I Melted . This Is So Cute.

I melted 😍. This is so cute.

stars in your eyes.

masterlist (azriel x reader) a/n: more azriel fluff because you know I love to hurt myself. summary: you’re struggling to find the perfect birthday gift for your mate so you enlist the help of one illyrian general.

“This is quite honestly the worst idea you’ve ever had.” 

Your gaze travels down to the skimpy lingerie scattered across the shelves and back up at the hulking figure of the male standing before you. The sight of your friend standing in the middle of a lingerie store was definitely turning heads. Though to be fair, you were wholly to blame for dragging Cassian out for a day of shopping on the Rainbow. 

“Scratch that. Letting you talk me into coming here is the worst idea I’ve ever had.” 

Cassian gives you a nonchalant shrug, draping an arm over the mannequin positioned at the store’s front display. “Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

The other shoppers were actively avoiding looking in your direction, but you could still feel their curious glances either way. Somehow you doubted that Illyrian warriors and sirens were the usual crowd at this lingerie store. 

The pretty shopkeeper approaches you with a bright smile and nearly swoons in Cassian’s presence. “Did you two need any help?” 

You could’ve sworn that you caught a glimpse of Cassian flexing his biceps underneath his leathers as he points at the sheer underclothes hanging off the mannequin. “Yes, actually. Do you have this in cobalt blue?” He leans in conspiratorially and the female blushes. A shameless flirt, that one. “It’s a birthday present for my brother.” 

It’s your turn to flush as the shopkeeper smiles, taking in the silky negligee and its intricate lace pattern. The fabric wouldn’t even cover your pinky finger, much less your entire torso. 

“He’s joking,” you interject with mortified laughter. “But we appreciate the offer. You have a lovely store.” 

“Of course, my lady. Let me know if anything catches your eye.” 

Once she’s out of earshot, you swat Cassian over the head. 

“Ow!” He exclaims dramatically, narrowing his eyes at you with accusation as he rubs the back of his neck. “What was that for?” 

“For telling a random stranger that I plan on wearing a shoelace for Azriel’s birthday.” 

Your friend rolls his eyes. “Come on, Az will love it.” 

You groan. Your mate's birthday was only a few days away and you have yet to find a suitable present for him. Between buying decorations, ordering all of Azriel’s favorite dishes, and making sure everyone’s schedule matched up for the surprise party at the end of the week, shopping got pushed to the side. The problem with buying Azriel a present is that it needed to be perfect. You knew he’d appreciate any gift from you, but you wanted it to be heartfelt and personal. Your mate put so much thought and care into everything he did for you, it was the least you could do to return the favor. 

Perhaps you were putting way too much pressure on yourself, but this was Azriel. He deserved the best of the best. 

“Be serious, Cas. I only have a few days left to figure this out.” 

“I am being serious!” Cassian exclaims. “If Nes got this for me on my birthday, I’d be a very happy male.” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. 

That earned the Illyrian general another thwack on the head. “Nudity is not the solution to everything.” 

“Speak for yourself. I’ve never met a problem that couldn’t be solved by getting naked.” 

“I knew I should’ve asked Rhys to come with me instead,” you mumble under your breath. 

“One, I’m highly offended. Two, Rhysand would have told you to buy Az something ridiculous like a palace or a pegasus.” 

Cassian had a point. The High Lord had a tendency to go overboard when it came to presents. Last Winter Solstice, Feyre had to talk him out of buying a boat for Nyx. What a toddler needed a boat for, you had no idea, but Rhys was convinced that his son absolutely needed one after a swim in the Sidra. 

“Do you think it’s too late to ask Helion for one of his?” You say half-jokingly. At this point, you weren’t above begging the High Lord of Day if it meant making your mate happy. 

“Helion’s more likely to invite both you and Azriel into his bed than give you one of his most prized possessions. Cauldron knows he’s been trying to get Az to agree to it for centuries.” 

You snort. “Can’t blame him. The High Lord has great taste.” 

“So do I,” Cassian declares with a huff. “Which is why I think you should buy this.” He waves a hand to the skimpy negligee again. “While you’re at it, throw in some handcuffs. You two may have everyone else fooled, but I know what you and Az get up to. It’s always the quiet ones that you have to watch out for.” 

You slapped his arm, nearly choking with laughter. If only he knew what Azriel was really like in bed. Everyone always said that Cassian and Nesta were the worst out of the mated couples, but you and your mate couldn’t keep your hands off of each other for nearly a full decade after accepting the bond and a handful of those encounters may or may not have involved whips, chains, and handcuffs. Sometimes all three. 

“You’re just mad that Azriel has the biggest wingspan.” 

After much contemplation, you, Feyre, and Nesta finally decided to put the argument to rest and measured each of your respective mates and the verdict was final. It was officially confirmed that Azriel did in fact have the biggest wingspan out of the three brothers. Rhys and Cas were in obvious denial, but the ironic part was that Feyre’s wings were the biggest of them all. 

“I haven’t heard any complaints this far, so I’d say I’m faring quite well.” 

“Focus, Cas.” You drag him out of the store and into the busy street. Shops flank you from both sides and while you bopped in and out of them, you found nothing of note. “Between planning the party and hiding the fact that I’m planning said party from Az, I’ve been a nervous wreck. Do you know how hard it is to keep a secret from him? He's literally the Spymaster. Not to mention, I don't even know if he’s going to like it. Oh gods, what if he hates it?”

“He’s going to love it.” Cassian remarks, striding along the Sidra. “And if he doesn’t, there’s always the threesome with Helion.” 

You groan in frustration, rubbing your temples. “That’s not funny, Cas.”

Cassian’s face softens as he nudges you with his hip. “You really care about this, don’t you?” 

“Of course I do. It’s Azriel. I want it to be special.”

“And it will be,” your friend says reassuringly. “You’ve put a lot of thought into this birthday party and Az will see that. My brother is a simple male. All he really wants is for his loved ones to be happy.”

“I know,” you say with a sigh. “I just want everything to be perfect. He does so much for me, for all of us. I want him to feel how loved he is.” 

Cassian smiles. “I’m glad,” his eyes meet yours and his voice is softer when he speaks again. “I’m glad Azriel has you. I knew it was hard for him when Rhys and I found our mates, but then you came along and…I don’t know. I’ve never seen him like this. You bring out a different side of him. He’s happier, lighter even, and he’s finally accepted the love that he’s deserved all along. I’ve always wanted that for him.”

Your eyes brim with tears. Cassian has seen Azriel in his darkest times. Stood by him through war, sickness, and hardships that no one should ever have to endure. It meant a lot to hear him say that. 

The bond between you and Azriel wasn’t always easy. There were walls and barriers that you two had to break through to get where you are now, but you continue to choose to love each other day after day. 

You swipe a tear away and Cas ruffles your hair. “Hey, none of that. Azriel would kick my ass if he knew I made you cry.” 

Cassian drapes an arm over your shoulder while you sniffle. “Don't worry, I’m sure you’ll come up with the perfect present. With Nes, I just choose gifts that I know would mean a lot to her. Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that we cherish the most.” 

“When did you become such a romantic?” You tease.

“What can I say? The mating bond has made an honest male out of me.” 

“Thank you, Cas. For helping with the party and coming out with me today.” 

The breeze blows through Cassian’s raven locks as he smiles down at you. “And thank you. For loving my brother the way that you do.”

“I’m lucky to have him,” you say with a smile. “I think that’s what makes this so hard. Azriel deserves the damn moon and stars.” 

Cassian chuckles. “If only you could wrap up the skies and tie it up in a neat bow, you wouldn’t need me as a shopping companion.”

Just like that, the idea takes form in your mind. You dart out into the cobblestone streets so quickly that you nearly trip over your own feet. “Cas, you’re a genius!” 

You’re already several paces ahead of him before Cassian could even comprehend what was happening. “Where in the Cauldron are you going?” 

“To get my mate the perfect present!” 

When Azriel’s birthday finally rolls around, you had everything planned down to the tiniest detail. The townhouse was decorated, the food was plated, and with the exception of the High Lord and your mate, the members of the Inner Circle were all gathered on your roof. 

“Rhys says Azriel just left the house.” Feyre announces as she drapes streamers from the rafters. Rhysand had been vital in making sure your mate would be out of the house this afternoon so you and the others could set everything up. They were debriefing on reports from the Continent while you put the finishing touches for tonight’s party.

Nyx darts in between Feyre’s legs and tugs at your hand. He’s dragging a framed painting that was nearly double his size behind him. He bounces on the balls of his feet excitedly. “Can uncle Az open my gift first? Mommy helped me paint him in her studio.” 

You chuckle, peeking behind his back. The painting was indeed of Azriel and it even included an adorable depiction of your mate’s dancing shadows and glowing blue siphons, complete with his signature wings. “Of course, Nyx. I’m sure uncle Az will love it. We can even hang it up in his office.” 

The adorable toddler claps his hands together as Feyre scoops him up into her arms. “Remember, love. We have to hide and be very quiet so we can surprise your uncle.” 

Nyx nods, placing a finger to his lips. You can't help but pinch his cheek.

“Ready?” The High Lady asks you with a smile. 

You nod at your friend. “Let’s go, everyone. Az is on his way.” 

You signal for the rest of your guests to get into their hiding place. Mor and Amren duck behind the table containing the food and drinks, while Nesta and Cassian scamper towards the reading hammock Azriel built for you last summer. Elain and Lucien take cover behind the cushioned seats that you, Feyre, and Mor often lounged in when it was sunny out. Feyre and Nyx squeezed in next to them as you made your way downstairs. 

You open the door just as Azriel lands in front of your home. A smile instantly brightens his face when he sees you walking towards him. When he looks at you like that, it feels like time itself was standing still to savor the beauty of your mate.

Gods, you were so in love with him that it hurt.

Tucking his wings tightly behind him, Azriel lifts you off the ground and greets you with a kiss. You giggle as he twirls you around before setting you down. 

“I have a surprise for you.” you say with a smile. You wave a blindfold in the air, causing Azriel to raise a brow. The devious smirk that made its way onto his beautiful face made you chuckle. “Not that kind of surprise.” 

“Too bad,” Azriel says with a laugh. “It’s been a while since we used one of those.”

“There’s plenty of time for that later,” you say with a wink. “But for now, it’s meant to cover your eyes.” 

He crouches down, allowing you to tie the fabric behind his head. After ensuring that he couldn’t peek through the blindfold, you slowly guide him towards the door. Rhys winnows in behind you and slips past Azriel with a wink. 

Your mate’s shadows peer over his shoulder in curiosity, but they keep silent as you continue to lead Azriel further into the house. Sometimes you couldn’t believe that all of this was real. As you looked around with fresh eyes, you could see traces of the life you lived with Azriel. The neat stacks of your favorite books that lined the walls, which your mate insisted on sorting alphabetically, reminded you of all the nights that you sat under the stars reading together. 

The kitchen floor where you sat together, giggling like children as you spoiled your dinner with sweets just because you could. The bed that you crawled into every night, cocooned in the safety of Azriel’s arms with your limbs tangled together like you were afraid that he’d disappear if you didn’t hold onto him tightly enough. 

As if sensing your thoughts, Azriel squeezed your hand. It was his way of telling you that he was here and that he wasn’t going anywhere. You squeeze back three times. 

I love you. 

The golden faelights glow against the setting sun just as you step out onto the rooftop. 

“You can open your eyes now.” 

Azriel obliges just as everyone pops out from their hiding place. 

“Surprise!” 

Azriel hasn’t stopped smiling since he stepped foot on the roof. You weren’t sure how your mate was going to react since he usually avoided being the center of attention at all costs, but as everyone watched him open his gifts, you could tell that he was genuinely happy to have his family celebrating with him. 

Nyx’s gift was obviously in the lead for most adorable. Azriel was basically putty in the little Illyrian’s hands and he knew he had his uncle wrapped around his finger. Rhys and Feyre were up next. 

The High Lord slides a key towards Azriel and your eyes widen. 

“Don’t worry,” Rhys says with a grin. “It’s not what you think it is. Feyre darling and I spoke with Tarquin and he’s lending you one of his properties in Adriata for a week. You’re free to take the time off whenever you want. You two lovebirds have certainly earned it.” 

Azriel’s eyes meet yours and you feel a playful tug down the bond. You had a feeling that you’d hardly get any sleep on the vacation that Rhys and Feyre so kindly offered. 

A mischievous grin touches Azriel’s lips. “Thank you, that’s incredibly thoughtful of you both.” 

“You’ve never offered me and Nesta a vacation in Adriata,” Cassian jests. 

Rhys rolls his eyes. “Unlike you, Azriel isn’t banned from the Summer Court. Tarquin would have a heart attack if you so much as think about stepping foot within his borders.”

The Illyrian general crosses his arms. “It was one building!” 

Nothing topped a stay at the Summer Court, but the rest of Azriel’s presents were still incredibly thoughtful and sweet. Amren gifted him with an incredibly rare history book that looked like it was nearly as old as her. Cassian presented him with a scabbard that had three sets of wings engraved on the soft leather, symbolizing the bond between Azriel and his brothers. 

Nesta approached next with a leatherbound journal that had Azriel’s initials stamped on the cover. Everyone braced themselves for Mor’s questionable choices when it came to gift giving, but she surprised everyone with a cask of fine wine that was made in the year that Az was born. Elain and Lucien were up next and the couple’s gift was a combined effort. Elain provided a small lemon tree while Lucien planted it in your backyard. 

Finally, everyone turns to you. 

“I’m saving mine for later.”

Cassian claps Azriel on the shoulder. “You’ll be thanking me later, brother. I helped her pick it out.”

“Mother save me,” Azriel mutters under his breath. 

It’s nearly midnight when the party finally winds down. As you wave the last of your friends off, you and Azriel head back upstairs and sit side by side on the hammock. His wings cocoon you with warmth while you sit under the stars. You felt incredibly grateful that somehow, someway, you and Azriel found each other.

Your mate wraps his arms around you, kissing your cheek. “Thank you, my love. Tonight was amazing.” 

“Did you enjoy yourself?” you ask, peering up at him through your lashes. He pulls you closer, burying his cheek into your neck.

“It’s hard not to with you by my side. I couldn’t have asked for a better day.” 

You sit up, retrieving a small box from your pocket. “I'm not done celebrating you yet."

Azriel takes the velvet box from your hands and carefully unravels the ribbon tied around it. You watch in anticipation as he pulls out the small crystal orb. At first glance, the glass is small and unassuming, but that was the point. 

“Tap it.”

Your mate holds up the orb and nudges it with his fingers. The crystal comes alive with the night sky, the moon and stars shining brightly within its reflection. If you looked closely enough, you could see the mountain peaks rising up from the horizon while the heavens sparkled with showers of light.

“It’s what the stars looked like on the night we met,” you explain softly. “Cassian actually gave me the idea and Rhys helped me retrieve the memory. I found a small shop that was able to contain it in this orb. Do you remember?” 

Hazel eyes search your face as he nods slowly. “How could I ever forget? It was your first Starfall. When you walked in wearing that blue dress, I think I knew. Even then, I knew it was you.” 

You smile, full and bright, just for him. The memory of that night was so vivid, it felt like it was just yesterday. As one of your oldest friends, Rhys had invited you to celebrate Starfall with the rest of his Court. You were only meant to visit for one night, but you ended up staying for longer than you ever expected.

You and Azriel just clicked. As soon as you saw him, there was this unexplainable pull. It was like he'd become your center of gravity. You spent the whole night talking on the balcony and getting to know one another. When the sun finally rose, neither one of you wanted to let the other go.

So you never really did.

“I did too. When I looked at you, it was like I’d finally found the answer to every wish I made on every shooting star. You gave me the moon and stars that night and every night after, so I’m giving it back.” 

Azriel kisses you gently, squeezing your hand three times. I love you.

“I’d give you the whole damn sky if you asked me to,” he says as he kisses the tip of your nose. Azriel cups your cheek, his hazel eyes full of adoration. “I love it and I love you. I have since the night we met.” 

When you kiss him, you thanked the heavens above for granting you all you’ve ever asked for and more. Forever and always, Azriel was your wish come true. The shooting star that lit up your night sky.

“Happy birthday, Az.”

This is so cute and wholesome ☺ 💗

Bad Days and Cuddly Mornings

(Geddit?)

A/N: I don’t usually write for Rhys. Usually I don’t write for males that already have mates in their series but since this is a reaquest I know this reader happens to be really into Az so I am writing that instead. And don’t argue “Oh Lucien has a mate” or “Oh Azriel is technically taken” No if Lucien and Azriel had a relationship status it would be “it’s complicated” That’s not taken bitches. Also before you ask “Why haven’t you been posting anything?” Writer’s block. I have four drafts in my file. Writer’s block people.

Ship: Azriel x Illyrian!Reader

Requested: Yes! Thank you for making this request @cityofidek but I don’t really write for taken males unless it’s Cassian or Az. (I’m so sorry) But I knew you liked Az so I hope this is okay! Based on this request!

The anger was practically roiling off him.

Shadows danced around him as he stormed through the room, removing his weapons belt and different leathers. His Hazel eyes were blazing as he huffed and plopped onto the bed. I knew this was serious, not from the lethal calm rage on his face but because of the flicker of sorrow behind his .

I approached the bed and sat beside him, my own wings tucking into my back as I rubbed his shoulder. Are you okay? I asked in his mind.

It’s just that Cassian was being a prick but we got attacked and people died. Azriel’s voice, even mentally, sounded like it was cracking. I shifted myself to sit in his lap as I faced him and kissed his cheek lightly.

That’s never your fault, you know that. I replied in his mind. He sighed outwardly as he gripped my waist so I wouldn’t fall. I hummed as I wrapped my arms around his torso and buried my face into his neck.

My sweet Illyrian mate, always knowing what to say. His voice sounded amusing but darkness still guttered in his eyes. I pushed him down on the bed as he hugged me and switched our positions so that he was hugging my waist as he lay his head on my stomach. I giggled but rubbed his scalp lightly, hoping to coax him to fall asleep. It wasn’t until his breathe steadied and slowed did I finally stopped, tilting my body to kiss his head as I bid his sleeping form goodnight.

DA NEXT DAYYY (No it was not a typo it’s an inside joke)

Rising to the early morning sun, I was surprised to Azriel still there since Cassian usually dragged him out of bed by dawn, especially after an incident like yesterday. I reached out to caress his cheek but decided against it, afraid to wake him. His hand shot out faster then light as it grabbed my wrist and led my hand back to the path to his face. I chuckled as he cracked one eye open and grinned.

“To think you’d be brawling with Cassian right now,” I laughed as his lips twitched. He tugged me towards him as he buried his face in my hair. My hands were flat against his chest.

“You are so incredible, you know that?” “I know,” I smiled as his voice was muffled, his face still hidden from my view but I knew he was grinning wildly now. As I tilted my head I still saw a flicker of the horrors from yesterday but he looked better.

“I love you, more then you know,” I mumbled as I traced circles on his chest. He kissed my temple as he smiled softly, “I love you too, to whatever end,” He whispered. I smiled as he tugged me closer, fully determined to spend the rest of the day at home.

A/N: Again, I know this isn’t really what you asked for and I can’t express how sorry I am. This fanfiction is kind of terrible cause I’m having serious writer’s block problems. I have four drafts in my files. Four. I have a problem. @cityofidek I know you asked for Rhys but my morals won this debate for me I am so so so sorry.

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Regulus Black everyone!!!♡

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hiii could you maybe do a minho x fem reader where like reader was the first in the glade and then she like helps him adjust when he comes out of the box?? i love ur work so so much thank u :)💗💗

to bet on losing dogs - m.

pairing: minho x fem! reader

summary: the newest greenie isn’t as tough as he seems.

word count: 5,216

tw: violence, grievers, all sorts of dystopian shit. talk of death.

a/n: i’ve recently plummeted back into a raging maze runner hyper fixation so i’m so happy you requested this. anon! which is good because there is literally zero minho content on this god forsaken app. i will take a stand and make a change. btw, the gif is not mine <3

YOU WERE THE FIRST GLADER. Ever. You woke up within the box, the screeching sound of metal grating against metal piercing your eardrums until they bled, your mouth dry as though someone had stuffed it full of fresh cotton. There was only a single rational thought within your blank slate of a mind, the unanswered question of self-concept Who am I? bouncing around the empty walls of your brain.

By the time you had reached the end of the caged elevator’s journey, the tears were rolling down your face like wet ink staining a canvas, blotting your forest green shirt with specks of salty confusion. The brilliance of the sun’s rays stung the lens of your eyes when the traps of the box opened, the warmth soothing your trembling limbs like a soft blanket on a winter’s day.

The packages of supplies labeled W.C.K.D. only bewildered you further, but without a soul to answer your endless questions, you were stuck to fend for yourself with what they had oh-so-greatly gifted you. You remembered your name by the end of your first day: Y/N. It felt familiar on your tongue, but it translated like a foreign language to your brain, as though it weren’t real.

In your first two weeks in the Glade, you had been able to build a very small hut for yourself, and despite its rickety foundations, it managed to keep you sheltered from the heinous growls that echoed from the other side of the mysterious walls. You strengthened its base as the days went on, and by the end of the month, you had built yourself a home.

Alby was second to arrive in the box. Its alarm had startled you like no other, the penetrating ringing reverberating off the walls of the glade and breaking you out of whatever activity you had been distracting yourself with. You were met with a thousand questions overflowing off of his tongue, and you were nervous to reply with I don’t know to majority of them, guilty you couldn’t sooth his anxiety.

One by one, the Glade began to grow. Every month a new Greenie (as you and Alby had nicknamed) was welcomed into the Glade and every month you were greeted with boys who turned to you to soothe their emotional damage. Didn’t they know you had no more to say than Alby? Or Nick, the third to arrive?

The Maze had not been explored much. You and Alby had taken a trip within it on his fourth day in the Glade, but at the sound of the Grievers within, you both had fled. It wasn’t until Nick showed up that the pair of you ran it’s path only once before rushing back to the Glade. You, Nick, Alby and George (another Glader) ran the Maze majority of the time, but after George was stung by a Griever, he turned violent and behaved strangely. In the end, you were forced to banish him for attacking another Glader.

The next Glader to arrive was a boy who stood a foot or so above you, long legs and arms curled up to his chest when the doors of the box revealed him to the Glade. Dusty blond hair covering his forehead, he had gotten to his feet and stared at you all, bewildered. He remembered his name right of the bat (Newt), but seemed to have a difficult time accepting the idea of being stuck in the Glade. You often worried for him.

Newt became your partner for the Maze. Nick preferred to run alone, claiming he could remember better when he could focus solely on the Maze, but you and Newt had decided it was a safer bet to stick together. Newt had a drive to solve the Maze that you had only recognized within yourself, but you often worried for him; he’d spend hours at a time mapping the Maze over and over and over. You grew, however, to love him.

The next boy to arrive had the most subdued reaction to the glade. You and the other boys stared down at him from the edge of the box, watching as he blocked the sun with his palm and stared up at you all like a cub lost from his pack. Alby had nudged you with his elbow, and you sent him a look before lowering yourself into the box.

“Hi,” you said carefully, holding your hands partially lifted at your sides to show you were no threat to him. He slowly got to his feet, staring at you oddly. “You okay?”

He blinked, jet black hair sticking up every which way, his chest heaving up down, but his breath remained silent as though he were trying to hide his fear from you. When he said nothing, you inched closer and said, “This is the Glade. C’mon, let’s get out of the box—”

“Where am I?” he croaked, his voice torn. He had a very smooth voice despite the shakiness it held from his fear; his tone was leveled, but no matter how hard he tried, he could not hide the hidden specks of panic that laced it. You had heard it too many times to miss. “Who... who are you?”

“Y/N,” you replied simply, holding out your hand. He eyed it unsurely. “I promise, we’ll explain as much as we can. But... let’s get out of the box, okay?”

“Where am I?” he said again, clenching his honed jaw. “Where did... how did I get here?”

“We all got here from the box. It’s okay,” you softly said. “Your name’ll come to you in a bit, I promise. Happens to all of us.”

“Minho,” he muttered. You blinked. “My name. It’s Minho.”

“Good to meet you, Minho,” you grinned, extended your hand again. “Let’s get out of this shuck box, ‘kay?”

He stared at your hand, dark eyes flickering between it and your gentle face. You watched him take a deep, steadying inhale, letting the oxygen flood his lungs. Without a word, he took your hand and let you guide him out.

In his first few days in the Glade, Minho was what you might describe as stone-faced. The small bonfire you held for him was filled with flutters of chatter coming from the other boys and you, but he sat silently amongst the crowd, staring into the flames. He seemed to have no interest in speaking to the others, and he had only said a few words to you before falling silent again.

“What d’you think his deal is?” Newt had asked. You shrugged, unable to find an answer.

“Hard time adjusting, maybe?” you said unsurely. Newt shrugged his shoulders too and said nothing. There was nothing more to say, anyway.

You and Nick gave Minho the full tour, and he silently tested out all of the jobs you and the others had formed. It took a lot to keep things going with so few of you, but everyone adjusted rather quickly to life in the Glade. Minho, however, seemed unsatisfied with all his jobs, and continuously appeared unsettled by his very presence in the maze.

On his third night in the Glade, on your way to your room from the showers, you spotted Minho crouched on the outside of his room. There were so little Gladers that each one had their own little shack, with a cot and blankets, as well as makeshift desks and wardrobes. Minho sat beside the closed door of his, one knee drawn up to his chest, drawing in the dirt with a small stick.

You halted when you approached his shack and nudged his extended foot with your own. He tilted his head up to stare up at you, eyes glassy and overtired. You pursed your lips in a half-smile and quietly greeted, “Hi.”

“Hey,” he muttered, lowering his chin and returning to drawing in the dirt. Your half-smile turned into a half-frown at his defeated expression. Tilting your head to the side like a confused dog, you crouched down in front of him.

“What’s up?” you asked. He shrugged. Sighing, you took a seat beside him, the plush grass cushioning you. “You doin’ okay?”

“I guess,” he said half-heartedly. “Just tired.”

“Hm,” you nodded. “Nothin’ else goin’ on? You don’t have to talk, but... gotta make sure my Gladers are okay!”

You had hoped to crack some kind of smile from him at this, but he only pursed his lips and bowed his head more, resting his chin on his bent knee. He gave a heavy sigh before asking, “How long have you been here?”

“About six or seven months, give or take,” you answered. Minho shook his head in disbelief.

“Seven months,” he ran a hand through his hair, grasping at his scalp. “Seven months...”

“S’not so bad,” you shrugged. “I mean, yeah, it... it shuckin’ sucks. But there’s some good moments. You just gotta look for ‘em. Getting to know the other Gladers helps, y’know.”

“Yeah,” he breathed. “I just gotta adjust. Shit’s crazy.”

“Hey, language!”

He gave you an incredulous look, lips twitching up. “For real?”

“Yeah,” you grinned. “Can’t have you shanks using foul language.”

“I — you just called me a ‘shank’!”

“That’s different.”

“Is it?”

“Who’s in charge?” you asked rhetorically. Minho pursed his lips and said nothing, sending you a look. “Yeah, I thought so.”

And then, finally, Minho cracked a grin. He shook his head and said, “Didn’t know this place had a dictatorship.”

“Yeah, you shanks should be calling me General Y/N.”

Minho scoffed, his eyes bright as he looked at you. “Yeah, right.”

By the end of his first week, Minho shed a few of the layers he had worn in his first few days. You caught more and more glimpses of his true personality as he adjusted, smiles and jokes becoming more frequent until they seemed to be the only things that left his lips.

For his first two weeks in the Glade, Minho worked as a Builder. He didn’t prefer to work with Gally, whom he had declared as ‘a shank’ (he was catching onto Glader slang, finally!), but it was the job he felt he could manage whilst doing an adequate job. Regardless, you could tell he was unhappy.

One morning, just as the sun woke up from where it rested behind the metal walls of the maze, you caught Minho staring at the closed doors that governed the Glade. He wore a pair of too-big sweatpants and a simple blue shirt, his hands slumped into his pockets and his eyes flickering over the ivy that traced the edges of the walls.

Fixing the harness over your shoulders that strapped your pack and pocket knives to you, you sauntered over to stand beside him. He didn’t turn to face you, however you caught his eyes drift over to side-eye you various times as you stood wordlessly beside him.

“What’s it like?” he asked after a prolonged moment. “In the Maze?”

“Hm,” you buckled your harness and sit into your hip, crossing your arms over your chest. You saw Minho’s eyes flicker to the knives strapped to your shoulders before moving back to the walls. “Scary. Confusing. But... mostly scary.”

“Are you... are you guys close to finding anything?”

You pursed your lips. “I hope.”

Minho frowned and lowered his eyes from the Maze walls to the grass by his feet, where blades of green curled over the fabric of his dirty sneakers. His eyes flickered back to you again, before he turned his head to you and said firmly, “I want to be a Runner.”

You did a double-take at him, brows raised. “No.”

He furrowed his brow. “What? Why?”

“Because, you’re a shuckin’ Greenbean,” you said matter-of-factly. “No way you’re goin’ in the Maze.”

“I don’t like the other jobs. This is the only job I want to do!” Minho tried to reason, his voice becoming frantic. You were still thunderstruck by his first statement. “C’mon, Y/N, please. Gimme a chance.”

“No,” you shook your head. “Minho, you’re doing fine as a builder, I don’t see why—”

“Because I want to fucking get out of this place!” Minho fired, his fists clenching and his cheeks turning a dusty red. You blinked at his outburst, and he paused before softly continuing with, “I’m goin’ crazy, Y/N. I can’t just sit here and build shit while I know there’s a solution to the shuckin’ Maze somewhere out there.”

“Minho...”

“Please,” he was begging at this point, his voice cracked and his face desperate, “I need to do something.”

“Let me be honest with you, Minho,” you told him carefully. “We’re betting on losing dogs out there. We’ve been running that Maze for seven months and haven’t find so much as a clue to how to get out.”

“Let me help,” Minho breathed, stepping so close to you that you were sure he was about to drop to his knees and grasp at your legs. You pursed your lips. His brows tilted upwards in desperation, his black hair a wild mess and his olive skin dewy from sleep. “C’mon, Y/N. You know that I can help. You know how good my memory is. I’ll spend hours making maps of that shuck Maze, I swear it—”

“Fine,” you muttered. Minho fell silent. “I’ll talk to Newt and Nick. See what they think.”

“Thank you—!”

“This doesn’t mean you’re gonna be a Runner,” you lifted a finger. “I only said I’d talk to them.”

“Works for me,” Minho sighed in relief, crossing his arms over his chest and staring up at the metal walls that towered over the pair of you. With a great rumble, the two walls began to steadily separate, the ivy at its edges rustling from it’s force.

Turning your head, you spotted Nick and Newt approaching the opening walls, both clad in their full running gear. You could see Minho staring at the interior of the Maze with a time of expression you only recognized as eagerness. You tenderly placed a hand on his upper arm and gave him a look.

“I’ll talk to them about it,” you told him pointedly. He nodded, however you watched his eyes dart between where your hand was on his bicep and your eyes. He gulped. “But... you should probably get to building, yeah?”

Minho pursed his lips but nodded nonetheless. “Okay.”

“Good that,” you smiled and turned to face Newt and Nick, unaware of the pink petals that had bloomed on Minho’s cheeks and the red tinge on the tips of his ears. “Morning.”

Nick yawned an incoherent greeting.

“Too ruddy tired for this,” Newt muttered, rubbing his eyes childishly. “What are you two shanks doing at the doors this early?”

Minho and you shared a glance. Newt furrowed his brows.

“Just talking,” you said.

“Hm,” Nick rose an eyebrow at Newt, who only pursed his lips and pretended not to be paying attention, staring at the walls. “Okay. Well. It’s running time.”

“I know,” you crossed your arms over your chest, narrowing your eyes at them. “I’ve been here. So technically you shanks were late.”

“On time, actually,” Newt checked his watch. You rolled your e/c eyes.

“Whatever,” you said dismissively. “Let’s just go. See you, Minho.”

"Bye,” Minho gave a half-hearted wave, watching the three of you jog out into the maze. He watched your figure disappear behind the ivy-coated walls, resisting from running out and following at your heels. With a heavy exhale, he turned and tiredly made his way towards the other side of the Glade. He didn’t feel like dealing with an angry Gally today, anyway.

---

BY THE END OF THE SECOND YEAR in the Glade, Minho had become your partner as an official Runner. After Newt’s ankle was injured (neither he nor Minho hadn’t told you the details of what happened and you didn’t pry), Minho stepped up, the responsibility falling onto his shoulders. You missed Newt’s company, but you enjoyed the time spent with Minho. He seemed to enjoy it, too.

“New Greenie today, huh?” Minho said when the pair of you ran back into the Maze, your running slowing to a walk as you reentered the small society. You hummed, lifting a hand to wave over at Newt, who stood at the edge of the gardens.

“Yup,” you sighed, the heavy pants from sprinting coming to a standstill. “Remember when you were a Greenbean?”

Minho rolled his eyes, lips twitching up as the pair of you made your way towards the gardens to meet Newt, who was leaning against one of the garden posts, arms crossed over his chest. He lifted his hand up to wave. 

“Yeah.”

“You were all moody,” you teased, to which he began to shake his head in denial. “Oh, you totally were. Moping around the whole shuckin’ Glade—”

“I didn’t mope—”

“You so did!” you laughed, bumping your shoulder with his. A heavy blush coating his face, Minho grinned and avoided your eyes. “You sulked at like every single bonfire. Didn’t he, Newt?”

“Didn’t he, what?” Newt asked once he was in earshot, grinning. “Brood every where he went?”

You and Newt laughed to which Minho who narrowed his eyes in a playful glare at the both of you.

“Shanks,” he muttered, shaking his head.

“It’s okay, we love you anyways,” you teased, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and , and Minho casted his eyes to the side, a cherry red blooming across the apples of his cheeks; he whipped his head to the side to get his hair out of his face, and when he finally glanced back up, he was met with a curious glance from Newt. Minho gulped and glanced back down.

“You go on, Y/N,” Newt called after the three of you had crossed the other side of the Glade, headed towards where Frypan was cooking up dinner. “Save us a seat, yeah?”

“O...kay?” you said slowly, walking backwards and staring at the pair of them oddly. Newt seemed calm, but Minho’s eyes were casted downwards as though to avoid you at all costs. Brows twitching downwards, you shrugged and turned back around, heading the other direction. Minho watched you disappear, eyes following you as your figure became smaller and smaller in the distance.

“Mate,” Newt snapped his fingers in front of his face. “Want to tell me what that’s about?”

“What what’s about?” Minho gave him a look. “What’re you talking ‘bout?”

“What am I talking about? You tell me, Minho,” Newt crossed his arms. Minho mimicked him, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning into his hip as though to mock him. Newt huffed. “Your face is still bright red, y’know.”

Minho’s gaze faltered; he gulped and dropped his arms. “I was just sprinting around the Maze, you shank, of course my face is gonna be red.”

“You’ve been back for a good, long while now...” Newt drawled. “I’m pretty sure it would’ve gone away by now.”

Minho’s mouth opened and closed wordlessly as though searching for another excuse, and Newt only watched with an all-knowing expression, as though he had already read Minho’s mind and was just waiting for him to crack.

“What do you want me to tell you, Newt?” Minho threw his arms up and began to walk off towards Frypan’s. Newt followed tiredly. “I mean, really. You tryna get some kind of information outta me?”

“I dunno, Minho,” he hummed, the wind blowing his blonde hair off his forehead. “D’you have somethin’ to hide?”

“What could I possibly be hiding?” Minho murmured. Newt let out a laugh.

“Gee, I wonder,” he sassed. “Maybe that you like Y/N.”

“‘Course I like Y/N,” Minho muttered. “Everybody likes Y/N.”

“C’mon,” Newt nudged his shoulder. “Quit beating around the bush and just admit you’ve got a crush on her.”

“I do not!” Minho said hastily. Newt rolled his eyes. “Really, I don’t!”

“Okay,” Newt shrugged, a funny look on his face. “Suit yourself.”

Minho said nothing more as they opened the door to where they were having dinner, pointedly brushing by Newt as he went to grab a bite to eat from Frypan. When he brought his food down to the table, he realized Newt was sitting in the spot beside you that he usually occupied. Sending him a subtle glare, Minho sat across from them.

“You good?” you asked him, your mouth partially stuffed with food. He pursed his lips in a smile and nodded his head. 

“Yeah,” he told you. Newt, after sending Minho a glance, then leaned over and whispered something into your ear. Minho watched your face change as you listened; he tightened his fist around his fork. 

“Slim it,” you giggled (since when did you giggle?), a tinge of pink brushing over your face. Newt pulled away, smirking, and sent another look at Minho, who only clenched his jaw. Unbeknownst to Minho, you had been sending fleeting looks over at him as though afraid of being caught. Your blush had lingered the entire meal.

Newt continued his outwardly flirtatious behavior with you throughout the entire meal; to the others, it seemed the pair of you were getting pretty comfortable, however every whisper and gesture had something to do with Minho. Your face was a scarlet red by the end of dinner, and Minho had accidentally broken two wooden forks from how hard he was clenching his fists.

“Go talk to her,” Newt shoved his shoulder against Minho’s when they stood up to put their trays back near Frypan’s station. You were sitting at the table still, knee up on one bench, laughing gleefully at something Winston said. Minho said nothing in response to Newt for a moment, simply watching you; your eyes trickled across the room and met his for a moment, your smile lingering. “Don’t be a shank.”

“Slim it,” Minho muttered, shaking out his wrists at his sides. “I don’t even want to talk to you right now.”

“Well, that’s what happens when you wait,” Newt laughed. “Quit waiting.”

“You’re a real shank, y’know that?” Minho sent him a side-eyed glare. Newt only laughed again. “I’m tempted to grab one of those forks I broke and stab it right in your shucking—!”

“Hey,” you had approached stopping right in front of them. Minho slapped his rudely gestured hand to his side and clamped his mouth shut. Sending him a very strange look, you furrowed your brows at him and slowly asked, “You okay?”

“Mmhm,” Minho hummed. Newt sharply elbowed his side, to which he grunted and sent him another glare. “Are you?”

“I’m great,” you rocked back and forth on your toes. “Well, erm... bonfire’s gonna start in like, five minutes or so. I’ll see you out there?”

It was a general question, however your eyes were pointed at Minho; he nodded his head, cracking a grin. “’Course you will!”

You smiled and turned on your heel, sparing Minho another glance even as you walked away from him. He stared off at your figure, watching you disappear around the bend and sighed when you vanished from sight. Newt pat him twice on the back.

“It is physically painful to watch you interact with her, man,” he said honestly, shaking his head. Minho frowned. “Like, launch myself off the cliff, painful.”

“You’re tellin’ me,” Minho pinched the bridge of his nose. Speaking mostly to himself, he said, “Okay. Just gonna talk to her. No biggie.”

Newt snorted but said nothing, striding forward, long-legs carrying him down the path you had previously taken. Minho shook his hand out at his sides again, exhaling sharply through his nose and closing his eyes for a moment before following at Newt’s heels.

By the time he ventured across to the other edge of the Glade, the mountainous fire was roaring, sparks flying and ashes trickling along the nearby grass. Glasses of Gally’s secret recipe was being distributed amongst the Gladers, and Minho swiped one on his way in; chugging half of it in a quest for liquid courage, his eyes scanned the area for you.

“Minho!” you called from behind him, sitting on one of the logs with a glass of the drink in your hand. Waving him over, Minho wiped his mouth clean with the back of his hand and sauntered over, settling himself on the spot beside you. Swinging your legs back and forth, you grinned and asked, “You sure your doin’ okay? I just watched you down your drink, and, no offense, but no one likes Gally’s drink that much.”

Minho cracked a smile. “Yeah, I’m good. Just figured I could, er...loosen up a little.”

You scoffed, nudging his knee with your own. You moved it away, but the way your body relaxed left your knees touching from how close you sat. “Like you need to be loosened up. Well, actually... judging on you breaking two forks during dinner, maybe you do.”

“Ha-Ha,” Minho muttered, eyes flickering down to where your knee touched his. Feeling his neck grow hot, he took a deep inhale. His mouth opened, and although the words of his feelings ran line by line in his mind, no sound left his lips. You sent him an odd look; it was a rare sight, indeed, to see Minho speechless.

“Okay, what’s going on?” you asked him. “I know something’s up, and you can say it’s nothing all you’d like, but I’m not letting you leave until you tell me.”

Minho stared at you for a moment, dark eyes drinking you in, before he clenched his jaw and tried again. “I gotta tell you somethin’.”

“Okay,” you nodded your head. Minho gulped.

“And you can ignore it, if you want,” he added hastily. “Cause, like, I know we’re stuck in the Glade and this isn’t really the place for it, but I still kind of wanted to tell you even though it might—”

“Minho,” you said carefully, and he visibly sucked in a sharp breath as though he were in pain. You watched his chest rise and fall with each quick breath, his eyes now avoiding you entirely, focused on where his hands lay in his lap. Placing a hand onto his shoulder, you said, “Don’t stress, all right? S’just me. You can tell me anything.”

“Right,” With rose-colored cheeks, he turned his head to meet your eyes and breathed in through his nose. “Okay. Uhm.”

You stared back at him expectantly, eyes sparkling from the red-orange glow of the fire. 

Minho clenched his jaw a few times, blinking. He watched your lips part to speak again, and, impulsively, he blurted, “I like you.”

You said nothing, only furrowing your brows a bit.

“I like you,” he said again in a deep sigh. Ruffling a hand through his jet black hair, he squeezed his eyes shut and said, “I like you, and the reason I broke those two forks at dinner was because I was shuckin’ angry that Newt kept cuddling up to you like that, okay? And I didn’t want to tell you at first ‘cause I knew it’d make things weird, and I kind of really liked the way things were goin’ and I—”

He took a sharp inhale, cutting himself off. You had frozen, your eyes blinking wordlessly at him, and he felt his stomach twist. Internally groaning, he leaned over, slapping his hands over his face and avoiding your reactions entirely.

“Shuck, I’m sorry,” he muttered at your silence. “I’m sorry. That was embarrassing.”

“No, it...” your words fell short for a moment. “It’s not embarrassing, Minho.”

He scoffed, taking his hands off his face but now leaning down on his elbows, staring tiredly at the sparkling bonfire. “Just ignore everything I just said.”

“Why would I do that?”

He slumped his shoulders. “Because I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. And... I just did. And I’m sorry. And we can pretend I never said anything.”

“You didn’t even give me a chance to respond,” you gently said through a smile. Minho gulped.

“Oh,” was all he said.

“I’m actually really glad you told me,” you said breathily. Minho turned his head but didn’t meet your eyes.

“Why?”

“Because I thought everything Newt was telling me was just bullshit, but... guess it was true.”

Minho jolted up. “What?”

You furrowed your brows. “What?”

“Newt has been...? Newt told you?!”

“No, no, he—” you let out a giggle. “He was just kind saying suggestive stuff. Kept saying, like... Go snog Minho at the bonfire... or like, Minho’s been checking you out for the entire day... stuff like that.”

Minho had turned a deep red. “Oh. That... that doesn’t make me feel better.”

“Shouldn’t it, though?” you gave him a look. He said nothing for a beat, before he shifted his eyes to meet yours with furrowed brows. 

“I’m confused.”

“So am I,” you said. “Think about it for a second. Why would Newt be teasing me about you?”

Minho said nothing for a moment. “’Cause he’s a shank, that’s why.”

You laughed and shook your head. “’Cause I like you, you moron.”

“What?” Minho shot up, all his muscles tensing like a cocked gun. “You... seriously? Like, actually?”

“Yes, like, actually,” you mimicked him. “Of course I do. I was just waiting for you to make the move, y’know?”

“Oh,” Minho sighed. “Well, I would’ve done it earlier if I had known you... that you liked me back... Holy shuck, you like me back...! Wow.”

“You sound surprised.”

“I am very surprised,” Minho said heavily, turning his head and sending you a shy grin. You tucked a strand of hair behind your ear and tucked a knee to your chest. He stared at you for a moment, sitting up straight and taking in your appearance, your words.

“What?” you asked in response to his staring. He smiled and shrugged.

“You’re just, like...” he trailed off, shaking his head. “...amazing. Totally amazing.”

“Thanks.”

“No, I’m being serious,” Minho began. You made the assumption that his confidence was returning after the fear of rejection left his brain. “Like, ever since I got here, you’ve just been this, like... force. I dunno. You’re just cool.”

“So are you,” you nudged his shoulder. “You’ve always been cool.”

“Not cool like you, though,” it felt like now, Minho couldn’t tear his eyes away from yours. With the nerves gone, it was as though he felt he was free to drink you in without judgement. “You’re cool and you’re... strong, and just, like... safe. I dunno. I’m rambling.”

“It’s okay,” you smiled, scooting closer towards him. Leaning down, you pecked the side of his cheek. “It’s cute.”

He turned red and pursed his lips into a grin. Putting his hand to his chest he beamed and said, “You’re givin’ me butterflies, shank, stop it.”

Giggling, you linked your arm with his, elbows pressing into one another sides. Grabbing your drink with your free hand, you lifted it up as though giving a toast before downing it entirely. Minho stared at you, lips parted.

“Good god, woman,” he mumbled, lifting up his own cup and mimicking your actions. He grimaced. “Shit’s nasty.”

“Language,” you muttered, leaning down and pressing your lips to his for a brief moment. 

Red-faced, he grinned, "Whatever.”

---

a/n: okay lowkey this was cute. i kinda th though the maze runner fandom was dead but thank you for your request!!!! i really liked this one, i enjoyed writing it so much :)

Tony, to Y/N: I dare you to-

Natasha: Y/N isn’t allowed to accept dares.

Y/N, sighing: Apparently I have “no regard for my own safety”.

*the team laughs while nodding*

This is a MASTERPIECE. I absolutely loved this, I laughed and cried and relate so much.

tongue tied | masterlist

teaser , playlist || part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7, part 8, part 9, part 10, part 11, part 12, part 13, part 14, part 15, part 16, part 17, part 18, part 19, part 20, part 21, part 22, part 23, part 24, part 25, part 26, part 27, part 28, part 29/final, epilogue

drabble : Ask Yourself