#‘i feel uncomfortable when we are not about me?’

[moonstruckme]

my queen of comfort 🙇🏻‍♀️

can i pls request a marauders with reader who has seasonal depression and it gets bad especially during the winters??? thank u 🫶

Thanks for being patient with me lovely <3

cw: depression, no harmful thoughts but general apathy and lethargy

Sirius Black x fem!reader ♡ 995 words

It’s warm in your bed. Almost too warm. The backs of your knees and the place where your arm is folded against your side feel uncomfortably heated. But Sirius kisses the back of your neck when he wakes, and you wouldn’t move for anything. 

“Let’s go to the farmer’s market today,” he says, voice sticky with sleep.

You look out the crack in the curtains covering your bedroom window. “It’s so cold out, though.” 

“So we’ll bundle up. You can put your hands in my pockets if you don’t feel like wearing your gloves.” His nose bumps your nape as he kisses you again. “It’ll be very romantic. The woman who sells the apple tarts said she’d be back this week, remember?” 

“Oh, yeah. I’m okay.” 

“You won’t let me get my girl a sweet? I thought you really liked those.” 

“I do, just.” Just. It feels like it’s all you say lately, like all you do is make excuses. Just, just, just. “It doesn’t seem worth it. It’s really gross outside.” 

Sirius’ arm comes around your waist. He doesn’t contradict you. It’s dreary and gray out your window, drizzling rain that bites like ice when it lands on your skin. You’d rather lose track of the day lying here with him, let it slip through your fingers and not think very hard about what it means that you have. Sirius’ fingers playing with yours make this all the more appealing. 

“What if we went to the cinema?” he asks. “That comedy film is showing this weekend.” 

“Didn’t James want to see that one?” 

“Think so, yeah.” 

“You should take him.” 

“I don’t want to take James.” Your joined hands press to your hip, a gentle request for you to turn around. But you don’t want to look at him, and Sirius doesn’t make you. He squeezes your fingers instead. “I want to take you.” 

That’s the important bit. Sirius doesn’t care about the farmer’s market, or even really about the film. You know he only wants you to get up, to go anywhere and do anything at all, and you feel like shit for resisting him. You shouldn’t, either. You know how sadness can sink its talons in the longer it holds you. 

“I’m sorry. Yeah, let’s go.” 

“Don’t be sorry, lovely girl,” he chides fondly. “We don’t have to go if you won’t enjoy it. What do you want to do?” 

You try to muster something for him, you really do, but after a handful of hapless moments you can only be honest. 

“I don’t think I want anything.” 

“That’s okay.” Sirius drops a kiss on your shoulder. “Hey, could you look at me? Please?” 

You roll over, miserable and made more miserable by the aching tenderness in your boyfriend’s expression. This new spot on the bed is colder than where you’d been, but Sirius’ knee bumps against yours, his palm slipping beneath your head on the pillow. He doesn’t hesitate to touch you. Doesn't treat you like you’re breakable or wrong or contagious. His hand flattens under your cheek and warms your skin like he can bleed goodness into you. 

“It’s okay,” he says again, softly. 

“I’m sorry.” 

Sirius tsks. “Now what for?” 

“Making things so hard,” you murmur. You’re trying not to disturb his palm with your mouth movements. 

“Sweetheart, nothing’s hard when I’m with you. I just want to be with you. We can just sit here and talk all day if you want.” 

“I don’t think I’m very nice to talk to right now.” 

“What does that matter? I know I’m awful to talk to half the time. We can be morbid bellyachers together.” 

With some effort, you lift one corner of your mouth. Sirius kisses it rewardingly. 

“You are a delight to talk to, by the way. Always.” 

“A delight?” you whisper. 

“Mhm.” 

There’s a piece of his hair that’s arching over his face, all sprightly and mussed about by the pillowcase. You’re close enough that it moves when you breathe. You blow, and it tickles Sirius’ nose. He smiles. 

“I don’t think I want to talk,” you admit. 

“That’s okay.” 

“I know I’m not fun to be around right now. I’m sorry, I don’t mean to make everything miserable.” You look at the dip of his cupid’s bow rather than his eyes. “I love you.” 

It feels important to say. Even when you’re dropping it in his lap awkwardly, like a plea. 

Sirius tilts his head until his eyes meet yours. Dark lashes and silver pools, like moonlight glancing off water. “I love you,” he says, so sincere it burns. “I have another idea.” 

You hum. 

“We watch a film here instead. Or a show, whatever. But first, you tell me how to make french toast so we can have some for breakfast.” 

“You don’t want me to make it?” You don’t want to, but you’d try for him. 

“I want to do something for you.” He kisses you, soft and sweet. He tastes like sleep. “But you’re allowed to help if you like.” 

Allowed amuses you, though you don’t smile. Sirius’ eyes glint like he can tell just the same. 

“You do lots of things for me,” you say. 

“Good. I’d like to continue adding to the tally; it’s how I keep my edge.” 

You look at Sirius, thinking of how much you must love him for it to ache this deeply. Thinking of how he loves you, and how unfair it seems. He keeps doing it even when you give him every reason not to. 

Sirius can tell you’ve slipped away. He strokes his thumb over your cheek. “So, what do you say, gorgeous?” 

You don’t really want to eat french toast. You think you’d swallow battery acid if he made it for you, though. “It sounds nice.” 

“Yeah?” He grins. “Okay, let’s go then, yeah? I’m starving.” 

You give Sirius your hands when he reaches for them, and you let him pull you up.

[greenlikethesea]

I appreciate your response! I see the point you’re making here, and I’m happy that you’re willing to see a middle ground, so I hope you welcome some gentle pushback on what you’re saying.

For those who are coming from a genuine place, I think ultimately we are on the same page. They do deserve support from those who can give it. I aim for neutrality if I cannot be nice, which I cannot be at the moment. As I said in my post, I personally have no interest in being mean. However, people are rightfully put off by “cheer on” and I think that’s important and should not be dismissed. Words mean things, and even the secondary meaning of comfort is something many of us are currently incapable of. Even for those who defect and deprogram with good intentions!

I'll give myself as an example. I'm white, which helps and benefits me immensely, but I am also trans and disabled, which is not great right now! I am in the process of legally changing my name. Once my name change goes through in my state, I have to go through the process of changing everything. Though I have not changed my gender marker, via advice of my lawyer, I have changed my name to the masculine name I have been using for the past three years, and I am now debating if I should update my passport, an essential piece of federal identification. I have also been denied top surgery again, thanks to advance compliance from medical professionals. Not a great cocktail for feeling good about life on the day to day.

Look, I get that it's hard for people to exit extreme thinking and the fear that comes with that. AND when it comes to doing work like this (deradicalization, decolonization, anti-racist work, etc), an integral part of the work is acknowledging that you will face people who will reject you and be negative. Should we all strive for baseline neutrality and work toward kindness? Yeah, sure. But, like I said previously, they contributed to a movement that is now in power and speedrunning an attempt to dismantle what's left of our democracy. People get to be upset about that! And they have the right to express it, even if it makes these people uneasy!

I am a rational person, or at least I like to think I am. But the fear that ex-MAGA folks are feeling leaving the cult? I feel that times three. What about my fear? What about a minor who was born in this country whose undocumented parents just got deported? There are five year old children going through the court system represented by public defenders. What about their fear? What about immunocompromised people who rely on herd immunity? What about their fear?

Every person who voted in this election is an adult. Part of being an adult is accepting the consequences for negative actions, even if it's upsetting and uncomfortable. If all it takes is for some mean people to send you running back into the arms of your hate movement, then your convictions were not that strong to begin with. They can be brave. They can do the right thing even if it's not immediately rewarded.

This is an interesting thing. Looks like testimonies of people who left the MAGA movement- how they got into it and why.

Leaving a cult is really hard, so I really respect the people who are speaking from this place.

[bernardsbendystraws]

You Don’t Own Me

P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7

Chris Sturniolo lives by his own rules, refusing to be controlled. Some see him as a rebel, a troublemaker—but is that the full truth? Meanwhile, Y/N is focused on making the most of her last year of high school, determined to have a normal teenage experience. But when their worlds collide, they realize they may have more in common than they ever expected.

WARNINGS: Mentions of kissing, mentions of family death, bra touching, talk of needing to piss ? 

A/N: This chapter is LONG. Lmk if we like it being this long or if I should break it up next time sorry! Proofread by @darksturnz (ty lovely girl!)

With love and big tits, Rose

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

P7: Bras & Piss

wc: 2700+

Not even a single insult. Chris barely even lingered in the main room with Matt and me—like he couldn’t even fathom breathing the same air as me. 

It hurt. The dull ache in my chest seems to worsen everytime he ignores me. Even though it’s only been a couple of days, it still just felt different, and not in a good way. 

Luckily, Chris hadn’t caught me loitering in Matt’s room to help him out with his date with Mia. Although, part of me wish he had. Maybe then he’d at least ask or say something mean. And I just wanted him to say something—anything. 

“Pleaseeee?” Matt begs, his hands clasped as if he’s praying, the same plea falling from his lips yet again. 

Ever since I helped him with his outfit, he hasn’t stopped pushing one idea—he wants to make it a double-date. That way, it wouldn’t have to be so awkward at the beginning. 

But who the fuck was I gonna take on a double-date? The only men I’ve talked to recently are Chris, Jimmy, and Shawn. 

Chris is just not an option. Even though Jimmy’s sweet, that would be weird as fuck. And Shawn…well, I’m still mad. But I have to pick. And I can’t let Matt down—not when I see how much effort he’s putting into this girl. If I couldn’t have a perfect love story, at least I could watch it. 

Shawn. 

I stare at his contact on my screen with distaste, my gaze flickering from my phone back to Matt sitting across the table from me.

“But you and her will have so much fun—”

“Please! I don’t know what I’m doing and I just…I’d feel a lot better if I know you’re there,” he says, his face contorted as if he’s in pain. 

Sighing, I look down at my screen with hesitation. My fingers brush against the key, my cheek pulsing with a sharp sting as I feel my teeth gnaw into the muscle. 

I may hate Shawn right now, but I don’t hate Matt. Matt felt like the first real friend I had made in a while, maybe even ever. And this would help our friendship grow, maybe I’d even like Mia as a friend too.

Ugh. 

|  To Shawn: Hey, do you wanna go on a double date with me this Friday?  |

I send the message before I can rethink the wording. My nose scrunches as I see the read receipt pop up immediately, three dots moving on the screen as I watch Shawn type back. 

|  From Shawn: Fuck yeah ;)  |

Ew. How did I ever think this man was crush-material? Before that dumb party, it was like some sort of unspoken thing, we were always flirting, always touching more than just friends typically would. But now even the thought of his dumb brain coming anywhere close to me made everything in my stomach churn uncomfortably. 

“Thank you, you’re the fuckin’ best!” Matt cheers, walking over to me, pulling my head in his hand before planting a platonic kiss on my head. His arms shoot up in the air. He does a stupid little victory dance, nodding his head to an imaginary beat. 

“What the fuck.” I look over, seeing Chris staring at his brother incredulously, scratching his head before nodding his face from side to side, turning around and walking back down the hallway. 

It’s the first time I’ve heard his voice in days. For some reason, it makes everything inside of me feel a little bit lighter, like it’s some sort of relief. 

Maybe he’s easing up. 

I shake the thought off as Matt sits back down, blabbing on about anything and everything. 

It’s nice to have a friend. 

___

Matt was helping return the favor. It felt weird to bring a boy in the house, my mother was definitely judging. But I needed help. And I liked Matt’s style the first day we talked, plus—who the fuck else was I gonna ask?

“What do you want to wear?” he asks, flipping through the clothes in my closet while peeking his head over his shoulder to look at me sitting on the bed. 

I shrug. “Matt, I don’t know. Maybe something comfy, but like…I don’t know,” I whine, huffing as I roll my eyes. Why did this have to be so difficult? Shawn was probably gonna wear what he always wore—black jeans and a long, loose T-shirt, the ones that always had a sports number on the back. 

“What about this?” Matt pulls out a skirt. 

I immediately shake my head. “Hell no. It’s too windy, I’m not dealing with that.” 

He points, nodding as he shoves the article of clothing back into place before shuffling through more options.

“Hey, um, what even happened that night? You know…with Chris,” he mutters, his voice quieter than before. 

My face scrunches as I think back on the memory. “I don’t even know. He showed up at window at like, 2 in the morning—”

“How did he know it was your window?” Matt asks, cocking his head to the side as he turns to look at me. 

I shake my head quickly. “We made awkward eye contact when he was taking a walk—but that’s not the point. He came here, bribed me to go on a walk—”

“How did he bribe you?” Matt quips. He holds his hands up defensively as I glare at him.

“Trevour, duh.” I state, the obvious information dripping sarcastically as I let out a dramatic sigh, “Then, we went for a walk. It was… nice?” My voice rises almost as if I’m asking a question. Matt nods slowly, his scrunched face unrelenting as I continue to explain, “He gave me an apology. I mean, he didn’t say sorry, but like—well—you know what, I don’t fucking know, okay? All I know is that we came back here but my window had slipped shut. He was gonna sleep on the floor, but he just couldn’t and we were too tired to argue and—”

“And then you cuddled like a married couple?” he cuts in. 

I click my tongue against the roof of my mouth, squinting at him as I cross my leg over the other, resting my hands on my knee. “Matthew, shut the fuck up. I’m going on this date for you—I’d rather lick a toilet seat, fuck a splintered broom, and—”

Matt cuts me off, walking over and shoving clothes into my lap. “What about these?” he asks. 

Looking down towards the fabrics, I purse my lips to the side. Baggy cargos, a tight fitted black long sleeve shirt with lace details, and a maroon bra—

BRA?

“WHY THE FUCK—”

“WAIT SORRY!” he panics, grabbing the bra and throwing it aggressively back into the closet, “I just didn’t wanna hear about you fucking a splintered mop or whatever the fuck so I panicked and I—-I didn’t mean to, I swear!” he shouts, his eyes bulging as he covers his mouth with one of his hands. 

My face relaxes and I swallow thickly. He didn’t mean to, it’s fine. He saw my fucking bra, but it’s fine. 

“You’re lucky we’re friends and I like your dad,” I whisper lowly, my eyes twitching as I inhale a shaky breath, “-or I would slap your man tits so fucking hard they melted off your scrawny fucking chest, you stupid little—”

“Oh my god, wait! This is like—just another level of friendship for us then! Think of it that way,” he says, slapping my arm lightly. 

Is this bitch for real?

“I’m gonna go change in the bathroom,” I announce, stalking off towards the bedroom door. I turn around and point my finger directly at his chest, watching as he gulps. “Don’t touch a thing,” I warn. 

Matt nods quickly, clasping his hands together as he stands deathly still. 

At least he’ll be the only one touching my bra tonight. 

___

It wasn’t awful. 

Burst of colors and history are painted throughout canvases hung on the colossal walls. Matt and Mia had already ventured off. In fact, it didn’t really seem awkward at all. 

It made me smile watching their brief interaction. Matt was being an absolute fool, scratching the back of his neck like a damn dog. Mia, however, was shy, but excited. Apparently she really liked all of this. She loved it even more when she realized Matt would listen to her rant about each masterpiece for hours on end. 

Shawn was fine. It wasn’t anything special, but it wasn’t uncomfortable by any means. I think he could sense my stiffness, being able to understand that whatever we had going on had taken a big step back. 

“How’ve you been? Tessa said you guys haven’t hung out for a while,” he points, his hand swinging obnoxiously between our bodies. I think he was trying to hold my hand without directly asking. And it was fucking annoying.

I rub my lips together as I try to keep my gaze pointed ahead. “Yeah, I guess I just haven’t had much time with the project and all,” I answer. 

That’s a lie. I had time. Honestly, I've been kind of bored recently, but he didn’t need to know that. 

“Shame, we miss you, ya know?” he teases, bumping his shoulder into mine. 

They miss me? 

My body slumps a little more with each step. I see Matt and Mia from the corner of my eye, a smile crawling on my face as I see him utterly infatuated with her presence. Maybe that could be me someday, having someone who wanted to understand the most pointless things about me. 

“Heyyyy,” he waves his hand in front of my face, pulling my attention back to him as I feel my cheeks flush. Damn. I’m like a fucking iPad kid when it came to everything. “If they're too distracting, we can venture off further…you know, just us,” he suggests, his brows lifting on his face as he licks over his lips. 

His face is even pissing me off. Why is he looking at me like that?

“Shawn, I’m still upset with you. You drove drunk,”

“I only had a few drinks, you’re being fuckin’ dramatic,” he interupts, huffing as he rolls his eyes. 

Only a ‘few drinks’ could do a lot of damage. 

I wonder what Chris was like before he lost his mom and his brother. Maybe it was someone like Shawn. Someone so incapable of taking any sort of accountability, someone so… careless. 

Silence sinks into the air. A brush of heavy tension weighs downward as I try to create just the slightest bit more of distance between us. 

“Hey, hey,” he coos, quickly tugging my hand into his before cradling it with his other. I look up at him as he stares down at me, my face twisting as I gaze around us. “I’m sorry, okay? It’s dumb, I know. I just… I guess I just wanted to have fun and make sure you had fun too, alright? That’s all it was, it won’t happen again. Swear,” he says, pulling our hands apart and interlocking our pinkies. 

My eyes squint harder at him before I let out a deep sigh, slowly nodding before retracting my hand back to my own body. At least he’s taking accountability. 

“We’re gonna go get ice cream, you guys wanna come with?” Matt asks, stalking towards us with a stupid smile on his face. My eyes fall down, seeing his hand pulling Mia’s lightly, his thumb swiveling against the back of her palm. Oh, he’s so fucking adorable with her. 

“Nah, go ahead. I’ll drive her back, go have fun,” Shawn answers before even sparring me a singular look. 

Bitch. He’s not even my boyfriend and he’s trying to speak on my behalf. Yeah, this isn’t gonna work. 

“Are you sure…?” Matt’s eyes trail to mine. 

I purse my lips before giving an affirmative nod. They’ll have more fun alone. “Yeah, go ahead. Don’t have too much fun,” I joke, offering a small wave as they walk down the marble flooring, disappearing past a corner. 

The sound of Shawn’s chuckle makes my face furrow, my lips curling into a tight line as I raise my brow at him. “What’s so funny?” I ask

Shrawn shrugs. “Just couldn’t wait to get me alone, could ya?” he teases, playfully wiggling his brows and sparing me a wink. 

I chose this over ice cream? 

___

That date hadn’t ended awful, but definitely not good, either. I was still waiting for Matt to finish up. It had been hours at this point, but I couldn’t find it in myself to be anything but happy for him. 

I didn’t know where else to go. I felt really drained, I just wanted someone to talk to. This was the only thing I could think of. And even though it seemed a bit odd at first, it felt normal, as if this was something that has happened at least twenty times before.

“And then what happened after Matt and Mia left?” Jimmy asks, petting Trevor nuzzled up in his lap as he gives me his full, undivided attention. 

He was more than happy when I showed up knocking at the door. I was just glad it wasn’t Chris who answered. And speaking of, I still didn’t know where he was. Probably in his room or something. 

“Well…” I look up to the ceiling, retracing the memory as I explain, “It wasn’t bad, I guess? We used to, I don’t know—flirt? But he’s just so…I don’t know how to explain it,” I groan, sinking further into the couch. 

Jimmy laughs. “Then what went wrong today? He seems sweet enough, why were you even mad at him?” he asks. 

My eyes scrunch close. I wasn’t gonna tell him that detail. I had already told him too much, definitely more than I should have. 

“I think he was gonna kiss me and I…I don’t know. I just kinda brushed it off and asked him to drive me home and well… here we are,” I sing, covering my face with my hands. 

The old man looks down at Trevor as he rubs the dog’s ears. “Maybe you just gotta get out of your head and give him another chance, kid. Whatever he did, just put it aside and try things out. I mean, thank god for my wife giving me chances. If not, she would’ve left me in the dust when I accidentally got paint in her damn hair,” he breathes out gruffly, laughing dryly at the reminiscent memory. 

A smile climbs on my face as I listen to his tone get softer. The slight joke holds meaning, a lot of meaning. No wonder Matt was so sweet, he knew how to treat a woman. Chris on the other hand? Maybe he did at some point. Definitely not now though. 

“Thanks, Jimmy–”

“What did I say!” he exclaims, standing up and ruffling my hair, “Call me J-Dawg!” 

I shake my head with a vicious laugh. “I’m not calling you that.” 

The man shrugs before stalking off towards the garage. “Yeah, yeah, whatever. I’m gonna go fix this damn light switch in the garage, keep Trevor company until Matt gets home, alright?” 

I don’t have time to offer a response as I hear the heavy door click shut. My eyes drift over to the snoozing dog, my heart melting into a puddle as I watch his closed eyes flicker with a vivid dream. 

He could be dreaming of going on a walk—a walk with her, a woman I’ve never met—a woman I’d never get the chance to meet. 

Maybe Chris dreamed of her too. Maybe that was why he didn’t typically sleep well. 

“I need to pee, hold on, Trev.” I announce to the dog, slightly shaking my head at myself. Not only is he a dog, but he’s dead asleep. Did it really matter if I let him know? 

As I start to get up from the couch, I freeze hearing his voice. 

“Why’re you in my house? And why are you telling my dog you need to fuckin’ piss?” 

Chris. 

[mokulule]

A Man has Needs part 3

First

Fandom: DP x DC Ship: Dead on Main (Jason/Danny) Summary: In which Jason keeps up ending up in Danny's bed and not even for any fun reasons.

Part 3

Daniel James Fenton, 20 years old, born and raised in Amity Park, Illinois. Graduated high school with barely passing grades. Currently enrolled in Gotham U’s aerospace engineering program, with (ironically) a Wayne Foundation scholarship of a type that was reliant on entrance exam test results rather than high school grades. Either his high school teachers hated him or he spent the gap year studying his ass off to ace the exams.

At least it explained what he was doing in Gotham of all places, Jason thought as he leaned on the kitchen island chin in his hand, laptop open in front of him. The WF scholarships for Gotham U were very good, yet still most people had the sense not to move to Gotham - and Crime Alley at that.

Him being from the Midwest might even explain some of the strange hospitality, though Jason felt he probably took it a level above most people.

Of family there was an older sister - like he’d mentioned. Jasmine Fenton was currently doing a PhD in the field of Psychology.

The parents, Jack and Madeline Fenton had doctorates of their own, though what little he could find published from them was from very disreputable paranormal sort of publications. They seemed to have very little basis for their theories - one of which was that ghosts were inherently evil - which was just absolute hogwash. They apparently lived off the payout of some early inventions they’d made and sold to the government.

Beyond that there was only an aunt.

Friends were much harder to judge. Danny’s social media presence was practically non-existent. He’d only just opened an account on Mugshot, Gotham’s favored social, this Monday, apparently due to encouragement from new Gotham U friends.

Jason absently drummed his fingers on the counter, as he stared unseeingly towards his laptop. Maybe Tim or Babs could find more, but Jason found himself reluctant to involve them, they would want to know why he was looking into the guy, they would want a reason to dig deeper than the basic background check Jason had already done.

Jason could not- would not, tell them about this… attraction? Jason rubbed his face tiredly. Attraction was a terrible word, that implied other things, but it was the best he had.

The oven timer had the kindness to beep then, signifying that batch of cookies was done, and distracting him for a few minutes as he transferred them to the cooling rack and got another plate going.

It was a limited reprieve however and all too soon he was back in front of his laptop. He had no other avenues, there really was only one thing to do.

Oo o oO

“We need to talk.” He flung the words out the moment a surprised Danny opened the door. The surprise however quickly gave way to a grimace as he registered the words.

“Do we have to?” Danny asked honest pleading in his voice.

Jason felt really tempted to say no, but forced himself to say “yes.”

“Okay,” Danny sighed, leaving the door open for Jason to step inside.

Jason closed the door after himself and felt his shoulders relax from their tense position and his breath come out in a relieved sigh. Safe.

He looked to Danny who wrung his hands.

Jason had meant to say something, ask something, he’d had a plan. He wanted answers. Answers… Jason opened his mouth, sound getting stuck in his throat. Just ask him what was going on? But what did it really matter?

“Ah! Please don’t say anything,” Danny interrupted Jason’s internal struggle. “I have been trying so hard not to make this awkward.”

Jason grimaced when he saw how uncomfortable Danny looked. Jason was making him uncomfortable.

“Okay look,” Danny took a deep breath and held up his hands, and looked at Jason with his big blue eyes, “will you please, just let me start, and if you really feel like you need to say something you can do so afterwards, yeah? Though it’s really not necessary.”

“Okay,” Jason managed mouth dry.

“I don’t know how to make this not awkward, but here goes, it’s okay.”

“Okay?” Jason reiterated brows raising in confusion.

“Yes, it’s okay, truly. Fuck, how would Jazz say it,” Danny looked thoughtful for a moment before meeting Jason’s eyes again. “You have needs, and that is okay.”

Jason frowned bewildered and alarmed. Needs?

Seeing Jason’s frown Danny unfortunately rambled, “I know it’s not exactly socially normal no matter which way you look at it, but it’s fine. I have a big bed, truly it’s fine. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, or apologize-“

Overwhelmed, Jason held up his bag of cookies and Danny thankfully stopped talking.

“Coffee?” Danny croaked after a moment’s silence.

“Please,” Jason agreed.

Five minutes later they sat at Danny’s small table a plate of cookies between them, looking down at their steaming coffee, awkwardly avoiding looking at each other.

Jason didn’t know what to think. Had he gotten any information out of this? Needs… Jason had needs, and those let him to Danny’s bed? He cringed away from the thought.

Across from him, Danny poked the handle of his cup. “Can we just pretend this conversation didn’t happen?”

Maybe Danny had the right of it. For both their sanities, maybe that was best. Aside from his confusion, Jason had felt better after both times he’d slept at Danny’s. Would it be so bad to, just for once in his life, not question things? Jason was unsure how much of this was his brain being muddled in Danny’s presence, but he agreed with a nod, and took a sip of coffee.

Oo o oO

Danny wanted to scream. He had made such a mess of things! All his good intentions and he’d gone and made things awkward anyways. It was a relief his guest was willing to just go with it after all.

And, Danny lamented, his guest had even spoken earlier today, like in a full sentence and now they were back at single words or nonverbal. Poor guy. It had to be so uncomfortable to wake up in a stranger’s bed. If only Danny had an easy way to give him straight ectoplasm, but then that might actually overwork his starved core and make everything worse. The slow absorption of Danny’s ambient energy, probably was best for him.

Half still lost in thought he took a cookie and promptly groaned in pleaures, it was perfect and there was no way he could keep his train of thought. It was crisp on outside and chewy in the middle, and the chocolate bits were so rich.

“You made these?” Danny exclaimed between heavenly bites and was rewarded with a quick shy smile and a glance of blue-green eyes. Fuck, why did Danny’s guest have to be both hot and cute? Life was so unfair.

But it seemed the ice had finally broken, and they were back to something comfortable.

Oo o oO

Later in his own apartment, Jason tried once again to make sense of things.

Facts. Jason woke up in Danny’s bed twice, it was likely to happen again.

Apparently Jason had needs. He shuddered at the thought, because what did that mean? But in a twisted way it also made sense, because he had woken up twice in that man’s bed through no conscious decision of his own. There was something about Danny that drew Jason to him and while it was kinda freaking him out, it was also kinda not. Which in itself was freaking him out if he allowed himself to think about it.

But another fact was that Jason felt better, lighter somehow, than… actually he didn’t really remember when he’d last felt so good. Maybe he really had just needed some proper sleep?

And Danny himself?

Jason had no idea what his deal was. It was very odd how accepting he was of the situation - he’d said it himself, this wasn’t socially normal no matter how you looked at it.

He was clearly not normal no matter how you looked at it. But neither was Jason really.

-

And this is the end of part 3.

They almost talked? They gotta get props for trying right?

You can subscribe at the masterpost

[astarioffsimpmain]

Hello my dearest!

Please can I have a public love confession from Gale? 🥰

Hi my love!! You absolutely can!

Post-battle adrenaline emotions, my beloved.

Warning: Canon-conforming violence

"You're not allowed to die!"

You heard Gale's voice as you went down with a cry. The shadow-cursed ghoul had managed to cross the threshold of your Spirit Guardians spell and slashed its claws through your torso. Your breaths came in strangled sounding gurgles as you lay on the ground beneath it, awaiting its final blow. But just as you closed your eyes and sent a prayer to Ilmater, the creature was engulfed in flames and succumbed.

You hoped to see a familiar purple robe next; if Gale's face was the last thing you ever saw on this plane, you could embrace the afterlife with peace. But it was not the wizard who reached you first. It was Shadowheart, kneeling over you, uncorked bottle in hand. "Drink, fast!" she said, and you had no mind to argue. The liquid was sour on your tongue - peach and lemon, battling for dominance; a potion of greater healing. So the cleric had kept one stashed away somewhere. You smiled, even as your nose scrunched up at the flavor.

'Th-tha-" You tried to whisper a thanks, but all that came out were gargles, and Shadowheart stopped you.

"Don't speak. Let the potion take effect properly or you won't make it through this." You nodded and fell silent, feeling your muscles twitch and ache as they stitched back together. The feeling was wildly uncomfortable, but welcome all the same. Moments later, you felt head against your cheek, and your eyes snapped open, locking with golden-brown ones - laced with concern. You attempted a small smile, wanting to show him you'd be alright, but his expression didn't change. He looked to Shadow.

"Did you reach her in time?"

Shadowheart nodded, and the wizard's shoulders slumped in relief. He looked back at you, a glimmer of something new in his eyes. This time, when you smiled at him, he returned it - if with more than a bit of worry still laced in it, and before you could process what was happening, he was leaning down close to you. You thought he wanted to say something to you alone, but when his soft lips met your own, your heart stopped in your chest. "I couldn't bear to lose you," he whispered against your mouth and you melted into him, a shaky hand rising to meet the back of his neck to hold him in place.

"Can you two save the heartfelt confessions until we're back at camp? And possibly alone?" Shadowheart interjected, and you stole a glance at her. She wore a soft smile on her face, and when she caught you looking, she chuckled. "It's about time," she added gently, helping you sit up properly. You felt your face flush and shared a flustered look with Gale, whose own cheeks were now dusted a light pink.

"We'll speak more about it tonight, yes?" he said quietly, and you nodded.

"Speaking may not be all we do," you replied cheekily and his face turned redder.

"Rhyester's eyes, you'll be the death of me," he muttered, running a hand over his face.

~

fin

Tagging, Darlings: @knightofmight01 @fanon-and-canon @just-a-refrigerator @micropoe10 @worfs-glorious-hair @serenaoffaerun @nerissa-dekarios @optimisticgrey

[starzknight]

Reiterating my points cause that got messy: i don't think people are wrong for calling out the excessive and sometimes unnecessary scenes depcting the sexual assault of seth in this webcomic. From what i've the people who complain about it are not refering to the scenes that happened in the first season but the ones that happened later on. I think this post was done in bad faith, perhaps not in intentionally but still, it paints a picture that's not real about this webtoon and it's fans. Ennead is NOT a dark and gritty webtoon, yes it shows dark scenes and we are told about the atrocities commited but NOTHING is as grafic as the SA scenes are. The part of the fandom that complains about them isn't complaining about their existence but about the way they were handled.

The way you're saying this it makes me feel like you're comparing Ennead to something like Killing Stalking, a webtoon in wich EVERYTHING is extremely explicit and most of these scenes are presented in a way that makes you feel disgusted and aprehensive. And even there it's not perfect and sometimes takes it too far. Ennead is not even close to that, it's not nearly as dark and the messy relashionships are quite tame outside of the main four's dynamic.

The people's complaint about the excessive rape scenes are not wrong. Apart from the first two previously mentioned the others barely have any impact in the story moving foward. And about the fetish content it's refereing to the way the scenes are presented. For me they are uncomfortable because they are too focused on the act itself rather than Seth's feelings and reaction to it and honestly they barely defer from the "consensual" scene we get later on. Also let's not ignore that the extras exist and whats in there. About the author's personality i can say nothing because i do not know them. When i judge them it is based on their writing, therefore, it's about them as an author not a person.

"The SA in Ennead was so unnecessary and makes the story bad/ the author a bad person" IT IS THE DRIVING POINT OF THE STORY. IT IS LITERALLY WHY EVERYHTING THATS HAPPENING IS HAPPENING. IF YOU DONT LIKE STORIES WHERE BAD AND UNCOMFORTABLE THINGS HAPPEN THAN DO NOT READ THEM. THE RELATIONSHIP DYNAMICS IN IT ARE UNHEALTHY AND COMPLICATED WHICH IS THE DAMN POINT. If you want to read stories where nothing bad happens and everyone is healthy and happy then don't read stories where the main focus is tragedy and trauma and then get mad when bad things happen to the characters. DEAD DOVE DO NOT EAT.

[nonotnolan]

No Regrets

My roommate's body keeps looking at me like I'm supposed to be making the first move. It was weird enough when my roommate and his girlfriend swapped bodies for the weekend, but the unspoken tension was starting to become unbearable. "Seriously, Tiffany, you're starting to creep me out. Don't you and Daniel have plans for tonight?"

She just smiled at me. "No plans. I'm still deciding how I want to spend my evening. Daniel, though... he's taking my body out clubbing tonight. He wants to see how many free drinks he can score, and I think he's also planning to get laid." Gross. I knew better than to say anything out loud, but my face must have given me away. "Don't be such a prude, Jeff. You know we have an open relationship."

I tugged at my collar. "I know, Tiff, I'm sorry. I just... body swaps that cross the gender line still make me uncomfortable. It feels wrong, somehow. And, I mean, technically they are illegal."

"Oh please, get over yourself," she said, tossing herself onto his bed. "Swaps over 12 hours are also illegal, but that didn't stop you from hiring someone to take your Calc exam two weeks ago. You need to learn how to relax. Not everything you were told on Sundays is true, you know. Some things aren't actually all that bad. You're only clutching your pearls because society told you that swapping genders was bad. What harm is there, as long as both people consent?"

I wanted to argue, but I knew Tiffany was absolutely correct. There wasn't anything wrong with the two of them swapping bodies outside of society telling us that men and women could only swap with other men and other women. Which... given the way that their open relationship also defied societal expectations, I suppose it wasn't too much of a surprise that the two of them thought so little about swapping like this. "You're right, and I'm sorry. I... I'm trying, really. You've heard how conservative my childhood was. It's a lot to unlearn."

"Well, maybe it's time to start unlearning," she said, beckoning me closer. "You want to know the real reason I'm still here? It's because of you, stud. I'm here to see you." Did Tiffany just call me a stud? She had to be mocking me, but I could feel myself blushing all the same.

Tiffany started to unbutton my shirt, brushing her fingers along my exposed chest as she did so. I could feel myself growing erect. Were we... were we really doing this? They were in an open relationship, after all, it wasn't like he was helping Tiffany cheat on his roommate. With his roommate? God, Swappers made things confusing.

"I've seen the way you look at Daniel," she said, rubbing a hand across the stubble on my chin. "I love the man, but he's too straight and too clueless to pick up on those stares. And honestly, I can't help but think that you're too sheltered to realize you're even doing it half the time."

"I... thought I was hiding it better," I said, trying to steady my emotions. Her fingers started to tease my nipples, leaving me squirming with raw pleasure. "I still don't know if I'm bisexual, or gay, or just... Mormon. But I didn't think it mattered. He's already in a relationship with you. What I want isn't important."

"He's in an open relationship," she said, staring at me like I was a hunk of meat to be devoured. "He's also not here right now. I'm in control of this body right now, and I want to fuck you senseless. If that's what you want too, well..." Tiffany slipped her hand inside my waistband, giving my manhood a firm squeeze that had me gasping for breath. "Tonight's a perfect night to let loose. No regrets."

I couldn't hold back anymore. I leaned in for a quick kiss, which Tiffany returned with tongue. The two of us stripped down as fast as we could, though I made certain not to let her pull me onto the bed with her. "Not on Daniel's bed," I said, dragging her over to my part of the bedroom. "His sheets reek of frat boy sweat, and I doubt he has any lube."

"I, uhh... you're alright with being on top, right?" I asked, as I handed her the bottle of lube from my nightstand. It occurred to me that we hadn't actually talked through any plans, set boundaries, or anything like that. "The way you phrased it, I'm assuming that's what you meant, I just--"

"Stop. Thinking." Seeing Daniel's face looming over me, with a look of pure lust on his face, it was everything I never knew I needed. I started rolling over onto my knees before she yelled at me. "Not like that, stay on your back. I want to see your face as I fuck you senseless."

Tiffany spent the entire time telling me exactly what to do, and it was everything I could have ever wanted. She got me lubed, eased me onto her massive manhood, and railed me like there was no tomorrow. My chest was coated in strands of my own cum, while Daniel's cum slowly leaked out of my ass. I'd never had a no-hands orgasm before, but holy hell I could not believe how amazing that felt.

"I can't believe we just did that," I said, trying to catch my breath. She responded by scooping up some of the jizz off of my torso and putting it into her mouth. She was making an entire production out of licking it off of her finger, and I could feel myself getting hard again. "So, uhh... you... you'll be in Daniel's body for the entire evening?"

"If that's your way of asking me if I'd like to fuck you again? The answer is yes," she said, giving me a wink. "Even better, we might be able to make this a weekly thing," she added, standing up to grab some towels. "I don't think I'll have to fight too hard to convince Daniel to swap. What sort of straight man doesn't enjoy having boobs?"

God, I was falling for her so hard. What had I gotten myself into? Life was going to be a long, awkward hell once my roommate was back in his own body. And yet... I had to admit, I had no regrets.

[sulumuns-dootah]

Can I request headcanons for Leviathan, Satan, Beleth, Asmodeus, Lucifer, Beelzebub, and Mammon reacting to shy gn s/o asking him if you can kiss him on the lips in private please?

Asking WHB demons to kiss them in private

⟡ Masterlist ⟡

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Satan will laugh at first

"Private? Why? We can kiss right here in front of everyone!"

But if you keep insisting, he will let you drag him into a nearby back alley

Don't expect it to end only with a kiss though

There will be at least some hand wandering until you stop them

And once you get back to the castle, Satan will expect to continue where you two left off

       ༺☆༻

No problem for Mammon at all

If his s/o wants a kiss in private, they'll get it

In a flash he summons his golden hands that create a blocade around you, so the two of you are securely alone

Similarly to Satan however, expect his hands to wander to his favorite part of you

       ༺☆༻

In Leviathan's case, I'd say that this is a usual setting for the two of you anyway

Unless you emphasise the 'privacy' a bit more to drive the point across even to those nobles that are around, but invisible

Also, I think you'd have more success getting a kiss from Levi by telling him that you're going to kiss him rather than asking him

It's playing into his forced-submission kink and by asking him, he has the choice to refuse

So I'd recommend not asking, but straight up telling him that you're going toegther somewhere more private

       ༺☆༻

"Ah! I thought you'd never ask! I would love to whisk you away from everyone to have you only to myself! ...and maybe some of my clones!" he grins

He did understand what you meant, but it's much more fun to mess with you just to see your reaction

He'll even grab your wrist to softly tug you along, much to anyone elses, who might be around, dismay

But in reality, he is granting you your wish by simply leading you to a place with only the two of you

He might of might not summon some clones that will ask for a kiss as well

       ༺☆༻

Beleth might be busy, but never for you

So when you ask him, he'll pause for a second and think about where is the biggest chance to not be interrupted by anyone

Then he simply chuckles and picks you up like it's nothing and starts walking

Plus he's super warm so you can just lean into his chest and enjoy

(I just imagined Beleth kabedon-ing me and oof, I might go and think about it for a while :D)

       ༺☆༻

Honestly... I don't think Asmo would

And if he did say yes, it wouldn't be as private as you thought

He's a show-off to say the least

And if you're uncomfortable doing stuff out in the public, he will still try to argue exposure therapy to you

So yes, if you ask him if you two are alone, he'll nod that you are

But in reality there's a good part of Abaddon demons behind some curtain, wishing they were in your place

       ༺☆༻

Just like with Levi, I imagine you and Lucifer being alone by default

Most of his nobles are always too busy tending to patients and Jjok...

Jjok is probably struggling for his life somewhere (poor baby U.U)

But maybe you feel too exposed in the large greenhouse...

(That's so valid tbh)

Lucifer has no problem taking it somewhere else just for your comfort

He'll even keep it respectful and not try to push it any further

[forestofforever]

She was wrong. He didn't deserve to be alive more than she did... He would've argued with her, but that would've meant mentioning what had happened to his parents. The things he'd witnessed. He simply wasn't ready for that.

He was strangely relieved to find that thinking about that fateful day still brought a deep sense of sorrow and grief. That meant his emotions were still there, some of them anyway. These specific ones were integral when it came to shaping him into the person he was now, and while the emotions were unpleasant and uncomfortable, he was still grateful for them.

All that aside, she was right that it wasn't up to them to decide. It was up to the universe, he supposed. "I'm sorry. I imagine me saying those things so suddenly could be considered a bit concerning." He couldn't suppress a giggle which quickly grew into uncontrollable unhinged laughter. He made no attempt to stop it. It didn't feel like the Merchant taking over, it just felt like something he had to do. It was all just so much fun, and why not laugh at his own emotional turmoil? It eventually tapered off back to near hysterical giggling.

"Time to roll those dice and see what tomorrow brings, ha-ha! Two worlds cracked apart or a whole new Etienne, what will it be?! Heehee, I'm just itching to find out!"

He tilted his head slightly as she mentioned pricking his finger before giggling again. "Oh, of course. Prick my finger on a blue rose, right? Yes, Y E S. Blood for blood." He grinned widely. "Well then, we better go and get that sorted, yes? Hehe..hah..haha..." His shoulders shook slightly as he let out another laugh before heading towards the front door, humming all the while.

"Blood for blood... blood for blood..."

“What?” She hadn’t barely heard him, a look of concern and her heart sank at the question. That’d been a question/saying that’s been mentioned to her before- frequent conversations at bars and other social gatherings she’d been a part of. The quick conclusion she came to was, no, the ship is different. Etienne though, she could see the symbolism between the ship and him now but it still seemed different to her. He was still someone she cared about- if he truly was completely different, it’d be easier for her to watch from the sidelines. Maybe it’s because she already had come to know the old version of himself- it was hard to let go.

Hearing him say he wasn’t supposed to be alive- a similar thought she has had that was quickly pushed to the side. Her eyes shut and her grip on his hand tightened slightly- pressing his knuckles to her mouth more. Gently shaking her head- staying silent for a moment. “Well, I’m glad you are.” Truly, she was happy to have met him and if he were to die it’d hurt her deeply. “You deserve to be alive more than me.” A small pause, “but that’s not really up for us to decide now is it?” She placed a gentle kiss on his hand before moving her hands up to his face, running her fingers through his hair with one hand and the other one placed in his chin- making him look at her.

“Please don’t die Etienne, I’m very grateful that you’re alive and tonight.. well tonight should be the last night you have to wonder how things will turn out.” Good or bad, at least he wouldn’t be guessing- wondering. She just hoped he wouldn’t be at war with himself- even if the merchant was more prominent, at least Etienne wouldn’t be in pain right? If the situation wasn’t so sad, if her eyes didn’t look so numb- her touch would be more inviting, as if she was trying to draw him in.

“We’ll need to go to the forest to prick your finger, whenever you feel up to it.” Her eyes then avoided his, still holding him as if she wanted to say something but was keeping herself from saying too much. The conflict of emotion she felt inside was painful for her- wanting to pull away but also wanting to be closer to him. It wasn’t until this moment Alura truly started to become aware of how she was feeling.

[m-jelly]

Anything for my girls

Tension filled the room as impending doom dawned on the poor man kneeling in the dark office. He'd messed up for the last time and been caught as a rat. People had been watching him for a while, and he'd been given multiple chances, but the money was too good. Now, it was all over.

The room was large, but it felt so small at that moment. His hands were tied behind him while a guard firmly gripped his shoulder. The carpet felt uncomfortable under his knees, his throat was dry, and his body shook with fear. Ahead of him were two chairs angled a little as they faced the varnished desk. A computer sat to the side of it, and sitting at the head in a big leather chair with a look of murder was his boss.

The man believed his boss had gotten softer since he'd married and had a daughter, but he was deeply wrong. The iron fist that belonged to Levi Ackerman was harsher than ever when someone betrayed or put others at risk. Life was more precious than ever.

He flinched when Levi lifted his teacup and sipped a little as he listened to the guard's report, his boss's eyes never leaving him. Levi might have removed his blazer, but there was just something so commanding and imposing about his outfit. He wore a dark blue smart shirt with a tight black waistcoat. His guns rested in his over-the-shoulder holsters.

Levi placed his cup down, moved it so it was perfect and then parted his lips to speak. "Who the fuck do you think you are? I cleared your debts, I helped you with your family, I gave you a home, food, friends and money."

"S-Sir."

He slammed a knife into his desk. "I wasn't done talking." He turned the knife as he glared at the man. "I gave you a lot and my trust, yet you disrespect me like this?" He leaned across the desk. "In my own home?"

The man shook more as his bladder threatened to release. "I'm s-sorry!"

Levi rose to his feet and strolled around to the man pleading, bedding and sobbing on the floor. He yanked his knife free and took it with him. When he reached the front of the man, he came to a stop. Levi backed up a little to avoid getting spit on his shiny, smart shoes.

Levi tapped the bottom of his knife against the underside of the man's chin. "Tch, look at you. It's always I'm sorry. Sorry you were caught. Tell me the truth." He leaned down and spoke against his ear. "Would have continued fucking me over if I didn't catch you?"

"I-I-I."

The door of his office opened slowly. Levi was ready to shout at whoever it was, but then his heart filled with pure love and joy. His sweet little two-year-old girl, Lilly, had escaped you and come to see him. It was like second nature to everyone in the room. The guards dragged me man away, and Levi put his knife in its sheath above his bum.

Lilly gasped in delight, her pigtails bouncing as she ran over in her pink dress covered in bunnies. "Daddy!"

Levi felt panic for a moment; he still had his guns on him, and he needed to get rid of his weapons, but Lilly was rushing towards him. "Sweet little bunny!" He chuckled as she hugged his legs. "Hello." He ran his hand over her head before looking up at the most beautiful woman in the world, you. He lovingly said your name. "You look..."

You smiled as you walked over. "Thank you." You handed Lilly her bag and toy. "Go sit down while I help Daddy." You hugged Levi as soon as Lilly ran. "I'll get your guns and knife."

Levi growled at feeling your hands on him, your warm body against his, your hot breath on his ear, and your divine scent wrapping around him. "Fuck, you smell and feel good."

You kissed his cheek. "Down, boy." You pulled back with his things. "Go see your daughter. She has stickers for you."

He chuckled. "Stickers, huh? Exciting."

You winked. "Sorry we interrupted something."

"I'll take care of it later. You and Lilly are far more important." He scooped up Lilly, making her squeal with laughter. "Come here, trouble." He kissed her puffy cheek. "Mummy says you have stickers." He sat at his desk with Lilly on his lap. "What have you got for me?"

She patted her bag. "Here."

He opened it for her and pulled out a book of stickers. "Oh wow, so many bunnies."

She took one and stuck it on Levi's waistcoat over his pec. "Bunny."

"Yes, cute bunny." He flicked his gaze up as you perched on his desk.. "You look so tasty."

You smirked at him. "Thank you. You look incredible. The bunny sticker looks perfect on you. The more she adds, the better."

Levi chuckled. "I think so, too. She's even adding some to my desk."

"That man..." You reached over and moved some of his soft hair. "Was he the one you told me about?"

"Yes." He moved his teacup away from Lilly's reach. "I'll deal with it later."

You leaned over his desk, flashing him your cleavage. You lightly tapped a sticker on his chest. "With all these on you?"

"Makes me more intimidating." He looked down at Lilly. "Right?"

Lilly gasped at Levi before giggling. "Daddy."

He kissed the side of her head. "See?" He looked up at you. "Now, give me some sugar."

You leaned closer and kissed him. "Mm, love you."

"Love you, forever."

Tags under cut

@ladycheesington @levisbrat25 @nyxiieluna @li-anne @galactict3a @youre-ackermine @thebobaprincess @2moth-anon2 @cypidity @nbinairyn @bts-spnlvr12 @darkstarlight82 @emilyyyy-08 @levistealeaf @pelicanpizza @hideandgopeep @notgoodforlife @demonic-bird @searriously @dreamerofthewest @abiatackerman @minminroie

[anyarose011]

Such an Old Fashioned Word {Angus Tully x Reader}

Summary: The rest of your winter break is spent at Barton, though not completely uneventful. Last minute secrets are shared to ring out the new year, and all seems well for the next semester. Yet, even on the first day, that's not all true.

Part 10 of 10 (Masterlist)

Warning(s): Swearing, unserious injury, mention of past child abuse, and the return of Teddy Kountze.

Welp, we've reached the end (of the movie) you guys. Don't worry, I'm making a small epilogue, but just wanted to give this first. Before it's officially over though, I just wanted to thank all of you SO much for all of your support. I am truly forever grateful for all of you guys' enthusiasm. Also, everybody say "Thank you, Anya" for putting the original Queen audio of "Under Pressure" when I was this 🤏close to making it the Aftersun version 🥰🥰

Word Count: 7.5k

The car ride back to Barton was mostly silent. Not a nasty, bitter, awkward silence; no, this was a mix of exhaustion, but also content. Even though it was just an hour and a half drive from Boston, your father and Mary still thought it was best to leave a little bit after dawn; that, and the hotel was kicking you out around that time.

You had no shame either as you laid sideways in the backseat, feet draped over Angus’ lap. He kept his hands glued to his side, but he didn’t look uncomfortable either. You know that there was a hint of it though; it’d be bad if there wasn’t as your father and his teacher drove the car.

It was December 28th when you had returned from your little ‘field trip’. Two more weeks until the spring semester started back at the school…there wasn’t much else to do. So, the five of you, now with Danny deciding to join more days than less, decided to make the most of it.

There were a few, eventful days; you and Angus decided to cook for everyone instead of having Mary do it one night.

(“Alright, a tablespoon of salt.” You poured it into the pot.

He was silent for an odd amount of time, before saying your name. “That was a cup.”)

Perhaps it wasn’t a smart idea to stay up until four in the morning, reading. You didn’t risk sneaking into Angus’ room at night after Boston, considering the conversation you both had to have with your father.

(It wasn’t the first day back in Barton, but the next. It was after lunch that you and Angus were simply sitting on opposite sides of the couch in the large study, reading separately. The door opened, and you both looked up to see your father, looking more nervous than you’d ever seen on a normal day.

“Are you alright, papa?” You sat up, asking him with a hint more affection.

He nodded. “Yes, I just wanted to speak to you both about something.”

You already knew what it was, yet you still hoped it wasn’t it. You and Angus leaned forward in anticipation

Your father took a deep breath. “I noticed that you both have become close over the winter break, especially after Boston…I feel as if I have t know if the two of you are-.”

“-Yes.” Angus nodded. “We’re…together.”

“Ah,” he nodded, exhaling.

“Is that alright?”

“Yes, it’s just,” your father huffed a laugh. “frankly, I didn’t think I’d have this conversation for quite some time.”

“Why,” you jested. “you thought I wasn’t desirable to boys my age?”

“No, you just knew your worth, and we both assumed no boy was capable of amounting to it.” He turned to Angus. “I don’t believe in miracles very often, but perhaps I will just this once. We would not be having this conversation a week ago. Yet, in this short amount of time, you have shown me that you are a respectful and selfless young man. If any one of my students had the privilege of courting my daughter, I’m glad it’s you.”

Angus smiled at the sentiment, no matter how strangely it was worded. “Thank you, Mr. Hunham.”

He nodded. “Now, I will say that there’s a matter of how physically affectionate you two are together-.”

“-Papa,” you stopped him. “out of the three of us in the room, you’re the last one to be scared of me getting pregnant.”

Angus and your father didn’t make a sound; they didn’t need to, their eyes said it all. Still, you said it without a hint of discomfort. Even if you felt it, you didn’t show it; it was a true statement. It was almost as if you would be dealing with the brunt of pregnancy, and Angus would face the other part of it.

“Well…” Your father cleared his throat. “I wasn’t going to say it outright, only allude. Still…just be respectful; in public and not.”

“Okay.” You audibly responded, while Angus kept his head down to hide the pinkness of his skin, nodding.

“Alright.” Your father sighed, then moved swiftly to exit the room. “It was lovely having this talk; one I will go and pretend we never had unless one of us brings it up.”

“Love you, dad.” You said once he left. When the door was shut, you glanced back at Angus. “You good?”

He pursed his lips. “Ask me in an hour.”)

The most notable thing to happen after that talk was New Years. You, Mary, and Angus, had prepared a feast for supper; Angus finally joined to cook simply because he didn’t trust you the last time you held a cooking utensil. Danny joined that night as well as all of you were in the teacher’s lounge, watching Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians, waiting for the ball to drop.

(“Man, I sure do wish we had some noisemakers.” Mary commented, sitting in between you and Angus.

“I’ve got one.” Angus pulled one out from his back pocket without missing a beat.

Danny huffed from beside you. “Where the hell did you get that?”

“I don’t know,” he shrugged. “found it.”

You and he went on another “adventure” through the tunnels, broke into the dormitories, and snooped around.

Your father shook his head, taking it. “Well, you’re not deploying that in here.”

“You know, you weren’t so uptight in Boston.” You teased, then turned to Danny. “As the head janitor-.”

“-I’m the only janitor.” He elbowed you.

“Where do you stand on indoor fireworks?”

“About as far away as I can.”

Mary nodded. “Very wise.”

The countdown on the TV began, and all of you stood up. To everyone’s concern though, you and Angus dashed behind the couch.

“What’re you doing?” Your father laughed.

You took the bowl of grapes off the table. “Tradition.”

It was something you yourself started when you were seven after befriending a girl from Puerto Rico in the second grade. You told your parents about it, and your mother took part happily; although, she had you eat half the grapes, and she’d eat the other half so you wouldn’t choke.

You brought it up to Angus one night, and he wanted to do it too. You didn’t even have to suggest it.

As both you and Angus crouched under the table, the three adults counted down in excitement, and you joined them.

“Happy New Year!” You all screamed, and after giving Angus a peck on the cheek, you started devouring the grapes. He soon followed.

It was clumsy, and as you both fought over a grape or two, you had to force yourself not to laugh as you simultaneously ate. Angus would sit up and hit his head on the table, and all you could do was smother your laughter and run your fingers over the spot in an effort to soothe him. You swallowed your last grape just as the clock hit 12:01.

“Shit!” Angus snickered, seeing that there were two more in the bowl.

“Damn.” You shook your head. “You’re gonna have two months of bad luck.”

“Is it January and February, or November and December?”

“I don’t think you get to choose.”

“Children.”

You and Angus perked your heads up at your father’s calling. He held the noisemaker high in his hand. “Would you like to light this sucker off in the kitchen, or outside?”

Angus grinned from ear to ear. “Considering it’s like minus ten outside…”

“The kitchen it is.” Mr. Hunham huffed.

“What?” Both Danny and Mary gasped.

You giggled, crawling out from under the table and helping Angus stand as well. Your father and boyfriend rushed to the kitchen like excited children, Angus holding the firecracker, and your father striking a match. You, Danny, and Mary simply stood outside of the kitchen in a mix of terror and amusement.

Once the noisemaker was bursting with light, Angus threw it down the end of the kitchen where there was nothing else in sight. You didn’t see the explosion but heard it for a second before then a slight ringing entering your ears.

There were three things you heard once your hearing returned: Uncontrollable laughter from everyone around you, Mary playfully scolding everyone, and the echoes of Auld Lang Syne from the TV.

You always thought nostalgia was only something you’d feel as an adult, remembering what it was like to be a child. You never thought you’d feel it all at once as it was happening to you.

It was a joyful day for the most part, but that moment had struck a strange feeling within you.

You told Angus about it that night before you went to bed, and he was honest with you; he hadn’t shared the same feeling, but could understand it.

He kissed you goodnight, and that was that.

You felt a little better.)

The only other interesting thing you did was invite Elise over to Barton on her last day before she’d go home for school.

(You, Elise, and Angus finished building a family of snowmen when you decided to scale up the hill of the chapel with your sleds. After going down a few times, Elise turned to you once you were all back up at the top.

“I dare you to stand while sledding down.” She smirked.

“Done.” Was all you said, setting your sled down.

Angus could only say your name before you took the dare. In short, you ended up falling halfway down, and rolled the rest of the way, twisting your ankle and gaining a fresh set of bruises.

It was actually quite funny the differing reactions in the two as they stood on either side of you, your arms draped around their shoulders.

“I give that an eight out of ten.” Elise teased.

“Why?” you grunted as you hobbled on your feet.

“You didn’t eat enough shit.”

“She’s eaten too much!” Angus stressed.

You cackled. “I did fall in some yellow snow. It was lemony.”

In all honesty, the earful your father gave you for being hurt was less than what Angus gave you for the joke you made).

Everyone except Mary hovered over you after that. Even though all you needed was to wear a brace and wrap your foot for a week, they acted as if you had that foot in the grave. Especially Angus, which actually surprised you.

Still, three days before the end of winter break, and one day before students could show up back on campus, you hobbled out of your bed.

It was half an hour before sunrise, and you had made it a last-minute goal to watch it with him. When winter break was over, you’d return back to the faculty housing; back to your own room which you appreciated, but you’d see Angus far less.

So, just like old times, you tiptoed into his room to wake him up.

Yet…he was awake; for the very first time, he was awake. You saw as how the light of the moon bled into the room, and you watched as he sat up, his knees to his chest, and rubbing his nose.

“Angus?” You whispered. He snapped his gaze over to you but didn’t flinch upon hearing your voice. As you got closer, you saw the unmistakable sight of tears upon his face. “Why are you crying?”

 He swallowed thickly. “I-I had a dream about my dad.”

Your face fell, and you sat beside him on the bed. “Bad?”

“No.” He shook his head. “It was good.”

Where Angus was confused at your feeling of bitter nostalgia on New Years, you were completely bewildered at that moment. Still, you did your best not to show it.

“What do you mean?” You asked.

He inhaled, trembling. “I just…it was weird, but it wasn’t? I was at home, I don’t know if I was ten, or seventeen, but I woke up and felt normal. I was in my childhood house, I went downstairs and saw he was reading the paper and-and my mom was making bread. I thought I woke up and the rest of my life had been a dream. I didn’t know what was real.”

Your heart crumbled at his recounting; not just from how he’d weep over something he described as good, but from it hitting too close to home.

“I had dreams like that.” You confessed in a whisper.

He dropped his gaze from yours, only to then lay fully down on the bed. You followed, draping an arm over him.

“He said sorry.” Angus said, not looking at you.

“For what?”

He didn’t respond right away. “He pushed me off the porch after when I was thirteen…I kind of deserved it, I was being a little shit. I’d gotten into a fight at school with this asshole kid who stole my backpack, and my dad was trying to talk to me about it. I yelled at him when trying to leave the house, and…yeah, he pushed me. He felt bad right away and patched me up; I just got a bruise and a scratch, it wasn’t bad. Mom found out and…we’d already known about his condition, but she called Pinehills as soon as she got home, and he was taken away that night.”

You wanted to say a lot. Say how it wasn’t his fault, how there was no excuse to push him when he was so much younger…but you couldn’t, you know it wouldn’t help. Instead, you brought your hand up to his face, rubbing your thumb over his cheek and forcing him to look at you.

“Do you want kids?”

He furrowed his brow. “I-I…what?”

So, you said it again. “Do you want kids when you grow up?”

“I…” he wiped his face. “I don’t even know what I want in the next year.”

“Would you ever push them?” He sighed your name, but you didn’t stop. “Even if they were being an asshole?”

He shook his head. “I know what you’re doing.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“I’m serious-.”

“-So am I.”

Angus took a deep breath, leaning into your touch. “No. No I wouldn’t.”

You pulled him into you, and immediately his arms wrapped around your waist. He didn’t make a sound, but his body shook with repressed sobs. All you could do was run your fingers through his hair.

When all was said and done, he was the first to pull away from you, only to kiss you with a gentleness you hadn’t felt before from a man.

“Thank you.” He whispered.

Smiling, you shook your head. “There’s nothing to thank me for. Now, get up.”

He hummed, sitting up once you stood. “Why?”

You took his hand. “I wanna see the sunrise.”

“It’s too cold out-.”

“-I don’t care.”

“Your leg’s bad.”

“So, carry me.”

He snickered, getting out of bed and slipping his shoes and jacket on. He turned away from you, crouching down.

“Come on.”

You shook your head. “It’s actually not that bad, I was just kidding-.”

“-I’m not.”

So, you let him. Well, you both waited until you were outside to get on his back, then saying it was so you wouldn’t get your feet cold. He carried you through the snow for a few minutes until he stumbled, realizing he wasn’t as strong as his ego.

But you both sat at the top of the hill of the chapel, seldomly speaking and just waiting for the sun to rise up from the east. You’d never experienced a twilight so beautiful than in early January of 1971 at Barton. The shade of purple in the sky reflecting off the snow seemed to be more memorable than the sunrise itself.

Still, as the sun peeked up through the trees, and a new day was born, your cheeks started to hurt from smiling so much.

That was the last day of your own personal winter break.

Even though the semester didn’t technically start until two days after that, you and your father had still gone back to the faculty housing, as some teachers had also returned early to prepare for the remainder of the year.

You didn’t notice how lonely you’d been until you step foot back into your room, which you had deemed your sanctuary. While it still served as such, you found yourself missing Angus.

Despite the fact he was just a short walk away, you wanted to take some time apart. You…adored him (it was too early to call it love), but you still needed some space. It was fitting that your father invited you to come in on the first day back.

“Brush up on the Peloponnesian War.” He said at dinner the night of January 10th. “I wanna give the pubescent boys a warmup before their exam retake.”

Not even the Cheshire Cat could form a grin wider than yours.

He didn’t teach Angus’ class until eleven, so you thankfully had time to sleep in and review. It felt strange to enter the school as boys your age and younger rushed past you, either getting to class or fooling around with one another.

The stares were strange too. Although, where you once would shrink into yourself as you walked, every step now had a surge of confidence while they gawked at a girl their age walking the same halls they did.

When turning a corner, you quite literally almost ran into a boy.

“Oh shit, sorry-.” He looked up, and you recognized his voice, but his face and most notably his hair took you by surprise. He smiled upon seeing you. “Miss Hunham.”

You blinked before chuckling. “Jason. You cut your hair.”

“Yeah.” He tucked his hands in his pockets. “Figured it was time; it was getting in my face.”

“Not your dad?”

He didn’t say anything, only smiled before chuckling and giving himself away. “So uh, how was getting stuck over here for Christmas?”

You shrugged. “Not bad, actually. How was skiing?”

“Oh, you know, fun and stuff. I do it every year, so it was nice, but I don’t think I actually would’ve complained a lot if I stayed here.”

Thinning your lips, you still smiled politely. “Oh?”

“Yeah, I don’t know, would’ve been different.”

It quickly was awkward, but not in the worst way. So, you decided to end it. “Happy New Years, Jason.”

He wished you the same sentiment, and you both were on your way. The second you entered your father’s classroom, all fell silent. Ten boys in that room all stared at you as if you’d grown a second head, and only one of them smiled before glancing back down at his notebook.

“Ah shit.” One of the boys awestricken said perhaps without meaning to.

Still, you walked to your father’s desk, sitting down. “Sorry.”

“We seriously have to deal with you? On the first day?”

You looked over at the aggravating voice you didn’t miss, and promptly nearly fell out of your seat. “Jesus Christ, why do you look like that?!”

A few chuckles were heard as you stared at Teddy Kountze, whose entire face, save for his eyes, was redder than the 1968 presidential election.

He glared at you before smirking. “I was gonna ask you the same thing, Hunham. How was being stuck here with Tully and your shitty dad?”

“It was lovely, thank you.” You decided to do a more “lady like” approach to throw him off.

“Really?” He asked. “You take any pictures?”

You glanced at Angus, whose once lighthearted eyes soon turned dark at the comment. Still, you smiled at him and pondered the question. You actually didn’t take any pictures with him, or anything of that winter break.

“No, actually.” You said. “I should have though.”

Teddy huffed. “Didn’t know you were that much of a slut-.”

“-That’s rich coming from the same species of human that fucked animals and blessed us with STDs.”

The room howled in laughter, even though it was technically a jab at the entirety of the male gender. Still, no one cackled louder than Angus Tully diagonally from you. You couldn’t help but smile to yourself; you’d written that comeback down a few years back, happy that you could finally use it.

All Teddy could do was glare daggers into your skin because soon your father entered the room with. “Welcome back, you snarling Visigoths. I trust you all enjoyed a refreshing holiday.” He walked to the front of the room, eyes falling on you. “Ah, you’ve made yourself comfortable.”

“Quite so.” You smirked.

He then looked at Teddy, flinching. “Oh, hello, Mr. Kountze. Or should I say Icarus? Fly a little too close to the sun, did we?”

The boy furrowed his brow. “Huh?”

“Yeah, all right. Along with your skiing and swimming, I hope you found time to enlighten yourselves about the Peloponnesian War and its implications for today. Just to check, I brought my lovely daughter you all know to test your knowledge before we retake the final from last semester. Omnia ex scrineis vestris praeter stilum.”

All of the boys in the room except for Angus groaned heavily. You stood up and walked to the front of the room with a pep in your step and so begun the third round of your trivia competition.

You were kinder this time; you didn’t immediately ring in your answer as soon as your father finished the question. Except for Teddy; in fact, it was in the middle of a question you decided to answer it.

Of course, the final question was between you and Angus.

“What did Sparta do after the Sicilian Expedition which ultimately helped it win the war?”

Neither of you spoke. Of course, Angus was wondering if you were going easy on him, and you were wondering the exact same thing.

The silence in the room only caused your mind to run into overdrive, going over every page you read in preparation just for this silly little game. Then, it hit you.

You smacked the desk and opened your mouth, but only a strangled syllable escaped before a woman’s voice entered your ears.

“Angus Tully?”

Lydia Crane poked her head into the classroom, and all eyes fell onto her. Angus, in somewhat of a shock, asked. “Yes?”

“Dr. Woodrup would like to see you.”

A chill entered the room, not from the cracked window in the corner of it, but from seven words alone. Angus, after taking them in, glanced at your father.

Keeping his cool, but also tension growing, he nodded. “You can retake it on an off period.”

The last thing Angus did was look at you. He didn’t even need to speak to tell you he was worried beyond compare. Yet…you didn’t know why.

He followed Miss Crane out, and the second he left, Teddy snickered. “One day back, and the basket case is already in trouble.”

“You shut your mouth, Theodore!” You spat.

“Hey!” Your father put his hand on your shoulder. “None of that here, this is a classroom, not the Colosseum. And as for you, Mr. Kountze, we’ll not talk like that any further.”

He shrugged, sheepishly. “Of course, Mr. Hunham.”

Your father said your name gently. “You’re excused. Thank you for attending today.”

Nodding, you marched out of the room and immediately rushed down the hall. You entered the bustling kitchen, half of the cooks cleaning up from breakfast, the other half preparing for lunch that was next period. It wasn’t hard to find Mary, who was the ringleader of the entire operation.

She sighed upon seeing you. “Miss Jane Bennett, I don’t have time for-.”

“-It’s Angus.”

There was a franticness building within your eyes, and it was only then she knew you were serious. “What happened?”

“I don’t know, he just got called to Woodrup’s office and that’s it.” You huffed. “I don’t know what’s wrong, but it feels wrong.”

“Okay.” She soothed, taking your hand, then turned to a woman beside her. “Clara, hold down the fort.”

Clara nodded, and both you and Mary left the kitchen. Despite being stuck in the school for weeks, it felt like a labyrinth to you once everyone came back. It was Mary who had to lead you through the halls until you were finally at the office. Just as you an Mary were approaching it, you watched as both Miss Crane and Angus left.

Their gaze met yours and Mary’s, and time seemed to stand still. It was Miss Crane who broke it. She squeezed Angus’ shoulder comfortingly.

“Go sit down.”

He carried himself over to the bench by the window as if he was a dead man walking, and he sat down as if the weight of the world was upon his shoulders. Before you could say anything, Miss Crane walked past you.

You sat beside Angus, looking at him but he wouldn’t meet your gaze. “What happened?”

“My mother and Stanley are here.”

No build up, no fear before the reveal, he said it like it was.

Yet, while there was no emotion behind his words, his face was the spitting image of one you saw in a history textbook. One that showed a soldier suffering from shell shock.

“I think I’m gonna get kicked out.” He said. “That means military school.”

You wanted to hug him, you wanted to take his hand and run away and move to Boston, New York, Chicago, hell, a little house in Nebraska of all places…but you couldn’t do that. You couldn’t even open your mouth to say something.

So, you just took his hand and placed your head on his shoulder. Mary stood in front of you both, leaning against the wall, and combing her fingers through Angus’ curls.

It felt strange seeing your father walk up to the principal’s door and not saying anything. He glanced at the three of you in confusion before entering the room.

You wanted to ask why, oh why, they were here? What made them of all days return for something so horrible and not to be warm to their son? Still, it didn’t feel right to barge him with questions, so, again, the three of you were there in silence together.

A few minutes passed, and the door opened. Out came your father with a look so solemn you felt like you could cry. He looked between the three of you awaiting his answer for whatever went on in that room.

“It’s this one.” He pointed to his right eye. “This is the one you should look at.”

You all looked at one another in puzzlement, yet even in that, there was a hint of humor in your slight grins.

The door opened, and Dr. Woodrup looked at Angus. “Angus, step inside, please.”

He followed, waiting until the last possible second to let go of your hand. When the door shut, your father looked at you, saying your name softly.

“Would you come with me, please?”

You know he wouldn’t ask you if it wasn’t serious. The pain in your had left for just a moment, but then it found its way back when you heard those words. Still, you stood up and followed him.

Your father led you into a hallway that led to nowhere, crossing his arms.

“This…I will not lie and say that this is an easy thing to hear.” He began. “Angus had stolen a snow globe from Miss Crane’s house and gave it to his father at the sanitorium when we visited. It caused his father to have an episode, and he told the orderlies, who then told Angus’ mother. They came here with the conviction that Angus had manipulated us, and that sending him to military school would ‘straighten him’ out so to say…I told them it was solely my idea. I told them I encouraged him to visit his father…and for that, I am being asked to resign.”

“What?” Was all you could choke out.

He took a deep breath, placing his hands on your shoulders. “We’re leaving tomorrow. I’m really sorry, sweetheart.”

“No.” You shook your head. “No, they can’t do that. He-he, you fucking taught the asshole who’s headmaster!”

“I did, but you know that’s not how this works.”

“On-on the first day, are you serious?!” You laughed.

He said your name gently. “I know this upsets you, believe me, I am too-.”

“No, just,” you sighed, pulling away before walking down the hall. “I’m gonna go home.”

Your father shook his head. “You should start packing. We can figure out where we can-.”

“-I’ll see you after school.” Was all you said.

It didn’t feel real. Your father had just told you in less than a minute that you were leaving. Leaving a place you had essentially grown up in but not at the same time. Leaving a friend, a boyfriend, your very first one, leaving Mary…

Oh god…Mary.

You pushed yourself out of the school and rushed back to the faculty housing, doing your best to avoid anyone before you finally entered your room.

You didn’t cry…you felt the pain and sorrow fester within you, yet you didn’t cry. You wanted to break things, wanted to toss your entire desk out the window, but you didn’t.

There was nothing you could do, and that made it worse.

Your father ordered pizza for both of you that night, explaining more about the situation you were in. He had already packed most of his room up, but you hadn’t even started. He said that you’d drop all of your heavy belongings off at an old coworker’s house in Syracuse and then leave.

“I was thinking Carthage sounds nice.” He chimed in. “Then after that, perhaps Egypt? Or Rome even, I remember you said you always wanted to…”

You only nodded along, and you felt like you were out of your body as he helped you pack up a majority of your bedroom in just a few hours. It felt strange; you knew you were going to leave that year, with your unofficial graduation…yet there you were, leaving in the first month unexpectedly.

With a kiss upon your head, your father wished you goodnight, but you only tossed and turned in your bed.

You were nowhere close to drifting off when you heard something at our window. Sitting up, you pulled the curtains back, revealing Angus Tully standing outside below. You opened the window.

“What are you doing?!” You whisper-yelled.

“Come down here!” He responded.

 “It’s freezing, you come up here!”

“How do you expect me to do that?”

“You climb a rope in gym, climb the gutter.”

His eyes drew over to it, and with a heavy sigh, he latched his arms around it. He clumsily climbed his way up, using the house as a crutch. Thankfully, it wasn’t that far of a climb, and you pulled him into your room.

He landed on your bed harshly, nearly letting out a yelp if you didn’t cover his mouth in time.

“I beat you.” Was the first thing you said.

Angus took your hand, furrowing his eyes. “What?”

“The stupid trivia.” You swallowed thickly. “The Spartans started their own fleet and allied with Persia after the Sicilian Expedition. I was going to say that, and I was right. If you let me win, I’ll throw you out the window, I swear to God.”

He sat up, his gaze softening the longer he looked at you. Then, with a tenderness that pained you, he pulled you into an embrace.

That was when you finally cried. You clutched the fabric of his shirt until your knuckles turned white, attempting to muffle your sobs. Angus only held you tighter, kissing this base of your neck and running his hand up and down your back.

“Why’d you take it?” You asked.

He shook his head. “I don’t know.”

“Why’d you give it to him?”

“I…I wanted him to have something.” He pulled away only to see your face. “I’m sorry. I know it means nothing, but I really am. I didn’t…I wasn’t thinking.”

You shook your head. “I think we’re gonna leave the country.”

“What?” His voice was strangled.

“Why not? He’s old and hasn’t gone in forever, and I’ve never been outside of America.”

Angus dropped his head, as if it was only then did the gravity of the situation weigh heavy on him. When he finally looked at you again, he took your face into his hands.

“I’m gonna come clean.” He said. “I’ll tell Dr. Woodrup the truth, and that-.”

“-You’re a fucking idiot.”

You never spoke to him like that. Whenever you were angry at him, you were snarky, you were a know it all, but only then, did you say something horrible like you meant it.

Of course, he was absolutely taken aback, but he already knew you had more to say once you pulled back.

“If you get sent to Fork Union, I’m never speaking to you again.” You shook your head. “It doesn’t matter if you write me a letter or a thousand, I will make myself forget everything that happened this Christmas. You’re too smart, no, too fucking brilliant to do some stupid shit and get yourself thrown into Vietnam. Don’t waste it.’

He nodded as soon as you were finished. “I won’t. I…I’m gonna miss you.”

Exhaustion pulled on you as soon as he said that, and you sighed. “I don’t wanna go.”

Angus kissed your cheek, his eyes then traveling around your almost barren room. On your desk sat a familiar book. He picked it up, flipping through the pages. “I’ve never actually read this before.”

“Really? It’s so short.”

“Did you ever find the one your dad gave you?”

“Yeah, I packed that one up.”

He smiled. “How about I read it to you? It’s one of your favorites, right?”

You snorted. “You have school in the morning.”

“I don’t care.”

That’s how you both came to lie down on your bed, and he read The Little Prince aloud to you. It was a memory you wouldn’t forget, even if he landed himself in military school.

You fell asleep nearing the end of the book, and Angus Tully did not wake you to say goodbye.

You thought you’d woken up from a horrible dream, only to then see that your room was still packed, and The Little Prince was neatly set on your desk with a note from Angus.

I put the number and address of the school at the bottom in case you forgot. Thank you for being the best part of my year.

-Angus

You held the note to your chest, falling back down onto your bed. Whether that was God, Allah, Zues, Aphrodite, or perhaps even the spirit of Jane Austen, you were going to beat the shit out of the author to your story once you were dead.

After a moment to yourself, you got dressed and packed up the last of your things, deciding to put the book in your backpack. You didn’t know what time it was, but you were starving, so you’d gone down into the faculty kitchen, flat out ignoring whatever stares or feigned condolences that were given to you from others.

What surprised you was Mary Lamb sitting at the main table.

“And I thought I helped raise you better to come and say goodbye to me.” She scolded you, but with a hint of playfulness.

You sat down beside her. “I didn’t want to cry again.”

“Cry until your eyes fall out.” She said. “It hurts less than holding it all in.”

“I don’t…” You sighed. “I can’t say goodbye. I think I’ll die the second I step out of this house.”

“Okay, now you’re just being dramatic.”

“I’m not!” You whined dramatically.

She snickered, taking your hand. “You listen to me now; you’re not going to die. You’re going to grow older and do whatever you want. You’re gonna travel the world, and you’re…what do you want to be when you grow up?”

You didn’t have an answer. “I don’t actually know…I’ve always like writing-.”

“-Okay, then you’re gonna be a famous writer, and you’re gonna be taught in classrooms a hundred years from now where the snot nosed brats will be bored. Or you’re just gonna figure it out because you don’t need to know right now. How does that sound?”

Smiling shyly, you squeezed her hand. “It sounds good.”

“Good. Now come on, you have to make me jealous you’re gonna travel the world.”

You shook your head, giggling. “And what are you gonna do?”

“Me?” She scoffed. “I’m staying here until God calls me home. That, and making money to send my nephew to college.”

“Peggy knows it’s a boy?”

“I think it’s gonna be.”

You hummed. “I’m gonna make a lot of money so we can live on the beach for however long you want.”

“And I’m holding you to that.”

She went up to speak with your father, and you began loading your things into the U-Haul trailer connected to your father’s car. As you were picking up your last box, two familiar boys approached you.

“Ah,” you smiled upon seeing Alex and Ye-Joon. “I was wondering if you two survived.”

Ye-Joon gave you a look. “Survived what?”

“Skiing. Sounds quite dangerous.” You set your box into the trailer.

Alex shook his head. “No, it was great! I’m sorry you and Angus couldn’t come.”

“Don’t be. We actually…” you paused, feeling sudden emotion creep up on you. “we became really good friends. Thanks for the suggestion.”

“So,” Ye-Joon asked. “why are you and your dad leaving?”

“Did he get fired?” Alex followed.

You shook your head. “They caught him eating cat shit and saw me dancing naked on the football field while performing a pagan ritual.”

They stared at you with a horror you had never seen in boys.

“No, I’m just messing with you.” You laughed. “They had to make cuts for money reasons and my dad was the first to go. You tell people that if they say something, you hear?”

They nodded, muttering ‘yes’ and ‘of course’. With a final wave and wishing of ‘goodbye!’ they ran back to school. Your father soon came out, hauling out a few more boxes.

“Don’t tell me you scared them before we leave?”

You took one from him. “I made them think I was a witch for a few seconds.”

The two of you laughed, and when you looked up, you then saw one Angus Tully walking towards you. He smiled.

“Hi…”

Your father returned the gesture. “Hello.”

“Look…I don’t know what you said to my mom and Stanley, Woodrup. All I know is that I’m not getting kicked out, and you got fired.”

“I just told the truth; mostly.”

He smiled. “Barton man.”

“Barton man.” The bell rang as soon as the sentiment was spoken, and your father opened the door to the trailer, mumbling. “Fifth period.”

Angus didn’t take his eyes off of you even as you tried to avoid them. You caught a glimpse of red beginning to outline them, as if he was holding back tears. Then, rubbing his face, he said.

“You know, it’s only PE. Maybe I could skip it, and we could head over to the Winning Ticket, grab a burger and a beer?”

“Are you shitting me?” You chuckled.

Your father playfully shoved you. “Language. A Miller High Life, no doubt? You never give up, do you?”

“They already fired you, so I figured it was worth a shot.” He shrugged sheepishly then looked at you. “We never got to play pinball.”

“I would’ve beat you, and you know it.”

“Just because you won trivia doesn’t mean you’ll win everything.”

Your father touched your shoulder to get your attention. “I left something in the house, I’ll be back in a second.”

You had an inkling right away he lied to give you privacy, but he wouldn’t confirm it for another month. Still, you nodded, and he went back into the house, leaving you and Angus alone. He tucked his hands into his pockets, looking down at his shoes.

“I think if I hug you, I’ll start crying.”

“And you can’t look like a sissy in front of the other boys.” You attempted to tease. “No, I get it.”

He still latched his arms around you anyway, and you held him to you like the universe was trying to rip him away. It was unspoken when you would ever see each other again, but it was also unspoken that you would see each other again period.

You were the first to pull away, and you forced a smile. “No tears.”

Angus nodded. “No tears.”

An idea came to mind, and you walked over to the car, opening the passenger door and unzipping the top pocket of your backpack. Searching, you finally pulled out A Little Prince and a pen.

“No,” he shook his head. “I gave it to you-.”

You opened the book to the first page. “I have decided as of this morning that I’m going to be a writer; and when I’m famous, you’ll have my signature before I was, so that if you ever need money, you have something.”

After signing the inside of the book, you handed it back to him. You hadn’t expected him to genuinely smile the whole time, yet there you were. He took it from you. “I’d never sell it, you know.”

“Yeah right.” You pulled him into a kiss. You made sure to not have it last too long, or you don’t think you would’ve stopped. You said when you pulled away. “I’ll write to you first, and I’ll try and call if I can.”

He nodded. “Send me pictures.”

“You too.”

“I’m gonna be stuck here even after I graduate.” He snickered.

“I don’t care.” You shook your head. “I should’ve taken pictures during Christmas, but I didn’t. I don’t wanna forget anything while I’m gone.”

He nodded, the realization hitting him harder now. “Okay.”

You turned when your father came out of the faculty house, carrying nothing. Angus gave a sheepish smile.

“Is that still a no for lunch?”

Your father grinned. “Your logic is flawless, but I’m afraid we’ll have to decline.”

The three of you didn’t say a word, as if by saying nothing at all, you would never have to say goodbye. It was a silence you would have wanted to stay in forever even if it meant staying out in the bitter cold air.

“You keep your head up, alright?” Your father said. “You can do this.”

Angus nodded, swallowing thickly. “Yeah, I was gonna tell you the same thing.”

They shook hands despite how much you knew they wanted to hug. When all was said and done, Angus nodded towards you and abruptly started running back to the school.

“See ya!”

You should’ve yelled something back, but you couldn’t find the words. Yet, you smiled. It broke your heart to say goodbye, but it was filled at the same time as the memories of the winter break came back to you.

Taking your father’s hand, he rubbed his teared-up eyes with the other and you both walked to the car. It was all official; you were leaving the last place that held the remnants of your childhood behind.

You were leaving your mother and Curtis’ grave, you were leaving the summer and winter days with Elise, you were leaving the school you could have attended and thrived in if you were born a son, you were leaving a woman who had come to be your new mother…you were leaving Angus Tully.

And yet…you were also leaving behind Daniel and his new family. You were leaving behind the pain and sorrow you had carried within you ever since you were a child. It would still linger, and it had always been known to you that you were still you no matter where you were; abroad or not. Hell, the only thing that mattered was if you cried in a more beautiful part of the world or not.

So, perhaps it was all welcomed.

“What city do you want to graduate in?”

You chuckled at your father’s question. “That’s not until May.”

“No harm at all in deciding now.”

Humming, it didn’t take long for your answer. “Athens. Mom always wanted to go there.”

“So, Athens it shall be. Could you hand me the rucksack at your feet?”

You did so without question. Your father soon stopped before the main road, and unzipped one of the pockets. He reached in and took out the fanciest bottle of brandy you had ever seen.

“Holy shit!” You laughed. “Is that-?”

“-Dr. Woodrup’s? Yes.” He unscrewed it, taking a sip, then rolling down his window and spitting it out.

You giggled as he handed it to you, and you set it back in the bag. He turned left, starting the five-hour journey to Syracuse.

“How does Copenhagen sound for our first destination?” He asked.

Smiling at him first, you looked back to the road. “Copenhagen sounds great.”

[kioflerkira]

“ CAMPFIRE CONFESSION ”

warnings: fluff, fire, female reader pairings: p.jackson x reader summary: during a sing-along at the campfire, percy gets teased by his friends about having a crush on you. he managed to build up the courage to confess as he rest of the camp watches as percy stumbles through a confession

⊱⋆ ━━━━ ⋮ ୨୧ ⋮ ━━━━ ⋆ ⊰

the fire crackled warmly, casting golden light over the faces of the campers gathered around it. laughter and off key singing were made from camper as everyone enjoyed camps bonfire. you sat comfortably between some friends, enjoying the night, when suddenly, you noticed a shift in the energy.

percy jackson, who had been sitting with his arms crossed and an amused smirk on his face, was now groaning dramatically. that was enough to get your attention. you leaned in slightly, curious as to what had him so flustered.

"oh, come on, jackson, don’t deny it !" leo’s voice rang out, loud enough for half the campers to hear. he wiggled his eyebrows playfully. “we all know you’ve got a crush. you turn into a total idiot whenever she’s around."

percy spluttered. "I do not !"

"you do !" clarisse cut in, smirking at him from across the fire. "seaweed brain goes from fearless warrior to awkward mess the second she talks to him. It’s embarrassing."

annabeth, seated beside percy, gave him a smug look. "just admit it already, percy. the more you deny it, the worse it looks."

you blinked in confusion. they were talking about someone he liked. someone who made percy jackson—the same percy who had stared down gods and monsters alike—nervous ? your heart thudded slightly at the thought.

percy groaned again, rubbing his face as his ears turned an impressive shade of red. "I- I don’t know what you guys are talking about."

"oh, just tell them, dude !" leo grinned mischievously, and before percy could protest, he turned toward you and added, "Or better yet, just tell her and put the poor guy out of his misery."

the moment he said, “her” he looked directly at you, with the biggest shit eating grin ever. your eyes widened. the conversation around the fire quieted, a few people gasping, others murmuring excitedly. every head turned toward you and percy.

percy, who looked like he wished the ground would swallow him whole.

"leo, I swear on the gods—" percy started, his voice strained.

"oh, don’t look at me like that," leo said, shrugging. "I just sped things up."

silence stretched for a few beats. the fire crackled, campers waited with bated breath, and you could practically hear percy’s heart pounding from where you sat.

he shifted uncomfortably before finally letting out a deep sigh, running a hand through his messy black hair. when he looked up at you, his sea-green eyes were filled with something both nervous and soft, something that made your own heart skip a beat.

"okay. fine," he muttered. then, clearing his throat, he looked directly at you, his voice quieter but sincere. "y/n.. they’re right. I—I like you. a lot. I have for a while, but I didn’t know how to tell you because—well, I figured you probably didn’t feel the same, and I didn’t want to make things weird. but, uh.. yeah. there it is."

the entire camp seemed to be holding its breath.

your face burned, and your mind raced, but one thing was abundantly clear: this was percy. sweet, brave, ridiculous percy, standing there looking like he was about to face his worst fear. because of you.

your lips curled into a smile before you even fully processed what you were doing. "percy," you started, voice steady but warm. "you’re an idiot."

he blinked, startled. "uh—"

"because," you continued, getting closer, "I like you too."

for a moment, percy just stared at you, as if trying to figure out whether or not he’d imagined what you just said. then, his face split into the brightest, most relieved smile you had ever seen.

the camp erupted into cheers and applause. leo let out an exaggerated victory yell, annabeth smiled, and clarisse rolled her eyes as if she had known all along.

percy, ignoring the chaos around you both, let out a breathless laugh. "seriously ? You mean that ?”

you nodded. "yeah, seaweed brain. I mean it.”

before you could react, he pulled you into a tight, excited hug, lifting you off the ground for a brief moment before setting you back down, his face still lit up with pure happiness.

"finally !" someone shouted from the crowd.

"took you long enough !" another camper called out.

you laughed, pulling back just enough to look at percy again. He was still grinning, still holding onto you like he couldn’t believe this was real.

and maybe neither of you could just yet. but you’re gonna have to.

⊱⋆ ━━━━ ⋮ ୨୧ ⋮ ━━━━ ⋆ ⊰

a/n: idk if it’s js me, but it feel INSANELY awkward when I use, “y/n” 😭

[kyoushine]

"But most get sick, wouldn't it make you uncomfortable to eat? I feel like it would" he shrugged his shoulders and then shook his head "I want to order in but we can cook something next time and no I think a more neutral or darker style would be nice. And I don't mean a dark vampire aesthetic just something less vibrant or pastel" he places an order then hands him back his phone then cuddles up to him "It will be nice having food here though than I don't have to worry about bringing snacks or anything when I visit. I don't want to have to think about that kind of thing" he shook his head then smiled before leaving up and kissing his cheek "It's nice you want to spoil me with yummy things, I will let you know what some of my favorite things to eat our so you can get me some stuff to have here"

"No tickling!" he burst into laughter and squirmed trying to stop him. He finally got ahold of his hands and stopped him "pastel kitchens are a crime and I have no idea where you keep things and I don't like going through other peoples things. Pastels are for cute cat boy outfits not kitchens. I think someone's home should be neutrals or darker colors. It tends to look nicer" he hugs him and snatches his phone, he checks what apps he has and selects one "I'm curious, why do you have so much food and so many food apps. Vampires don't need food and I doubt you can still have food cravings, why do you bother? seems like a waste of time and money don't you think?" he scrolled through the restaurant options while he asked his question.

[eyelessfaces]

this little thing has been sitting in my drafts for so long, it's finally time to let it out – you help marc tie his tie

masterlist | taglist | ao3

updates blog: @eyelessupdates

buy me a coffee ☕︎

He rolled his eyes, wetting his lips, head tilted and looking at the ceiling. “I know how to tie a tie.” he grumbled under his breath before looking down at you as you untied the messy knot he had just made and had quickly gotten angry at. –He didn’t. He didn’t know how to tie a tie, and he hated having to do it when Jake wasn’t here. Marc was not a patient man, and frankly it suited him pretty well that you had offered him your help, even if he wouldn’t admit it because he was angry at himself for not even being able to do the futile action of tying a tie.

“Do you?” you asked, looking up at him in disbelief. “Have you even ever needed to really dress up and put a tie on?” 

Since you were together, the few times where he happened to need to dress up, he just put on a plain white shirt and a suit jacket and called it a day.

He had needed to wear a tie before. The first time was long ago, and he unfortunately remembered it clearly – when he was a child, for his brother’s funeral, but his father had tied it for him, giving him a weak, saddened smile when he was done.

“I have. But I hate those” he mumbled under his breath, hating the thought of the memory, and you pinched your lips as you tied the fabric around his collar. “It’s uncomfortable and suffocating.”

“Well you don’t have to tighten it all the way up” you declared as you showed him, tightening the knot loose enough so it wouldn’t choke him. “The point is not to choke you, it should just,” you pause, adjusting the knot. “–Hang around your shirt collar, not your neck” You brought his collar down and smoothed it so it sat properly. “Does it feel okay?” 

He pinched his lips, nodding weakly.

“See? No need to get worked up.” you gave him a small grin, and he forced a smile of the same kind, as he sat down on the edge of your shared bed.

“I usually leave it to Steven and Jake” 

This very specific statement always meant that there was something deeper behind, usually something he didn’t want to talk about – it was just the way Marc was, barely scratching the surface of things, peeling the smallest amount possible off his problems. 

“I’ll gladly take the task from now on” you smiled, this smile growing even wider as he rested his hand over yours to lightly, appreciatively squeeze it. “And I’ll happily take it off of you when we come back” you grinned, lightly tugging on his tie with your other hand.

He chuckled, lacing his fingers with yours. “Don’t make me excited to come back already. Or to not go at all” he smirked, the frown over his face finally cleared away. 

—

moon knight taglist:

@scarabgrant @lockleysgrl @my-secret-shame-but-fanfiction @missmarmaladeth @alexxavicry 

@mystinky-butt @anightshift @wibblywobblytimesindeed @whatthefishh @grxywindd 

@campingwiththecharmings @bubuslutty @mintgreen24 @dameronshandholder @spider-starry 

@jakecockley @midnight-the-shadow-wolf @cocodiem @pedropascalsidechick @spxctorsslxt 

@friedwings @weasleybuns @luxisluxurious @himesuedi @daisydark 

@violet-19999 @stvnnie @dowbastan @il0vebeingdelulu @hammerhead96 

@unear7hly @pigeonmama @c-losur3 @mari-thesimp @klillaah 

@Spicydonut25 @buckyssugarchick

[darthwhorecrux]

TW: mentions of alcohol, smut, Shinji Hirako just being a menace

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it🫰🏻

You had a bad habit of getting drunk and doing stuff you regretted.

And so it was a recipe for disaster at the festival taking place in the Soul Society when you had too much to drink and a big fat crush on your colleague, Shinji Hirako.

As soon as he was in your proximity you were laughing too hard at everything he said, draping over him and clumsily batting your lashes over tired, glossy eyes. Shinji didn't mind it nor did he read into it. If anything, he certainly appreciated all the attention he was getting. As if you weren't being obvious enough, you drunkenly and decidedly blurted your confession.

"I like you."

At those words, he froze, eyes widening and mouth pulling into a frown. His reaction was a stunt to your chest. You instantly wanted to take your words back, wanted to shrink away into nothing and hide from him forever. In a split second, your liquid courage had run dry. You wondered how feasible it would be to quit your position as a Soul Reaper, to move elsewhere, change your name, take on an entirely different identity, anything to escape from the shame you felt now.

A beat passed. And another. And then another. You were drowning in red hot embarrassment as the seconds dragged by.

You backtracked, ready to step away. Humiliation coursed through you, cheeks reddening, shame continuing to bubble in your stomach, hot and uncomfortable. "Sorry. I-"

"You're serious?" Shinji grabbed your wrist, stopping you from getting away. By his tight grip and the harsh look in his eyes, you couldn't tell how you were supposed to answer, what he wanted to hear. You supposed honesty was the only right way, even if that meant you were in trouble.

Slowly, you nodded.

And then a long moment of silence followed again. You were prepared to wrench out of his grasp and flee, stick to your drunken plans to go into permanent hiding when he finally spoke again.

"Fuck."

"Fuck?" You panicked.

"You like me?" He asked in disbelief, his grip on your wrist tightening subconsciously. "You like me like me?"

That was it. You pulled away from him. This situation you had brought on was agonizingly long and painful. "Just forget I said anything." You hung your head low, storm clouds brewing.

"No," Shinji laughed, a sound that was a stab to your heart. "No," he repeated more seriously after watching you avert your gaze and your frown deepen. "I'm just surprised," he explained. "Don't get shy on me now. I want to talk about this."

"I don't know what I'm doing," you ignored him, looking for an escape route.

"You're trashed, but you know what you said," he challenged, coming closer, stepping in front of you to block any potential path.

He was inches away now, and there was electricity sparking in the air between you. His gaze was predatory, predatory in a way that told you he would capture you swiftly and harshly if you tried to run. "How about we go somewhere more private? Just you and me?" There was a grin on his face, one that told you he had a wicked idea unbeknownst to you.

"Are you mad at me?" Your fight or flight still told you to run, not that you were going to attempt it. You knew you had dug yourself into a deep hole, but had to stay committed, had to deal with the consequences.

"Sweetheart," the word seemed far important than the rest, "I'm far from mad at you right now," Shinji promised. "Come here." He extended his hand. "You can trust me."

Around you, the festival was a blur of color and sounds, as if you and Shinji were the only ones there. You looked at his hand uncertainly and your chest fluttered. Embarrassment still burned in your cheeks, but there was a new feeling coming into the mix, one just as hot and bothersome. You feared you may catch fire if you touched his skin, but didn't see much of a choice. Shakily, you reached for him.

As expected, your hand warmed quickly in his, and you worried about how sweaty your palm must have felt. If it bothered him, he didn't show it. Instead, he smiled, curling his long fingers around yours and saying, "good. Let's go."

You let him lead you away, feeling a bit like a lamb headed to the wolf's lair. Your entire body felt sickeningly warm, a new heat blossoming and churning in your core. Was this what love felt like? You weren't sure you could handle it if that was the case. It was too intense, too overwhelming.

Shinji still gave you no indication that he felt the same way you did, and the uncertainty and unknown of what was to come did little to keep your panic at bay. That combined with your wasted state made you feel like you were walking on clouds, and not in a good way. One wrong step and you may fall through, plummeting to your demise.

You kept silent as you walked along, stumbling over your feet to keep up with him, and attempted to distract yourself by observing the beauty of the night, but it was no use. Your head was swimming, heart racing as your nervous system confused your circumstances with that of being hunted for sport. You nearly tripped and fell at one point, but Shinji didn't stop. He yanked you upright, never releasing you, squeezing your hand so hard it almost hurt.

"Careful," he purred, and that's when you noticed his malicious smirk. He was completely calm, cool, and collected while you were losing your mind, hardly able to stand on two feet. It wasn't fair, the power balance tipped completely in his favor.

You arrived at your destination, which was none other than his private quarters. You weren't sure what you were expecting, but it wasn't this. You didn't think he'd take you all the way back to his own domain, his personal space, and you couldn't tell if this was a good or bad thing. It was eerily quiet and dark as he led you inside, so different from the rowdy and raucous festival you had just departed from. Under different circumstances, you would appreciate the peacefulness, but now, you could hear your own shaky breathing and heart thumping in your ears, and you were sure Shinji could too. The quiet made you feel too exposed and too vulnerable when you wanted nothing more than to be invisible right now.

He released your hand to flick on some lights, and you stood just barely inside his doorway, unsure what to do with yourself. Maybe if you were still enough, you really would become invisible.

"Don't look so stiff," he chuckled. Damn. "You can come in, you know."

"Oh, right." You took a few steps forward, trying to follow his lead, but he offered no guidance, seemingly keen on watching you make a fool of yourself. You forgot how to be a normal human in his presence, in his space, trying to remember how to walk, how to act again.

He was holding back laughter at your frightened behavior as he casually sat in his living space and gestured for you to sit with him. You mirrored him, criss crossing your legs and twiddling your thumbs, flinching at every creak in the house and howl of the wind, waiting impatiently for him to say something, to relieve you of this fear you felt.

"How rude of me," he spoke suddenly, confusing you. "Would you like something to drink? You look like you could use one," he teased.

"I don't need anymore." You shook your head vigorously. "But thank you."

"You sure?" He moved to pour himself some sake anyway. "You won't have one with me? Just one?" He was dangling the bottle in the air, enticing you.

You hesitated. It was true that you didn't need anymore, and you wanted him to address the elephant in the room, not get himself and you even tipsier. You really shouldn't have, but how could you tell him no?

"Alright, just one," you agreed, but you still could hardly relax. He was toying with you, winding you up tightly, and for what? To make you snap? There was a point he wasn't getting to, dragging things along at your expense, making you tremble and squirm and suffer.

He sat before you, a glass for him and a glass for you. He took a long sip, watching you do the same before speaking again, finally getting back to the chief subject at hand. "Now then, tell me about this little crush you have on me?" He was finding this too amusing, the corner of his lips pulling upward.

You gasped, looking away from his attractive smirk, your heart and mind confused and at war with how you could want someone who mocked you so much so badly. "What more is there to say? Why are you messing with me?" You pouted, avoiding his taunting gaze.

"It's too much fun, watching you blush," he said, like he couldn't help himself. "It's just...so cute." He took another large sip, finishing off his sake. "I'm trying to make sense of this, how I'm so special as to have won the affection of such a pretty girl."

"Pretty?" You looked at him again now. His smirk had faded, replaced by a much more serious expression. It made you shiver. "You think so?"

"Mhmm." He smiled and nodded, satisfied. "I don't know how I got so lucky is all."

You nervously gulped down the remains of your sake, freaking out for different reasons now. He thinks I'm pretty. You prided yourself on not being a simple girl, but here with him, it seemed he had the power to easily reduce you to just that, a blushing, sensitive, naive, simple maiden. He thinks I'm pretty!!!

Shinji was chuckling again, watching you try and fail to fend off a bubbly smile. He'd be lying if he said it wasn't going straight to his ego, getting to see you, of all girls, unraveling for him in this way. It was making him swell with pride and cockiness. He felt invincible right now, forgetting all about the trivial matters of the festival or anything for that matter. All he could think about now was you, sat before him, looking so preciously adorable and shy and excitable at the prospect of him returning your feelings. He wanted to watch you unravel even more, curious about just how much he could get you to open up for him.

"I like you too," he confessed much more smoothly than you had. "So, what do we do about this?" He raised his eyebrows.

You didn't know how he could be so calm, admitting such a serious thing to you. There was no longer any reason for you to worry, now that you knew for sure that your feelings were reciprocated, but nonetheless a new anxiety blossomed in your chest now. What do we do about this? Your mind flooded with lots of ideas, none of which were pure. You looked at the floor, clasping your hands together tightly to keep from fidgeting. "You tell me."

Shinji grinned. "Oh, I have thoughts," he said suggestively. "But I want to know what you want."

"I made the first move," you defended, biting the inside of your cheek to keep from bursting out in nervous laughter. "What I want is for you to take charge now."

It was a bold statement, one you knew was crossing over a new threshold. Part of you started to relax now, confidence building when you felt so silly for being embarrassed when it was Shinji you were talking to. He was eccentric and strange, just the same as you. It was why you liked him so much. Your shyness was starting to fizzle out the more you opened up to him. Sure, he was teasing and prodding, but you felt safe here with him, safe to be yourself, safe to share your desires now that you knew his feelings were returned.

He scoffed, impressed with your game. "Take charge, huh?" His lips were once again tugging into a smirk. You licked your own as you watched. "I think I can do that, but I still need you to talk to me. I'm not going to take charge of anything unless I hear you agree to it. Understand?"

You were sure of it now. The both of you were on the same page, talking about the same thing without directly addressing it. He'd do whatever you wanted, and you'd do the same, but he wouldn't go any further without your verbal consent. It made you admire him that much more.

"I understand." You nodded, feeling brave and excited all at once. Your chest was rising and falling, heaving with anticipation. Your hands were shaking, adrenaline and disbelief rattling through you.

Shinji noticed, and he rose, holding his hand for you to take once again. "Then let's take this to the bedroom," he finally said, confirming that you were indeed on the same page. "You want this?"

"Yes." You staggered to your feet, breathless. You dropped your shaky hand into his, and he brought it up to his lips, giving it a chaste kiss. You gasped.

"You're trembling. Are you afraid?" He asked, narrowing his eyes at you, searching your face for any sign of hesitation.

"A little," you confessed. You knew better than to lie to him.

"You're allowed to be nervous, but you know you're safe with me, don't you?" He was showing a side of himself you hadn't seen yet, someone softer and gentler than the Captain you knew.

"Yes," you repeated.

"And you know you can tell me to stop at any time and that I will?" He rubbed your hand with his thumb. It was no longer shaking.

"Yes."

"Good girl," he praised. "Don't stop talking to me."

You nodded, letting him lead you to his bedroom. Your heart began to thump rapidly again, only because you were so anxious to take things further. Everything was unfolding so quickly, and it was all because of one drunken and brazen thought that managed to escape your mouth. When you had attended the festival, this was the last place you expected to end up tonight, though you certainly weren't complaining.

Shinji dimmed the lights and dropped his robe. You removed yours, prepared to toss it on the floor somewhere but he took it from you, delicately draping it over a chair. You looked to him for what to do next, eyes wide and expecting. He had to remind himself to go slow, not to pounce on you the instant he saw your pretty eyes looking to him for direction.

He grabbed your hand again, pulling you into the bed with him. You kneeled at his side, eager and curious, admiring the way he appeared in the dim lighting. Little did you know, he was doing the same, thinking about how beautiful you were and how he needed to have your mouth on his this instant.

"May I?" He delicately took your chin in his hand, as if you were the most precious and fragile thing in the world because to him, you were.

"Please." You stared at his lips, mesmerized, anxious, afraid, excited, obsessed all at once. You had wanted this moment for so long now, imagined what it would be like to touch him, to kiss him, and now this moment was happening here and now.

He didn't leave you waiting any longer, leaning in to connect your lips with his. You shut your eyes, focusing on the feeling of his lips against yours, following his lead. You parted your mouth, granting him access to slip his tongue in. You made a little noise of surprise as you felt his piercing, a foreign sensation you were always curious about when it came to him. He hummed in acknowledgment, devouring you even more.

His hands began to roam your body as he continued to make out with you hungrily. Without breaking the kiss, he gripped your clothing, giving it a small tug, signaling that he wanted to take it off.

This was really happening. You nodded against him, but that wasn't enough for Shinji.

"Words, please," he demanded, pulling away.

"Yes." You blushed. "Please, take them off."

"Are you sure?" He still sensed the fear in your voice, saw it in the red of your cheeks. "I can take mine off first. Would that make you feel better?"

"Yes," you said quickly, pleased with his idea.

Shinji smiled and began to remove his clothing without hesitation. You watched in awe, feeling perverted when he didn't stop until he was completely bare. When his hardening cock sprung free from the confines of his boxers, you nearly gasped and looked away. He was so long, you weren't sure how it was all going to fit.

"Everything okay?" He raised an eyebrow at you. "Still want to do this?"

"Yes," you answered shakily, and then "yes," more firmly. "You're just - just so big."

"Thanks," he laughed, reaching for your top first. "I'll take care of you." He kissed your head, then started to lift your shirt. "Promise."

He peeled the fabric away from your body, stopping to admire the lacy bra adorning your chest. A small, surprised moan escaped your lips when he cupped a hand around one of your tits, squeezing the plump flesh and watching your reaction.

"You're such a cutie, you know that?" He grinned before hooking his fingers into the waist band of your pants, tugging them down.

You lifted your hips as you let his words get to your head, making you feel euphoric. You weren't the only one lost in euphoria. Shinji's smile spread from ear to ear at the sight of your matching panties.

"So pretty," he cooed, playing with the fabric against your hip. "Can you spread your legs for me?"

Another moan caught in your throat at his bold request, but you obliged, spreading your legs apart and exposing your clothed pussy to him. You flinched when Shinji grabbed your thighs, holding them in place as he lowered his face to your heat, licking you through your panties.

You cried out, jaw dropping as you watched his tongue piercing get caught on your underwear. He tried to pull back, only for it to stay in place. You shrieked, covering your mouth with your hand in disbelief. Your face became so hot so quickly you were sweating.

"Oopth, gueth I didn't think thith through," he remarked nonchalantly with his tongue stuck outside of his mouth.

"Shit!" You panicked, embarrassed that his mouth was quite literally stuck against your most private area. "What do I do?! Should I try to take them off?!"

"Calm down," he laughed against you, the vibrations making you spasm. He reached for his piercing and your panties, trying to untangle the jewelry from your lace. To your relief, after a quick moment, he detached the stud from your fabric and was able to lift his head away, though it was now snagged where he was caught. You couldn't even care that your underwear were ruined. You were just beyond relieved he was no longer stuck with his tongue pressed to your labia.

You covered your face with your hands. "Oh my God! That was so - I'm so embarrassed!"

"Relax," Shinji laughed, taking your hands into his own. "That was hilarious. I really didn't think that through."

You turned away from him, unable to look him in the eyes. You knew you were being dramatic, but didn't care. You were mortified, as if it were your fault. You clamped your legs shut, face burning, reverted back to your shy ways.

"Come on, doll, don't be so upset," he tried to pull you back out of your shell. "You have nothing to worry about. There's no place I'd rather get stuck," he chuckled smugly.

His goofiness and dirty mind made you giggle, daring to look back at him again.

"Maybe we should take them off, so this time I don't get stuck, hm?" He suggested, easing you out of your embarrassment and back into your element. He was rubbing your hands again to soothe your nerves. It was working.

"...okay," you agreed.

"Okay?"

"Okay." You nodded.

Shinji smiled gently and started to pull your panties down. He didn't look away from your eyes all the while, not until the garment was down your legs and dangling from his fingers. He sling shotted them across the room, making you laugh and hide your eyes from him again.

"Let's get rid of this too while we're at it." He unclasped your bra, pulling it off of your arms and tossing it aside. He let his gaze fall to your breasts, cupping his hands around both of them this time and running his thumbs over your nipples. "Much better."

Mouth agape, you sighed and whined as he flicked and rubbed your nipples, eyes flicking back and forth between your face and your nipples, watching you gasp and moan as they hardened under his touch. "Does that feel good?" He asked gently as he drew circles against your skin.

"Yes," you gasped. "Please - need - I need more," you whimpered timidly.

"Yeah?" He raised his eyebrows, looking excited at your request. "Tell me what you need."

You hesitated to say what you wanted. It felt dirty and embarrassing, but you had to remind yourself that you were safe here. He wanted you to be honest with him, to be vulnerable. "Your mouth. I want your mouth around them," you blurted.

Shinji grinned wolfishly. "Your wish is my command." He dipped his head again, this time, taking a mouthful of your right breast, flicking his piercing against your nipple. The sensation of the cool metal against your sensitive skin had your hips bucking, back arching your body into him.

"Fuck! Shinji!" You squirmed. "Feels so good!"

"My sweet girl," he murmured against you, switching to your other breast. "Can't wait to taste your sweet pussy for real this time."

His filthy words made your core throb. Now, you hardly needed him against your breasts, and you wondered how his piercing would feel against your bare clit this time. You were starting to forget all about your shame, thoughts empty aside from how needy you were, whining for him to "just taste it now."

Shinji laughed, amused at how easily he was corrupting you. "Who am I to tell my baby no?"

He kissed down your torso until he reached your sweet spot, flattening his tongue against your clit. One moment his piercing was in your mouth, and the next, against your soaked core. You cried out at the delicious feeling of hot and cold against your most sensitive area, the heat and wetness of his tongue mixing with the cool of his jewelry. You were lifting your hips into him, desperate for more pressure.

Shinji grabbed hold of your hips, reading your body language and obliging, pressing harder into you, his grip bruising as he sucked on your clit, completely lost in your heat. You struggled to keep still and to keep your legs open, waves of pleasure rolling through your body and making you thrash. To make matters worse, Shinji kept looking up at you from between your folds, watching you fall apart beneath him. It made your face hot, making eye contact with him while he was in such a lewd position.

You were sure you couldn't take it anymore, and you attempted to shove him away, pressing at his shoulders and wiggling out of his grasp.

"Stop running from me." He yanked you back down. "You're okay, I've got you."

"You don't understand!" You fought against him still. "I - I can't take it anymore!"

"Yes you can," he murmured against you, clamping down on your thighs hard to keep them apart. "Just a little bit longer, baby."

He continued to suck and circle your clit with his tongue while he pushed a finger inside. You gasped at the feeling of it sliding through your soaked walls, curling and twisting and adding even more pressure to the already unbearable amount you were handling. You squealed and attempted to lift your body, causing Shinji to press a hand to your stomach, holding you down. He himself was starting to unravel, his length straining and leaking precum as he listened to your moans and whines mixing with the obscene squelching and sucking noises coming from his abuse on your cunt. He was groaning into your core, pumping in and out of you more rapidly now, eager to have you climaxing on his tongue.

Moments later, you were doing just that, crying and trembling as he continued to hold you down, nearly cumming himself at the way you looked and sounded as you fell apart completely. He pulled away from you, his face shining with your juices. You sighed and let your head fall back at the sight, eyes fluttering closed. He smirked at your defeated state, crawling over your body.

He took and squished your cheeks in his hand. "(Y/N)," he sang your name intimately. "Look at me." You reluctantly opened your eyes, peering up at him tiredly. "You still with me? You want more?" He asked, peppering your face with wet kisses.

"More - like your cock?" You asked dazedly.

Hearing such a dirty word come from your mouth made him blush. He quickly regained his composure, smirking at how fucked-out and delirious you were. "Yeah, more like my cock."

You smiled dreamily at him before nodding slowly. "Then yeah, yeah I want more."

Shinji tangled his fingers in your hair, narrowing his eyes at you in that cute way he did when he was thinking hard about something. "Fuck," he muttered under his breath. "So. Damn. Cute."

Slowly, he kissed your forehead, then your nose, then your lips. When he tried to pull away, you pulled him back down, making him kiss you again, but this time, you parted your mouth and searched for his piercing, taking the time to explore his mouth before catching his lip between your teeth and pulling away.

He sprang into action at that, sitting up and roughly pulling you down by your thighs, making you yelp. He didn't waste another moment, grabbing his member and lining it up with your entrance. You watched with wide eyes, in awe at how pretty his cock looked, especially when it was so close to where you needed it most. He pressed the tip against your folds, and the two of you shared a moan as his slick mixed with yours. You throbbed, looking up at him expectantly, already revived and prepared for more.

"Ready?" He asked, just barely starting to push in.

"Mhm!" You nodded, looking back down to watch him slowly sheathe himself inside of you.

You hissed at the initial stretch, digging your claws into Shinji's arm. It made him worry, stilling his movement halfway inside of you, though with how much you were already filled, you could hardly believe that.

"Am I hurting you?" He asked softly, sounding almost unlike himself, cradling your head in his hand.

"No, no!!" You whimpered unconvincingly. "I'm okay! It's - it's just a lot of pressure!"

"I won't go all the way in yet," he said, starting to pull out before pushing back in halfway again. He was squeezing his eyes shut, grunting as you sucked him in. "You feel so good," he breathed before taking your lips into his again. "So good for me."

You cried into his mouth, wrapping your arms around his neck to anchor yourself. Each time he pushed back in, he went deeper, until he had you completely speared on him, sinking all the way in to the hilt. You gasped at the fullness, spreading your legs further in an attempt to open wider for him. He was still moving so achingly slow, doing his best not to start pounding into you until you were well adjusted to his size.

"Are you okay?" He asked, voice straining.

"Yes," you told him, sounding just as pained as he did. "Can you help - can you hold my legs apart?"

His jaw dropped at your request, but he quickly obliged, grabbing behind your knee to not only pull them apart, but to push them down, holding them up near your ears. Your muscles burned, but you could hardly think about that with his cock bullying itself into your walls. Mouth parted and brows furrowed up at him, you informed him that he could be a little rougher with you now. "You can go faster."

You didn't have to tell him twice. Shinji began to move faster in and out of you now, building the pace gradually until he was losing his composure, gone too feral from the feeling of you squeezing around him. He gripped your thighs tighter to steel himself as he snapped his hips against yours, hitting deep and hard inside you each time. You'd never seen him at such a loss for words, the only sounds coming from him being the groaning and grunting escaping his mouth as he buried himself inside of you. Nothing but the occasional, "so good," and "so warm and tight," sounding drunk off of your pussy.

You didn't have much to say either. Your legs were shaking and twitching every time he thrusted into you, still so sensitive from the orgasm he gave you earlier. He was pounding into you relentlessly, balls slapping against you with a plap, plap, plap. The once silent space was now so loud with both of you groaning and panting and squelching against one another. You were going completely dumb on him, unable to think or even speak when he was talking to you again, asking you if you were okay, if it felt good. All you could do was nod.

But then Shinji was grabbing your cheeks again, forcing you to look at him. "Pretty girl, are you sure you're okay?" He panted. "Can you talk to me?"

"M'ok - ay." You were staring at him, but to him there seemed to be no one home. It was both worrying him and making that coil inside of him ready to snap, knowing that you were in your most vulnerable state right now and that he was the one who got you there.

"Are you gonna cum again?" He was asking too many questions. You whined in response. Of course you were going to.

He was slamming into you viciously, chasing his own high. It was so painful that it felt good, and your pleasure was making you see stars, in pure bliss knowing that you were at his mercy completely.

"I can't hold it anymore," he groaned into your neck. "Fucking clamping down on me like that! You close?"

"Yes!" You squealed, your body squirming like a rag doll beneath his.

He wrapped his long fingers around your neck, still pinning one of your knees up by your head, while he roughly and determinedly thrusted into you, chasing both of your highs with vigor. You were surprised by how good it felt, having him choke you lightly and stretch you to your breaking point. Moments later, you were spasming on him, choking out a high-pitched whine while he fucked your orgasm out of you. His quickly followed, and you watched in a lovesick state as he shuddered and convulsed over you, dick twitching inside of you before he hurriedly pulled out to release himself on your stomach.

He took a minute to admire his work, catching his breath and observing your limp body. "Stay put," he huffed, exhausted. "I'll go get something to clean you up."

Shinji gently wiped his juices from your stomach before joining you back in the bed, sighing contentedly and tossing his head back against the pillow. You were both silent until you were able to breathe normally again. Your eyes were fluttering closed before shooting back open, desperately trying to stay awake to get more time with him.

"So," he began awkwardly and uncertainly, surprising you. He was never awkward, always the cocky and confident one. You looked to him with concern, wondering what he seemed so nervous about. "This wasn't like - a one time thing - right?"

Sometimes, with how bold and loud and unafraid he was, you forgot that Shinji got insecure too, that he was human, just the same as you. It made your heart melt, getting to see this other side of him, having him be vulnerable with you. It was a different kind of intimacy than the one you just experienced, but was just as meaningful, if not more.

You turned on your side to fully face him, reaching out to stroke his bicep lovingly. "Shinji, I know I was being drunk and stupid earlier when I told you I liked you, but I really meant it," you told him softly. "I don't want this to be a one time thing, do you?"

"Hell no." He managed a grin. "I really like you too."

"Okay, good," you giggled. "I was actually hoping we could do more than this," you confessed timidly.

"More." Shinji smiled lazily at you. "Like sharing meals and waking up next each other?"

"Yeah." You held your breath.

"I'd like that," he agreed, eyes full of adoration. "We can start now." He pulled you to his chest. "With you staying the night."

Now you let your eyes fluttered closed, cheek pressed to his warm skin as you hummed contentedly against him. You'd have more time with him tomorrow, and if you were lucky, every day after that. You snuggled up to him, and he squished you in, holding you tightly and protectively now that he had you completely in his snare.

"Goodnight, Shinji."

"Goodnight, angel." He kissed your forehead. "Sweet dreams."

As you drifted off to sleep in his hold, you reminisced on the unfolding events of the night. Maybe it wasn't such a bad habit, getting drunk and doing stuff you regretted, or maybe this was just one instance you didn't regret.

[makelemonade]

The Harbinger’s Daughter; Series; They don’t know much.

authors note; hello it’s not exactly like a series where you have to read each part it’s just all under the same name. - wanna make this into a continuous “series” with just little stories or ideas so if anyone has any ideas or stuff they wanna see my inbox is open only for that!!!

pt1

- reader is in last year of high school, female reader, it’s kinda modern but also kinda isn’t do with that what you will

basically the harbingers realizing they don’t know much abt reader and Pantalone decides to find out

The lounge room was quiet, only the sound of the crackling fireplace filling the room along with the clicking of Dottore’s pen since he was frustrated with his current work- no one was annoyed, this was usual for him. Pierro sat in his specific sofa chair, it was large enough to fit him perfectly. However he wasn’t as comfortable as he looked, no, instead his face was one of concern and annoyance.

The others were scattered around the room, Signora was flipping through a magazine, Childe was just staring up at the ceiling with Capitano- the both laying on the floor, Pantalone was flipping through a bunch of papers with complicated equations, and Dottore was looking over his science whatever notes.

“I need to ask you all something,” Pierro spoke up, folding his hands together. Everyone looked over. “What does Y/N like?”

Everyone’s eyes lit up, and yet a heavy silence settled over the room.

They realized they knew nothing.

Childe shifted uncomfortably, “Uhh, she trains with me sometimes?” he offered hesitantly.

Signora grimaced. “She borrows my perfume. She….likes perfume.”

Dottore sighed, throwing away his papers and pen. “She’s smart, likes learning new things. Dunno.”

Capitano just didn’t say anything.

Pantalone just pressed his lips together, a little disappointed in himself for not knowing.

Pierro waited for more answers, and when none came, he was also disappointed, and a little frustrated. He spoke with a scoff, “How could we raise her and know nothing about her?”

He was a lot more disappointed in himself though, he was your father- how did he know nothing?! You were almost an adult, he’s raised you since you were a baby with the rest of them.

He stood up, exhaling. “I’ll go ask her. I wanted to spend some time with her.”

He left the room, listening to his own footsteps echoing in the hall as he walked the long way around the castle, making his way to your room.

“Y/N?” He called, knocking lightly. He waited a few seconds, but there was nothing. “Y/N?” He called again.

No answer.

“Okay, I’m coming in.” He turned the doorknob, opening it slowly. His frown depended once he scanned the room, you weren’t in your bed, your bathroom door was wide open, and your purse was gone- everything that connects to you was fine.

An uncomfortable feeling settled in his chest and he immediately turned out of the room and walked down the hall to the guards. “Where is she?” He demanded.

One of the agents stiffened. “She left a few hours ago, sir. We assumed she had your permission.”

He felt his heart quicken, turning away from the guards to rush back to the lounge room.

“She’s gone,” Pierro announced, his eyes scanning each face in the room.

Childe and Capitano say up, with Childe’s meditating expression replaced with concern. “What do you mean gone?”

“I mean she left the castle.” Pierro sighed. “Without anyone knowing. She found a way,”

A long pause followed.

Signorae ran a hand through her hair, visibly worried. “Okay, she’s obviously gonna come backs right?”

Silence followed again.

Capitano cleared his throat. “Although I find it worrisome she left without a word, I doubt she means any harm. I believe she just wanted to go out without having to tell any of us.”

Dottore chuckled. “I’m not surprised she left without saying anything; we know absolutely nothing about her.

There was no retort.

Pantalone stood up, “Hold on.” He said, before rushing out of the lounge room and down the hall to Pulcinella’s office.

He knocked 3 times, hearing a mumble of a “come in.”

Pulcinella was sat on his high chair, looking over files on his messy desk. He looked up and his annoyed feature was replaced with a smile. “Ah, Pantalone. What can I do for you?”

Pantalone gave a small, worried smile back. “Y/N is gone. She left and we don’t know where she is and she didn’t tell any of us.”

Pulcinella frowned. “Oh, well that’s not good- thé not telling you part. She’ll be back soon.”

Pantalone gave him a curious look. “What do you mean? Does she normally leave?”

Pulcinella nodded. “She asks me most of the time, since you’re all not around as much as I am.”

Pantalone knew he didn’t mean that as anything rude but it still sting him a little bit. “Do you know where she could be?”

Pulcinella gave a knowing smile, looking back down at the papers he was reading over. “She loves books. I’d start out at the library.”

~~

The library was quiet, save for the movement of pages as you sat at a small table in a far corner, surrounded by four books. Shopping bags were piled at your feet.

Pantalone slipped into the seat across from you, his presence imposing despite his calm persona- you hadn’t even noticed he’d entered the library or was walking towards you.

You blinked in surprise. “Uh. What are you doing here?”

He rested his chin on his hand, “What are you doing here? How did you even get out of the castle?”

You hesitated for a moment, slowly putting down the book before a sly smile crept across your face. “I put on Capitano’s jacket. No one questioned me.”

Pantalone laughed. “Of course you did.” His have moved to the books aroubd you. “You like reading?”

You nodded, pulling your book closer. “I come here a lot.”

Pantalone’s sharp eyes narrowed. “How many times have you snuck out?”

“Well, it’s not exactly sneaking out it I ask Pulcinella.” You giggled, giving a cheeky grin.

His gaze shifted, this time landing on the shopping bags on the ground by your feet. “And shopping?”

You smiled proudly. “I love it.”

He raised an eyebrow, his voice laced with curiosity. “I don’t recall giving you any money.”

You shrugged casually. “Oh, I paid for it myself.”

Pantalone’s brow furrowed slightly. “You don’t have a job.”

“I do.”

Now he was shocked. “Since when?”

“I work at the daycare,” you said it so casually that it just made him feel more shocked and, honestly, worst about himself. “After school, for about four hours.”

Pantalone blinked, looking at you as if he were seeing you for the first time. “…And what exactly do you do there?”

“We teach the kids sometimes. I help with karate.”

He stared at you, disbelief written across his face. “Self-Defense?”

“Mhm,” you confirmed, your voice light, beginning to feel a little awkward.

The silence that followed felt thick.

“…How do I know nothing about you?” He mumbled.

You hesitated, then reached into your pocket and pulled out a folded paper. “Actually, I wanted to ask you something.”

He took the paper, scanning the question quickly. It was a prompt for your economics class; Thé questions were about market trends and financial stability- he could do this in his sleep.

“You’re taking economics?” he asked, surprised as he looked up at you.

“Yeah, I was interested in it.”

Pantalone tapped the paper thoughtfully. “What do you want to do when you’re older? You’re in your final year aren’t you?”

You hesitated for a moment before answering. “I think I want to go into sciences. I was thinking of applying to the Academia soon.”

He smiled, brows raising. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“…Because of Dottore.” you confessed softly, grimacing.

Pantalone let out a long, sad sigh, his expression softening. “Just because Dottore had a bad past with the Academia doesn’t mean he wouldn’t want to help you. In fact, he’d probably be thrilled.”

Your eyes lit up with hope. “Really?”

“Of course,” he affirmed with a small nod.

You both sat in silence for the next while. You were just thinking of what next, while he was thinking too much. He knew nothing about you, but now seeing all this, he kind of does know you.

Because you’re him. You’re the others.

Your interests in economics- Pantalone. Sciences - Dottore. Your love for shopping - Signora. Working with little kids - Arlecchino. Teaching said little kids karate - Childe. Reading - Pulcinella and Capitano. Your intelligence and curiosity - Pierro.

You were all of them combined.

After a while, he glanced at the time on his watch. It was 5pm, dinner was at 7pm. “It’s best we go now.”

You gave a small pout but still stood up, closing the book. “Let me go return these.” You piled the books together, and he made a mental note of the title of the book you were reading before he got here.

~~~

At dinner that evening, Pierro’s voice cut through the awakward silence. “I was really worried when you left today.”

You winced, guilt creeping in. “I’m sorry.” It was a little awkward, and you were glad not all the Harbingers came for dinner.

He put his utensils down, “You aren’t confined here.” He said gently. “However I do prefer you let us know when you leave. I’ve already got white hairs, don’t make it worse.”

You laughed and he smiled, and a few others giggled, the tension easing.

~~~

The next morning, you woke to find new findings on your tables. Curious, you stood up and walked over to them, only to end up shocked and heartfelt.

Dottore’s old notes from his academia days were stacked neatly, along with folders with even more. There were piles of fancy clothes and new makeup. The economics assignment you gave Pantalone was completed, and he had wrote notes to explain the questions and answers.

Right beside it, was the book you hadn’t finished the other day. There was a small sticky note on it, reading “Meet in the lounge.”

Your heart was racing with anticipation as you hurried over to the lounge room, excited for what was awaiting you. Capitano was there and gestured for you to follow him, laughing at your eagerness.

He has taken you to a room down the hall- you’d never entered this room and you honestly didn’t even know it was there.

Upon entering, you gasped.

It was a library. Shelves upon shelves of books; They were all new, shining and hardcover, waiting for you. Pierro and Pantalone stood inside, watching you closely and laughing at your reaction.

“H-how…” You trailed off, spinning to look at everything and feeling overwhelmed. “When- how-?!”

Pantalone smirked. “Pulcinella and I placed orders for books- he knew which ones you’d like. We’d sent agents out to do the pick ups, and the rest of us put up the shelves, while signora and Childe decorated. We had some agents give the finishing touches.”

You felt tears in your eyes and you immediately threw yourself into their arms. “Thank you thank you thank you!!! It’s beautiful!”

Pantalone hugged you back tight, placing a kiss to the top of your head. He let you go to give you a moment with Pierro.

Pierro patted your back gently. “I’m your father. I always want to know what’s going on in your life.”

You pulled away, shaking your head and sniffing. “I didn’t want to bother you.”

Pierro’s expression softened, his voice full of warmth. “You could never bother me.”

And for the first time, you truly believed it.