Levious

Silver Gal, Leon S. Kennedy x reader

Fire Lilies, Firelord Zuko x reader

Bitter-Sweet, Nanami Kento x reader

From my Wattpad: these are trash but most of them are popular.

Reawakened, Neteyam x reader

Felicidad Anhelante, Miguel O’Hara x reader

Smooth Criminals, Boothill x reader

The Forbidden Desire, Bucky Barnes x reader

STARSTRUCK, 2hollis x reader

Nanami Kento x reader

Chapter 8: Add more sugar!

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Summary: Nanami takes you and the kids to the same ramen shop you two used to go as high schooler. By then, things take the turn for the better, and with that more promises were made.

A/n: okay imma be honest, I’ve been procrastinating by watching YouTube while play Minecraft I’m sorry, it’s addicting. I’m building an amethyst library for my librarian villagers.

2.2k words

—***—

"Nanami! Welcome back!" The owner of the ramen restaurant opens the door for them, that being an elderly man.

You blinked as more happy memories came back. "This is…" you turned to Nanami. He only smiles in response, seeing the recognition in your eyes.

"(L/n)?! The old man takes a good look at you and beams. "That really is you!"

You smiled awkwardly at him. "Mr. Tanaka, it's been a while…"

"Oh where have you been?!" Mr. Tanaka weakly walks over to you. "You stopped coming ten years ago, only Nanami has been showing!"

You narrowed your eyes at Nanami, who looks away in embarrassment. "Yeah, I was going through some issues so…. I had to stop coming around." You told Mr. Tanaka. "But, now I'm here!"

"Well come inside!" Mr. Tanaka waves to everyone to come inside his restaurant.

This wasn't any ordinary ramen place to you and Nanami. This was the place where Nanami first took you out. Where you also met his friends or so upperclassmen. You two became regulars in the restaurant, that is until you were so heartbroken and had to move. And during your absence, Nanami still went, sitting at the same spot and eat around the same times you two would usually spend time together.

Mr. Tanaka had only watched Nanami grow into a adulthood without. And the old man questioned Nanami of your whereabouts, which Nanami is forced to lie about.

"You know, Nanami would always sit and talk about you when you gone. He sounded like a widowed man." Mr. Tanaka laughed.

Nanami groaned in more embarrassment. "Mr. Tanaka, please don't bring that up…"

"Woah, you guys have so many choices!" Itadori looked through the menu.

Everyone eventually order what they wanted, leaving the three students to chat among themselves. It leaves you and Nanami sitting across each other at another table alone. That table being the same table you two would always sit across.

You looked around the interior displays, trying to avoid Nanami's stupid stoic puppy face. "This place hasn't change at all," you commented, now finding the table way interesting than the large veiny hands across from you.

Nanami smiles softly. "Yes, it hasn't. Nor has the menu either."

You scratched your neck nervously, glancing at him for just a second. "So you talked about me when I wasn't around?"

He sighed with a adorable smile, rubbing his chin nervously. "Of course I did. I didn't stop thinking about you," he admits. "I've always wondered if I made the right decision to leave you. I'd come here to question that at lot, since we had a lots of memories here. And I couldn't go around your old school because that would just obviously look highly off and suspicious."

You chuckled softly. "Finding out that you're my new coworker was a surprise, but you're full of your own as well."

He looks into your eyes for an answer. "Is that a good thing?"

You shrugged. "I suppose so? I mean first the beg for forgiveness, the packed lunches, that photo you snatched from my hand all those years ago that you actually kept—"

He furrowed his brows in a panic, ears red and eyes wide. "How did you know that?" I feel so exposed today. He thought. He even forgot that he put that in there. But then again, he'd always stare at the photo whenever he'd open his wallet.

"Kugisaki saw she saw it in your wallet," you replied.

"Oh right." he sighed, rubbing his tired eyes, voice muffled. "I forgot I just gave them my wallet— that was irresponsible of me."

"It's okay," you assured him. "I still have the apron actually."

"You do?" he tries not to laugh.

You nodded. "Yeah! It'd always smelled like you and I was sad so— Oh, we should recreate it—" you paused, realizing how far you're already going. "I mean, maybe we should recreate it one day, if you want to of course."

"I'd be happy to, if…" He smirked softly, his hands turned into fists under the table, nervous to ask the same question again. "You'll allow me to cook for you. Like old times."

You blushed slighty before nodding. "Yeah, we can do that."

The waitress came in with two big bowls of ramen. "Enjoy your meal!"

You hummed in delight at the aroma, before pulling your bowl in front of you. Nanami does the same. You dig into your noodles immediately, slurping them up and munching on the vegetables and meat.

Nanami keeps his eyes on you. It was almost as if his mind was playing tricks on him. When you were eating, all he could see is your high school self, eating ramen without a care in the world. You slowly stopped chew, slurping your noodles while looking up at him in confusion. "What?" you said with a mouthful.

He shakes his head. "Nothing." He looks back at his own bowl, before hearing you slurp loudly. "Just slow down before you start choking…."

You drank some of the broth. "Sorry…" you chuckled quietly. "It's just really good. I haven't this good of a ramen in a while."

Nanami rolls his eyes. "You prove me wrong…. you're still the same woman I remember," he mumbled. He glares softly, seeing the oil and broth on your face from you slurping so much. He grabs a cloth and wipes your face. "Careful, you'll get the chili oil in your eyes if you keep eating too fast."

You two froze, realizing how familiar all of this way. Your cheeks were puffed up with noodles as his hand remains near your cheek with the cloth. Nanami blinks slowly, ears going red before he quickly puts his hand down, clearing his throat. "My apologizes." he picks up his chopsticks and starts eating his ramen.

The three students that sat on a table beside you two watched in disbelief. Wow, just wow. Well, Kugisaki knew Nanami is a gentlemen, who considered women as an equal, but never thought he'd be so gentlemanly to one woman alone. "You should learn from him, Fushiguro."

Fushiguro narrowed his eyes at her. "Shut up, I appreciate girls differently."

—***—

"Nanami, I already told you, I'll be fine walking home. I'll take the train," you assured him.

But he shakes his head. "Not a chance. It's dark out." He could sense it and he knows the kids feel it too.

"We can go home ourselves," Fushiguro said, now being the one forced to carry Kugisaki's shopping bags. From the looks of it, the cursed creature is of low class. "It's fine, you can walk her home."

Itadori nods in agreement. "Yup! We can handle—"

"No, I'm walking everyone home," Nanami states. His unknown trauma is getting to him. Because what if his instincts are lying? That this curse creature is bigger and stronger than he or the students think? He could lose all of you. "It's not safe right for women and children. We'll walk the students home first."

"Where did it say it's not safe for us?" You asked, crossing your arms. "Is it on the news or something?" you followed them either way. You do find it odd how obedient the students are to him. Clearly he knows best among the group.

Eventually you guys made it to the students' dormitories, which looks really old but you didn't question it. You waved goodbye to the students. Itadori waving more enthusiastically and shouting goodbye like crazy. Fushiguro waves more politely while as Kugisaki gives you a thumbs up for encouragement to talk to Nanami more.

You gave her a thumbs but back before jumping in fright when Itadori screams. "It was nice meeting you, Ms. (L/n)!"

"Oh wow, he's loud," you mumbled as you fall into the same steps as Nanami.

Seeing you having to keep up with his pace, since he has long legs, he slows down for you. He turns to you. "I'm guessing you live in a apartment."

You nodded shyly. "Yeah, I'll lead you to it."

—***—

What the fuck is he looking at? This apartment complex is… so small and terrible. His eyes twitched when something falls but you acted like it was normal. You smiled, waving at him. "I'll see you Monday—"

"Do you… really live here?" He stops you, looking so concerned for your well being. You don't deserve to live here. Curses should live here and die!

You stopped and turned around. "Yeah," you replied casually.

"(L/n), you can't be serious…" He sighed, seeing all the pieces coming together. The refusing of his meals, looking for cheap clothes that would fit, the struggle you chose to keep silent. "You're broke," he says bluntly as it's a clear fact.

You opened your mouth to protest but remember Kugisaki's adivce. You smiled sadly. "I am…" you admitted. "I'm also in debt too."

Nanami lets out an even more sad sigh. "Why didn't you tell me?" He takes a step forward. "How did this even happen?"

You shyly lean against a streetlight pole. "After university, I opened a small concert, in hopes of getting some major company's attention…." you explained. "Not many people showed up and with the loans I used, I had to find a way to pay it back. So since I actually studied and majored economics— twinizes—!"

You paused, seeing his expression speak 'Please, my love, this is serious' You cleared your throat. "Anyways, here I am. It's a miracle I got this job."

"How much in debt are you?" he asked.

"Just… 1.2 million yen in debt," you cringed.

A moment of silence passed and you could see how deeply heartbroken Nanami was. But you first mistook it as anger and disappoint. "Yeah I know, I've become more stupid as the years gone by." You looked down in shame.

You could hear him getting closer, to the point his shadow loomed over you. You looked up, gulping nervously.

He's obviously devastated, you could see how teary his eyes became. His chest heaved heavily, trying not to cry or make a quiet sob. "The only most stupidest thing you've done… is not tell me." He points to his heart. "I know that I left, that I wasn't around. But if you told me you were in trouble, I'd come looking for you in a heartbeat."

And your own heartbeat fastened at his words. You knew he didn't see you as a friend or even a coworker. Since from the very beginning, when you two were just high schooler, you're more to him than he'd admit.

"I'll pay for whatever you need…" his lips quivered. "I hate to see you like this. Even if you want to be independent, I want you to come to me if you need anything."

You bit your lip nervous. Clearly this man is wrapped around your finger. If you reject him, he'll respect you. But that doesn’t mean he'll stop caring for you, as he's always trying. You say no to food? He still brings it the next day. That's a clear example. "but I don't want to look like I can't take care of myself or I can't get back up on my own feet," you admitted.

"That's okay," he assured you. "Everyone works differently. Some need help, some don't and that's okay."

Your own eyes began to swell with tears, lips quivering. When did you get such a gentleman? While you're so… you. You sniffed, feeling like the same high school girl that cries and whines about school to high school Nanami. "I missed you," you admitted, voice cracking.

You hold your heart, looking down to let your tears fall. "I missed you so much. I really missed you." You sobbed loudly, grabbing onto his coat, pulling him into an embrace. He immediately responded by enveloping you with warmth. "I'm glad you're around. I'm glad you're here for me again…" you cried into his chest.

He buried his face against your hair, closing his eyes. "I did to." He cries quietly. "I didn't mean to cause you pain. If I could go back, I'd never leave. I'd never would have left you."

He pulls back to cradle your head. "Please let me make this right. To erase your problems. To make you feel safe, comforted and relaxed…" his hands trembled as he shakes his head. "If you want to work, then go ahead and work. If you want to stay home and then stay home. But please… please, it hurts me to see you live like this."

You looked into his eyes, seeing the devotion he has before you nodded. "Okay… okay um." You wiped your tears, suddenly embarrassed. "We can start off by uh…" you looked around, trying to figure out what to do next.

He waits for your answer, but decides to make a suggestion. "We can start off… by walking you to your apartment."

You paused before nodding again with a soft smile. "Right yes, let's do that."

He keeps his eyes on yours the entire time, while his hands snake over to your arm before finding your hand. He softly intertwines his fingers with yours, gently dragging you to apartment complex.

"I'm sorry if the place sucks," you added.

"No worries. If you want a better place, just say the word," he replies back.

Nanami Kento x reader

Chapter 7: Sweet Movie

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Summary: You started to warm up to him slowly, but guilt starts to build up in the process, so you pushed him away again. Then the weekend came where he’s forced to go to the movie theater with Gojo’s students. He unexpectedly meets you around the corner.

A/n: sighs summer.

3.4k words

—***—

Ever since that day, he's been giving you lunch. Even bringing extra for you take home for dinner. You were very thankful actually, since you only ate rice and fried eggs for days.

But you felt a bit guilt since you're a grown woman who should be learning how to cook but hey, it's not your fault. You could barely afford to even eat in a nice restaurant, so you're forced on a diet.

You even tried paying Nanami back but he always refuses. You were getting embarrassed and self-conscious because he made it entirely obvious that he's cooking food for you in front of all your coworkers. But he doesn't care anymore, in fact he embraces it.

He doesn't mind it at all to waste a few more minutes of his perfect hours of sleep to make cute and healthy food for you. He doesn't know your situation of being on such a low budget but nonetheless wants to be the person who can provide for you and to rely on.

He watches you eat contentedly during break, seeing you enjoying the little shrimps added into the pasta. He scoots closer, his shoulder bumping against you to get your attention.

You froze. "What?"

Without replying to you, he uses his chopsticks and picks up some of his shrimp from his container and puts it in yours. "Here."

"Hey stop that—" you narrowed your eyes at him as he ignores your protest and shoves more shrimp onto your container.

"You need more protein," he said before scooting his chair back to his desk. He looks away from you and continues to eat.

You huffed. "I didn't even ask… never mind." You eat the given shrimp nonetheless, staring down at the pasta. You chew slowly, coming to a realization.

Whenever it comes to food and it's something you like, he's either buying it for you or giving it up for you. Like those fish balls I liked one the day of our last time before he left…. You thought. You sniffed. "Stupid man…" you mumbled quietly and chewed harder.

You were soon gaining more weight because of the calories and new diet you were having. It was awesome that you're more healthy now, but the problem with gaining weight means finding clothes that would fit you. That means buy more clothes. That means another problem, money.

So when you were done with your meal, you handed the container back to Nanami. "You don't have to keep doing this anymore…."

He takes the container. "Why? Does it taste bad? If you don't like the seasoning I can change it—"

"No the seasoning is great," you admitted shyly. "Just I have some issues going on and I don't want to gain so much weight."

He looks up and down at you, crossing his arms. "You're beautiful, I don't see the problem—" He furrows his brows, coming to an assumption. "Is someone verbally harming you—"

"No!" You glared, before covering your mouth when others stared at you. "I don't need to tell you everything, Nanami…."

"Well then why don't you…" he almost gives you those puppy eyes that you've never seen before. "Have I offended you again?" He made be good at reading the room or knowing if he's secretly being watched, but this is you he's talking about. Someone who he really cares about that makes his heart twist in a painful but lovingly way.

"No— just stop asking these questions, I can refuse—"

"But I want you to tell me what I'm doing wrong so I can fix it." Even though you two aren't as close as before, he grew to know that communication is key. Especially when it comes to you.

You groaned in annoyance and embarrassment. You hated this. You knew that he's trying to help, to be a friend in need, but you've asked for so much help already that it feels so shameful to ask. "I don't want to tell you," you admitted.

He grips the container gently, looking down in defeat. "Well I hope you'll tell me soon."

You rolled your eyes. "Well do I have to? It's not like you told me anything in the first place… so why should I?" You huffed, snatching some papers. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have some files to print out." You walked past him.

Nanami watches you leave, looking at you with sad and tired eyes. He's not tired at you, but tired at himself. He hate this, not being able to take care of you. He feels like it's a responsibility to care and love you. But when you're refusing to explain or let him do as he pleases, he feels miserable. In a way where he's miserable if he doesn't take care of you.

And he already made your favorite for dinner which is right in the break room fridge!

He sighed, wondering what's he going to do now. The only thing he can do now is still make you lunch and dinner, just in case. Cause you never know, you could lose weight and starve yourself again for whatsoever.

—***—

He couldn't believe it, just great. He had to babysit the little trio for the time being. The trio being Kugisaki Nobara, Itadori Yuji and Fushiguro Megumi.

He can't believe that Gojo had left him with the task to take them to the movies. Really because Gojo had to go on a last minute mission and didn't want the ticket to go to waste and besides as Gojo said 'I know you're great with kids! You love them!'

I don't, I just feel obliged to protect them. Nanami thought. It was the weekend, his day off and he wanted to spend the time to look for some good shoes for—

"So what sequel are we going to watch again?" Kugisaki asked, shoving her shopping bags at Itadori. While walking to the movie theaters, Kugisaki has forced them to stop to have her go shopping. It made since that Gojo said to met up with them way early as shopping for clothes had become a normal activity for the group.

"Number 4!" Itadori said happily, holding our four fingers with full hands.

"Why do they keep producing more sequels of that movie? The first one wasn't even good," Fushiguro commented.

Itadori turns to Nanami. "Mr. Nanami, have you seen number 1, 2 and 3?"

"No, I haven't," Nanami response, his eyes looking around the streets for a shoe store. He stops when a certain figure catches his eyes. That certain figure that he always has his eyes being you.

He sees you coming out of a clothing thrift store, looking disappointed and sad. You were wearing lose clothes, something he used to see you always wear when you were younger. Seeing you on the weekend made his heart jump silently in happiness and he couldn't smile because you looked really disappointed.

So he makes a turn, crossing the street at the given moment, making his way to you. The three youngsters watched in confusion. "What is he doing?" Fushiguro asked.

"Hurry let's follow him before the crosswalk stops!" Itadori quickens his walk while still holding Kugisaki's shopping bags. Her and Fushiguro following behind him.

"We could've just left him." Kugisaki rolled her eyes. "He didn't even want to come anyways."

"Did the thrift store not have what you like?" Nanami suddenly appeared beside you.

You jumped and turned around. "You scared me!" You glared.

His eyes widened briefly before relaxing. "I'm sorry." He then takes a step closer, hands in his pocket. "Out shopping?"

"Yes…." you crossed your arms and looked away for a moment. "The thrift store had good stuff but it's uhh… a bit expensive so yeah," you answered his previous question.

"Expensive?" Nanami tilts his head to the side. Are you on a budget? He thought.

"Mhm…" You nodded. "Expenisve," you repeated.

"Yoo! Mr. Nanami! The movie theater is this way!" Itadori shouts, the three making their way to you two.

You turned to them with a confused expression, a part of it familiar at the same time. Those same uniforms again. Is Nanami like chaperoning these students? Clearly they're from his old private high school. "Are you on some type of field trip?" You asked him.

Realizing that he brought students wearing the same uniform as his old one, he quickly tries to explain. The jujutsu world is still highly secretive to the world. "Yes, we're going to the movie theater." He awkwardly gestures towards his fellow 'students' "this is Itadori, Fushiguro and Kugisaki."

You smiled softly the kids. "You guys remind me of Nanami's friends—" you paused, turning to Nanami. "Uh oops." Although you don't know which friend who passed away, you didn't want to even bring up the thought of his friends.

He shakes his head. "I'm not offended."

The three students bowed to you, introducing themselves further. Kugisaki seemed to be really interested in you, since you just got out of a clothing shop. "You're a thrift girl."

"Uh yeah, I am." You nodded, looking at all of them awkwardly. "I'll be on my way now—"

"I can help you pay for whatever you wanted to buy," Nanami suddenly said, stopping you from leaving. He starts pulling out his wallet and card, making the students' jaws drop.

You shook his head. "No, I'm good. I don't want you charity or whatever." you waved him off. "Beside you guys have places to be and I don't want you being late to a movie."

Nanami sighs in slight frustration. "(L/n), you don't understand, I'm not doing this for charity purposes—"

"You don't need to keep proving me anything."

"I'm not proving anything, I just want to be of some assistance to you."

You started getting frustrated as well. "Well you can assist me by being on your way—"

"Hey, why don't you come to see Yearningful Bliss 4 with us?!" Itadori asked abruptly to ease the tension.

Fushiguro cringes, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Can't you see they were in a middle of—"

"Yearningful Bliss 4?" Your eyes sparkled at the name. You almost smiled in happiness. "Is that the movie you guys are watching?" You turned to Nanami for the answer.

He nods. "That's right." He didn't even know whatever they were going to watch.

"I haven't gotten the change to watch it. I usually have to wait until it releases on the app." You smiled softly, glancing at the students. "I'm jealous, I haven't been to the movie theaters in years—"

"I'll buy you a ticket." Nanami is already on it with his phone, buy another ticket for you.

The students' jaws drop again. They're all so shocked since Nanami doesn't just do that for anyone. You're clearly someone very special and important to him.

Your mouth was opened in a confused manner. "Uh, wait I didn't even—"

"You're free, I can tell." Nanami puts his phone back into his pocket. "Come with us. You should relax."

"You're the one to talk." Kugisaki rolls her eyes.

Nanami narrows his eyes at her briefly before going back to you. "I want to spend time with you," he fully admits.

Your jaw dropped next. Back then, he would always be too shy to even say stuff like this, mostly using his body language and actions to communicate with you. But now, as a man, he's become honest and sincere about his choices and opinions. It's hard to believe that this is the same Nanami you're looking at.

He waits for your answer, standing tall and straight. He's ready for a yes or no.

Well… you do enjoy the movie Yearningful Bliss and love the sequels as well. You hummed, feeling pressure. If you go then that means you're force to get closer to Nanami and you worried that you might fall into the rabbit hole and he'll leave you again. But this is Yearningful Bliss 4 we're talking about, which is a favorite movie of yours.

But if you say no, you'll miss out on the opportunity to watch the movie in the movie theater! You huffed. "Fine, I'll go," you finally replied, seeing his eyes brighten up like seeing his presents under the Christmas tree. "But I'm not going because I want to spend time with you, I'm going because I want to see the movie."

Nanami smiles softly, chuckling. "Fine by me."

"Now lead the way." you gestured awkwardly.

"What did I just witness?" Kugisaki deadpanned.

"I don't know, you tell me," Fushiguro says in the same tone.

"I feel like we missed a few chapters…" Itadori mumbled.

—***—

You stared longingly at the Theater menu, ignoring the students bickering on what to buy with the money they currently have. You really want that ice cream strawberry Sunday. You haven't had sweets in a while because of you know what.

"Dammit, all we can get is a small popcorn and soda…" Kugisaki frowned.

Fushiguro rolled his eyes. "If you didn't spend it on shopping then there would've been enough for all of us to enjoy the movie."

"Shut up! You don't under girls' wants and needs!" She spits back at him.

Nanami had caught your stare, seeing you eyeing that Strawberry Sunday. You still love sweets even as an adult. It makes his heart squeeze tight in a cute aggressive way. He nonchalantly pulls out his wallet. "Here." he hands it to the students. "Buy whatever you want and get me the large Ice Cream Strawberry Sunday while you're at it."

You blinked for moment before realizing what he had done. "Wait no! I didn't—" You couldn't stop him in time as the kids already took his wallet and adventured off to go buy food to eat while watching the movie.

"Alright, hooray!" Itadori jumped in happiness. And while they order, pulling out Nanami's wallet, they see a Polaroid picture of in young him in a pink apron, along side with someone familiar.

"Damn! That's Ms. (L/n)?!" Kugisaki gawked. "She was a baddie?! I mean, she still is now, what am I talking about?"

Itadori laughed out loud. "Look at that! It's Mr. Nanami in a pink apron."

As for Fushiguro who's eye twitched at seeing the words on the apron. "What the fuck."

Meanwhile in the back, you glared at him, hands on your hips. "You didn't need to do that…."

"I think I just did." He crossed his arms. "I could tell you wanted it. Don't be ashamed."

"Didn't we just go over that I didn't want you giving me so much food— that's going to make me gain more pounds—"

"Then don't eat it." He smirked. Knowing you, if money is spend on something as good as sweets, it's hard to refuse. Looks like he got you wrapped around his finger instead.

You huffed at him. "I hate it that you… know me too well." You crossed your arms, looking away. "Whatever, fine, I'll eat it."

Once the kids got the food, Itadori hands the Strawberry Sunday to Nanami, who takes it. Then everyone goes to the theater and sits down. You were forced to sit next to Nanami.

You ogled at the Sunday and Nanami places it on your lap. "Here," he said.

You smiled like a little kid, taking one of the pocky sticks out and crunching on it. You hummed in delight, not realizing Nanami's obvious stare. The students found this more entertaining than the movie.

While as the movie progress, Nanami kept his eye on you every once in a while. Just to make sure you were alright or if you were having a stomach ache from all the ice cream you were eating. You were too much into the movie to even bicker or pay attention to him as the couple on screen finally reunited after being lost in different timelines for so long.

You started to tear up when the couple say their heartfelt confessions in the rain. Tears stream down in your face as it was the most beautiful thing you ever saw. You wish to experience something like that, but you highly doubt it.

Suddenly you felt a warm presences get closer to you, a hand on your seat while you felt something soft on your cheek. You sniffed and turned to find Nanami had pressed his handkerchief against your wet cheek. Your lips quivered into a pout, taking the handkerchief. "Thanks…" You wiped your tears with it.

The movie was so emotional to you, that you were blown out sobbing. A part of it was the movie but maybe another part of your inner self to let it all out. You couldn't even finish the movie as you excuse yourself to the restroom leaving confused kids and a concerned Nanami, who's gaze was following you the entire time.

After the movie ended, Nanami goes to the restrooms, hoping you're still in there and didn't disappear. "Can you check on (L/n) for me?" He asked Kugisaki, obviously since he can’t comfort you in the ladies room.

She nodded. "I sure can." She goes into the restroom, hearing soft sniffles which were coming from you. "Ms. (L/n)?"

Her voice made you freeze. "Uh yes?" Your voice cracked a bit.

"Are you okay?" She asked, coming to stand in front of the stall you're in. "Mr. Nanami is worried about you."

"Oh tell him I'm okay. I'm just a bit overwhelmed," you replied, wiping your tears.

Kugisaki frowned softly, looking around to see if anyone was around before speaking. "This isn't about the movie or thrift clothes, am I correct?"

"Yeah," you admitted. "It's more than that, unfortunately."

"I saw a picture of you and Mr. Nanami in his wallet. When he had such an emo haircut, I can’t believe he was able to be friends with you." She chuckles softly.

You blinked for a moment. A picture? What picture? You looked through your best moments with Nanami when you were young. Since when he had a picture of the both of you? "I don't remember him taking a photo of me…"

"Uh from what I remembered you took a picture of him in a pink apron." She laughed. "I think it said cook it hard daddy on it."

You gasped, everything clicking. "Oh right now I remember…" you smiled softly, sniffing back your snot. "Yeah but he took the picture away out of embarrassment. I thought he was going to throw it away, I didn't expect him to keep it…"

"You know…. I don't know what's going on between you two but I can vouch for Mr. Nanami." Kugisaki fiddles with her fingers. "He's helped me and my friends a lot over the course of our high school years. He's a good guy at heart even though he's usually stoic and hard headed," she explains.

"I know that, I know he always means well for everyone and for me." You hugged your knees, your voice muffled a bit. "But I don't want to through this again. I already feel so guilty and pressured already."

"Then you should really talk to him. He's trying really hard. What you're doing right now is self sabotage." She shakes her head. "If you don't get the help that you need you might lose everything in the end. It's okay to keep relying on people. And besides, we can tell Nanami loves taking care of you. I think he gets offended if you refuse to use his credit card."

"I guess I should… He's just done so much for me already. I'm just overwhelmed." You finally got out of the stall, revealing your red and puffy eyes.

"Ooo…" Kugisaki hissed at your face.

Seeing her reaction, you turned to the mirror. "I should also wash my face."

—***—

You and Kugisaki left the restroom, your face know a little better and your spirit more calmer. Nanami is the first to rush to your side. "Are you alright now?" He asked, a hand hovering your shoulder in case you need more comfort.

You nodded, giving him a small smile. "Yes, I'm fine."

He nodded as well. "Good. That's good." He sighs in relief. He fiddles with his sleeve, a bit embarrassed to ask you again about invitations and such. "I'm taking the students to a ramen restaurant…. want to join us?"

"Oh no, I'm good—" you paused when you see Kugisaki aggressively mouthing you to join them, Itadori following suit. You looked back at Nanami. "Actually, I'll go… but I hope you're paying."

Nanami's mouth stays open slightly in shock before he masks it with a soft and relaxed smile. "Yes… yes, I'll gladly pay."

Nanami Kento x reader

Chapter 6: Kento Bento

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Summary: 11 years passed ever since he left you. And when you returned, it felt like everything was back at square one.

A/n: guys Im graduating today from high school!!! Omg!!!

3.3k words

—***—

2018

You sat abruptly on the toilet seat, clutching your purse like it's your lifeline. You were trembling with rage and fear. Your mind screamed, 'What the fuck?!' repeatedly over and over.

After shaking hands with the one and only Nanami Kento, your HR dragged you further with the tour. Only after the tour was over, did you quickly excuse yourself to the women's restroom.

Now you're in a bathroom stall trying not to freak out that you're ex friend who is also your ex crush is now your coworker because the world decided to make your life more miserable than it already is. You whined and covered your face— "Ah! No touching face! No touching face—" you looked back at your hands to see that your smudged your cheap lipstick. "Oh great…."

You got out of the bathroom stall and went to the sink and mirror. You opened your purse and started to retouch your makeup. Once you were done, you stared at the door. What are you going to do now? It was like a dangerous zone out there.

You sighed. "Maybe I should just quickly resign and— oh whatever I'm being too immature!" You groaned in annoyance and opened the door.

You make a turn, thinking know was around, only to be hit face first against a wall of muscle and fabric. "ACK!" You took a step back, rubbing your forehead. "I'm so sorry—!"

You paused when you looked up to see it was Nanami you bumped into. You went red instantly and smiled awkwardly. “Woah! Okay, right…. Sorry.” You quickly went the other way, leaving him standing there in shock.

You weren’t the only person red, as Nanami’s ears turned red also. He clutched the papers in his hands, his heart pounding in his chest. So he wasn’t seeing things and there wasn’t any other (L/n) (Y/n), just the original you.

He sighed softly, watching you run away in full speed. Right, he shouldn’t be disappointed that you’re avoiding him. If anything, he expected you to after he left you without an explanation. That was something he regret and he wished to go back and explain everything to you.

But that was all in the past and he can’t change it. He frowned and went back to his office room, still holding the papers he had just printed. It was a bit crumbled from your sudden crash but that was alright.

A coworker passed and stopped her tracks, seeing something on Nanami’s paper. “What’s that on your paper?” She asked.

He turns around and starts at her in confusion before looking at his papers. “What is?”

She takes the paper she first sees and shows it to him. She chuckles. “Did you bump into one of the ladies?”

Nanami’s eyes widened when he sees a lip print of lipstick on his paper. It was your shade. He clears his throat, trying to not fumble on how cute it was that you left a mark by accident. “I didn’t realize. I’ll have to print out another copy.”

They said their farewells and he quickly heads back to the printer room to make another copy. Once he made another copy, he takes the one that has your lipstick on it and hovers it over the trashcan. But he stops, his eyes lingering at your mark. He smiles softly. “Still uses the exact same shade,” he mumbles.

He looks around to see if anyone was around before folding the paper and putting it into his pocket. He cringed at his own actions and is disappointed in himself. No, he didn’t feel disgusted or anything. The reason is because he thought his feelings for you would vanish after years of no contact. But a single interaction was enough for him to have him pull back into your world.

He groaned in annoyance, running his fingers along his styled hair. “This is going to be torture.”

—***—

You were first given the task to sort out some files, since they still haven’t set up your computer or desk. And in the process of filing, the HR knocks on the open door to get your attention. “Ms. (L/n)?”

You quickly turned around, files in hand. “Uh yes?”

“I forgot to tell you about our dress code.” The man hands you a small paper, containing the dress code for women.

You blinked slowly with big eyes. What. Well you get the part of dressing formal and thankfully you didn’t have to wear cliché blouses or pencil thin skirts. But the only thing bugging you was the shoes. You needed to wear flat shoes or heels. Is this some joke to mess with the women here or something?! “Ah… shoes.” You smiled awkwardly and looked down at your ten year old sneakers. “I’ll make sure to find some to your expectations.” You nodded

The HR smiles and nods. “Glad you understand,” he said before leaving.

You soon dropped your smile and huffed in annoyance. “Heels or flat shoes?! Those would hurt my feet.” But you couldn’t complain. You’re an adult not a high schooler anymore. Welcome to the real world. You thought.

You quickly went back to work, now thinking about how you have to go to the mall to look for some good shoes. But you’re on a damn budget and can’t ask for your friends who have PhDs and bachelor degrees in medical for help.

For the next 4 hours, you did your best to avoid Nanami at all cost. Yes, it’s childish and immature of you, but you hated his guts to the core. It doesn’t matter if he offered to help carry his female coworker’s boxes of stuff. It doesn’t matter if he tells another female coworker to take it easy. It doesn’t matter if he— You stopped. Right, it does matter. And you do care.

How can he turn into a total gentleman after so many years? After leaving you. Were you a lesson to be learned? To be better for the next woman? You wouldn’t know and you wouldn’t dare to ask.

By the end of the night, you pretty much got most of the files done. And even your own little office was open for you.

With the happy news, you skipped to your little office and sat down. You sighed in relief, stretching your arms and leaning back against your seat. You froze in place when you’re face to face with Nanami, who also froze, phone in hand. Oh, he sits next to you, great.

You two quickly duck back in front of your desks the same time. The only thing separating you two was the small wall, a barrier for privacy.

When sun started to go down, people started to leave, going home or going out. Now it was only you and Nanami in the building. You could hear his tired breaths and the clicking of his keyboard. Then you hear him shutting down his laptop, putting it into his bag.

He stands up suddenly, making you jump. He then moves away from his office and stands in front of you. You awkwardly turned your chair to face him because clearly he wants to say something.

He swallows hard before getting on his knees. He bows, his hands in front of his head. “I’m so sorry, for everything,” he said softly.

Your eyes widened briefly in surprise, before you quickly masked your expression into a hurtful and furious one. You were about to stand up and leave but he stops you. “Please let me finish.” He stands up, looking at the floor before bringing his gaze to you. “I didn’t intend to leave you.”

“Just know that, I did it for your safety,” he paused for a moment. “And for mine,” he admitted.

You stayed silent the entire time, letting him continue. “You know I can sensitive sometimes.” He clears his throat, his voice quivering. “The…. The day before your concert, I had errands to run. And I lost a friend that day because of it. I didn’t want the same to happen to you because of how close we were.”

You crossed your arms. It took him more than ten years to finally explain his disappearance to you. But his apology, even if it was true and sincere, wasn’t enough to forgive him. “I won’t forgive you,” you finally said.

He smiles sadly. “I don’t expect you to.”

You looked away momentarily. “It really took you this long to explain?”

“I didn’t know how to tell you.”

You glared at him and took a step forward. “You were always hiding stuff from me and I— I took a step back from your privacy because I learned to respect you!” You shouted. “But the moment you’re gone, I didn’t know if you were hurt, if you went missing— you didn’t even text me back!”

“I know.” He nods, already seeing his mistakes. “I know I didn’t.”

“Like now I know that you were grieving, that you were sad because your friend is gone! But that doesn’t give you an excuse to leave me thinking you were hurt or if I did something wrong!” You felt your own tears come, sniffing them back up. “If you wanted to separate then yes I would be sad but if you had explained it to me from the very beginning I would’ve understood and let you go.”

You laughed heartlessly as another thought came up. "And you really had to put the cherry on top by giving me money in the end. How nice of you."

He remained silent and you can clearly see how tired he'd become. He was still the same height, but build wider. He gained so much muscle and got his hair done. He really looked like just a simple tired man, who's single and just takes care of himself. "Can we start over?"

"You want to start over?! Now?" You huffed softly, shaking your head. "Nanami, I never wanted to start over."

He bit his lip nervously. "Are you refusing then?"

"N-no, but…" you blushed slightly. God dammit, you're such a hypocrite to yourself. "I'm not…. going to forgive you now. Just— I just wish you didn't do this, I wished we didn't have to be in this awkward situation. If it was different and you explained it back then, then maybe we wouldn't be in this awkward position."

"We don't have to make it like that… if you'll let me." He stares down at you sincerely, his eyes almost look at you with love but you ignored that. "I plan to prove to you that I've gotten better. I want us to be friends again."

You grabbed your purse and started to pack your things, hiding your face with your hair. He stays there, waiting for your answer. "If you want me to beg then I can."

"No— please you're—" you let out a sudden chuckle. You found that a bit cringy. You quickly cleared your throat, trying to be nonchalant. "Y-you know I'm just gonna go— do whatever you want, I don't care." You waved him off and quickly walked past him.

Once you left and the door closed, he still stood there. He was a bit shocked that you're letting him pursue in trying to win you back. He smiled softly, turning to the door where you just left. "I'll do my best," he mumbled before grabbing his stuff as well and leaving the workplace as well.

—***—

You also most tripped while making your way to work. Stupid shoe store didn't have any flats and all you could buy was some cheap high heels that look like they were already returned before. You huffed in annoyance and fright, thinking you'll fall again.

Fortunately you made it to work with no accidents, just sore heels that's all. You waved to the receptionist before going to the elevator. You pressed on your floor, watching the doors closed. You hummed softly, thinking how you should avoid Nanami like the plague today—

A large hand is put between the elevator doors. It forces the doors open. You lost your soul when Nanami appears, getting into the elevator as well. He pauses when he sees you before looking away. "Good morning," he says softly, to start off with.

"Morning," you said far too quickly. You slowly put yourself into the corner opposite of him before turning around to face the corner. You were not giving yourself time out, you just didn't want to see the fact that you're in the elevator with your ex friend that is one hunk of big tall man.

He starts at you in confusion before his lips turn into a small smile. He stares in front of him, fixing his tie. "You've become timid," he comments.

You rolled your eyes. "Oh yes, like I never noticed. Thank you for telling me." You crossed your arms.

Nanami looks down at your feet, seeing the red marks on the back of your heels. He frowns, knowing the stupid policy that the women in his field are forced to wear. "I'm sorry you had to wear those."

You sighed. "Well it's not like the boss here."

“Those seem to hurt, I can talk to him if you want—“

You quickly turned back around to face him. You shook your head. “No! If you do that then he’ll might think I was complaining!” You stomped your foot, causing your sore foot to sting. “Ouch!” You lift on of your heels up to massage it.

Nanami takes a step forward, hands out and ready to help you if needed. You bring your palm out to stop him. “I don’t need assistance.”

He silently pulls his hands back to himself. He nods. “Right, my apologies.” When the door opens, he looks at you. “Ladies first.”

Your heels clicked as you quickly left the elevator, Nanami following behind.

“Good morning, Mr. Nanami!” A young woman said happily, walking past you two. He nods and gives her a quick bow in response.

“Morning, Nanami!”

“Looking good, Nanami!”

“Did you do something new with your hair, Nanami?”

“You look more awake today, Nanami! Finally got a girlfriend?”

Nanami this. Nanami that. Nanami, Nanami, Nanami! You screamed in your head and you wished to cover your ears but that would just look rude.

You sat on your office chair in haste, quickly going to work in hopes it helps remove your hateful thoughts towards Nanami. So you started your computer and looked through your emails for the given work your boss gave you. It was a bunch of files that needed to be coded. Good thing you took economics.

You vigorously typed and coded, ignoring his soft and yearning gaze. His eyes go down to your heels once again, seeing you bounce your leg repeatedly with anxiety. He turns back to his computer and goes on his search bar.

Now that you think about it, ever since you reconnected with him, by accident, he’s become a much softer toned man. You’ve never seen him get annoyed by women anymore. Well he only got annoyed when he was younger because you were actually annoying but that’s not the point. The point is that he’s become so respectful and soft towards women, giving them the right attention that women are supposed to have.

You wondered if he actually had a girlfriend. Maybe even married. Well, there’s no ring on his finger but you never know, he could be hiding her like he hides everything— You slammed your forehead against your desk. What the hell are you getting into his business for?! You shouldn’t care for him anymore!

When you hit your head on purpose, Nanami quickly snaps his head at you. “Are you alright?”

You whipped your head back up. “Yes, I’m fine. Leave me alone.”

When lunch came, people started to leave, some staying to eat their home meals. Nanami nervously pulled out his lunchbox, having two bentos. No, both weren’t for him, only one was.

He turns to you, one hand holding a bento box before he looks away. Only with you, is he self-conscious and nervous, especially since you’re not in good terms with him.

Yesterday you didn’t go to have lunch, nor did you bring anything to eat, so he brought a second bento box for you. The thought of bringing another bento box made him smile and reminded him of those memories where he prepackaged your dinner and lunches since you didn’t know how to cook and there was no one to take care of you.

Once his confidence and his little mental pep talk was done, he looks back at you. But then he looks away again. Finally he clears his throat loudly. "I made lunch," he tells you softly.

You turned to him, playing with your pen. You smiled awkwardly, eyes darting from left to right. "Cool?"

"I made one for you." He shyly pushes a bento box to your desk. He faces away from you the entire time, but as always, his red ears give him away. "You need to eat."

You rolled your eyes, lips in a pout as you speak. "Are you bribing me?" You asked, yet your hands already reached for the bento box.

You hear him sigh and shake his head. "No, (L/n), I'm not bribing, I'm trying to make sure you eat," he explains. "You're always skipping breakfast and lunch and I'm sure you still do now."

You huffed and opened the given bento box. "You're lucky that you're right—" your stomach growled loudly when you sees the food. "And…. that too, I guess."

You hear him chuckle, making you glare at him. "Shut up…." you grabbed the chopsticks and dug into your lunch. You tried not to moan like those rich mukbangers you watch but you couldn't help it. The food was too good and you haven't had something so healthy and heart in a while.

You froze when he sees you eating lunch. He smiles contentedly, which makes you glare at him. "It tastes terrible," you lied and faced the other way to eat. It's fucking good! You thought.

He chuckles, continuing to watch you with a soft gaze, his own lunch forgotten. He rests his elbow on the desk, his hand holding his chin up. "I'll bring lunch again for tomorrow."

You swallowed hard, yet still with a mouthful. "Y-you better!"

He laughs softly at your response. "Yes ma'am."

He was so glad that you're eating lunch and the fact that you're warming up to him. It feels like the tables have turned and he realized that this is what it feels like to try to get a person to trust you. Like it took you in a matter of weeks to have him wrapped around your finger when you two were young.

He'll make sure to slowly let you warm up to him. He knows he can’t change the past, but he can bend the future for the two of you.

After leaving the jujutsu world behind, he did become a salaryman. But he still had this void in his heart. Being a salaryman didn't change much, only it made him realize that both the human and cursed world are corrupted, but worked differently. It didn't matter if he changed his job or do something entirely different, there was always a villain somewhere in the end.

So of course, he went right back and contacted jujutsu high that he's back with them and plans to protect the younger generation from monsters and creatures. And of course, now that you were pushed back into his life and the fact that he still harbors strong feelings for you, he plans to protect you as well.

He was wrong from the beginning and plans to do everything right. Wow, I have a lot of plans, I should organize this better. He thought.

Nanami Kento x reader

Chapter 5: Coffee Gone Bad

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Summary: a year passed and your relationship with Nanami grew. But the happy moments don’t last forever and Nanami is forced back into reality.

A/n: sorry it’s been like three days i was exhausted from my finals.

2.5k words

—***—

2007

Nanami walks along the sidewalk, going to your place as usual, taking the same route. He's holding your favorite pastries in one hand while makes his way to the same path, with the same trees and grass, where he remember seeing you sleeping against a tree.

An entire year has passed after meeting you. A year of annoyance yet joy and happiness. A lot of things changed over the course of the year. He's constantly by your side whenever he can get the time. He's constantly at your house to the point he sometimes has a mini sleepover. Just you and him. And he's still constantly taking care of you.

But what's haven't change is your bubbly and carefree attitude and his hatred and disgust for sweet. As the saying goes, some things never change.

He stops suddenly when he felt a strange and familiar presence nearby. But then he keeps walking, because he knows who it is that's secretly watching him.

"RAH!" You jump out of the trees and onto his back. You heard him chuckle as his hands go to hoist your legs around his hips. Obviously, he wasn't scared but you asked nonetheless. "Did I scare you?"

"No, why do you even keep trying?" He laughs quietly, his thumbs rubbing circles against your skin.

"Clearly if I can make you smile more, then I can scare you too." You smirked and pecked his cheek, which in response he subtly leans into. "Anyways, Hibiki and Otoha's med club will end early, so they're coming home with take out! Come on, let's go home and clean up!"

Time passed a little too quickly to his liking. After Riko Amanai's sudden death, him and his seniors were slowly growing apart. Although, his relationship with Haibara remained the same, but there was always a gloomy atmosphere in the air. He didn't want to be around them as much after that and was as usual spending more time with you.

You were a possibility of change and hope in his eyes. Something that maybe can happen in the future, that there can be more than just getting closer and growing apart.

Yet, he was still a complete mystery to your eyes. A guy your age, going to a private school in which he refuses to speak about. A guy who comes back to visit you with a few new scars or bruises. A guy who keeps most of his life to himself. Although, you're what is most of his life now.

"You're alright with take out, yes?" You asked him softly, your arms wrapped around his neck.

"I find with whatever, (L/n)." He rolls his eyes playfully, continuing to walk to your house, carrying you like you weight nothing. You were surprise that he's standing up straight.

"Yay—! Woah! Hey! Slow down!" You shouted as he starts running instead, gripping your thighs close so you won't fall. "AHHH!" You screamed.

In response, he laughs and runs even faster.

—***—

For dinner, your friends decided to bring over spicy malatang, rice cake and fried chicken. Obviously, Nanami was overwhelmed by the shear amount of unhealthy food but didn't complain when seeing the look of excitement on your face.

You licked your lips. "Wow, everything looks so good here!" While you stare at the food like you loved it more than Nanami, he gives you the first plate and chopsticks, letting you dig in while he gets the other girls' their own.

You were about to take a piece of rice cake when Otoha stops you. "Hold on, I want to put cheese over it!" she huffs. "You have mozzarella?"

You gasped in delight. "I do actually!" You went to the fridge.

Eventually, you all sat down and started to eat the food. Everyone was scarfing down the food from left to right, while Nanami ate quietly.

You were mostly eating the fish balls from the malatang, somehow you're new favorite food. "I never knew fish balls with stuff in it would taste this good, they're like thick spongy dumplings," you commented.

Hear you say that, he picks up the fish balls from his bowl and puts it in yours. He goes ahead and find more for you while you ate happily. He feels your friends sharking knowing looks and smirks, clearly seeing a future husband and wife right there.

You eventually see their stares and looked up. "What?"

"oh nothing…" Hibiki waved you off dismissively. "I feel so maternal every time you two act like a couple—"

Nanami chokes on his water, literally spitting it out. But good thing he aims away from everyone. He wipes his mouth and whips his head back at Hibiki and Otoha. He gave them a death glare. "Can you not do that when I'm in the middle of drinking or even eating?!

"Whoops, sorry bud." Otoha laughs nervously.

Nanami goes back to drinking his water. You hummed. "How many kids do you think we would have?" you asked. Nanami starts coughing at your question.

After cleaning up, meaning Nanami doing the dishes, you and your friends silently waited for him to give his attention to them. He sighs, feeling their gaze and turns around. "What is it now? Want me to go buy a cake or something?"

You three started at each other for a moment before saying the awesome news altogether. "We got a spot at Starry Strike!" You three squealed.

"At what now?" Nanami tilt his head in confusion.

"Starry Strike is a club for music bands and singers!" Otoha explained. "We auditioned months ago and they finally send us the results— (L/n), show him the letter!"

You whipped the envelope out. "Tada!" You handed it to him.

He takes the envelope and opens it, reading the letter of congrats. "Oh wow."

Hibiki gawps. 'Hey, act more excited!"

"Guys, don't worry, he is excited," you defended.

"Yes, I'm very excited." Nanami nods. "So then, what do I do with this information now?"

Otoha literally growls, launching at him. "You son of a—"

—***—

You walked Nanami to the door, jumping in happiness at giving him the news. "So, as you saw in the letter, we'll be performing this weekend!" you explained.

Nanami stops at the door, turning to you. "I'll make sure to buy myself a ticket then." he smiled softly. Yes, he didn't show much enthusiasm towards your friends as he only and mostly shows it to you. You'd tease him of course, but it was more tolerable.

You shook your head. "No need." You pulled out a ticket for him. "I got one for you already."

He takes it, huffing out a quiet laugh. "I'll be there for sure."

You lean forward, in which he doesn't lean back. "Don't be late." You pecked his cheek.

His smile gets a little goofy looking. "Alright." He takes a step back before opening the door. "See you Saturday."

"See you!" You waved as he left, closing the door. You turned around to find your friends smirking from ear to ear. "What?" You blinked.

—***—

Friday came and Nanami was unexpectedly paired up with Haibara on a Second Class Curse mission. He hope this mission won't take longer than a day. And he hope not to come to your concert with big injuries.

"So what are you doing this weekend, Nanami?" Haibara asked, arms behind his head.

Nanami swallowed hard before answering. He hates to answer questions regarding about doing extrovert stuff. "I'm…. going to a concert."

"A concert? J-pop?" Haibara raised a brow.

"N-no…." Nanami stuff his hands inside his pocket. "My friend's band is playing at a small place, and she invite me," he explained.

"Oh wow, good for you!" Haibara clapped. "We should complete this mission fast for you then."

Nanami smiled softly. "I'm glad you thought the same thing."

—***—

"Damn it!" A chair was thrown across the sterilized room.

Nanami rests his arm over his eyes, a clothes between. His head was spinning as he sat on a stool. He should've known that this mission was misgraded. Stupid higher ups. He breathes harshly, forcing himself to speak despite having a sore throat from crying. "Their faith in Ubusunagami… That was a local deity," he explained to Geto, slumping down harder against the stool. "That was a first-grade case!"

Geto's eyes were dull, full of the same guilt and greif Nanami is currently experiencing. "You need to rest for now, Nanami. Satoru has taken up your mission." He gently covers Haibara's body with the white clothes.

The clothes over Nanami's eyes remained there, afraid to show his red and puffy eyes to his senior. "Can't we just leave everything up to him alone at this point?"

He lost a friend that day. He never thought he'd experience this pain and grief. This regret and sorrow. He had just had his friend not that long ago, so what happened?

It was already late, now Saturday morning. Geto is right, he should probably rest. He was tired and didn't think much when he got up weakly and left. He got a ride home and he was greeted with sorries. The death of his friend wasn't blamed on him, though he felt like it did. He was blaming himself and the higher ups.

As he sat on his bed, elbows on his knees, hands on his face, he thought about his most important person in the world. You.

Tonight was your concert. He had time to make it but he didn't have the heart to even got there. He'd fear that with the things that he saw, the pain he must hide, it was would all spill out and ruin your show. He was also afraid of this relationship that you two built now. You were the expectation, something to escape from. But the reality hit him right back and took something precious from you. And he worried that the reality will take you next.

I can't have them take her away from me. He thought. His eyes bloodshot and puffy. I can't. He thought again.

And if he were to lose you, he'd just have to push you away. Which was his plan now, to never ever see you again.

This desire to grow apart was incredibly selfish of him. But hasn't he been selfless enough?

If he were to continue his relationship with you, it would most definitely grow more. Into one so intimate and unbreakable, so far that he will never let go. So far that he'd be a villain in others eyes to keep you safe and alive. And when the day comes when he loses you, he'd be left devastated.

But if he were go push you away. The feelings would disappear. The memories not so memorable. It would be looking at two strangers, filled with nothing but old memories and old times. And when the days comes when you're gone, he'd only be filled with nothing once again. It's what he assumes though.

Haibara was his friend, his lesson. And he didn't want to make the same mistake again.

He will admit though, he loves you too much to push you away.

—***—

You peaked through the big curtains, trying to spot a lush of blonde hair and that nonchalant aura. You frowned softly, turning to your friends with a concerned look. "He's usually never late."

"Maybe he's running late to look his best for you." Otoha chuckles, waving you off dissmissively. "It'll be fine, he'll show up eventually!"

"Yeah for now, you shouldn't be so paranoid! We should practice more before it's our turn," Hibiki suggested.

You three practice for a long time, but it wasn't enough to fill in the anxious feeling. Nanami would always show up to your get goes. It doesn't make since for him to be late. And you even texted him, but you no reply came.

But nonetheless, you had a concert to preform. So you had to change your thoughts to make you feel so anxious in from of a group of people. The happy moments with Nanami helped eased you instead. Your voice stronger and powerful. 'It can move others' hearts, just like mine' is what he once told you. And that was enough to keep you going and singing. So by then, you were having the time of your life, singing and jumping with the crowd. You could also most feel the ground shake and rumble.

And once the show was over and the crowd soon disperse, you searched for him. But he was still nowhere to be seen. Your heart dropped, maybe he didn't even show up to began with. Was he alright? Did someone mugged him along the way? Could he be sick?

Unfortunately, you had to pack your things and leave. Otoha and Hibiki watched with worried looks as you quickly left Starry Strike to find him. You don't know where he lived at all, but maybe you could find him at the same spot you two would usually meet.

The path to your house that had a bunch of greenery. Maybe he left early? Maybe he had something to do and couldn't tell you? If only he wasn't so secretive, you could've gotten a better chance of understanding him. "Nanami?" You called out to him, looking around, but there was no one in sight.

Your eyes began to water, lips quivering in sadness. "You said you'd would show up, so where are you?" you asked softly, wiping your tears. "I played and sang but I needed your only support…"

You looked around some more, assuming he's hiding. It was just a thought to sooth your breaking heart.

The streetlights helped you see, causing you to turn your head when you see a small envelope near a tree. The same tree where he caught you resting a year ago. On the envelope was written 'I'm sorry' with no name. But you didn't need to know who it was as you recognized the handwriting.

You picked up the envelope, starting at it in confusion. It held no letter, only what you felt was coins inside of it. You opened it, seeing as you were correct, it was coins. You then poured it into your hands and laughed heartlessly. But soon it turns into a sob, big tears coming out. It was 750 yen.

You clutched the money and cried. "Why did you give me this?" You whispered. "Why are you dosing this?"

Giving back what he owed you come only mean one thing. He was setting this relationship back as strangers. Like what it was supposed to be from the very beginning, where he only owed you money.

But why was question. You didn't have an answer. And you wish he was around to at least explain it to you.

You crouched down and covered your face, the coins dropping to the floor. You cried a bit louder this time. "What did I do wrong?! Was I too pushy? Did I make you uncomfortable?! Tell me what I did wrong!" Your heart hurt so much. It hurts more than the absence of your parents. You craved for Nanami's love than anyone else just for him to leave.

You couched softly, sniffling. "Why did you have to leave me?"

Nanami Kento x reader

Chapter 4: Add Sugar

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Summary: As days passed, he’s unknowingly getting closer to you, despite everything he is.

A/n: I’m graduating high school next week yall!

2.3k words

—***—

2006

The upperclassmen and Haibara started to fully realize how much Nanami was coming home later than usual.

It's been at least two months of the same routine. And he's been spending twice as much on groceries also. They knew that he very much enjoys saving money and only buying stuff for himself. This new friend much be very important to him.

Days when he has a mission with Haibara or with someone else, he'd tell you he has long errands to run. You don't question it, not wanting to get into his business but still nonetheless curious about what his school teaches him.

Days when he's available, he's out and about with you. He says unfortunately but in the back of his mind, he enjoys it. Most often, you two would meet at the spot he found you sleeping at. But sometimes, he's at your place, cooking, cleaning and even doing your laundry. You actually forced him to do that.

You sighed sadly, looking at a pretty magazine filled with beautiful women. All curvy in the right places and kinda looked like they didn't even wear makeup yet still look so gorgeous.

Nanami groaned at the sound of your sad sigh, stopping himself from sorting out your colorful socks. "What now?" He asked, leaning against your bed. You're laying on your bed, while he sits on the floor.

You turned your body around to face him, before getting on your stomach. Your chin rests on his shoulder as you showed him the magazine. "I wish I looked like them…" you pouted.

Nanami's eyes twitched as he snatched the magazine and looked through it. "Are you asking for attention?" Sure, yes, these girls on pap are pretty, he suppose. Yet, he doesn't really care and finds all women beautiful. He's only and truly annoyed that you wished for more when you're already so pretty to him. It's just a fact, not a compliment. He thought.

"Yeah I just sighed, I didn't ask for you to respond!" You huffed, snatched the magazine back. You turned your body away from him.

He rolled his eyes and stood up, looking down at you. Your back is face away from him, your shoulders hunched up. Clearly you're upset about something, which makes him paranoid. He would never admit it but he doesn't want this relationship to fall apart or sour if he doesn't speak.

So he sits down, taking up the other half of the bed. He gently placed a hand on your shoulder, forcing you to lay on your back and look up at him. "Talk to me," he says softly. "You're upset."

You sat up straight and looked at him dead in the eyes. "You should stop cooking for me." you pouted sadly, looking down.

That sentence feels like an attack, making his heart stop in anger. His jaw drops in confusion and surprise. "Stop cooking for you?"

"Because they ruined my figure!" You explained.

He gawked. "No, they fixed your figure. What I cook is way more healthier than those instant noodles and preserved meats," he defends himself. "(L/n), they're more healthy for you."

He leans closer, snapping his fingers to bring your attention back to him. "Why are you talking like that? Is someone making you insecure?"

You started at him with such a cute expression that makes his knees weak before you went back to lay on the bed. You sighed, putting your arm over your eyes. "Yes…" you admitted. "Just people at school… they saw the difference in me and pointed it out."

A moment of silence past and before he knew it, he saw tears streaming down your cheek. It makes him freeze, not knowing what to do. "I mean it's not my fault I don't know how give myself a good diet! My parents are rarely around to cook for me. So I just eat whatever they buy!" You sniffed. Maybe that's why you seem so childish to everyone else. You were a little less mature than everyone else. There was no one there to teach you from left to right. "And now with you around, doing stuff for me… it makes me feel guilty, like I'm some brat—"

You yelped softly when Nanami forcefully pries your arm off your face before pinning them beside your head. His face was calm, though there was a bit of that same irritation and even sadness too. He hovers over you, leaning close to the point the long part of his bangs graze against your cheek. "You make it seem like all of this is your fault when it's not." he licks his bottom lip. "I don't do all of this because I pity you, (L/n)."

You blinked away your tears, sniffling. "T-then why?"

Nanami sighed, dropping his head down for a moment. He didn't realize his nose was touching your chest before he went back up. "I like being around you, despite you… pushing me around."

You froze in place for a moment, eyes wide before you crack up a smile. "Really?!"

His face cringes in disgust. "Okay stop." He doesn't move from his position though. But he removes his hands away from your wrists.

"Aw, you're seriously so sweet…" you chuckled, feeling his hands beside your head now.

He smiles softly for the first time. "Anything… for you— ACK!" He yelps when he's pulled down to lay on top of you, chest to chest, face to face.

You laughed, wrapping your arms around his waist. You stared into his eyes. "You know, your future girlfriend is going to be very lucky to have you."

That made him take his breath away for a moment. Huh, future girlfriend. He clearly couldn't imagine that, since he's a jujutsu sorcerer. If he were to have a lover, they'd be in danger. He wouldn't want that. But… you're making it easy to give in. He brushes his nose against yours. "What if…" he gulps out of nervousness, ears red again. "What if I want you to be—"

"HELLO!" Hibiki burst open your bedroom door.

"WE FINISHED MED CLUB—" Otoha paused to see you and Nanami on your bed, seemingly cuddling. "Oh my God— are you two—"

You two stared at them with dying and red faces. You laughed nervously. "Guys, it's not what it looks like—"

"It's looks like what it looks like, (Y/n)!" Hikibi's jaw dropped. "Where you two about to—"

Nanami glares at them and shouts, "NO! We were not doing anything!" He throws one of your socks at the girls. "Now get out! You could've knocked, you know?"

The girls laughed before leaving and closing the door. He groans in embarrassment, turning to you. "You gave them a spare key?"

You shrugged. "They crash here sometimes?" you chuckled nervously.

—***—

The more you spend time together, the more it was harder to separate the both of you. Nanami started using all of his free and study time to be around you without realizing it. And you even stop coming around to practice the guitar or singing to be around him.

You didn't know how Nanami felt, since he's always trying to be nonchalant but you knew for one thing that you now have a big fat crush on him. You do make it pretty obvious now, but it seems he hasn't caught any of your hints. Maybe he actually never had a 'girl friend' before and expects this to be the type of friendship. But no biggie, you know that you have all the time with him. Eventually he'll see through your feelings.

But some parts of his actions leave you questioning how he truly feels. He gets annoyed, well he's mostly and always annoyed. But he stopped complaining when it came to you weeks ago. He does everything for you. Either he likes you back or he's being very gentlemanly.

You secretly hope it's the first one.

"Enjoy your meal!" The waitress said, serving two bowls of hot ramen on the table.

You hummed in delight at the aroma, before pulling your bowl in front of you. Nanami does the same. You dig into your noodles immediately, slurping them up and munching on the vegetables and meat.

Nanami ate his noodles unenthusiastically, keeping his eyes on you as he chews slowly. "Slow down before you start choking…"

You drank some of the broth. "Sorry…" you chuckled quietly. "It's just really good, I never came to this place even though it's nearby home this entire time."

Nanami rolls his eyes. "That's because you never go to the savory places. Always pastries or consumerism shops," he mumbled. He glares softly, seeing the oil and broth on your face from you slurping so much. He grabs a cloth and wipes your face. "Seriously slow down, you're getting your face and clothes dirty—" he paused, seeing three big shadows in front of both of you.

You both looked up at the same time to see three people around age in front of you. One guy with pure white hair and dark circle glasses. Another having his black hair in a man bun, a part of his bangs sticking out and a girl with a cunty Bob, chewing on some stick in her mouth.

The white hair boy was the first to speak. "This is your girlfriend, Nanami?" he smirks and leans down in a exaggerating manner.

Nanami pulls his hand away from you and straightens up. "No." His face is etched with embarrassment. "What are you guys doing here?"

"We came to eat ramen of course…" the girl said, her voice was cool and soft. She turns to you. "What's your name, cutie?"

You blinked before clearing your throat. "I'm (L/n) (Y/n)," you introduced yourself.

"Nanami, don't be rude. You should introduce us to your girlfriend," the guy with the man bun played along.

Nanami stood up. "S-she's not my girlfriend, stop—"

"I'm Gojo Saturo!" Gojo interrupts him and gently grabs your hand to kiss it. "Glad to meet the future Mrs. Nanami!"

"Huh?" You blinked.

"HUH?!" Nanami exclaimed.

After some further arguing, the staff came in to warn that if they don't keep it down, they'll be asked to leave. So now, you're sitting with Gojo, Geto and Shoko as well for dinner. Meanwhile, Nanami still sat across from you, obviously embarrassed.

You learned more about Nanami from his upperclassmen, telling you all of his embarrassing moments to even finding some of his baby pictures. You gasped and looked through all of them, asking question after question.

And at the end of the day, you were about to say goodbye to them, expecting Nanami to go home with them before he stares at you in confusion. You blinked in confusion, still smiling. "What's wrong?"

"You need me to walk you home?" He asked quietly, in hopes his upperclassmen won't hear.

You shook your head. "I think your friends need you though."

"No they don't." He huffed. "I don't usually leave you around this time."

"I'll be fine." You took a step closer in which he doesn’t back away at all. Your constant proximity is something he unknowingly cherishes and is used to.

You smirked, leaning forward to brush your lips against his cheek before landing a kiss on it. He jumps a bit but doesn’t pull away. His eyes are sparkling wide and of course his ears are red. He gulped. "(L/n), y-you just— my seniors won't believe that we're aren't—"

His heart rate picked up like an overheating fan. And he had to stop himself from grabbing his chest because of how much it hurts.

You pressed a finger over his mouth, silencing him. "Oh I'm sure what I'm doing can't be that bad. Geto and Gojo seem to be all over each other all the time." You hummed and booped his nose. "Anyways, see you tomorrow or later. Text me, okay?" you made a phone signal with your fingers before skipping away.

"Awwww….." the three seniors sighed softly behind him.

Nanami glared and snapped his head at them. "Stop."

—***—

That night, Nanami couldn't sleep. Never had he thought that a simple cheek kiss can make him so overwhelmed and enamored of you. You're just his normal civilian friend to him, nothing else! So why is he feeling this way? He couldn't understand, which didn't make sense to him. Because he's always logical and intelligence, so he should at least have a clue of why his heart beat faster than usual and how his mind is constantly talking about you.

He groaned in annoyance, rubbing his face as he laid on his bed. He flipped to lay on his side, facing the wall before pulling out the hidden Polaroid photo that he had snatched from your hands. The first time he ever cooked for you and the first time he wore that stupid inappropriate apron.

Even though he looked absolutely silly in that apron, you were in the picture. You were doing something with your fingers, like doing a heart or something— he doesn't even know actually.

His thumb gently rubs against your face on the photo. His eyes warm and unknowingly filled with the same feelings he can't explain. These feelings to him were so dangerous. Very dangerous. And feeling this way to you, can put you in grave danger.

He's always thinking about the future, thinking about your future. If you two were something and continued forward. He knows that being with you can lead to consequences of his and your actions and ultimately can lead to your death.

He doesn't want that, but he can't stop going to your direction. He can't stop cooking for you, caring for you. He can't stop himself to say no when you invite him to go shopping. Or when you drag him anywhere. You've become something so normal and ordinary in his life so quickly that it's difficult to let go.

He stuffs the photo back under his pillow and flips to the other side.

"Boo," Gojo said with his big baby blue eyes.

Nanami Kento x reader

Chapter 3: Home Cooked Meals

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Summary: He’s not a people person, but is nonetheless dragged to your place. Although the second day, it’s on his own accord.

A/n: guy I want to be praised in the comments section pls. Yes I’m greedy.

2.7k words

—***—

2006

He was dragged to your garage, where the three of you practiced on music and singing. The band's music was of course loud and powerful, but not so aggressive like he assumed all rock bands are.

You were their lead singer, your voice soft yet loud, bringing out emotion and joy. This time, Nanami didn't cover his ear, he found the melody okay and tolerable unlike Gojo's karaoke singing. He was forced to sit in front of them, sipping on some instant coffee that you had made for him.

Once you three were done, you turned to him. Immediately, Nanami sets his coffee down and claps his hands enthusiastically. You and your band cheer and hug each other in a circle, jumping place. You celebrated despite not knowing if Nanami really liked your music or not. In all honesty, you didn't care because at least someone watched your band play.

—***—

"Your uniform is very interesting," you commented, leaning forward to examine the material.

After practice, you all settled down in the living room. Although, excluding Nanami, who stayed in the kitchen, examine the state of it. It wasn't dirty but he just felt sorry that all you ate was preservatives. He assume your parents were rarely home to cook or even teach you how to cook.

When you realize he wasn’t around, you assume he had left. But then you found him in the kitchen, like now. You looked up at him, his expression neutral and calm. His arms were crossed as he stared at you. You chuckled nervously for the first time. "I'm sorry I dragged you here all of the sudden."

"It's…. fine." He shrugged. "I've gone through worse."

You looked back at his uniform. "What year are you in? And I've never seen you around before nor your uniform…" you hummed.

Nanami scratched the back of his neck. "I'm a second year…." He looks away momentarily. "My school is a very private school…."

You raised a brow, clearly skeptical.

He sighs, his shoulders slumping down. "Aren't you being a bit too pushy? I barely know you and you barely know me. I… prefer to not be questioned of my private life," he explained. "I very much enjoy my solitude and private life, thank you very much."

You cracked up a smile. "Alright, I'll stop asking." You tilt your head, seeing his ear go red once again. "Did you enjoy that cupcake I gave you at least?"

"I'm not a fan of sweets," he admitted sadly, not looking directly at you.

"Oh." You blinked and frowned. "I'm sorry…. I guess I was doing stuff without thinking much. I should've asked first." Clearly this entire time you've been doing before even thinking lately.

He really hates it how your sad face makes him want to comfort you. Yet he's bad at that. He clears his throat, staring down at you. "No, that…. uh, you were just trying to do something nice."

"Yeah but I kinda wasted a cupcake that you clearly didn't enjoy…" you assumed he threw it away.

"Don't worry, I was going to save it but a senior of mine stole it from me and ate it." Nanami glared at the thought. "I-I took a bite but I can't handle so much sugar. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize." You giggled, patting his shoulder. "At least you tried."

His eyes stare behind you this time, looking at the clock. He should really be going.

You followed his gaze before turning back to him. "Is it time for you leave?" You asked, a bit disappointed that he has to leave.

He paused for a bit, hearing your sad tone. "Unfortunately…" he scratches his neck shyly. "It was nice knowing you, but yes, I have to leave now."

"I'll walk you out." You followed him, while your friends also say goodbye to him. You opened the door for him letting him leave your house.

Before he left, you stopped him. He blinked. "Yes?"

"Stay right there." You left the door open and went back to your kitchen. You opened your fridge and found another one of the same small boxes that you gave him before. You grabbed the last one you had and went back to the door.

He sees what you're holding, eyes wide and surprised. "You don't have to, you're doing too much for a person you rarely know…." he said, though he takes the box off your hands.

You smiled. "An apology for dragging you into my house."

He shakes his head at you, one corner of his lip threatens to go up. "Still don't like sweets though."

"And I hate bitter coffee, seems we're even then." You smirked.

He finally smirks back softly. "Not entirely even yet."

—***—

"Woah… whatcha got there, Nanami?" Gojo smirked as Nanami finally arrived home. Everyone found it odd that he arrive home later than his usual time. "And where were you off to?"

Nanami frowned softly. "I went to see a friend," he admitted.

Shoko pouted. "Wait I thought we were your only friends…"

Nanami narrows his eyes at her. "My… new friend and Haibara are my only friends." He goes to the kitchen. "Just because I respect you as powerful sorcerers doesn't mean we're friends."

Before Nanami could grab a black marker, Gojo had already got his hands on the precious box that contained the delicious cupcakes that you gave him. Nanami whips his head at Gojo. "Hey, that's mine."

Gojo is already opening the box, licking his lips. "Really? But your name isn't on here—"

"I was going to write it on the box!"

Geto yawned softly, coming into the kitchen. "Satoru, stop teasing the underclassmen and hand back Nanami's cupcake," he scolded Gojo.

Gojo pouted, his mouth wide open at the cupcake. "But—"

"Yeah, Satoru, learn some respect. If Nanami respects you, then you should do the same…" Shoko says calmly.

"Guys it's just a cup—" the cupcake is miraculously gone from Gojo's hand. Gojo turns around to face Nanami, who's cheeks are puffed up and cream around the mouth. "Cake?"

Nanami chews throughly before swallowing. He shivered in literal disgust. "Too sweet…." he goes to find water.

Geto blinked in confusion. "Did he just?"

"Wow, did he just?" Shoko hums.

Gojo gawps in anger. "Did he just?!"

"I did just!" Nanami glared, pointing at Gojo. "Now stop eating my stuff!"

"What—?! Me?!" Gojo pointed to himself. "Hey that fridge is for everyone! And you never put anything in there other than raw ingredients! You cook here! A-and you never put desserts in there— so seriously how was I supposed to know it belonged to you— hey get back here I'm not done talking—"

Nanami slams the door shut, blocking out that annoying bug that he's forced to live with. He slumps on his chair, rubbing his tired eyes and brows. He fears that he'd soon lose his youth and get wrinkles early by how much he's frowning.

He licks his lips and his eyes twitch when he tastes the sugar again. He truly wonders why he ate it, he doesn't even like sweets. And he shouldn't have a problem giving the cupcake to his upperclassmen, but no, he just had to be defensive over something you had offered him.

"Ugh, awful." He shakes his head, feeling disgusted after eating so much sugar.

—***—

The next day, Nanami was at the supermarket, restocking his stuff. He loves cooking home cooked meals. They're hearty, healthy and very much way better than fast food or buying food from the convenience store.

Take notes, (L/n). He thought as he picked up some fresh green onions. He thinks about what to make for dinner, for himself of course. Stirred fried meat with soy sauce? Curry? Maybe spaghetti or pasta? With a side of garlic bread.

I love bread. He thought.

After he paid for his groceries, he carried four bags of it, leaving the supermarket. He walked awkwardly with the four bags. And as he walked back home, he didn't realize he was making your way to your school.

Though, no one was there. Right, your school ended at least an hour ago. He huffs, wondering why he even took this route home. He wouldn't actually consider you his friend, because for one, you two aren't that close and you don't see any introverts in your world. He shakes his head, clicking his tongue before continuing to walk.

Once he went past your school, he was met with grass and trees. He smiles softly as the cool breeze tickles his skin. What a good day. No one has bothered him, he got ingredients for his dinner and you— Hold on, you?!

Nanami's eyes widened when he saw a limp arm behind a tree. It doesn't move and beside it is your guitar. He stops his groceries in an instant, close by and then runs to see if you're okay. "(Y/n)?! What happened?!" he shouts, stopping in front of your body. "Hey, are you okay—" he paused.

"ZZZZZZzzzz…." You snored softly. Oh. You were sleeping.

Nanami clenched his fists in irritation, eyes twitching and veins visible. He should've known. Good thing he only knows that he looked stupid, thinking you were hurt. He sighed and crouched to your level, taking in your relaxed face for the first time.

He tilts his head. Without you running around like crazy, he can finally see your face clearly. Cute. He thought. His hand goes to take a leaf off from your head before fixing your hair.

He paused, feeling his ears go hot. He huffs and pulls his hand back. "What the hell am I doing?" he mumbled before looking back at you. He then proceeded to flick your forehead hard.

You stopped snoring mid-way. "ZZZzzzz— OW!" Your eyes opened immediately at the sudden movement and pain. You touched your forehead in confusion before looking up to find Nanami in front of you. You smiled softly. "Oh hey, Nanami." Hm, well annoying but at least you're respectful.

He rolls his eyes, standing up. "Why are you sleeping here? Aren't you supposed to be with your friends? And if you wanted to sleep, why didn't you just go home?" He glances at your guitar. "And you shouldn't be sleeping in the open with something expensive like that."

You sat up straight and chuckled cheeky. "Is someone worried about me?"

"I'm more concerned about your instrument getting stolen because of its value!" He replied.

You nodded. "You are worried about me. That's so cute!"

He face palms himself. "That's not what I said— never mind." He gives up on explaining himself and goes to pick up the groceries he left behind. "Shouldn't you be at home practicing with your friends?"

"Oh they're at their med club right now." You shrugged.

He paused, turning to you with his groceries in hand. "Med club? But I thought you all wanted to be…."

You chuckled sadly. "It's just a hobby we do." You stood up, dusting off your uniform shirt. "It's nothing serious."

Nanami frowned at your explanation. He knew he wasn’t true. You were all passionate about it, especially you. He sighs, seeing you pick the grass off your hair and putting away your guitar. He was never good at comforting, but he can tell that what you're feeling is sadness and dread. "Come on," he said, already walking to a direction that you've always known.

You blinked in confusion but nonetheless followed behind him. You beamed softly. "Where are we going?"

"You know where," he mumbled shyly. He continues walking, trying to keep some distance from you.

—***—

What is he doing?! He can't believe he decided to go to your house and spend more time with you. You two barely knew each other and are already doing stuff that a married couple are doing. This is insane and inappropriate. He thought.

Right now, he's cooking in your kitchen, making dinner. Needing an apron, the only one you had was 'Cook it hard Daddy!' which you said you got from on your friends for Christmas.

At first, he refused, but when you did something with your eyes. That same face when you mentioned that your band is only a hobby, he gave in. He sighed. "F-fine." He takes it from your hands, staring at the pink apron like it's trash before putting it on. He then hears a snap and whips his head at you. "What are you—"

You laughed out loud, the picture coming out of your Polaroid camera. "This is gonna look so cute!"

"Hey! Throw that away, (L/n)!" He reaches his hand to catch it but you're surprisingly quicker than him.

You chuckled. "No!"

Eventually he was able to snatch the photo out of your hands. You pouted. "Hey!"

He stuffed it in his pocket. "You go on teasing me while I drag myself to your place to cook you food, so stop bullying me." He gently hits your head as if you're a squishy toy. "You should be grateful that I'm around…"

You whined. "Hey I was gonna put that in my memory folder…" you reached out to his pocket.

He hits your hand gently. "Go do something else!" He snares.

You huffed. "Okay…"

You were left out of boredom in the living room, waiting for Nanami to cook dinner for you. When you two arrived at your place, you were very surprised that he even remembered where you lived. And the fact that he decided to use his own groceries to make you dinner. How sweet and thoughtful.

After some time, he walks over to you, looking down at you awkward. You smiled softly. "Yes?"

"Dinner is uh… ready." He points behind him with his thumb before going back to the kitchen.

"Yay!" You stood up, jumping to the kitchen. "I haven't had a home cooked meal in months!"

Seriously? He thought, sitting across from you.

You sat down and smelled what he made for you. Simple stirred fried cabbage with thin slices of meat. Under it was warm rice as well. And before you could dig in, he stops you. "Hmm?" You paused on your chopsticks.

He shyly gives a raw egg. Your eyes lit up. "Oh thank you!" You cracked it open and dropped it over your bowl.

He watches you dig in into the meal. He sighs softly, not realizing how content he is. But when he catches himself, even his own smiling, he clears his throat and digs in into his own meal.

No, this is weird. He shouldn't be getting close anyways. He's a jujutsu sorcerer and you're just a normal civilian.

But when he looks at you, he finds it hard to leave you side despite everything. He didn't pity you, he just kinda enjoyed your company than most. Well, Haibara still might be in first place since, that guy actually knows when Nanami is annoyed or not.

You're second place, for now.

—***—

You woke up in your bedroom, still in your uniform. The blanket is over your body. You must've got into a food coma right after dinner. And Nanami must've been the one who put you to bed.

You chuckled tirelessly. "How sweet— OH IM LATE FOR SCHOOL— oh it's the weekend."

Suddenly your stomach growled for breakfast so you left your bedroom. "Probably have tons of dishes to do but oh well!" You giggled and went to the kitchen to actually find it spotless. "Oh."

You looked around and smiled softly. Nanami clearly cleaned up before leaving. For a guy who's always irritated with you, he clearly takes care of you. Or maybe he just hates dirty places.

You went to the cabinet to find some cereal only to stop when you see he had written a note. It read: eat what's in the fridge idiot. You hummed in confusion and went to the fridge as per told and found it stocked with prepped meals made by Nanami himself.

This time you didn't smile, rather being left speechless. Your heart beat quicker than when you felt singing. Your cheeks flared up a bit as well.

You swallowed hard. "Oh shoot."

Nanami Kento x reader

Chapter 2: Coffee and Cupcakes

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Summary: He goes to the markets, where other students his age roam around shops and restaurants. There he gets coffee and even a sweet treat.

A/n: me using the picture color options tumblr provided on nanami’s pic to make it pink because idk how to make things aesthetic.

2.0k words

—***—

2006

Nanami rarely spends time with other people, other than his only close friend, Haibara Yu. He wouldn't say he hated parties, going out and doing stuff with other people that had nothing to do with curses. It wasn't his thing.

He had just finished school, off to the busy streets. There were other students his age around eating at food vendors or restaurants and such. Those students didn't know the life he has, as a jujutsu sorcerer. Their lives are easy, which he preferred, for the sake of their safety.

Even though it was the afternoon, he craved for coffee at the moment. He knew from Haibara that there was a pastry shop nearby that sells really good coffee, sweet or bitter. And hey, decaf coffee as well!

He opens the door of the pastry shop, the bell on top ringing to signal an employee of his arrival. He looks around the small place. No tables or chairs, so it's a place to get your things and leave. Quick and simple, just how he likes it.

He glances at a group of high school students, all girls. They point and pick almost every sweet pastry there was. His eyes then go to the guitar cases behind on some of their backs. Must be a small band. He thought. He turns to the cashier, clearing his throat. "I heard this place has decaf coffee?"

The cashier nods with a welcoming smile. "That’s right. One cup to go?"

Nanami nods. "Make it ice coffee and medium size, please."

"Alright." The cashier rings up the price. "That will be 750 yen." He patiently waits for Nanami to pay.

Nanami reaches into his pocket, getting his wallet. Only, it's not there. His eyes widened before he checks his other pocket. "I uh… I'm sorry, I forgot my wallet," he says with a hint of embarrassment. In the back of his mind, he's furious, remembering that Gojo and Geto must've taken it for their 'funzies.' "You can cancel my order—"

"I'll pay for it," a voice said behind him.

He turns around to find one of the girls from before. That being you, smiling softly at him. You turned to the cashier. "Can you put that with the rest of my stuff?" You asked as you placed the tray of your lovely sweet pastries.

Nanami stares at you in gratitude and curiosity as the cashier pushes buttons after buttons of your stuff. You felt his gaze and turned back at him, which in return, he quickly looks away, gulping nervously. You blinked in curiosity, seeing the tip of his ears turn a bit red.

Meanwhile, as for Nanami, he couldn't believe he had to have a girl provide for him. It's embarrassing really. It's supposed to be the other way around, you know? But no big deal, he'll just have to pay you back.

"Aww… no fair, (Y/n)! Can you pay for my sweets too?" one of your friends asked, pouting innocently. Hibiki is your drummer.

"No," you deadpanned while taking out your card. "You didn't forget your wallet, I know it." you chuckled before paying for your pastries and Nanami's drink.

Once his decaf coffee arrives, he takes it, mumbling a silent thank you. He glances at you and your friends, watching the others pay for their pastries. He then quietly leaves the pastry shop, holding his coffee with guilt.

"You seriously paid for that guy's coffee? He didn't even say thank you! He said thank you to the barista!" another friend of yours said. Otoha is the lead guitarist.

You waved her off dismissively. "He's probably just shy. No big deal."

"You're too nice!" She exclaimed before pausing. "Nevermind, you didn't pay for us."

"Like I said, you didn't forget your wallet!" You rolled your eyes.

The three of you left the pastry shop, you followed behind. You then stopped when you see the guy you paid for his coffee earlier. He stood nearby, looking at you. He holds his coffee, which he actually hasn't taken a sip yet.

Your smile brightened and you turned to your friends. "You guys go on without me!" You shouted before walking over to him.

Nanami straightens up his posture, trying not to make it obvious to fix his odd hairstyle. He clears his throat and bows down. "Thank you for paying for my coffee. I'll make sure to pay you back."

You tilt your head to the side before giggling. "It's fine. Happens to all of us before." you waved him off. "But thank you for thanking me. And you don't have to pay me back. It's completely fine."

He brings his posture back up, his ears red again. "If I don't pay you back, it'll leave me overwhelmed with guilt," he said softly, finding the little rock on the floor very interesting than the girl in front of him.

You blinked. "It's just coffee. It's not like I paid for your college institution," you joked. You pulled out something from your plastic bag, that contained all of the pastries, cakes and what not that you bought. "Here."

"Huh—" Before he knew it, you grabbed his hand, palm out as you placed a small box on it. "B-but I'm not into—"

"You should try this. It's really good!" You chuckled and let go of his hand. "Anyways, have a good day. Enjoy your dessert!" You waved before running off to find your friends.

Nanami blinked in confusion and a bit of irritation. You didn't even let him finish his sentence. He stares at the small delicate box in his hand. It was a white box, with pink ribbons around.

Nonetheless, he couldn't do much. You had already ran off somewhere and if he did catch up to you, he'd be past curfew and the dormitories might close on him. He sighed and turned around, coffee and dessert in hand.

He's not into sweets at all. Oh and he didn't get your name to pay you back— why are you so quick?!

—***—

Nanami stared at the cupcake on his desk. He sits in front of it, starting down at it like it's a disease rather than a sweet treat. He gulps, picking up his fork. Maybe he will try, maybe if he ate it, it would consider repaying you back.

He scoops down, getting some of the cream and cake. His hand trembles. Calm down, Kento. He thought. He faced monsters and cursed spirits! This is… this is nothing! He grabs his own wrist that holds the fork, stopping it from shaking.

He then takes a quick bite.

After that he closed the box up and put it in the dorm's kitchen. He'll… finish it tomorrow. Hopefully.

—***—

Nanami slammed the fridge shut. "Who ate my cupcake?" he walks over to the lounge area, where his upperclassmen and Haibara. His fists clenched hard and he feared for his own life that one of his veins might pop off.

"What cupcake?" Gojo turns his head around, munching on a cupcake, cream all over his mouth. He sits on the couch like he owns it, while holding the exact same cupcake that Nanami had.

Nanami points at the cupcake in Gojo's hand. "That cupcake."

Gojo's eyes widened in surprise, looking back and forth between Nanami and the already eaten cupcake. It looked like there was only a quarter of it left. "This is yours?!" Gojo exclaimed, though shoving the rest in his mouth. "But you rarely eat sweets!"

Nanami gawped. "You just—!"

Geto sighed in annoyances, shaking his hand and clicking his tongue. "I told you that didn't belong to you. You always take people's stuff in the fridge."

"Hey, he didn't put his name on it!" Gojo defended himself, shrugging.

"Uhhh!" Haibara frowned softly, looking between Gojo and Nanami. "I'm so sorry, Kento. I didn't know that cupcake was yours!"

Nanami rubs the bridge of his nose, sighing. "It's not like I told anyone anyways— N-never mind." he turns, retreating to his room.

"I can go to wherever you went to buy some more of those cupcake if you want!" Shook suggested before turning to her friends. "Since when did he like sweets?" she asked, mostly towards Haibara.

Haibara shrugged. "I don't know. He must've came home with that yesterday."

"Should've put his name on the box!" Gojo huffed, licking his lips. "That is one good cupcake!"

Suddenly, they all jumped when Nanami swings the door open. He runs back to the lounge. "Also, where's my wallet?!"

—***—

The bell rang, signaling that school had ended. You hummed a tune softly as you packed your belongings.

"Come on, (Y/n)! We don't have all day!" Otoha groaned impatiently, leaning against the door frame.

Hibiki spins in a circle, tapping her drumsticks against any surface. "She always takes her time." she pouts. "We're gonna leave you if you don't hurry up, (Y/n)! Can't be a band without our singer!"

You rolled your eyes playfully, putting your guitar case behind your back before grabbing your school back. "I'm coming, I'm coming. Hold your horses." You chuckled and walked out of school with them.

As the three of you walked out of the school gate, chatting to one another, you could see a familiar figure from afar. You blinked and stopped to get a better look at the person that stared across from you.

"What is it?" Hibiki asked, looking in your direction, Otoha doing the same.

You smile brightly. "It's that same guy from before!" You ran after him, waving. "Hello!"

Nanami gulped, almost taking a step back when you stopped right in front of his face. His face scrunched up in annoyances by how loud you are. Yeah, you remind him of someone for sure, but at least you seemed to be more tolerable because of the first impression.

You chuckled softly, leaning back. "Sorry, am I being too much?"

Nanami narrowed his eyes at you. "You're fine," he said calmly. He puts his hands behind his back as your friends come forward.

"How did you find our school?" Otoha glared, crossing her arms.

"Yeah, don't tell me you stalked (Y/n)!" Hibiki butts in.

"Guys, calm down." You grinned softly. "I'm sure he has no means to actually stalk me."

"Yes, I didn't stalk her." Nanami huffs, annoyed a bit by the accusation. In reality, he really just remembers what your uniform and school symbol looked like and searched the internet for your school. "I'm just here to give um…" He glances at you for your last name, not wanting to use the first name despite it being the only information of your name that he only knows.

You bring your hand out with a bright smile. "I'm (L/n) (Y/n), it's a pleasure to meet you."

Nanami awkwardly shakes your hand. "I'm Nanami Kento." He goes back to getting his wallet out. "I have what I owe you—"

"Well I'm Kagurazaka Otoha." Otoha swiftly brings her hand towards for Nanami to shake.

"Uh… right." Nanami shakes her hand.

"And I'm Hatsune Hibiki." Hibiki holds her glare as Nanami shakes her hand as well.

Nanami clears his throat, praying that the other girls are done interrupting him. He turns back to you. "So—"

"Hey, I have an idea!" You point a finger up. "I'm guessing if you're here for me, you have some extra free time."

"Well yes, I guess—" Nanami paused, shaking his head. "But I'm just here to—"

Before he knew it, your hand grasped onto his wrist. He's dragged along with the three of you, causing him to yelp softly. You chuckles softly. "You get to be our audience for our practice!"

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Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Nanami Kento x reader

Chapter 1: Bitter

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Summary: everyday is like everyday. Wake up, save people, work and repeat. That is until you came back into his life.

A/n: a little short I’m sorry!

1.3k words

—***—

2018

Nanami promised for no love in his life. That was the only way to keep his heart from aching and to keep others protected. As he surround himself with work, invoices, phone calls and meetings, only he knew how the real world was like.

Curses and monsters, creatures that snoop around humans like maggots on flesh.

His childhood wasn't that great and he didn't expect it to get better as he got older. Like now. He thought if he had left the jujutsu world behind, then maybe he didn't have to worry. But there were few left of jujustu sorcerers and he was that of the few.

The sound of his alarm slowly woke him up. He opened his eyes, blinking slowly. His hand reaches for his alarm clock, stopping the sound before closing his eyes. He turns to lay on his back, hands on his stomach. He laid on one side of the bed, the other side cold and empty.

What day is it today? He thought. Oh right, he has work, again. With the reminder in his mind, he opens his eyes once again and gets out of bed. He takes a shower, brushes his teeth, gets his work attire on, socks, shoes, coffee, toast, keys and then he closes the door of his apartment before locking it.

He turns to leave but stops when he see his elderly neighbor slowly making her way to her apartment door with groceries in her hand. He quickly drops his things, making his way to her. "Need some help?" he asked, though he takes her stuff without giving her a chance to answer.

"Oh thank you, Mr. Nanami." His neighbor weakly smiled at him, her hands taking as she reached for her keys.

He patiently waits for her to open her door. He thinks about how someone should at least taking care of her. Like a family member or even a caretaker. Once the door opens, he lets her in first before going to her kitchen counter and placing her groceries there. "I have to take my leave now, make sure to come lock the door," he says before waving goodbye and closing the door. He sighs softly, fixing the watch on his wrist. He takes the elevator down to the first floor of his apartment complex.

Gojo and his students had spent their time trying to get Nanami a blind date. And without his knowledge, he's set up for one when he had already said no. Now he could've just stood up on these poor women but he just found that plain rude.

So he always took his time, to get dressed, to do his hair, to buy flowers and sit down with her. He'd tell her that this was his friend's idea and that he had no motive in dating. But he made sure that the women in front of him won't be so left out. He made sure that every woman would at least feel welcomed and promised for more in the future, promised for someone available, someone not like him, not like a sorcerer.

But there was another excuse, the reason why he's been holding back and never pushing forever. That reason was—

He stops when he hears the sound of a girl's whimpering in fright and groans from something else. He turns his head to the sounds, which leads to a secluded alleyway. His feet move before he even thinks, sensing the danger that is close to striking the poor girl.

It's a cursed spirit, he thought. And with quick speed, he pulls out his cleaver and starts wrapping it in interesting cloth that he also carries around. His eyes flickered on the creature that grips the trembling girl's throat, it's body full of heads, mouths open wide for anything it can eat.

"hmm… fresh meat—!" The creature didn't get to finish when its real head was swiftly cut off.

The girl drops to the floor as she coughs for air. "T-thank you! I don't know what happened!" As usual, a normal person can't see cursed spirits, so the poor girl must've assumed she was crazy for seeing things.

He quickly puts away his weapon before turning to the girl on the floor. "It's fine. Are you hurt—" he stops to gasp softly at the sight of the girl's high school uniform. His eyes widened before softening. It seems things don't change, even the uniform looks the same. He thought. He clears his throat and helps her up. "Are you hurt anywhere? If you are, you should head to the hospital."

"N-no I'm fine. Just spooked up." She coughs some more before taking a step back. "Really though, thank you for saving me from whatever that was grabbing me. I can't believe I almost died."

He also takes a step back, glancing at her uniform again. He always has a good memory, he knew when her school would start. Though if he tells her what time, she'd probably freak out again and call him a weirdo for knowing what time her school starts.

It's not his fault though, you always remind him when high school would start and end. He clears his throat again. "I have to get going now, have a safe walk to school—"

"Could you walk me to my school instead?" She suddenly asked.

—***—

"Thank you kind sir!" The girl waved goodbye to him, happily running to a friend of hers.

Nanami awkwardly waved before putting his hand inside his pocket.

"Yo, is that your dad or something?" one of the girl's friend asked.

The girl shakes her head. "Nah, just some guy that saved me, I asked him to walk with me!" she replied before waving to him again and pushing her friend into the school's campus.

Nanami sighed and turns around, having to take an extra few steps to work. He wonders if you ever graduated here. He wonders what you're doing now, what career you chose and if… you've moved on.

He shakes his head. He shouldn’t be thinking about stuff like this, he has work.

Once he does reach work, he clocks himself in and gets to work. Pulling out his chair, getting out some files he did at home and turns on his computer. It's like any usual day, wake up, save a few, work, go home, sleep and repeat. Nothing special, but nothing dangerous. Something he very much prefers, a life simple to not be so worried yet provide protection to the world still. Yet deep down, he knows he yearns for more.

"Nanami, meeting's in ten," his co-worker reminds him.

Nanami nods. "I'll be there." he takes a sip of his coffee that he made in the breakroom.

Five minutes passed and he gets up to go to the meeting, bringing his laptop, his notebook and files. Every Monday, him and his coworkers would have a quick meeting, a summary of last week or what's new.

He's the first on there, taking a seat, facing away from the door. He opens his laptop and notebook, getting ready.

He then hears others come in, but didn't turn to greed them. Although he heard a voice he did not recognize.

"So yes, every Monday, we'll have a quick meeting. Just a summary of last week's sales and so on." That was his HR speaking. He must be showing a new recruit around. "Oh right, this man right here is Nanami Kento."

Immediately Nanami stands up and turns to face the two. He reaches out with his hand towards the person in front of him, bowing once. "It's a pleasure to meet you," he says without thinking.

The person's hand grabs onto his, all soft and familiar to him. He furrows his brows in confusion, feeling the skin against his before looking up. His eyes widened at the sight of such familiar face but he wasn’t sure if it was truly someone he knows.

Firelord Zuko x reader

Chapter 7: Sunlight

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Summary: You returned to the Fire Palace and there you gave birth to the nation’s princess.

A/n: sorry I’m just tired. Again.

3.4k words

—***—

You looked through the various unfinished paintings you had in your art room. You hummed, trying to find one that really needs to be gone. "Izumi, which one should I finish?" you asked her, despite her still being in your stomach. You're at 38 weeks now, your belly developing more visible stretch marks and the line over your stomach and belly button.

You felt her kick in a certain direction and turned to it. It was an unfinished painting of a vase and some fire lilies. You smiled softly. "Good choice."

You picked it up and started to arrange everything. Paints, paintbrushes, pain pallets and more. You then sat down and started to paint.

It's been about two months since the incident, since you used light bending to destroy Yōu Yuān's source. You told those who knew about your powers, to not bring it up. It was all in the past now. Why? Well because, those powers, are no longer with you.

—***—

Flashback…

Everyone took a step back when the open door grew brighter, causing them to cover their eyes a bit. Except for you know, Toph.

The wind howls in there and the sounds of screams and cries were heard. It left Zuko deeply concerned for you. An eerie godlike sound was also heard, with bits of rainbow light lighting the room.

Then, that light vanish and the room grew dark. Zuko takes the first step and presses his hand, assuming the invisible wall was still there. The room from where you entered was dimly lit but he was able to make up the lying figure in the middle of it. That unconscious figure being you.

He gasped and runs to you, everyone else following. He watches as the white shimmering marks start to disappear from your body. He checks your pulse. "She's okay…" He sighs in relief, cradling your head. He brings your head close to his chest, kissing your temple. He cries quietly. "You're okay…" he whispered.

"You should take (Y/n) to Appa. We'll check the rest of the fortress for anyone else," Aang stated.

Zuko glances at the still wound on your stomach, he should change the bandages. Although Katara could just heal yours and his injuries, he didn't want to pressure her and the fact that she's pregnant.

Katara senses his gaze on her and rolls her eyes. "Oh come on, I can heal her just a bit." she kneels down, getting some of her water and presses it against the cut. "I can't do much but I can at least close it. Some normal temperature water over it will sooth it down," she explains, the cut eventually closes and you stop bleeding.

"Thanks." Zuko turns to her. He then picks you up, cradling you close.

Sokka frowns, seeing his injuries. "Shouldn't—"

"I don't want to drain Katara. Besides, (Y/n) actually healed me," Zuko explains, his thumb rubbing your arms. "The sun's out, there's no blizzard so don't worry."

He leaves them to look around the fortress for any other shadow guards that could be alive. He takes off the same pathway as you two first went, holding you closer then ever. He speaks to you as you slept in his arms. "I thought I lost you. I really thought I did." He breathes softly, trying not to sob like a big baby. He sighs, clearing his throat. "I can't believe I married you." he shakes his head.

He sees Appa in the cave that Toph made and smiles softly. "Hey Appa, don't worry the others will be back soon." He climbs on Appa, first gently placing you on top before he's next.

Once he settles down and makes yourself comfortable, his eyes remain on you. He leans down and pecks your forehead before placing a hand over your stomach. He feels Izumi kick and beams softly. "Such strong girls I have…." he mumbles. "Izumi will make a great Firelord, getting most of it from her mother."

He tugs your coat more firmly around your body, which causes you to slowly stir in your sleep. He pauses for a moment, not wanting to wake you up from your rest. You needed all the rest. But of course, you slowly started to open your eyes, looking up at him. "Am I… dead?" you asked weakly, feeling a bit sore.

He chuckles and shakes his head. He cups your cheek. "No, you're still here." He bites his lips, suddenly filled with emotion. "You got Katara out but you…"

"Sorry…" you smiled cheekily. "I was worried I might accidentally hurt her…"

"Still…. you didn't come back for a while."

"I like…" you think to yourself. "Was kind of turning into a light and killed Mother and Mai…" you said in guilt, looking away in shame.

He froze right there, not saying a word. You immediately turned back to look at him. "I-I'm sorry…. I know Mai was your ex and that my mother and I just didn't get along— it wasn't my intention to kill them—"

"I don't care about them." He shakes his head. "I wouldn't forgive myself if you didn't make it."

"But—"

"Mai never cared much about anyone…. or the gifts I would give her," Zuko explained and sighed in sadness. "As for your mother, you still haven't realized that she's been abusing you. I could've executed herself but back then I didn't want to upset you. You were still asking for her love."

You paused for a moment, taking in his words. He was right, you were craved for validation from your mother. Despite everything she did to you, you still want her to love you. "Why am I always so oblivious?" you asked yourself, cringing. "All I do is never look deeper into things…"

He chuckles, rubbing your cheeks. "That's one thing I love about you though. It means I can surprise you whenever I want." Even though you two made up and are back with better communication, he wanted to prove himself more for you. He stares at you for a few seconds, seeing as you no longer have markings on your body. "Your markings are gone."

You nodded sadly. "I know. I used it all to destroy the source." you looked at the outside of the cave. "

Eventually, the rest came back, declaring that it was over. Zuko would have to make sure to tend a meeting about this matter and what to do with the now abandoned fortress.

—***—

"Queen (Y/n) has been rescued!" Someone shouted, seeing Appa returning. The people clapped, cheered and cried. One guy jumped in happiness and then started to form bubbles in his mouth.

You looked down from above and waved to them. Toph chuckles. "I've never heard a nation so loud to have their queen back."

Appa lands at the entrance of the Fire Palace, where physicians, the grand chamberlain and Azalea are running towards all of you. Zuko comes down first, helping you down while you cradle your stomach.

"My lady!" Azalea sobbed loudly, wrapping her arms around your shoulders. "You're okay!"

"O-ow!" You winced when feeling her body crush your stomach a bit. "Azalea! My stomach! My stomach!"

She gasped and stepped back. "I'm so sorry!" she then goes back to crying. "I'm just so glad you're okay!"

The Grand Chamberlain bows down at you several times and then to Zuko. "It was my fault! My fault of the Queen got kidnapped, I'll gladly take any punishment!"

Zuko and his friends cringed. "P-please just stand up," Zuko mumbled.

Grand Chamberlain nods frantically and stands up. "Yes, my lord!"

"Now, get my wife a nice bath, make sure it's room temperature, she's dealing with an injury," Zuko order. In doing so, the Grand Chamberlain hurries off to yell at servants, while Azalea pampers you with apologizes and cries.

Zuko smiles softly at you as Azalea hugs you gently, not letting you go. You mouthed help at him but he shook his head. Because, he's not the only one who loves you, the entire nation does. For someone who has no powers, but a pure heart.

End of flashback…

—***—

You dipped your paintbrush into the dark red paint, mixing it a bit with other colors. You hummed a soft tune, putting brush stroke after stroke on the canvas. You suppose you were really in the mood to draw. Because ever since returning, you've mostly been resting.

Also because as Izumi grew in your belly, that cut that Katara closed up had opened. The skin of your stomach had stretched so it couldn't hold the cut together. So you were in much pain from Izumi's size and the cut. You suppose when you used all your powers, it drained your energy a lot, making simple task a bit difficult. But your physician told you that you'll get better as soon as you give birth.

As of now, you're almost done with your painting. You cleaned your paintbrush by swirling it around a cup of water before drying it. You then dipped the brush into some ink.

Right then, you fell a bit lightheaded. But you didn't think much of it as you assume it's the medication that your physician recommend you. So you shook it off and started to write characters on the canvas, your brush strokes careful. It's black paint, dark compared to the rest of the colors you used.

Once you got to the last character of the quote, you felt a sharp aching pain between your legs. Oh shoot, you thought. Not being able to get up from your legs trembling in pain, your body fell slowly to the side, the paintbrush still going. Eventually you fell off your chair, your paints and art stuff getting everywhere.

You dropped your paintbrush before clutching your stomach tightly. You then felt a wet gush between your legs, indicating that your water broke. You heard the sounds of quick footsteps, someone probably heard that loud thud.

You assumed it was going to be Azalea or a servant girl, but it's your husband, Zuko. He busts the door open, his face etched with so much concern, assuming you're kidnapped again. "(Y/n) are you okay—?!" He freezes, seeing you on the floor, clutching your stomach and the water pooling between your legs.

He runs to you, picking you up. "Someone get the royal doctor now!" He ordered harshly, almost sounding like his terrible father. He runs out of your art room, holding you close. "The queen is in labor!"

—***—

After what felt like days of giving birth, which really was about four hours, you finally gave birth to the heir to the throne, Izumi. After the royal doctor gives her a good examination, to see if anything is wrong, he gives her to you, letting you hold her close. She eventually stops crying, pouting her lips when she finally feels your presences and skin after being separated from you for only a few minutes.

Meanwhile, her dad, that begin Zuko stayed by your side all the way. That is until he saw Izumi's head crowning out and decided to stop supporting you right there and passed out. The nurses has to drag him to the side, since his huge body was int the way. He sat in the corner, pale and knocked out cold. He only woke up when he heard your bloody scream, including Izumi's. That's when he rushed back to your side to check on you first.

He wipes the sweat off your forehead with a cooling clothes, staring at the two most important people in his life. He smiles softly. "She came out beautiful like her mother," he whispers.

Eventually, the medical staff in the room left to give you three some family time and space. You chuckled softly. "I agree." You watched her gently move around, clutching her fists and her eyes closed. You looked up at him. "Want to hold her?"

His hands tremble slightly as he brings his arms out. He takes Izumi off your arms, cradling his small bundle of joy. His lips quivered, obviously in disbelief that you create this. "She's so cute…" he sobbed quietly, holding her against his chest. "I can believe you made her. Like literally she grew inside you, I don't know how it works but that's so cool… Women are so cool…."

You raised a brow as you watch him simply lose his mind over the fact that you made a baby and that this baby is also his daughter. You glanced back at Izumi with caring eyes, seeing her actually open her eyes and start at her father like he's crazy. "I hope she grows up to like me," you mumbled.

Zuko stops crying and huffs. "Of course she'll love you. You're her mother."

You nodded at his assurance and looked back at Izumi. You frowned a bit, which catches Zuko's eye. "What is it?"

"Hand her back," you said and he obliged, gently giving Izumi back into your arms. Before he could ask what was wrong, you spoke first. "Bring back the royal doctor."

Immediately, without anymore questions, Zuko races off to find the royal doctor.

Maybe you were too much in the moment to realize how yellow she is. You've never seen many babies in your life but you know for a fact as a now mother that this isn't normal.

The royal doctor comes back with a grieving look, one filled with guilt. "This happens a lot with some newborn babies. Usually when they're aren't so yellow, it tends to fade away…" He pauses for a moment. "Though, with very yellow skin, it's highly dangerous for the baby and we haven't figure out how to give them the right care. Nor do we have enough advanced technology to provide."

Your shoulders slumped and you remained quiet. What? No. No, you just had a moment with her and now she may be taken away from you? Did some god out there decided to sacrifice her for your powers? There was so much in your head as Zuko demanded that the royal doctor and physicians find a cure for Izumi. But the royal doctor was shaking his head frantically, only knowing so little about this concern.

You started to grow pale yourself, your eyes red with tears. Is your sweet baby going to die?

You got out of the bed all of the sudden, your legs a bit numb. Zuko turns to you, hearing the shuffle of the bedsheets. "(Y/n), stay in bed, I can handle this—"

You walked past him, grabbing Izumi out of a nurse's arms. Now she can't stop crying even as you held her. You turned to Zuko as you tried to sooth her. Your lips quivered in sadness as you began to cry. "Is she not going to make it?" You asked, your voice cracking. "We just had her…."

In an instance, Zuko's arms are wrapped around you and Izumi, engulfing you two with warmth. Just when things were getting better, Zuko thought.

—***—

By the next morning, Izumi's throat was sore from crying all night. She could only whimper in pain now. You tried everything you could think of. Singing a lullaby, but she didn't listen. You tried to breastfeed her, but she wasn't taking your milk.

Zuko wanted to be there to comfort the both of you, but he had to stay with the royal doctor and other skillful people to find a solution. Izumi was getting weaker every second and he was losing time.

You tried everything but didn't give up. Yet, Azalea said that you needed a break, you were still recovering from an injury and your pregnancy. And after a long lecture, she convinced you to at least get some fresh air with her.

So by the afternoon, you carried her to the garden, where the fire lilies are now taken care of by gardeners. You asked them to leave, putting a blanket on the floor and placing Izumi on it. You laid beside her, seeing her face etched with pain.

It was a bit cloudy, no sunlight. It was a bit windy too. You wanted to put a blanket over her, yet would it really help?

Maybe a little sunlight, you thought. But you didn't have any powers to help her or to bend the sunlight in her direction. But you could at least try. So you forward your hand to the sky, trying to feel the warmth and the sun rays. You kept your eyes on her the entire time.

For a few seconds, nothing happens and you assume that you really lost your powers. That is, until the sun beamed directly at her. Your eyes widened and you gasped softly and delight. Maybe you didn't lose all of your powers, only given a small amount.

And as the sun hits her softly, her wrinkles of pain slowly disappear and you watch her sleep peacefully after so many hours of crying. You smiled softly for the first time after hearing such devastating news. She looked so peaceful. You then reached one finger out to rub her cheek gently.

Eventually, you weren't alone with Izumi anymore when you feel the presences of Zuko. He was looking at you two in disbelief from afar, seeing that the cloud parted a certain area to hit sunlight on his daughter. He walks over to both of you and lays on Izumi's other side. "Your powers are back," he said.

You took a good look at him, seeing the dark circles and the redness in his eyes. He's been working hard. You nodded. "Only a bit. It's very faint…." You chuckled sadly. "But look at her, she's not in so much pain. I think sunlight helps a bit."

He sighs softly. "I sent word to all the physicians and doctors around the four nations to see if they have any solutions."

You ignored what he said and continued rubbing Izumi's cheek. "She was supposed to be there for our wedding anniversary," you whispered before sitting up. You slowly moved the sunlight away from her, picking her up in your arms. "She stopped crying," you said, not thinking much about it.

Zuko immediately sits up straight too but aggressively rubs his eyes. He assumed he was going colorblind but… her skin looks less yellow. His jaw dropped. "Sunlight!" he shouted.

His shout literally jolts Izumi awake, causing her to cry. You glared at him and punched his shoulder. "Zuko! Look at what you did!" you scolded him before trying to soothe her, which this time, works like a charm.

"Sorry!" He stands up. "Come on! I think you just found the solution!" Before you could respond, he picks you up, with Izumi still in your arms.

"H-Hey! Not too fast! You'll make her cry again!"

—***—

Sunlight was one of them, but there was more to look onto yellow babies. That being said Izumi had to get more sunlight. The entire nation sighed in relief, knowing that their princess is going to get better. Zuko made sure you were getting all the credit for finding out that sunlight can help yellow babies. This was great for all nations.

You could finally rest and even breastfeed her normally. And Zuko could go back to having cute aggression and smother his daughter with kisses. Like now.

One day, you decided to take the day to fully rest, with guards outside of your bedroom. Meanwhile, Zuko watched Izumi, refusing to even let servants care for her. So he had her around in his study room while he worked.

Izumi laid in her small basket, staring at her father as he slowly ripped paper. She laughs loudly, her mouth open with no teeth. Her chest boomed with laughter, her cheeks red. Her legs and arms moved wildly as if she was making a snowman.

Zuko chuckles with her, his shoulders shaking in happiness. "Papa is gonna do it againnnn…" he gets another piece of paper and rips it again. Izumi booms with loud laughter in response, small bubbles forming in her mouth.

Azalea and Grand Chamberlain watched in horror. Those papers were documents.

Zuko keeps his eyes on Izumi, his hand reaching for more paper. Yet, he found only on his desk and looked at it. He blinked. "Huh? There's no more."

The Grand Chamberlain pinches his nose in irritation while Azalea clears her throat to speak. "My Lord, those were important documents you just ripped…"

"Oh." Zuko blinked again, not even a hint of guilt in his eyes. "Go find more."

The end. 😛

Firelord Zuko x reader

Chapter 6: Light Bending

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Summary: You assume it was the end of it, for your beloved husband. Though, the gods above had other plans for you.

A/n: we’re almost done….!

2.5k word

—***—

If Zuko's spirit was around, he's clearly still keeping you warm through this snowstorm. But maybe you're wrong.

You didn't realize what was going on until your heart started to light up. You looked down at your chest and see that the marking on your chest turning to into a bright red fire lily. Your other markings turning white and glowed. And when your tears drop against Zuko's icy skin, they steamed off. You gasped and pulled back, seeing the hand prints on his body where melting the ice off. "What is going on?" you whispered.

But you didn't question further and hugged him. Your embrace started to warm his body up rapidly and you could feel his heart beat start to pick up. "Please please come back to me…"

The clouds started to disperse, light coming in. You looked up at the clear and bright sky. It seems someone out there answered your prayers. You turned back to Zuko when you felt him trembling again. "Zuko?!" You cupped his cheeks and that skin right there started to warm up.

He blinks slowly before gasping softly. "Am I…. dead?" he asked. His eyes widened when he realized you're in front of him. "No! You're dead too?!" He assumed since you look a little different with the bright markings and the fact that your heart is glowing red and orange.

You slapped his face gently. "No, asshole!" You glared before calming yourself down. "I don't know what happened, but you're alive and that's what matters to me!" You cried in happiness, jumping into his arms.

He yelps in pain, shutting his eyes. "Ow…."

"Ah!" You pulled back. "I forgot you're injured and cold!" You ripped your own clothes this time and wrapped it around his injuries. His were worse, bleeding from the front and back.

"Wait, stop…" He glared softly, stopping your wrist. "I'm fine."

"Shut the fuck up, Zuko!" You shouted, causing your eyes to glow a bit from emotion. You started to tie the fabric around him a little too tightly, out of anger. "Enough with this—! Enough with you taking care of me! I will kill you first before anyone else does!"

He froze in place, taken aback by your little outburst. He's never seen you this anger before. Not as angry as the time you yelled at him for deceiving him."But you'll catch a—" He sneezed.

"Ironic," you mumbled. Without telling your body, you waved your hand to the sun, giving warmth to Zuko.

Zuko blinked in surprise. "H-How are you doing that?"

"I don't know…." you shrugged. "Just learning new things as I go… Whatever I have, it saved you."

He sat there as you tended his wounds, his face beaming with wonder and tenderness. "You're beautiful," he blurts out. His eyes traced along the bright markings on your body. When the sunlight hits your markings, they glisten like rainbows. "So beautiful…"

"Uh huh…. thanks." you narrowed your eyes at him before standing up. "Are you able to walk?"

"Yup." He stands up nicely, patting his wound. "Wow, your light bending really gives me a burst of energy."

"Light bending?" You raised a brow.

Zuko shrugged. "Yeah, I made it up now…" He tugs on your coat more snugly. You opened your mouth to protest again but he stops you. "Don't care. Just because you can bend light, you're still my wife."

You frowned and your shoulders slumped. "My god…"

—***—

"Where's (Y/n) and Zuko?!" Toph shouted, piling rocks over rocks over guards. "I don't think any of our bending is working! Maybe fire can!"

"AHHH!" Sokka runs around the room.

Katara uses forceful water, cutting the shadow guards in half, though still nothing works. She gasped in fright when a hand wraps around her throat. That guard starts to do the same thing the did to you, cutting for the baby. "Aang!" She cried out.

Aang turns to her and gasped, reaching to help her. "Katara!"

Her eyes widened in panic when she sees a large knife coming his way. His attention solely focused on her to the point his other senses weren't on. "Aang look out—!"

The beam of light flashed right before their eyes, through it didn't blind them. Beside Toph who just felt the heat waves. "Ah…. I feel the sun on my face…." she smiles.

The guard that was holding Katara by the throat suddenly vanishes from thin air. Aang catches her in time before she fell. Everyone turns to their heads at the beaming light only to find you bending light into the room. With Zuko standing idly beside you.

Sokka gawped and points at you. "Hey! You and I were supposed to be team non benders, (Y/n)—!"

"Boy no one cares! She saved us!" Toph snaps at him.

The six of you ran to find Mai altogether, while Aang bombarded you with questions of your bending. "Aang! Not right now!" Zuko shouts at him.

Then the door closed, the fire gone and the room grew dark. They heard the faint sounds of guards in pain and the eerie sound of darkness. You turned to Zuko. "Give us light now!"

Zuko immediately brings a flame out from his hand and brings it clothes to you. You all see the shadow guards coming forward and you bring your hands to the fire, making it's brightness brighter than ever. The shadow guards soon disappear, their screams quiet and soft.

As you all moved around the fortress, you could feel the core belonging to Yōu Yuān. You stopped, holding your head when you felt a headache coming in. Zuko is right by your side, holding your arms. "What is it?" he asked softly.

"I feel it…. it's near."

"I'll carry you, just lead the way." He picks you up without letting you answer. And you didn't protest this time. You led them to the source, there Mai and your mother were arguing what to do.

The doors burst open and you see them bickering, while a black open door was on the other side of the room. Your mother turns to you guys in surprise and disbelief. "How did you get past the—"

Mai roared in anger, using her own shadow bending at you. "I have to do everything myself—" She screamed in pain when you used Zuko's fire to light up her dark arm. "How is this possible?!"

Everyone started to attack each other, two verses six. But your mother and Mai's shadow bending were just like the shadow guards, resistance to other elements.

You were too busy fighting your mother when Mai grabbed Katara and pulled her into the open darkness. "Guys—!" she was already gone.

"No!" Aang's eyes water and he tried to get into the same dark door but he was pushed back. "It won't let me through!"

With you distracted, your mother hopes inside as well, leaving the rest of you stuff.

"What do we do?!" Sokka asked, banging on the invisible wall.

You walked to it and put your hand through, it lets you pass. "I think only those affected by the darkness can only pass through. I'm guess Mai let Katara in."

You take a step forward, about to go inside to save Katara but Zuko stops you, by grabbing your wrist. "What if you don't come back?!" His grips tightened, his hands trembling. "This has to be a trap. If you go in, then you and Katara will be right where Yōu Yuān wants you to be!"

You paused for a moment before answering. "What choice to we have? You can't come with me."

He frowns in defeat, his mind spiraling. "There has to be another way—"

"And there's this way." You nodded and grabbed a stick. "Give me your fire."

He raised his hand and lights up the stick. "Please stay safe…. Protect yourself and Izumi," he finally says. He can no longer protest when the only choice is you.

You nodded and kissed him for a second. "I will." You sure will, you weren't going to die here. With that, you turned and went inside.

—***—

You walked around in complete darkness, not even the fire stick you're holding did much. But as you ventured deeper, you see something bright and purple glowing from a few yards away. Three figures. Two standing and one on the floor. You gasped. "Katara." You quickly run to them. "Katara!"

But as soon you reached them, they disappeared. You stopped and looked around again.

You felt a sting in your head again. You knew what was happening. The source was trying to push memories that don't belong to you again. Memories belonging to Zuko. Yōu Yuān was trying to bring you back into the darkness.

You groaned in annoyance. "Enough of this." You bring your hand to the fire stick and made the void bright.

The void that was once total darkness was now bright white. It looked like snow, where when the sunlight hits it, it becomes difficult to see. The dark and light work the same despite being its opposites.

Now you were able to see the source and the other's clearly. And as you approach them, Mai sends a large shadow fist your way, but your marks glow brightness and you resistant her from using her powers. Same goes for your mother.

You grabbed Katara's wrist and helped her up. "Door is that way!" You pointed to the door that would lead her out.

The void was bright, meaning, it was now your domain to command. She will be able to leave on her own. "What about—"

"I'll be fine!" You assured her and gently pushed her away. "I know what to do! Just leave before I accidentally hurt you!"

Katara nods and runs to the door and she jumps out. She was brought into Aang's arms who cried in relief. "You're okay!"

Sokka goes to help her while Zuko is looking at the door anxiously. Toph reaches out and presses her hand on the door. "Shoot," she curses, turning to everyone else. "She locked herself in."

"No…." Zuko's shoulders slumped and runs to the door, pounding at it. "No no no no! Dammit! Is she stupid?!"

"She said she knew what she was doing," Katara replied, still out of air. She turns to Zuko. "Trust her, Zuko. She will make it back."

Zuko took a step back, a hand on his head. He almost starts to hyperventilate. "But what if— what if she doesn't make it back?" He sobs. "I'm scared," he admitted.

Sokka is the first to place a hand on his back. "It's okay to be, but you gotta believe her…. You can’t protect her all the time."

Toph takes the next step. "She's strong with and without you. She can handle it."

Aang places a hand on his shoulder. "She's has a strong heart and that matters. You're going to have to trust her."

Zuko then looks at Katara, who agrees. "She needs to do this."

Zuko looks back at the door, sighing softly. He was always there for you, eager to be near, eager to be your shield. But as of now, you're the world's shield and deep down, he knows you have face things ahead alone. Yet, he can't help it, you're the love of his life. And he hates to sit and wait, to wait for you to return.

He presses a gentle hand on the invisible wall. "I trust her," he finally says. "Please come back."

—***—

"You won't kill me…." Your mother weakly stood up, her nose bleeding. "You're too much of a coward to do it!"

You glared and fixed your posture. "Believe what you want to believe, but I know you can't be helped." Your hands glows, shining with bits of bright rainbows. "I will destroy you and Mai alongside Yōu Yuān."

You shined brightly with all your heart. In a way, what you have was another form of fire bending. You used the brightness of the flame as your source and guide.

Eventually, she pins you down with a hand over your throat. "Mai is a daughter I never though I needed. Just because your power is more ancient than ours, it doesn't change how I see. Stop proving." she tires to punch you, but you quickly moved your head.

The fact that your own mother considers Mai as her daughter, was more hurtful than Mai being Zuko's ex-girlfriend. Because all this time, you tried to prove yourself worthy, to be a daughter. And for her to consider Mai as her daughter in just a few months is just heartbreaking.

You froze and she could see the tears in your eyes. She scoffs. "This is one of the reasons why. You're a grown woman, stop crying."

"Aki, bring her to Yōu Yuān quickly," Mai said, cutting the provoking off. "Hurry before the light takes Yōu Yuān away."

You sniffed and screamed in anger, your entire body went bright and you incinerated her. Her body was gone right before your eyes when the light disappeared, all you saw was ash in the air. You looked around for Mai, but she was nowhere to be found. You realized you literally cremated her too.

You stood up and wiped your nose. "Oops." You turned back to the big living organism that is the source of shadow bending and darkness. This was Yōu Yuān.

You looked around and realized that despite using light, it still didn't burn the organ away like it did for your mother and Mai. You took a step forward and bring your hand against. You then shined light but it doesn't budge. "Shoot… What am I supposed to do now?"

The markings glows bright every time your heart beat. It was at the same rhythm as the organ. You knew what you had to do, but you didn't know if you'll ever come back to see Zuko again. But then the world might go through chaos if you don't do what you're supposed to do.

The markings, the power, it was now a part of you. Meaning, once you use all of it, you could potentially die and may even kill your own child. You rubbed your stomach anxiously, whispering to Izumi. "Great, just great. You and I are stuck, aren't we?"

She gave you a soft kick in response. Something tells you that she's here for you, that she doesn't mind going into the spirit world with you. If it happens. You huffed. "Your dad is going to be pissed— not actually depressed if we don't make it," you said and shook your head. "Can't believe I'm joking about this— I'm just gonna do it!"

You push your hands through the ogran as it pulls you right in. It wraps its shadow arms around you. You held your breath and your head goes through. You curled yourself up and let the sunlight on your marks shine bright. The organ starts to bubble up before everything goes white.

Firelord Zuko x reader

Chapter 5: Frozen Heart

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Summary: The group makes their way into Mai’s fortress, pairs made and they’re all separated. Now it’s just you and Zuko.

A/n: tired…..

3.4k words

—***—

Eventually they made it to a mixed element town which was a few miles behind one of the temples that was marked on the map. Aang brought everyone to an inn to stay at while they search for the dark source and because Zuko wanted you in a place more comfortable.

Zuko then pays the inn owner a few coins for some rooms for everyone and extra to feed Appa apples. He sets up your room, all nice and cozy.

For once, you two were finally alone, in a room, together. You sat silently on the bed while he was finally able to find clothes to wear. Of course, his robes and garments were red, a signature color.

You watched people pass by at the window, while Zuko did the same, only one person. That person being you. You feel him wrap his arms around your stomach, sitting behind you. He kisses the back of your neck, then pulling your robe down to to see your back and spine. He pauses at the sight of your black markings, the infection was spreading quickly. But it didn't stop him from kissing your back as he closed his eyes. "Do they hurt you?" he asked, snuggling up closer to you. "These markings," he adds.

You remained your eyes on the window. "No, they don't," you said. "I thought they were paint at first, but they're not."

"You know you must overcome this infection…. I don't want it to take you away from me," he whispers sadly. "I almost lost you and I won't again."

You turned to him. "I can't help but think this way. It's easier said than done." you rubbed your aching head. "Every time I look at someone, I'm jealous of their talents. Every time someone says something to me, I get offended and assume that I'm weak. Every time someone threatens or bluffs at me…. I think it's true."

He looks back at you, leaning forward to peck your lips. "Remember what you told me?" He brings your hand to where your heart lied. "Your power is where your heart is."

You gripped your clothes where your heart is, frowning softly. You tried your best to smile, looking up at him. "I'll… try."

He smiled back. "Good." He hums and moves in front of you. He lays his head against your stomach to listen to Izumi. "How is our little petal doing?"

"I'm actually hungry this time…" you admitted shyly.

He whipped his head back up with a big happy grin. "Yes! What is it that you want? I'll buy it for you!" He grabs your hands, holding then close.

"uhh…" You blinked in surprise for his eagerness to please you.

"Yessss?" He leans close.

"Can you find any red bean mochi for me in the food market?" You asked shyly.

He beamed softly. You could see hearts around his head. "Yes, I will." He pecks your forehead before leaving. "You should take a bath, hot water is ready."

You smiled and waved him goodbye. You watched from the window as he raced down the street like a little kid. You giggled at the sight. He's literally a grown man, a king and he's acting like he got permission to go see fireworks or something.

You shake your head. "I can't believe I'm married to him," you mumbled.

—***—

The very next day, you were all planning to get to the temple. Aang shows you a drawing of the big black beating heart, where it glows bright purple on the inside. That was the source.

You pointed at it. "I've seen that." Everyone snaps their heads at you. "It sucks you up into darkness."

Zuko takes a step closer to you. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"No one asked?" You shrugged.

Aang folds back the scroll and clears his throat. "Well then, maybe once we reach the temple, you can help recognize it."

Everyone takes their leave to pack their things. And before leaving, Zuko had handed you a sword and a few more small weapons.

"Hey!" Sokka showed off his boomerang to you. "We're twining!"

You smiled softly. "Oh yeah…." you showed off your sword as well.

Zuko pushed him aside. "Go bother someone else!" He places his hands over your shoulders, glaring at Sokka. "You still flirt with her even though she's married and pregnant, homewrecker!"

"I don't think he was doing anything wrong. We related in some way." You shrugged.

Zuko sighs. "Are you in denial now?"

"I think I've been for the past two days." You rolled your eyes.

Clouds soon dispersed and a temple appeared. Aang leans close to talk to Appa. "Land somewhere close, Appa."

Zuko gently grips your hand, rubbing your knuckles. "You stay close to me," he says. You open your mouth to protest but he cuts you off. "You are staying close to me. Period."

You pout, narrowing your eyes. You shook his hand off yours, but he grabbed it back and shoved it in his pocket.

Appa lands somewhere secluded and quiet, Aang the first to get off. He helps Katara get down. Toph jumps off and breaks open a makeshift cave, dry and safe for Appa.

Aang turns to everyone. "We split up as usual. Me, Katara. Toph, Sokka. And of course, Zuko and (Y/n)."

Everyone nodded and went their separate ways. You walked a bit farther from Zuko, seemingly acting annoyed and depressed again.

"Do your feet hurt?" he asked.

"I just got off Appa," you replied quickly.

A moment of silence passed before he spoke again, "I brought snacks."

"That's… great. But I'm not hungry."

"And… water."

"Not thirsty."

He walks a little more quickly to match your speed, even though he's the one with the longer legs. "Is the infection getting your head again—"

"Can you stop asking me that?" You turned to him, stopping your tracks. "I'm just…. upset right now."

Zuko sighs and looks away for a moment before returning his eyes to you. "Do I make you insecure (Y/n)? Do I embarrass you?"

"No!" You shook your head. And as you kept talking, your eyes turned black. "The problem is that I hate having you do everything for me! Like I can't take care of myself! It makes me feel weak and like I'm not enough. And then I get worried that I'm not worthy to the point that maybe Mai is right! That you should find a new queen, someone who knows you better, your whole life unlike me!"

"You knew that Mai was my ex-girlfriend," he says softly, as a fact than more of a question. "Are you jealous of her?"

"I am," you admitted ashamedly. "She's…. everything you could want and yet you chose me."

"How can you say that about yourself? You're everything that she isn't…."

You looked away and crossed your arms. "How can you be so sure when she was your first everything?" you looked back at him and sighed. "We should get going, we shouldn't want to fall behind."

You started to walk again and so does he. Though this time, he's silent all the way, thinking staying quiet would help you.

Eventually you two to your part of the temple, swiftly taking down enemies. You pushed yourself a bit more as everyone around you bended elements. But Zuko stayed behind your back just in case. He didn't ask if you're alright or if you needed assistance.

You two venture over to inside the temple, trying to find the source. You would assume you would feel it since you're infected. But you felt nothing of the unordinary.

You and Zuko then met up with the others, the temple now overthrown by you guys. "Did you find the source?" Zuko asked, Katara.

She shakes her head and turns to Toph. "Did you—"

"You've known me for so long! Look at my eyes!" Toph waves her hand over her face.

Katara blushes a bit in embarrassment. "Oh right. Sokka?"

He shakes his head as well but pulls out a map. "Got another one. I think it's the real deal though." He places the map on the table. "Mai has a secret fortress, in the snowy biome. Temperatures are freezing over there."

"Then once we get back, I'll buy us some winter gear," Zuko states.

And then you all left the temple. They made sure no one would reach other temples, so word doesn't get out that one has been taken down.

—***—

The gang wasted no time. After Zuko bought winter gear, Appa took off. You felt a bit drained and tired while you gazed at the clear sky, but didn't want to rest. You worried about nightmares even though it hasn't happened. But you have so much paranoia.

Zuko, having a sixth sense, brings your body to lay in front of his chest. He pulls you closer, snugged and wrapped around his coat. "You can sleep, you know."

"I'm not tired…" You say, though your body said otherwise. You placed your head on his chest, slowly closing your eyes.

He smiles softly. He will always get cute aggression from you. He hums, wrapping his arms around your neck to keep you warm. He doesn't want you waking up feeling cold once they reach the snowy biome.

But once you fell asleep, his smile drops and he turns to Sokka. "You think this infection would ruin my marriage with her?" he asked, now able to show concern. If he said this to you, he'd worry that you might make it come true.

"You make it seem like you're slowly giving up on trying." Sokka smirks. "You're always stubborn with her."

"I won't give up on her," Zuko says sharply, with determination. "I don't want her to be put in some mental place until her last days."

"Well then don't think too much about it." Sokka shrugged. "You can help but in the end, this infection requires her to do everything on her own."

It soon started to get dark, the moon full and bright. And because it was night, it got colder, in doing so Zuko wrapped his arms around your body more securely. Knowing you can't fire bend, he used his own warmth for you. Soon, he also started to get tired and laid his head on top of yours.

—***—

You shivered when the cool morning air hit you. You slowly opened your eyes, finding yourself in a cave with the others. The campfire in the middle already died down. You watched with tired eyes as everyone started to pack up but made no effort to wake you up.

Zuko must've carried you into the cave and didn't want to wake you. And even know, with everyone already packing, he still wanted you to rest. You sat up from your sleeping bag. "How much no one woke me up?" you asked sleeplessly, rubbing your eyes.

Immediately hearing your voice and the way your teeth chattered from the cold, Zuko stops his packing and goes to kneel beside you. "You looked really tired," he replied, rubbing your shoulders to give you warmth, which you lean into.

"Didn't want to wake you— And before you say 'You make me feel weak' please I'm being concerned as your husband, not your king." He furrows his brows in concern, seeing you trembling a bit from the cold. "Want to wear my coat? I should've bought you a coat with thicker fur…" He scolds himself under his breath, like not taking care of you correctly is so offensive.

You winced when you felt Izumi kick hard. You lean down and went to grip Zuko's arm, which makes him ask, "What? What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, just Izumi is kicking hard again." You breathed softly to ease your pain. "Like she usually does…" A part of you was aware of the infection, thinking it could affect Izumi. That is being one of the reasons Yōu Yuān wants her, but a part of you knew that it's only effecting your brain despite the markings on your body. You cleared your throat. "We should get going, I want this to end soon…." You stood up.

Without another word, he takes off his coat and puts it over you, leaving him in his thin long sleeve. "No buts," he said before going back to packing.

You watched him pack for a moment before looking outside at the snow storm. You worried that he might freeze or get sick from this blizzard. But you didn't say anything.

Appa takes everyone to the skies, above the snow clouds. You watched with worry, seeing Zuko cross his arms a little tighter. But he doesn't complain, like he shouldn't. You hate it how he makes it seem like it's a duty to take care of you, to sacrifice everything, to never discourage your behavior.

"We're close now," Aang told everyone and pays Appa to brings them down. Once you reached ground again, you all took a look at the entrance of the fortress.

You couldn't see the fortress, as it seems its hidden behind that big door, inside or underground. Guards guard the entrance and others were around the area to signal if any threat appears. This time, Aang didn't want to alert anyone, worried that Mai would escape again and take the source somewhere else.

"We should go underground as well," Toph suggested. "But we should be quiet."

Aang turns to Appa. "Stay here, alright?" he pats Appa's fur before leaving.

The group then jumps into a hole that Toph made. Zuko uses his fire to light up the tunnel. They reached a wall and hear voices, they were by next to the fortress.

"How do we know when the coast is clear?" Sokka whispers.

"We're going to have to use our hearing sense better," Katara replied in a hush tone as well.

Toph presses her ear against the brick wall, listening to the men's footsteps and how far they are. "Now." she brings a part of the wall down and ushers everyone inside. Once everyone was out, she brings the wall back up, making it look like nothing happened. "Split up now."

Pairs were made and then departed. Zuko takes your hand and takes the oppsite path as everyone else. You felt how cold his hand has become. "Zuko you should take your—"

"No need," he says quickly. "You're my first priority."

You two took down men after men quietly, dragging them to rooms to hide them away. But soon you two heard an explosion, one of the group members must've gotten caught as a siren was turned on. You gasped. "They know we're here!"

Zuko pulls you close. "Doesn't matter, we have to finish her."

You two run to find the others, but were cornered by some guards that are mutated. Arms and legs were big and black, moving around like a tentacle. "What is she doing to them?" Zuko whispered under his breath. "Stay close to me, (Y/n)."

The guards land big punches, but you two easily dodged them. But their punches land on the walls, going past and letting the outside air come in. Snow started to come inside, making your teeth chatter. And it seem the guards were pushing you close to the blizzard and you knew that you were far off the ground.

You used your swords and charged forward, sliding the guards in half while Zuko punched them with fire. Yet, they didn't budge, able to put themselves back together like you two didn't just to kill them. You turned to him, seeing the same reaction on his face. "Zuko we have to go! They'll try to—" You screamed when a hand wraps around your throat and you brought off the ground, your legs dangling. You cried in pain when you felt something sharp on your stomach, before it starts to cut through. You feel the object pierce through your stomach and you worry for Izumi.

Zuko turns to you at the voice of your deadly scream. "(Y/n)—!" His voice was completely cut off. He coughs a bit, frozen in place. Your eyes widened when you see a dark makeshift knife, that was cut through his lower stomach. He looks at you with tears of guilt in his eyes before the knife is pulled out.

He staggers forward and uses the last bit of his energy to throw a fire ball at the guard's arm around your throat. The guard lets go of you and the sharp object is pulled out from your stomach as well.

And before you know it, Zuko pulls you into his embrace. But his body is weak, his legs stumbled back as you two fell out of the fortress and into the snowstorm.

—***—

Your lips felt dry. You slowly opened your eyes, hearing shuffling against the snow. Your vision was a bit blurry, but you could make up the figure of Zuko in front of you. Then you hear the sound of tearing, fabric ripping apart.

"You're… going to be okay…" you heard him say, his teeth chattering.

You groaned in pain, feeling him tie the fabric around your stomach, where the guard had pierced you. "W-what are you doing?" You slowly sat up. You fully woke up when you see him shirtless, his body pale and freezing. His own wound was still bleeding, blood getting on his pants and snow. You looked back at his arms, his hands tending your injuries. "Zuko…. Zuko stop." Your breathing picked up with panic.

He didn't stop, just kept going. He was using his own clothes to stop the bleeding from your stomach. "I can't…" he said way too calmly. He was shivering, weak and slowly.

You grabbed his cold hands to stop him, the snowstorm making it difficult to see him. "Please stop… please… at least keep yourself warm." you tried to take off the second coat from your body, but he stops you.

His grabs the coat and tightens it around your body, not saying a word. "Zuko! Zuko, you'll freeze to death! Stop it!" with each protest coming from your mouth, his grip tightens.

"You'll freeze…" his lips started to turn blue. "I can't have that…." he doesn't even look at you. Your sobs and cries were more painful than his own injuries.

He leans close, resting his chin over your trembling shoulder. Your cries were muffled against his shoulder. "Zuko… Zuko no… don't do this." You tried to get his grip off, but he was using the last bit of his strength to resist you.

He smiles weakly, his tears too cold to even go down his cheek. "Sorry…."

"Let go of me! Let go of me now Zuko!" You shouted, but even at such a weak state, he can still overpower you. "You're going to die! Stop!"

If only you could fire bend, you could keep him warm. But of course, you're not so gifted. So you kept yelling, crying your heart out.

"It's okay…" He gently plants a cold kiss on your cheek. "It's fine… I'm fine."

"How can you say that?!" You sobbed. "Zuko, you're dying!"

"I don't care…." his body stop trembling and his strong grip loosened. You can even feel his heartbeat start to slow down. "As long as you're warm, that's what matters to… me." Ice wraps around his body, his body stops moving and he sits there like a statue.

You stopped crying when you felt his heart stopped. You quickly tried to wiggling yourself out from the coat, but his hard icy hands were still locked in place. "No no no no no!" You finally ripped the coat off yourself in agony and dispair.

Immedaitly you cupped his cheeks, trying to look for any sign of life. "Z-Zuko?! Please! Please don't do this me! Please don't!" You wrapped your arms around his neck, shutting your eyes and sobbed harder than before. "How can you be so stupid?! Why didn't you think about yourself for once!?"

If only you could be useful. If only you could being him back like Katara did for Aang. If only you could back in time, anywhere, anyway to stop this mess and prevent your stupid, selfless husband from doing something like this.

You started to beg for someone out there, anyone, anything could help. But all you could see and hear was the blizzard. Your shoulders shook. "Please… please someone help me…. help him." You sobbed quietly. "I'd take my own life for him if that's what you want. Anything…"