You are gender neutral, mute and the little sibling of the Jackson’s.
part.1 || part.2
You played in your room, not paying attention to Janet, who was trying her best to seem to be engaged in the roleplay you had with your dolls. Seeing your blank expression, she knew you weren’t the one to speak much.
You’re quiet, nonchalant, non-verbal, weird.
Mute.
That’s the one that Joseph calls you.
A mute.
He says it like venom, you could've been like Janet or the other siblings who have a voice to sing.
Especially Michael.
Michael was practically the gold to the rest of the family. The family is silver, he is gold.
You are bronze.
Useless and worthless.
You felt that way all because your father didn’t want to deal with a mute.
The only people you liked were Michael, your mom, your sisters, and your brothers.
Letting out a huff, Janet paused, watching you closely as you got up with your small body. You were still in your single-digit age.
Eight years old and you were small like a pea.
“Break time?” Janet says softly, watching your face and body language closely.
You nodded, left your room, and Janet let out a breath before collapsing on the carpet.
Needless to say, she also needed a break.
You walked down the hall, your mind blurring with words you can’t seem to say as you subconsciously walk to Michael’s room.
Knocking, you heard nothing but a small sigh.
It sounded close enough to a yes.
Opening the door, you see Michael lying down, hands behind his head, and his Jheri curls messy along the mattress. Once he realized it was you, he sat up straight and tried to force a smile.
“Oh, hi lil mermaid. You came to see me?” Michael asked, his tone soft and slightly strained. He watched you nod and hopped onto his bed.
“Bored playing with Janet?”
You nodded.
“Do you wanna play with me?”
You shake your head.
Michael just nods. Rocking back and forth whilst you just swing your legs back and forth.
You and Michael are like the same. But different.
Both people think you are weird in your own way.
“Wanna draw?” Michael immediately got up and grabbed some crayons and a piece of paper.
Handing it over to you, you easily started to scribble while Michael smiled at how cute you looked.
You looked focused, drawing quickly before turning it around to face your older brother.
It was a stick man. The stick man held a frown, before an arrow shifted right to a stickman who had a smile with question marks.
Michael’s smile faltered, looking at the drawing, then at you, then back at the drawing.
Sensing his confusion, you pointed at him and at the stick figures.
“Oh..” he let out an airy laugh, the kinda laugh that sounds fake enough to sound a little real. “It’s nothing, y/n.”
You kept a blank stare, tapping the drawing again.
Tap. Tap.
Michael couldn’t help but let out what he felt since obviously, you could always tell when something’s up with him.
“Joseph… was just being Joseph is all. He wants me to go on tour. But I don’t want to do it. I don’t wanna do it for him, but for our brothers.”
You hummed, putting the drawing down and cupping Michael’s face.
Michael showed confusion before laughing when he felt you lift his lip into a smile.
“Y/n! I’m okay, swear!”
Nodding satisfied to hear his real laugh, you grabbed the drawing and started drawing more.
After finishing, you crossed out the frowning man and circled the smiling man. At the corner of the drawing, there read, ‘blue doesn’t look good on you’.
Your older brother could only nod, “I agree.”
You smiled widely, copying Michael’s grin as he laughed at how you could easily cheer him up.
went back into the poppy playtime fandom when chapter 5 came out and high-key I'm digging player x Harley and omg ur headcanons are fantastic HSXHSH
What do u think about mute!player (gender-neutral ofc)? I find that concept interesting since the player actually doesn't talk in the game- however there isn't a lot of writing content regarding that. Could it be possible if u wrote headcanons surrounding mute!player x the doctor? Thank u!
HARLEY SAWYER HEADCANONS PT.3
Part 1: HERE Part 2: HERE Part 3: HERE Part 4: HERE
GENERAL DISCLAIMERS: mute!player/reader character, non-canon accurate, gender neutral player/reader, slight course language
a/n: TYSM FOR THE REQUEST!! im honestly also interested in exploring the idea of a mute player, since yk if this player was me in the games, i wouldve been saying sm by this point so i think its a cool idea! definitely got a lotta brainstorming going while writing this. also yes assistant reader, i thought that would be a nice pairing with the mute reader!
human!harley with the mute!player.
・Was originally a struggle to communicate due to the language barrier. The doctor was initially stumped as to why the higher-ups would place a nonverbal assistant down here to work with him, but eventually got used to the silence your presence had.
・Harley, while never admitting it, does appreciate the attention to detail you put into writing reports. A good listener is always nice.
・You hold a small 'Playtime Co' notepad tucked into the pocket of your coat whenever you're working.
・Be lucky you write fast AND with nice handwriting, he would not be waiting forever to get a simple answer from you, his patience is very short.
・Because you specialised in child/adolescent psychiatry before majoring in cardiology, he values your input and opinion on matters regarding the mental and psychological aspects of the children he operates on.
・Everyone will and forever think you're crazy for working under the man for so long without quitting or him firing you.
・Early on, Harley did struggle to comprehend what you were trying to tell him sometimes. Missing a head nudge, point, or not carefully looking through what you wrote for him. Misunderstood a lot.
・Nowadays, it's easy for both of you to flow into a rhythm of work during the day, either together or apart. Reports you wrote always made it to him on time and with everything needed. The materials and equipment he needed were always there, and in the middle of it all was his content, little assistant.
・A lot of the time, when he would go on his rambles, you'd be wandering in the office, overhearing everything. He always knew you were there, but it never really mattered what you heard or didn't; he knew you'd never blab about it to anyone important.
・Despite being his assistant, don't think you have it easy. He still barks orders at you during the day to get things prepared, get reports done, even get his coffee order.
・You'd climb the social hierarchy fast. Anyone who can deal with Harley on a day-to-day basis gained nearly everyone's respect down in the labs.
・ Harley never really paid attention to the social aspect of his job, but if he witnessed some of the other scientists talking to you a little too often, he'd swoop in, complaining about 'not being able to find something' and whisk you away.
・After some time in this job, the notepad wasn't really needed during the day. The flow state you and the doctor had fallen into did not require many words from you. (Harley filled the empty silence with his own words, though, of course.)
・After his eventual disappearance, you were transferred over to Dr White to work under him. He never quite had the genius Sawyer did.
doctor!harley with the mute!player.
・The doctor was quite surprised to see you after all these years, still nonverbal as well. He found it amusing and nostalgic.
・The two of you fell back into the rhythm. Harley boasts and rambles while you do the dirty work of what he asks you to do. Like old times.
・He watches through the cameras as you trip and fall, gain new marks and scrapes, squint his eyes as he notices your body twitch from the pain and stress of running around tirelessly.
・How can one simply do this all without muttering a single complaint, just like how he once knew you!
・He would definitely consider not killing you and to kidnap take you back under his wing as his assistant once more.
・Coming face to face with him in one of his many bodies would be strange for him. Were you always this short?
・Coming face to face with him in one of his lanky robot bodies would be strange for you. Why was he so unusually tall?
・"Well now, this is a rather interesting turn of events." He would stare down at you, watching your face morph into slight surprise, alongside uneasiness in your stance.
・He watches as you fetch out the notepad he remembered you carrying around during his working years, the simple 'Playtime Co' branded notepad. "Harley?" He watches you write. He's glad you've retained your neat handwriting.
・"In the flesh, little germ."
・He'd never admit if but he would actually open and close convenient doors for you around the prison if he were feeling particularly cheeky.
・Doing your snooping around the prison, you find old offices where you and Sawyer used to conduct research and write reports in. Harley actually purposely never moved things around in those areas; they were too memorable to move around and wreck. Traces back to his humanity.
・Even though he's a certified sociopath, you still can't see him as anything other than the annoyed, picky, and standoffish boss you had the pleasure of working under all those years ago.
・Evil laughs very loudly when he's revealed to NOT be dead revived at the end of chapter 5. You just stand there staring at Giblet, who just gives you a 'what the fuck?' look.
a/n: my friend who is MASSIVELY obsessed with mbtis ran up to me the other day and told me harleys mbti would be most compatible with mine which uh THATS SICK AS HELL WHAT THE but yeah that totally wasnt my main inspiration for writing this request.
Hello! I hope you’ve been having a great day. I was wondering if I could request a strawhat x mute!reader. The reader has selective mutism, meaning she gets anxiety speaking to people in certain situations. When she does speak, which would be rare, it’s only when it’s just her and her crew. If she was in public she and had to say something she would whisper directly in their ear, otherwise she wouldn’t speak. The relationship could be either platonic or romantic, either is fine. I was wondering how would the strawhats react to their mute member being in a situation where pirates of a different crew surrounds and antagonizes her, trying to get her to speak to them. Also, may I ask that you not make the reader meek and defenseless? While she does feel anxiety when she’s in a situation where she has to speak to people, she’s not an overall anxious and docile person.
♡･ﾟ𓏸 All Strawhats x Selectively Mute!Reader Headcanons 𓏸･ﾟ♡
♡ Characters: Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Usopp, Nami, Robin, Franky, Jinbe, Brook, Chopper, gn!reader
♡ Warnings: Fluff, Soft protectiveness, mutual understanding, SFW, platonic, romantic if you squint?? mentions of selective mutism, quiet affirmations, crew-wide affection, no use of Y/N,
♡ Notes: Thank you so much for the request! I really hope I did it justice <3 I went with a full crew interpretation (since it’s SFW) and leaned into that strong, warm platonic love—though if you squint, a few bits might read a lil more intimate. But overall? This crew would go to war for you, no questions asked. Not spicy, just full of love and loyalty.
𓏸⋆｡˚☁️˚｡⋆𓏸
🍖 Luffy
At first, Luffy doesn’t get it.
“Why don’t you talk to them? Are they stupid?” (Yes, Luffy. Yes, they are.)
But the moment it clicks—that your silence isn’t a weakness but a boundary—he respects it with his whole chest
He never pressures you to speak. Like, ever. He doesn’t even notice you don’t talk half the time because he just vibes with your presence
You're still his crewmate, still part of the adventure, still cool as hell in his book
When you do whisper to him? Man lights up like a SUNRISE
“WAAAH YOU TALKED TO ME!!!”
Cue excitement. He treasures those moments
He absolutely throws hands if anyone tries to mock or push you into speaking.
No hesitation.
One second of antagonizing you = rubber punch to the jaw
Thinks your ability to stand silent and still in chaos is scary cool
"You don't need words to be strong. I can feel it. You're STRONG."
⚔️ Zoro
Completely unbothered by your silence—he’s not exactly chatty either
You two could sit in silence for three hours and that’s a perfect conversation to him
He clocks your selective mutism immediately and never asks questions you don’t want to answer
If you whisper something in his ear in public, he listens like it’s sacred scripture
He’s incredibly protective—not because he thinks you’re weak, but because he hates people who mistake quiet for easy prey
The moment someone tries to force words out of you? Zoro’s sword is already out
“You really think pressure makes people talk? Try bleeding first. Then we’ll compare notes.”
He absolutely respects that your silence is a form of control, not submission
Will stand at your shoulder like a silent wall of steel until you nod it’s okay to move
🍳 Sanji
Sanji is a soft king when it comes to your comfort
Doesn’t just “accept” your mutism—he adapts to it
Develops a whole love language around your silences: gestures, hand squeezes, looks, shared glances over food
If you whisper in his ear in public? He goes red every time no matter what you said
Treats your rare spoken words like poetry.
"Your voice... I could die happy now."
But if anyone dares try to “make you speak,” he’s fury on legs
“If you wanted a conversation, you should’ve kept your tongue attached.”
Elegant fury. Fires the first kick. Lights a cigarette after the last one drops
Thinks your silence adds to your mystique and honestly simps hard for it
“They don’t need to talk, idiot. They’re already unforgettable.”
🛠️ Usopp
Understands your selective mutism right away—relates through his own anxiety
Never makes it a big deal, just accepts it as part of who you are
Acts as your unofficial hype man 24/7
Narrates your silence like it’s legendary
“My friend here? Silent assassin. Writes poetry. Could kill you in three moves. Show some respect.”
Gets so excited whenever you whisper to him
“THEY SAID SOMETHING TO ME. PERSONALLY. ME.”
Makes little gadgets to help you communicate—flip signs, buttons, visual cues
If anyone mocks or pressures you to speak, he steps up immediately
Starts going off in a fiery, ridiculous, clearly-exaggerated monologue about how you’re a silent warrior who once stared down a sea king until it cried.
“You’re really gonna push someone who could take you out with one look?”
Absolutely nervous but still defends you—protective even when shaking
Later brags about it like he was chill the whole time
Thinks your silence is mysterious, heroic, and honestly? Very cool
🍊 Nami
Notices your mutism instantly and adjusts without missing a beat
Communicates with subtle cues: touch, eye contact, quiet words
Always leans in when you whisper, gives you her full attention
Becomes your translator in crowds, sharp and effective
“They said back off. Before I make you.”
If someone tries to force you to talk, she doesn’t hold back
Fights with sass, smarts, and no mercy—protects you because you’re strong, not in spite of it
Never treats you like a problem to fix
Calls your mutism a boundary, not a flaw
Gets genuinely touched when you whisper something soft to her
“Only the right people get to hear that voice.”
Thinks you’re powerful in your silence—deadly, beautiful, and fierce
📚 Robin
Understands without needing it explained—she’s lived through silence herself
Views your selective mutism as deliberate, powerful, elegant
You’re not “mute” to her—you’re discerning. And that makes you brilliant in her book.
She’s very observant.
Not only does she notice the exact kinds of situations that make you shut down, she preemptively handles them.
Like casually standing next to you in crowds. Leaning in so you can whisper without stress. Ordering your drink without being asked.
You two become silent duo queens, communicating entire conversations with eye contact and head tilts
But when you’re surrounded, alone, and pirates are sneering in your face?
One of them laughs, “They mute or just stupid?”
Six arms bloom from the stone walls and grab all of them by the throat.
Robin walks up, smiling politely.
“It seems you’re the stupid ones.”
She looks to you and tilts her head.
“Would you like me to break their arms or their egos?”
You murmur a single word
“Egos.”
She smiles wider.
Later, you slip her a note with a tiny sketch of her stepping on the pirate’s face. She folds it into her book like a pressed flower.
🔧 Franky
Thought you were just “cool and mysterious” at first—didn’t realize your silence was tied to selective mutism
When he does figure it out? Immediate SUPER™ respect
Doesn’t try to make you talk—just makes sure you always feel welcome in the workshop
Builds you custom tools or a gadget to help if you want to communicate in crowded places—only if you’re into it
“You don’t gotta say a thing, dude. You just being here is already awesome!”
Treats your rare spoken words like a backstage VIP pass
Will absolutely body block anyone who corners you or tries to force you to speak
If someone mocks you? Cue cyborg intimidation mode
“Real strength ain’t about talkin’. It’s about doin’. And you? You’ve got that in spades.”
Loves hearing you whisper in his ear in public.
Instantly salutes.
“COMMAND RECEIVED!!”
Thinks your silence adds mystery and badassery—he’s kind of obsessed tbh
“You’re like… like a silent laser beam! Precise! Lethal! SUPER!!”
🌊 Jinbe
Understands immediately—doesn’t need an explanation
Has deep emotional intelligence and respects boundaries like a king
Offers quiet companionship when you need it, never pressuring conversation
Has an entire repertoire of gentle nods and thoughtful glances for when words aren’t needed
If you whisper to him, he leans in with the patience of a mountain
“You do not need to speak to be heard.”
Would stand calmly beside you if you're being antagonized—silent, unmoving, radiating “Try me.” energy
If someone pushes you to talk? He won’t raise his voice—but he will command the entire room’s attention
“If your ears are so desperate for sound, perhaps you should listen to your own foolishness.”
He believes your silence holds weight—calls it “the stillness before a wave”
Deeply respects how you fight without words—calls it “an elegant form of strength”
Makes sure the crew understands your boundaries without ever making a fuss of it
Absolute guardian energy, with the soul of a poet
🎻 Brook
Surprisingly intuitive about your silence despite being loud himself
Doesn’t ask invasive questions—just rolls with it, happily filling silences with songs or stories
Makes gentle jokes to ease tension but always watches your cues
“Ah, you didn’t laugh out loud, but I saw that smile! Yohohoho!”
If you whisper something in public? Dramatic swoon every time
“A private word?! For me?! Oh my heart—wait, I don’t have one!! Yohoho!”
He absolutely writes songs about you—like full orchestral ballads of silent bravery
Believes your silence is poetic and meaningful
“Some voices are loudest without sound.”
If someone antagonizes you? Brook’s polite tone goes cold
“Your disrespect will not go unnoticed, even by one without eyes.”
cue chill-inducing violin chord
Protects you through unexpected intimidation—he’s goofy until he isn’t
Thinks your energy is ghostly and powerful in a way he deeply respects
Refers to you as “the whisper between storms” in one of his songs
🧸 Chopper
Soooo gentle and sweet with you from day one
Was nervous at first like
“Did I do something wrong? Why don’t they talk to me?”
But once he understands, he’s all in: brings you tea, sits nearby while you write, never pressures you
“You don’t have to talk. I still know you like me, right?”
Will make you little cue cards or cute picture communication tools if you want help in public
If you whisper to him, he melts.
“AHHH THEY TALKED TO ME! I MEAN—I’M COOL. I’M NORMAL.”
If someone bullies you or gets pushy?
Normally sweet Chopper goes feral mode
“BACK OFF! YOU DON’T GET TO DECIDE HOW THEY TALK!”
Will patch you up after fights and praise how you held your own, even without words
“You’re one of the strongest people I know… You don’t even need a voice to be amazing!”
Lowkey keeps a medical log of when you speak or interact more—only to make sure you’re doing okay mentally
Feels extra close to you because you both were misunderstood at first
♡｡ﾟ☁︎｡♡ﾟ
You were only gone five minutes.
Five minutes to run down the street and grab new ink, maybe peek into the bookstore. Five minutes away from the crew.
Apparently, that was enough.
They came out of nowhere—half a dozen rough-looking pirates, loud and posturing. One of them stepped in front of you as you turned to leave.
"Oi, sweetheart. Why so quiet?"
You didn’t respond.
"Too good to talk to us?"
"Or maybe you think you're better?"
"C’mon, just say hi."
"We don’t bite… much.”
They leaned in. Circling. Testing.
You stared them down, face flat, spine straight, hand hovering near your weapon—but still, you said nothing. You didn’t owe them a damn word.
And that’s when the sound of boots hit the street behind you.
Not loud. Not rushed. But deliberate.
Zoro was the first. Leaning against the alley wall like he’d been there the whole time. He didn’t draw a sword. He didn’t need to.
Sanji stepped up next, cracking his knuckles with a smile that didn't touch his eyes. Smoke curled from the edge of his lips.
Nami lingered behind them, arms crossed, watching. Sharp gaze narrowed. Robin’s shadow moved just beside hers—subtle, but present. You could feel it.
And then there was Luffy.
No drama. No yelling. He just appeared beside you, hands in his pockets, staring straight at the loudest one.
They all paused, instincts kicking in. A shift in the air.
“…This your crew?” one of them asked, voice suddenly less cocky.
You leaned in close to Luffy’s ear, barely a breath.
"I didn’t need help."
He grinned.
"I know."
Silence again. Until he tilted his head, smile gone now.
"I just didn’t like the way they talked to you."
That was it.
That was all it took.
The men backed off. Fast. No fight. Just the weight of the crew’s presence and Luffy’s quiet fury pressing down on them like a stormcloud. They knew better.
As they vanished down the street, Luffy turned to you, still smiling—loose and easy like nothing had happened.
You sighed and bumped your shoulder against his in thanks. He bumped back.
Zoro huffed a quiet breath, like he’d been hoping for action. Sanji smoothed his jacket, still glaring at the retreating pirates. Chopper poked your arm, worried, but you just gave him a nod.
The crew didn’t make a big deal of it.
No lectures. No questions.
Just a warm space carved out around you.
Safe. Quiet. Yours.
Because you didn’t need words for them to hear you.
And they didn’t need words to say “We’ve got your back.”
Can you write Manon x mute reader please! Manon knows sign language but the others don’t so sometimes she has to translate??
Muted
pairing: manon bannerman x mute!female reader
warning: fluff
a/n: not the tattoo. not that tattoo. NOT HER POSTING IT.
Your world was always different from others. As a mute, you couldn’t speak in the way people normally did, no, you communicated through sign language.
Your parents taught you fluently with a highly educated tutor at the age of six. You let Manon in high school back in Switzerland, before you moved with her to the California to achieve what she thought was the impossible.
Along the way, Katseye was formed with five other wonderful girls who’d always been sweet to you. From what you’ve heard. They still don’t quite understand sign language so each time you say something, Manon is the one translating.
It was a quiet day in the common room. Sophia was in the kitchen just feet away prepping a snack tray for all. Yoonchae put on a show called, “Lottery Dream Home,” because she insisted we needed some reality television in your lives.
Manon’s arm found its way to your waist, holding you securely in her lap where you sat sideways, your own arms hooked around her neck. You rested your head against her shoulder, sighing contently.
Megan was coloring with special pens in a relaxing book. She finished a page, looked up, and tapped your foot. She held her coloring book up with cute pride. “Do you like it?”
‘The colors are pretty.’ You signed, smiling.
“She says the colors are pretty.” Manon translated.
Megan beamed, eyes glinting. “Thank you!”
Nights like this usually stretched for days, happening more than once.
Until now. Manon invited you over for dinner again, nothing out of the usual until you entered the threshold. You slipped your shoes off, purse hanging on the hook. The smell of your favorite pasta reaching your nose. You smiled instinctively.
It was only Manon in the kitchen. She was serving up bowls, baking garlic bread, and pouring beverages. She smiled when she saw you and immediately met you halfway with a sweet kiss that left your heart pounding.
“Take a seat.” She softly whispered in your ear. “The girls have a surprise.”
You raised a brow in confusion but sat anyway at the end of the table, facing the front door. The girls gathered in the kitchen one by one, looking nervous and excited all at once.
Megan started signing, ‘We wanted to figure out how to talk to you in your language.’
‘Because you matter.’ Yoonchae added.
‘And…’ Daniela struggled slightly, laughing nervously. ‘We love you just as much as Manon does.’
‘We never want you to feel alone.’ Sophia signed next.
Lara concluded, ‘Especially around us.’
You were in tears, smiling the most genuine grin you’ve ever worn before in your life. Manon hugged you from behind, kissing your cheek lovingly.
‘You’re so loved.’ She signed, placing your hand on her heart.
They learned sign language because it wasn’t just the language you needed to learn, but because it became a part of you nobody can take away from you. The girls simply wanted to join that special part of you, to make you feel more welcome, loved.
dotty's bullies decide to test if she can scream for help or not.
warnings.
bullying (physical and verbal), pushing and pulling, ** attempted drowning !! , violence, broken glass, bleeding, fighting, panic attacks, lots of crying, high tension long scene, comfort at the end !!
wc. 1.6k
for @fadedstvrn <3
(— line dividers by @chrisssiren )
|| .au masterlist . navigation . all aus. ||
It wasnt meant to happen that way.
Chris had convinced himself he knew the ins and outs of the party - for her benefit, for her safety, security, to help her. But he failed her.
He shouldve known things like these werent entirely predictable. He wanted to know, he wanted to control it so that she wouldnt get hurt. It had come so easy to him up until know, quick thinking to solve any problems yet this time his quick thinking was its own problem.
Dotty felt better in the garden, the people there were less focused on being as vocal and disruptive as possible. There was still noise but there was air. Chris could monitor everything easier too.
When he thought back he had to reassure himself, it had been fine hadnt it? He didnt leave her when she was already tense? he didnt miss something? Someone? Anyone wouldve made the same mistake?
He needed it to be the truth or he could never forgive himself.
Life for dotty had two stages: eyes glued open or eyes glued shut. In that moment, they were definitely open.
Their movements were predatorial - she guessed only if predators wanted to make it extensively clear they were talking about you maybe, but threatening and stalker-ish all the same.
She didnt put up a fight when chris left, not really able to as a result of living life like a frozen deer in headlights.
Regardless, she really didnt try to stop him. She wasnt actually thirsty either but it was the sentiment, he liked his role of protector - he got maybe too comfortable in it during that moment. He left her outside - which isnt entirely equal to burdening her to perform in front of the entire population, though it definitely felt like it.
The muttering voices became slightly clear, enough to piece out “go, go, go” whispered lowly.
A tall boy with a tall shadow and a second ‘shadow’ consisting of three girls and another tall boy. He stood in front of dotty expectantly. Maybe she was supposed to leave? Well, if hes giving her the chance then-
“Do you have a name?” the (surgically glued to his hip) laugh track followed their role behind him.
she couldnt respond even if she wanted to - which she didnt.
He grinned smugly. “You dont? Wow, youre like an abandoned dog.” he spat out.
It hadnt completely felt like that until he put the words in her head. But Chris always came back. She needed him to. especially now.
dotty could name all of them. It was clearly a game but she didnt know what the prize at the end was supposed to be.
He stepped closer, movements for once stealthy and smooth as if rehearsed - leaning down condescendingly.
“You know youve made yourself sub-human. Made up shit because youre lazy but now you cant go back on it.”
He licked his lips - much more predatorial this time.
“You did it to yourself. You cant blame us if we test it.”
She wished shed flinched more when he grabbed her wrists. She wished she fought back more than just trying to grip her feet to the floor. It was all useless. Wasted efforts despite the fact she tried harder and harder.
It was five steps till the edge of the pool. She thought she had those five steps to work up strength, maybe he'd even stop. Maybe it was a bluff.
At three steps she was swung around, trading positions so dotty stood unbalanced where he just was - so he only had to push.
Her ankle hit the concrete edge as she fell in, before choking on water as it surrounded her. The liquid burned into her eyes as she pushed herself higher, enough to be above the surface.
She coughed and sputtered, trying to work on breathing, hand protective over her throat. The water brimmed at her neck, a reminder of how close she still was to it - she still wasnt safe.
A set of hands gripped her shoulders, tight on her skin, enough to scream at her instincts that she was in increasing danger.
“Yell for help and i wont do it.”
Her eyes widened, throat closed and only mentally screaming. He wanted her to yell but god did she wish she could more.
She tried to elbow back, just to get pushed forwards. She tried to smack at his grip but he didnt budge, only applied more pressure downwards. Her back was secure against his chest, slipping below the surface once again.
She thrashed around as much as she could, limbs thrown away not caring for how much she was contorting them. She needed to get him off. It felt worse that she could see herself. The clear water made everything crystal clear - almost mocking the fact she was failing in her fight for her life. She could watch herself put up a fight but it was entirely useless.
His hands ripped away. Dotty didnt waste time questioning, she reached over the water, flailing around to pull herself to where there was air. She clawed the wall, choking out and probably spitting though that was the last of her focus. She looked under herself to the water surface, glass shards swimming to the pool floor.
She felt hands on her arms again and instinctively pulled back this time. She was met with his eyes. Much more familiar and far less threatening. He looked almost terrified.
“Come on, you got it.”
He made her feel weightless, pulling her up high enough to put her knees on the surface. He let go of her hands so she could secure herrself, just for him to get tugged away from her.
Skin met skin aggressively, chris’ face ricochetting back from the other tall boy's fists.
The hits didnt relent, barely giving chris the opportunity to fight back. His knees gave out, the boy worked to straddle his chest to continue pummelling his face in. blood spilled down his face.
Both pool water and tears streamed down dotty's face. She cried out, wailing non sensically and crawled onto her feet to run over to him. Chris yelled at her to stop but she couldnt - instead she smacked and pushed the boys head, just to get more strongly shoved away in retaliation. Dotty sobbed in the spot she fell in.
The other boy from the boy had finally climbed out, blood running from his head from the glass bottle chris had thrown at him. She wished she couldve gone back, let herself die in that pool so that chris never had to suffer because of her again.
Everyone outside watched in horror, as helpless as dotty. The gasps felt comedically coordinated, mocking her once again that her misery was comedic to anyone not associated with her.
She swallowed her tears, working up her effort and standing up next to the two of them. She raised her foot and use every piece of strength she had to kick his skull. He jolted back and felt to the side of chris. She replaced where he had been, laying on his chest and now cradling his face, making herself a human shield.
She sobbed even more at the weak sight of him. She choked on her cries, holding them back as she shuffled on the floor to place his head on her lap.
Dotty shook her head at herself, feeling entirely to blame. Chris shook his head too, only to disagree with her self blaming spiral of thoughts.
She caressed his face, shifting the hair away from his eyes. He looked broken and bloody, but now calm.
“‘S okay, ‘m okay.” he steadied his own breathing. “Dont cry.”
He reached his hand up, wiping away her tears. Dotty wished she could nag him about not talking, watching the way speaking tugged at his already split lip.
“You okay?” he formed a small smile, finding irony in his blood covered face to her tear soaked one - its clear he was the most not okay. not that it mattered to him.
He turned his head to kiss at her palm that cradled his face. Breaths completely steady now, finding relief just in meeting her eyes.
“I should get up off the floor.”
He sat himself up slightly, resting his back on a nearby chair. Dotty placed herself properly on his lap, facing him to press healing kisses on every inch of skin that didnt have his blood on. Once she was satisfied, chris wiped his blood with the bottom hem of his shirt, groaning from the sensitivity of his skin.
Dotty formed a deep frown, earning a sympathetic smile from him.
“Im okay. promise. just need five minutes.”
He shut his eyes and leaned back, hand searching for dotty to pull her to lay against his chest. She avoided surveying her surroundings at risk of feeling embarrassed.
She layed back and gripped onto his shirt. It felt much safer now that she could hear his heartbeat. It was steady. They were both okay.
chpt. sum. : You and the crew finally make it home, safe and sound!
tags. : disney princess-esque reader ; pure comfort ; animal crossing new horizons game mechanics ; odysseus/penelope ; eurylochus/ctimene ; romantic eurylochus ; happy ending ; everyone returns home safe and sound ; celebrations ; athena makes an appearance ; reader has to make a tough decision
length. : 9.7k
a/n : i apologise to everyone for making you all wait such a long time for this chapter but I also want to thank you for being so patient and understanding with me. a lot has happened the past year or so and i'm finally, slowly getting back into writing again. i don't know how active i'll be but i have a lot of projects i want to work on for you (and for myself hehe~), not just for epic: the musical but for other fandoms as well, which i'm very excited about. in the meantime, i hope you all enjoy the final chapter of this passion-project of a series.
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Penelope likes to think of herself as a stable figure, someone who cannot be shaken easily, someone who stands tall under pressure, no matter how arduous, someone who can lead with a level head in the absence of her husband. Ten gruelling years have already passed, and after the viewing of that soul-crushing musical, she had been somewhat opposite to that. Never before has the tremble in her stance been more noticeable, and she felt her world stop and spiral when she first noticed it. Her fingers itched, always reaching out, wanting to hold onto something secure for stability; she could no longer find a sufficient amount within her. For once, she is the person who needs to be steadied, the person who seeks out a solid foundation to plant her feet firmly once more.
Seeing her husband again in that otherworldly theatre, witnessing his potential future and the horrors he would have to face physically and emotionally, alone, left her feeling weaker than she had ever felt before.
Odysseus was and always will be her love; she will find no other love more profound and amorous than the warm devotion she has found in him. She is reminded of that timeless adoration every day she rises and falls on the bed he had thoughtfully carved out of the olive tree they had first met under. Every day, she is reminded of their fateful encounter. She remembers his winsome smile, the way his bright eyes captured the golden sun, the way his luscious hair perfectly framed his handsome face; he was the epitome of boyish charm. But her husband has matured since then, having been crowned king and ruling graciously before leaving to face further hardships and misfortunes on the harsh battlefields in Troy. She can still recall the heavy burdens that weighed her beloved’s broad shoulders the day she first entered that theatre with their young son and many others.
How she cried that day, cried at the sight of him, burying herself in his strong arms, his touch familiar and tight. She remembers him crying as well, his brawny embrace trembling around her. There was a distinct desperation in his fingers, tense and anchored to her, but also a hesitance, as if he couldn’t believe her existence before him, as if she were a ghost that could disappear with a simple touch. Then there was Telemachus. Their sweet boy, who shyly tugged at his father's chiton for equal attention, made the two drop to their knees and pull him into the centre of their arms, the centre of their world. It was as he pressed into his father’s broad chest that Penelope witnessed her brave and vivacious son shed tears for the first time, clinging to his father as her husband whispered apologies into his ears over and over. Like father, like son. The two already shared the trait of appearing strong to many, only to collapse into themselves when in the presence of their loved ones. And it made her cry happy, sad, bittersweet tears.
The small family couldn’t bring themselves to fully separate after that and sat together throughout the musical, always touching, sometimes squeezing each other closer, and others pulling a little apart for breath, but never far enough to stop touching. They needed to know the other was still there, willingly chaining themselves together. It was painful to watch helplessly as the powerful figure of her husband was forcibly eroded by the harshness of the gods and the hardships of a war he never wanted to be a part of. It broke her heart to see her beloved in such a state. The dreadful future presented to them in the verses of songs made time drag by at a snail's pace, their hearts in their throats with stones in their stomachs, until it was finally time to return to their original place in the universe—apart and distant—as if no significant amount of time had passed at all. It was a cruel reality to face. Suddenly, time was moving too fast, and Penelope couldn’t hold her Odysseus for long enough, nor could her son.
When they were finally dispersed and returned to their rightful places, Penelope held her darling son for the hours and hours it took for him to process what had just happened, never spilling enough tears to leave her shoulder soaked through, however, only lightly dampened. Penelope remembers Telemachus focusing on his breaths, often clamping his eyes shut and focusing before releasing a long and shaky exhale. He was steadying himself, trying to be brave and faithful to the first promise he made with his father. It was as admirable as it was saddening; her sweet boy had to grow up so fast despite her efforts to slow such a maturation. As a mother, Penelope tried to shield him from as much suffering as she could, but there was always a limit to what she was capable of. It seemed, however, that focusing on her role as a mother as well as the illustrious Queen of Ithaca was enough for her son; soon, she would share in Telemachus’ inner strength.
Despite the many days and weeks that have passed after the foretelling of their futures, it still felt surreal.
Penelope often wants to dismiss the experience entirely, but there was a stubborn part of her that loved to hope that it was all true and that she would not have to wait so long for Odysseus to return, now that they all knew what the devastating outcome a few damning decisions would lead to. Her husband is a clever man; it was one of the many alluring traits that had drawn her to him. He’s rarely the type to make the same mistake twice…
…So why could she not believe it when the silhouette of twelve black ships emerged on the horizon?
Why did she freeze when she heard the excited barking of Argos, Odysseus’ loyal canine companion, ringing out from the shores and echoing across the entire island of Ithaca?
Why was she so speechless when she rushed to her mother-in-law and sister-in-law with news, her son running at her heels with glittering eyes and a cherubic smile?
“My son…is he finally home?” Anticlea asks in a shaky voice, her eyes turning glossy as she’s helped to her feet by an equally trembling Ctimene. If Ctimene's brother is finally returning home, then her husband will be home too. Could it be? Ctimene, with watery eyes, looked towards her sister-in-law, daring to hope, daring to fall into that soft, sweet and seductive optimism that, after all these years, she would finally see her husband again, her Eurylochus.
Finally, Penelope smiles, tears falling from her lashes as she huffs in relief, “Yes! The ships are on the horizon, he’s home,” She catches Ctimene’s eyes, flooded by tears as she covers her mouth with trembling hands, “They’re both home.” The group reach for each other, including Telemachus, succumbing to their strong emotions and comforting each other in a tight embrace, but not for long.
They run to the shores, Telemachus sprinting ahead of the trio while his mother and aunt keep beside his grandmother, who struggles to carry herself without assistance. None could bring themselves to reprimand him; however, they could all connect with his desire to reach his father as soon as possible.
“My apologies, my daughters,” Anticlea utters, her regret sincere, but her eyes never leave the silhouette of ships as they grow bigger, inching closer from the horizon.
“There is nothing to apologise for, mother,” Ctimine laughs wetly, not caring for her dishevelled appearance. She leans into her mother’s side, needing her support just as much as she needed hers in locomotion.
“We will arrive at the shores in time.”
Just when Penelope, Anticlea and Ctimine make it to the shores, they smile fondly at the visage of Telemachus playing with Argos, who was spritely with life once more; injected with a happiness that rattled his ageing bones in a dance that illusioned him into a fresher appearance. Somehow, the loyal hound was aware of his longest and dearest friend’s return home, cementing an assurance in Penelope’s heart that she would be seeing her husband very soon.
⊹ ࣪ ﹏ 𓊝 ﹏ 𓂁 ﹏ ⊹ ࣪ ˖
The scent of thyme and pine washed over Odysseus as the ship neared shore, home. The fragrance was so achingly familiar it made his ribs sore from his hyperventilating lungs, his breath greedily taking in the intimate air, desperate to exchange the stale saltiness of the ocean that had long since settled heavily in his lungs. His eyes darted across the beach, searching, until—
There.
His mother stands. Alive, well and breathing… Her shawl flutters in the wind as she smiles brightly. Kind and gentle, not lost, not haunting. Behind his blinking eyes, he’s tormented once again by the phantasmic image of his despairing mother in the underworld, where she faithfully waits for his return; the heartache in her voice, evident. Since seeing that ghostly image of his mother in the underworld, her familiar warmth turned just as phantom-like as her new image, Odysseus has been flooded by guilt. Never before had he felt like such a failure of a son than he did in that moment and the minutes, hours and days after. It made him sick to his stomach with the determination to reach home in good— better time.
Standing filially beside her was Ctimene, his sweet, little sister. She’s grown a lot since his departure, and he takes the time to soak in her more adult impression, only to chuckle to himself when his subconscious mind filters her to a familiar conception, the one he’s most accustomed to. To the one with scraped knees in her effort to follow him about, lost without his assurance and guidance; to the one with puffed-out, sun-flushed cheeks after succumbing to his lighthearted teasing; to the one who often stepped into his space and clung to the back of his chiton out of shyness; to the one of his most adored sister. When their eyes connect across the waters, her gaze doesn’t linger on him long. Her olive eyes check his figure briefly before decisively moving to fix on the figure beside him. Without turning his head, Odysseus already knows that her eyes have settled on Eurylochus.
And then, Penelope. Sweet, lovely, beautiful Penelope. As clever as the sagacious owl, as elegant as the graceful swan and as beautiful as the heavenly dove. It felt as if he was seeing her for the first time all over again, his mind turning to mush as his body flushed from head to toe. She stands at the water’s edge, her toes tickled by the teasing waves that dance back and forth over the wet sands, but she pays it no mind, her eyes locked onto him as firmly as his are locked on her. Even from this distance, he could see the way her hands clutched at her chest, a known habit that he knew she used to keep herself grounded, covering her rapidly beating heart as if to temper down its charging pace. The gesture makes him smile, and he mirrors it with his own hand, clutching the fabric of his chiton over where his racing heart lies.
“Father! Father!” Telemachus is there too, shouting to the heavens; the joy of his return, evident on his cherubic features. He bounces around the sandy shore with his oldest friend, Argos, who barks and howls and rises to his hind legs with his tongue out as if to say: I am so glad to see you home again, old friend. Both happily share in each other’s glee at the simple sight of him, Telemachus’ face alight with happiness as Argos does merry spins over and over, his tail wagging enough to elicit worry that it may break off.
Focusing solely on Telemachus, Odysseus is almost brought to his knees. Gods, his baby boy has grown up so much. He remembers having the same thought when he was first brought to the dark theatre with the rest of his crew and a slew of other pertinent characters, but no one was more important than his son and wife. It had only been a few weeks since Odysseus last saw his son; however, he couldn’t help but wonder if his son had grown just a little taller, his hair just a little messier, and his features just a little more adolescent and less juvenile. Although it brought him great joy to see his boy so happy and healthy, Odysseus vows never to miss another day of his son’s life again.
He’s back now, and he will stay until his dying breath, eager to make new memories with his beloved and be the father he never had the privilege to be. Odysseus feels his grin grow wider at the thought, making his cheeks ache at the strain, but he doesn’t care. He would finally be together with his family, complete, whole, safe and sound. Odysseus’ vision blurred.
The moment the hull scraped an inch of sand, Odysseus was moving, leaping into the shallows with no thought for dignity. The seawater was soaking through his tunic and sandals, but he barely felt it.
Telemachus and Argos met him halfway, their happiness infectious. Telemachus cheers and raises his arms as Odysseus scoops him up and holds him close, keeping him in his arms and on his hip as Argos jumps up on his hind legs, placing his front paws on Odysseus’ thighs for leverage as he laps at the hand he brings down to scratch behind his ears and deliver long-awaited affection and closeness. Unable to hold back, Odysseus drops down to his knees, the shallow sea water splashing beneath him as he pulls both into a tight embrace. Telemachus wraps his small arms around his father’s strong shoulders and buries his face into his neck as Argos licks slobber all over his face, tail wagging away merrily.
Penelope meets him as soon as he gets up and walks onto the drier sands, escaping the lapping waves with Telemachus on his hip and Argos attached to his ankles. His Queen raises her arms, her smile longing and painted with relief, then, as soon as he’s close enough, her arms wrap around his neck too, tight and secure. Her breath brushing over his skin, her body pressed against his, her familiar comforting fragrance embracing him just as tightly—the salt of her tears where she pressed her face to his shoulder.
"You fool," she sobbed, laughing wetly into his neck as she pressed a flurry of kisses against his stubbled cheek. "You stubborn, brilliant fool.”
“Upon my return, my wife, in our first meeting, calls me a fool.” Odysseus smiles through his words; never before had he enjoyed being called a fool. “I missed you, my Queen,” He stares deeply into her eyes, “my Penelope…” Lost in each other, they lean in for a deep and passionate kiss, smiling into one another's lips when they hear Telemachus articulate disgust and squirm out of Odysseus’s hold, running to his grandmother, who laughs at his whining before gently telling him to leave his parents to reunite in peace.
With his arm free, Odysseus pulls Penelope into him more, enclosing her in the tight ring of his arms as he buries his nose into her hair, inhaling the lavender she’d always worn, and knew—this was the scent of peace.
“Thank you for coming home to me, my love…” her shaky voice meets his ears, her lips brushing over his as she speaks.
“I will always find my way back to you.” He seals the vow with another deep kiss.
⊹ ࣪ ﹏ 𓊝 ﹏ 𓂁 ﹏ ⊹ ࣪ ˖
Eurylochus lingered on the ship a moment longer, his chest tight and his nerves restless. Finally arriving home feels too real and too good to be true; he thinks it's all a delusion. Nevertheless, his feet carry him to Ithaca's familiar sands, the very same sands he had last departed on ten years ago. Around him, his crewmates rushed to reunite with their loved ones, desperation and relief filling the air, contagious and soon seeping into his own veins.
As his eyes searched the beaches, Eurylochus finally set his eyes on a familiar pair of olive pools. Ctimene. His beloved. With her sandals in the sand and the glittering sun in her eyes, she stands before him like a sweet mirage, her dress elegantly draped over her shapely silhouette. Her apparition appears frayed at the edges, coloured in soft pink hues and brighter lighting. It's as if she were glowing, making the rest of the world disappear around her. Their marriage was arranged, but their love for each other had just begun to flourish before he was called to participate in the war against Troy, fighting beside his brother-in-law and friend. Never before had the world been so cruel.
Ten years had passed. And Eurylochus dreaded to think that the first spark of endearment between them, exhilarating and addictive, had withered away pathetically, divested too soon for it to bear fruit. Like a small flame deprived of air. Like a shy sapling deprived of sun. He has many regrets, and leaving like a stoic soldier had been one of them. There was no effort on his part to comfort his Ctimene as she tried to come to terms with sending him off, just as their kisses were beginning to burn their lungs with desperate passion; just as their embraces lingered for longer than usual; just as affection seeped into their gazes when regarding one another; just as they were beginning to fulfill their marriage vows to love…their flame was abruptly smothered.
Back then, Eurylochus believed that his stoicism was a comfort as it meant he was confident in returning home to her, silently urging her to foster the same confidence, but he was mistaken. If it weren't for that musical showing or you, the fair maiden, he never would have made it home. He should have hugged her, kissed her, whispered sweet assurances into her ear so that if the first reality in that musical had become of him, at least, the last memory she had of her husband would have been a sweet one. Now, he faces her doubtfully, shamefully and embarrassed, yet the past cannot be changed. So he should stay true to his strong character at the very least and face her head-on.
"You took your time.” Ctimene's sweet voice cuts through the crowd, meant for his ears only. Shocked, Eurylochus takes a hesitant step forward and looks, really looks at her, finally catching sight of the tears in her eyes. Could it be? "Did you not want to come home, my love?"
Without a word, Eurylochus rushes forward and pulls her into a tight embrace. All internal talk of facing her with squared shoulders and eyes full of conviction disappeared at the mere sight of her tears. He is just a man, not a soldier, a man who misses his wife dearly.
It didn't get past him, the fact that she had called to him lovingly, with the same sweet endearment he remembered she had just begun to shyly call to him before he left for Troy. It made his heart pound and his extremities grow lame. And yet, there was a profound strength within him that pushed him forward towards her, not caring for the slippery sands or the crowds of people surrounding them; he'd rather desperately cling to the small light of hope her sweet tone gave.
His calloused hands are overcome with the urge to roam her suddenly familiar curves and savour the feel of her body against his with his face buried into her neck. An intimate reunion. She had always smelled so fragrant and sweet; he couldn't get enough. It almost brings him to tears with how warmly her familiarity comforts him.
"I'm sorry, sweet Ctimene…"
Ctimene, overcome by equal parts joy and relief, unleashes her grief through free-falling rivers of tears. She sobs into her husband's strong shoulder as he tightens his arms around her and pulls her impossibly close.
"Why did you have to leave like that?" She refers to his unemotional and impassive departure, a strong suppression of his internal rage and objection against the conscription for Troy ten years prior. "And why return like this?"
"I have many regrets," Eurylochus confesses, reluctantly easing his hold on her to pull back just slightly, enough to stare deeply into her beautiful, tearful, but glittering eyes, "I will never conceal these strong feelings from you again. Just—…" Eurylochus hesitates momentarily but wills himself to continue, internally vowing to commit to a new, vulnerable side of himself, "just tell me…"
…Tell me you miss me…
He couldn't bring himself to finish, but Ctimene smiles, already understanding his unsaid words and brings her small hands up to lovingly hold his face. She then brushes noses with him and whispers closely, her lips brushing over his own, "I missed you…I love you. Thank you for coming home to me…"
Eurylochus smiles brightly, unsuppressed and all-feeling, "I missed you too. I love you too. Thank you for waiting for me…" He will, now and forever, answer to all of her calls. He is no longer the stoic man he pretended to be all those years ago; his unsaid words back then almost drove him to the depths of grief. He would have had much more to regret if he hadn't returned home on this destined day.
At last, they shared a long-awaited and tear-stained kiss; their flourishing love was finally allowed to bloom without restraint, nurtured by their commitment to one another and their bright future together, abundant with romance and secrets meant for only the two of them.
The beach was a chorus of weeping laughter and wet, jovial cheers. In the middle of it all, you stood with tears in your eyes, a witness to your beloved characters, now, close friends' happy ending and reunion with dearly missed loved ones.
Elpenor’s mother cradled his face as if he were still a little boy—though that was the case for all mothers, no matter how much time passed—her thumbs brushing his scars with gentle caution, afraid to hurt him further but assuring that he was now in safe hands. Despite the otherwise embarrassing closeness to his mother as a grown man back from war, Elpenor laughs and grins with a shimmer of tears coating his eyes, happily embracing his mother in return.
"I'm home!"
"And home you shall stay! I will make sure of it." His mother replies, her voice filled with conviction and tears as she squeezes him tight. Swamped with all number of joys, Elpenor laughs aloud heartily, his happiness echoing to the distant ends of the sandy beach.
Perimedes collapsed into his father’s arms, both of them shaking after much delay, mainly due to their pride as men. Nevertheless, love wins all. The two were of equal height and looked largely the same except for the evident wrinkles in his father's countenance compared to Perimedes' own. Growing up, his father was never the type to openly show affection; the typical Greek man and father of his household, never allowing his disabling limp to hinder his position. Rather, Peremides remembered his father working and disciplining him much harder to compensate for his own shortcomings. And yet, here his father was, cradling his son as if he were a small babe once again, no longer constrained by his sentiments.
"You did well, my dear boy…"
"…Thank you, father…"
Wives kissed sun-weathered cheeks and faded scars, children clung to legs they barely remembered but found comfort in, and old friends clasped forearms, grinning brightly through globulous tears. Emotions were high but electric and buoyant.
Finally…finally!
You stood at the centre of the chaos, your heart too full to move, and almost bursting at the seams with joy.
This—this was why you helped them so willingly. Not for glory, not for thanks, but for this: the way Polites’ breath hitched as a grey-haired woman (his mother, it had to be) cupped his face and whispered soft sentiments to him, wiping away his falling tears as he wiped away hers, both of them grinning through it all; the way Odysseus knelt to press his brow to Telemachus’; the way even Eurylochus, ever gruff, let his wife fuss over his travel-worn cloak and his newly acquired scars.
A hand slipped into yours as you're fully absorbed in the moment, breaking you from a hypnotic trance fueled by addictive glee. Turning to your side, you're met with sweetly smiling eyes and a handsome face. Polites smiled down at you, his thumb brushing over your knuckles in silent, gentle appreciation. "You did this," he murmured, voice velvety soft and praising.
You shake your head and look down—no, it was all of us—but he squeezes your fingers almost insistently.
"Look at them," he said softly. You follow his eyes as he scopes out the scene with a satisfied grin on his lips.
The first thing you see is a father swinging his giggling daughter onto his shoulders. The next, a wife, tearful but smiling, tucking her face into her husband’s neck. Then, an old man with wrinkled hands and thin, white hair, weeping into his son’s crown. The air smelled of salt and citrus blossoms as distant citrus trees waved their branches in the sea breeze as if dancing in celebration. The wind carried snippets of laughter that it stitched together in a haphazardly attentive manner while old songs were sung anew, enriching the air with festivities.
Polites leaned in close to whisper a soft but meaningful: "Thank you.” Your smile wobbles with emotion as you turn to look upon his blurred countenance, wanting to say something, but ultimately remaining speechless. Knowing just what to do, Polites opens his arms and gently guides you into his chest, hiding your tears in his chiton as you let the joy of Ithaca cradle you both.
High above, the sun warmed everyone's skin like a blessing, just as Odysseus ushered everyone to his palace for celebration. "Let me host a feast for all at my Palace! Everyone is welcome! The entire island is welcome! We shall celebrate this joyous return until we can no longer stand!" Resounding cheers echo amongst the crowd, and everyone soon begins to move up the island, away from the beach and towards the very palace Odysseus had built up, stone by stone. They are all led by the leader himself, his hand tightly interwined with his wife's, which he intermittently brings up to kiss the knuckles of, while his son and Argos trot happily at his other side.
⊹ ࣪ ﹏ 𓊝 ﹏ 𓂁 ﹏ ⊹ ࣪ ˖
It wasn't until Odysseus passed through his grand front doors and commanded every servant to organise a grand feast that he finally noticed a significant absence in his halls. Turning to his beloved, he searches her eyes for an answer as he tilts his head in question.
"My love?"
"Yes, my King?" Penelope hums, leaning into him further. She knows where her husband's curiosities lie, but loves and misses the sound of his voice too much to answer before he has the chance to ask her himself.
"Have no suitors come to claim your hand in my absence?"
"…No…" Penelope observes Odysseus' expression closely, curious about his somewhat odd response.
With a thoughtful hum, Odysseus meets his second commander's eyes before locking gazes with those who seem to have had the same realisation as him. They, too, hadn't forgotten about the events of their potential future and had their hands placed upon the handle of their swords in preparation; their weapons having yet to be discarded despite the flurry of emotions at the sandy beaches. "I wonder why that is…"
"I suppose it is because you have returned home at a good time."
"What a shame…" Odysseus huffs, lovingly caressing his wife's face with his knuckles. "I was somewhat looking forward to massacring a few hundred men over your hand."
Penelope narrows her eyes and slaps his shoulder lightheartedly, "I am not a prize to be won."
"No, you are not," the darkness in Odysseus' eyes visibly lifts as he softens to adoringly savour his wife's sweet face, "forgive me, my love, I mispoke." Having overheard the interaction, you slip your hands out of Polites' hold and come up behind Odysseus to helpfully deposit something into his hand. The item made a dainty sound, similar to the shuffling of beads against each other. Penelope wanted to question your appearance behind her husband; however, Odysseus was too quick to draw her attention away by presenting a small, delicate bracelet made of light blue seashells. "I hope that this humble gift can make up for my shortcomings as a man."
Penelope takes a moment to observe you over Odysseus's shoulder as you deposit another small but sweet accessory into Eurylochus's rough hands as he holds his wife close. An excited smile lights up your pretty face as you step back to stand beside the man she recognises as Polites to observe the exchange between the husband and wife duo. Deeming you harmless, she returns her attention to Odysseus again.
"I accept your gift of apology," With a toothy grin, Odysseus carefully slips the bracelet onto her wrist and secures its clasp before leaning down to whisper against her ear. Clearly, he had seen her cautious eyes upon you.
"I will tell you all about her soon enough, my Queen. You're going to love her."
"So you are the one who is responsible for bringing my husband home," Penelope acknowledges after slipping away with you and Ctimene to her private quarters. Your wondrous smile is disarming and sweet as you nod. Finally, Penelope lets her guard down and gives an appreciative nod in return. "Then I thank you."
"And I as well," Ctimene adds with a gracious nod of her own, her glee barely restrained behind her somewhat familiar grin — you enjoy seeing the similarities between her and Odysseus; it's clear that they're brother and sister. Their dynamic is teasing but loving, and full of laughter. It's been an honour to see their reactions as they weren't featured in the musical.
The three of you are accompanied by Odysseus' refined and soft-spoken mother, Anticlea. She sits back, overseeing the scene with a straight spine and a soft expression on her face; she looks content. "We are all very thankful for your contributions. Odysseus hasn't been able to stop singing your praises since the start of the feast."
Tucking your chin in shyly, you smile at the three, bashful under their beaming stare. This is one of the moments you're a little saddened by the fact that you can't speak. There are so many things you want to say to them. Even just seeing the three alive and happy gets you emotional. Penelope still has a lot of youth in her face, and despite already having a somewhat wrinkled appearance, Anticlea's expressions still shone with freshness. This journey was for them as well as those on the ships; you're only grateful to have been able to make a difference to the same characters that mean so much to you.
Trying not to get too emotional, you surrender your thoughts for a more favourable, lighter topic. You motion for them to cover their eyes with a reassuring look. As soon as their eyes were closed and blanketed by their hands, you quickly brought up your inventory to take out the two dresses you had prepared for Penelope and Ctimene, as requested by their adoring husbands. Penelope's was an elegant blue piece with an open back. The silk fabric was secured behind her neck with plenty of excess fabric left to drape down her exposed spine like a scarf; it also left her shoulders exposed, but accentuated her slim waist before elegantly flowing down to her ankles.
For Ctimene, you also prepared a silk dress, but this time, in a burnt orange that shone like a jewel as it traced her curves. It was also floor-length with spaghetti straps and ruching on one hip to better fit her shape before splitting in a high slit.
Both women gasped at the beautiful pieces you presented them with. They had been eying your uniquely beautiful way of dress, curious and envious, but never expected to be presented with such a wondrous gift. Your dress was more fitting of the cottagecore aesthetic, but for a celebration like tonight, you thought these dresses would be more fitting for the two women. You can gift them better-matching dresses to yours another day.
"How wonderful!" Ctimene awed as you handed her the silk orange dress.
"You shouldn't have…" Penelope sounded a little breathless as she brought the blue silk to her chest.
They watched as you shrugged your shoulders casually, their eyes glowing with fondness, before you stepped forward to assist them into the unusual dresses. It took you a long time to make each dress, but it was a worthwhile effort when they looked so beautiful in it.
"The fabric is so smooth," Penelope whispered in astonishment, an attentive hand softly tracing over the fabric around her hips.
"I want to show Eurylochus…" Ctimene flushed as the words escaped her, especially when her eyes found the high slit cutting up the dress to her mid-thigh.
"But first…" Anticlea steps up to you, surprising everyone as she had been mostly silent up to this point, "We must give you an equal gift, child. An even exchange."
"Yes," Penelope smiles at you, her attention leaving the dress, "it is only fair."
"How exciting! I will find the suitable accessories." Ctimene claps her hands in glee before zipping to a wooden dresser, while Penelope opens up a closet space, and Anticlea leads you to the centre of the room. The atmosphere made you feel giddy. As much as you adored the crew, Odysseus, Eurylochus and Polites, their company cannot compare to one surrounded by fellow women who indulge in your innate girlish nature.
"I-I…" Odysseus was speechless as Penelope stepped back into the main hall, where the feast was being held. His jaw was slack, and his fingers twitched to pull her into his arms.
Holding back a smirk, Penelope drifted towards her stuttering husband and whispered up at him as soon as she was close enough, "This is the part where you say I'm the most beautiful woman you've ever witnessed in life…"
Odysseus lets out a brief chuckle, relieving some of the tension in his shoulders, "You truly are…"
"…what?" Penelope wanted to hear him say it all.
"You truly are the most beautiful woman I've ever witnessed appear before me in life." The two giggle in unison before sharing in a deep kiss, not caring for the surrounding company, who whistled and cheered them on before continuing with the celebratory feast.
⊹ ࣪ ˖
"As silent as ever, I see?" Ctimene pries as she approaches Eurylochus, who had turned to stone as soon as he caught sight of her. She wasn't really serious; she could tell by his expression how awed he was by her appearance, and that was enough for her. Being able to read his silence has always been a source of pride for her as his wife.
However, Eurylochus was a new man, someone who didn't want to live in regret for not simply speaking up enough for his wife. The very woman he loved most dearly and preciously in the world. "I was speechless, you're too beautiful for a man like me..."
"Don't insult me so…" Ctimene comments without any malice or hurt as she wraps her arms around his shoulders, bringing his tall frame down to accommodate her shorter stature. "I was the one who said 'yes' to having you as my husband."
Eurylochus gives her a rare smile as their noses press against each other, "And I think myself the luckiest man alive every day for your generosity." In an attempt to hide her bashfulness, Ctimene pushes up onto her toes and locks their lips together. When did her husband learn to speak so sweetly?
⊹ ࣪ ˖
You appear behind Penelope and Ctimene, smiling brightly as you witness the exchange between them and their husbands, both men with whom you've become close friends. Your chest warmed with a sense of fulfilment and happiness that dared try to burst through the cage of your ribs. It was almost painful, but it was steeped in so much sweetness, you didn't care to stop yourself from feeling it more.
"F-fair maiden…" You finally noticed the sudden silence that had swept through the hall of feasting men. Turning to the voice, you find Polites with a rosy blush dusting the sun-kissed skin of his cheeks as he adjusts his glasses adorably at the sight of you. Behind him, you recognise many familiar faces that made up the crew you helped return home as they stare at your new attire. Smiling bashfully, you take a couple of steps forward and do a twirl as if to ask 'How do I look?'
Penelope, Ctimene and Anticlea had dressed you in a traditional Greek peplos dress. The white fabric draped over your frame in elegant lines with a gold band circling your waist before it draped the rest of the way to the floor. The neckline scooped down your upper chest before securing over your shoulders, where a flowy cape fell down your back. Ctimene had done up your hair and secured it into place with two golden, olive-leaf combs that circled your head like a crown. She also had you wearing gold bracelets and two gold arm cuffs.
Seeing you in their way of dress had Polites devoid of any coherent thoughts and internally reprimanding himself when you tilted your head and pouted, as he had nothing to say after your elegant twirl.
"You're so pretty, fair maiden!" Elepnor cheers from where he's sat beside his mother and Peremides, who had a warm blush on his cheeks from the sight of you.
"She's always been pretty," Perimedes comments as he takes a sip of his wine in an attempt to cover his flushed cheeks.
Their outburst had opened the floodgates of compliments to burst forth from the rest of the crewmen, who cheered you and sang praises of your outstanding beauty. It made you look down shyly…but you still hadn't heard anything from the man whose words mattered a little more to you. Looking up again, you squeak silently at the surprising sight of Polites suddenly approaching you. You didn't know what to do except watch him shyly as he stepped up to you, gently taking your hand in his and bending at the waist as he brought your hand up to his lips, where he kissed your knuckles.
"I didn't think you could get any more beautiful…" Polites straightens to face you with a smile on his blushing face. "I seem to have forgotten that you have a wonderful habit of proving me wrong." Giggling sweetly, you give him a slow nod of thanks as a warmth blossoms over your cheeks, and you can't help but stare deeply into his eyes. Polites clears his throat and steps aside, motioning to the many tables laden with food, "Shall we feast?… I believe it's finally our turn to feed you well, fair maiden."
⊹ ࣪ ﹏ 𓊝 ﹏ 𓂁 ﹏ ⊹ ࣪ ˖
You were told that the celebrations would last an entire week - you didn't believe it at first, until the end of the third day. There was still talk from crewmates and their attending families about staying the night once again and of what they looked forward to doing the next day. There was dancing and singing and feasting, minor competitions of strength and wit between friends and even some acts of passion between reunited spouses and lovers in the shadows of torchlight. Odysseus and Penelope were very preoccupied behind closed doors, despite the ongoing festivities, to the point that you needed to entertain Telemachus with Polities so that he wouldn't go on to disturb his parents' passionate reunion atop their marital bed.
There were no complaints on your part, however. It was refreshing and heartwarming to spend time with Telemachus, still a young boy. He hadn't been forced to grow up quite so fast, nor had he ever been threatened by strangers reeking of ill intent to surrender his mother to them and accept a new father. He smiled without a care in the world and played around without a worry. He had you running around with Argos in the lush garden of the palace, had you learn how to play the lyre as he banged on a tympanon, and he even pulled you into multiple pretend fights with pretend wooden swords. Happily, you indulged in his whims without a second thought, earning his friendship and favour to the point of him becoming pouty whenever you got distracted or pulled away by crew members, especially Polites. Rather than take you from Telemachus, however, Polites happily asked to join in on your games until he, too, became a dear friend of Telemachus. With the addition of Polites, much of your time was spent listening to him recount childhood stories with Odysseus, a subject that always fascinated Telemachus, keeping his attention the entire time. You would be the one to sit beside him on the grass, both of you eagerly listening and requesting more stories of the past, to which Polites was all too happy to oblige.
It was the fourth day of celebration, and you were getting accustomed to a routine. You expected to have a quiet, peaceful breakfast, but were surprisingly joined by Odysseus and Penelope, who you hadn't seen for the past three days. There was no grand or awkward greeting between you, only quietude, and a slow operation of limbs as plates were topped up in comfortable silence. It appeared as though everyone wanted a peaceful morning.
"I thank you for befriending Telemachus, fair maiden," Odysseus brings up in the midst of your morning meal, some of his energy replenished for the day. You shrug and give him a teasing look as a reply. He understands your unspoken words and laughs before flashing you a thankful look. "I was able to spend precious time with Penelope, undisturbed, thanks to you. I owe you a great deal, now more than ever." Your shoulders shake as you laugh a silent laugh, the couple across from you only smile in content and lean into each other lovingly.
"Whatever you wish, we will do our best to fulfil it." You're already shaking your head before Penelope finishes her generous offer, making her frown in mock dissatisfaction. "I won't hear of it. As soon as you have the smallest wish for something, you inform us right away. As my husband said," The two share a brief look before returning their attention to you, "we owe you a great deal."
With a slow nod and a warm smile, you thank them for their generosity, and breakfast continues in comfortable silence, the sun barely creeping above the horizon when another figure enters the hall. Their face is new, that of a stranger, but their eyes reflect a familiar wisdom. It can't be…
Time stops while a familiar ticking continues in the background. Penelope is frozen in place while you and Odysseus stand and greet the goddess in disguise.
"Athena! Welcome!" Odysseus greets with a bow, his tone light and his grin wide, his demeanour infected with merriment. "Have you finally come to join the celebration?"
"I'm afraid not." Athena smiles down at her pouting friend, "You are free to celebrate to your heart's content; however, I am here on more important matters." Athena's gaze moves onto you. With a faint nod, she returns your voice so that you may express yourself in her pocket space.
"It's good to see you again, Athena," you greet with a smile as Odysseus' jaw goes slack beside you. He couldn't believe his ears!
"Likewise, little one."
"You can talk!" Odysseus grasps your shoulders and gives you a gleeful shake, cheering with laughter. "Haha! This is wonderful! How suited your voice is for you, so kind and so full of warmth." You stare into Odysseus' soft gaze, smiling wider when his hand comes up to pet your hair. "I never thought I'd ever hear you speak. What a privilege…" curiosity makes his brows furrow, "but how is that possible?" The two of you look back at Athena, who patiently waits for Odysseus' delight to simmer down.
"In this space, I can restore your previous manifestation." The goddess explains, but you both remain silent, prompting her for further explanations, "You are not of this world, little one, but in the one you were born into, you could speak. That is how." Her clarification only opens up another question.
"What is the meaning of this?" Odysseus asks, his speechlessness robbing him of the strength to properly articulate his thoughts. He wanted to ask more divulging question but was unable to. Where was he to begin?
"I am here to give you a choice, little one. Either you return home or stay here. Your existence is shaky, but with the blessing of a certain goddess, you will be able to travel back to your world safely or continue to remain here peacefully."
"Go back? What?! "Odysseus exclaims, not expecting an answer, as he was too busy trying to comprehend the situation. He knew that you were special, but to think that you came from another world entirely. He takes several moments to digest the information and slowly comes to terms with it. After all, you've shown otherworldly abilities; it makes sense for you to be…otherworldly. However, just as he accepts that thought, another strikes him with worry and regret. Coming from another world and having Athena propose that you decide on whether to stay or go meant that there was a possibility of you leaving. And he doesn't think he would ever be ready to accept such a decision.
Nevertheless… was that really a decision he could make for you? He had no authority over your choices. If that was your wish, he needed to keep his mouth shut and his heart locked; it would bring him a great deal of sadness to see you go as he had grown so fond of you, but he would be overstepping his bounds, and he would be exercising too much greed. It's entirely selfish of him to accept your help in returning to Ithaca but protest your desire to return home yourself. Odysseus straightens his shoulders, his face solemn as he looks at you. This was a decision you had to make yourself without any influence.
"…who will be the one to bless me?" you ask, even though it's not the most pressing question you needed answers to.
"She's a close friend of Hermes. Hecate, Goddess of magic, spells, the moon, night and crossroads." Your eyes widen. Hecate wasn't a goddess featured in EPIC: The Musical, but you shouldn't be surprised at her existence here. This world isn't limited to only those in the cast and the happenings of just the musical. It has more nuance and life than the songs you had grown to love. This is a real world where your beloved characters live, in addition to many others.
"Why Hecate?" Again, you find yourself asking a question that isn't urgent but one you're most curious about. "I'm already blessed by Hermes, God of travellers, trade and boundaries, isn't that enough?"
"As a traveller, yes, that's fine, but you aren't a simple traveller. You wield abilities akin to magic as well… that would be a little unreasonable not to account for. Hecate is quite fond of magic, and she finds yours unique but in need of protection. And, sometimes, protection means letting it go such that those who covet it menacingly cannot find you." Athena watches your expressions, patiently waiting for you to come to terms with her reasoning and the implications of her statements before continuing. Odysseus had stiffened up at the inference of harm coming to you and immediately hardened his expression, grinding his teeth at the thought. There isn't a chance in this world that he would ever let that happen. "There's a balance that needs to be maintained, afterall. It is a rule worth abiding by." You nod along but don't meet her eyes. Everything made sense. If you wish to continue staying here, you need to sacrifice your ability to utilise Animal Crossing game mechanics and be normal. But if you were to return home, you'll become normal again anyway, so it's only a matter of where you wish to be.
"Does that mean I'll be able to speak if I choose to stay?"
"Yes, of course."
"How will I be able to return home?"
"Hermes and Hecate have been working on a solution for a while. Hermes spoke a great deal to Hecate, and she has grown endeared towards you. She's willing to open the door to your home while Hermes safely guides you back. As soon as you inform me of your decision, I will let them know, and things will proceed from there."
You take a moment to think to yourself. Athena's tone doesn't pressure you into making a decision right away; rather, she's remained neutral throughout the exchange and patiently awaits your answer alongside Odysseus, who has forced himself to stay silent, quietly observing your pondering features and keeping his thoughts to himself. It was a hard decision. Go back to what's familiar. Or remain in a world where you've made a name for yourself, but sacrifice the one thing that's given you that status. You don't know what to do…
"May I have some more time to think about my decision?"
Athena nods in understanding as Odysseus takes your hand in his and gives it a comforting squeeze. You give him a small smile in thanks. "Of course. But only until the end of this week's celebration. I will return to you then. If you ever decide before that time, feel free to call for me in a private place. I will be around." That meant that you only had three days left.
Of those three days, you spend most of your time playing with Telemachus, savouring your moments spent beside Polites, Odysseus, Eurylochus and all of the many friends you've made amongst the crew, namely Elpenor and Perimedes. They were a dynamic duo you will sorely miss. All is well on the first day, with Odysseus being the only one who truly understood your troubled mind, while Polites and Eurylochus, and even Telemachus, slowly begin to notice your more distracted constitution and infrequent smiles, as your time for contemplation ends.
It was now your final day to make a decision, a decision you still have not yet made. Out of kindness and concern for you as a friend, many have asked about your well-being, hoping to understand or make you smile and distract you from your troubling thoughts. But they only succeeded in unintentionally overwhelming and pushing you to leave for some space alone to think.
With a sigh, Odysseus approaches his best friend and brother-in-law, pulls them into a private corner and finally tells them of your predicament, the encounter with Athena and the choices you were given. Eurylochus immediately frowns as Polites is flooded with alarm. How he had been allowed to take the little time you had left for granted was unfathomable to him, betrayal creeping into his heart as he turned to Odysseus.
"Why hadn't you informed us sooner, friend?" Polites presses, desperation dripping from his words.
"It was not my place to tell you," he says, exhausted. It had been weighing on him the past few days, and he felt drained of all energy despite the jovial atmosphere surrounding the celebrations. Penelope had quickly noticed but didn't press him for answers when he refused. She could do nothing but comfort him. "I had expected the fair maiden to ask me to explain the situation to you in her place, but she had not done so. I resolved to tell you on the last day if she hadn't yet. I apologise, brothers…"
Polites bites his bottom lip, "I want to comfort her… am I even allowed?"
"This is a decision she must make for herself." Eurylochus reiterates, sharing in Odysseus' thoughts on the matter, but places a hand of comfort on Polites' shoulder. He, too, was saddened at the thought of your departure. You had taught him many things, and he would have liked to enjoy more time with you beside Odysseus and Polites, but he knew that this was a much harder reality to accept for Polites and Odysseus. "I'm afraid your presence will stir her opinion. It's best to leave her be for now. When the time comes to say goodbye, I'm sure she will let us know so that we may be allowed to say our proper farewells then."
But… you never returned that night.
You didn't warn them that you would be departing, and so… they were never able to say their goodbyes. The men go to bed with heavy hearts after searching the grounds only to find you missing entirely. Odysseus and Eurylochus were desolate to know of your departure, but Polites was heartbroken and consumed with grief. He, at least, wanted to say his goodbyes…
When the morning sun rises the next day, it brings with it the ending of the celebrations and the sadness of your departure. The previous night, after finding you missing, Odysseus gathered everyone together in the halls and announced that you had returned to your home as they had returned to theirs.
There were many protests at first…
"That can't be!" Elpenor objected, tears already surfacing as his lower lip trembles, "She was happy with us. Couldn't she have stayed a little longer, at least?"
But many eventually grew to accept your leave. You deserved to return home just as they had; it would be selfish of them to deny you that when it was all they ever wanted the past ten years.
"She's returned home, Elpenor. She is where she belongs. She'll be happiest there." Despite Perimedes' words, he too begins to shed tears just as freely as his burly friend, the two of them pulling each other into a hug for comfort. In his heart of hearts, Perimedes wanted you to stay too.
"We didn't even wish her farewell and safe travels…" Elpenor sobbed into his friend's shoulder, his words hitting all observers in the chest, especially Polites. If only they could have said goodbye…
…
…
…
"Oh no, what's happened?" A voice cuts through the sorrowful atmosphere. It's kind and filled with warmth, feminine and sweet, familiar in that it twinkled like a bell… similar to a giggle many of the crew had grown to love.
Everyone turns to the voice, and gasps of shock echo across the hall at the sight of you carrying several basketfuls of those juicy, abnormally large fruit from your island. They couldn't believe their eyes. They all believed you to be gone. Every man had spent most of the night searching the palace and island for you, only to realise that you were gone without a trace.
"You're here? And you can speak?" Polites asked, approaching you with slow, hesitant steps, his eyes wide with disbelief.
You tilt your head with a confused smile, "What do you mean? Of course I'm here," your eyes fill with a different type of warmth as he stands before you, eyes watery but smiling wider than he ever had. "I'm here to stay."
Polites, unable to help himself, pulls you into a tight embrace as you hurriedly drop your baskets of fruits at a nearby table, "Then where did you disappear off to the whole night?"
"Well~" you giggle deviously and meet eyes with Odysseus over Polites' shoulder, "I may or may not have gone searching through that little shed of mine."
Those who know of your circumstances with the gods and the caviats that come with either choice (namely Polites, Odysseus and Eurylochus), give you a questioning look, only to roll their eyes and smile in relief when you mouth a familiar name at them: Hermes. The god of mischief strikes again.
"Your great-grandfather's mischievous antics are certainly ones to behold, my King." Eurylochus voices sarcastically as the two observe your embrace with Polites, only to be pulled out of the man's embrace and hugged between Elpenor and Perimedes, who haven't gotten themselves to stop crying yet.
"Indeed… just don't hold it against me," Odysseus chuckles, relief and happiness flooding his chest as you, with the help of Polites, send the crew and their loved ones home with a fruit of their choosing, ending the festivities and starting a new, peaceful life on Ithaca, home.
⊹ ࣪ ˖
"I wanted to ask fair maiden…" Polites whispers against your ear, the two of you waving off the last few guests together, your baskets now empty. He stands behind you, towering over your figure and having to lean down to speak intimately into your ear.
"Hmmm?… What is it?" He holds you in place by the waist, his fingers tracing the folds of your peplos so you're only able to turn your head and tilt your chin up, speaking in an equally hushed voice back at him. A couple's private exchange in whispers.
"Now that you can speak… may I have the honour of knowing your name?"
You smile and whisper into his ear like a secret. He awes at the sweet syllables you utter against his ear, speaking them aloud, trying them himself and smiling at the shapes they make of his tongue and lips.
"A beautiful name for a truly beautiful maiden."
navi. | series m.list
a/n : and that concludes EPIC: The Fair Maiden ( ⸝⸝´꒳`⸝⸝)♡ thank you all again for following and staying by me on this amazing journey, it didn't start out serious at all haha! (you can tell by just the premise of the story) ( ≧ᗜ≦) and there were some ups and downs with my choices on where to take the series atop real life stuff so it was a little disheartening at times ૮(˶╥︿╥)ა but now it's a series that i absolutely adore and holds a special place in my heart, and it's all thanks to you darlings and your enthusiasm for it. i hope i did the ending justice for you! i also hope you know that this isn't the end, as i will be writing some short imagines on potentially other scenarios that this series could have taken (*cough*aged-up!telemachus x reader/if the suitors where there and hit on reader*cough*)
taglist : @bluepanda08 @doodle-with-rhy @sunshinedaisy21 @jolixtreesunn @ellaprime7 @marcelemry @nishayuro @hijinkxy @kerosene-demon @windrosesrasta @keikeiluvyou @darling-eos @iamapotatoe @yuzxi18 @woncloudie @permanently-nothere @ash1 @barrythestrawberry041 @trashcannotbealive @yuksssss @reisinnie @evg6287 @athanasia-day @fuji-sen @yourlocaleffy @magdalenacarmila @carrotcakeandcoffee @mousedit @tomarisela @onlybe-satanonce @atanukileaf @starmee-lodurrson @depressinglyobsessed @isuckatmakingnamess @saaucie @mommyl-o-n-glegs @eyeless-kun @digital1shark @nightmarewasteland @leaf-lucky-luckyleaf @zoeyella1-4 (im so sorry if i missed anyone - i just wanted to post this for you guys as soon as i finished and it's already past my bedtime (ó﹏ò。))
0v0 Leona brainrot may I request a thing on Leona x reader where reader is mute from family trauma 0v0 (note love your stuff you feed my brain rot everyday also if you) also can you make it that in the story we have Reader think Grim is now our Son/or we see little brother and we talk to only him but then as per Leona x reader we talk to Leona at some point
Arm still hurts, but I put on a brace, so LET'S GO (don't follow my example)
Thank you for the Request! Leona has consumed my thoughts as well.
Synopsis: Reader with selective mutism slowly grows fond of the cold lion.
TW: mentions of reader having a bad family life; reader has selective mutism; reader is initially scared of Leona
Selective mutism can be caused by a variety of factors such as an anxiety disorder, self-esteem issues, speech problems, and etc.. Yours stemmed from. . . poor family relationships, to put it delicately.
Coming to Twisted Wonderland was like both a blessing and a curse.
A blessing because you made it out
A curse because, well, YOU WERE TOSSED INTO ANOTHER WORLD WITH NO TIME TO PROCESS. So, of course, your anxiety levels spiked.
It took you a bit to figure out how to explain to Crowley that you struggled with selective mutism, and even when you did, he took it as you trying to say you were entirely mute. You supposed you could live with that. It would definitely help quell the intrusive questions and ignorant statement if not just by a bit.
It took a while, but you managed to get comfortable enough around Grim and the Ramshackle ghosts to talk. You had grown to see them as the family you never had. A family you chose.
You weren't sure whether to classify Grim as a younger brother or a son, but you figured that wasn't all that important of a distinction for you to make. He's your family and that's what counts.
When you did finally talk for the first time around this little group they were certainly shocked, Grim more so than the ghosts. However, they were patient and allowed you the time and space to explain (even if that was because the ghosts held Grim's mouth shut).
In the end, you all decided it was probably best that you keep the reality of your muteness a secret as people knowing could cause problems (and just be annoying for those too ignorant to understand or too curious to understand personal space).
When you first met Leona, it was when you stepped on his tail in the botanical garden. You bowed profusely as a way of saying sorry, but he either didn't get it or didn't care.
"D*mn Herbivore." He growled. "You think you can just step on my tail and get away with it? Not even gonna properly apologize for waking me with your foot digging into my tail?"
Clearly, he had not been paying attention at orientation. You were never too great with confrontation, quite frankly, it scared you, so you ran. You could hear his angry shouts from behind you as you booked it out of there, but you paid no mind to his words (not that you could even hear them with the blood pumping so violently in your ears from the adrenaline).
The next time you met him, like truly met and talked to him, was after the spelldrive game when you got nailed in the head with the disk.
When the unusual group of Ace, Deuce, Jack, Ruggie, Leona, and Grim came into the infirmary you were understandably wary. Afterall, Leona hadn't exactly made a stellar first impression.
However, your opinion shifted a bit when a little ball of energy and pure joy came bursting into the room to meet Leona. You had felt some sympathy for him after seeing his dream, you didn't have the best family life either, but you also weren't a massive jerk. A hint of worry grew in your stomach when you saw the small lion jump on Leona's bed and bounce on his stomach, but you froze when you saw the man's reaction.
He may have seemed harsh to most with the way he treated and talked to the child, but you could tell he was anything but. The way his eyes softened ever so slightly and his muscles relaxed. And, if you didn't know any better, you would've sworn you saw the corners of his lips twitch upwards just a bit.
The way someone treats their family can tell you a lot. The way Leona treated Cheka told you a lot.
You turned your attention away from Leona to sign something to Deuce (he learned a bit of sign language from his mom).
Leona would have cursed had Cheka not been right there. Great. Now he felt like an *ss.
Perhaps that guilt is what led him to so easily letting you stay in Savanaclaw during book 3.
He led you up to his room and told you how to fold out the couch (it was a futon). However, other than that, he didn't say much.
The only word you heard him speak the first night was a brief "sorry". He didn't elaborate on it, but you were fairly sure you knew what he was apologizing for.
At some point, you had made a habit of lightly tugging on your friends' sleeve when you needed their attention. Out of habit, you accidentally did this to Leona once. You didn't even notice until you saw the other Savanaclaw students' horrified faces. You whipped around to apologize to Leona, but he looked entirely unbothered.
"What'd ya need?"
On the last night when you needed to get Leona's help, you didn't exactly have the option of yelling, and banging pots and pans didn't exactly cross your mind. At that moment, you were just so tired and so stressed that all you did was silently tear up.
When he noticed your crying he momentarily froze. His eyes widened to the size of saucers and he just stared at you.
You really had a knack for making Leona feel scummy.
Before he knew it, he was getting up and trudging across the room.
You flinched.
Leona mentally bashed his head into a wall repeatedly.
"I'll help. . .just. . .cut it out with the water works." He handed you a tissue box and that was that.
You grew steadily closer over time, but he didn't hear your voice until around the end of book 6.
You had gotten back from STYX and your dorm was still in shambles, so you were left to stay at Savanaclaw. Other dorms were going to offer, but before they could even open their mouths, Leona sighed dramatically loud and announced that he guessed you'd have to stay at Savanaclaw sing you had absolutely no other options.
You trudged into his room together and watched as Grim immediately conked out on a plush chair next to the couch.
Leona was about to collapse on the bed (he was too tired to shower or even change clothes) when he felt a pair of arms wrap around his torso and a wet spot forming on his chest as your tears soaked through his shirt.
He was not cut out for these kinds of situations.
Despite this thought, he soon sighed and wrapped his arms around your back as well. The two of you stood there like that for what felt like an eternity before the silence was finally broken.
And not by him.
"I-I'm so glad you're safe." Your voice was hoarse from lack of use, and your words were hard to decipher as they came out as more of choked sobs.
A million questions ran through Leona's mind at that moment, but none of them left his lips. Instead, he simply replied: "Yeah. . .'m glad you are too."
Warnings: Bullying, Swearing, Delicate/Shy!Reader, and NON-PROOF READ!
𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙎𝘾𝙃𝙊𝙊𝙇 𝘽𝙀𝙇𝙇 𝙍𝘼𝙉𝙂 as students went to their respective rooms in a state of hurry. In a classroom full of chatter; the story all starts.
"Yo Haitani, got any homework done?" A weird long light blonde hair male spoke sarcastically.
"Bold of you to assume that I did Homework, Shion-"
"Then, who gives a fuck?" he retorted before the other guy could finish his words. He sighed in defeat, lifting both of his feet and placing them lazily on his desk.
"We can just bribe the teachers to pass us, that's easier than doing the hardwork." His companion added sneering.
"You think those shits will even fall for that?" Shion replied irritated. He burried himself from his thoughts as he ignored his companions blabbering and annoying remarks and ideas.
"Woah, who's that chick?" He suddenly woke up from his thoughts and heard his companion who's gaze was focus on a unfamiliar girl walking inside their classroom along with their other feminine classmate. Shion's eyes lingered towards the new girl closely then unexpectedly made eye contact with her after the girl felt eyes were on her.
Shion brushed it off and decided to kick the person who was seated up front of his and questioned them.
"Oi, who's that new girl? Haven't seen her before." The young lad infront of him flinched as he answered alarmed by the sudden act.
"Sh-She's the new girl I suppose our teacher proclaim from last week you were absent..." Shion kept his focus on the girl while listening.
"Dang she looks simple and normal."
"she's pretty boring"
"you mean 'Pretty' pretty boring or Simply boring?"
"Simply boring" Shion snickered as they continued mockingly insulted the girl in the meantime.
"You may all take your seats." The students across the room took their seats
"Okay, as I said from last week you'll be having a new classmate from now on." He announced, unbothered from the loud chattering and excitement of the students.
He cleared his throat and continued, "I expect for everyone to welcome her with open hearts and respect."
He silently walked off to the side, the girl from earlier walked in front of the whole class holding seemingly a spare notebook.
The whole class that was filled with loud and noisy chatter died down as they awaited for the introduction.
Shion and his companion; Ran, surprisingly kept quiet and also waited from their seats.
Curiosity held their gaze.
Seconds later, the girl up front of the whole class opened the notebook from her hands.
' Hello Everyone, I'm (Last Name) (First Name). It's nice to finally meet you all.'
Those words were written in her notebook as she showed it to the class. The once quiet room was soon be initiate a lot of whispering and weird glances from her classmates along the two delinquents at the back.
The girl up front ignored them and continued to flip a new page
' I'm mute '
Another was written on the new page she opened but this time silence took over the classroom as the students inside understood and most likely they felt bad in some kind of way.
A sudden snicker was heard and their gaze instantly fell on the two delinquents who was covering their mouth with the back of their hand and avoiding contact with anyone.
"What's there to laugh and snicker about Madarame, Haitani?" their teacher spoke eyeing the two male with a cold demeanor.
"No-nothing Sir-" Shion blunder, trying to stop himself from a fit of laughter.
"Get out of my classroom. THE TWO OF YOU, you'll both get back inside once this period is over." Their teacher irked as he slammed their Chalk board; angered and bothered.
Their teacher calmed down and changed his focus to the new student; who was still standing up front in embarrassment.
" You may take a seat next to Kurokawa." He spoke pointing to a tanned skinned boy across the room who lazily raised his hand from the mention of his surname.
"I expect no reports about bullying with both of your name mentioned." The teacher gave the two a short warning after the first bell rang again
"I'm done with your problematic and troublesome asses, the both of you. Especially you Madarame." They glared before telling them to get back to their classroom.
The two went back in, unbothered and was instantly welcomed by their class president.
"Hey Madarame, Can you please remove and dust off the chalk dust from the eraser?" She said placing the eraser on Shion's hand.
"Don't worry about them (Name)! You did pretty great good" Shion heard his classmate; glancing at the new girl across the room.
A sudden Idea pop up on his head as he smirked. His other companion who was seated by next to the girl seemed to noticed this.
Laying his head down, and Shion took the opportunity to toss the eraser towards the girl
BANG-
and in an instant the eraser had collided with the girl's head and the dust along with
it. It bursted around her figure and earned multiple reactions inside the classroom.
"Headshot!!" Shion exclaimed as he gave Ran a high-five beside him that was laughing along with him. Izana sat back up and snickered as he took glances to his new seatmate beside him.
"Madarame!" Their class president shouted in a panic as he eyed the boy infront of her with wide and shocked eyes.
"Holy shit (Last Name) are you okay?" A student went up to her and wiped the chalk dust out of her face using their handkerchief.
"What the fuck Madarame?!"
"He's crazy!" the others laugh as they covered their mouths and held their stomach.
(Name) quickly took her handkerchief in her pockets and brushed off the remaining chalk dust.
"Are you okay (Last Name)?" the feminine looked up to her classmate and softly nods her head reassuring them.
She took the eraser from the ground and made eye contact with the person who caused it. She slowly made her way to them and took his hand surprising him.
Softly but surely she placed the eraser back in his hand and went back to her seat; looking unbothered.
This froze the young lad from his spot as his gaze went to the eraser on his hold and to the new girl, repeatingly.
"Woah- someone suddenly broke." Ran poked Shion's shoulder noticing he stood still from his spot and kept taking glances from the eraser and back to the girl.
The incident was long forgotten after days has passed but-
It sparked a new feeling inside of the boy.
They continued the bullying towards the poor feminine. From taking her things and hiding it from them, pranking her, scaring her, hurting and other more. But the girl never showed a negative facade infront of them...she instead seems unbothered or unaffected with their pranks.
"Why do you keep picking on her Shion?" Ran suddenly mentioned as him and shion along with his brother walked around the school hallways.
"Who?"
"The only one, (Last name)"
Shion suddenly thought of it deeply as he took a moment to think.
"The mad dog is fucking thinking-" Ran let out slightly surprised but mockingly.
"Like I said she's pretty boring and I only helped her out by making her life less boring." Shion said before drinking from his soda can.
"Are you being for real or sarcastic?" Rindou asked curiosly.
"I'm being actualistic." Shion retorted
"Nah, lying isn't good Shion. HE pretty much loves her attention, let's say he's being romantic"
Ran joked and it Shion suddenly felt a weird feeling but nonetheless ignored it and attacked Ran's remark.
"Bro- ew. I FUCKIN HATE HER."
"That's disgusting bro, who would want to date a mute girl? She can't even talk. And she keeps making this annoying hand gestures at class. Like is she doing some type of hand seals like ninjutsu or something?"
Shion mumbled and continued to ramble about the girl.
" I pretty hate her smile- isn't it annoying? She doesn't cry for help or look scared. And she looks like a owl when she listens to her friend. AND everything about her is my biggest ick."
"Calm down, I think you're being too defensive or what" Rindou sighed crossing his arms
"I am not. Your brother is being a bitch
here-"
Shion's POV
I got ticked off after someone bumped into me, Ran and Rindou are not even helping and continued to fucking annoy me and this person just added to the fuel.
"Fuck off you bitch. Watch where you're going." I let out pushing them out of my way and glanced at the before realizing the familliar (Hair color) and hair style.
"Oh it's you." She looked up and held a calm and genuine facade as she smiled at me. The fuck she smiling at?
"Tsk, you can't even speak and you can't fucking see. What's next? You can't fucking hear?" I said mockingly
"Gosh, I hate to see your face every day. It annoys me so much." I added, feeling the urge to grab her from her hair and humiliate her right here and right now but I seem to set aside that idea behind.
"Shut your goddamn mouth Madarame." Her friend Akari spoke while glaring at me.
"Why won't you fuck off with your little muted friend?" I retorted when unexpectedly a bento was shown at my point of view.
This girl... What is she doing?
"What the fuck are you doing?"
"Obviously- She's giving you a bento." Her friend spoke hesitating while looking down
"Why the hell would she give me her lame bento?" I felt a light tap on my shoulder and glanced at Rindou beside me to see him pointing at a note on top of the bento.
'I made an extra one and I wanted to give it to you after noticing sometimes at lunch you don't eat nor buy something at the cafeteria :))
signed, (Last Name)'
I took the bento from her hands and opened it to see a neat and nice meal prepared. I felt my body tense before hearing Ran whistling in a mocking tone.
I scoffed then seconds later, I dumped the fully made bento from her head and it all fell out to her form. I snickered and threw the bento box across the hallways and the other students stood there watching us interact.
I almost forgot we're in the open
"There all better! pretty much didn't go to waste." I laughed and walked passed them with the brothers following behind laughing and sneering.
"(Last Name)!" I heard someone called out to her then felt a tug on my sleeves to see her having another bento in her hand.
"What the heck are you doing (Name)!?" Akari exclaimed running up to us with her face reddened a bit.
"Tsk, can't fucking understand a simple word now?" Feeling Irritated, I aggressively pulled out my arm away from the girl.
"Want me throw that bento too?" I added
"Isn't that your bento, (Last name)? Why are you giving it to him?" Ran taunt with a chuckle
"Just accept it Shion, Izana and the others are probably waiting already. Stop being arrogant" Rindou joined in
"He's shy now~"
2nd Person POV
You suddenly felt a harsh and strong grip from your arm and saw Shion gripping it. He raised your arm a bit and stared at you, and you seemed to notice his stare that can be seen as full of hatred but... You felt his stare was the opposite of it
He slowly spoke in a angered and threatening way at you,
"I fucking despise you, you know that right? So Leave my fucking sight before I won't show any mercy on beating you up right here and humiliate you."
Before pushing you to the floor he took the bento from your hands and stood there coldly. He left without any word and you stayed there proud of yourself.
What are you proud for?
Proud of being humiliate in the halls and by him? Or
Proud that you're being bullied by him and his friends?
Or-
"(Name)! What the heck are you doing- I told you this isn't a good idea" Akari sat beside you as she dusted the few remaining foods that Shion dumped at you.
You felt a bit of relief; you smiled in victory, and Akari who noticed this sighed in defeat.
"For a quiet and mute girl, I didn't expect you to be the opposite of what I imagine." she muttured in a worrying tone as she looked at you.
You and Akari walked outside and sat at a nearby bench to eat your lunches but out of your mind, you gave yours to your bully. Akari looked at you weirdly then took out a salmon from her bento with her chopsticks and held it up near your face as she spoke;
"Here, Open wide (Name)" she brought up the salmon to your lips and you accepted it.
She softly smiled at you as you ate the salmon
"I still don't get it why do you have the urge to be nice and act soft to Madarame and his friends... Are you plotting something (Name)?"
She said her voiced laced with wonder and confusion. You shook your head in response
"I'm starting to feel like you're having Stockholm syndrome already- you need help (Name)." Akari joked
' I'm not being held hostage at all what do you mean?' You signed confused
"I'm joking (Name) don't take it seriously."
"Still why are you being nice to Madarame though? It's been months ever since you transfered here and the bullying happened."
'I just felt like it' You signed and earned a confused response from your friend
"You felt like it to be nice with him? That's crazy. I don't think I'm sure but do you like him then? "
' No? It's the exact opposite.'
"Huh? So you hate him?"
'Yeah' you signed and another confused gaze was shown to Akari's face and a look of disbelief.
"Well, Mom once said Love my enemies-"
"What the fuck No! Oh gosh no wonder you're acting like that." She let out and continued on lecturing you but you sat there from your seat and let yourself engulfed with your own thoughts instead.
You caught a glimpse of a memory that you had when you had eye contact with him the first day when you entered your classroom.
You wanted to try understand him
That's all
Right?
On the other hand,
"And that's what happened!" Ran was telling his friends about the 'bento' incident that occured as the others listened and added comments from time to time.
Shion kept quiet as he stared at your homemade bento and ignored his companions.
"You should probably eat that or that will get cold." Rindou that was on his phone beside him spoke.
"No way in hell." Shion answered
"Suit yourself I guess."
"You're pretty lucky you were given a bento to be honest. None of us experienced that especially for someone to cook for you." Kakucho uttured taking a peek at the bento on Shion's lap
"You hand it to me instead, Shion. if you don't want it!" Ran sat beside him as he wrapped an arm around Shion's shoulder playfully
"Keep your greedy hands to yourself Haitani." He uttured annoyed as he stood up and avoided the oldest.
"Shion's being soft now huh? Did that mute girl from our class made you have a change of heart?" Izana joined in, teasing his companion with a slick smirk forming on his face.
"People change" Ran added
Shion angrily gritted his teeth and sat beside mochizuki and izana
"Piss off Ran!"
You were in class with Akari sitting on your desk as she would tell you the gossips she heard around. You looked for your phone as you listened to her until you realized you left it inside the shoe locker...
How did it even got there?
'Akari, I accidentally left my phone at my shoe locker.' You signed as you got up
"How did you even left your phone there?" she commented following behind your steps as both of you reached the doorway. You looked behind you to glance at Akari and gave her a look when out of the ordinary you crashed into someone's broad chest.
You took a step back and eyed the male infront of you. It was Shion, looking at you with his expressionless face.
You expected him to give you an insult or any bad remarks about you...
however, to your surprise he didn't and just stared at you for good 5 minutes straight before walking pass you like nothing happened.
Behind him was Ran and Izana that both held a smirk up on their faces.
You stood there bewildered until Akari nudged you and uttured
"We can talk about this later- the bell will ring in any minute and you left your phone at your goddamn Shoe locker." She whispered for you to only hear and dragged you out of the room.
"I hate her, I hate her, I hate her, I hate her, I hate her, I hate her-"
Izana walked up back to his friend after placing the empty and cleaned bento to someone's desk which were belonged to you after Shion pleaded his friend to do it for him after feeling a not so familiar inside his chest.
The tanned male stood by his companion's desk after reaching him then he heard the oblivious guy mumbling to himself.
Raising his brow at him, he found himself not used to this new behavior.
"He has been like that since he walked in the classroom after his interaction with (Last Name)" Ran smiled tauntingly, noticing Izana's confused face.
"Shut up you motherfucker!" Shion cursed while slumping himself on his desk.
"If you hate her so much why are you acting like that?" Izana said occupying the empty seat beside Shion.
"Time flies eh? Shion is a teenager now..."
"I'm 18! EIGHTEEN"
"Yet you act like a teenager Shion." Izana stood up and walked back to his seat after hearing the bell.
"Don't worry your secret is safe with us~" Ran lazily walked back to his desk and relaxed; glancing back at Shion to see him all stressed and messed up.
"I'll beat you after class Haitani!"
"..." Shion stood still on his spot as he watch you brought him another bento with a note on top; 'Don't forget to eat! Stay healthy all the time Madarame-san.'
"Are you bribing me or what?" Shion asked as he suspiciously eyed the bento and you repeatedly
Instead of insulting and belittling you like he always do, he took the bento from your hands and averted his gaze from you.
You were happy,
Super happy.
'Enjoy your meal, Madarame' You signed
He looked back at you and saw you signed, he tsked before bumping into you and walked out of your sight and it made you stumble back a bit from the impact of his shoulders colliding with yours.
' What the fuck is she tryna say?' He thought
Then Realizing his actions, Shion quickly sped up and tried finding his friends.
This continued on and on, With you giving Shion his very own bento that was prepared by you everytime lunch break hits.
And slowly but surely, everyone and also you noticed the slight changes of Shion's behavior.
He became less arrogant...
He seems to go to school regularly like a normal student would
His bullying cases slowly died down
He was more calmer than before
But he still does find fights after and before school sometimes during the weekends too with his group.
Shion's POV
"Have you heard about that new gang around Shibuya?" Ran spoke as me and his brother listened.
"Yeah? What about them?"
"I heard they're lurking around here in Yokohama, let's beat them up yeah?" Ran chuckled lightly as he wrapped an arm around my and his brother's shoulder.
"Come on, you two are no Fun at all ! Y'all too cold..."
As we three walked our way back home, we came across two other delinquents wearing a not so familliar gang uniform were strolling and entered an alleyway.
Me and Ran had hit a jackpot as we followed behind them and entered the alleyway, as we got closer and closer we heard a fit of laughter.
"Oi girly, watcha doin protecting that thing in the middle of the alley? Got your mind lost or something~?"
I decided to observe the surroundings; there are about 10 people here wearing the same gang uniform as they circled.
I felt Rindou shaking my shoulders as he stared at me with full caution and whispered; I felt my blood boiling after hearing it.
"Don't make a move once I fucking tell you this. My eyes may be deceiving me but they're surrounding (Last Name). We don't know what they are capable of so follow-"
I didn't wait for Rindou to finish as I ran fast as I can towards them, hearing the two brother's calling out my name.
"Shion! Goddamn it!"
"Shion!"
My fist came contact with the nearest guy and I slammed him towards the ground surprising the others. I was quick on my feet as I started beating one of them one by one with Rindou and Ran fighting the others. I continued striking them in the guts with my fist as we finished them off.
Dropping the last guy down by his shirt collar and kicking him from the stomach as he moved and yelled out from the pain.
Moments later I glanced back at her, what was she doing here? This wasn't the way to her house nor a shortcut.
I walked up to her; angered. I crouched down beside her form and grabbed her uniform's collar.
"What the fuck are you even doing here in the first place you bitch?" She was hanging her head low while hugging something, what is it? Something valuable to her?
"Can you even hear me?"
"What would've happened if we didn't plan on following these guys? What would've happened to you huh?!"
"You're fucking mute! YOU CAN'T TALK NOR SCREAM FOR HELP. What could've happen if we didn't went home early?" I suddenly felt Ran holding me back up as he tried calming me down.
"That's enough you're thrashing her around." I looked back at him with a dumbfounded look and retorted
"Why do you care!? It's not like I'm not doing that to her months ago? Just because I had a slightest change in me doesn't mean I'm like this permanently." I glared as I removed his arms around me and went back to her form
"What's that in your fucking arms?" I heard a sudden 'meow' coming from her, with force I grabbed both of her arms and opened them to see a kitten laying on her lap. Her arms were now bruised up and full of scratches from the cat.
"You went here to protect a fucking animal? Are you dense?" I mumbled irritated
"I said, You went here to fucking protect a goddamn animal?! For you to fucking be in the open for those idiots!"
"What the heck are you thinking?!" I saw her shook her head slowly before retrieving her arms back and from my hold. I ran my hand up at my hair frustrated and glanced back at the two behind me.
"You two go ahead without me."
"Ye-yeah... Sure"
The brothers already left as I looked back at her and took a deep breath, before talking calmly.
"Let's go, it's not safe here."
"..."
"I'll take you home." she slowly looked up at me and made eye contact. I stood up and gripped her right wrist to bring her up to stand.
I dragged her out of the alleyway and walked towards the direction of her home from what I remembered. I noticed the cat she protected followed us. Out of the blue I felt her ran back and she carried the cat in her arms then after back to my side.
I grabbed her wrist again, ignoring the animal in her arms and continued on walking up front with her; just letting herself be dragged by me.
We both kept quiet as we walked home together especially me.
It was sudden but this also continued everyday and it became our daily routine.
Giving and offering me her homemade bento, adding sticky notes with positive messages, her soft smiles every time we had eye contact, and our first time walking home together might be awkward and uncertain but I insisted to walk her home home starting that day.
Ever since she went here to our school, everything changed. Because of her, I don't know why but I hated it...
I'm not used being treated like this, I'm not used treating someone like this neither. I'm not used to everything that is happening.
What the fuck is wrong with me? Is this part of adulting years already? What is this warm feeling? What should I do?
I fucking hate it... I FUCKING HATE HER.
A Few months later
"Hey Madarame, you're in cleaning duty today!" Class president yelled out loud reminding me before leaving the classroom along with our classmates.
"tsk" I purposely dropped the chairs and moved them one by one to their specific places.
"Hey Madarame, (Last name) is waiting for you again- oh nevermind." I heard someone uttured teasingly but his voice died down seconds later. I raised a brow at it but shrugged it off before continuing to clean and help out the others.
"Don't worry about (Name) she'll be fine." Akari unexpectedly mumbled while carrying a desk.
"I know that. Stop bugging me and finish your task." I said
"Hmm, okay." She hummed nervously, leaving me alone.
"Are you and (Name) a thing already?" Akari ran up behind me as she spoke,
"No, we're nothing but classmates."
"So not your victim anymore?"
"Can you not? That's from the past you psycho."
"So- where's (Name)?" Akari looked around as we reached the school gates.
"I don't know? Maybe-"
"I like you." Akari said cutting me off while looking at me from the corner of her eyes.
"Huh?"
"I said I like you, Idiot."
I LIKE you ever since I noticed you change... Ever since you became soft and calmer-
I kinda developed feelings for you overtime. I know it's sudden but, yeah.
I like you so much Shion for the past months and I can't handle seeing you around (Name) all the time.
I should be the one you're walking home with and not her-" I stood there not caring as I realized what she meant.
"You liked me because I changed?"
"Yeah... That means I could change you,
I'll take care of you and change for the better...
Shion, please consider my feelings-"
"It's Madarame." I said cutting her off this time
"What?"
"It's Madarame, Akari. We're not in first name basis. And I don't like you." I said straight out as I looked around while avoiding her gaze.
Her confession felt so... Bothersome and it's bothering the heck out of me, making me in a sort of panic or what.
"If I were the guy you met for being a bully, a delinquent, and a fuckin mad dog. What would you do?"
"We-well... Honestly I would give my best and I know for a fact you'll change soone-"
"I'm out, goodbye Akari."
If you're only here because you saw me change, then heck no.
Everyone doesn't understand.
no one
fucking does.
I walked ahead as I ignored Akari's pleads and calls. I walked past a convenience store and saw her. I was shock at first, I expected her to wait for me outside the school but why was she all alone here? She went ahead by herself.
3rd Person's POV
Shion spotted (Name) leaving the convenience store, Shion walked up to her and it startled (Name).
" I'll carry those." Shion pointed out the few things she bought from the convenience store she hastily handed the plastic bags to him and walked together.
He noticed the girl was a bit down judging from her face and energy.
"why are you so down today, idiot?" He asked his voice laced with irritation.
(Name) could only shook her head to protest but the boy was persistent.
"Did you... know your friend Akari will confess?" (Name) was hesitating at first but in the end she nods her head confirming his question.
"When someone tells you that, fucking decline it. I rather walk home early than being held back for some random confession."
The two remain quiet as they walked down the empty streets, only silence can be heard. As they continued to walk Shion decided to open up
"I fucking hate it."
He mumbled
"I fucking hate you. You fucking did this to me- I fucking hate it.
I was alright and my life is perfectly
the way I wanted it before you showed up and make me feel this kind of things."
(Name) stopped from her steps.
Looking back at Shion with her soft and warming gaze as she slowly pointed to herself and shook her head then after; pointing it towards the boy.
"Me? You think I did this?" He seemed to understand the girl, he asked a bit surprised.
He watched the girl taking her phone and typing her words. As she showed him her screen he read all each words carefully.
(Last name) (Name):
_______________It was not my fault you
changed I didn't even knew it
Would change you in the future.
I did not intend to change
you nor planned changing
you. I just wanted to help
and understand you.
_______________
18:13
She took back her phone and continued typing as he stood there waiting,
(Last Name) (Name):
_______________
I Hated you
______________
18:13
(Last Name) (Name):
_______________
But I was taught to loveMy enemies not hate them.In the end nothing will everChange if you hate themTo the core. Loving themWas also the best optionAnd to understand them.
_______________
_______________
Even though I hated you,I couldn't hate you for long.I knew that you're just beingYou or you're having problemsDealing with life or everyoneAround you, so you becameWhat you were when I met orBefore I even met you. You wereSeen as self-centered and arrogantBy others but once they'll get to knowYou, you're not that bad.
_______________
18:14
Shion chuckled reading the last sentence as you took out your phone again to type the things you wanna say, the guy patiently waited for you to finish.
(Last Name) (Name)_______________
I did found out the slightChanges in you after aFew weeks. But, instead ofChanging like you said; I seeYou improving. You'reGrowing up Madarame'
______________
_______________
I pretty much enjoyedYour company afterA few months. AndIt's good to see you inGood shape._______________
_______________
' You can just be youAround me, I knowIt sounds cliche butHey, you can beComfortable around meI'm used from the bullying.'
_______________
18:14
Shion chuckled for the last time before holding your wrist and walked ahead of the two of you with a smile on his face.
"I hate you." He said; seconds later he received a slap from his shoulders as he looked back and saw you type on your phone.
(Last Name) (Name)_______________
I spent minutes typing
Everything you just
Laughed and you still
Hate me? Woah that's
Cute.
_______________
18:15
"Why? You thought you'll receive something from me with your dedicated and positive message?
I'M NOT that type of guy (Name)."
The hand that was holding your wrist were wrapped around your shoulders as he pulled you closer towards him.
'He said my name' (Name) thought as she avoided his gaze and looked down; flustered.
"Thankyou for confirming my thoughts too" He added
"From now on, I'll choose the best option."
(Name) felt him hesitate as she made eye contact with him again; she felt the same feeling again when they had their first eye contact on her first day or the first time they met.
"If I changed my mind or simply correct myself then..."
"Loving you is the best option then?"
That's right....
I wasn't hating them because I hate them.
I was 'hating' them because they made me feel special in a way I couldn't understand back then.
Because I loved them, I didn't want to accept that I love them and I was falling for them.
Maybe I hated the feeling of
love.
But now, it feels warm and nice...
Realization hits different eh...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Yeah
I Love them.
Note: Non-proof read! Though I remembered liking this one from the rest! This is heavily inspired from the most wholesome movie 'A Silent Voice' with Shion's Version! He kinda cute so i gotta make him too
PUBLISHED DATE :June 24, 2024 (REPUBLISHED)
ONESHOT TITLE : "Love Or Hate"
