They would do it in a heartbeat because without you there is no world. They don't care if it's wrong, all they care about is you, so don't you dare think they would ever let something harm you. Screams were heard all around you, and it wasn't very pleasant, they could tell, so they held you close and never let go. The danger was gone, nothing could harm you now and you were safe, all is fine... They swore to protect you and they will never break that promise. "I love you more than you could ever imagine" They said, trying to make you focus on them and not the fire behind you, "I love you too"
--: SCARAMOUCHE, Xiao, Acheron, CAPITANO, Arlecchino, Raiden Ei, Aventurine + Your Favs
I would let you burn for the world
They love you, they really do, but their Hero of a heart can't just let all those people die, they can't do it. They would rather kill the 'love of thier life' than watch so many innocent die. They cry as they hold the sword to your throat, they cry so much you would've thought you were dreaming. But you weren't, and the pain was real, so very real and you couldn't even cry. "I loved you..." were the last words they heard before your lifeless body fell into their arms.
↪ ft. argenti. arlan. aventurine. blade. boothill. caelus. dan heng & imbibitor lunae. dr ratio. gallagher. gepard. jing yuan. luka. luocha. sampo. sunday. welt.
Argenti brushing your hair, making sure to gently undo any knots found in it. He would help you clean up any dirt from your skin and clothes, making sure you looked even more beautiful than you already were. You were his beloved, and he'd make sure to make you feel like it was so all the time through soft moments just like these.
Being in the infirmary with Arlan, who bandages up any wounds you got. He places soft kisses over small band-aids or bigger scars, making sure to help you feel better. He wouldn't want to let you hurt any longer than you already did. He promises that it'll be all better with him by your side.
Aventurine would hold you close to himself as you both roam the casino. Winning every single game he played, as always. Letting every other patron there know that you were the only one allowed to be so close to the luckiest man in the building. No one would be able to catch his heart just as you have with him as he places a kiss on your forehead, silently reminding you with a smile.
In between missions, Blade would hold you close to his chest, wrapping his arms around you and rubbing soothing patterns into your back. Elio hadn't assigned him to the next thing in the script yet, so he still had time to be with you, to give you some attention before he has to set off for whatever dangers he'd be going through next.
Despite not being able to feel much, Boothill gives you so much love. An arm wrapped around your waist, tight hugs which brings you closer to himself. Whenever he feels like he wants to feel your touch, he just nuzzles his face into you, chuckling gently with a smirk on his face. Knowing you're too good for someone like him.
Caelus clinging onto you while the Crew watches a horror movie together in the Astral Express. He yelps at the smallest thing, holding you close to himself for dear life. Despite going through life-threatening things, he still was a little scaredy-cat underneath all of that, your little raccoon boyfriend would never change, not like you'd want him to.
Laying your head on Dan Heng's shoulder as he types out something on the Data Bank after your last mission. All of you were tired from what you had experienced, but he diligently writes more information for everybody. Also, gently caressing Imbibitor Lunae's horns, placing soft kisses on them as his tail wraps around your hips, silently trying to pull you closer to himself.
Bathing with Dr. Ratio, he thoroughly washes your body, touching you in places only he can. The bubbly sensation relaxing the two of you as you clean up together. Enjoying the soft, alone time, just for the both of you. With no other people to pry or disturb either of you.
Gallagher guiding your hands as you two work at the Dreamjolt Hostelry. Making sure to help you find the correct ingredients to serve to your different customers. Handing you something he was previously using, your fingers grazing over one another's and feeling the small and short touches that you two share every now and then.
Sitting in the Silvermane Restricted Zone with Gepard, as he lets you bandage his wounds he got from the battles with the Fragmentum. He wasn't fully invincible, and him getting hurt would be inevitable. He knew that his job was dangerous, but letting you at least know he was okay, and that you can make him feel better would make himself feel better.
Jing Yuan letting you sit on his lap as he works. His work was usually boring most of the time, but when you were there with him, it made it so much more interesting. He nuzzled into your neck every now and then, smirking against your skin as he inhaled your scent. He could never get sick of these times with you, and no one could take you away from him, not even the Master Diviner.
Cuddles with Luka after he wins his last match at the Fight Club. It's his little reward from you that he always looked forward to. Even if he did lose, which we all know would barely actually happen, he would always be spoiled like this. He would always love having your warmth and comfort after hard work put into his fights.
Luocha's fingers intertwined with yours as the two of you go through the Luofu together. He wasn't anyone else other than your lover when he was with you, and he'd make sure you know it. Kisses on the back of your hand or playing with your hair when the two of you were alone, or even when there was a man secretly watching from behind the scenes.
Holding Sampo's face in your hands as you gently scold him for conning another person. He just wanted to get money for you, but that didn't mean he had to get it through means like this. You remind him not to do that again, though we both know that he would do it again, all for you.
You were the only one who was loved enough by Sunday to be able to touch his soft wings, other than his own sister. He would let you clean them up, touch them up and even preen any loose feathers that stuck out from the rest. Normally, he'd do it himself, but if it made you happy to help, then he'd let you do what you want.
Laying down with Welt on the couch in the Astral Express' Parlor Car, cuddling with him after a long day of missions at your current stop. He would brush his fingers through your hair. Your head on his chest, his other arm wrapped loosely around your body. Resting for the next day that would be full of exciting adventures for the two of you.
Masterlist || Do not repost nor feed to AI. Reblogs & Comments are much appreciated.
These boys like to be teased. Run your hands along his body slowly. Touch his chest, his thighs, his neck, his ass... anywhere but where he wants it, where he needs it. Licking and sucking on his sensitive nipples like they're candy. They'll be sore and puffy when you're done~
Then, when you finally, *finally* touch him... it isn't enough. Make him beg. Make him whimper and cry. After so long spent bricked up and waiting for you to give him what he's craving, he's desperate for whatever you're willing to give.
Make sure to drag it out. He says he wants you to hurry up, that he hates the teasing... but secretly, he lives for it. Extend the foreplay as long as you want. The longer the better.
So when you finally wrap your hand around his cock, finally stroke him, bring him so, *so* close to orgasm... he's begging for more, for you to keep going, don't stop! The poor boy's waited long enough, don't you think? He's spewing thank you after thank you, praising you like you're his god/goddess. Only to gasp when you don't stop.
"Wa- wait, w-what are you doing?! I- I just- *AH!~* c-camee!!" His eyes are rolling back as his hips buck wildly, away from your hand, back into it. It feels so good. His body doesn't know what to do with the sensations you're giving him.
"I thought you wanted to cum, dear. Did you not? Next time I can edge you for longer if you'd like~"
He sobs at your words, realizing now that you never planned on giving him a break. He gasps and moans, begging, pleading with you.
"Stop, stop stop stop!! It's- *ah~* t-too much!! Too much!!"
"That isn't what you say when you want it to stop, dear. Do you need your safe word~?"
The boy can barely process your words, but he doesn't use his safe word. And you could've sworn you heard him whisper "more~" under his breath.
So you make him keep cumming. Your hand speeds up, the other one coming up to rub at the head of his pretty cock. He keeps on cumming and cumming until you're satisfied or he passes out from exhaustion. When you finally let him rest, let him *breathe*, he's all tuckered out.
Aftercare is gently massaging where the ropes dug into his skin, rubbing in lotion to prevent the flesh from being too sore in the morning. Cleaning him up with a warm towel, gently to avoid giving him any more stimulation.
"You were so good for me, darling. So perfect. Hush now... rest. Rest, my good boy."
He's nearly passed out on the bed, his eyes closed, a soft smile on his face. Holding him close in your arms, you can feel his gentle, slow breathing as he drifts off to a peaceful sleep.
Bennett, Xingqiu, FREMINET, Sethos, Mika, Welt Yang, Arlan, Dan Heng, Sampo, Misha, GOROU, Kaveh, Xiao, Rody Lamoree, Eren Yaegar, Lance
CHARACTERS: Argenti, Arlan, Aventurine, Blade, Boothill & Caelus x F!Reader
WORD COUNT: 812
Argenti
“Yes, that's it my rose. I don’t think i will ever get tired of this sight.”
Despite how he many times he's seen you like this - Argentis cheeks will flush a beautiful red and his chest is rising and falling quickly. You are utterly beautiful. His fingers pushe more slick out of you, and he can’t help but lean in to lap it up, humming at the taste of you along his taste buds that the movement grants him.
“Such a delightful taste....hah- is this all it takes to make yoi quiver?” he can't help but close his eyes as he buries himself deeper between your folds. You're ’re so sensitive. His fingers keep their pace and when you throb around his slender digits he can’t help but moan into you, he feels it just like you. “Don't be scared my love, as your boyfriend it's my duty to make you cum.”
Arlan - aged up!
“oh-!” he's doing all this for the first time, he can't help but be just as surprised with his actions like you. You have to bite your lip, he's way to cute right now, and does it way to well.
Arlans nose knocks against your clit a second later, followed by him lewdly slurping at the bundle of nerves like he’s kissing it better from the soreness.
He felt like he is on cloud nine and it only makes him feel even better when he feels you begin to tense. You're so close, he can feel it, and hear it. It’s almost immediate the way he feels your thighs begin to wrestle against him as you desperately try to close your legs at the pure pleasure.
“Gonna make you cum, gonna make you cum real good”
Aventurine
You feel the way he smiles against your pussy, teasingly. He knew he'd make you beg for it in under 5 minutes. “heh- now that was easy, wasn't it.” he sends another kiss against your clit, breathing heavy against your folds as his fingers move to spread you open, making more space for him. God, sometikes he just wants to shove his faces as deep as he can into your wet and warm pussy and stay there.
His eyes are on you the entire time, watching you with lidded eyes as he licks from bottom to top again, smirking like a mad man.
“Damn, loon at you darlin', all puddy in my hands."
Blade
“What did i tell you? Hold fucking still.” Blade grits his teeth. He pulls away from your wet cunt to glare up at you, lowkey makes you scared. You’re so close, so damn close, the last thing you want is him pulling away. With the last bit of self control you got left, you try your best not to squirm around. You know better than to disobey him.
He’s messy and merciless when he eats your pussy. Hes covered, nose to chin with your juices. He closes his lips around your clit, giving it a harsh suck. He’s exploring your pussy with his tongue before it’s swirling around your clit with the purpose of prolonging your blissful state, watching you with heavy eyes as he feels himself get turned on by the expression on your face. You can't help but whine, you want to cum.
"Patience...patience..."
Boothill
His arms wrapped around your thighs leaving you helplessly trapped in this sick game of him over stimming you till you can’t anymore. Tears couldn’t help but fall from your eyes as you begged him that it was just “t-too much”. But you weren’t convincing enough. After all your hips were bucking into his face when you were just so close to cumming again, leaving you whiny and breathless after each time.
Can't be to much when you're this needy — “f-fuck.. i c-can’tplease” your voice shaking, desperately you run your hands through his soft hair to pull him even closer despite your words.
“what a fucking liar you are...”
Caelus
The way his fingers come down on your clit, slapping the bud quickly, he stares at you from between your thighs. He’s watching the way your pussy swallows up two of his fingers.
“You truly are so pretty.” Caelus whispers almost love drunk. You feel too hot, you're sweating, like he’s worshipping you from where he’s resting on his knees at the end of the bed, leaving your hips to hang from the mattress so he can have you. He holds your thighs in his hands, gripping them hard so he can contain himself. He feels like hes getting mad, crazy at your taste. His tounge fucks itself in and out of your hole, almost like it has a mind on its own. His eyes roll back into his skull, is he liking this more than you?
A/N just some ideas about different cursed monster characters and how they interact with you, the only one to remain a human. Yeah, they're all yandere and a little deranged. Reader discretion advised.
Includes Kafka, Dan Heng, Silver Wolf, Argenti, and Arlan
Spider Hybrid! Kafka likes to wrap you up. She's part spider from the waist down, and twice your size. Her human features have morphed as well, but the most important thing to her is now she has the skills to properly restrain you. Of course, if you resist, the webbing only gets tighter. She'll coddle you, feed you by hand and even make love to you in her web. She frees you long enough to not let your muscles atrophy. She likes it when you squirm. For now her semi-frequent walks with you and more frequent... playtimes will have to suffice.
Loong! Dan Heng is the most magnificent creature you've ever laid eyes on. As Imbibitor Lunae, he was already beautiful. You glimpsed his vidyadhara traits then, but now that he is a full dragon, he's far more imposing. He can no longer fit in his bedroom on the Express, and has taken refuge in the parlor car. Spending time with him like this is... difficult. The others are often present, but if he curls around you, he can hide you from the rest of the crew or visitors. He tries to keep you there often, not letting you escape and dipping venom into your mouth if you put up a fuss. The dosage is harmless but just enough to keep you mellow.
Computer Virus! Silver Wolf has infiltrated all your technology. At first, you laughed at the fact the curse turned her into a wifi hopping virus, but it soon became horrific. All your devices have the filming light on at all times. If you cover them, they explode, and a new one arrives in a package at your door the next day with a note saying, "Try it again. I dare you." Rest assured, she works faster than any algorithm. She can predict your searches and will orchestrate your social media feeds to only include content of her and what she wants for you.
Dulluhan! Argenti, a headless horseman, has neither his head attached to his body nor a horse to ride. Instead, he now carries his own head everywhere, and the absence of a steed does little to remove the horror of his new form. He adjusted to the curse well, saying it, and his compatriot's new bodies were still beautiful. The Beauty can be found even in the most dire of circumstances. On days he must travel the stars to continue his search, he leaves his head behind with you, assuring you that he doesn't need it to pursue Idrila.
Wolfhound! Arlan, is not very frightening to you, and yet the researchers of the Herta Space Station have been keeping their distance as of late. You wonder if it's because Arlan threatens to bite the hand of anyone who touches you, his once sweet disposition replaced by a fierce need to covet you. His work continues, and his enhanced senses make it easier for him to catch criminals aboard. The increased efficiency also means that he's far more paranoid about your safety. Now, you have to endure having him present wherever you go.
a/n: enjoy >3 also remember that arlan is infact 18+ that man is not a child.
characters: cealus, dan heng, welt yang, arlan, veritas ratio
tags/tws: 5 bulletpoints each, yandere behavior, kidnapping, toxic behaviors, etc the usual. not beta read
ᴄᴀᴇʟᴜꜱ
→ one guilt tripping bastard uses his amnesia to his advantage, he feigned innocence and ignorance to keep you close to him. anytime you try to step away for a break from him he amps it up, acting as if he cannot function without you. he begs, pleads, and cries for you to stay until you finally cave.
→ he doesn't like you interacting with anyone or group other than the members of the asteral express. if you need to talk to others, he wants to be there. oftentimes, you can find your conversations being cut short when he thinks you've talked enough. the glare he sends them always ruins your conversations. but as soon as you turn to him, he has that usual happy and innocent look on his face.
→ clings to you like a leach, always hanging off your arm, has his arm around your waist or shoulder, and sometimes even holds your hand. follows you to the bathroom if he can. If not, he'll reluctantly wait outside. he is very affectionate, and suffocating.
→ he's a thief, too. he asks to borrow your clothing(even if it doesn't fit) because he lost his. don't expect to get them back. he slowly gets a collection of clothing from you, hiding them in a box under his bed. he saves them to use later for... personal purposes.
→ he practically has you wrapped around his finger, so he finds no need in kidnapping you. he would, however, make you sick. he'd feed you something that would make you unable to move on your own. he'd spend your recovery time taking care of you, making you get used to being dependent on him.
ᴅᴀɴ ʜᴇɴɢ
→ he's smart and calculating. he knows your every move, where you are, and when. he bugged your phone with an tracker, and an audio listening device so he can hear your conversations, making sure you don't talk to someone he may disapprove of. he tries to be with you all day everyday, if you go off the express he does too, if he can, anytime you're back on the express, he keeps you in the archives with him.
→ he keeps logs of you, very detailed logs. from your appearance to your interests. has stuff about you that you don't even know yourself. he has videos of you, from the cameras he hidden in your room. he uses this to his advantage, learning about the things you like or dislike and using it to get closer to you, close enough to have you inevitably interviewed with him.
→ he's pretty touchy and likes staying close to you. in his vidyara form, he keeps his tail wrapped around you while you stand, practically acting as a leash as it stops you from moving. It guides you to places he wants you to go. Sometimes, has a hand resting on your shoulder when you talk to someone or when you're alone, a silent threat to you to behave.
→ he will take your clothes, but he'd moslty give you his(even if they don't fit). has you wear them and reassures you don't have to wash them and he will do it. he spends the rest of the night making a nest with the other clothing you wore, surrounding himself with you sent as he drifts off to sleep.
→ he's not aganist kidnapping. he'll convince himself it's okay, that it's for your own good and to keep you safe. he is very sympathetic, having been through being locked up before. he will deal with any outbursts with a calm mind. he'll comfort you when you cry, holding you close to him like the lover he is.
ᴡᴇʟᴛ ʏᴀɴɢ
→ he probably is one of the more laidback yanderes, but don't get it wrong. he's strict and overprotective, but still will allow you freedom to some extent. he keeps you on a very tight leash, similarly to dan heng he too has a tracker on your phone. while he doesn't listen to your conversations, he'll always know if you talk to someone.
→ in the rare occasion he has free time, he likes to sit down and draw. ranging from landscapes he's seen over his travels to exotic animals. when he met you, you were the only thing he could draw. soon enough his sketch books and canvases were filled to the brim with pictures of you.
→ he likes physical affection with you, though he's a lot more subtle about it. a hand along your back as he guides you through the halls, a hand on your shoulder as he looks over your work. he hugs you from behind often, resting his chin on top of your head as he relaxes against you. he likes holding hands with you especially.
→ doesn't take your clothes but feel free to take his, he gets an odd satisfaction out of seeing you in his clothing. he does eventually get you more clothes of your own, but the clothing he gets for you are basically in his personal style just in your size. the crew often jokes about how you're a mini welt
→ he wouldn't turn to kidnapping unless he absolutely has to. he doesn't want that spark he admires in you to disappear if he imprisons you. though if you act out too much for his liking, he's content for locking you inside his room for a few days until he's sure you won't act out again. afterward, he keeps you on(mostly figurative) leash.
ᴀʀʟᴀɴ
→ he is very observant and has eyes everywhere throughout the space station. he doesn't bother putting trackers on you. he has Peppy for that. The pup follows you everywhere where he can't go. Or if for you wahtever reason Peppy can't follow you he will have a member of his staff tail you. its rare for him to have someone he doesn't talk with. if you end up talking to one of them. They'd simply disappear from your life.
→ he likes doing things with you, quality time being his main love language. since he's often so busy that he opts to take you on as his assistant. running errands with him along the base of the space station. though he wouldn't let you do certain things like handle classified intel but writing up emails, sending out information, food runs, taking Peppy on walks w/ you and etc.
→ he's not the most physically affectionate person, but he likes keeping you near him. he finds your presence comforting to be around. he's not all up on you like the others and will let you initiate physical affection most of the time. Most of his affection comes in quick pecks to your lips and the occasional handholding.
→ he got Peppy to steal a few pieces of clothing for him. he uses your shirts as his pillow cases, finding your scent comfortable to help him sleep. when your scent inevitably gets replaced by his, he discreetly places it back into your room, freshly cleaned and folded. like it never left.
→ he's for kidnapping, would only take you in after you fucked up doing something wrong. he leaves you with Peppy, so you won't be too lonely while he's gone. During his personal time with you, he makes you play games with him, usually video games or cards. he'll let you go back outside but only under his strict upervision
ᴠᴇʀᴛɪᴀꜱ ʀᴀᴛɪᴏ
→ he has you on a very tight leash, drags you everywhere with him constantly, or keeps you cooped up in his room with nothing to do other than read. doesn't bother to put any trackers on you since you rarely leave his sight. He does have his room wired with cameras to keep an eye on you.
→ he forces you to spend time with him, aiming to improve your intellect every moment possible. he has you learn with him, reading books, articles, teaching you things for hours on end and so on. he is harsh with his criticism, belittling you and breaking down your psyche. slowly but surely, he molded you into his ideal.
→ oh, he's affectionate, alright, showing you in expensive gifts and trinkets. his physical affection is suffocating. he holds your hand to tight. keeps you in his embrace for too long. he doesn't let you out of his hold until he feels like letting you go. regardless of any of your protests.
→ he holds himself too high to steal your clothes, but he gives you his occasionally. always demands them back and refuses to let you wash them. he buys you clothing that is identical to his, soon enough you'll be in matching outfits daily even if you don't leave the room.
→ oh, he will 100% for kidnapping as stated before. doesn't allow you any electronics aside for your phone and data pads. otherwise, you have to read books and play games designed to make your brain work and learn. will let you play video games on occasion with his supervision.
Hello, may I request one where it is an older reader with Asta and Arlen (it's platonic) where normally reader is very shut in and doesn't talk to their other coworkers and such, but when it comes to those 2 he's happily a chatter box, but those two might assume it's romantic feelings until they hear one co worker ask reader about why he talks to them so much, and they receive the answer of, "They remind me of my own child." Now that might be a happy or sad thing, but reader walks away as they hear him mumble "The child who's no longer here, I hope nothing bad happens to those two."
“The Child Who’s No Longer Here”
Tags: Asta x Reader, Arlan x Reader, Older!Reader, Platonic Relationships, Found Family, Parental Themes, Protective Dynamics, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Implied Past Loss, Reader As Parental Figure.
Warnings: Mentions Of Child Loss, Themes Of Grief And Mourning, Emotional Vulnerability, Misinterpreted Feelings, Soft Angst, Parental Dynamics.
The observatory was alive with the soft hum of machines, telescopes pivoting to trace the stars. Most days, you blended into the rhythm like any other cog—focused, quiet, and never stepping beyond what was necessary. Your coworkers often described you as “polite, efficient, but reserved.” And it was true. You didn’t mind exchanging clipped greetings, but conversation was a bridge you rarely cared to cross.
Except when Asta was around.
The young Head Researcher had a way of pulling words out of you with the ease of someone adjusting the lens of her telescope. Her voice was bright, almost musical, and when she asked you about calculations, star formations, or even if you’d eaten yet, you found yourself… answering. And not just answering, but elaborating. Whole paragraphs would leave your lips where your colleagues usually received nods.
“Ah, I see! That makes sense—oh, I wouldn’t have noticed that pattern at all if you hadn’t mentioned it,” Asta said one evening, leaning forward eagerly as you explained the peculiar shift in a comet’s trajectory.
You smiled softly, adjusting your glasses. “It’s the kind of thing you only catch if you’ve been doing this long enough. But your eye for details is sharper than most already.”
Her cheeks flushed, and she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. Asta had gotten used to this side of you—your easy chuckles, your thoughtful stories of past research projects, even your mild jokes. She liked it. What she didn’t realize, though, was how much it set you apart in the eyes of others.
One afternoon, when you stepped away to archive old records, two coworkers nudged Asta with curious looks.
“You ever notice how they don’t talk to anyone except you?” one asked, lowering his voice. “It’s kind of strange. You sure they don’t… like, like you?”
Asta blinked rapidly, her eyes widening. “Eh?! No, no, no, that can’t be it!” But her voice pitched higher with uncertainty. She fidgeted with her clipboard, suddenly recalling the warmth of your laughter when she asked about star charts, the way you softened when she entered the room. Could it be?
Later that evening, you were halfway through describing a quirk of an old telescope’s lens when a coworker asked outright, “Why do you talk to Asta so much, anyway? I mean, you barely say a word to the rest of us.”
The room went quiet. Asta froze, her heart thudding as she stared at you, waiting.
You smiled faintly, voice gentle but weighted with memory. “Because she reminds me of my own child.”
For a heartbeat, no one breathed.
You glanced at the telescope controls, brushing dust off the panel before adding, “The child who’s no longer here.” Your voice dipped softer, almost lost under the hum of machinery. “I hope nothing bad happens to her...”
With that, you walked away to finish your task, leaving a stunned silence behind.
Asta’s throat tightened. She pressed her hands to her chest, heart aching with a mix of sorrow and tenderness. Suddenly, every smile you gave her felt heavier, like it carried the weight of someone you had lost but still cherished.
That night, she sat on the observatory balcony alone, gazing at the stars. “I’ll make sure nothing happens to me. I’ll keep shining bright… so they never have to worry like that again.”
The Security Department’s training ground echoed with the clang of weapons and the barked commands of drills. You didn’t belong here, not technically, but every so often you came to help maintain the comms equipment and calibrate detection systems. Normally, you’d do the job in silence, quietly efficient and avoiding small talk. Most of the guards had grown used to your withdrawn presence, filing you under the category of “quiet but reliable.”
Except when Arlan came by.
The young guard captain was always a little tense, shouldering responsibility heavier than his years. But for some reason, whenever he stopped near you, you felt your lips loosen.
“How’s the wound healing?” you asked one afternoon, glancing at the faint scar on his arm as you recalibrated a scanner.
“Fine. It doesn’t get in the way anymore,” Arlan said. He wasn’t much of a talker himself, but he always answered you. To his surprise, you kept going—commenting on field tactics, offering small tips, even making quiet jokes that earned the rare twitch of his mouth into a smile.
Your coworkers noticed. They noticed a lot.
“Funny,” one muttered to another during a break. “Normally, they don't say a thing, right? But with Arlan? They’re practically glued to his side. Think it’s… you know, feelings?”
Arlan overheard that. His ears went red immediately, though he kept his expression carefully neutral. Still, the thought lodged in his chest uncomfortably. He’d never imagined it before, but the way you treated him so warmly, the way you always asked after his health, felt… different. Could it really be?
The answer came sooner than he expected.
It was evening, most guards filtering out of the training grounds. You were double-checking the logs when one of the younger recruits asked you with a teasing grin, “So, why d’you talk to Captain Arlan so much? You barely even look at the rest of us.”
Arlan froze where he stood nearby, pretending to check his weapon, his heart hammering.
You chuckled softly, shaking your head. “Because he reminds me of my own child.”
The recruit blinked. “…Huh?”
Your smile was tinged with sorrow. “The child who’s no longer here,” you said, voice softer now, as if speaking more to yourself than anyone else. You glanced at Arlan briefly before turning back to your equipment. “I hope nothing bad happens to him.”
With that, you packed up your tools and left, your footsteps quiet against the floor.
Arlan’s hands tightened around his blade. A pang of emotion struck him—confusion, sadness, but also… warmth. You didn’t see him as a comrade, nor as someone distant. You saw him as family.
For someone who had grown up so fast, losing the chance to lean on parents himself, it hit deep. He swallowed hard, gaze lowering.
“…I’ll protect them too,” he murmured under his breath, a vow meant for no one else.
And though he didn’t fully understand the grief you carried, Arlan resolved that if you saw him as a reminder of your child, he’d honor that trust with everything he had.
side comments: i love old jazzy tunes or old songs in general. i usually don't do this kind of fic but i wanted to try something new.
extra: gn reader, fluff, all hsr men except yanqing & misha
word count: 434
Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you.
𝐆𝐄𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐈𝐀 𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐘 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃 / Ray Charles
Despite age the two of you bustle about; committing your duties be it work or another passion. Perhaps either of you transverse the cosmos. However, when Twilight's wings gingerly take you under its folds, the two of you melt into one like candle wax dripping down its holder. No matter what path each of you treads- you are bound no matter the state. Thus, under the duvet covers and the unspoken lullabies of the night, he presses kisses on your wrinkled eyes like gemstones while slowly caressing your furrowed hand with a gentleness only matched by the lightness of a feather and the warmth of a beating heart. It is instinctive like blinking, like drawing air into the lungs. Rest now in silence for neither of you needed to say a word, another day will come and nights of blossoming devotion will echo into eternity.
𝐆𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐆𝐇𝐄𝐑 . Dan Heng . 𝐃𝐑 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎 . 𝐋𝐔𝐎𝐂𝐇𝐀 . Gepard . 𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐀𝐍 . 𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈 . Blade . 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐓 . + any of your favourites
Just one look at you
My heart grew tipsy in me
You and you alone
Bring out the Gypsy in me
I love all the many charms about you
Above all, I want my arms about you
𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 / Judy Garland
Your limbs might not take you far now, but he'll twirl you in the air like a star and tease you until your cheeks ache from laughter. The glimmer and shine of that first date still trails behind the two of you: stardust in the wind, wings that seldom break. You two still share that hidden kiss in public and search for treasures amongst a sea of rust. Giddy and unfettered, the two of you are like birds spinning in the air; chasing each other in fits of uncontrolled laughter. Blush still brushing against your sagging cheeks and the tipsyness of a night still young, his own heart enthralled as the first time he met you. The throng can stare if they want; asking why not sit down? Would you like some help? That's fine, he'll still banter and pursue adoration as if it's not already tucked in his arms. Because despite his gradually wilting eyes and worn-out knees, he'll still bow down and press his head against your stomach, whispering, "mine."
𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐋 . Argenti . 𝐉𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐘𝐔𝐀𝐍 . 𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐎 . 𝐋𝐔𝐊𝐀 . Gallager . 𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐄 . + any of your favourites
At last
My love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song
𝐀𝐓 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓 / Etta James
The two of you have mellowed over the years, lost some hair and found comfort in blue skies, the pit pat of rain and sand between your toes. Perhaps the two of you find a house in the countryside or build a home on a distant planet found in cup boards and the warmth of an oven. Perhaps you settle under the blanket of the universe; allowing your eyes to trace the sun inching down the walls of your shared home. The two of you spend your days lying languidly on the couch, days drifting into melodies spent well and arms entangled as one. He never would've thought that his heart could slow and his soul mellow like a distant breeze. His eyes drifted towards your figure, a pleasant smile reaching his lips.
𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐃𝐄 . Welt . Gepard . 𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐄 . Dr. Ratio . 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘 . 𝐃𝐀𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐆 . Jing Yuan . Luocha . + any of your favourites
