Warnings: mention of blood- mild violence and mental health. It's going to be angsty. This warning is simply going to be copy pasted to all chapter.
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The next morning, you inevitably wake up with a mild headache and slight memory loss from some of the previous night's events, just now realizing how much you had actually drank. You forced yourself to sit up, feeling a throb to your head... And an arm around your waist.
You took a moment to place the situation, also taking note that you were nude- and that arm belonged to Iso, still sleeping like a rock besides you, in your bed. You stared blankly at the scene before you, your brain having a delay to process what was going on- yet refusing to catch up.
You felt pain in your neck and legs- and that's what seemed to snap you brain in gear, finally putting 1 and 1 together. You weren't too sure what to do- for now Iso was still sleeping- but doom seemed impendent. Your first instinct was to grab your phone and text Clove, not knowing who else to text- or what else to do.
You: ''YOU LIL SHIT-''
Clove: ''WHAT???''
Clove: ''WHAT WHAT WHAT?!?!''
You: ''ISO IS IN MY BED.''
Clove: ''W H A T-''
You: ''The stupid dare. He fucKING CAME OVER-''
Clove: ''I also am led to believe there was fucking involved-''
You: ''STFU T-T, more importantly- wtf am I gonna do when he wakes up?!?''
Clove: ''Kiss him on the cheek, say 'Good morning handsome' and make him breakfast?''
You: ''I am going to strangle you'
Clove: ''Nuh-uh. Your nakey rn with your hubby holding you hostage''
You: ''He's not my hubby- and istg I can get Sova to strangle you if necessary.''
Clove: ''Sova, mr 'Positive parental figure' ?? Rigggght-''
You: ''Clove that's not the point rfn- the point is what do I fucking do rn????''
Clove: ''Round 2?''
You: ''That's it, I'm texting Sova to strangle you.''
You let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing your face with your free hand, swapping chats to send a quick message to Sova- Yes, you did actually ask him to strangle Clove, but without giving him the context. You then set down your phone on your nightstand, turning yourself a bit to reach out to your water bottle. You popped it open, taking a quick sip, the cool liquid feeling like heaven to your dry mouth and pained head.
''Can I have a sip?'' You heard Iso speak up quietly, his voice a bit raspy from just waking up, the arm around you tightening slightly. You choked on your sip, you hadn't realized that Iso had woken up yet. He patted your back- Your face flushed from choking but also from the casualness in his actions. You simply handed him the bottle, trying to catch your air still.
He sat up in the bed, the blanket pooling around his waist and nearly exposing him fully- you forced yourself to not stare, already feeling your face heat up. He took the water bottle, taking small sips at a time- and you pulled the blanket up on yourself to make sure you were covered.
''So...'' You didn't know what to say, just flustered as hell, looking away while Iso drank the water. ''So what?'' Iso asked, handing back the water bottle. You took it back, putting it on the nightstand once more- feeling Iso put his hand on your hip. Your flinched slightly, overwhelmed by the situation.
''You okay?'' He asked you softly, immediately taking his hand off you. ''Y-yeah- just uh-... Well-...'' You didn't even know what to say- you were flustered and disoriented at this point. ''...Does it embarrass you that I'm still here?'' Iso asked carefully- trying to understand what was making you so nervous. ''Yes? No? I don't know- I just-... I'm just confused- on everything.'' You mumbled out, and Iso let out a small hum.
He laid back down in the bed, deciding to pull you back against him, even if you were tense. He kept his hands in the clear, not roaming, just staying around your waist. You were tense, but mostly due to your thoughts buzzing, rushing as you just tried to understand and make sense of the situation. He gently rubbed your side, just holding you as you tried to work through one thought at a time, giving you a moment.
It was several minutes later he broke the silence, his hand on your waist still slowly rubbing up and down your side, trying to provide comfort. ''You need help sorting your thoughts?'' Iso asked gently, trying to provide some support for you. ''I... well...'' You paused a moment, trying to think on how you'd ask your question, reformulating it multiple times in your head. ''Why did you come over last night?'' You asked- even if the answer seemed obvious.
''Because I like you. And I was drunk. And I might have momentarily forgotten that text was a dare- not an exact invitation until the moment I was in your room.'' Iso said in the same gentle tone, genuine as he spoke. He continued to rub your side, letting you process his words.
''Wait- You like me-?'' You asked, turning to look at Iso- he readjusted his hand on your waist, now just lazily resting his arm around you. ''Well... Like sounds tame. But I do have feelings for you, yes.'' Iso said, making eye contact with you as he spoke. ''But-... You literally ignored me up until not long ago-'' You muttered out, still trying to make sense of his confession.
''Because you are my Duo. I didn't want to allow myself that idea- because I felt like I'd get reckless if I fed into that narrative.'' Iso said, letting out a small breath. ''And it was easier to ignore you than try to ignore the feeling. That's why I am so sorry I continuously ignored you.'' He said, his grip around your waist tightening slightly.
''But... Then why were you always with Sage?'' You asked, confusion etched on your face. You couldn't understand why he'd go to her so often when ignoring you- even though she was a very friendly person, you were starting to wonder if he didn't do it to try to fall for her instead.
''She was just very friendly- I opened up to her first and talked to her a lot. She knew I liked you... And that day at the park she was pissed after hearing I wasn't talking to you much. I think even my own mother hasn't scolded me as much as she did-'' He said, a bit sheepishly , but also honestly.
'' Sage had told me you had requested to have me as your duo.'' You added on, your words feeling less and less strained as you worked through your barrage of thoughts one at a time. ''That's true.'' Iso said, nodding slightly at your words. ''Yeah... She said she would have separated us if you didn't start making up for your lack of 'effort'.'' You added on, looking at Iso. You saw his face drop a bit, slight panic appearing.
''What-'' ''Don't worry, it's not going to happen- not now. But she was ready to do it - she wasn't too happy that day.'' You said, a small smile starting to form on your face. He let out a small sigh, sinking back into the bed. ''I understand. Sage just wants what's best for everyone.'' Iso said, relaxing a bit, keeping his arm around you.
There was a small silence once more- you only had one question left, but you weren't to sure if you wanted to ask it. You let yourself fall back down comfortably in the bed, enjoying the warmth provided by Iso. ''Oh.. Also, you can just call me by my name instead of my code name-'' Iso added in a bit awkwardly- shifting in bed a bit. You had a small moment of silence, then let out a small hum. ''Um... question. Is your first name Li or Yu...?'' You asked a bit awkwardly- you knew that Chinese names didn't have the same 'order' as the typical American ones, but you felt a bit stupid asking.
Iso let out a small chuckle. ''What do you think it is?'' He asked you, deciding to tease you a bit for your lack of knowledge on the matter. ''...You know what- I'll just use Zhao then- the middle name for the middle ground-'' You mumble out, not wanting to take a wrong guess. Instead, Iso busted out laughing. ''That's... An interesting logic.'' He said between his chuckles. ''My first name is Yu.'' He finally said as his laughter died down, giving your waist a small squeeze.
''Thank you. I would have resorted to ridiculous nicknames if you didn't say it.'' You laughed along with him softly, adding to the soft, teasing moment. Iso hummed, rolling his eyes at your statement, but amused nevertheless. He leaned in a bit, placing a small peck to your cheek as you were still giggling. When you felt his lips on your cheek, you felt heat rush to your face- a blush forming.
''Really? A kiss on the cheek is what's making you blush?'' Iso said amusedly, a brow raising. ''Shut it-'' You mumbled out, feeling your cheeks heating up more. ''I'm literally laying beside you, naked- But it's a kiss on the cheek that's making you blush?'' Iso continued to tease, your face now beet red. ''Shut it!'' You said again, swatting his arm. He was going to add on to the argument-
But your room door was opened, Sova looking like he just fought for his life walking in without checking first- or knocking- just started talking before even noticing the scene before him ''I swear Clove put up a damn fight- But they said to check in on you and-'' Sova was brutally cut off by your panicked yell, screaming ''Get out!''
Sova's head snapped up- freezing for a short second- seeing your face was deep red, clutching your blanket to your chest to cover yourself as you could, Iso laying beside you looking unphased, his upper body exposed. ''Hey Sova.'' Iso said- his tone casual despite the embarrassing situation. ''You-... You two hooked up-'' Sova said- still frozen and blubbering his word. ''OUT!'' You yelled once more, Sova turning around instantly. ''Yes ma'am.'' His said, shutting the door behind him instantly.
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Later that day, you had to deal with the second hand embarrassment of the questions, Clove and Sova especially insistent to know what happened- Sage just casually seated on the end of your bed, sipping tea as the other two let out a barrage of questions.
''So he just casually came in and slept with you- no questions asked?!'' Sova asked, looking confused at the sudden change in situation between you and Iso. ''No, (Y-N) got dared to send him a sext, and when he was drunk , he came over,'' Clove clarified that part of the story to Sova, in a tone that sounded like they were saying 'follow the conversation' . You pinched the bridge of your nose.
''Clove- just- why did you send Sova back to check on me-'' You asked them exasperatedly. ''Thought it would be funny. It's funnier now that I know he just walked in-'' Clove said with a mischievous look, snickering as they spoke. Sova swatted them, giving a stern look. ''Why do I even-'' You grumbled, shaking your head as you cut off your own sentence.
''Soooo you two are dating now, riiiight?'' Clove asked with a expectant look, grinning as they spoke. ''Er- Undetermined.'' You responded, looking away a bit sheepishly. ''Girl are you for real-'' Clove said, this time their turn to sound exasperated. ''We didn't talk about it yet- Plus goldilocks here crashed the damn mood!'' You counter argument. ''Excuse you- you could have given me context beforehand when asking me to strangle Clove!'' Sova argued back.
''Okay, enough'' Sage finally cut in, cutting the argument short. Everyone took a short moment to calm down- taking a breath. ''Okay, so you two got laid, practically confessed- but unsure if you're a couple?'' Sova asked again, trying to lay the facts straight. ''Yep.'' You agreed, nodding along. Clove sighed, taking out their phone. ''Nah, I want an answer.'' Clove said, pressing a button to make a call, putting it on speaker phone.
''Clove who are you calling-'' You asked them, looking at them suspiciously. ''Iso, duh.'' Clove replied, shrugging, ''Clove are you fucking serious-'' You said as you jumped up from the bed, Clove jumping back with a mischievous look. ''Hold her back, Sova!'' They said, snickering as Sova reacted fast, his arm up to block your path to Clove. ''Sova I'm going to strangle you- You both- Dammit!'' You yelled out, trying to make it past Sova, who was blocking your every move.
When Iso answered the phone- Sova covered your mouth with his hand to prevent you from yelling again, Clove having a triumphant smirk on their face. ''Iso, got a question for ya.'' Clove said immediately. ''Yeah? What's up?'' Iso replied, sounding confused. ''Are you and (Y-n) dating?'' Clove went straight to the point, shifting their weight to one side, a hand on their hip as they asked. There was a pause on the line, a short silence. ''Yea, we are.'' Iso finally said, Clove's grin widening at the news, looking up at you.
''There's your answer, (Y-n)!'' Clove yelled out excitedly- clumsily hanging up the call with Iso after- leaving Iso a bit confused to what was going on- and making you flustered. Sova finally released you, lifting his hands up, showing he was done his job of holding you back. ''You two... I swear-...'' You grumbled out- but unable to stay fully mad after hearing what Iso said.
The two chuckle out, Clove holding up a fist bump to Sova, smirking at your flustered state. Sova fist bumped Clove back while Sage just shook her head with a small smile, pulling you back down onto the bed to sit down. You sighed, pinching the bridge of your nose once more. When everyone quieted down and weren't as hyper- Sage put down her tea, looking like she was thinking about something.
''Say- You used protection right?'' She asked seriously, the question catching you off-guard. You blinked, giving her a slight look of disbelief before it clicked- of course she would ask, she's the head medic. Your face was flushed, but you looked away as you replied. ''No...But I have an IUD. It's fine.'' You mumbled out embarrassedly. Sage let out a small hum, nodding.
''Isn't an IUD like, for drunk drivers-'' Sova asked, looking around at the group. Clove snorted, bursting out in laughter, doubling over. Sage Giggled along, and you looked at Sova amusedly- holding back your own laughter. ''That's a DUI, blondie-'' You snickered out. Sova looked very embarrassed all of a sudden- coughing awkwardly. ''Oh- wait never mind-'' He mumbled out, taking steps back to the door. ''I'll just... I'll leave while you guys talk about girl stuff-'' He muttered out, taking his leave immediately, leaving you all to cackle at his confusion.
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Later that day, in the common room, you were trying to keep yourself distracted and away from Clove and Sova-the two had teased your relentlessly- and honestly with the leftover of a hangover you had you didn't really want to keep dealing with them. You had a headache that felt worse and sadly didn't seem to want to go away even with painkillers for the moment.
You had settled on scrolling on your phone for some time, then ending up chatting with some people in the common room- whichever agents were hanging around and having a conversation nearby, you ended up getting tangled into it when they asked for an extra opinion. You didn't mind, even though you still had a bit of a headache, it was pretty manageable considering they weren't half as hyper as Clove and Sova functioning on the same brain cell-
You were too caught up in the conversation to even realize that Iso had walked in and called your name a few times-actually no one noticed. It was when he put an arm around your waist from behind that you flinched in surprised, your head snapping to look over your shoulder immediately. You weren't used to him doing that yet.
"Yu-" You said surprised, getting over quickly the light jumps care. "Whatcha doing -..." You continued, trying to not stutter as a alight blush was starting to form. He hummed, leaning down to put a quick peck on your cheek. "I was just saying hi- you didn't seem to hear me." He said before pulling away, going to the coffee machine nearby, leaving you flustered.
The small group looked at you two in surprise, everyone had quieted down as they watched the interaction happen. Killjoy what's the first to break the silence. "Are you two dating?" The German engineer asked, a small smile on her lips. "Yes-" you started to say a bit shily, Iso turning his head a bit to look over his shoulder. "Yep." He said a bit more firmly, smirking slightly as he answered.
"Shit- now I owe Neon 20$-" Jett grumbled out from the group, letting out a groan as she sounds annoyed. "Wait - when did you make a bet with her?" You asked Jett, looking at her confused. "Last night, why?" Jett said, her annoyance pretty evident at the loss. "... Clove literally told Neon I liked Iso during truth or dare-" you said a bit bluntly, watching as Jett went from looking annoyed to looking angry. "Oh that little shit -" and with that, she dashed out of the common room using her wind powers.
The remaining agents started cackling, soon the conversation shifting and changing to different subjects which you stopped following along to. Your attention was now fully on Iso, now that he was done making his coffee, he was standing directly beside you, his mug in one hand and his other arm wrapped around your waist casually.
"I really didn't take you for the touchy type-" you blurted out, a faint blush on your cheeks as you poked his hand that was on your waist. "Is it bothering you?" Iso asked after taking a sip of his coffee, looking down at you. "No... Not necessarily -" you mumbled out as you looked away. He chuckled, a small smile on his lips as he leaned over, placing yet another kiss on your cheek.
And once more, you got flustered from the sudden affection. "You- why-... Stop it! You're doing this on purpose!" You stuttered, swatting his chest as he chuckled and watched you blush a bit more. "I am. You're adorable when you blush." He said, this time placing a small kiss on your lips.
"You're an ass." You mumbled out when you pulled away-turning your head away from him when you felt your face heat up even more. "And you have a nice ass-" he retorted before sipping his coffee casually. "Iso!" You snap your head back towards him, another swat landing on his chest. "I told you to call me by my first name" he replied nonchalantly- just looking down at you with a small hum. "Yeah well I'm about to call you by your full legal name and put a chancla up your ass-"
"Okay you two, no need to bicker like newlyweds!" One of the agents called out, snickering afterwards. You quieted down, still pretty flustered. Iso simply placed another peck on your cheek. "You're adorable and you're mine. Deal with it." He said quietly, smiling as he continued to sip his coffee.
You let out a sigh - a small smile forming on your lips. You weren't complaining- Afterall- things did work out in the end for you.
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Hello everyone! Author here! I got a second part to this fanfiction posted already, "behind the mirror''being the Omega Earth POV of all this. I hope you'll enjoy! Love: Salty ;)