𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

↳ (𝐇&𝐋) "Welcome Home" - Smoky

𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈(𝐬): Smoky x Reader (ʏᴏᴜ/ʏᴏᴜʀ)
𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: fluff; oneshot
𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈: gender unspecified; reader used to be from the Nameless City; mild intimidation

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Unlike the rest of Chikuni City, you knew this place like the back of your hand. Through the labyrinth of pipes, its breathtaking views, and even escape routes back when you were cheeky and had to resort to stealing. You shocked yourself with how you kept turning to corners and recognizing structures.

The buzzing street lights and clanking metal didn't help your nerves. You recalled being terrified of the darkness, especially the nightlife of Nameless City. You were close to just giving out right then. Until a soft crackling and warm heat wave made you quicken your pace.

Peeking at the crossroad, you were met by a familiar street. Your mouth hung slightly, and a numb feeling overtook your body as you slowly walked out of the corner. Everything felt so different yet the same, the stark change was the tapered black sheet with 'Rude Boys' spray painted in white.

Your gait made it obvious how anxious and reluctant you were, tripping on your feet every second. But your eyes told a different story. Drinking in the scenery, memories of old flashed before your visions. The happiest moments, the sad memories, all of it.

Ever since you got adopted, you returned to your life of minimal solitary. Spending most days alone and lonely. You never wanted to return to that, your friends swore they wouldn't let you.

In the end, it was your decision. Declaring a promise to return mature, educated, and ready to give their everything to their family.

Suddenly, a swift movement caused you to raise your guard. The road was empty, or at least you thought it was. You swing off your backpack, clutching it towards your body.

As you retreated inside, your back collided with someone's chest. Your body unexpectedly eased, as if it recognized the warmth. But you didn't take your chances.

You rapidly turned around, doing what came naturally.

The culprit's face was turned, his hand slowly rising to his reddened cheek.

Oh. You slapped him.

Before you could apologize, more people suddenly spilled throughout the road, surrounding the person you hit. A tall male with tied hair, clearly angered, was about to grab your forearm. You whacked his arm away, backing to the middle.

They were not pleased with what you did, and for a good reason. "Would you believe me if I said that was an accident?" You blurted out.

"Don't you think—!!" He was pushed away by the guy earlier, his gaze speaking volumes. It made you wanna jump out of your skin. He was the leader for sure. His scruffy brown hair almost covered his sunken yet intimidating ebony eyes. The soft light of the flames emphasized his stern features.

Was it too late to turn away? You could always book a hotel downtown. You felt guilty troubling, from what you deduced, the Rude Boys. Honestly, if they told you to piss off right now, you would gladly (but heartbrokenly) oblige.

He opened his mouth, but nothing came. His brows faintly knitted, concentrating on you. You did the same, intently staring at him, way longer than you should've.

"See? I told you living here wasn't so bad." A finger that wasn't your own pointed at the sunset. The wind brushed through your hair as you heartedly laughed.

"Hehe, yeah you're right!"

That voice. That memory. Could it be...

"Smoky?" You blurted out, not saying that name for years felt criminal. Once you did, his expression softened into surprise. "Y/n—"

"Y/N!!"

A voice shouted from behind. You turn around to see a young woman with toasted auburn locks running toward the crowd. She stops briefly, her hand covering her slacked mouth. You meet her eyes, finally identifying her. "Lala?"

Her grin widened. Without any hesitation, she rushed to you with open arms. Wrapping them around your shoulder. "You're back!" She said, chuckling. You return her embrace, still whiplashed from the sudden affection.

"Y/n?" You both let go. Facing around, an ash blonde with a prominent mole beside his left nose stared at you in awe. You huffed, giving him a knowing smile.

Takeshi bellowed a laugh. "Holy crap," he grabbed your face with his hand, turning your head around, and shortly placing them on your shoulders. "It is you."

An arm suddenly grabbed your neck, a fist vigorously ruffling your hair. Your throat rumbled in annoyance, you knew exactly who this was. "Look at you, keeping your word. I thought you'd left us for dead!" Pi said through his teeth.

"Let go, jerk!" You successfully pried his arm off. The group was encased with delight and merriment.

Smoky couldn't move, his body had all gone numb. You were back. Physically standing there with his beloved family, almost felt like a fever dream. No matter how extensively you told him otherwise, he truly believed you'd be living your best life. Did something happen? Why were you here?

He wasn't prepared for what came next. You met his stare, returning his captivated look. Jesus Christ, he felt his lungs tighten.

Your smile didn't falter as you gave him an acknowledged bow. "I'm home."

It struck Smoky instantly. That's right. You were home.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Welcome back."

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I'm sorry, I'm too in love with this man (*'ω'*)

A little background story: This was actually my first draft of my HiGH&LOW fanfiction before I scratched it and made a new plotline. I liked how it turned out so I'm gonna post this here as a oneshot. Thanks for reading, and don't be shy to request, please :)