CNAOCNAIFNA I SAW YOUR OLD BLOG WAS DEACTIVATED AND I WAS SO SAD :(( IM SO GLAD TO SEE THAT YOURE DOING

CNAOCNAIFNA I SAW YOUR OLD BLOG WAS DEACTIVATED AND I WAS SO SAD :(( IM SO GLAD TO SEE THAT YOURE DOING WELL

yeah 😭😭😭 i was planning on moving accounts since ive been very ia there but i accidentally deleted it like an idiot 😭😭 but hello im glad you still managed to find me :))

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chapter 2 — hang on for deer life!

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“and cut! good job everyone.” the staff clapped and cheered. some were huddled around the director while the others were running around handing the actors towels and bottles of cold water.

“good job, libra.” snapping out of your daze, you look back to see azrail smiling at you while holding up a bottle of water. you return his smile with one of your own and chug the entire thing down in one go. “thanks, you as well!” the white haired man just grinned at you, throwing his arms over your shoulder and pressing you to his sweaty side in a side hug. you only laugh and shake your head as you allow the taller male to chat your ear off and lead you to the dressing rooms.

by the time you reached your respective rooms, azrail bid you goodbye and entered his own. sighing the moment you fell face first into the small couch that could barely fit you, a familiar chuckle echoed in the room making you lift your head.

“sera.”

“[name].”

and then there was silence. not that you minded, in fact, sera’s quiet ambience was a breath of fresh air compared to that of azrail’s and adam’s chaotic and loud one.

“how was filming?” sera asked, peeking at you from her vanity mirror.

you stayed quiet for a while before answering her. “it was alright. i think i could’ve done better.” and you meant it, but you didn’t feel the need to elaborate further when sera hummed. the two of you stayed in comfortable silence for a while more before you heard her shuffle out of her seat and tap on your shoulder. “it would be for the best if you got out of your costume and into something more comfortable.” you only nod and pull yourself up from your position to change.

by the time you finished changing into something more comfortable – a black turtleneck layered by a grayish polo, some black slacks and a pair of shoes – you sling your work bag over your shoulder and jog up to everyone who greeted you with happy and teasing smiles. you raise a curious brow but decide to shrug it off.

“you did amazing today [name]!” emily said excitedly. even without her costume, you could imagine the three pair of wings behind her back fluttering with her enthusiasm. you chuckle and pat her on the head, “thank you emily. i’m looking forward to working with you on next week’s episode.” you try your best to match her fervor but fall a bit short, she didn’t seem to notice so you let it be.

“why the frown?” a voice from behind you asked. your lips twitched upwards before letting out a sigh as a heavy arm came to rest on your shoulders again. “i’m not frowning.” you say which was met with a click of a tongue from beside you. “yeah, not now.”

you and azrail walked to the cafe your little crew had planned to go to in silence. his arm still slung over your shoulders – not that you mind, it had become a trademark of his that you ended up being fond of. 

“remember,” sera said, stopping in front of your crew and looking rather sternly at azrail and adam who only looked away – the former scratching his cheek while the latter tried to whistle. the older woman only shakes her head with a sigh, “try to keep your… loudness, to a minimum. we’re in a public place and we don’t want to disturb the other customers.”

everyone let out a yes before stating all their orders. sera would have a simple hot coffee, lute wanted the opposite and ordered a cup of iced coffee, adam and emily ordered a chocolate frappuccino, azrail ordered a vanilla latte while you ordered an iced caramel brew.

after noting everyone’s drinks, you and the others started walking around the building to try and find an empty table that could fit all of you. all the while, azrail never left your side. you were about to ask him what his deal was but emily and lute waved you over to an empty table. you sat down by the window, propping one hand on the table and using it to lean your head.

“so,” you sighed again, not turning to look at azrail but instead his reflection on the window. “finally gonna tell me what’s wrong?” it seemed like everyone noticed the tension between you and your childhood friend so they got up from their seats and decided to bother sera. “az, i’m fine. there’s nothing wrong.”

“bullshit.”

azrail’s colorful language had decided to show making you snicker under your breath. you stopped yourself from laughing when you turned to him and he looked dead serious. the smile that wanted to spread across your face had dropped before it had the chance show. suddenly the early autumn air got chillier. like the person from middle school, you turned away first and hid in your turtleneck.

azrail sighed. a hand coming to mess up his white hair that lute had graciously tied up for him. “sorry. that was, a bit out of line of me.” you shook your head, still holding the fabric of your shirt over your mouth so your reply came out a bit muffled. “it’s ok. i know you’re just worried. its just–” you sew your mouth shut before another word tumbled out by accident. you didn’t trust yourself enough to not get emotional in a public space.

“i could’ve done so much better today…”

but sometimes the stitches you sew across your mouth came loose in his presence.

when sera came over and set everyone’s drinks on the table, azrail got up from his seat, took your drink and his in his hands and gestured to you to get up. taking the cup of coffee from his hands, you gave everyone a polite smile, “we’re going out for a little walk, we’ll be back.” emily looked a little disappointed that you’ll be leaving but she gave you a thumbs up and waved at the two of you as you exit the building.

letting out the breath that you were holding, you follow azrail in his steps, leading to nowhere in particular.

“i have a feeling we’ll be in the studio for a while in the next episode.” you chuckle, when azrail remained quiet you took it as a cue to continue. “i’m really glad i landed this role, i really do! it’s just… libra is such a hard character to play.” taking a sip from your drink, you slightly regret not ordering a hot drink. “you saw how i struggled today with the meeting scene and the one where we had a confrontation. i couldn’t mirror the frustration libra had in the script, god, don’t even get me started when they start to get angry. just imagining myself trying to play that scene in my head makes me want to wilt away.” 

“their character is… amazing.” you say wistfully, remembering the first day you held your script and read over your lines. “a cool-headed and logical person who also has a childish side. they obviously know something about the angels but always abides by their rules. oh! and don’t get me started on what they're hiding in that little office of theirs.” you chuckle, anticipation starting to bubble in your stomach for the next episode. “libra is amazing, and i don’t want to ruin their character.”

“you know you’re really stupid.”

“thanks for pointing out the obvious jackass.”

“well, at least you’re aware of your stupidity.”

“the temperatures are dropping, don’t make me spill my drink on you.”

the two of you playfully glare at each other before laughing. 

“you’re amazing too, [name].” he says with a bright smile on his face. “they casted you for a reason. you know i suck at comforting people but,” he planted his hand over your head and ruffled your hair making you let out a loud protest. “i know you’ll make it big in this industry. try to have a little more faith in yourself.”

after escaping from his hold, you hit him on the shoulder with a chuckle. “thanks asshole.” he only grinned and started walking back to the cafe. “don’t mention it bozo.”

the two of you had walked a fair distance so it will take a few minutes before you can enjoy the cafe’s heater again. pulling out your phone, you start scrolling through social media – switching between twitter and instagram – and smiling whenever you see a post about the theories surrounding your character. though, along the way, you came across a trending tag.

“what in the seraphim’s names is radioscales?” you ask genuinely, eyes filled with confusion as azrail just laughed at your side. he’s been telling you how much you’ve been embracing your role as ‘libra’ that you’ve adopted their way of speech. rolling your eyes in mild-annoyance, you elbow the man beside you, nearly making him lose his hold on the coffee cup in his hand.

“that’s your ship name with alastor, dear. ” az replied while you rolled your eyes for the second time at his emphasis on the nickname. he slung his free arm over your shoulders as he peeked over your phone. each time you scrolled, a picture of you and alastor laughing whilst sitting beside each other on that interview invaded your entire feed.

“drop the sweet pet names, they don’t suit you.”

“oh but you wouldn't mind if alastor said it?”

“it fits his character.” you say with a shrug. actively ignoring the grin making its ways on his lips.

“you two look cute.”

“thanks, i know.”

“why thank you!”

the two of you stop in your tracks and slowly turn around. there standing in all his glory was alastor himself. he wore a gray shirt with beige pants and his black shoes; a dark brown trench coat hang around his frame giving him a more taller and intimidating image. he still wore the same smile he always has and his glasses sat snuggly on the bridge of his nose. he’s what you’d call, in your books, a pretty boy in autumn clothing.

in the blink of an eye, he was now peeking over your and azrail’s shoulders and onto your phone. “i’m glad i’m not the only one who was shocked by such a tag!” he pointed his finger on your screen and clicked on the trending tag on twitter that was “#RADIOSCALES”. you chuckle lightly, “well, your fans are pretty delusional.” azrail nearly spat out his drink while you recoiled away from him.

“gross.”

“oh shut up. you caught me off guard.”

you tilt your head to the side, “with what? the alastor’s fans are delusional? am i wrong though?” you ask with a smirk while azrail only nods. you turn to look at alastor for confirmation. when he only gave you a close-eyed smile while fixing his glasses, you got your answer.

you snort rather ungraciously but you didn’t dwell on it too much and started walking. 

“so, my dear.” alastor said at your side, his arms folded behind his back. “will you finally take me up on my offer last week?” you catch a glimpse of azrail speed walking away from you and the radio host so taking a hold of his jacket you tug at him. you give alastor an apologetic smile, “i’m sorry alastor, but i’m with sera and the others today.”

“well that’s no problem for me my dear!” he exclaimed, “i’m quite the people person you know? i’ll worm my way into your little crew’s hearts in no time, yes indeed!”

“i don’t doubt you on that alastor, but…”

───── ✦ ─────

“WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS EDGE LORD DOING HERE?!”

this was what you were afraid of. 

tugging alastor by his coat away from adam, you try to put some distance between the two but alastor wouldn’t be the character everyone fell in love with if he didn’t add fuel to the fire.

“i’m here to ask our dear judge on a date of course!” 

“huh?”

the sounds of gasps, adam's cursing, and emily and azrail's giddy giggles filled your ears.

your world started to spin when alastor suddenly held your wrist, twirled you away from adam’s lunging attack and tugged you at his side – using your head as an armrest as well. 

“a date?” you look up curiously at the brown haired man, tugging his arm down from your head. “why of course! my little rag-tag team had given me the gracious idea, so props to them.” 

you had a feeling that you’re schedule for this week will be very hectic. 

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🍿 lights, camera, action .ᐟ

chapter 3 — drinkin' time

— prev | masterlist | next

“you guys… is this really necessary?” you ask in amusement as emily and azrail went back and forth from your closet to your full body mirror. 

“i mean,” another article of clothing was thrown into your lap. “it’s just a friendly date. i don’t understand why you’re making such a big deal out of it.” the two actors stared at you before pulling you by the arm and shoving you in the bathroom.

“[name], my dear.” azrail said. 

“do not call me ‘my dear’.” you quip back. sighing as you began to undress and change into whatever the two had picked out for you.

“yeah, okay whatever.” you heard the roll of his eyes making you chuckle. “but it is a big deal. first impressions are important!”

“i think you’re forgetting that this isn’t our first meeting.”

“even so!” emily replied, “there’s no harm in dressing to impress, right?”

you could only assume that emily turned to adam, he was dragged by the two into your apartment at precisely 9 am in the morning, so it was safe to assume he wasn’t in the greatest of moods. 

“there isn’t really anything wrong.” you say while pulling up your pants. “but come on,” pulling the red knitted sweater over your head, you try to fix your messy hair. “did you really expect me to wear a dress for today?”

“but you said you liked wearing dresses.”

“emmie, we’re going out for coffee not an award show.”

pulling the bathroom door open, you didn’t even get the chance to breathe as emily pulled you over to your vanity and sat you down. she already had a brush in her hands and started taking out the knots in your hair. 

“can’t lie to you though, judge,” you peeked at adam who was graciously laying down on your bed, “you look nice.” he said with a smirk on his face. you rolled your eyes at him and started doing your skin prep for makeup.

“what can i say,” azrail propped his arm over your head. “our [name] pulls anything off.”

“that’s an overstatement.” you say while patting down your face with some foundation and concealer. “i never would've worn red if you hadn’t crashed my apartment at 9 in the morning.”’

the white haired man let out a laugh. his deft fingers took a handful of your hair and started braiding it; emily doing the same on the other side. you lightly shook your head with a smile, emily scolded you for moving too much, relishing in this domestic bliss inside your own little home in new york city.

when the two finished tying your hair up in a ponytail with two braids, you stood up and took your purse; the other three followed you out the door. you let them chat with one another as you put on a pair of shoes and study yourself in the little mirror in your doorway. 

a natural makeup look with your hair up – a few baby hairs escaping making it look more casual, a red knitted sweater with the front tucked into the light beige pants that you wore. a pair of gold earrings dangled in front of you, when you turned to the side you were met with azrail’s grin. shaking your head you held out the purse for him to hold while you put on the pair of jewelry. 

“alright everyone, out!” you say while ushering everyone out of your apartment. you took your purse from azrail, locked the door, and started walking to your designated meeting spot with the radio demon.

“good luck [name]! be sure to enjoy yourself!”

───── ✦ ─────

“hey there! hope you weren’t waiting for too long.”

the tall man with glasses looked up from his phone and flashed you a smile.

“not at all my dear! i just got here myself.” you return his smile as the both of you made your way to the entrance. “after you.” alastor said, pushing the door open for you with his arm. you let out a chuckle and breathy thank you as your eyes soaked in the cozy cafe.

“quite the hidden gem this place is, if i do say so myself.” he boasted tugging at his coat’s collar. “how about we take a seat first before we chat?” you nod in agreement and scanned the cafe for any vacant seats. your eyes brightened when the waiter in one of the corners left after cleaning a table for two. 

you tug at alastor’s sleeve and gestured to the free seats. he grinned down at you – yes, down, this man was stupidly tall – and started walking towards the table.

“this cafe is famous for their very adventurous drinks.” he said while you sat down. “i’m not a fan of sweet drinks myself, but their lattes are quite the treat after a hard day at work!”

you mutter a small thank you at the waiter that gave you two the menu. you hum in consideration, thinking of taking up alastor’s offer at something sweet.

“a tempting offer,” you say. “but i think i’ll just get a simple hot brew. i’m not feeling quite adventurous today.”

“shame.” alastor hummed. “it seems like i’ll have to take you here when you’re feeling adventurous!”

letting out a breathy chuckle, you set the menu down and stared at the man in front of you. he cleaned up nice, you thought. alastor wore a simple white shirt layered with a burgundy sweater, dark brown slack, and a dark coat that matched his eyes. you can’t help but wonder if emily and azrail purposely make you wear red so you and alastor could match.

“do you come here often?” you start. the man across from you set down his own menu, meeting your gaze as he replied, “of course! i saw dear charlie and vaggie often coming here so i decided to see what it was all about.”

“so you crashed their date site?” you say with a playful smile.

he let out a dramatic sigh, “how it pains me that you think of me that way! just so you know, my dear, i would never dream of crashing their little dates. i simply wanted a cup of coffee and this little cafe just happen to serve my new favorite.”

“oh? i didn’t think you were a coffee person.”

“did you perhaps assume i was a tea person?”

you only nod, fighting the urge to let out a laugh as alastor’s face twisted into a grimace.

he sighs, “a common misconception about me i must say. i still don’t understand how some people drink…” he pauses for a moment, thinking of a way to describe tea. “leaf flavored beverages…”

“well if it makes you feel better, i’m not a fan of tea myself.” you say with a chuckle. “i only drink it as a last resort if there’s no longer any coffee at home.”

“i’m glad we can both agree on this, my dear!”

you chuckle again as a waiter comes to ask for your orders. an americano for you and black coffee for alastor.

“though i must say, i’m a bit surprised you didn’t know of this place sooner my dear.”

“it's probably because i don’t go to cafes often.” you saw alastor tilt his head slightly to the side so you continued. “i make coffee at home with the others.”

“home brewed coffee, that certainly explains it.” he said while putting his chin in between his thumb and index finger and then he grins. “well, i have a feeling that after today you’ll be coming here more often!” he proclaimed.

“we’ll have to see.” you quip back.

you didn’t have to wait long for your drinks to arrive. alastor watched as you picked up your cup and put it to your lips, he was waiting for your reaction.

“well,” putting your cup down, you smile at alastor. “it tastes like coffee.”

his smile twitched and you let out a breathy laugh. 

“i like it, don’t worry.” you assure him. “americanos all taste the same so i’ll just tell you my thoughts when i order the latte you were talking about.”

“well you caught me there, i admit.” he said while taking a sip of his own coffee. “i myself don’t come here for the coffee – though i do enjoy it – it's mostly because of the atmosphere.”

“that i can see.” picking up your glass again and cradle it in your hands, letting the warmth of your drink seep into your hands. “you look relaxed. at home, dare i say.” alastor looked a bit shocked at what you said. his smile loosening up a bit but you didn’t comment on it.

comfortable silence rolled into your table, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence. the two of you simply basked in the presence of one another and relished in the peaceful moment.

“i saw your performance the other day.” he suddenly said. your senses spiked, hands starting to sweat and muscles began to tense. “did you now.” you said, trying to act as casual as possible. your mind running a thousand miles a second trying to digest your own performances these last two weeks. 

was your acting not good enough? did he see a loophole in acting? maybe you should’ve been more angry in the last episode. what if he–

“amazing work if i do say so myself!” he complimented.

the weight on your shoulders started to dissolve as your heart finally started to calm down.

“thank you.” was all you could say with a smile. 

the bad habit of thinking of the worst had gotten to you again, but who wouldn’t think that when a famous and very talented actor was sitting across from you! 

you had to admit, you felt rather small and scared if alastor were to scrutinize your own work.

“say,” you snapped out of your thoughts when he spoke. “would you like to go on a walk with me?”

and go out for a walk the two of you did. the leaves of trees were bleeding into orange and red hues. some of them falling to the ground, making piles and piles of little heaps for children and teenagers alike to jump on. the streets were busy, packed with people dressed in scarves and coats, and some of the shops had already started to bring out the christmas decorations.

the two of you glided from one conversation to another, like two leaves swaying with the wind. each taking turns into sharing your own experiences and getting more comfortable with one another. you spoke of your fondness for autumn, how you’re hometown didn’t have the four seasons so you savored the fall and the snow; while he spoke of all the cafes he’s been to, pointing out the ones that were his personal favorites and the others he wouldn’t recommend going to.

you spoke of books, literature, and arts, and alastor soaked it all in like a sponge. “well color me surprised! i never expected you to be a fan of arts.” he had said, making you laugh. “who wouldn’t enjoy a good book and a museum trip every once in a while.” you replied.

and then the two of you stopped by a nearby park bench, overlooking a lake with floating orange and red leaves. the cold swept away your hair, internally thanking azrail and emily for putting your hair up, as you soaked in the scenery.

“so, tell me, my dear, what made you pursue an acting career?” he had asked. you were around 90% sure your little conversations were done, but you guessed wrong.

“from the very beginning, when i was a simple, scrawny little lad, i had been drawn to the magic of the theaters. the beautiful stage that bursted with life with every line the actors delivered. what a performance!” alastor remarked. “so, what about you my dear? what winds from your hometown lead you here, in new york, to pursue acting?”

“being an actor wasn’t my first option for a career. i wanted to be a lawyer, actually.”

“well would you look at that! even as an actor, you still get to be a lawyer with your current role.” he laughed with a big smile on his face. it truly was hard trying to keep a straight face with him around.

“i know right!” you chuckle. “but like you, from a very young age, i’ve been enchanted by the stories in the books my mother and father would give me. it became a very big part of my life growing up. my own little escape to different worlds. acting and living out thousands of different lives in my head.”

“acting and living out a thousand lives…” alastor looked at you straight in the eyes. “how very poetic of you, my dear. it suits you.”

he tilted his head up, chin once again in between his thumb and index finger. in this position, he showed off his sharp jawline and flawless side profile, you can’t help but think that he was showing off.

“theaters and stories are closely intertwined, no? like a dance of emotions on the stage and in pages. the bridge between story and audience.” 

you smile when he turned his head to grin at you. 

“i’m not a very good dancer myself, i think i might have two left feet!” you jest.

“i’d beg to differ.” he said. “i think you’re quite the dancer my dear! you play an aloof character with a mysterious past; someone who abides by the rules but obviously questions them. dancing around the line of rebellion and being duty bound. no dancer could ever expect to dance the way you do on that stage.”

you were left speechless. toeing around the lines of sincerity and acting, you couldn’t help but wonder what was going through alastor’s mind, so you simply looked down at your second cup of coffee and raised it to the air.

“to the dance between theater and stories.”

alastor smiled, raised his own cup and clinked it with his own.

“to the dance we dance together on the stage.”

you bid alastor farewell when you reached your dressing room. after receiving an urgent message from emily and sera, you had to cut your date short, but not without a promise for another.

pushing the door open, you were met with emily running around the room, dragging everyone by the arm and sitting them down at the tiny sofa in the middle. a plastic cup was handed to you by a pale hand, her light violet eyes giving you a sense of comfort. bringing up the cup to your nose and taking a precautionary sniff, your eyes widen when you realize what it is.

“soju?”

“we wanted whiskey, but we had to make do with what we already have.” azrail said. “come on, everyone’s dying to know who the nominees are.” you return his excited grin and follow him to sit down with everyone else. turning back to lilith, she shook her head and stayed where she was so you muttered a soft thank you before sitting down.

the tension and excitement filled the room to the brim as sera stood at the front. her hands holding on to a pristine white envelope with a golden seal. the room slowly fell silent as sera cleared her throat.

“good evening everyone. it is my pleasure to announce the moment you’ve all been waiting for. but first.” everyone groaned and adam stood up from his seat. “hurry it up manager!” everyone laughed as lute tugged the man down and shushed him. “as i was saying, i am very proud of each and everyone of you. your hard work and dedication truly has been recognized, and this envelope here is the proof of it.”

“and the nominees for the best actor and actress awards from hazbin hotel are…”  everyone waited with bated breath as sera’s eyes glazed over everyone that’s been on the edge of their seat.

“azrail!” the man let out a loud scream and pumped his fist in the air. “emily!” the girl’s eyes shone and hugged the nearest person — lute. “pensious!” the snake man let out a laugh, both his hands secured on his hips before pointing a finger at adam who only looked away. “lilith!” you clapped your hands as azrail whistled, the older woman only smiled and nodded. “and last but not least, [name]!”

“congratulations to you all! no words could ever explain how proud i am, so tonight,” sera raised her cup, her eyes scanning everyone in the room with a smile. “we celebrate to our hearts content!”

everyone cheered and hugged. you were dragged to azrail’s side who slowly crushed you in a side hug. adam got up on the couch, his cup raised up his in the room as everyone followed.

“to being the best fucking actors and actresses the world has ever seen!”

“cheers!”

today will be marked as one of the most enjoyable days of your life.

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— a reason. ft aventurine

— warnings: slight cursing and violence and spoilers for the new hsr quest

— author's note: this is very long and very much a giant word vomit. first work in hsr is aventurine, i fear favoritism is real.

‘everything happens for a reason.’

aventurine has never felt so sick and tired of that phrase. something about it makes his fists clench from beneath the table and stomach flip and twist uncomfortably from within.

if everything happens for a reason, then what was the reason behind his clan’s massacre? what was the reason for the stirring in his guts whenever he looked in the mirror? what was the reason behind all of his fortune now turned to misfortune?

aventurine hated not knowing the reason.

“and this pretty thing,” jade motioned towards you by her side. standing motionless, back straight and all. “is [name]. be sure to play nice, aventurine.”

what was the reason behind your new recruitment? better yet, why were you placed as his new assistant? the last time aventurine checked, he was doing perfectly fine. steadily climbing up his rank with his risky gambles and bargaining skills. he couldn't wrap his head around it so he just sighed and accepted it.

“thank you for always looking after me, jade.” his voice carried evident sarcasm but the woman only smiled and pushed you towards his direction. he had to physically stop himself from recoiling from the action and gave you a smile.

“it's a pleasure to meet you, [name].” he held his hand out for you to take. you were hesitating, aventurine noticed. but after a few seconds you slowly slid your hand into his and gave it a firm shake. “the pleasure is all mine, mr. aventurine.”

the blonde man held onto your hand for a moment longer before slipping it away and tucking it behind his back. he surveyed your form making you want to squirm under such a gaze, and he noticed.

“let's be good friends.”

—

working with aventurine was strange, not that you didn't expect it. you spent the past six months running around the IPC from one office to another carrying mountains of papers and constantly picking up calls from the communication device in your ear. other times, you'll be out and about trailing aventurine like a lost duckling when you need to accompany him to missions that require him to be physically present.

honestly, working for the stoneheart will eventually give you an early death from a heart attack. not only is his risky gambling habits very concerning, his way of speaking wasn't exactly everyone's cup of tea. more often than not you’re needed to play as a peacemaker, the middle ground of negotiations to prevent any physical fights from starting.

but it wasn't as bad as you'd assume. you clock in around 9 in the morning and clock out at 5 in the afternoon. sometimes if certain tasks require you for overtime, you'll clock out at around 8 or 9 at night max. all the work aventurine assigns to you aren't all that difficult to handle as well. just simple reports that need to be proofread so he won't have to read over them multiple times, scheduling interviews, picking up calls and informing him of his new missions, and if the situation calls for it, you play as a spy to gather information.

overall aventurine was a good boss.

today was like any other tuesday morning. you clock in just before 9, get your coffee and another cup for your boss, pick up the last reports from the strategic investment department, and then make your way into aventurine’s office to brief him on his schedule.

his office was on the fancier ends, no surprise there as he was one of the ten stonehearts. your shoes clicking when they met the marbled floors, your eyes skimmed through the reports, trying to guess which proposal will be approved or disapproved. when you reached a familiar door, you fixed your hair and readjusted the insignia pinned to your vest. an aventurine stone, just like your boss.

you knock thrice -short, short and long- before you hear a muffled voice tell you to come in.

“good morning, mr. aventurine.” you greet with a slight bow as normal. “as punctual as ever, [name].” raising your head you nod towards topaz’s direction in acknowledgment before making your way to his desk. “here are all the reports from the last mission. i’ve read through all of them and made sure everything is in order.” placing the papers on the table, he dropped the ones in his current hand before taking the new ones, all the while, you place down his coffee which he gladly took.

“you aren't overworking them, have you, aventurine?” topaz inquired, crossing both her arms over her chest. “what kind of boss do you take me for friend? a bad one? i can assure you my assistant is in good hands.” the blonde man chipped in, his fingers flipping from one page to another as you busied yourself trying to organize the scattered reports on his table. feeling topaz's gaze, you give her a slight smile and nod, confirming that aventurine is in fact, was a good boss.

she just sighed and shook her head. motioning for you to come over, you look to aventurine who gave you a nod in turn. you walked towards topaz -feeling the searing stare of aventurine burn through the back of your head- as she took out a flash drive and handed it to you.

“this is the recording of the last meeting in regards to the mission you're tasked with. since you were still in pier port, we started without you.”

“how cruel of you, to start such an important meeting without even waiting for me.”

ah yes, the pier port incident. you smiled wearily as your shoulder slumped when you remembered what happened. you shake your head in amusement of the memory.

“thank you topaz,” you break the silence, like you always do. “i’ll be sure to look over it today.” she smiled at you in appreciation before turning her back on you and waving goodbye.

“well, that was all i came for. catch you two later.”

once the door clicked shut and the sounds of footsteps getting fainter and fainter, you took it as a sign to turn back to your boss who was already looking at you.

“is something the matter, sir?” you ask. he took off his glasses with a hum and turned his attention back to the papers he was reading. “be sure to give me a summarized report of the meeting before you go home.” you nod and take a seat on the couch in his office and boot up the laptop on the coffee table. you've always wondered when it suddenly appeared in his office, you were 98% sure it wasn't there when you first started working but aventurine always said that's it been there the entire time.

you shake the thought out of your mind and shift into work mode. hours seem to pass by in the blink of an eye before you heard aventurine call out to you. “i’m sorry mr. aventurine, i'm afraid i didn't hear you.” you heard him sigh and repeat his question. “i said, why did you join the IPC? actually, no, that's not what i want to know.”

when you looked up from the laptop in front of you, your boss had taken a seat across from you. you felt your heart thumping in nervousness.

“what exactly did you do to pique jade’s interest?”

frozen. you felt frozen on your spot. fingers stopping midway from pressing onto the keys. those beautiful eyes you've slowly grown accustomed to seeing unfiltered from his glasses, they make your heart and pulse beat in an unfamiliar rhythm.

“i come from a well-off family.” you start, suddenly feeling conscious of your background. “my parents have worked closely with the stonehearts, i suppose miss jade wanted to continue the diplomatic relationship between my family and the IPC.”

“is that the reason why you're here now?”

you simply nod even though you weren't so sure if that really was the reason.

“let me ask you another question.”

letting out a startled noise when the laptop in your lap suddenly close with a gloved hand sitting on top of it, you stare at aventurine's purple eyes that had rings of teal, something so uniquely him that you couldn't help but get lost in them. he took the laptop from your grasp and set it on the coffee table as he leaned both his arms on his legs.

“do you like working under me?”

the question caught you off guard and it showed with how the corner of aventurine’s mouth twitched up into a smirk. hiding behind a closed fist and clearing your throat, you pray that your voice wouldn't waver as you answer.

“i do.” you peaked towards his directions and he didn't seem satisfied with your answer so you list out all the reasons why you like working with him. “despite your… questionable habits, i’ve come to grow used to them as time goes on.” a fond smile made its way to your lips when you dug around your mind trying to find your memories that had aventurine in them, only to realize that he was in all of them.

“i’ve come to enjoy all your little shenanigans in missions.”

“i'll have you know, calling your boss’ plans “shenanigans” could lead to your bonus being cut by a few percent.” he huffed like a child as he decided to just sit back and cross his arms over his chest and raise his chin at you. you chuckle at the action and continue.

“ever since i was a child, i have always wanted to travel the cosmos. but since i’m the only child to my mother and father, my childhood, teenage years, and now adulthood is centered around business and trade. going out on missions with you to different planets, they heal that little part of me that wished to travel.”

“but sometimes, i truly believe that you want me to die from a heart attack.” you hear him snicker from under his breath as he fixes the watch on his wrist. “i know that as a gambler taking risks is just a part of it but aeons, do they scare me to death sometimes.”

“if i knew you cared about me so much, maybe i would tone it down a bit!” there was a playful undertone to his voice as he talked to you. you let out a laugh and shake your head. “no offense sir, but i sincerely doubt that.”

“you wouldn't be the boss i've grown accustomed to if you didn't do your risky gambles.”

something flickered in aventurine's eyes, you were sure of it. but before you could find out what it was he suddenly stood up, putting on his usual glasses and giving you a closed eyed smile.

“well, that was all what i wanted to ask you.” you wanted to ask something in return, but you never had the chance to even get a word out when he was already halfway out the door. “be sure to finish that summary before the day ends. leave it at my desk as usual.”

and just like that, the office door clicked shut.

—

“if i told you the reason, that'd be the same as revealing a trade secret.”

aventurine remembered jade's word. how could he not when they repeated in his mind like a broken record.

after he left his office, it felt like he suddenly went back in time. it just had been roughly a month after you were given the position as his assistant and aventurine wasted no moment at the end of that friday afternoon to dash in jade's office and ask her the question: why were you his assistant.

aventurine scoffed at jade's response while she only smiled. clicking his tongue in annoyance as the woman led him in circles when he kept asking. what was the reason? was it that hard to answer?

the next few days weren't necessarily the best. he was like a walking ticking time bomb, ready to blow up at any second. everyone in the IPC kept their distance from him -not like they didn't keep their distance to begin with, some started whispering among the hallways about his potential termination after a very big gamble he almost, almost, lost. what ticked him off the most, was you.

he felt so frustrated at you because why were you so damn perceptive. those past few days, the papers that were messily and hastily thrown on the giant table in his office were suddenly organized into neat piles, all held together with different colored paperclips and a sticky note of when each pile was due to be submitted. how every morning you wouldn't fail to knock thrice at his door -short, short and long- at exactly 3 minutes before 9 in the morning with two cups of coffee in your hands. or the times where you would take one good look at him and start lighting up the candles in his office that you started buying for him because you noticed he'd be slightly less stressed when the room didn't smell like fear and insecurity.

what he hated the most was even after his little temper tantrum the past few days began to subdue, you still continued your almost doting actions towards him.

when did he start anticipating your methodical knocks 3 minutes before 9? when did he suddenly grow disappointed whenever someone knocked on his door and it wasn't you? topaz had suddenly grown confused when he suddenly came into the meeting room with a cup of coffee in his hand and when she asked about it he would simply say, “well, my darling assistant bought it for me!”. the multiple scented candles in his office that burned too quickly so at the end of every month he'd have you go out and buy some more.

when did he start using his left hand -the hand he left bare from rings, the same hand that shook in fear of losing- to guide the small of your back away from the crowd whenever you would accompany him to missions?

when did he start taking off the glasses that hid the eyes he wanted to sell to someone else?

it was so confusing yet so simple at the same time. aventurine had grown fond of his little assistant. he has grown fond of you. and that was all there is to it. after all, why would he go out of his way to get that customized brooch that you wear every single day when you come to work if he hadn't. how his chest would swell with pride whenever you spoke with higher positioned officers in the IPC and how they would avert their gaze because of the pin on your vest.

and he knows that you know of his sudden change in demeanor. you just never say a word for his sake. how he went from being a distant and acquainted boss to a friend. an actual friend. and that was supposed to be it. he did say in your first meeting that you should be good friends, but how was he supposed to keep his words after the little stunt you pulled at pier port?

it was a simple mission, negotiate and get the upper hand, nothing more and certainly nothing less. like any other mission, he was accompanied by you and some other people under the IPC. everything was going smoothly until one of them just had to open their mouth and talk shit about his already dreadful past just because he had forgotten to put on his glasses. he truly has grown a bit too comfortable with you around, and he didn't like it.

“what's a sigonian scum like you doing in the IPC? why don't you crawl back into the hole you came from?”

he just sighed. shaking his head, hiding his left hand behind his back, shielding it away from everyone's gaze as it shook with anger, disgust, and the tantalizing question of why.

why did he have to go through this?

and then you did something out of the ordinary.

the sweet assistant of aventurine suddenly pulled out the gun situated on your hip and pointed it directly to the man’s forehead, a deathly glimmer shining in your eyes as your index threateningly ghosted over the trigger.

“if you do not take back what you said just now, i won't hesitate to put a bullet or two in that empty skull of yours.”

then you started walking, and he started backing up. you didn't stop until the man was standing on the edge of the port, one simple push and he'd be drowned in the vast icy oceans. that is, if he wasn't already drowning in the fury of your eyes.

aventurine felt his body move in instinct. his left hand holding your wrist and slowly putting it down at your side. he gave a half assed apology about your behavior and ushered you to your original destination. this time, he kept his hand on your back, specifically near the gun on your hips to make sure you didn't point it at someone else.

“do they always speak to you that way?” you ask barely above whisper. eyes strained one the road you were walking one while his bore into your very being. “i’ve grown used to it. be sure to not point that gun of yours to any potential partners, m’kay?” to prove his point, he tapped the gun on your hips with his finger and you just sighed. a simple yes stumbling past your lips before being enveloped by silence.

aventurine was sure. he was very, very, sure that was the last nail in the coffin, and the answer to the question he's been asking.

the entire day, you stuck by his side. glued to the fucking hip and no one dared to utter a single word about him. the meeting went smoothly and when everyone was preparing to go home, he called you over and said:

“that stunt you pulled earlier, stays between us, alright, friend?”

and you simply nod in understanding.

you carry your bags onto the ship to take you back home only to be taken aback when aventurine comes to steal it away from your hands. “take it as thanks for earlier.” he remembered that look of shock before it turned into something else -what it was he didn't know because you turned away before he could even fathom what of it made his stomach do flips.

even when he came to drop off your things at your personal room, he found himself lingering by the door. watching you unpack your things as he stood idly. you would eventually turn to him and ask if he needed anything more, and out of curiosity he asked: “why did you point your gun at that man?” he will never forget the look of puzzlement on your face when he asked.

“because he said something unpleasant to you. as your assistant, i can't allow others to simply trample on your name.”

he spent the night staring up at the ceiling while laying on his bed. your words mingling in with jade's in his mind, trying to fit the two like puzzle pieces to ease the racing of his heart and uneasiness of his mind. he didn't like assuming things. a conjecture such as this would cost him too much, but tonight he indulged himself in the thought.

picking up his phone and messaging jade, he laid his forearm over his eyes and sighed.

“this room smells horrible…” he muttered. the strong scent of chlorine made his mind spin. making him miss the scented candles you had slowly but surely placed inside his office. he'd grown so fond of them that he'd bought some of his own to place around his home. “ah… i think i'm screwed.”

—

it has been approximately 3 system hours since you arrived in penacony, and roughly a few system hours before aventurine's eventual demise.

topaz had just finished speaking with the trailblazer and their companions. when they had left you stood next to her and stared at the giant prison turned hotel.

“you… don't seem too worried.” topaz said, you felt her gaze but you didn't turn to look at her, instead you just gazed into nothing. “it would be a lie if i said i wasn't worried.” you were most definitely worried, terrified even. no matter how many times aventurine does his high risk gambles, you will never get used to it, not when it causes ghostly hands to squeeze at your heart at the sheer thought of him losing. the thought of losing him.

“but i trust miss jade's judgment. i trust aventurine.”

roughly a day before his departure to penacony, curiosity got the best of you and you stuck around the meeting room in secret when aventurine stayed behind.

“what can i do for you, aventurine?” jade's voice slightly echoed in the empty room. your hands slightly shook in fear of being caught, but you were just so curious about what has been going on with your boss that you couldn't fight the urge to eavesdrop a bit. “oh nothing much. i take it you received my message?” you assumed the woman nodded because aventurine continued. “i must admit, your little plan worked. but is it really necessary?”

jade stood up from her seat, her heels clicked on the marble floor and aventurine followed her until they were by the door.

“well, it's better to stay safe than sorry. and besides, this doesn't count as a complaint, right?”

you heard him chuckle. somehow, even though you hid behind a pillar you felt his stare bore into your being. you could almost imagine those purple eyes that had rings of teal in them that made you weak in the knees.

“no, not necessarily. i could never consider it as a complaint.” he took a moment before asking another question. “but i want to hear it from you, friend. why did you assign [name] as my assistant?”

“it's rather simple really,” jade replied. “you need a reason to leave penacony alive, no? i simply made it easier for you.”

you? the reason for aventurine's will to live? it seemed rather silly. how you, a simple assistant, be so much of importance to someone like aventurine, but with how topaz came to hold the hand that gripped the brooch he had given you, you thought otherwise.

this half a year you've been working with him, you like to think that you've gotten to know him very well.

how when you stood beside him as he sat himself in another gamble, he would always lay his left hand on his lap, fingers curled into fists so tight you were afraid his palms were bleeding.

how he always hid his “weaker” hand behind his back in dire situations to hide his fear.

or when he would always take off his glasses in his office whenever you were there. and that laptop you were 98% sure wasn't there when you started working? aventurine apparently got it specifically for you so you could work in his office.

but what you were most sure of was:

“aventurine doesn't make deals he knows he won't benefit from. he'll win, he always does. he'll come back, i know it.”

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the author's notes ─ art credits to @.renjianshilian0 on twt for the sunday banner, other images used for the other banners are from official mangas/art of genshin, blue lock, kaiju no. 8, tbhk, and my hero academia. as always credits to @.cafekitsune for the banners used. i currently do not take requests but please don't let that deter you from sharing your own ideas with me!! please make sure you have read my rules/byf. that's all, have a great day/night my loves!

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