The River // Crimson X Reader

01 | Arranged

[Setting: Past/Flashback]

"WHAT?" YOU SCREAMED, looking down at the photo in your hands. You looked up at your parents. "Why him? Why Crimson? Ew."

"It's about time you became useful." Your father put out his cigarette on your horns. You coughed and tried to wave away the smoke that raised. Your mother frowned down at your father, her hands clasped neatly in front of her twitched. "And enough with rising your voice. This family doesn't do well with a loud mouth wife."

You looked at your mother. Her half-lidded eyes only locked with yours. Even as a child, you knew she was powerless to help you. 

You clutched the photo harder. You fought the urge to rip it.

"Get ready." Your father waved you off. "You're going to meet him soon."

* * * 

Standing between your parents, you stared at the boy across from you. He wore a suit with strange colours. You looked up and down at him with a disgusted look.

A hand hit the back of your head, and your father hissed. "Fix that face."

Your mother put her hand on your shoulder. You looked up, holding the back of your head. She gave you a sad smile and rubbed the sore spot between your horns. 

Crimson frowned at you, his zigzagged tail waving around impatiently. A push from his father made him walk forward toward you. 

With an encouraging nod from your mother, you met Crimson halfway. 

Remembering what your mother taught you, you clasped your hands in front of you, straightened your back, and nodded to Crimson. "I'm (Y/N)."

"I know that," Crimson murmured, low enough that his father didn't hear, but he took your hand and kissed your knuckles. "Pleasure to meet you. I'm Crimson." 

You thought you pulled away too quickly, but even Crimson looked disgusted. You knew he did that for a show, especially for his father. 

After this interaction, your father walked up to Crimson's father. Your mother followed suit. Out of earshot, Crimson shot you a look. 

"Now I got your germs on my hand," you hissed, wiping the back of your hand on the dress your mother picked for you. 

"As if I wanted to do that in the first place," Crimson shot back, crossing his arms. 

"Shorty," you whispered.

"Spoiled brat."

"Muddy shoes."

"Bitchy voice."

"Crusty voice."

Crimson blinked, but then he gritted his teeth, whipping his tail. "You'll pay for that."

Laughing from both of your fathers caught both of your attention. You both looked at them as they smiled down at you and Crimson. 

"Now, let's not get too intimate." Crimson's father chuckled. "Save the kiss for the wedding."

You and Crimson jerked back from each other, just realizing both of your faces were mere inches apart. 

Your father and his father amused themselves with the situation. Your mother glared at Crimson before following the two men. 

"Ha, even my mom don't like you." You put your hands on your hips, a smug look on your face. 

"Like her opinion matters." He turned and ran to catch up with his father. 

You rolled your eyes. "No wonder why you have no friends."

You quickly caught up with your mom, who was out of earshot of both men. You matched her slow pace, fiddling with the front of your dress. You wondered if this is how your mother and father met, forced together with no choice given to them. A sigh from your mom made you look up. 

"I'm so sorry, sweetie." Your mother opened her hand, and you took it. "I- There was nothing- ugh." She groaned quietly. She looked down at you. "Never stop being who you are. Don't be afraid to voice your concern. You'll get through it." She cupped your cheek. "I know you will." 

You smiled brightly at her, leaning in her touch. But even then, you knew what came out of your mouth had consequences for you or your mother. You learnt that the hard way.