Mc Being Protected By All Of The First Years Is AHHHH! YOU DESERVE THE WORLD- NO! UNIVERSE FOR GIVING

Mc being protected by all of the first years is 🥺 AHHHH! YOU DESERVE THE WORLD- NO! UNIVERSE FOR GIVING US THIS WONDERFUL PIECE OF WORK!! IT’S SO GOOD AND JUST AJAHSHSHSHDJN

Making a Stand - Part I

First Years/Prefect - Romantic Poly

Hi guys! I know there were quite a few of you that wanted the First years to win the Valentine's Day poll and I actually had a bit of an idea for them so I decided to go with it. This one is a little darker than normal with very obvious negative outlook on the upper classmen.

Hope you enjoy! <3

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“So, who’s up for a little murder and mayhem?” Ace grinned, his eyes glinting coldly.

He was leaning against Deuce, arm on his shoulder and gaze leveled on the Prefect who was currently surrounded by the Housewardens of Pomefiore, Savanaclaw, and Octavinelle.

They had just gotten out of class and were heading to the cafeteria for lunch when their Prefect had been called for by the pale haired octomer. Of course, being as nice as they were – too nice – they didn’t hesitate to promise the group that they would be right back before jogging over to Azul to see what he needed.

Whatever Azul had been planning on speaking with their Prefect about had been derailed when Leona had sauntered over and injected himself into the conversation without hesitation or care to the icy glare the octomer was shooting him.

It was only compounded a few moments later when the beautiful Queen joined them, charming smile and thinly veiled acid being flashed at the other two while he offered a private lunch and tutoring session on potions. Which, of course, was argued against by the lion, and Azul pointed out that he had a whole restaurant for the Prefect to eat and study at.

It left their Prefect standing there confused and trying to mediate an argument that they could tell was going on but didn’t understand in the slightest beyond the fact that three of their most powerful friends looked about ready to claw each other’s eyes out.

A situation that, regrettably, had become more common as their Prefect saved and won over the various princes, celebrities, and rich heirs that ran their school.

A situation that Ace had finally decided they needed to snuff out before anyone else got any bright ideas about the Prefect.

Their Prefect.

“Lilia-sama would be most displeased if I was expelled for being caught exterminating troublesome students.” Sebek admitted begrudgingly, though his expression very clearly stating that he was almost willing to risk it.

“Then we just won’t get caught.” Epel grinned nastily, pounding his fist into his palm, sharing Ace’s blood lust eagerly and more than willing to make his Housewarden disappear.

“It’ll be a long list.” Deuce pointed out, his own brow furrowed, arms crossed, and he had the same look in his eyes that he got when he slipped into his old delinquent ways. “We’ll need an alibi and a way to hide the bodies.”

Jack heaved a sigh, his ears remained pointed in the direction of their Prefect and the three Housewardens.

“We’re not killing anyone, guys.” He said, though his tone indicated that he was saying this more because it was against the rules rather than a lack of desire to go through with it.

“Haaah,” Ace glared as he leaned around Deuce to turn his focus on the wolf. “And what do you suggest then? Keep letting these assholes throw themselves at the Prefect until one of them manages to trick them into something?” he demanded.

“They wouldn’t-“ but Jack cut off when all four boys turned their own looks of disbelief on him.

“The only one that didn’t hurt or try to kill them was Kalim and he only gets a pass because he was brainwashed at the time.” Epel said firmly, fists clenched tightly.

“Yeah, and I’m still pissed that he stood up for the asshole when Jamil literally BRAINWASHED the Prefect.” Deuce glared, shoulders tense at the memory.

“They don’t get to just apologize and then act like nothing happened and try to get into their pants.” Ace said darkly.

Jack glared at the red head but couldn’t help looking back to how Leona was now leaning on the Prefect, fingers tucking a strand of hair behind their ear and smirking at the confused blush on the human’s face.

Those same fingers had almost turned their friend to dust.

He didn’t even think Leona had even properly apologized about it either, just took the beating they got during Magift and acted like that made them even.

The wolf looked to Sebek.

“You’re okay with this? Malleus wouldn’t exactly be happy if you interfered with him trying to win the Prefect over.” He pointed out, which was absolutely true, and something that the half-fae had almost had a mental breakdown over when they found out that the Prefect’s ‘friend’ Tsunotarou was, in fact, his beloved Waka-sama.

The green haired male shifted, his expression torn as he clearly struggled between his loyalty to his liege and…his feelings for the Prefect.

Feelings that the others of their group shared but had never dared to voice. Not when their Prefect needed their unwavering support and the possibility of a romantic relationship with them wasn’t worth the possible awkwardness or ripping away the safety the magic-less human felt with them.

“While I believe Waka-sama would be only the best of partners, I…I am not convinced that it is what the Prefect wishes for.” He finally admitted, swallowing harshly and clearly feeling like he was betraying Malleus with such words somehow. “And if the Prefect does not wish for the relationship then it would only harm Waka-sama should it continue.”

And the Prefect really hadn't ever spoken of their fae-prince friend as anything more than a friend.

In fact, they seemed completely oblivious to the attentions from everyone around them, or at least oblivious to the type of feelings they were inspiring.

Maybe their world expressed such emotions differently, or maybe it was just their dumb little Prefect being their normal dumb little self too willing to see all the great things about others but never their own.

The Prefect didn’t notice the eyes that followed them. Didn’t see the want and desire on clear display. Didn’t catch just how willing they all were to play dirty if it meant winning them for their own.

Like a prize from a game.

Well Ace was a master at games and he was also very willing to cheat.

They had all been accepted to NRC for a reason, after all.

“The point, Jack, is that we can’t trust any of them.” Ace said darkly, gaze flicking back over to where their Prefect had still not managed to extricate themself from the posturing and focused attentions of the three Housewardens.

“Or do you want to risk what they could do to the Prefect if they manage to force them into a relationship? How much do you trust that prince of yours, because I can tell ya, I’ll ‘off’ Riddle’s head myself before I let that tyrant bastard force his perfectionist bullshit on them more than he already does. You know he actually uses every rule he can to touch them? Adjusting their clothes and hair even when nothing’s wrong? Even Trey has been pushing it. He just had to show the Prefect the right way to mix batter so he could practically molest them!”

Deuce nodded in confirmation.

“The Prefect was very uncomfortable and we managed to drag them away from the kitchen but Trey-senpai and Cater-senpai are sneakier than you’d expect.”

The pale haired therianthrope shifted, tail swaying tensely behind him in clear agitation as he watched the way his own leader was getting into their Prefect’s personal space despite the smaller human clearly being uncomfortable about it.

Come to think of it, their Prefect had become less tactile recently when around others. Only reaching out to their fellow first years when their small group was in Ramshackle or away from prying eyes.

Jack didn’t remember the other students – especially the Housewardens – being so eager to touch others until the Prefect was there, and then suddenly they all stood a little too close and touched just a little too long for it to be comfortable or casual.

If it was happening and the Prefect just didn’t feel like they could say anything about it…if they felt afraid to say something about it to the very influential, very powerful upperclassmen…

The last bit of hesitation was swept away as he watched Leona continued to hang off the Prefect as their human gave awkward apologies and tried to leave, only finally giving in and letting go when they promised to come by to visit later. A clear attempt to escape the current situation and not a real desire to spend more time with the lion.

He watched the Prefect’s shoulders remain tense and expression strained until their gaze fell on the group. Instantly it was all wiped away. Their eyes lit up and a smile bloomed on their face as they picked up their pace to jog over to them. He watched the three Housewardens’s gazes remain on the Prefect, following their steps.

“Alright, I’m in.” he said softly, earning sharp nods from Sebek and Deuce while Ace and Epel flashed vicious grins.

“Hey guys! You didn’t have to wait for us!” the Prefect beamed as they reached them, Grim grumpily moving from their arms to their shoulders where he couldn’t sit before because of Leona.

“Yeah right, Ace and Deuce would eat everything before you got back if we didn’t.” Epel laughed, his viciousness from before no where in sight as he hooked his arm with the Prefect’s and started tugging them towards the cafeteria.

They all settled around them as they walked, falling into a comfortable pattern that Jack hadn’t even realized they had taken up. One that kept the Prefect safely in the middle where they were protected from any of the students that got it in their heads that they could try to still bully their friend…but he realized that maybe the others had started to do it to keep others away as well.

As Ace slung his arm around the Prefect’s shoulders – dislodging Grim and making the feline tumble into his partner’s arms with a curse – and how they were relaxed and their laughter bright instead of forced…Jack allowed his own doubts to disappear and he shared a glance with Sebek. The half-fae’s gaze told him that even though he had his duties and loyalty to his prince…he was willing to do what he had to, to protect their friend.

If the fanatic knight thought the situation serious enough to risk his position or prince’s favor…well Jack didn’t think there was any greater indicator that it was the right choice.

And he knew there were no others that he trusted more than Grim, Ace, Deuce, Epel, and Sebek to have the Prefect’s best interest at heart.

-

The next couple of days went by normally, though the first years did more to stay at the Prefect’s side and try to hinder any of the other students – especially the upper classmen – from having time alone with them. Ace, Deuce, and Sebek were surprisingly the best at this, easily playing ignorant to what the older ones were wanting and coming up with excuses to drag the Prefect away or remain stubbornly at their side.

They also planned and began taking steps to ensure that the unwanted attention and focus would stop, doing their best to keep it secret. Especially from the Prefect.

Some of the other upper classmen might have noticed, though, as a few were getting more and more brazen about their attempts. The eel twins were a couple of them, along with Jamil.

Thankfully, the one time Floyd and Jade had managed to corner the Prefect, Jack was with them and while the two eelmers weren’t afraid of Jack in the slightest, he stood a better chance of acting as a barrier to them than the humans of their group.

Jade’s smile had been as placid as ever – though his eyes sparked daggers – but Floyd made no attempt to hide the urge he was feeling to rip Jack’s throat out with his teeth.

The Prefect had promised they would see the twins at work before snagging Jack’s wrist and dragging him away as fast as they could.

“Man…Floyd’s really in a bad mood today.” They muttered wiping the nervous sweat from their brow when they finally turned enough corners that it didn’t feel like the two’s mirrored heterochrome eyes were following them.

“Thanks for staying with me, Jack. I know those two can be a bit intense.” They admitted sheepishly, turning an open and grateful expression up at him that made the wolf’s heart skip a beat as it always did.

“It’s fine. I’m not afraid of them.” He answered, feeling his chest warm when the Prefect let their hold shift to his hand to intertwine their fingers and began swinging it between them absently.

“Well you’re definitely braver than me.” They chuckled. “I mean, I know they wouldn’t do anything really bad but man, Floyd really doesn’t know his own strength sometimes.”

Jack’s expression hardened. “Has he hurt you before?”

“Hm? Oh, no, not really.” They said quickly. “I mean, not on purpose at least. He’s just really strong and I don’t think he realizes that humans are a lot squishier than merfolk.” They chuckled. “Sometimes he can get a little rough when he picks me up and stuff be he always apologizes and carries me around to make up for it.”

“I see.” Jack muttered, tail flicking back and forth in agitation.

The Prefect watched him for a moment, their expression turning concerned.

“Are you okay, Jack? Is something wrong?” they asked worried, their hand squeezing his lightly in reassurance. “You know you can tell me if something’s bothering you, right? I know I don’t have magic like you guys but I’ll help any way I can.”

The wolf’s ears twitched slightly before he stopped and promptly hauled the Prefect up to sit on his forearm, his other hand steadying against their waist.

“If you ever need someone to carry you just ask me or Sebek. We won’t mind.” He said simply as the Prefect blinked owlishly at him, a light blush dusting their cheeks.

“O-oh…okay.” They said, clearing their throat a little and looking away quickly.

“About time!” Ace called, causing them to look up to where Ace, Epel, and Sebek were waiting for them at the breakoff walkway that lead up to Ramshackle. “We’ve been waiting so long Deuce and Grim just decided to go and grab the snacks without us and meet us there.” He grinned.

“Hi, guys.” The Prefect smiled, giving a little wave.

“HUMAN! WHY IS JACK CARRYING YOU!? ARE YOU HURT!?” Sebek demanded, stepping over to them quickly and ignoring how they tried to ease his concern.

“I’m alright, really, Seb,” they chuckled as the half-fae began moving their limbs around a turning their head to make sure they didn’t have any obvious injuries. “Jack just offered to carry me since Floyd has kind of been in a bad mood.”

Ace rolled his eyes in disgust. “I swear, that psycho probably has bodies stashed somewhere to chew on when he gets hungry.” He snorted before grinning up at the Prefect as they turned and started making their way towards the more secluded dorm. “But don’t worry about him! We’ve got a movie night ahead of us!” he said pleased with himself as he pulled his bag off his shoulder and around the front so he could dig inside.

“My brother sent me some of our movies from home so I’ve got a great selection to choose from now.” He said pleased with himself as he pulled out a handful of cases to flash at them.

“Oh, cool! What did he send?” the Prefect asked, reaching down to accept the ones Ace passed up to them, not bothered by Jack still carrying them and just shifting their weight a little more against his shoulder so they could look through the movies without losing balance.

There were actually a good range of genres and the red head had even more still in his bag so they were all pretty excited to get to watch them. Sebek hadn’t seen any of them – stage theater being more common in Briar Valley - and there were some even Epel hadn’t gotten to watch yet. Jack had seen all but one, but insisted he didn’t have any problem with watching some over. Especially if the others would like them.

Once they reached Ramshackle, the Prefect let them in and they all began working together to rearrange the front room how they always did when they had sleep overs.

Mattresses from unused bedrooms upstairs had been brought down and kept in one of the side closets, ready to be pulled out and pushed together in front of the fireplace. They moved the couches out of the way and shoved the coffee table to the side but close enough to put their snacks on and situate the laptop that Ace always brought to watch the movies on.

Epel and Ace helped the Prefect bring down the many blankets and pillows that they kept clean just in case any of them wanted to stay the night outside of weekends while Sebek got the fire sorted and put the grate up around it.

Grim and Ace were active sleepers and after they had almost rolled over into the flames more than once – despite there being plenty of room between them – and the group had quickly learned to not forget it.

By the time Deuce and Grim returned, the room was all set and they were all changing into their pajamas, the Prefect running upstairs to grab theirs.

“Did you get what we needed?” Epel asked the blue haired boy while Ace and Grim pulled out the snacks to set out and get the popcorn started.

Deuce nodded, a sharp, pleased grin pulling on his lips as he flashed his phone.

“You’d be surprised what people say around you when they think you’re an idiot.” He shrugged.

There were certain societal things that Deuce didn’t understand or catch onto. It was something he shared with Sebek. But he hadn’t been a delinquent for years, broke the law without getting caught, and then get accepted into the most prestigious school for magic users without his own skills and acumen.

Many forgot about that though, and saw him not getting jokes or struggling with dyslexia and assumed he was an idiot.

The lavender haired boy quickly took the phone and began copying all the information, pictures, and videos over to his own and then making another copy to keep on a memory card for backup.

“I really wouldn’t.” he snorted with derision. “People underestimate me all the time because of how I look.” He pointed out, earning a comforting pat on the shoulder from Jack.

The Pomefiore boy flashed the wolf a smile before returning to his work. “Besides, it works in our favor. I was able to get what I needed too. Ace already got me his.” He explained, earning a nod from them.

Jack crossed his arms over his chest, purposefully listening for the sound of the Prefect’s footsteps heading downstairs again. They didn’t want to worry the stressed dimension traveler more than they already were. He might not have really liked having to take sneaky measures to keep their human safe, but he certainly didn’t want to do it in a way that would just add to the Prefect’s problems.

His tail swished tensely as he went over his own part of the plan.

“I did what you said. I think I made it sound natural, but Ruggie might be on to me.” He admitted.

Ace snorted as he returned to the room with Grim on his shoulder while he and Sebek carried large bowls of popcorn.

“Don’t worry about Bucchi.” He waved off the concern. “He might dance to Leona’s tune but he won’t put himself in a position of risk. Not after how close it all went to shit the last time he put faith in someone.” Ace understood Ruggie better than most, after all, seeing the same sharp selfishness and willingness to drop anyone at a moment’s notice should it benefit him.

He also saw the same greed and desire in his eyes but the difference was that Ace was willing to do something about it where Ruggie stayed to the shadows and only made moves when it couldn’t fall back on him.

He was smart, but a coward.

Ace knew he wasn’t a threat no matter how much Ruggie might want the Prefect for himself, or be willing to help Leona if it meant he would share them.

“Worry about the hyena?” Grim asked, brow furrowing from where he dropped down onto the mattress pallet beside Epel. “Why would we care about what that dog is up to?”

“Hyenas are actually closer to fel-“ “Jack, no one cares.” Ace rolled his eyes, though his tone didn’t hold the acid it did when he insulted anyone outside their group.

Jack shot him a glare but didn’t bother arguing back and just accepted when the red head pushed the large bowl into his hands.

“We’re setting up a plan to get everyone off of your henchman’s back.” Ace explained to the monster, who’s ears perked up instantly.

“Oh, yeah? Count me in!” he said instantly, actually pausing from where he had started to root around in the candy bag. “Those guys are getting way too close to my human! They all act like I’m a stupid cat that doesn’t see what they’re trying to get away with!” he snapped, electric blue eyes narrowing as his forked tail sliced through the air.

“Exactly.” Ace nodded, his grin widening and gaining a dangerous sharpness that Jack only ever saw on predators stalking their prey. “We’re going to fix that.”

“Uh huh.” Grim said dryly, leveling a knowing look on the red head. “I’m all for it but why should I trust you guys when you want the same thing as them?”

Epel actually threw his head back at that and laughed while Deuce and Sebek looked thoroughly shocked and Ace seemed somewhat impressed.

“Because, Grim,” Jack said seriously as the others recovered.

He had suspected that Grim realized more than he was letting on.

“We love the Prefect and you know we would do anything for them.” His tone even despite the somewhat embarrassing admittance. “We were willing to wait and let the Prefect decide what they wanted for themselves, but the others…they aren’t going to be patient forever and some are already trying to use underhanded means to force them into something they don’t want.”

“JACK IS CORRECT! IT IS UNACCEPTABLE!” Sebek declared angrily, taking a moment to settle his voice down a little when Deuce tapped him lightly on the wrist to let him know his volume was louder than he intended. “If the Prefect liked any of them in a romantic way it would be different.” He added, spine straight and eyes narrowed dangerously. “But they do not, as is obvious in their actions, and yet the filth proceed to force themselves on our friend! We will stand for it no longer!”

“The point is, Grim,” Ace said with a nod to Sebek’s words. “Is that you know we would never force the Prefect to do anything they didn’t want to do. As long as they are here, though, they are going to be a target. They attract people even when they don’t mean to. It’s just the kind of person they are. Especially in this place. You can’t protect them on your own, so you’ve got to make a choice. Help us keep them safe, or risk any or all of the others managing to hurt them again.”

“Do you trust them or us?” Epel asked, finally finished with the phone and handing it back to Deuce.

“Who does the Prefect trust?” the blue haired boy added as a final point.

The monster took a long moment as he eyed each of them in turn, clearly debating seriously over what they were saying and what might come from this. He wasn’t human, wasn’t any of the humanoid races that were even similar to his henchman. There was quite a bit of human-humanlike society that he didn’t understand and didn’t want to understand.

But if there was one thing that monsters did know it was greed and gluttony. Always wanting more. Always wanting what they didn’t have.

He saw that same look in the students of NRC and it was all leveled at his partner.

His henchman.

“I’ll agree to this with the condition that you understand that the Prefect belongs to me. You do whatever you’re planning, have whatever weird human relationship with them that you want, but they are mine and you are not going to be trying to replace me.” He said lowly, a growl in the back of his throat and sharp teeth glinting in the low light.

For an instant, the image of raging blue fire and screams of agony and fear flashed through Jack’s brain but was gone as fast as it came.

Sometimes he forgot just how little they knew of Grim and what he could ultimately be capable of.

Ace didn’t seem to care, though, and just met the dangerous smile with his own.

“You stop trying to cockblock us and you’ve got yourself a deal.” He chuckled lowly, causing Jack to sputter and Sebek to let out an awkward squawk and began babbling denials in a language that none of them understood.

Grim’s nose wrinkled but he finally snorted and looked away. “Gross, but fine.” He said before leveling that heavy gaze on the red head once more. “But if any of you try something my henchman doesn’t want or like I’ll roast you myself.”

Jack absolutely believed him.

Ace’s grin didn’t waver and Epel flashed one of his brilliant, completely fake smiles that Vil forced him to practice in the mirror.

“Wonderful, then we’re all in agreement!” he said cheerfully.

“Agreement for what?” the Prefect’s voice interrupted them and Jack couldn’t help but tense, the fur on his tail puffing up as he had been so distracted by Grim’s words that he hadn’t continued to listen for their return.

“Sorry I took so long, I wanted to clean up a bit before changing.” They admitted sheepishly.

“Oh! We think we should start with the scifi trilogy.” Ace said without skipping a beat, any of the earlier emotions wiped clean from his smile. “The superhero series is like, insanely long so we should probably start that last.”

The Prefect hopped down the last few steps eagerly with their own smile as they threw themself into the mass of blankets and pillows with a laugh.

“That sounds great! That’s the one with the cool light up swords, right?” they beamed, gathering Grim in their arms and settling themself down between Jack and Epel.

“Yup! They’re super cool and manly!” Epel met their excitement as they all settled into their cuddle pile to start the movie.

When they were finally situated, Jack was leaning back against the couch with his legs draped over Deuce’s hip – who preferred laying down while watching movies together – with the Prefect laying back against his shoulder while snuggled into Epel’s lap.

Ace was draped over the lavender haired boy’s shoulders comfortably with his chin resting near his neck, while Sebek – who’s knight training made it difficult to feel at east unless he was able to react in a moment’s notice – was on Jack’s other side where he could lean against him but was also not held down and was positioned between them and the doors and windows.

The Prefect absently ran their fingers through Deuce’s hair where his pillow was laying on Epel’s outstretched legs at their hip, while their other hand idly brushed up and down Grim’s back where he was curled up contently in their lap and munching on the popcorn.

The movies were good, but they didn’t really matter in the end as the group just basked in the feeling of comfort and warmth that only ever felt complete when they were all together.

It was a feeling that hung heavy around them even when most of them had fallen asleep during the third film.

Sebek had to help Ace cover the others up from where they had all migrated into laying positions on the mattresses, tangled together so that it was difficult to tell where one ended and another began.  

The red head took the time for one last chance to take in how cute the Prefect looked curled into Jack’s chest with Epel plastered to their back and his nose buried into their neck while Deuce’s arm was thrown haphazardly over them. With Grim sprawled out near the Prefect’s head and Sebek sleeping with his back pressed against Jack’s and facing the door and windows as always – his sheathed sword in easy reach – he couldn’t help but admit that it made his heart flutter with feelings he didn’t even think himself capable of.

Yes, he decided.

This was how things were meant to be.

And they were going to make sure it stayed that way.

Grabbing his shoes, he silently slipped them back on and tucked his phone into his pocket before tiptoeing towards the door. He nodded at Sebek – who’s near glowing eyes tracked his movements before returned it in silent understanding – and then slipped out into the darkness.

The upperclassmen were going to find out exactly what happened to anyone that threatened what they had. Threatened their Prefect. Threatened any of them.

Ace knew better than to risk what he cared about, and he didn’t play fair.

None of them did.

And he was willing to do more than just draw blood.

=========================

Hope you guys like it! I might be continuing this but I can't promise, it'll depend on if I can come up with the next part and make it work how I want or not.

<3

@love-thanatopsis

Hello!! Im not sure if requests are open but if they are here is my request :

Can you please make headcannons for an AU where cracking your bones in twisted wonderland is basically breaking them? And in our world it's completely normal, also this isn't supposed to be an x reader, just headcannons for heartslaybul

Fright

Where the Prefect give the entire group a test of courage, or in their case, worry

Heartslabyul | Savanaclaw | Octavinelle | Scarabia | Pomefiore | Ignihyde | Diasomnia

The two of them were busy with each other, joking like any other day. It's rare for Y/n to be able to enjoy the freedom of a full day like this, without them realizing it, they already feel a bit of stiffness and aches in their necks.

Following Ace closely from behind, Y/n reached out to the back of their neck. Massaging the nape, trying their best to reduce the ridiculous amount of ache. If only school hours were over, they would've gone back to the dorm, laying down on the bed and enjoying resting their entire body from the fatigue. It would've seemed all of those long — forgotten troubles had finally caught on physically, tiring them out. 

"Oh, that's right! N/n~ Don't be lazy, okay? After all, you should really keep an eye on Grim—"

CRACK—

Y/n felt their joints shift slightly back in the right direction. Hearing such a beautiful voice in their ears, they felt a relief that cannot be expressed in separate words. They smiled slightly, shook their heads left and right, feeling the joints return to the right direction completely.

They raised their heads to face Ace once more, but what they found was a pair of hands holding their cheeks roughly, their interlocutor's eyes filled with concern. The warmth of his gloved palm radiating out of the black leather glove. For once, Ace was far more easy to read. And to decipher what he's currently feeling. What they cannot tell; is the exact reason for this sudden switch of a personality. 

The type to show his worry but in another kind of way. Trying to remain cool and compose, cracking up another story of an excuse. Ace won’t fully admit it whenever he feels worried per se, even if he did, he still tries to cover up with different excuses.

"I'm joking~! Come on, don't take my words seriously! You can be lazy but don't do it again!!" Y/n blinked incessantly, questioning her friend's sudden 360 degree behavior.

"What do you mean...?"

"Ehhhh...? What do you mean, what do I mean?"

Ace won’t fully admit it, however, he himself has a certain soft spot to his first friend by this school. Despite the roller-coaster disaster they must overcome, he keeps an eye out for Y/n more specifically. He is indeed a jerk and a tease, but behind that facade, lies a figure that would keep an eye out for his friend's well-being.

"Listen..." He started talking once more, so Y/n had no choice but to hear what he had to say. "I totally understand. Like really!"

"There are times when you want to just give up, but as far as I know that's simply not your style!!" Y/n who listened to Ace felt dizzy for a moment, knowing that there was a misunderstanding that occurred in such a short time.

“And what you just did was completely lame!! Can't you tell I'm joking?? Or Prefect, are you really sensitive?? Where is the lost and presumptuous magicless student who fought such a terrifying student?! ”

“No, wait—”

"Just because you can't handle one harmless joke doesn't mean you can break your bones like that."

"Ace—"

"Fortunately, you didn't completely break your bones—"

"Because I didn't break it, you idiot. I crack ‘em. To be specific, I'm aiming for the joints rather than bones." Ace for once looked taken aback, he looked at the flat Prefect of Ramshackle House, confirming the truth of where they had spilled. He casually put his hands behind his head, turned and walked ahead in front of them. 

“Oh, of course I know that! I was just trying to see the stupid look on your face.”

At the end of the day, Ace is quick to dismiss that embarrassing misunderstanding, but bringing it up would certainly make the tip of his ear brightened up.

It was a normal evening, the warm light that seeped through the window, falling down onto their figure. Two students are currently reviewing their notes, until one of them finds it tiring to keep on taking pre-notes. 

Deuce mutters under his breath, reading the same words over and over again. Test will soon come and he cannot slack off during that time. He need to get a high score, he need to maintain a well-built report, he need to—

CRACK—

The end of his writing turned into a messy scribble. He bopped his head up, pupils shrinking by the sound. Deuce heard something, something that resembled the sound of a breaking bone. And who would've thought, it is precisely coming from the person on the other side of his table. His mouth was agape, taken aback by what they've done to themselves, carefully watching their next movement. 

Apparently, while he isn't looking at all, Y/n managed to crack the bone around the wrist area, popping through those bubbles that become the reason for their stiffness. However, showing displeasure, it seems like it wasn't enough to get rid of it entirely. They violently shake their hand around, trying to ease it down. Planning to do a round 2 of cracking down until the negative pressure disappears. 

But alas, a hand prevented them from doing so as they were seen to do it again. A gloved hand that held her other wrist, gently, carefully, as if it was afraid to harm it any further. Raising their heads up, Y/n lifted one of their eyebrows, taking notes of the worry by Deuce expression. 

"Don't do that."

"Don't do what?"

First of all, you’re, I mean they’re cruel if they did it out of purpose. If not, congratulations, they have made the baby of the group worry over their action. The type to worry and show it evidently, even frowning while looking at their direction.

Overwhelmed by his concern, Y/n cannot prevent the cold sweat that dribbles down their forehead. What is his problem? He suddenly holds their wrist, preventing them from moving any further. At times like this, they would’ve come up with a snarky comment. But, they cannot bring themselves to do that when he stares at them intently.

“You’re going to break your bones.”

“I— Pardon me, what—?”

Unlike Ace, who takes an entire detour around Twisted Wonderland to get to the point. Deuce immediately says the reason behind it all. In his mind, he assumed that Y/n was aware of the consequences behind their action. Thus, he didn’t appreciate the way they made him worry.

“You’re trying to break your bones.”

“...Pft—”

They snorted, finding it adorable how his worry switched to a confused expression. How can they hold back a laughter when Deuce takes the wrong kind of deduction. Y/n lower their head, trying their very best to refrain from laughing. It’s too much for them, too funny in their opinion. Especially when he thought they were trying to break their bones. What kind of fool would willingly break bones like that? Not them.

“Pft— Deuce, I'm sorry.”

“Huh?”

After a moment of explanation, Deuce cannot help himself but feel embarrassed. Face overheating from the small mistake. The entire study session, he cannot bring himself to look at them, knowing the smug expression that awaits him.

It was probably enough for their normal activities, talking rumors, taking quick photos and even walking peacefully down the halls of the NRC. Cater and Y/n chatted cheerfully, exchanging information about how the day had passed and whatnot. Unfortunately for them, their last subject is PE class.

“Ne, ne~ Have you heard? The Adeuce duo is at it again!”

“What did they do this time… Hm—?” Y/n reached out to massage their shoulders, frowning slightly. They could swear it was painful to move it. Meanwhile, they tried to listen carefully to what he was talking about. However, one thing that caught their attention overall was the stiffness in their shoulders. It must be because of Vargas's completely relentless workout.

"Which also reminds me, we haven't taken a picture together yet! So, how about we…"

CRACK—

Y/n groaned in satisfaction, twisting their shoulders back a little forcefully to get that wondrous feeling. Well, that's when the light of the shutter binds right in their eyes. A swift and unstoppable light had blocked their vision. To that, they reacted by blinking rapidly, reducing the hazy light that appeared in their vision, slowly returning to their sense of sight.

Cater was looking at them. Pupils blown wide, mouth parted open and phone in hand. The reason behind that light was the camera being accidentally pressed. As a result he took pictures that could be said to be somewhat traumatic from his point of view.

He would be surprised rather than worried. It would happen after a moment of stunned silence, before expressing his concern still with a bewildered expression.

". . ."

". . ."

The two of them stood in awkward silence, trying to figure out what each other was thinking, especially Y/n who wondered what was up with that flabbergasted impression. They stared at him, brows furrowed, lips parted, until Cater smacked them on the head.

"Hey! What was that just now?!"

"What are you talking about?!"

Cater will initially think it's some kind of joke that's trending these days. Ignoring their inquiries, he immediately searches for the hashtag that is relatable to this situation. Much to his dismay, he did not find it and grew even more confused. There's no way they would've done it by accident, right? Or is it? 

"Let's get you to the infirmary."

"Huh? Wha— Hey! Cater-senpai!!"

Y/n felt odd, the way Cater wrapped their hand against their wrist and gently, forcing them to come along is quite uncharacteristic of him. And furthermore, the way his cheerful and bright demeanor switched to a stoic one, made them feel uneasy. They never did anything, other than fixing their one and only lament which lies by their shoulder. Why does this – or rather nothing – have anything to do with the infirmary?

“I’ll make sure you get a checkup.” If possible, Y/n wished they’re the one who smacked Cater by the head.

He practically dragged them to the infirmary, making sure nothing bad happened to them after the checkup. It's a senior's job to keep an eye on his juniors, right? And he just did what he was supposed to do. It took some time to explain it thoroughly to him. When he finally got the point, he laughed it off. Probably planning to do this kind of trick in the future.

What are other ways to bond over other than a baking class? Of course, it had become a common schedule between the two. Where Trey specifically taught them a new dessert recipe and they continued to jot it down in their notepads, ignoring how their fingers were screaming the word, tired.

"Make sure to only use a teaspoon and a half." Y/n wasted no time, they jotted them down, scribbling pen on a piece of paper, eyes trained by the notes slowly filled with the different kinds of recipes they had learned over the last few days.

Trey looked at them, smiling very sweetly. Act like any other proud chef looking to his future successor or beyond. He reached out and patted them on the head, telling them silently how they were doing pretty well in today's lesson too. He returned to his explanation, doing so through action as well. Baking something for Riddle and teaching someone while doing it? He might have killed two birds with one stone.

However, this has been going on for quite some time. Even Y/n had realized such a fact, releasing and clenching their fists countless times. Focusing on the current Baker, they contemplated what to do to release the amount of pressure with their fingers. Y/n looked back at Trey, nodding along with his explanation.

CRACK—

Trey suddenly stopped what he was doing, facing completely at Y/n who was trying their best to write with their other hand, the hand they rarely used to write. While their dominant hand is currently being cracked one by one, with the help of the thumb pressing the area around the bottom of the finger.

Sensing the silence, Y/n looked up from their notes, noticing the worry that was showing on Trey's face. "Hmm?"

I do not understand the purpose behind this, but if they ever wished to see their disappointed mother's expression all over again, there you have it. Arm crosses, brow furrowed and the way he looked down on them, it yelled out the most unacceptable word, disappointment. 

"Y/n, what did you just do?"

"Uhm… I… I cracked my fingers…? You know… Like… How some cracked their knuckles but I'm doing it one after another…"

Y/n forced herself to be quiet. The way Trey deep creases – if possible – makes him look like an ordinary mom who disapproves of every action they take no matter what the outcome. Whether it's good or bad, it doesn't matter in this case. Disappointment will always be disappointment. The kind of feeling that was currently choking them alive.

He's not the type to ask why, he's the type to look at them, asking by the way his alluring gaze was present. At the same time, it shows the privilege he has been having this entire time. The same kind of instinct of an older brother, that's ready to scold his younger siblings for their wrongdoing. 

"Don't do that. Scratch that, you cannot do that."

"I—"

"Do you understand?"

That one word, that one word is enough to hold authority over many people. Quickly, they nodded their heads, completely shutting their mouths, obeying his orders. It brought satisfaction to Trey, patting them on the head once more, returning to his own bakery.

"Good. I'm just keeping an eye out for you, you know? Sorry if I sound harsh."

Trey is possibly used to multitasking at once. Hence, he's finishing up the dessert he's currently making, before looking for a way to help out with their dilemma and problem. Taking care of his junior is what a dutiful senior would've done. 

"Here, if you ever feel your fingers constrict, avoid doing so. Instead, dip your fingers in warm water."

Trey motioned for them to put their fingers in the bowl he had prepared, waiting for the cake to finish baking. Reluctantly, Y/n slowly dipped their fingers in the water, feeling the warmth coursing through their skin and bones, a soft sigh of pleasure leaving their lips, smiling contentedly.

"...This is nice."

"It is, isn't it?"

Of course, he did not forget to reward them at the same time, giving a slice of a fresh baked cake to them after their hard work in keeping up with his own personal baking session. Patting their head for the umpteenth time this day.

How fun isn't it? They are friendly, very sweet and not forced or anything, to help Heartslabyul once again. With what? Ah, it's time to paint the roses red. Offering another hand to help Heartslabyul who was short on hands, they had been doing this job for an entire hour.

Red paint drenches the pale white Rose. The smudge of the smudged color fell to the ground while the brush gently dipped into the paint can. Y/n yawned, showing signs of exhaustion as they carefully brushed the white flowers of the same color. How did they end up in this situation again? They couldn't be sure.

Finishing the top area of ​​the rose bush, they carefully descended the ladder, keeping an eye on the ladder. The least they wanted was to misstep and fall to their own deaths. Y/n dropping the brush on the inside could hurt. Felt really tired from the job. They've been painting for what seems like forever and their break is aching from all the careful positioning they've been in.

They raised their arms up, bodies arched forward, ignoring the presence of someone trying to check their condition.

"Y/n, how's your side—"

CRACK-

The voice was magical, dispelling all feelings of tightness behind them. They hum in satisfaction, lowering their hands. But, out of the corner of their eyes, they could see a familiar scarlet color. Which reminds them of a bright and dazzling rose. Behold, Riddle Rosehearts in all… Glory… ? Or worried?

Needless to say, he was horrified. He stood there, unsure how to react. Riddle wondered how they could look at him so innocently. It was as if they had never tried anything like splitting their spines in half. In the first line, he would stutter, trying to get out of his daze and accept the answer.

“I… You…”

“You? Me?”

Staring at each other head on, two students, one a dorm leader and one an invited prefect. Opening their lips, they tried to ask once more, however that soon turned into a dreadful expression, seeing the familiar beet red by Riddle's face.

"HOW DARE YOU DO THAT?!"

"HUH?!"

Riddle cannot express his concern, albeit the misunderstanding. He assumes it was all an intentional action, as if they would've done that to begin with. But, he's consumed by rage, in an adorable kind. Ahoge tensed up, comical white eyes, face flared up in the sea of red – due to anger, I might add – last but not least, the angry pout by his lips. He even tried to remember whether they unintentionally break the rules.

"Why did you do that?!"

"Did what??? I'm just painting the roses red!! Is it not enough for you?!" The two yelled back at each other, having their argument and objection. Apparently, their little roundup of aggressive yelling caught the group's attention. It was at first Ace and Deuce, who's seeking out for their dorm leader before Trey and Cater come along, watching the two bicker together.

The other watched in amusement, watching how Riddle did not say his famous line yet. Even with the look of anger in his face, it was obvious for the others it wasn't simply over anything unrelated to Y/n conditions.

"...Ne, senpai, are we really just going to watch them?"

"Don't worry, the two are all bark and no bite."

"This is totally them~!"

"Hold on, is it just me or did they keep on surviving dorm leader wrath?"

It took an entire argument to come into a adjournment. However, it is worth the fight. Became at the end, you'll receive a blushing mess Riddle due to embarrassment. For the entire week or more.

hi omg i love your oldest sister fics!!!! Maybe another where she is one of the most feared warriors in the clan ? and when they leave rhe forest she meets someone (romantic) at the new clan ? the sully family is probably not accustom to seeing her be romantic and in love.;)

summary: [y/n] sully is in love, and everyone is scared.

a/n: I LOVE THIS IDEA. LIKE SO VERY MUCH. thank you so much anon for this beautiful experience, it was so fun to write. i actually am really proud of this, given it's pretty long ( 4.6k words, oml !! ) and i put a good ( insane ) amount of effort in. i also kept using this as a way to take a break from studying, so thanks for keeping me from burning out anon! feedback, reblogs, and reqs are always appreciated !!

tags: @pinkhotdogsfr @eywas-heir @historygeekqueen

warnings: literally none, maybe some language, a bit of angst at first ( just sad — i made myself very unhappy ), emotionally hurt + comfort, a sickening amount of fluff, really long, [y/n] x oc but this oc is actually such a sweetie pie i love him, [y/n] being the cutest little patootie of all time

change is scary

every omaticayan knew of [y/n] sully. they knew she was a fierce warrior, a strong warrior. they knew she took after her mother, the archery gene running strong through her veins right next to her urge to protect.

they all knew that, being the oldest child of their olo’eyktan, she was expected to fill the position of the tsahik one day in the far future, and her training reflected just that. not only was she deeply connected with eywa thanks to the teachings of both her mother and grandmother, but she was intelligent when it came to war. she sat in at every single war meeting with her father, silently taking note of everything that was exchanged.

after seventeen long years of listening and learning, [y/n] was considered one of the strongest warriors in their clan. she was well respected, more respected than even some of the elder warriors.

part of her soul felt pride. pride in herself, in her abilities. but, another part of her soul felt empty. almost like she’d missed a third of her childhood because she’d been busy shaking the hands of generals from other clans.

but now… now all of that, all of that time wasted as she straightened her shoulders and stood tall in front of clan leaders, time wasted as she stared at raid maps, time wasted as she trained with the most skilled warriors of the omaticaya… it was all going down the drain.

“we must leave. it is unsafe here.”

she fought tears, told herself she was far too mature for them. she swallowed screams, told herself she needed to set an example for her siblings. the only time she broke was the night before they left, leaving her on her knees before the tree of souls, begging eywa, “why? why must you do this to me? just when i was this close?”

[y/n] was not sad. no, she was angry. but she had nobody to be angry at. it wasn’t like her parents were wrong for wanting to keep her family safe.

maybe if i’d killed that avatar when i had the chance, she cursed herself, remembering when her arrow’d been pointed directly at the heart of quaritch, only being interrupted by the other avatar that shot at her. thanks to the will of eywa, he was a terrible shot and she came out unscathed.

she held a stoic look upon her face during the ceremony in which her father passed along the title of olo’eyktan to tarsem. it wasn’t that she had anything against tarsem and his mate—in fact, she thought they were considerably good choices. but that was supposed to be her. that was supposed to be her ceremony.

by the time they had to leave, [y/n] had nothing left, no energy left to try and hold it down. so, instead she remained silent, because if she decided to say a farewell to even one person… she knew herself well enough to not trust the floodgates.

as they flew, her butt growing sorer and sorer by the second, she remained distant. the air was calming, the breeze allowing her a moment to breath.

she was so wrapped up in her own thoughts she didn’t notice her family exchange glances, all silently deciding to leave [y/n] to work through it herself. they knew her, and they knew she would not let them help. i’m fine, she would say, and she would keep saying it until they finally gave up.

it was only when they reached their new home in the metkayina clan that she began to show herself again, but even that was the tiniest peek.

as ronal circled the group of foreigners, her hands trailing over them as to check out what features they offered, [y/n] immediately felt on alert. her ears perked, eyes narrowing at the tsahik, a growl growing at the back of her throat.

when she held up lo’ak’s hand for the entire clan to see, as if shaming him for his lineage—a lineage that he was born into without a choice, [y/n] stepped forward, teeth bared. immediately, neteyam pulled her backwards, just as jake did with neytiri.

her action pulled ronal’s attention, their eyes locking. the tsahik circled her, watching as [y/n]’s tail swished, lip curled in disgust.

ronal did not miss as her eyes flared for even a split second as she stopped in front of the girl, grabbing [y/n]’s face with one hand. the air immediately got tenser, tonowari and jake sharing very similar expressions of concern, the latter grabbing his mate before she could make any dumb decisions.

[y/n]’s tail fell to a pause, her air stuck in her chest as she stared directly into the metkayina woman’s eyes.

“if you are seeking refuge, i suggest that you don’t threaten anyone.”

[y/n] bared her teeth at that, fangs making a show just for her. “if you are seeking to make enemies with the toruk makto, then why don’t you just say that?”

now, in this moment, most members of the metkayina clan were justifiably upset. speaking to their tsahik like that? well, of course they would be angry. but, in the crowd of metkayina stood one boy, his eyes unable to leave that girl. that girl who was full of anger, of spite, of bitterness for the world. she was captivating.

as the rest of the crowd gasped at the seventeen year old’s words, he couldn’t help but laugh, immediately covering his mouth as his friends sent him a look and an elbow in the ribs.

the only other person to smile at her words was, shockingly, ronal. the tsahik felt the smallest grin rise to her lips, taking her hand off of the girl’s face and taking a step back. as soon as she was back with tonowari, it was like the look of amusement had never been there.

once she’d stepped back, silence seemed to settle in the air. it was heavy, weighing on [y/n]’s shoulders just as much as the look her father sent her. behave, remember? he seemed to be telling her.

her mother’s look of pride made her feel a bit better, though.

as a way to regain the attention of the crowd, tonowari cleared his throat. “toruk makto is a great war leader. all na’vi people know his story.” he then locked eyes with jake. “but we metkayina are not at war.” [y/n]’s eyes followed tuk, watching as the small girl walked over to her father, allowing for the father to pick her up and hold her in his arms. “we cannot let you bring your war here.”

jake nodded in agreement. “i’m done with war, okay. i just.. want to keep my family safe.” at that, they seemed to pull closer together, neytiri grabbing the hands of her two eldest daughters.

“uturu has been asked,” the mother added, her eyes meeting those of tonowari.

the silence was deadly. [y/n] could feel pins of anxiety, her breath getting shallower. and what if they send us away? where else would we go? just keep trying and trying to find someone to take us?

after what seemed like forever, tonowari turned away from them and towards the people. “toruk makto and his family will stay with us.” immediately, relief flooded her body, her head dropping in appreciation. “treat them as your brothers and sisters. they do not know the sea, so they will be like babies taking their first breath.” at that, [y/n] felt her mother cringe beside her. and, as a wonderful way to finish their introduction to the metkayina people, he added, “teach them our ways so they not suffer the shame of being useless.”

she felt neteyam’s grab her tail at that, tugging it to keep her from saying anything stupid.

“okay,” jake sighed, relieved. he turned to his family. “what do we say?”

“thank you,” they all mumbled except for tuk whose tone was very genuine.

[y/n], however, remained silent. at a sharp look from her father, she swallowed. “thank you,” she added, exhaling a deep breath.

beside tonowari stood two kids, a boy and a girl. “my son ao’nung and my daughter tsireya will show your children what do,” he informed the family. [y/n] stifled a chuckle as the boy, ao’nung, tried to argue his way out of it. “it has been decided,” tonowari shut him down.

tsireya, however, looked more than happy to do it, and based on the way her baby brother was staring at the metkayina girl, lo’ak didn’t seem to mind either. “come, i will show you our village.”

if there was one thing that shocked [y/n] during her time in awa’atluI, it was that she horridly terrible. terrible at everything. from riding an ilu to being a quick swimmer. it was awful. and maybe the whole brink of the problem was the fact that she could barely hold her breath for a time, making it nearly impossible to learn to do anything else.

it’d been a few weeks of relearning the ways of life, and it felt as if she was making absolutely no progress. the simple things, such as food and even dancing, came easy to her. but learning to make food and dance was not going to make her a successful warrior, and even tonowari knew they needed to train her to fight with them based on the stories that her father told of her. ( he also recognized her the moment that ronal faced her off—how could tonowari forget the face of one of most mature eight year olds that he’d ever met way back in the day when he visited the omaticaya for a war meeting. )

but, for the love of eywa, [y/n] was useless. completely and utterly! and the fact of it made her sick to her stomach.

ao’nung was her first teacher, and he was a complete imbecile. tsireya was patient with her, but her optimism made me feel even guiltier by the day. eventually, one day out of the blue, the two children of ronal and tonowari brought forth a male.

this male was around [y/n]’s age. he was tall, muscular, and based on his tattoos, he was an announced warrior of the metkayina. tsireya introduced him as fali.

it turned out, based on further conversation between [y/n] and tsireya, that fali had grown up with the two kids. he was the son of respected warrior, a warrior that was considered ronal’s best friend. in a way, fali was like their big brother.

at that, [y/n] thought that… maybe they could be friends. maybe they had more in common!

she was wrong, and after a days of knowing him, she came to the conclusion that their older sibling roles happened to be the only thing in common.

while [y/n] was smart, responsible, respectful… fali was stupid, annoying, and careless. it was driving [y/n] up the wall! if he was the “older sibling,” why did he egg ao’nung on? if he was the “older sibling,” why did he dare the younger boys to go beyond the reef? if he was the “older sibling,” why was he so… reckless?

so, to say that [y/n] was exhausted with both him and the entirety of trying to rewire her brain, well… that would be a major understatement.

but, alas, she was still expected to learn. unfortunately for her, she took the role as the older sibling quite seriously, and she tried to set a good example out of herself!

now she treaded water in the middle of the reef, the sun beaming down on her face and shoulders. in front of her floated fali, the boy drifting stomach up with his hands rested behind his head.

[y/n] did not look amused, as unfortunate as fali found it. he was letting the sun practically burn his face off, and she wouldn’t even smile!

after an excruciating amount of time, fali let out a yelp of surprise when he felt her hand grab his tail, yanking him downwards. when he resurfaced, she had the faintest shadow of a grin. she nearly drowns me and she still can’t smile fully. what is wrong with her?

while [y/n] thought fali to be reckless and far too carefree, fali found her to be way too uptight. i mean, sure, old habits die hard after being raised as the future tsahik, but couldn’t she let loose once in a while?

“can we please start?” the girl asked, tone exasperated.

he rolled his eyes, a smile playing at his lips. “well, i apologize. i didn’t realize you were so eager to learn. i mean, you usually just complain.”

[y/n] sighed, sending him a look of annoyance. he does not shut up, does he? but, he wasn’t wrong… however, she didn’t let him know that her heart dropped once he decided to actually start teaching her for the day.

it was an unusually long lesson, but it was filled with the same issues as every other day. fali telling her what to do, [y/n] being unable to do it, [y/n] getting mad at herself, fali trying to help her fix it, [y/n] telling him that she’s fine, fali stepping back and watching her battle herself… it was always a pleasant time.

this time, however, things just seemed to be a little more on edge. she seemed to be a little more annoyed. at him, at herself. she was a balloon ready to burst, and fali was bracing himself for the moment that she did.

it was after the sixth time in which she failed to breath correctly that he knew it was going down. he watched her face flush, eyes narrowing as she continued to try and fix it.

“no, [y/n],” he offered, voice soft. she always made him feel guilty, guilty of ever getting annoyed. he knew that she was trying her best. “just… breathe from here. pretend as if there’s a flame within your belly, offering your lungs support and warmth.”

“i’m trying!” she snapped, eyes brimming with tears before she quickly turned away, eyes avoiding his eyes.

the two faded to silence, simply sitting on a rock in the middle of the reef, staring at the setting sun ahead of them. the horizon was gorgeous, a beautiful orange contrasting the blue of the sea.

they sat there, in silence, until just before eclipse.

as they neared curfew, [y/n] inhaled deeply, preparing herself to get up and leave. but, a gentle hand on her knee stopped her. she turned to fali.

“do you know what i think?” he began, voice gentle. “i think that you are more than capable to do this.”

[y/n] scoffed. “if that were true, i would be out there, not stuck with… with you!”

at that, he huffed a laugh, running his fangs over his bottom lip. “i’m going to ignore that comment and continue getting to my point,” he jokes, his eyes widening at the smallest flicker of a smile on her lips. “i believe that something, whether you realize it or not, is keeping you from being successful—my guess being that it’s subconscious—but i digress. i believe that you are scared, [y/n]. scared of doing it right, scared of becoming one of the metkayina because once you are one of our people, you feel like you are betraying your home.”

the girl beside him shook her head in disbelief. “you believe? or you know? because you sure said that—that soliloquy—as if you know me.” [y/n] stood up, taking a few steps backwards. “i have known you for seven days, fali. seven days! and suddenly you decide that you can analyze me?”

fali laughed at that. “seven days is enough for you to decide that you hate me!” he pointed out, a disbelieving smile playing on his lips.

“well, you wear everything on the outside. every bit of stupidity, recklessness, carelessness.” she grit her teeth. “you are an open book, and i am closed. that is the truth.”

“i wear what i want to wear,” fali argued, standing up to face her, the two getting closer by the second. they got closer by the insult thrown. “you think i am dumb, but i am not. i am smart enough to make it so that people like you—people who do not care to look past their own bubble—cannot see my vulnerabilities.”

[y/n] bared her teeth. “you think me ignorant? blind, even? i have seen more of the world than you, i have fought dream-walkers, watched as my baby siblings had death looming above their heads. you are clueless to what is beyond awa’atlu.” a growl built in the back of her throat, their faces extremely close together. “i build my—my ‘bubble,’ as you called it—because i know what is beyond your dimwitted understanding!”

the two were silent, the tension electric between them. behind them the sun was set beyond the horizon, eclipse having already passed. waves lapped at the rock, the incoming high tide making it so their feet were splashed with the salty water.

as they stared at each other, a sense of understanding seemed to bless both of them. fali’s eyes never left those of [y/n]... her ( beautiful ) narrowed eyes. and [y/n] didn’t miss the way that the moons reflected on fali’s aquamarine skin, his bioluminescent freckles splattering the sides of his face.

[y/n] could have sworn she felt herself lean in, towards him, until the familiar call of her mother brought her back to reality.

“[y/n]?” neytiri called from their marui.

the girl swallowed, stepping back quickly. she cleared her throat before yelling back, “coming!” and with one last look at fali, she dove into the waters.

the next few days were odd, to put it simply. suddenly, there was no aggravation towards each other, but it was much more tense in an… awkward way.

a part of [y/n] was filled with spite, and by the time they got to working again, she was doing better than she had been for weeks. she was actually making progress! and it was all to shove it in fali’s face.

unfortunately for her, fali was much more hesitant when it came to helping her. he refused to touch her stomach as to help her breathing, his movements stiff and scared, resembling that of a baby hexapede.

but, [y/n] didn’t need him…? the others found it extremely peculiar. one day, she’s out past curfew, and right after she suddenly fixed nearly all her mistakes. very odd indeed…

it did not take long for her first free dive. her breathing improved astoundingly, her swimming technique also getting better from watching tsireya when she showed kiri and tuk around the reef.

“do you see this shell?” fali held it up, the sunlight reflecting off of its shiny exterior.

she rolled her eyes. “yes, i see the shell.”

“that’s good.” he blinked, eyes shifting away from her’s with a sheepish grin. “uh, anyway,” he continued, clearing his throat. “i assume you understand the drill? i drop it, you find it.”

“yes, fali,” she sighed. “i am fully aware of how this works. now, i would rather get it done with soon so i don’t have to live in anxiety anymore.” [y/n] locked eyes with fali. “please just drop the shell.”

and he did. she swallowed as she watched it float down, the depths looking much more abyssal-like than they normally did.

“remember,” fali’s soft tone grabbed her attention, “there is nothing to fear. you are stronger than you know, and if you begin to doubt yourself… think of you returning with the shell and rubbing it in my face.” at that, [y/n]’s face flushed, embarrassed. he smiled at her expression. “yes, i know that’s the only reason you’ve suddenly been trying, but… if it works, it works.”

and for once, she smiled. actually smiled. and fali felt himself burst with pride. somehow, it felt better that it wasn’t one of his stupid jokes, or his silly slip-ups. no, he made her smile just by talking to her. by being fali.

stunned, fali only remembered that he was supposed to be helpful when she stared at him expectantly with those bright [e/c] eyes of her’s. he lifted his hands, miming lungs filling with air as he reminded, “deep breath. this is all yours. nothing to fear, only to look forward to.”

with that, the girl dove in.

underneath the surface, she felt at peace. for the first time ever, [y/n] wasn’t freaking out while submerged in the salty water. instead, her jaw seemed to gape in awe at the scenery around her.

the deeper she went, the more starstruck that she was. there were layers to this reef that she hadn’t even been aware of. layers that she’d only heard from tales of her siblings, not truly understanding how magical they actually were.

as she kicked her feet towards the ocean floor, she heard fali’s voice in her head. “the way of water has no beginning and end.” she caught sight of the shell. “the sea is around you and in you. the sea is your home, before your birth and after your death.” she stifled a cry of joy as a school of fish swam around her, tickling her sides with their soft touches. “our hearts beat in the womb of the world. our breath burns in the shadows of the deep.” she was nearly there, her hand outstretched to grab the small artifact. “the sea gives and the sea takes.” she got it! oh, eywa, she got it! it was in her hand! oh, how proud fali will be! “water connects all things.” she began to swim up, a smile stuck on her face. “life to death,” she resurfaced, “darkness to light.”

“fali!” she cried, spinning around in a circle to catch the eyes of the boy. “fali, look!” she held it up, her expression beaming with pride.

and fali couldn’t help it either, his own smile taking over his features. “[y/n]!” he exclaimed, jumping off of the rock and swimming to her. “you did it! oh, eywa, you actually did it!” he stared at the shell as they tread water. “oh, how proud i am!”

her silence caused him to turn, staring her in the eyes. “[y/n]?”

she swallowed, her eyes locked on the shell in her hands. “fali,” she began, voice quiet. “i have a wallowing fear that you were right.”

at those words, fali gaped silently. instead of answering right away, he began to tug her towards the rock, allowing for them to get out of the water so her could properly comfort her.

once she was settled on the rock, she carefully placed the shell down, pulling her knees close to her chest. she felt like a child again, helpless against her emotions. “i was scared. not of the ocean, not of swimming, not of drowning.” she looked up, locking eyes with fali. “i was scared of abandoning my people.”

a tear dropped from her eye, and fali immediately had her hands resting on [y/n]’s biceps. “hey,” he called softly, forcing her to look him in the eyes again. “you are not abandoning them. you are… learning. you are learning how to adapt, how to survive. in fact, i think that is more in touch with your culture and ancestors! you are just like them, trying to adapt and survive in a world that is trying to kill you.” she smiled a little at that. maybe he wasn’t so stupid. “you are not weak for fearing change… you are normal. it is okay to be normal every once in a while, as much as you enjoy being the big sister that is oh-so mature and oh-so strong.” his finger lifted her chin up, a soft smile on his lips. “because people who love you do not mind how mature, or strong, or stupid, or careless, or responsible, or up-tight you are. because you, [y/n], are what you are.”

once he was finished, he noticed that [y/n]’s tears were dried, a smile on her face. a look in her eyes had him floored… oh, she was so beautiful, wasn’t she?

luckily for fali, she seemed to think the same of him, raising her arm, grabbing the back of his head, and bringing his smiling lips against her’s.

the sully family knew and loved [y/n]. of course they did! she was their’s, afterall. but, they also knew that she was never this easy-going or even this happy.

both jake and neytiri knew they’d seared little moments of trauma into the brain of their eldest daughter, and they hated knowing that, but parenting is never easy. especially when she was expected to become the tsahik way back when.

but, ever since a few weeks ago, ever since she finally overcame her own issues regarding leaving the omaticaya, ever since she finally found someone that she loved as much as she loved her family ( and he seemed to love her even more ), she was a new person. a better person. a person who actually seemed to enjoy life.

neteyam and lo’ak were the first to become skeptical. ever since her successful free-dive, she’d been so.. giddy. it was not their big sister.

kiri started to catch on when she noticed [y/n] disappearing four hours at a time, and when she came back, she was ten times happier.

neytiri and jake were so wrapped up in the fact that their eldest was finally living a happy life, they didn’t once question, “hm, why could that be?”

it was only when [y/n] returned home a little late one night after the rest of the family, minus tuk since she was still quite young, had a busy day full of duties. she blamed it on finishing an errand with her new best friend, fali, but neytiri scanned her daughter’s body for any sign of injury. neytiri was just that type of mama bear!

“[y/n],” she began, eyes narrowed at her neck. “did you get bitten today? are the bugs bad on that side of the island?”

[y/n]’s face flushed almost immediately. she swallowed, grabbing her hair to cover her neck. “yeah—” she attempted, before tuk interrupted. [y/n] immediately cursed herself, remembering the stupid excuse that fali and her’d made up to cover-up their “hang-out” when tuk had walked in unexpectedly.

“uh, no, mom,” the youngest said matter-of-factly. “she was playing shark with fali. obviously.”

immediately, the sully family burst into confusion.

“[y/n]!” neytiri scolded, although her eldest daughter didn’t miss the amused smile that played on her lips.

kiri burst into laughter. “that’s why you’ve been so happy? because a guy? who even are you?” she teased.

lo’ak was absolutely losing his mind, face flushed from the laughter he was overcome by at the reality of it all. his big sister, little-miss-uptight, getting her first kiss before him and neteyam? unbelievable!

neteyam was absolutely shocked, face frozen in disbelief. “you? fali?”

jake, of course, was on immediate protective dad mode. “fali? the son of vi’ieo and fpai?” he questioned, eyes squinted at [y/n].

all [y/n] could do was sit there, a hand covering her mouth. of all people, tuk had to expose her. it’s always the ones you least expect.

but, despite the surprise of it all, the sully family was extremely happy. [y/n], the one who entered the metkayina by trying to one-up the tsahik and also deal with her own absolute soul-crushing homesickness, was making a life here in awa’atlu. and they couldn’t be more proud.

Y/n: *hugging onto Jade’s leg smiling up at him after being transformed into a child in alchemy class* hello… are you my forever dad?

Jade: um…

Y/n: Papa can you tell me bedtime stories about uncle Floyd, uncle Azul, and the glass of milk?

Jade: *picking Y/n up* I’m keeping you…

Azul: what do they know…

Floyd: don’t touch my niece/nephew/child

JUVIA DAY 2023: Hare Hare

Gray Fullbuster, Juvia Lockser June 3, 2023 Posted: June 30, 2023

Writer’s Corner: Before June ends, I'd like to share this something I came up with for Juvia Day. A little bit late but I heard we are experiencing some Gruvia drought, so here's me trying... Enjoy!

P.S. thank you for the correction regarding Keyes/Keith, @groovyah!!!

HAPPY JUVIA DAY!

All rights reserve to Hiro Mashima, original creator.

Masterlist

---

How long has it been since Gray had been dragging his feet along the rough road? He stopped caring two towns ago. All that thinking only made the road grow wider. So, he decided it was better to keep his mouth shut behind the redhead leading their journey. All Gray wanted was just a little bit of information about the next dragon god they are trying to seal away. Was that too much to ask? He’d really like to put some timeline into this journey because, if he was being honest, Gray was not getting any younger and there were some things he wanted to do after this quest. But if he was really, really, being honest, he kinda, sorta looking forward to seeing a certain someone.

“Oh, this looks familiar.” It was Lucy who first noticed.

How she kept that cheery spirit in her voice was beyond Gray.

But, true enough, Gray was greeted by a familiar intersection, marked by shabby and wooden signage. He’d seen it far too many times not to recognize the arrow pointing to home – Magnolia.

Magnolia. Fairytail. Home.

That’s how that thought always flowed. Fairytail has always been home. Lately, however, his thoughts ended on something else.

Fairytail. Home. Juvia.

He wasn’t sure when it started. When she became the end of that train of thought. All he knew was when he thought of home, the picture of her blue waves, sparkling eyes, welcoming smile, and soft voice that called out to him lovingly, started to stake a claim on his consciousness.

Gray-sama, welcome home.

“It’s been a while since the last time.”

The Requip mage suggested they regroup at the guild and return to their journey after gathering some intel. Besides, they all needed to recuperate and deserved to have fun after the draining fight at the Labyrinth.

“Alright!” Exclaimed the fire-dragon slayer. “Let’s meet everyone!”

The anticipation brought some energy back to the travel party. So much so that they all agreed on how they looked forward to seeing their guild members. In Gray’s case, there was one particular member whose picture slowly and clearly appeared in his mind.

Gray-sama!

He probably didn’t notice it himself but the thought of seeing Juvia had its wicked way to arc the line of Gray’s lips.

...

The guild was rowdy as ever but the chaos brought in by Team Natsu, with two other dragon-slayers in tow, was most welcomed. They greeted each other with the excitement of an unexpected reunion. Yet amidst that chaos, Gray was able to cut through the cacophony of crazy and made his way to where his thoughts had lain lately – Juvia Lockser. Before he could take a step further, the water-mage was already walking toward him.

“Oh! My! Gray! Samaaaaaa!” Her every step was accentuated by her sweet greeting.

Juvia tackled him to the ground with the sheer force of her embrace. Then she said something, something about thinking so much of Gray that she had physically turned into him.

“That makes no sense!” He barked without thinking.

They were always like this. She’d say something ridiculous and he’d react like Juvia’s thinking was outside the realm of logic. He was so used to the crazy that his responses had become automated. But it’s not that she always said something impossible. His consciousness would like to correct him, however, when he suddenly remembered the fight he had with Sai.

Love Bond

His tone quickly dropped as the memory hit him like an arrow.

I transmuted your “bond”…

“No… it was that…” Gray avoided Juvia’s expectant gaze, scratching the back of his head thinking it might somehow redirect her attention away from his face.

“Could it be that you took on Juvia’s form as well?”

with the woman you’re in love with.

He didn’t want Juvia to see him fight this sudden rush of heat. So, he played it cool, like always.

“Well, it’s just…”

While he was thinking of a way to properly formulate his answer, so that she wouldn’t twist it into something out of this world, the alchemist’s words kept repeating in his head, louder by the minute.

the woman you’re in love with

Cornered, Gray mustered enough courage to take a peep at the water-mage, who was beaming at him with the smile that seemed forever imprinted on Gray’s mind. She looked like she wasn’t really waiting for an answer, content in just making conversation. That gave Gray some space to breathe. He wasn’t really sure how to explain to Juvia what the love bond alchemy was without confessing–confusing! without confusing her. But come to think of it, Juvia’s theory about why she turned into Gray that day wasn’t too far from possible.

As if sensing his intention, Juvia quickly dropped the subject. He led Gray towards the table where Natsu was already starting some commotion. The ice-mage didn’t need an invitation to join that circus. He effortlessly merged into the chaos – an old habit. Juvia was more than happy to stay out of the riotous entanglement. Glad on simply hollering for him at the sidelines – her old and still most favorite hobby. It shouldn’t come as a surprise how easily they both fell into the usual.

Gray ought to laugh at himself though. He should have realized it by now; Juvia was so attuned to his feelings that he didn’t even have to say it. Juvia just knew. She already knew.

The snow fairy toys with the women sleeping in the depths of your heart.

Gray-sama…

...

The reunion at the guild wrapped up in a tangled mess of passed-out drunks and beaten-up sobers. Good thing Gray still had full control of his faculties, and so did Juvia. He had the mindfulness of being sober enough to walk Juvia home; finally getting some alone time with her.

The walk to Fairy Hills was, in fact, far but seemed too short to recount all of Gray’s stories of his travels. He wasn’t the talkative type. Actually, he’d much rather let his fists talk than his mouth. But they’ve spent so much time apart that there were a lot of funny and incredible moments worth sharing. As Gray retold his stories, Juvia filled all the spaces with small reactions, going through the entire spectrum of emotions. When he ran out of things to say, he’d notice the few changes his absence did to Juvia – like how her hair grew a bit longer. Her bangs started to level to her eyes and framed her face a bit differently than he remembered. There was something about her, something he couldn’t pinpoint exactly. In the way she walked or spoke, it felt as if she matured in his absence. Has she grown taller? Her clothes, he noticed, were becoming tight around some areas of her body – he scolded himself at the last one because it brought back the memory of Juvina-sama stripping naked in front of him.

“You don’t look all right, Gray-sama. Is something wrong?”

Gray had to push that memory to the farthest back of his mind. He knew, even if Juvina was a spitting image of Juvia, the water-mage would never forgive her for flashing Gray. She would hunt the poor celebrity down.

Imagining what Juvia would do to her, Gray actually felt bad for Juvina-sama.

“N-nothing.”

When they reached the front of the female dormitory, Gray felt a tug of disappointment. An anxious nag that he was leaving something important. It wasn’t too big a feeling but enough to recognize what it was. And with it came another, one that told him he couldn’t wait to see her again or made him wonder when the next time would be. Team Natsu was planning to travel to Gazania and visit Sabertooth’s comprehensive library for some information. It would take Erza one more day to gather all the essentials for the long trip. After that, he wasn’t too sure when would be able to see Juvia again. The thought pushed Gray to resolve his feelings and decide to see her again if her schedule would allow it.

“Juvia, are you free tomorrow?”

“Juvia will make herself free!”

Gray panicked at Juvia’s sudden change of demeanor. And here he was, feeling regretful that she had actually matured in his absence, that maybe she’d changed into someone he wouldn’t recognize. And while it wasn’t all too new and surprising, Gray still wasn’t okay with the fact that Juvia would abandon everything for his sake.

He didn’t deserve it.

“No, I only meant…” it wasn’t like he didn’t like it, “if you’re… coincidentally if you don’t have anything to do, y’know.” It just felt like he was asking too much from her if she had to rearrange her day to accommodate him.

“Juvia can get out of anything to spend time with Gray-sama.” Seeing how her enthusiasm put Gray in an awkward position, Juvia clarified, “Since, Gray-sama will be gone for a long time again.”

“That’s…” Guilt clawed at Gray and he would have let it gnaw at him if it wasn’t for Juvia’s gentle smile and understanding gaze. So, he expelled a sigh of complete resignation. He was allowed to be selfish sometimes, wasn’t he?

“Alright, then. Let’s go out tomorrow.”

“D-d-date?!”

Gray could easily predict what would happen – and that’s carrying Juvia into the dormitory, bridal style, and explaining to the agitated swordswoman why exactly was Juvia mumbling ‘gray-sama, juvia, first date’ in a trance.

...

Gray wasn’t particularly nervous about today. He had everything in order. He wasn't a planner. Gray was the kind that lived life day by day. Went with the flow. Sailed with the tides. Nevertheless, he had a general idea of how this day would go down. He already had the checklist in his head, mentally ticking off the boxes per accomplishment.

Ask Juvia on a dat-HANG OUT. Ask Juvia to hang out while he was still in town – mentally crossed off the list. Although he initially planned on picking her up at Fairy Hills, his indiscretion the night before led him to be banned from hanging around the all-girls dormitory. While his unconscious stripping was nothing new to the Fairy Tail girls, Erza still felt the need to discipline his public exhibition. Hence, the 2-year ban. So, the two agreed to meet each other at the guild.

Gray caught himself stripping midway to the guild. He quickly ran back to find his abandoned coat and slipped back into it.

“That was close!” He exclaimed. He, at least, wanted to meet Juvia on their date HANG OUT decent.

He couldn’t help it though; the sun was unusually bright today. He shielded his eyes and quickly regretted daring to stare directly up at the sun. But he was glad. The weather was fine. More than fine actually, suitable for today’s destination – the amusement park. News about a newly opened amusement park reached beyond the borders of Magnolia. He heard about the opening while traveling back and he was curious to see it since then. He could already imagine trying all the fun rides the park boasted, adding a small bounce on his steps.

He turned the corner and jumped back. He wasn’t expecting Juvia to be so early. He, at least, wanted to be the one waiting for her but the water mage was already standing under the shade of Bake Bake Shop's awning. What really surprised Gray, making his breath hitch in his throat, was that Juvia looked different. She wasn't wearing her usual clothes. Instead, Juvia opted for a flowy skirt shorter than the one she commonly used. She paired it up with a strapless top and some high boots and completed her look with a brown puffy bonnet atop her head. Juvia had never looked this casual and c-c-cute…

He wondered how long she had been standing there. And, how long has she been fending off those losers walking up to her and trying to strike up a conversation?

His astonished eyes quickly gloomed.

But Gray had nothing to worry about. He, himself, said it, Juvia was one of the strongest mages of Fairy Tail. She defeated Keith/Keyes, one of the Demon Gates. And there was no question Juvia could have ended Invel too, a Spriggan 12. The water mage was a force to be reckoned with. He didn’t need to worry for her safety, though he was allowed to, and let himself do so every now and then. He didn’t need to worry about other men hanging around the watermage; for Juvia only had eyes for her Gray-sama.

“Sorry. Juvia is waiting for her Gray-sama.”

Gray had only seen that void in Juvia’s eyes on a few occasions. When she was still a member of Phantom Lord. When she was still the rain woman, her eyes were filled with a pointed gloom of disinterest – in life and in other people’s business. It vanished when she became part of Fairytail and when he came into her life. Sometimes, he’d entertain the illusion that he was the one who brought those sparks into her lovely blue eyes. She claimed that he did but that was too grand an illusion. So, for now, he’d settle for being the center of those ocean eyes.

“Gray-sama!”

There! There it was the brightest glimmer in her round orbs. As sparkly as the ocean being kissed by the sun. They shone because and for Gray – only for him.

Gray met her half way, approaching Juvia who scampered towards him. He waited for the tackle, like she always did when they saw each other, and if he was being honest, he wouldn’t mind it. Only to show those losers why they shouldn’t be approaching the water mage. But she settled on just beaming at him in her cute ensemble; the short skirt swaying along as she moved.

“Where is Gray-sama taking Juvia?”

He answered her smile with his cool, pompous grin. Well, he wasn’t being cocky at Juvia. Gray just wanted to show those bastards.

“You’ll see.”

Oh, if only the bastards could see Gray now, his cool, cocky grin trembling at the sight of the sign plastered at the gate – CLOSED FOR RENOVATION.

"I-I… I should have ch-ch-checked yesterday." He lamented.

AMUSEMENT PARK DATE HANG OUT - X

Juvia, who was hiding an amused smile behind one hand, was not at all disappointed. She was just happy to be spending time with Gray, just the two of them. Juvia couldn’t ask for more.

"It's alright, Gray-sama." Juvia placed a consoling hand on Gray's shoulder. "Juvia doesn't mind just walking around."

Gray turned a heel, letting Juvia push him back to the road where they came from, as he kept mumbling a dejected 'no'. Now, he was the one in a daze. Because, what a major bullcrap that was; he was really looking forward to trying the rides all day.

Juvia started a conversation to keep him from sulking. He noticed, however, that she kept fidgeting beside him. She was playing with her fingers, unsure where to keep her hand between them. Gray didn't notice himself already staring at it, at Juvia's hand. Then, he started to become conscious of his own kept inside his pants pocket. There was something off about just keeping his hands in there, which he found strange because he never noticed anything wrong about it before. So, to redress this unsettling feeling, Gray pulled one hand out of his pocket and, as he was about to reach out and seek Juvia's, something swooped in between and knocked them apart.

Of course, he had to check first if Juvia was okay before he screamed at the bastard who slipped in between them.

"Hey, watch it!"

"Sorry, mister!"

It was a kid who looked no older than Greige from Edolas.

Greige.

A mental picture of his and Juvia’s child, his cute little face and aloof eyes, tugged a string in his heart.

"Storm-chan, please wait for onii-chan!"

A young man apologized to the two mages, bowing his head so desperately that Gray thought he was going to break his back. Then, grabbed the kid and went along. He seemed troubled by his little brother but now that he carried the child in his arms, onii-chan seemed unbothered by it. They laughed together as they went their way. That’s when Gray noticed the colorful donut floater the young man had circled around his arm.

The brothers were headed to the beach.

That seems like a good idea, Gray thought.

Hit with excitement knowing today may not be a waste after all, Gray grabbed Juvia’s hand, leading her in the race to the nearest beach in town. Juvia was more than happy to be dragged along by him. How could she not when Gray never let go of her hand the entire train ride? Even when he seemed to have finally noticed it because he turned his face away and spewed something about holding hands being a normal thing.

Finally, something right was happening.

or so they thought.

Now, Gray's mood wasn't the only thing dampened by the depressing turn of events, forcing the two to find shelter from the sudden downpour. They were both soaking wet.

Way to rain on Gray's parade, quite literally.

Gray scowled at the curtain of water holding them hostage under some makeshift shed. He pushed out his hand, his palm testing the stream spilling over the roof. By doing so, he’d be able to tell if the rain was about to stop and if they could still salvage whatever remained of their day. With the strength of the rainfall, it wasn’t anytime soon. He hissed.

"This isn't Juvia's doing."

Gray, surprised at the confession, turned to Juvia with a confused look. Of course, this gloomy weather wasn't because of Juvia. His face contorted into utter confusion. How could she even assume that idea ever crossed Gray's mind?

The old Gray, the one who didn't fully understand her, would have scolded her for even entertaining those thoughts. But that version of himself was long gone now. This new Gray understood Juvia at her very core.

"I know." Was all he said, offering the sulking water mage a soft smile, one that said he would never think that. Not in a hundred years.

Because Gray-sama was the one who stopped Juvia's rain.

"Know what, to hell with this." He grabbed Juvia by the hand and pulled her out into the pouring rain. "Who says we can't have fun, eh?"

Soaking wet, the two crazy teenagers, as the onlookers anointed them, sprinted to the beach, unafraid of the strong waves hitting the shore; the sheer force of it dragged Gray and Juvia as it pulled back. They played so carelessly, splashing each other or pushing one another into the water. Then they'd share childish giggles at how silly they might have seemed. They walked on the coastal lane too, feeling the wet sand on the flat of their feet, lumps sticking between the toes.

Gray would remember something stupid Natsu said or did, or an embarrassing episode happening to Lucy. He remembered that one time when he took the last stick of grilled squid, which was meant for Erza, and thought he was going to finally meet his end. Fear crossed Juvia’s face who was absorbed with the story. Knowing the Requip Mage, Gray’s apprehensions weren’t unfounded.

Juvia would recount a few of her own stories too; telling him she went on a job with Lisanna where they had to wear funny costumes. She was a tree and Lisanna was a mountain. Gray almost broke his back laughing.

When Gray's stomach started to protest, he had the bright idea of dining al fresco. Well, they really had no other choice. No restaurant owner in their right mind would let a drenched couple dine inside. So, they settled on a small coffee table and took a shed under its large umbrella. Gray had no problem ordering shaved ice despite that weather. As much as Juvia wanted to share with him, she wouldn't survive a combination of wet clothes, rainy weather, and cold dessert. A cup of hot cocoa was the far better choice.

Juvia took a sip, the hot sweet liquid sliding from her throat and down to her stomach, warming up her insides. The water mage let out a satisfied sigh as she watched Gray, who was sitting opposite her, gulp down ice. They sat in silence, calmed by the sound of rain pelting on top of the striped parasol. While she immensely did enjoy chatty Gray, Juvia equally loved moments like this when they could just be comfortable around each other's presence. It gave her time to take notice of a few changes in Gray. He seemed to have lost some weight. She asked if he was eating all right. He said he was but all the walking and fighting burned a few pounds off of him. Juvia promised to make him a bento when she sees him off tomorrow. She said it so casually as if preparing him lunch was expected of her. Gray smiled at that, just a sober slant of the lips, and told her he’d hold her to that promise. But quickly reminded her not to give it when Natsu’s around.

“I don’t want Flamebrain to steal it or somethin’.”

They fell in total but welcomed silence again, so they could listen to the faint sound of rain hitting the umbrella. It sounded like the rain was about to end soon. Lamentably, Gray and Juvia’s time might be ending soon too. Juvia let out another sigh, this time, a bit wistful.

“What’s wrong, Juvia?”

Gray’s face was contorted into worry.

“Nothing.” She pouted. “Juvia will just miss Gray-sama.”

Imagining the days she has to spend without the presence of Gray, Juvia couldn’t help but whine, slumping herself across the table at the sullen realization that Gray-sama will be so far away again. At the other end of the world even!

She snapped back up when warmth enclosed her hand. Her heart skipped a beat when she confirmed that it was Gray’s hand gently placed over hers. She stared at Gray, who returned the look with equal guilt and plea. His eyes, softened by his silent request, gave her an assurance that he wouldn’t be long. There was promise in them that whatever happens, he’ll find his way home – to her.

Juvia didn’t even have to hear him say it. She knew. She could see it in the way he softly looked into her eyes and gently squeezed her hand. Gray had conveyed his feelings through these simple gestures far better than his words ever could. And they reached Juvia, loud and clear.

I will be back.

Juvia will wait for you, Gray-sama.

Gray opened his mouth to say something but he quickly noticed the rain retreating. He withdrew from her gaze only to confirm this suspicion. Just like the way he tested the strength of the downpour earlier, Gray extended his free hand outside the roof of the umbrella. All the while, not loosening his hold on Juvia’s hand now enclosed in his.

Totally unnecessary but very much appreciated.

“Looks like it stopped raining.”

The realization widened both their eyes; a rapturous glimmer reflected in both. As if reading each other’s minds, Gray and Juvia cheered in unison, “Let’s try wave surfing!”

The hold on each other’s arm had become so permanent that wherever they went, none of them ever let go.

Even when the two of them were brought in at the police station for indecent exposure. Because Gray and Juvia were so excited to ride the waves, now that the sun had peaked through the clouds and the weather finally agreed with them, they both unconsciously stripped down and walked around in public in their intimates.

It didn’t come as a surprise for Gray since he’d been down the station on more than one occasion, all for the same reason. He was embarrassed though, for causing Juvia to spend the night in jail on their last night together.

“Juvia doesn’t mind, Gray-sama!”

The culprit for his current state – his face turning beet red – clung to him despite the warnings from the watch guard. The heat from, he wasn’t sure if it was because of getting in jail, their intimate position together inside the very small space, or maybe both, was making him nauseous.

What tipped the scale, though, was having Erza Scarlet march down the police station to bail them both out. And the Requip Mage did not look happy. In fact, she was so mad about having to wake up in the middle of her beauty rest and come down the station that she added another year to Gray’s ban from ever setting foot at Fairy Hills.

And for Juvia, to endure a year of curfew.

“As if it’s not punishment enough for Juvia not being able to see Gray-sama in the middle of the 100 year quest.” Juvia mumbled under her breath as she miserably followed Erza home.

“You were saying somethin’?”

Juvia was one of the strongest mages of one of the strongest guilds in Fiore. She was not afraid of anything, except for that murderous glint in Erza’s brown eyes that made her feel weak, small and breakable all at the same time.

“N-not-nothing, Erza-san.”

...

As promised, Juvia brought Gray a bento lunch she woke up so early to make. They met separately ahead of the others so that, as Gray requested, he could eat it in peace, away from the nosy fire dragon slayer who would have demanded a bite or two. They walked together to Team Natsu’s meeting point and Juvia wished them well on their journey to the Sabertooth guild. She sulked at Gray’s departure despite his assurances that he would be back, whatever it took. She suggested he give her a goodbye kiss so she wouldn’t miss him that much and aggravated the swordswoman for flirting too much in the open.

Juvia settled with just waving her beloved Gray goodbye, looking as their figures grew smaller and smaller by the distance. She didn’t know how long the quest would take her beloved away. But in those times that she missed him, in those hours that she’s alone and lonely, in those moments when her desire to see the ice-mage overwhelmed her, she had yesterday and today to think back to. This feeling today, the elated bliss lingering from having to spend the whole day with Gray, playing around and just having fun, without a care in the world.

In spite of the heavy rain.

Or maybe, because of it.

Gray not only took her rain away. Yesterday, he gave a whole different meaning to it.

◗ pairing's :: ao'nung x fem!reader.

◗ warning's :: avatar the way of water spoilers. mentions of death. mentions of murder. lazy writingD:. grammar/spelling errors.

◗author's note :: only one post today, sorry everyone! i got busy earlier about school, and only had time to write this night<\3.

Your ears twitched at the sound of knuckles knocking against the marui pod, and your family immediately turned to the source of the sound. You looked up to see Ao'nung leaning over the entrance, his torso showing but his body hidden behind your home.

Rotxo peeks behind his friends shoulder, giving a shy look as he immediately covers back when he saw your parents scary gazes. You tilted your head at them slightly, glancing at your parents to see their reactions.

Ao'nung gestures for you, but you hesitantly stood up. You looked at your mother for permission, ears drooping against your hair as you were scared what she would think. Fortunately, she grants you permission to speak to the boy.

Hastily standing up, you walked to his direction. Looking at him expectantly, brows raised as you awaited his words. Rotxo shows himself from behind the boy, giving you a silly smile.

"What is it?" You questioned, giving a wary glance at your family. Your father shakes his head with a sigh, and your two brothers looked at you with a look of disbelief.

"Rotxo and i are gonna take a swim in the reef, do you wanna come?" He responds to your question, noticing your cautious glancing to your family. You slightly winced at his question, shaking your head.

"No, not today unfortunately. I'm grounded." You pursed your lips into a thin line, seemingly upset that you had to get reminded of that fact. Ao'nung let's out a sound of realization, nodding his head understandingly.

"But you didn't do anything." Rotxo perked up, slightly frowning. You only shrugged at his words, "Big sister responsibilities, yknow?"

"Maybe next time? When you're not grounded?" Ao'nung asks again, hopeful of your answer. You paused for a while, thinking about his offer. Eventually, you agreed.

"Alright. But any more trouble, and you two probably won't see me ever again." The two nodded their head timidly at your words. Rotxo definitely didn't want you to be in trouble again.

You bob your head at them slightly, "Now scram," You wave them off, shooing them away. Ao'nung waves at you, while Rotxo was.. being his usual silly self. "Don't miss us too much!" The short boy yelled, earning a smack from the back of the head by Ao'nung.

You snickered at their duality, returning back inside your families marui. You sit back down next to your mother, helping her with the stuff she said she doesn't need helping. Lo'ak suddenly shoves himself near you, looking at you with wide eyes.

"You and Ao'nung? What has gotten into you?" He slightly hissed through his teeth. You gave him a warning glare, feeling embarrassed as your mother was just beside you.

"Did he brainwash you..? Oh no, my poor sister." He cooes, shaking his head.

"Shut it, Lo'ak." You shoved him away, leaving him toppling over Kiri as she yelped in annoyance. You watched as Kiri scolds the poor boy from disturbing her time with Tuktirey, while the boy desperately tried to defend himself.

"New friend?" Your mother perked up, catching your attention. You only hummed as an agreement to her words, and she looked at you suspiciously.

"He's a friend, mama." You whined, leaning against her as she slightly grins at your words. "You remind me a lot about myself when i was just eighteen.. and that was when i met your father." She striked back, looking down at you as you continued to let out embarrassed noises.

"Don't." You pouted, looking at her with upset puppy eyes.

"I also used to hate your father." She continued, leaving you to deal with her torture. Your father from the side only shake his head, displeased by the scene as Lo'ak beside him was also agreeing this his father's distaste.

"My spirit sister, and her baby have been murdered by the sky people!" You watched as Ronal yell out the death of her spirit sister with glistening eyes, a hand coming to your mouth.

Neteyam keeps you close to him as he looked around the area, seeing the metkayina clan lift up their spears while they let out yelps of fierce cries.

"This war has come to us. We knew about this hunting of our tulkun people, but it was over the horizon, far away." The Olo'eyktan thumps his spear on the ground, "Now, it is here!" He fiercely announced.

The clan let's out vicious growls as they did the pukana. Your heart beats against your chest at the words of the Olo'eyktan. You have seen what those demons can do, as they have set your clans entire home on fire, you can vividly remember the memory as it was engraved into your brain ever since.

"You've gotta understand how the sky people think!," your father immediately steps in, catching the rest of the clans attention, as well as yours. "They don't care about the great balance."

A Metkayina man let's out an outraged yell, but you were too focused on your father to properly understand what he said.

"Listen— listen to him!" Neteyam grits out, his brows furrowed.

"The sky people are not gonna stop," Your father puts his hands up slightly, looking eyes wide at the Olo'eyktan and Tsahìk in front of him. "This is only the beginning. You gotta tell your Tulkun's to leave!" He points at the ocean, "You gotta tell them to go far away!"

The Tsahìk looks at him furiously. "Leave?," She starts, "You live among us, and you learned nothing!" She huffed. Your ears twitched at her words, and you hear another Metkayina man yell out.

"We will fight to protect our brothers and sisters!" He voiced out, raising his spear as he thumbs a fist on his chest. "No, no, no! If you attack. If you fight. Then they will destroy you!" Your father intervened.

"They will destroy everything that you love!"

The clan let's out yelps of cries at his words, fueling the fierce fire in them even farther. Your ears silenced the sound around you as your eyes scanned the people surrounding you. It was horrible to see that this fight has reached the people who didn't have anything to do with it, and now someone has to suffer because of the humans actions.

You truly felt devastated for the outcomes. You wished this wasn't what your father's intentions would result. You wished that those demons would just leave your precious pandora alone. You thought your family would be safe here, away from the forest.

But no. Those demons always have a way to come crawling right back.

You were snapped out of your thoughts when you felt the device used on the Tulkun leave your hand. You snapped your attention back to the scene, watching as your father now stood at the center, the device being raised up high. The crowd was silenced by his actions, watching as he spun it around to let everyone see.

"You tell the Tulkun's, that of they're hit by one of these, they are marked for death." He sighed. "Saving their lives, that's all that matters. Right?" His voice slightly breaks, and you see Tsireya slowly and slight nod at your father's words.

"Saving your family." He rasps. The clan stays silent as they thought at your father's words. The Olo'eyktan turns around to face his mate, Ronal. She breathes in deeply, holding her mate's arm with both her hands as he stands up to where your father stood.

"Tell the Tulkun." He states. Ronal sighs, looking at the clan. "Go. Go!" She rushes them.

You watched as Neteyam was distracted by something, but then he immediately leaves your side. Your hand slipped off his hold as he walked away, catching you off guard. "Neteyam—?" You follow him.

Your eyes moved in front of him, and you see as Lo'ak was running away. Finally catching up to what your brother was doing, you stayed silent and decided to follow him.

Lo'ak does a double take as he catches the sight of Neteyam, but then was even more caught off guard when you showed yourself from behind the tall boy. "No way you're going anywhere, baby brother." Neteyam calls out, walking towards the boy.

"I have to warn Payakan about the pingers(?)"

Neteyam waves a hand, gesturing it as a way of refusing. "No. You've got to keep your skxawng ass here." Neteyam responds.

"He's outcast, there's no other way to warn him but me." Lo'ak stands his point, really wanting to warn his bonded Tulkun. Neteyam was now looming over the younger boy, obviously also gonna talk about more.

"Bro," he placed a hand on top of Lo'ak's head before continuing, "Why do you have to make things so hard?" He slightly teased. Lo'ak shoved the boys hand away, triggered by his words.

You stood slightly behind Neteyam as you silently watched the scene, but your attention was on the stubborn young boy.

"No," here he goes. "You mean why can't I be the perfect son like you." Lo'ak spat back. Neteyam pursed his lips, his ears twitching as he nods his head, slightly stepping away. You glared as Lo'ak as the words came out of his mouth.

"Lo'ak!"

Your hiss fell on to deaf ears as he continued to speak of your brother. "Well I'm not you! Okay?" Lo'ak steps back as Neteyam nears him as the words escaped his mouth. Neteyam glared at his brother, "I'm not you. He's my brother, I'm going." He says one last time before taking his leave.

You glanced at Neteyam, feeling slightly guilty for your brother as you couldn't do anything to stop Lo'ak. Even though his words weren't directed at you, you felt awful for the way he treats his older brother.

At the corner of your eye, you see three individuals nearing you and your two brothers. You see Tsireya call out for your brother, hoisting herself up onto the woven mats. Lo'ak pulls his hand away from Neteyam's hold, glancing at the three who've just arrived before he dives into the water.

"Lo'ak! Fucking idiot—" You cussed out, srunching your nose as you tucked for your Ilu, whistling as you see her swim under the woven material. As you see her reveal herself, you dived down into the water, holding the handle as you heard more splashing from behind you.

Your Ilu swims out of the water as you tried to steady your breathing, and you see Kiri at the corner of your eye. "Sister!" Tuktirey exclaimed from behind Kiri. Your harshly flicked your hair off your cheek as it was stuck, glancing behind you as you saw Neteyam.

"Lo'ak's going to find Payakan." He says before diving back down, inhaling sharply. You glanced at Kiri unsurely, but before you went back down you looked at Tuktirey. "Don't bring Tuk."

You didn't hear her respond as you already dove into the water, following close to Neteyam as he was the one to see where Lo'ak was going.

You watched as Lo'ak tried to pull out the beeping device from a short distance, your older brother jumping onto the Tulkun's back as he tried to help. You fidgeted as you watched a boat nearing your group and the Tulkun, your breathing turning ragged as you were nervous of what's going to happen.

"Hurry, you two!" You hissed nervously, jumping onto the Tulkun's back as well to help. "Don't move it around like that! Pull it out, dont—" You let out an annoyed groan as Lo'ak stopped attempting to pull the beeping device.

"Lo'ak, call dad. Call dad!" Neteyam rushed the boy. Lo'ak nods his head, rushing further up Payakan's back as he pressed on the throat comms around his neck. You pressed on your the earpiece, looking at Lo'ak as you listened into their conversation.

Your eyes wandered at the boat. You tail wraps itself around your leg as you bit your lip. You watched as Ao'nung wraps a rope around the device, watching your brother as he was wrapping the other end around his ilu. The Ilu starts swimming forward, and you crouched down at the device, holding it roughly.

"Together! Pull it together at the count of three!" You yelled to catch their attention. They all nod at you, gripping the device tightly with their hands as Tsireya used her feet. "One, two, three, pull—!"

Rotxo let's out a rough yell as you grunted, bumping into Ao'nung as the device was finally pulled out. You swim to your Ilu, gesturing at her to follow the rest of the group as you were behind them.

You all settled into the tall, thick leaves of the waters, looking up at the boats above the water. Your eyes catches the sight of submarines in the water, and you turned at the group, signing then to swim off.

You tightly held on your Ilu's handle, trying to avoid the submarines gaining on your tails. You raised your arm in front of your face as the leaves start hitting your body, looking in front of you. Swiftly turning your Ilu to avoid the crab submarine that was in front of your group, barely dodging the robotic arm reaching at your Ilu.

Ditching your Ilu, you weakly attempted to stray away the crab that was chasing you, hiding into one of the big leaves until your reached a large pod that had a pocket for you to breath into. You hear another splash behind you, making you turn as you saw Ao'nung.

Letting out a breath of relief, you outstretched an arm at his cheek as you tried to steady your breathing. "Are you alright?" You questioned. The boy only nods, gulping water that went into his mouth at your actions.

You both tried to catch your breath in silence as you observed the lights around you, raising your legs up in case they could see it from underwater.

"Your sister— Tuktirey, Lo'ak, and Tsireya was captured." Ao'nung speaks up after catching his breath. Your ears twitched at his words, snapping your attention at him. "Where are they?"

He only shrugged at your question, and you let out a frustrated sound. You looked down in the water, and as if Ao'nung read your mind, he tried to intervene.

"Don't go."

"They're my siblings, Ao'nung. I have to fight." He shakes his head at your words, practically glaring at you for wanting to save your siblings. "Don't step in for the adults. It's dangerous for you out there." He grits out, grasping your forearm as he noticed you hesitantly trying to leave.

You bit your lip, looking away. "Ao'nung.." You desperately called his name. You wanted to save your siblings, and as well as his sister. You were raised and trained to be a fighter after all, but thise fight was far different than what you were trained for.

"Stay with me. please." He pleads.

You clenched your jaw, but nods at his pleas. "But first, we hunt for those damn crabs." You pointed a finger at him, and he holds a hand up, "Alright."

You tucced for your Ilu once again as Ao'nung does the same. You both count at the same time before disappearing into the water, holding eachothers hands as you did so. You swim towards your Ilu, grasping at her handle as your other hand made the bond. You signed at Ao'nung to follow you, and he obediently does so.

You both wove your ways through the large kelps. After a few minutes, you found your way out of the water kelped forest, and saw Kiri as well as Rotxo. The sight of a human coming out of the submarine catches your attention, and you grit your teeth as you began swimming towards it at full speed.

The teeth of your Ilu wrapped around the man's head, dragging him out of the submarine as you can faintly hear him scream into the water before he gets brutally crushed. The other man who was trying to get out of the water gets choked by the tentacles of the water flora, and you awed at the sight Kiri had made.

The glowing spots on her face dims, and you gestured her to come over. She swims over at you, holding tightly around your waist as you followed Ao'nung and Rotxo away from the bloodied scene you created, going up at the surface.

And then Kiri got taken away right after you all reached the surface. Just perfect.

© aokoaoi.