Hunter X Reader Oneshots

20. Jealousy

It had been weeks since you and Hunter found yourselves stuck in the human realm, residing in Luz's house along with the others. The adjustment wasn’t easy, but there was something about this world that made it bearable.

However, there was a small problem you were dealing with. Or rather, someone small.

Your palisman, a fox named Ember, was not too pleased with the situation—specifically with Hunter.

Currently, you were sitting on the pack porch of Luz’s house, enjoying a quiet evening after dinner. The cool breeze brushed through your hair as Ember sat curled up in your lap, tail flicking every few seconds.

Hunter stepped out to join you, his presence always so familiar and comforting. You smiled when you saw him, shifting slightly in your seat to make room for him on the porch steps.

But as soon as Hunter got close, you felt the low rumble start in Ember’s chest.

The fox palisman narrowed her sharp eyes at Hunter, letting out a soft but unmistakable growl. The closer Hunter got, the more irritated Ember seemed to become.

Hunter froze in place, noticing the palisman’s hostility almost immediately. He gave an awkward smile, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. “Uh… does Ember always do that when I’m around?”

You sighed, shaking your head. “No, not always,” you replied, though it wasn’t exactly the truth. This has been happening more and more lately. “She’s just… protective.”

Protective wasn’t quite the right word. If you were being honest, jealous would have been a more accurate description.

Every time you and Hunter spent time together, Ember would find some reason to get in between the two of you—whether it was growling, blocking your path, or simply sitting in your lap like she was now, giving Hunter her most disapproving glare.

Hunter’s eyes flicked to Ember, then back to you. “She really doesn’t like me, huh?” he said with a sheepish laugh.

You chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. “Oh, don’t take it personally. She’s just used to having all of my attention. You’re… new competition.”

Hunter’s face flushed a little at your words, and he glanced away quickly, pretending to focus on the distant trees in the yard. “Competition, huh? Didn’t know I was fighting a tiny fox for your attention.”

You rolled your eyes, playfully nudging him. “Yeah, well, apparently you are.”

Ember growled again, her fluffy tail twitching aggressively as she buried herself deeper into your lap. Her gaze never left Hunter, as if she were silently declaring her claim on you.

Hunter shifted awkwardly, clearly feeling a little uncomfortable under the intense scrutiny of the fox palisman. “I swear, she’s planning something. She’s plotting against me.”

You laughed at the idea of Ember plotting anything, though the way she was acting lately made you wonder.

“She’s harmless, I promise,” you reassured, stroking Ember’s back gently to calm her down. “She just doesn’t understand why I’m spending so much time with you instead of her.”

Hunter raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Why are you spending so much time with me, then?”

Your face flushed at the unexpected question. “W-What? I—uh—well, we’re… friends, aren’t we?” you stammered, trying to brush it off casually.

Hunter gave you a knowing look, a teasing glint in his red eyes. “Just friends, huh? I’m hurt, I thought I was your bestest friend?”

Before you could respond, Ember stood up in your lap and barked, interrupting the moment. She jumped onto your shoulder, curling around your neck as if trying to physically separate you from Hunter.

“Okay, okay! Calm down, Ember,” you sighed, gently patting the fox’s head. “You’re still my number one, alright?”

Hunter chuckled, watching the whole scene unfold with amusement. “I think she heard that.”

You shot him a playful glare. “Don’t encourage her.”

But Hunter just grinned, leaning back slightly on his arms as he stretched his legs out. “You know,” he said after a moment, his voice softening, “it’s kinda cute… how protective she is of you. I guess I get it.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Get what?”

Hunter shrugged, though his smile turned a little shy. “Why she wouldn’t want to share your attention. You… you’re important. I’d be jealous too.”

Your heart skipped a beat at his words, and you suddenly felt the weight of Ember’s possessive gaze even more intensely.

You and Hunter sat there for a few moments in silence, the night air cool around you. Your heart raced as you tried to figure out what to say next. But as you glanced at Hunter, you could see the soft, vulnerable expression on his face. He wasn’t teasing anymore—he was being honest.

“Hunter…” you started, unsure of how to continue.

But Ember, ever the interrupter, jumped down from your shoulder and onto the porch and barked, staring up at both of you as if reminding you she was still there.

You couldn’t help but laugh softly, reaching down to pat Ember’s head again. “Guess she’s not letting me off the hook anytime soon.”

Hunter laughed too, though there was still that soft look in his eyes. “Well, I guess I’ll just have to win her over. Eventually.”

“Good luck with that,” you teased, but your smile was warm.

As the night went on, you and Hunter stayed on the porch, talking quietly under the stars. Ember eventually calmed down, curling up between the two of you. But every now and then, you could still feel her suspicious eyes on Hunter, watching his every move.

It wasn’t easy competing with a fox, but if anyone could manage it, it was Hunter.