
He quickly asked her a question before she could start walking away. "So do you believe in the scouts or not?" She gave him a bored look. Her smile was long gone. It was obvious she wanted this over already and was starting to regret saying anything in the first place.
"Do you want my honest opinion?"
"That's what I was expecting when I asked." His voice showed that he wasn't interested in going quiet anytime. And it was probably y/n's fault for that.
"Well, honestly, I'd say the scouts are doomed. They're the smallest regiment, they have the least funding, and they keep getting smaller with each expedition. I wouldn't count on them to save humanity." Everyone was at a loss for words. Not even a moment ago, she stated that she was going to join the scouts, and here she was saying they were doomed.
"If they're doomed, why are you joining them?"
"My reason doesn't matter. I'll probably be dead as soon as I get out there anyway. You probably will too. I'm not saying you will; just that there's a reasonable chance. Now look around you, Eren; you're just making a fool of yourself. The night is still young, and just sit back down." She suddenly walked up to him and held out her hand. "Let the people have their fun tonight. Whatcha say, future comrade?"
Gears were going in his head. What seemed to be the first time in the last few minutes, he went silent. Then he looked at her hand and then up at her face. She had brought back that smile that made her look so punchable. He curled up his fists and walked away.
He turned around and started walking away. His two friends followed closely behind. He spoke curtly without looking back at her, "I'll see you outside the walls then." She awkwardly put down her hand and thought to herself. 'At least he didn't punch me or slap my hand away, I guess.' She made her way back to Marco, who wasn't looking great.
The moment she sat down, he asked about the promise they made yesterday. She had to do a lot of sweet talking since Marco wouldn't let her dodge the question. Every word she spoke was sprinkled with a pretty lie to hide any of her true thoughts and feelings. She just couldn't leave Marco behind, worried about her well-being. She'd leave and hide behind honeyed words.
She knew it would hurt him and Jean a lot when she died. She had no intention of making promises that she couldn't keep. So making him happy by telling him what he wanted to hear was the best thing she could do. The night carried on. She wouldn't see Reiner or Bertholdt for the rest of the night. She'd talk with a few of her peers, but mostly spent the moment soaking in the atmosphere.
· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·
There weren't any titans near the wall. At least not where y/n was. She was cleaning the cannons atop Wall Rose. She often found herself looking out beyond the wall, but thankfully Reiner periodically checked on her and snapped her out of her daze.
There wasn't anything special about the scenery. It wasn't barren; it looked normal. There wasn't a feeling of freedom that Eren would so often speak about. No electric energy that made her want to run out there. As annoying as she found Eren to be, she couldn't help herself from being a bit jealous of him. She wished to have a fraction of his passionate determination. Though she wouldn't want to end up being preachy like him. One Eren Yeager is enough to make her bang her head against a wall.
As she wiped down one of the canons, she looked around her group. It had been nearly half an hour since they started, and there was no sign of Reiner's shadow. "Hey, where's Bertholdt?" y/n asked. Reiner didn't hesitate to respond. "He's still feeling sick from last night, but he'll be here later." She could feel a pit in her stomach. That damn drink that would burn your throat must have done a number on him. She shouldn't have had him drink four cups. Now he probably has food poisoning.
"Does he have any stomach pain, a headache, or a fever? Did he at least throw up whatever was in his system?" It felt like she was interrogating Reiner with all these questions. He patted her shoulder. "Don't worry. Bertholdt is going to be fine."
She wasn't entirely satisfied with that answer. There was some level of guilt that was nagging her. "I'll buy some ginger tea after this; I know a place in Trost that has some good quality tea. Does Bertholdt drink tea? It should help calm his stomach." She was starting to ramble to herself. Reiner didn't even bother trying to respond to her. She went on and on about what to help with any possible ailments Bertholdt could have gotten.
Then Wall Rose suddenly shook beneath their feet. Someone pointed across the wall and screamed. Everyone turned their attention that way to see a huge skinless titan. That's when someone noticed it had made a hole in the wall, and titans were entering Trost. It was just like Wall Maria all over again. The huge monster of a titan dragged its hand across the top of the wall. Taking out all of the canons in front of it. They were too far away to see if anyone got out of the way in time, so all they could do was hope.
Suddenly steam engulfed its form. Making it impossible to see it. When the steam disappeared, that thing was gone. Everyone was either screaming or froze and stared at the destruction. y/n couldn't bring her mind to register what had happened in front of her. 'Why now? Why did it come back after all these years? If that one came back, where is the other one?' Reiner snapped y/n out of her thoughts by placing a hand on her shoulder. "Don't."
She turned her head. He somehow was able to keep a calm face. "What?" She breathed out, confused. "Don't go down there. You don't have your blades on you." She couldn't understand why he'd tell her something so obvious. Until she realized one of her shoes was over the edge. She had subconsciously wanted to go down there to take on the titans that were starting to infest the city.
She quickly brought her foot back. She shook her head slightly for her stupidity before looking back at Reiner. "Thanks." He only gave her a head nod in response.
The stars looked exceptionally pretty tonight. The light breeze made the leaves rustle softly. Three people sat on a tree branch closely together. None of them spoke as a melancholic feeling hung over them. They knew this would be their last late-night meeting ever. Graduation was in a few days, and there will be a small celebratory party for the 104th cadets tomorrow night.
It started out with Marco wanting to improve his ODM skills. He knew he'd never touch an ODM gear when he joined the military police. But he wouldn't be given the choice if he didn't improve his usage of it. He'd ask y/n to train him because he saw her sneak into the woods with her ODM gear on after curfew multiple times.
The girl was flattered. "I'll help you train, but you have to agree to marry me." She held Marco's hand like it was made of porcelain. "Don't worry. I'll pay for the rings. Just tell me your ring size, and I'll figure out everything else." He opened his mouth to respond, yet he couldn't find any. The poor boy was too flustered and taken back by her reaction. She let his hand go with a light chuckle. "I'm just partially joking, but you can train with me."
The first few nights were a struggle. y/n couldn't stop babying Marco, like any sudden movement would break him. And using ODM gear in the dark wasn't easy for him. y/n nearly had a heart attack every time he bumped into a tree. Still, Marco was slowly making some progress.
It wasn't long before Jean joined their late-night training. He was moping about Eren getting a better grade than him in their latest test. Marco invited him along to do some extra training with him and y/n. Jean turned down the offer. Explaining that he was good enough to not need extra training, but he'd eventually cave in and join them.
It was supposed to be about improving each other's skills, but it quickly became y/n and Jean teaching Marco the best techniques for using ODM. The two had very different teaching styles. y/n constantly showered him in praise while Jean focused more on the actual training. Leading the two to slightly bicker, though it never got too out of hand. y/n never seemed to take anything seriously.
"Still plan on joining the scouts?" Jean asked. He didn't bother looking at y/n and she didn't look back at him either. They both just looked up at the night sky. Marco stole a glance at y/n, hoping to see her consider her options or hesitate at the very least.
"Yeah. Of course." There was no delay in her response, which saddened the two. Though it seemed to bother Jean more. "You're just going to die out there. Honestly, you're better off joining the garrison. There's no need to play the hero." Marco didn't like Jean's aggressive tone but did agree with him to an extent.
"Aw, are you worried about little old me?" y/n gave him a cheeky smile. Her voice was too light for this important conversation. She swung her legs off the tree branch with a sort of excitement. This seemed to anger Jean more.
"You could have easily been one of the top ten if you didn't sleep through all those lectures. Do you have the same death wish as that dumb suicidal maniac? Or do you really think that there's a future outside the walls?" His irritation hid his concern and fear.
She stopped swinging her legs and looked down for a moment. She stared at the tree branches down below with a sort of thoughtfulness etched into her expression. The two waited for her response, one being more patient than the other. Marco placed his hand over hers and said, "No matter what you do, y/n, I'll support you." She looked at his sincere smile for a moment before returning one herself.
Jean swiftly popped the tender moment. "You're going to support her in getting herself killed?" He pointed out with gritted teeth. Marco looked away, a little abashed. He responded with uncertainty, "No. I didn't mean it like that. You know what I mean."
How the two acted so nonchalant about the whole thing irked Jean. y/n, their friend during these 4 years of training, was marching to their death with a smile. And all Marco would say was essentially measly good luck. Just as Jean was about to spit out venomous words at the two, y/n spoke up.
"There's life outside the walls."
Jean's frustration was calmed for a moment by y/n's statement. The way she said it so confidently made them look at her with curiosity. Waiting for her to explain herself further. "What do you mean?" Marco asked; his eyes were filled with interest. She stared into his eyes as if searching for something. After a moment she'd look back at the sky and said, "I believe." Jean asked her what the hell she meant by that. "I believe there's life outside the walls. That's all." Jean rolled his eyes and Marco thought about the idea.
Marco shrugged his shoulders. "I mean, I guess it's possible." He didn't want to crush y/n's belief because he didn't at least entertain the idea. "The only thing outside the walls are titans and death." Jean snickered at his friends' optimistic naivety. Unsurprisingly, y/n let out a chuckle. Sometimes it felt like y/n couldn't be knocked down, and even if she was, she'd still be laughing to herself. "Yeah, maybe. But how could we know if we don't go out there?" She gave Jean a small smile.
"Don't expect me to cry at your funeral when I hear you got eaten by a titan. That is if you still have remains to be buried." Marco called Jean out for his crass remark. Telling him to apologize for what he said, all while y/n laughed.
She put her arms around both of their shoulders and pulled them close to her. "Jean, Marco…You two have made every day so much better. Honestly, it's going to hurt a lot when we split up, but knowing you two have each other when you become an MP has brought me peace. I think…I think I'd do just about anything for you two." A sniffle came from Marco. y/n could feel his shoulders shake a little; she didn't have to look at him to know that he was crying. She tried to keep up her smile and gave his shoulder a comforting squeeze.
"If you'll do anything for us, then join the garrison." y/n quickly blinked away any tears. She didn't want to show how emotional their final time here was making her. She was upbeat, if not wishy-washy. That's how she wanted them to remember her. Not the girl who broke down in tears because she'd be left alone with people like Eren who were crazy enough to join the scouts.
"I said I think I'd do anything for you. And that's not one of them. Hey, but when you become MPs, how about you send me some candy through a letter or something? I’m sure candy from the interior is heavenly. I asked Annie to send me some when she gets there, but you never know with her. Plus, she's greedy with her sweets." y/n started babbling on. Trying to stray further from that conversation. Marco was too busy wiping away his tears, and it didn't seem like Jean was even listening. Too busy thinking to himself.
Just as y/n was starting to reminisce about their first day here, Jean finally snapped out of it. He pushed her arm off his shoulders and gave her an intense look. "If you join the garrison, then I'll join it too." The two looked at him as if he had grown a second head.
"But the whole reason you're here is to live in the interior." Marco stated. He was completely dumbfounded by Jean's sudden shift. Jean let out a frustrated sigh, "y/n, you shouldn't have to throw your life away. There's so many people that care about you more than you realize. The scouts aren't worth your life."
y/n's heart felt heavier with each word he spoke. She could feel her facade cracking under his gaze. Then Marco spoke up, "I'll join the garrison as well! We'll be together till the end!" His voice was soft but held a bright determination. y/n couldn't take it longer and let out a choked cry. Tears streamed down her face.
She swiftly pushed her arm to her eyes. A poor attempt at hiding her tears. She could feel a hand rubbing her back to provide some type of comfort. Yet it only made her cry harder. They were too good for her. So selfless compared to her. She was a mere insect and they were everything but that. Everyone here was so much better than her in multiple ways. It was almost unfair.
After a moment of weeping, y/n croaked, "Write to me how nice it looks in Sina." Jean looked at her disbelief. He and Marco are willing to throw away their dream of joining the military police so that they could be together. Yet she's still determined to die beyond the walls.
Jean didn't doubt her skill. Again, she could have easily been one of the top ten, but she threw it away. She threw away any good opportunity for herself. There was a difference between training dummies and real titans. The thought of those disgusting things getting near any of them sent a chill down his spine. There were so many ways one could die out there. She'd be considered lucky if her corpse wasn't completely eaten. Or maybe she'd be marked as MIA.
At what point should one give up on someone? Jean can't tell if she's stupid or ignorant for throwing everything away. Jean stood up. "You're fucking worse than that suicidal maniac." With that, he used his ODM gear to zoom through the trees and back to camp. The two were silent for a moment. Watching Jean disappear into the night. "I'd tell you to take care of Jean, but I know I don't have to worry about that." y/n said, appearing to be unbothered by the whole thing.
"Of course. You can always count on me, but..." Marco trailed off for a moment. She waited patiently and took her arm off his shoulder. Swinging her legs as she picked at the tree bark. "But promise me you'll come alive back from every expedition. No matter what it takes." She held herself back from recoiling at his words. She subconsciously started twirling a strand of hair with one of her fingers. "I'll try." She said it without looking at him.
"Promise me. Promise Jean. Promise us that you'll live." His voice was surprisingly stern. 'I wanted this to be a nice night.' y/n thought to herself with a sigh. "I promise you, Marco Bodt, my freckled fiend, and Jean Kirstein, my trusty steed, that I'll try to come back alive." She forced a smile. "y/n," Marco said with a frown.
She was quick to interrupt him. "Just smile for me." She held both sides of his face. "Just between you and me. I think your smile looks prettier than Jean's." He scoffed a laugh before pulling her hands off his face and giving her a smile. "There it is! There's my winning smile! Come on, let's head back before someone notices we're out."
"But you'll try to live, won't you?"
"Yes, my dearest. Now stop worrying about that." She hid her slight annoyance behind a laugh and a dismissive hand wave.
I've been struggling with trying to write an AOT x Reader story. I write it and edit it before deleting it because I'm not satisfied with it.
Was thinking about making it a yandere story but then I decided against it. Then I went maybe I should do this or that. I think I'm satisfied with what I got but I'll probably end up deleting it from Quotev and Wattpad. Didn't even bother posting it here or two AO3 cuz I was too lazy.
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