Crescent -ateez&skz x reader

Chapter 7- The alliance

Chapter warnings: mentions of violence, nothing graphic or detailed.

The peaceful sounds of the forest gently rouse you from your disturbed sleep. You'd have thought that the gentle way in which you'd been lulled into unconsciousness last night would've deterred your brain from concocting its usual batch of poor memories to serve you on a steaming platter, which those with less pained hearts would team a nightmare. Alas, it would seem that peaceful nights would take longer to return to you. At least your wakeup call was pleasant.
You sit up groggily in your bed and stretch your tires arms above your head, leaning your body side to side to wake up your muscles. Physically, you feel exceptionally well rested, a rarity you're not accustomed to but are immensely grateful for. You have no idea what the elves have in store for you and Hongjoong today. You look over to your right toward the male, he's still sound asleep. Soft, deep breathes moving his chest up and down  at a constant and gentle pace. By this you make a guess that he is sleeping well, shoving down the twang of jealousy at such a luxury you smile at him and push back your blanket. There are two large bowls of water resting on the table across the room, with two clothes on their rims. One of the elves must have left them there for you both earlier this morning, thinking about it, that was probably what began to bring you out of sleep. You inwardly cringe and hope that your previous internal distress was not something to be observed.
You wash your face and do your best to wipe any sweat off of your armpits from under your dress before coming to the conclusion that you should find a moment today to ask Felix  if there was anywhere you'd be able to bathe more thoroughly. Not to knock Hongjoong, but you certainly didn't want to end up smelling like him. With that in mind you decide to lightly suggest he should bathe too once you get back, you'd have to word it gently though. Likely having to pitch the bathing spot as incredible as an excuse so as to not offend him. You begin your decent down the stairs to the main part of the palace- well its technically not a palace as there is no royalty but to certainly feels like a fitting descriptor. The train of thought regarding your companion suddenly reminds you of last night's events, his sorrowful words and false impressions. Not really a way to bring that up without embarrassing him by alerting him to the fact you were awake to hear his vulnerability. No, not at all. That would have to be carefully weaved into a later conversation.
As you round the corner at the bottom of the stairs you spot Felix , he is deep in conversation with an elf you haven't met yet. The nature of their interaction seems somewhat serious considering how the familiar of the two is holding his chin between his fingers, a downcast look on his face which does not suit his otherwise positive demeanour. You shift awkwardly to the side, going back upstairs was of course an option but if you were spotted it would look somewhat strange. Thankfully, your pondering is cut short by the enthusiastic greeting from Felix, having senses someone else in the room and picking up on your dilemma.
"Arla! Good morning, did you get enough rest?" he practically glides to your side, gesturing for you to follow him.
He introduces you to the other elf, her name is Ryujin. She might well be the most gorgeous woman you have ever seen, thick black hair cascading in delicate waves to her shoulders, a striking contrast to the pale blue robe she wears. You don't miss the intrigued yet suspicious look in her eyes as she observes you, a look you'll just have to get used to during your time here you assume. The two exchange a knowing look to communicate that they would continue their conversation later before Ryujin wishes you a happy stay and walks away. Felix turns to you and offers a soft smile before speaking.
"Is Hongjoong not awake yet?"
"He wasn't when I left him, should I wake him?"
"Yes please, I'll be waiting here to explain today's schedule when you return." He finishes with an aura of such unmistakable authority that even if you didn't want to follow his request you fear you would not be capable of going against him.

~

When you reach your room, you find that Hongjoong is already awake. Well, to be precise he is standing with his back to you, shirt off, having a quick wash. You instantly turn around, your cheeks flaming with embarrassment at your intrusion. You didn't miss the numerous whiplash scars decorating his back, the embarrassment is now mingles with guilt and sadness as the weight of what you saw hits you. You wait around the corner of the door frame, out of his sight so that when you go in again- when he is ready- it isn't obvious that you'd been waiting. The feeling that you've now unintentionally intrudes on two venerable moments of his makes you feel uneasy and incredibly guilty. There was no way of brining this up to ease your conscience though, the very notion would be as selfish as it would be pointless. The embarrassment it would undoubtedly cause him would only add to your guilt anyway. The questioning voice of the man himself rips you from your thoughts and you inwardly curse your mind for overthinking into a state of unawareness for your surroundings. He is stood at the door frame, taking in your no-doubt plagues expression with nothing but curiosity and innocence, furthering your guilt.
"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that" you bashfully admit.
He smiles knowingly and repeats himself, "I said good morning, were you waiting for me"
You inwardly panic, hurriedly stringing together a reply in your mind that would not give away what you had seen.
"Good morning, yes, I heard movement and wasn't sure if you were decent so I waited" there, good job.
He smiles and offers his thanks for the consideration before gesturing for you to follow him downstairs. Only further adding to your guilt.