#╰ ♡ ✧ ˖ out of coffee oh no ┊ ooc .

[andvys]

Dancing with our hands tied | S.H.

Chapter three ⭐︎ So if you need to be mean, be mean to me

Warnings: angst angst angst! mean!Steve, bitchy!reader, slight allusions to unrequited love, mentions of Vecna and the upside down, argument, Steve being a dick to reader. and before anyone comes at me with the 'but your Steve is so ooc! he isn't mean anymore' this is a fic, this is enemies to lovers, you see the mean!Steve warnings, you know what you're getting yourself into.

Pairing: Steve Harrington x fem!reader

Summary: Steve had buried his past self, King Steve was dead, but all it took was a little push for him to make a small appearance again, to rain nothing but chaos upon his already weak 'friendship' with you. You pushed him, and you did it a little too hard.

Word count: 5k+

Author's note: Big big biggest shoutout to my bestie @hellfire--cult for helping me and writing those evil evil lines, you're the best

Series Masterlist ⭐︎ Previous Chapter ⭐︎ Next chapter

♡

He regrets waking up that day.

He regrets saying yes to Robin and the kids to hang out.

He regrets picking up Max’s phone call. 

If he wouldn’t have done any of these things, he wouldn’t be where he is right now. 

Parked in front of your house so he can drive you both to Robin’s. 

It’s been a week since the day at his place, a week since you had stormed out of his house, a week since he had last seen you. It almost feels weird. He can’t even remember the last time he had gone without seeing you this long. If you’re not hanging out with the group, he sees you going into the coffee shop across from Family Video every afternoon. Sometimes you even run into each other at Bradley’s Big Buy, but since last Saturday, he hasn’t seen you anywhere – it’s almost as though you had disappeared. Maybe he would have worried if it wasn’t for Max and El gushing over your shopping trip to Indianapolis the other day, he panicked when they told him that, thinking that you were driving again when you still weren’t allowed to, but El had calmed him down, telling him that you used the train. 

With a sigh, he gets out of the car. He runs his fingers through his hair out of nervousness. He rings the doorbell and takes a step back, staring at the wooden door. 

How will you even react to seeing him here? 

You’re surely expecting Eddie, not him. 

The door opens after a moment, revealing you on the other side, looking as beautiful as always – unfortunately. You’re wearing a white top, the soft pink stripes matching the color of your glossy lips, your skin looking soft and glowy as the sun shines into your house, the fading bruises are almost all gone, finally. The scent of your perfume, something sweet and flowery invades his space, and he can’t help but inhale it, feeling warmth blooming in his chest. 

He takes you in, the way you look beneath the sun rays, the way your dainty necklace lies so prettily on your chest, the way your lashes touch your skin as you blink at him. 

The smile on your face instantly fades away when you lock eyes with him, the usual grumpy frown takes over instead, that pulls him back into reality. 

“The fuck are you doing here?” 

Yeah, you’re only pretty and cute when you keep your mouth shut. 

He clenches his jaw, trying not to show how annoyed he is already. 

“Picking you up.” 

You furrow your brows at him, “what? Where’s Eddie?” 

“He forgot about his Doctor’s appointment, he had to rush out. Max called me and told me to pick you up.” 

“Oh,” you nod and you stare at him for a long moment before a smile appears on your face, “she told you, huh?” 

Caught off guard by the smile on your face, he stays quiet, only nodding at your words. 

You chuckle to yourself, turning away from him to pick up your jacket and your keys. Surprising him by not fighting him, you step out of the house and close the door. You look him up and down, eying the keys in his hand. 

“Can I drive your car?” You ask, tilting your head, “I promise I’ll take better care of it than you ever could.”

He snorts at your words, looking at you with an expression that almost makes you laugh. 

“With that head injury? Yeah, not a fucking chance, Blondie.” 

Rolling your eyes, you brush past him, already making your way over to his car. 

“It’s been like what… a month? I’m all healed, I’m feeling peachy.” 

“A month and you still get dizzy and don’t even lie about it.”

Once again, you keep quiet instead of throwing a smartass remark back, it makes him furrow his brows at you. Instead of opening the door, he leans his elbow on the roof of his car, looking over at you curiously. 

You open the door and put one foot in before you halt when you notice him staring. 

“What?” 

“Did you fall on your head or something?” 

You shake your head at him, scrunching your face up. 

“You’re not fighting me, are you feeling okay?” He smirks. 

Scoffing at his words, you flip him off before you get into the car without a single word. 

He taps his fingers against the car, looking up at the blue sky with a smirk that turns into a content smile, he thought the bickering would start the moment you opened that door. Maybe today won’t be so bad. 

Though when he gets into his car and he glances at you, you’re already staring back at him with that certain look in your eyes, the one that tells him everything he needs to know. Your eyes are glimmering with that smugness, the one that’s always there when you’re about to tease him with something that you know will annoy him. 

“Is Nancy gonna be there?” 

“Huh?”

You blink at him innocently as you fasten your seatbelt. 

“Nancy, is she gonna be there? You know, since you only get the chance to be around her during these group hangouts,” you smirk. 

He squints his eyes at you, biting back the bitter words that he was about to throw at you. He turns away and starts the car. 

He backs out of your driveway and without a single word, he starts driving. 

“Must suck being in love with someone who doesn’t feel the same, huh?” 

He stares at the road ahead, blankly. He could swear there was a hint of hurt in your voice. He doesn’t look at you, despite feeling your eyes on him, he doesn’t look and only grips the steering wheel tighter.

“But what would I know,” you snort and he hears you leaning back in the seat, the leather squeaking a little as you try to get more comfortable. 

Yeah, what would you know? He thinks. 

You’re cold and you’re mean – he is certain that there’s not a single trace of love in your heart. How you care that deeply for Max will always remain a mystery to him. 

“Are you a grandpa or something or where is the music!?” 

“You make enough music for us.”

He turns to you for a brief second, to see you scrunching up your face at him, shaking your head in confusion. 

“What’s that supposed to mean, Lego head?” 

“Your yapping and whining is enough for me.”

“Oh, so you’re saying my yapping and whining is music to your ears?” You smirk. “Just say that you love hearing my voice.”

“Shut up,” he murmurs, glaring at you. He clenches his jaw and flicks the button to turn on the music. 

Material Girl by Madonna starts playing and he instantly feels his heart dropping, his cheeks start glowing red – at least, that’s what it feels like. He grows flustered underneath your stare the moment you start laughing. 

“Oh wow, I knew you were a girly girl, Harrington.”

He changes the song, calming down when some Duran Duran song starts playing instead, but you are still laughing, and he can only groan in annoyance, pointing his finger at you, “shut up, Blondie.”

Your face only grows more amused, and this is where the teasing begins and the drive to Robin’s house becomes a torture for him and he practically starts counting down the second till he can finally get out of the car that he usually loves being in. 

He bites his tongue, not saying a single word while you yap away the way you always do. 

What a fool he was for thinking that this day could have been good, you manage to ruin every day of his. 

He can only stay quiet for so long. 

“Do you ever shut up or do I have to make you!?” 

That seems to shut you up. At least, for a moment. When he glances at you with angry eyes, he notices the smug look on your face that still didn’t stray away from you, not even after his words. 

“And how would you do that?” You ask, mockingly. 

He stares at your lips for a moment, clenching his jaw and gripping the gear stick tightly. He looks away as he turns left, pulling up in Robin’s driveway, he parks the car. 

“I have an idea or two,” he mumbles and gets out before you can question him. He almost thinks that his words have stunned you, when you take a moment longer to get out of the car, but when you do and your eyes meet his, you smirk again. 

He starts walking backwards, taking in the sight of you as you walk towards him. Your jeans hug your hips and your legs so perfectly that he begins to hate them. He almost feels ashamed for wanting to see them from the back. His eyes move up to your top, without intending to stare at your cleavage but he does.. and fuck, he hates how attracted his body is to you. 

“So cocky and for what?” You chuckle as you brush past him, not noticing his staring. 

Steve’s cheeks are red, his eyes instantly fall down to your butt when he turns around to follow you onto the porch. You move your hips and he has to clench his jaw.

It’s really a shame that he can’t stand you. 

You ring the doorbell and patiently wait for Robin to open, you don’t spare him a glance, you don’t even turn around to tease him any further, he doesn’t mind it though, it gives him the chance to keep looking at you. Your skin looks soft and he sometimes catches himself wondering what it would feel like to touch you, it’s glowing and he can’t help but ask himself whether it’s because of the body cream that you put on or if it’s just this pretty on it’s own – not that he ever imagines you putting lotion on your body after a shower, definitely not. 

“Oh great, you didn’t kill each other!” Robin’s voice pulls him out of his thoughts and he quickly looks away from you, clearing his throat. 

Robin grabs your hand and pulls you into her house, only throwing a glance over her shoulder at him, “come on in Dingus, you know the way.” 

“Yeah,” he mumbles as he walks in, watching the way his best friend pays more attention to you than to him. Not only did you nestle your way into his friend group, you had also seemingly nestled your way into Robin’s heart. He watches the friendship between you slowly blossoming and he can’t help but feel jealous of that. 

He stays back in the hallway for a moment, preparing for a long evening with you. 

He hears Robin talking your ear off already, Max and Lucas are in the kitchen too. But no one else is around. Nancy and Jonathan are on a date, he knows that, Jonathan gushed about it to Argyle before he left the other day and Steve couldn’t help but eavesdrop when he heard them talking about Nancy. The other teens are off doing god knows what. So much for the weekly group hangouts. 

He hears your laughter and he can’t help but roll his eyes. It’s not the kind of laugh that he ever gets, no, whenever you laugh with or at him, it’s like you’re mocking him or making fun of him – not that he cares, he does the same to you. It’s your thing. 

But for some reason it bothers him to hear and see you laughing like this with the others. 

You get along with Robin, you get along with Eddie, you get along with the teens – hell, you even get along with Nancy even though you glared daggers at each other that day at skull rock.

With him, you’re either grumpy and rude or you’re just a snappy smug brat – which seems to be the case today. 

Steve walks into the kitchen, putting on a smile to greet Max and Lucas with. 

“Hey,” Max mumbles grumpily, only shooting him a brief and very forced smile before she goes back to her deep conversation with you. 

Another grump, he thinks to himself. It’s not a surprise that the snappy teen likes you so much, you’re both the same person. 

Lucas greets him with a handshake and a friendly smile, something that two of the three girls in this room should learn. 

“Are you coming to my game next friday?” 

“Yeah, of course,” Steve nods. 

“You can bring her,” Lucas wiggles his brows at him, gesturing to you with a wink, “as a date,” he whispers.

Steve scrunches his face up, as though he is disgusted by the thought of it – like he wasn’t just checking you out on the porch. 

“You’re joking, right?” He mumbles as he looks over Lucas’s shoulder, glancing at you. 

“No,” Lucas crosses his arms over his chest, shaking his head, “you are awfully mean to her, which means that you must like her.” 

Steve’s eyes widen and he looks over at you again, in sheer panic, hoping that you didn’t just hear the ridiculous words that have left Lucas’s mouth. You’re too distracted by whatever story Max is telling you though, looking back and forth between her and Robin. 

He looks back at Lucas to see him staring smugly. 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“Isn’t that what you said to Dustin when he asked you for girls advice?” He snorts, shaking his head once again, “‘the key with girls is acting like you don’t care’” Lucas mocks quietly, chuckling after that. 

Steve sighs, putting his hand on his hip, “he told you that?” 

Lucas leans closer, “he sure did,” he smirks as he turns his head to glance at you before her turns back around, “I remembered it the other day, and it had me thinking–”

“Alright,” Steve interrupts him, he places his hands on his shoulders, “stop that, Sinclair.”

Lucas laughs, eying the flustered look on Steve’s face, who shoots him another glare before he steps away. He clears his throat, looking at the kitchen island where Robin had already prepared all the snacks. 

He grabs two bowls, glancing back at Lucas, “help me carry the snacks over to the living room, man. These ladies are too busy gossiping,” he says, expecting you to turn around and throw a comment back at him, but you don’t. 

Robin squints her eyes, nodding at him, “don’t give us the sass, Dingus.”

Lucas chuckles at her, he walks over to the kitchen island, reaching for the bowl of sour gummies and the M&M’s, “when is Steve ever not sassy?” 

At that, you finally turn to face them, a smirk tugging at your lips, you don’t have to say anything to show him that you agree with Lucas. 

He only rolls his eyes at you, no further words needed as he leaves the kitchen, stepping into the living room with Lucas trailing behind.  

“Wow, you didn’t even say anything to her.”

Steve has to roll his eyes again, the teasing in his voice isn’t very subtle. He opens his mouth to speak when the doorbell rings and Lucas rushes out of the room before he can even move or say anything. 

“Well, look at what the cat dragged in,” Lucas says after opening the front door. 

“Found him on the side of the road.” Steve hears Eddie’s voice. 

“Oh you two are such jokesters. You think I’d miss out on game night?” Dustin’s voice sounds through the hallway. “What are we even playing?” 

Robin replies enthusiastically as she walks into the living room with Dustin by her side and Eddie tagging along, greeting Steve with a grin. 

“Oh boy, the board’s definitely getting flipped today,” Dustin laughs.

Steve raises his brows, “you mean you will flip the board?” 

Dustin tilts his head as he looks at his older friend, his smile turning into a playful frown, “hello to you too, Steve.” 

“Henderson.” 

Dustin claims the loveseat before anyone else can, slumping down with a grin on his face, he reaches for one of the sour gummies in the bowl. 

“What’s wrong? Did your phone date not go so well with your girlfriend?” Steve teases. 

“At least I have a girlfriend,” Dustin winks at him. 

As you walk into the room, Lucas faces Steve again, with a teasing grin, “what do you mean, he’s got one too, she’s right there.” 

Dustin gives him a funny look before he turns around with furrowed eyebrows, confusion flashing in his eyes before they widen and he turns back to look at a very unimpressed Steve. 

“What!? You two are dating?” He shrieks loud enough for you to freeze in your spot. 

Steve closes his eyes, shaking his head at him. 

“Huh?” 

Eddie rolls his eyes at Dustin, “Henderson, I think that Sinclair might have a little too much imagination over there.” 

Lucas only shrugs, still grinning. 

“You’re playing matchmaker with the wrong people,” Robin laughs, looking between you and Steve. 

“Absolutely,” Eddie chuckles, sitting down on the couch next to her. 

“Can we just play the game now?” You ask as both you and Max sit down on the ground in front of the board game that Robin had already put out. 

“Ooh, we’re playing Ludo?” Dustin asks. 

Everyone nods, everyone except for Robin. 

“What?” She chuckles, cupping her cheek as she looks around, “that’s Wahoo.”

“Huh?” You tilt your head at her, “Wahoo?” 

“That’s what the game is called,” Robin says, pointing to the board. 

Steve watches the way you shake your head in confusion, slightly pouting as you stare at her. Fuck… you almost look cute. 

As Eddie reaches for the dice, he throws it up in the air, catching it between two fingers, “this game is called Sorry! my friends,” he smirks, cockily. “We only need four players so who goes first?” 

Lucas, who starts scarving down the snacks, waves a hand at Eddie, “I’ll sit this round out,” he says with a mouthful of chips. 

“Don’t talk with food in your mouth!” Max rolls her eyes at him. 

“Red, Dustin, Robin and Steve go first,” Eddie says. “The master has spoken, now let the games begin,” he says in his deep voice. 

Steve rolls his eyes at him, “this isn’t D&D dude, we don’t need a master.”

“Still.”

“Okay!” Robin claps her hands together, “let’s play!”

And as the game started, everyone laughed, everyone was having fun, everyone was joking around, it was all lighthearted. Dustin was throwing tantrums in his team with Robin, while Eddie snickered. Robin was a loser, and she accepted that she sucked at this game, competing against a bunch of stubborn teens. She was the first to sit out and stop playing. Max and Lucas preferred to stay out after the first few rounds, amused by watching the gameplay. 

And then, Steve and you were outright competing as if it were a championship. Neither of you even noticed that it was only you two left, everyone else stopped playing a while ago, watching this intense competition instead. 

While you took it all with ease, teasing him with a few jabs here and there whenever he was losing against you, Steve took it all a little more seriously. Because the moment he lost against you more than once, the anger in him started rising – not because of the game, but because of the looks you were giving him, those smug and cocky looks, the comments that weren’t even that bad – but everything, everything about you was pissing him off this day. 

Your attitude this morning, your comments, your jabs, your arrogance, you’ve been getting on his nerves from the moment you got into his car. 

And right now, he can feel his chest heaving, burning in anger and frustration. 

His jaw is clenched, his eyes are hurting from the intense glares that you start giving each other. 

Neither of you feel the eyes of the others on you two, the nervous glances, the warning ones because everyone knows what will follow after this. 

You both want to win against the other so desperately and currently, it’s a tie between the two of you. He won three rounds, you won three rounds – this apparently will be the last one, this one will decide who will win this very meaningless, stupid game. 

But Robin can’t take it any longer, she can’t keep watching the two of you getting angrier each passing second, knowing that this round will only lead to another, and both you and Steve could sit here all night, because you are both stubborn brats when it comes to each other – as it seems. 

“Okay!” Robin throws her hands up, snatching the dice from Steve’s hand that he was just about to throw, “can you two stop? It’s a tie, move on!” 

You and Steve look away from one another, raising your heads to look at Robin who glares at the two of you. 

“We’ll finish and then we’re done!” 

Steve groans at your words. 

“No!” Robin shakes her head, “because one will win and the other won’t, and then it’s a fucking mess, so stop playing! You fought interdimensional monsters together, for fucks sake!”

“Right, that doesn’t mean anything.” Steve rolls his eyes before he looks back at you, only to see your face fall. 

He almost feels guilty. You risked your life out there, not only for Max and Lucas but also for him. 

“That doesn’t mean anything!? Well aren’t you fucking grateful, Harrington.”

“Everyone fought, not just you, don’t think you’re all high and mighty,” he mumbles through the anger that he is still feeling.

A part of him is begging to just move on and keep his mouth shut, but he is frustrated, not just because of the game, but because of you, every small comment from you reminds him of how much he can’t stand you. 

“Hey, hey, hey, break it up,” Eddie says as he gets up from the couch, raising his hands up as he takes in the hurt but angry look in your eyes. 

You shake your head, “no, no, let him keep going! I want to hear what this bastard with his hero complex has to say to me.” 

Eddie can see the way Steve is fuming, the way the anger in his eyes gets stronger and stronger. He stands up, moving closer to you as you get up as well. 

“You fought with us once. Once! And you think that makes you equal to us!? You have no idea what we all went through, you have no idea the people we lost along the way, you know nothing!” He snaps at you, ignoring the way you draw back as your eyes fill with something he can’t read. 

Max straightens up in her seat, already reaching for her crutches as her eyes widen, seeing the way your lips twitch as blink up at Steve. 

“Steve, stop!” 

If he wasn’t so angry, he would have heard the fear in Max’s voice, something that normally would’ve made him draw back in an instant. 

You glance at her, shaking your head, yet again. “No, Max, it’s okay.” You turn back to face him, looking into his eyes coldly – that’s the only look he knows, that’s the one he cannot stand. “What does Steve Harrington know about loss!?” 

Steve feels his gut twisting, he clenches his jaw but doesn’t answer your question, he keeps staring at you. 

“What? Mom and Dad left you the whole house to yourself, and you consider that loss!?” You frown, lifting your arm, you gesture to the people in the room. “I see Robin alive, I see Eddie alive, I see all of the kids alive, so who exactly did you fucking lose, Harrington?” 

Behind the anger and the emptiness in your eyes, is sadness and pain, something he can’t see through the haze that he is in, right now. All he sees is something, someone he hates, someone who acts like she knows everything, someone who does nothing but bring chaos and anger into his heart and into a friends group that is so sacred to him. 

He never felt this angry before, not even when he found Nancy with Jonathan, not even when she cheated on him and left, not during a single fight with his dad, nothing had ever made him feel such rage. 

“You are so fucking horrible!” He snaps at you, not caring about anything, right this second. Everyone in the room disappears, Dustin, Max and Lucas are no longer there, and neither are Robin and Eddie, it’s just you and him now. “I hate the fucking day we ran into you at Skull Rock! You are the most despicable and cold hearted bitch I’ve ever met! I would be surprised if you ever loved somebody!” 

He can’t see the shock or the pain that nestles into your features. 

He doesn’t even hear the gasps from the others in the room. 

“Steve!” Max yells, reminding him of the fact that she is there, that everyone else is here too. 

The girl almost falls over when she jumps up. Lucas stands up as well, steadying her before she can fall. They both look at you, both of them see the hurt in your eyes, the way you helplessly stare back at the guy that you risked your life for. 

Robin and Eddie stare at him in disbelief, not knowing the Steve that they are looking at, right now. 

All that Steve can see is red though. 

“No, Mayfield, let me fucking finish because she needs to understand how terrible she is.” He practically spits in your face, not tearing his eyes away from yours, at all. “I-I mean, don’t you ever ask yourself why you don’t have anyone? Why no one bothers to stick around because I’d be really surprised if someone did – even more, I would be surprised if anyone ever loved you at all. You’re not someone easy to fucking love, Blondie. Trust me on that.” 

And the moment those words fall from his lips, the room falls silent, dead silent. His heart stops racing and his skin runs cold. Suddenly, he is brought back into the room, the haze fleeting away more and more and he can now see clear again. 

And as he looks at you, really looks at you, his heart drops to his stomach and every trace of anger is gone, replaced by a guilt he had never felt before. 

Your eyes are filled with tears as you stare at him with nothing but pain, not a single trace of coldness in them, not a single trace of anger or indifference or even hate for the man in front of you. All he can see is pain, pain, pain.. Your tears are welling up more and more, threatening to spill down your cheeks. Your throat bobbed up and down, like you are trying to gulp down the ball of nerves and sobs threaten to fall from your lips. 

For a split second, he can see through you and he sees something there never was before – something that tells him that you would let him do this, until he’d get enough of hurting you, that you would let him break you, little by little. But, he had enough. 

You look down as your bottom lip starts to tremble. 

As he sees that, Steve feels like the most horrible person on the planet. Worse than his dad, worse than the monsters he had fought, worse than Vecna. 

What had prompted him to throw such awful and vile words at you? 

The guilt that takes over almost feels unbearable and the moment he wants to take back those words, to apologize, you are already gone. 

Lucas calls out to you, but the slamming of the front door is all he gets back. 

Before Steve can even look around the room, his back is slammed against the nearest wall and he is met by the sight of an angry Eddie, his eyes darker than ever, nose flaring as he grips the collars of his polo, pressing him harshly against the wall. 

“I would fucking punch you in the face right now, Harrington. Don’t forget who was the first person to jump into the water to save your ass!” He yells at him, giving him one final push that knocks the breath out of him before Eddie lets go and leaves to go after you. 

Steve looks down, closing his eyes as he takes a deep breath. 

“Steve… what the fuck?” Dustin mumbles, softly, staring at his older friend in disappointment. 

Robin looks around the room, before her eyes lock on Steve, she looks at him in confusion, not understanding where all of this came from. 

“Dingus.. what the hell was that? Why did you–”

“Everyone leave the room.” 

It’s Max’s voice that sounds through the room, awfully calm. So calm that it takes everyone aback. 

Lucas stares at his girlfriend, completely confused. 

All it takes is a single look from her though and he and Dustin scatter out of the room. Dustin pulls Robin along who protests at first but follows when she looks back at Max, who only shakes her head. 

It’s silent for a long minute, and Steve doesn’t know what to feel. 

“That was fucked up, Steve.” Max says. 

Steve pinches the bridge of his nose, fighting the tears that threaten to build up. 

Not only did he hurt you, something he never thought was even possible. He also showed his friends a side of him he wanted to keep buried. A side that surely makes them feel less safe around him now. 

“I-I know, I don’t.. I don’t know what’s gotten into me.” 

Max purses her lips, looking down at the ground to avoid eye contact. 

“She may not have been with us from the start, hell, I wasn’t either. It doesn’t mean that she didn’t experience it just the same. She may not have fought monsters, Steve. But the monsters have gotten to her without her knowing about them.” 

You fought monsters, you fought the bats off of him. 

He snaps his head up, staring at her with a frown on his face.  

“Max I–”

The redhead shakes her head, anger and disappointment still on her face. 

“I’m not the one you have to apologize to. I will not tell you her story, I’m not allowed to do that. But you are wrong, you are terribly wrong about everything you just said about her.” 

She reaches for her crutches, giving him one final look before she leaves the room. 

He stares at the ground with a gnawing feeling in his chest, hating himself more and more as the seconds go by. 

The look you gave him will haunt him for the rest of his life. 

How could he ruin everything in the span of a few minutes? 

How could he not see the hurt in your eyes after only the first words that he threw at you? 

How could he not see the vulnerable side of you? 

How was he so blinded by the act you had put on? 

He judged a book by its cover, just like King Steve had done in the past. There is no excuse. No fucking excuse for what he had done to you. 

♡

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[alatushours]

☆ SLEEPYHEAD, feat. roronoa zoro — no matter how tired he is, zoro is always willing to keep you company.

contents. gender neutral reader, fluff fluff fluff, established relationship. soft zoro ! ! ! post-timeskip but can be read any time after the crew receives the sunny. tw. insomnia, reader is gn but lives in the women’s quarters, maybe ooc zoro ♡ word count. 616

notes. aaand mari finally makes a comeback !!! so sorry to keep you all waiting for so long, i lost my spark for a while. however i am excited to say that this is my official one piece writing debut !!! (love potion doesn’t count guys) i think about zoro everyday,,, he’s such a comfort character to me <3 sorry for any mistakes, i haven’t written in a very long time ♡

WHEN YOU CAN’T SLEEP, you go look for zoro on the sunny.

peeking open the door of the girl's cabin, you step out in your sandals onto the wooden deck, the floorboards slightly creaking. walking to the port side of the ship, you watch the reflection of the stars over the open sea before moving to search for your lover.

sometimes zoro might be sitting on night watch at the bow, or in the kitchen for a midnight snack. most of the time though, he’s up in the crow’s nest training or catching up on sleep away from the rowdiness of the men’s cabin.

you find him doing the latter tonight, his swords cradled in his folded arms as he dozed. you smile and close the door quietly behind you, careful not to disturb him.

however, zoro stirs, his eye peeking open. “hey. what’re ya doing?”

well, there goes that. “sorry, i didn’t mean to wake you up,” you whisper. “i was just coming to look for you.”

he chuckles softly. “couldn’t sleep again, huh? why didn’t you just say so?”

you smile sheepishly. “sorry… i had too much coffee today, and then earlier me and the girls were watching a horror movie on the video transponder snail, so now i’m up.”

you shrug, and your boyfriend laughs again. “c’mere.”

you make your way to snuggle into zoro’s chest. his gold earrings clink together as he shifts, his arms moving to wrap around your waist. “how was your day?” you ask him, absentmindedly tracing the scar on his torso.

“nothin’ interesting,” he replies, his voice raspy in your ear. “just training ‘nd watch, the usual.” but you could tell he was tired, from the way he was blinking slowly every few seconds to keep himself from falling asleep. “whadda ‘bout you?”

you talk to him for a few minutes, telling him about how you and chopper caught a load of fish today (and how luffy ended up eating all of it at the end, to sanji’s anger). zoro chuckles, smiling as he listened to your ramblings.

after a while, zoro hums, his fingers tangling themselves into your hair. “sorry, i needa sleep,” he whispers in your ear. “nami said we’re gonna get to the next island real early in the mornin’ so i gotta keep watch. you can sleep here with me if ya want, though.”

“oh, okay,” you intertwine your fingers with his, making yourself comfortable against the warmth of his body. “will you call me when you wake up? i wanna watch the sunrise with you.”

your boyfriend nods slowly, pressing a kiss to your temple. “sure. now go to sleep, yeah? i’ll be here if ya need me.”

“okayyy,” you draw out the word. “oh, one more thing.”

he groans, “what is it?”

you grin at him, giving him a kiss on the lips. “i love you, ‘zo.”

zoro smacks your ass playfully, but not without returning the kiss. “yeah, yeah, i know. i love you too. now seriously, go to sleep!”

you giggle, closing your eyes to the soft lull of his breathing. eventually, you drift off to sleep, not knowing that your lover was still awake to ensure your peaceful rest.

zoro would slice up mountains, cut the moon in half and bring the pieces back to you if you asked; he'd do anything for you. your needs always come first; after all, he will always be indebted to the love that you showed him, what seemed like not so long ago. something as small as helping you fall asleep was nothing compared to your love, your utter adoration for him.

plus, he always slept better with you at his side.

end notes. the fact that it took me a month to write the first half of this and the other half in less than a day… and it’s still not even 1k words 😭 idk how i used to do it omg. but anyhoo soft zoro soft zoro soft zoro ! ! ! i’m normal about him i swear

© alatushours 2024. please do not copy, modify, or translate my work in any way, nor upload to any other platforms. in the meantime, if you enjoyed, please like, reblog, and consider leaving a follow! it helps a lot ♡

[tsu-kitty]

𝓸𝓅𝓉𝒾𝓂𝒾𝓈𝓉𝒾𝒸

♡ 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 › 2.0k

♡ 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 › atsumu x reader, gn!reader, atsumu gets in an off-page fight over the reader, fluff.

♡ 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 › after getting stood-up on a date, atsumu sees his chance to swoop in and steal your heart.

♡ 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 › i only recently jumped on the atsumu train, so he may be a bit ooc, but i'm in love with what i wrote so hopefully you will be too and you can forgive me. also, not proofread, sorry, i was so excited to post this.

The tears streaming down your cheeks were cold and salty and stung when the winter wind hit your face. You hated that you were crying. It wasn’t like you were heartbroken. You didn’t even like the guy, you barely knew him. It was more that you were a hopeless romantic who accepted an offer for a coffee date despite knowing little more than the guy's name. Love was unpredictable, a mysterious being that worked in round-about ways. Maybe she had chosen this unknown blue-eyed boy from the class below yours to be your soul mate.

Alas, after stopping you on your way home to ask if you'd like to go on a date and exchanging numbers, he hadn't even possessed the human decency to reply to your messages asking where he was, if he was running late. The only response you received was the minuscule text under your message bubble reading “read”.

So, no, you weren't heartbroken. You weren't entirely sure what you were. Disappointed? Embarrassed? Both seemed to fit. Regardless, you tried to find the bright side. Maybe you’d just dodged a bullet. If his actions today spoke anything of his character, then he would have been a lousy boyfriend. 

Still, here you were, dressed up in a cute but warm baby blue and pink outfit, ready for at least a morning of cosy winter date activities. It would really be a waste of a cute outfit if you were to go home immediately. Who said you couldn’t take yourself on a nice date? 

Wiping the tears off your face, you spun on your heel, determined to not let the day be unhappy. First, you needed a snack and a warm beverage. There was an adorable cafe in the other direction that was miles better than the one your not-date had suggested.

“Oh, Y/N!”

“Atsumu?”

The tall blonde boy grinned, wiping the light sheen of sweat on his forehead away. Judging by his shoes and athletic attire, he was out on a run. “Hey, Y/N. How are you? What are you doing here?”

Miya Atsumu wasn’t someone you would consider yourself to be particularly close to, but the two of you had miraculously managed to be in the same class all throughout highschool. So, you knew him more than an acquaintance would, but less than a friend. However, you were on a given-name basis, mostly due to him having a twin brother. Atsumu had been seated behind you this first semester, though, so there was always potential for the relationship to bloom into friendship. Still, you weren’t there yet, so confessing to being stood up just moments ago was out of the question.

“Oh, um, you know, just the usual—”

“You’re crying.”

Suddenly, he was right in front of you, his nose barely ten centimetres from yours, cupping your face in his big, rough hands. His chocolate eyes were wide and concerned, pulling his thick brows together. 

“N-No, I’m not,” you stuttered, taken aback by Atsumu’s unexpected closeness. Your heart was pounding against your chest, anxiety pushing its speed faster and faster. If he got any closer, you’re sure you would pass out.

“Your eyes are red and watery,” he said with a seriousness you didn’t know he possessed. 

“I have allergies,” you lied. 

“Y/N, I’m not a complete idiot.”

“Listen, I’m fine,” you said, trying your best to avoid his eyes as you peeled his hands off your face. They were too close, too intense. “I promise. I’m already over it.”

“Okay, then what were you crying about?” he asked, bending his head to try to follow your gaze.

“It’s nothing really. I just got stood up.” You forced a smile. “But it’s okay, I’m over it really. I barely even knew the guy.”

Something in Atsumu’s expression shifted darkly before landing on a bright smile. “Oh, really? I’m sorry that happened to you. Who were you supposed to meet?”

Suspicion tickled at the back of your mind, but you told him anyway. “Furutani Hide.”

“Furutani, huh?” Atsumu pondered. “Nah, can’t say I know the guy.”

“I don’t really either,” you confessed. “He asked me out randomly at school.”

“Why’d you say yes if you don’t know him?” asked Atsumu, brows pulling together again. 

It occurred to you at that moment that his eyebrows were a lot darker than the rest of his hair. Was he a fake blonde? How had you never noticed before? His hair was kind of an unusual colour now that you really considered it.

“Well, uh… I don’t know…” you said sheepishly, twisting a ring around your finger. “My friends say I’m a hopeless romantic . I think I’m just… optimistic.”

You raised your eyes to Atsumu’s and found him staring at you eyes wide and mouth agape. Then he cleared his throat and regained his composure. Why he lost it in the first place, you weren’t sure. Maybe he… No. Had you not learnt your lesson? This was the kind of thinking that had led to you crying your eyes out not five minutes ago. 

“Either way,” Atsumu said, scratching the back of his head, “it’s his loss. I mean, can’t say I know you super well, but just from being your classmate for three years, I can tell you’re a pretty cool person.”

His words caught you off guard. 

“Really?”

Atsumu shrugged. “Yeah.”

A gentle heat rose in your cheeks. “Wow. Thanks, Atsumu.”

“Eh, no problem. Look, I gotta go, but I’ll see you at school on Monday. Try to cheer up in the meantime, okay?”

“Okay,” you whispered, returning his wave as he started up his jog again. 

By the time Monday rolled around, you were completely over being stood-up and your brain was on its way to forgetting about the whole incident. That was until you happened to be passing by the teacher’s lounge when the door slid open and out trudged Furutani Hide, slouched and dazed, looking extremely worse for wear. His hair was sticking up in odd places, his tie was screwed drastically to the left against his white shirt which was oddly dirty. Worst of all, one of his nostrils was plugged with a tissue and the other was freely leaking crimson blood. 

At the sight of you, Furutani’s back straightened before he snapped at the waist, blurting, “Y/F/N, I’m terribly sorry for asking you on a date then standing you up. I am a spineless coward and will never do such a thing to anyone ever again. I will stay out of your way and never bother you again.” 

You watched slack-jawed as he bowed twice more then sprinted out of sight, down the hallway, nearly knocking over three other students. 

“Well, I’m glad we got that cleared up.”

Turning back to the teacher’s lounge, you watched  Miya Atsumu waltz towards you, hands tucked into his trouser pockets, as casual and confident as ever. He was sporting an all-too-pleased-with-himself smirk and bandaid on his cheekbone. His hair and tie were also askew, but in a slightly purposeful way. His shirt was relatively spotless but his trouser knees were stained with dust.

“Atsumu…” you said slowly, piecing together a scenario that you hoped both did and did not happen. “What did you do…?”

“Bold of you to assume I did anything,” he replied coyly, stepping almost as close as he had when you last spoke to him. “The pig probably just had a change of heart.”

“Atsumu,” you repeated, harsher than before.

Sighing, he rolled his head around his shoulders then met your questioning gaze. Were you really going to make him say it?

You didn’t falter, making a show of crossing your arms and shifting your weight onto one leg, popping your hip out.

Atsumu sighed again. “Fine. I didn’t like the fact that he stood you up on your date. Soooo… I may or may not have…” He avoided your gaze. “... told him he needed to apologise to you when I saw him at lunch.”

You waited.

“And punched him in the face.”

“Atsumu!” you gasped. Yes, you had assumed some sort of fight had occurred, but you hadn’t expected Atsumu to be the instigator. “What were you thinking?”

“I wasn’t really.”

At least he could admit it.

“I was just really pissed off,” he said, shrugging.

Whilst you were flattered that a boy would get into a fight on your behalf, you really couldn’t condone that sort of behaviour. “There was no need for you to be pissed off,” you scolded him.

“He was literally flirting with some other girl,” Atsumu exclaimed, hands flying out of his pockets to emphasise the drama of his statement.

“That doesn’t matter, Atsumu,” you continued. “I’m over it. Way over it. Even if I wasn’t, it hardly concerns you, so why would you—”

“Uh, yeah, it kinda does concern me, ‘specially when it’s hurting the person that I like.”

You froze. “Oh.”

Atsumu rolled his eyes. Now, it was his turn to cross his arms judgmentally. “Yeah, ‘oh’.”

At his unexpected confession, all the words in your vocabulary had left you along with the air in your lungs.

Atsumu continued with his confession, full steam ahead stepping closer to until your own retaliation steps had you almost pressed against the wall. “You know, for someone who’s friends would call them a hopeless romantic but would prefer to describe themselves as ‘optimistic’, you really are blind to romance.” He placed his hands on the windowsill on either side of your body, caging you between his arms. “I’ve been flirting with you since the start of the year when I got seated behind you.”

Your heart was beating like you’d just run a marathon, pounding against your ribcage. You regained just enough words and air to mumble, “I thought you were just being friendly.”

“Oh my God, Y/N,” Atsumu groaned, physically deflating. “You’re so dense.”

“I’m sorry,” you whispered. 

“Don’t apologise,” Atsumu replied, lifting one arm to tuck a stray hair behind your ear. “You didn’t do anything wrong. I should have just been straight forward with my feelings.” His fingers trailed down and around to your jaw to pull your gaze up to his. “I like you, Y/N. Have for a while now.”

Butterflies burst in your stomach, the heat from their frantic fluttering flowing into your cheeks. 

“And, I dunno if you’re, like, traumatised by your last date, but I’m still gonna ask. Do you want to go out with me after school today? I can guarantee you there is no chance of me ditching. Plus, I sit right behind you, so you can keep an eye on me the whole time.”

He waited patiently while you processed his words. His sunny brown eyes flecked with gold and bronze watched you intensely, anticipation steadily building. It was clear to you that he was being sincere when he said he liked you. The way he was looking at you was something you had fantasised about over and over: a look of fondness and hope and unwavering affection. It was an optimist’s dream come true. 

You were right in your thoughts on love. Not about her choosing Furutani Hide as your soulmate, but about her being an unpredictable, mysterious being that worked in round-about ways. Who could have predicted that the final push for you and Atsumu would be him beating up the guy that stood you up? Not even the most hopeless of romantics.

“Yes,” you finally replied, causing Atsumu to flinch, his face lighting up. “I do want to go out with you.”

Much to your amusement, Atsumu jumped for joy, fist pumping the air in excitement. “Oh my God, that’s great. I’m so hyped, you don’t even know.”

You giggled. Yeah, this seemed more like your soulmate.

[caramel-maveeato]

𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭 ♡˚₊ 。。。 ᴋ. ᴀᴋᴀʙᴀɴᴇ ᴅᴀᴛɪɴɢ ʜᴇᴀᴅᴄᴀɴᴏɴ

❧❤ SYNOPSIS: What it’s like to date THE Akabane Karma…   ♡ Pairings/Love interest: Akabane Karma x GN!reader ♡ Genre: fluff, slight hurt/comfort ♡ TW: too much yapping, might be very OOC this is just my opinion ♡ Word count: 1.5k

Note: All characters originated from “Assassination Classroom” except for y/n.  All characters are 18 or older. English is not my first language!!! Sorry in advance if I make any grammar and vocabulary mistakes.

Oh god I love him

My bish. 

Been happily married to him for 8+ years so here's a fic to describe my experience (Delusion is my middle name.)

Akabane Karma has a very Akabane Karma way to love. 

Karma is rich and can afford fancy restaurant dates, but he prefers more casual dates: coffee date, study date, arcade, park, mall, concerts, outdoor movie, late night walks, throwing rocks on the rooftop of some dickhead’s houses he/you hate, going around causing troubles with you becoming his accidental accomplice, etc. He loves the light-heartedness and silliness of them.

(It’s lowkey romantic when you run away from security hand-in-hand.)

On nighttime dates, he’ll sneak you out during random midnights by climbing through your window (if you live with family) or barging through the front door just so you can go on an adventure with him.

No one’s stopping him, no one can stop him anyway. 

His love language is a mix of Quality Time, Act of Service, and Gift Giving. 

Quality Time: He likes being near you. Doesn’t matter if he was on his game console and you were on your phone scrolling through Tumblr or if you both are working like a dog on two different laptops, doesn’t matter. 

He doesn’t mind the comfortable silence as long as he can still feel your presence or see you. 

Daily contact is needed. Not that you have to chat 24/7, but enough communication (that’s the bare minimum). If you can’t see each other at all, he wants to at least text a bit or talk on the phone.

The feeling of closeness is comforting to him considering how he never really has it growing up.

Act of Service: As much as he subconsciously does little things for you like paying close attention to what you tell him and your body language, doing research on things you like, giving you his jacket when he notices you slightly shiver without you even asking him to, reminding you to eat (though his ass doesn’t eat regularly either), making you your favorite dishes—Karma secretly melts when you pays him the similar amount of attention. 

You don’t have to do allat, just be yourself and love him in your own way is enough to show him that you really care. 

Gift Givings: Karma spoils you to death (he’s rich af).

You stare at a bracelet for more than a few seconds at a mall? Boom he already got it nicely wrapped up while you go to the bathroom. You say a shirt is cute? Boom he’s taking his wallet out right now. You wonder whether you should get fruit smoothie or milkshake? Boom he’s paying for both. You woke up on a random Thursday morning? Boom there’s a silly, stupid looking plushie sitting on your bed with a small note, “It looks like you :P”

This is lowkey the way he���s been taught growing up—which his traveler parents would throw gifts and souvenirs at him once every blue moon they came home as a way to express that they ‘cared’.

But he isn’t like them. The gifts he buys you aren’t empty envelopes that’s called ‘love’ nor half-assed apologies for ignorance. These are just physical emphasis of what he feels for you, just something extra to add to the genuine love he already shows daily. 

Physical Affection: Karma is quite closed off and despite his effort to seem like a nonchalant, I-don’t-need-no-one lonewolf, he’s diagnosed with touch starvation.

But he has trust issues, plus that colossal reputation of a “cool guy” he has to maintain, he doesn’t like it when people become too physically comfortable with him. Or at least deep down he’s programmed himself to think that he doesn’t like being touchy-feely. 

(Which is the reason why bro’s always caught standing there like a sims character when Koro-sensei lovingly pats his head or Itona that one time too lol) 

Inwardly, he’s a bit flabbergasted to find out (be honest with himself) that he actually doesn’t mind receiving some physical love. From people he trusts and is close to only, of course. 

This explicitly includes his ✨romantic partner✨

Though despite the above belief of Karma being a touch-starved boy, I feel like he doesn’t show his true color until weeks or even months into the relationship. And still mildly bashful sometimes when he initiates the affection until completely get used to it, which can take 1-2 years or more.

I feel like he doesn’t mind PDA, but he doesn’t want to overdo it either. So usually Karma would just hold your hand, placing his hand on your waist or wrap an arm around your shoulders. 

But he’d show more than just the slight touches in cases where he wants to tease you or to shoo “competitors” away, or just… when he feels like it. 

Words of Affirmation: Words on the other hand isn’t something Karma will do much, he’s capable of doing so though. Compliments may be spilled once in a while, he’d rather keep them in his head. He loves you, but he’ll express it through actions instead of words because his huge ego doesn’t want to sound “overly sappy.” It’s just not his style. 

This makes his “I love you”s hit harder than they’re supposed to since he doesn’t say it often. 

As much as Karma cherishes his partner, he’s still a playful little shit.

He’ll poke fun at you and tease you just because. He does know when to stop and remembers certain boundaries not to cross, but still pisses you off sometimes because he.is.so.annoying. 

If something he said hits a sore spot for you, he’d try to throw his pride down the stairs and apologize almost instantly because hell, how could he hurt you?? On the other hand, if you’re just having enough of his relentless teasing, then no, he wouldn’t beg for your forgiveness. 

Instead, Karma would buy you some small gifts or favorite food, or crack a joke, anything to pull out even the slightest, littlest lift of your lips.

Then he’ll surprise you with a hug or a kiss, trapping you in his arms until the tension evaporates entirely. 

He’s hateable but lovable at the same time ugh

Jealousy Karma we need.

He’s outward and inwardly chill most of the time.

So it’s not like him to constantly be worked up and worried about your loyalty. He trusts you a lot, if he doesn’t you two wouldn’t be dating. He knows you aren’t gonna cheat on him or do anything behind his back.

But the jealousy can be caused by something outside of your relationship, like someone shows too much interest in you. But I feel like this can only apply when that person makes him feel threatened in terms of “perfection.” 

Karma doesn’t show it but his insecurities can still be triggered, he’s only human after all. So on the bad days he feels like his “love rival” is a bit too good and compatible with you, that’s where you can see a jealous version of your boyfriend. 

He’s gonna be more pissy and quiet, (or just sulky in general, even clingy), and he urgently needs the confirmation that you love him. So please don’t ignore the signs and show him just that. 

Being a rising bureaucrat is exhausting, but Karma wouldn’t let it affect the person he deeply treasures. 

We all know Karma doesn’t trust easily. So if he goes out of his way to confess and date you, he’s extraordinarily, horribly smitten. 

He grows up alone and neglected, most people in his life either hate him or respect him out of fear. So I don’t think he’s willing to let go of someone he finally, finally feels safe and loved with if the reason is simply stress/busyness. 

Time management is hard, of course. But if he wants to he would, and Karma wants to. 

It might be overwhelming at first, pressures from different aspects of life might kick both of you in the ass. You two probably would find yourselves arguing more than normal. But even if he’s tired and stubborn, Karma won't let you stay angry at each other overnight because his partner is so dear to him.

He’ll try to be at home every night, but omg Japan’s work culture… that can be impossible on some days due to overtime work. 

He’ll text you or call you during breaks, more callings on the nights he’s stuck at work—your voice is emotional support and keeps him going. If you fall asleep during FaceTime he’ll just keep the phone there and glancing at your sleeping face once in a while, lowkey feeling more comforted while going half batshit insane with paperworks. 

He’ll make it up to you afterwards.

So yeah, once you both get the hang of it it’ll be fine again. Busyness is just a dumb excuse for a relationship to fall apart, that means effort wasn’t being put in enough from both sides. Your relationship with Karma is far away from this.

I feel like when Karma finally finds someone to be openly affectionate with and the said person gives him the same amount of care, it’s healing his inner child too. (I cried)

Please love him I love him so much. 

A/N: It's almost 2025 and I'm still not over assclass I want them back so bad my class E babies :((

[onlinesuzie]

☆ hamzah vs. watching love island ☆

words: 2.3k

summary: Hamzah has always found Love Island embarrassing an unrealistic but on a warm summers evening spent pouring drinks and binging the show with Martin and Mandy, Hamzah’s disdain for Love Island changes when he has the opportunity to ‘pull you for a chat’.

notes: GUYS I LOVE LOVE ISLAND SO BAD and martin and mandy mentioning it on ooc inspired me to write this!!

♡

It was one of those lazy summer evenings at Mandy’s house, where the air was thick with warmth and your favourite part of the summer was about to begin. You, Mandy, and Martin had gathered in the living room, ready for your weekly tradition of binge watching that week’s episodes of Love Island. The show was a guilty pleasure for the three of you, a chance to unwind and indulge in the drama and romance unfolding on the screen.

You thought it was stupid but some part of you wanted that cheesy romance, the type where you just make out for no reason or just anything. It had been months since you had even kissed someone let alone all the borderline soft porn you laugh at with Mandy and Martin. But regardless of how much action you were getting, alcohol and snacks were scattered across the coffee table, and you were nestled comfortably on the couch next to your friends.

The night was in full swing, and the alcohol kept flowing. The more you drank, the funnier the islanders’ antics appeared. You, Mandy, and Martin were laughing loudly, making bets on who would be kicked off next, and sipping your drinks between comments.

As the opening credits rolled for the Wednesday’s episode, Hamzah wandered into the room, his expression one of mild disdain. “I still don’t understand how you guys can watch this shit,” he remarked, folding his arms and leaning against the doorway.

“Fuck,” you thought. Maybe it was the alcohol or the grossly horny scenes you’d been watching for the past few hours, but Hamzah looked incredible. He looked so good, with his biceps straining against the fabric of his loose shirt and his hair falling casually over his warm brown eyes.

Mandy rolled her eyes playfully. “Oh, come on, Hamzah. It’s fun! Besides, you don’t have to watch it with us, you just like to complain.”

Martin grinned, tossing a piece of popcorn at Hamzah. “Yeah, man, just let us have our fun. You’re always free to join us if you want.”

Hamzah dodged the popcorn with a chuckle, shaking his head. He approached the three of you and leaned against the back of the couch, his arms looking impressively defined in the artificial blue light. You found it hard to focus on the show as you admired how good he looked. “I think I’ll pass,” he said, releasing his grip on the couch and gesturing toward the TV as he made eye contact with Martin. “This whole thing is just so… fake. Who behaves like that when they actually like someone?”

You couldn’t suppress a smile at Hamzah’s typical response. It was a long-standing joke among your group that he was the self-appointed critic of all things reality television. It made sense; the thought of Hamzah behaving like the guys on Love Island was a bit unsettling. You had never seen him with a girl before, and while Martin mentioned that Hamzah had dated in the past, none of those girls had ever made an appearance since you’d known him.

Mandy laughs at him, “You don’t even know what that’s like Hamzah, you don’t even know how to talk to women let alone have the opportunity to pull someone for a chat”

“I could, but whatever, it doesn’t matter cause this isn’t what dating is like” Hamzah criticised.

“Suit yourself,” you teased, glancing over at him. “But you’re missing out on some quality entertainment.”

Hamzah’s eyes met yours, and for a moment, you could see how warm and inviting his eyes were, his thick eyelashes, the deep brown colour. He opened his mouth to say something but seemed to think better of it, shaking his head with a smile. “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me. Enjoy your show.”

As he walked away, you felt this disappointment of him leaving. Over the months, you couldn’t deny how attracted you were to Hamzah, and maybe it was just the alcohol speaking but he looked gorgeous tonight, and every interaction with him seemed to intensify the emotions you tried so hard to keep in check.

The evening progressed with the usual mix of laughter and commentary, and the frequent refills of your drinks. Mandy and Martin were engrossed in the latest drama between the islanders, while you found your thoughts drifting back to Hamzah. You could hear him moving around in the kitchen, and the low hum of his voice as he hummed a tune. The alcohol in your system made you feel bolder, more aware of your surroundings, and undeniably drawn to Hamzah.

Eventually, a commercial break gave you an excuse to get up and stretch your legs. “I’m going to grab another drink,” you announced, making your way to the kitchen with slightly tipsy movements.

Hamzah looked up as you entered, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “Taking a break from the love triangle drama?”

“Something like that,” you replied, leaning against the counter. “I needed a breather. And maybe some real conversation as you would say.”

He chuckled, passing you a glass of water. “I can definitely offer that. How are you holding up?”

“Good, just the usual work stuff,” you said, taking a sip. “And you? How’s everything going with the channel?”

“Busy as always,” he said, running a hand through his curls. “But I love it. Keeps me distracted.”

As you watched him, you couldn’t help but notice how beautiful he looked tonight. His dark curls framed his face perfectly, and his eyes sparkling with the dim lighting making your heart warm to him more. Was it the alcohol making you see him in this romantic light, or had you always felt this way?

There was a moment of comfortable silence, the kind that often fell between you two. It was in these moments that you felt closest to him, the quiet allowing for an unspoken connection to surface.

“You know,” you began, your voice dropping to a more playful tone, “you’re missing out on all the fun out there. Maybe you should join us and see what all the fuss is about.”

Hamzah looked a little taken aback by your forwardness, his cheeks coloring slightly. “I don’t know if I’d call it fun,” he said, scratching the back of his neck nervously. “But I guess I could sit with you guys for a bit.”

You stepped closer to him, feeling emboldened by the drinks you’d had. “I think you’d enjoy it more than you think,” you said, your voice soft and teasing moving closer to Hamzah.

Hamzah’s eyes widened slightly, and he seemed at a loss for words. “Maybe… maybe I’ll give it a try,” he stammered, his usual confidence momentarily shaken by your proximity.

You smiled, taking another sip of your drink. “Good. It’s always more fun with you around, Hamzah.”

Before he could respond, the sound of Mandy calling your name from the living room broke the moment. “Come on, we’re missing the show!”

You gave Hamzah one last playful look before turning to leave. “Think about it,” you said over your shoulder as you made your way back to the couch.

As you settled back in with Mandy and Martin, you couldn’t help but glance back towards the kitchen, where Hamzah stood, looking a little dazed but undeniably intrigued. The night continued with the usual banter and laughter, but now, there was an unspoken tension between you and Hamzah.

The chatter of Mandy and Martin filled the living room as you huddled on the couch, eyes glued to the chaotic drama of Love Island. The alcohol coursing through your veins loosened your inhibitions and heightened your senses. Each moment spent watching the ridiculous antics on-screen only made you think of Hamzah, who had just slipped into the kitchen for a drink.

You couldn’t help but admire him from afar. The way his dark curls fell effortlessly around his face, the way his shirt clung to his frame just right—it was all mesmerizing. With every laugh that rang out from the room, you felt a flutter of excitement mixed with longing. It was as if the alcohol had amplified everything you felt for him, making him the most attractive person in the room.

Suddenly, Hamzah reappeared in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame. “Hey, can you come here for a second?” His voice broke through your thoughts, and you found yourself looking into his warm, inviting eyes.

“Me?” you asked, slightly surprised but undeniably intrigued. “What’s up?”

“Just something I wanted to show you,” he said, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

Your heart raced at the invitation, and you quickly excused yourself from the couch, making your way to the kitchen. As you stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted. It was just you and Hamzah, and the air was thick with unspoken tension.

“What did you want to show me?” you asked, leaning against the counter, feeling slightly tipsy but more confident by the alcohol.

Without answering, Hamzah closed the distance between you in a heartbeat. His hands found your waist as he pulled you closer, and before you could process what was happening, he leaned in and captured your lips with his. The kiss was sudden and electrifying, igniting a rush of warmth that spread through your body.

You melted against him, surprised at the intensity of his kiss and the urgency behind it. Hamzah’s lips moved against yours with a passionate hunger, his touch igniting every nerve in your body. As you responded, kissing him back, you felt your head spin, the world around you fading into nothingness. The kiss deepened, his hands roaming to the small of your back, pulling you even closer as if he never wanted to let go.

Your heart raced as you leaned into him, savoring the taste of his lips and the warmth radiating from his body. The moment felt electric, charged with all the unspoken feelings you had harbored for so long. Hamzah’s breath mingled with yours, creating a shared rhythm that left you breathless. You could feel the heat rising between you, the chemistry strong as you lost yourself in the kiss.

As the kiss continued, you tangled your fingers in his dark curls, deepening the connection, feeling every rush of adrenaline that came with it. Hamzah responded by pressing you against the counter, his body a reassuring weight against yours, grounding you in the midst of the overwhelming emotions swirling around you.

You pulled back for a moment, breathless, your foreheads resting together as you both gasped for air. The playful glint in his eyes now had a serious undertone, a depth of feeling that sent your heart racing all over again. “Wow,” he breathed, still trying to catch his breath. “I didn’t expect that.”

“Neither did I,” you admitted, feeling a giddy rush of exhilaration wash over you.

He smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear, his touch sending shivers down your spine. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.”

“Really?” you asked, your heart soaring at his confession.

“Yeah,” he said, his gaze steady and sincere. “You’re beautiful, and I’ve been wanting to tell you for a while.”

Just then, the sound of Mandy calling from the living room broke the intimate atmosphere. “Hey! What’s taking so long in there?”

You exchanged a knowing look with Hamzah, both of you unable to suppress the smiles spreading across your faces.

“Guess we should get back before they wonder if we’re plotting something,” you said, reluctantly stepping away from him.

Hamzah nodded but lingered for a moment longer, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Maybe we are,” he said teasingly, his voice low.

With one last shared smile, you turned and headed back into the living room, feeling the thrill of the kiss linger in the air. You settled back onto the couch next to Mandy and Martin, trying to focus on the screen while your heart raced with the memory of Hamzah’s lips on yours.

As he rejoined the group, Mandy immediately looked at him with a teasing grin. “What took you so long? Did you find the secret stash of snacks or something?”

Hamzah chuckled, glancing between you and your friends. “Just… got distracted,” he said, his eyes meeting yours for a brief moment, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

Martin raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing something had shifted in the air. “Distracted, huh? Doing what, exactly?” he probed, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

“Oh, you know, just talking,” Hamzah replied, his tone casual, but you could see a hint of nervousness in his demeanor.

Mandy smirked, nudging him playfully. “You two were in there long enough for a serious conversation. What happened!”

You felt your cheeks flush at the teasing, but Hamzah simply laughed it off, shrugging his shoulders. “Nothing major. Just catching up. “

As the teasing continued, you settled into the couch, the warmth of the moment still lingering between you and Hamzah. You could feel his presence beside you, the comfort of being near him made you blush. The electricity of your earlier kiss hung in the air, unspoken yet there.

In a bold move, you leaned into him, resting your head against his shoulder. To your delight, he wrapped an arm around you, pulling you in closer. The warmth radiating from him made you feel safe and cherished, and you couldn’t help but smile.

Hamzah glanced down at you, his expression softening. “You okay?” he asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Yeah,” you replied, looking up at him. “I’m really good, actually.”

He smiled back, his eyes shining with warmth. “Good,” he said softly.

As the episode of Love Island continued, you found yourself stealing glances at Hamzah, who seemed engrossed in the show. Yet, every time your eyes met, a silent understanding passed between you, you are going back to his house tonight.

[bruh-anator3000]

Another quick fix of Death and the Wolf. Honestly, I wrote this based on a headcannon* and wanting to tie in some more details to this story, but this could honestly be read separately.

Warning: Weed, chronic pain, cancer mentions, they were roomates? Omg they were roommates. Sexual suggests/comments but its all fluff, Wade trying his best and slightly ooc but thats how pain is, Logan's emotionally constipated, and can't get high. No pronouns used for reader. Written in an hour-ish

*h/c: as incredible as Deadpool is, sometimes the cancer really wears his body down. The best cure? Getting stoned.

Pairings: Wade Wilson x Logan Howlett x Reader

~~~◇◇◇~~~♡♡♡~~~◇◇◇~~~♡♡♡~~~◇◇◇~~~♡♡♡~~

It's not uncommon for you to wake up before the other two. Sleeping wasn't a strong suit of yours, and the couch bed wasn't supportive. It was weird, however, when it was just you for longer than an hour. Usually Logan would've rumbled and grumbled his way through for a morning whiskey.

It would've been something you brushed off and ignored. Let them sleep in, and possibly have the apartment to yourself, but this case didn't feel right. Setting your coffee mug aside, you quietly call for Logan and Wade as you open their bedroom door.

You peek your head in, and find an unusual scene. Logan was awake, his arm wrapped around Wade while reading some book he must've found on the floor. Wade was curled into his side, eyes squeezed shut as his chest rose and fell with huffs.

"Hey," You start softly, announcing your presence. It felt weird interrupting a moment like this, seemed very intimate, but Logan didn't shoot out of bed and start cussing, so maybe it wasn't as inappropriate as you guessed. "Everything okay?"

Logan glanced over, shaking his head. He cleared his throat, planning to explain. Wade beat him to it.

"He pegged me so hard last night," Wade chuckled, wincing slightly. He sounded out of breath. And he wasn't turning around to give you vivid detail of such a night - like he would anytime he had sex.

"His pain's flaring again." Logan rolled his eyes. His hand wrapped around his shoulders gently pats his side.

"Am not." Wade quickly covers, but you've decided Logan was the truthful one a long time ago. "I'm always in pain, I eat pain for breakfast. I don't..."

He tried to roll onto his back to prove his independence. To show off that he was stronger than whatever his body was going through. The second he pulls away from Logan to demonstrate such, he's crying out with a short but loud groan.

The guttural shout made you wince. This has happened before. Wade will never admit it, but his body is his number one enemy. He thought he could laugh this off and pretend nothing was happening, but when your body is at constant war with cancer, you're going to feel it. Invincible as he may be, not even a man like him could escape the chronic pain.

"I'm not in pain." Hoarsely, he whispered. Logan propped himself up by the elbow, holding his chin. Watching this argument crumble into dust.

"So... you don't want to get high?" Sweetening the honey pot, you carefully step into their room and start searching Wade's bedside table.

"I never said that." He slowly, stiffly turns to watch you.

"I guess I'll get stoned by myself." Finding the collector's Wolverine lighter he bought as a joke, you set it aside and keep looking for his stash.

Logan snorts, watching Wade pout. He gets out of bed next. His plain tank and sweatpants fit comfortably around his frame. He walks around the bed and joins your side.

"Check the bottom drawer, under the panel." The grump suggests as he scoots the covers off of Wade, revealing his unicorn printed sleepwear. You do as he says, pulling the bottom of the drawer up. A small mesh bag of maybe four joints sit there. You'll have to get him more soon.

"Up, up," Logan slides his arms under the poor man's stiff body. One supporting his back, the other beneath his knees. Lifting him out of bed like a pretty princess.

"Oh yes," Wade rests his head on his chest. Really mushing his face into Logan's pecs. "Hold me tighter, you big old man!"

"I will drop you." Logan threatens, with no real intention of doing such. The idea alone makes Wade whimper and shut up.

He must be in a lot of pain.

Grabbing the sack of joints, you follow the two. Thankfully, due to your fantastic sleepy skills, you didn't fold the couch back up. Any other day, Wade would've been frustrated and Logan probably would've yelled because he stubbed his toe on the damn thing. But today, it was perfect.

You help Logan situate Wade, placing all your pillows and then some behind him to assist him sitting up. Logan lights a joint, not without smirking at the novelty Wolverine lighter. 'Cheap gimmick,' he would mutter.

"Can we watch Gossip Girl?" Wade leans into your side, his scarred face looking redder than usual. He was really in for it, crazy inflammation.

"You can't get a woody, though." You warn, grabbing the remote and flicking on the TV. "You need to relax."

You search through the recently watched playlist, the scent of weed building. Logan takes the first hit. He always insisted he did. 100 something years in smoking, he knew how to 'start a joint properly.' As if that was a real concern to either of you.

Wade shifts over slightly, turning his head to Logan. Smiling while Logan sighs, shaking his head before doing Wade's favorite party trick. Taking in a lungful and a half, he blows it all out through his nose, smoke curling up and wisping at his side burns.

It made him look like a feral beast. Breathing so hot, he was huffing out smoke. Like a sexy dragon. Wade loved it. Logan only did it because Wade loved it.

"You sexy minx," He puckers his lips, waiting for his hit. "My turn!" Logan chuckles and holds the end of the blunt to Wade's lips for him. Encouraging him with a soft 'there you go,' as Wade filled his lungs as much as he could. He wanted to be so stoned, he forgot what the word 'pain' even looked like.

Finally, it's passed to you. Plucking it from Wade's lips, you take a small hit. You weren't trying to speed run the high. The apartment quickly filled up with smoke and the scent of marijuana. It didn't stop until Wade was red eyed and pretty much passed out on your shoulder. You were out a long time ago, anyways.

Logan was the only sober one left. Unfortunate. He wanted to get stoned, but his system would need at least 200 edibles for him to feel something. He kept his arm around Wade, his hand on your shoulder.

Sighing with a hint of relief. He had been worried all morning. It wasn't normal to wake up to a silent Wade Wilson. Wasn't normal to see him crying first thing in the morning. He was in pain, and Logan didn't know how to fix it. And that killed him.

He hated when either of you were hurting, emotionally or physically. He couldn't help. He could bandage any wound but he wouldn't be any calmer. There were several days where he wished to just share a part of his healing factor with you. Days like these, he wanted to somehow absorb Wade's pain. He could handle it. Nearly 200 years of living, he would put up with the pain because he thought he actually deserved it.

Wade may be a talking dick, but he didn't deserve this. He was a kid. You both were kids to Logan. Everyone was to Logan. Young, dumb, broke,

"High school kids," Wade mutters a tune, finishing Logan's thoughts somehow. Execpt he knew you two were older than college students. The high school bit seemed out of place.

"Go back to sleep, Wade." Logan rumbles, deep in his chest. Pulling him closer, and taking you with him. Gossip Girl played quietly, but he didn't care.

He had you and Wade piled onto his side. That's all he needed.

[fujoshirat]

+Strawberry Magic! ♡ 30 Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!♡+

Chapter 1: A New Power?

Summary: When virgin Pro Hero Shouto turns 30, he gains the magical ability to read the minds of people that he touches. After finding out that his personal assistant has a crush on him, everything changes and Shouto finds himself lost in the stressful game called love.

Pairing: Todoroki Shouto x Reader

Warnings: aged up characters, mention of virginity (at the end), this entire fic is and will be written in Shouto's POV! It is nevertheless a self-insert reader fic, but just a little warning that Shouto may act a little OOC :)

There is definitely something wrong with him today. Shouto does not know what, but there is something off about him. Maybe it's the fact that he has finally turned 30.

But what's so special about 30? It's just a year older than 29. Maybe it's the coffee.

Yup.

Definitely the coffee.

♡ Two hours ago ♡

"Surprise!!" Confetti and streamers fill the room. All of the agency employees, from heroes to the janitor, are clapping and cheering. With an expression of shock mixed with bewilderment, Shouto blinks, not expecting the pleasant surprise. His assistant, Y/N, walks up to him. Adorned with a big smile on her face, she holds up a bouquet of pink lilies and tulips, as well as Shouto's usual coffee order. There is also a silver gift bag hanging by her elbow.

"Happy birthday, Todoroki-san! Each one of us pitched in to buy these flowers for you, and we also brought individual gifts." Shouto reaches out to take the gifts and coffee. "Ah, thank you."

Then, it happened.

'Oh, I'm so happy for Todoroki-san! He looks so pleased! I hope he likes my gift!!!'

Shouto's eyes widen slightly, and he ends up masking his embarrassment with a cough. "Thank you again, L/N-san, for the gift." Before Y/N could respond, however, his other employees swarm him with their gifts, whirling him away from her. Kirishima swings an arm around his employer and former high school classmate, congratulating him on turning 30.

"Hey! Congrats man! Here's your gift!"

'Todoroki-san is so manly! I hope he enjoys the gift I got him!'

His one of his student interns from his alma mater, Mitsuru, places a neatly wrapped cupcake in Shouto's hand. "Sensei! This is for you! Happy birthday and thank you for choosing me to intern here!"

'Oh! Pro hero Shouto is so cool!! I can't believe this! I hope he enjoys the cupcake I made!'

Shouto gives the student an approving nod. "Thank you, Mitsuru." As he is given gifts from everyone, he can't help but look down at his hands in confusion.

'What was that?'

♡ Real Time ♡

Looking at the coffee, Shouto groans and shakes his head. 'No, it can't be the coffee. I drink it every day and this has never happened before.' His gaze flickers to the large pile of gifts from his employees. He reaches for the closest one, the silver gift bag he recognized to be from Y/N. Opening it up, he finds a box of chocolate-covered strawberries and his favorite brand of strawberry milk. Shouto puts it all back in the bag and starts opening the rest of the gifts.

Halfway through the third gift bag, there is a knock on his office door.

"Come in."

Y/N enters the room with a folder and boxes in her arms. Smiling cheerfully as always, she speaks up.

"Hello Todoroki-san! I'm here to drop off the reports completed by your interns about patrol with you yesterday. Where would you like me to put these?" Shouto gestures to an empty spot on his desk.

"You can put them there." He curiously eyes the two boxes in her hands.

"What are those?"

"They're special birthday packages from pro heroes Deku and Dynamight." A soft smile forms on Shouto's face. Of course his friends would give him birthday gifts.

"Ah, thank you for bringing them to me." He reaches out to hold them, not expecting to hear Y/N's voice in his mind again.

'Oh! He opened my gift already! I hope he likes it! I wonder, did he notice my hair? I woke up early to curl it. Oh-'

"L/N-san, your hair looks nice."

Y/N looks at him and blinks her eyes. The voice in Shouto's head trails off. "I... thank you, Todoroki-san!"

'Oh good lord! He complimented me!! How did he know I put in the effort?! Ah, I'm so happy!'

She lets go of the packages and bows. "Todoroki-san, you have no scheduled meetings today. All of the reports that you need to sign are in the blue folder underneath the interns' reports. I hope you enjoy your birthday!"

"Thank you, L/N-san. Please give the interns my thanks for completing their reports."

After his assistant closes the door to his office, Shouto bites his lip nervously.

'Crap. I forgot that I was reading her mind... Did I expose myself?'

...

After exiting the elevator, the pitter patter of rain fills Shouto's ears. He walks towards the main exit of the hero agency building, where he sees two of his employees chatting. Kirishima groans.

"Aw man, the weather didn't mention rain!" Kei, one of his fellow hero coworkers, laughs heartily. "January rain is much better than having prolonged snowfall though! Kirishima-san, I have an extra umbrella. Would you like it?" "Really? Thanks man! This downpour is crazy!"

The two of them notice Shouto and wave.

"Boss! We're heading out now!" Shouto nods. "Of course, thanks for your hard work and for the gifts."

Both men smile and run out into the downpour.

Click. Clack. Click. Clack.

The familiar sound of Y/N's heels fill the room. She gasps.

"Rain? Are you serious!?" Shouto hears his assistant let out a soft huff, so he turns around.

"L/N-san, will you be clocking out now?" The shorter woman nods. "Yes, but I'll have to wait here for a bit until the rain stops." A sheepish laugh escapes her lips. "I didn't realize that it was going to rain, so I forgot my umbrella."

Not long after she says that, Shouto takes his umbrella from the umbrella rack.

"You take the subway, right? Why don't I escort you there?"

Y/N gasps and shakes her head. "It's okay, sir! You don't have to! Besides, I need to stop by the bookstore for a bit, and I really couldn't trouble y-" "No, it's quite alright. I insist."

Grabbing her hand, Shouto leads Y/N outside under the umbrella before she can resist. "I- alright, thank you very much, Todoroki-san."

The short contact between his hand and hers teaches Shouto something he never knew about before.

'Oh god, I like him so much.'

...

The bookstore is only a few minutes away from Shouto's agency, and soon, they reached the shop. Though the exterior was quite small, there was an awning where two other people were waiting under until the rain settled down. Closing up his umbrella, he turns to Y/N.

"I'll wait out here. Take your time, okay?"

She nods with a smile.

"Alright, thank you again, sir!"

As Shouto waits for Y/N to finish shopping, a poster on the window of the bookstore catches his eye. Inspecting it closer, it seems to be an anime adaptation promotion for a popular manga series.

However, as he reads the sign, Shouto's eyes widen and his jaw drops to the floor.

'No way... I can read minds because I'm a...!?!'

'Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! will now be getting its own anime adaptation!!'

A/N: omg omg omg! My first fic! That's the end of chapter 1, and words cannot express the elation I'm feeling! I really hope you enjoy this little indulgence of mine >w< Chapter 2 is in the works already, and so I'll try to get it out as quick as I can! Thanks for everyone showing interest so far :]

~entire fic and notes written by me: fujoshirat!

[l0velynalani]

"𝙰𝙽𝙶𝙴𝙻 𝙾𝙵 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝙶𝙴"

summary:Your a famous singer who met a drunk Chuuya at a bar you two make conversation and exchange numbers a day later he calls you and arranges a date at a cafe to which he regonizes you as the famous singer you are when your song plays on the radio.

pairings: Chuuya x famous singer!reader

Warnings:Alchol mentioned,mild swearing,slight OOC

Y/N-your name | L/N-last name | S/N- Stage name

^^he's so adorable (✿˵•́ ᴗ •̀˵) 

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

I like to imagine Chuuya met you not knowing you were a singer cause he doesn't care whether you can sing or not he just likes YOU

But in order for him to not recognize you he’d probably be drunk or at a bar when he gets your number and starts talking to you before he slowly but surely realises you look a bit too familiar not like a “do I know you?” but as in “have I seen you somewhere?” (IFYKYK)

So when you two meet up at your usual bar and YOUR SONG starts playing on the radio he’ll be confused as to why your embarrassed

Also yk how most signers have a stage name? (Ex.doja cat,megan thee stallion,nicki manji etc) I like to imagine he realises and is so impressed by your hidden (not so much..) talent!

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

It was around 11pm on a friday when you opened the door to a dimly lit bar where a redhead who looks like he's had one too many,but then again you came to drink too not to judge.

Sitting down at the poseur table beside him you flag down the bartender and order a shot gaining (drunk) Chuuyas attention “woahh you don't look like a drinker~?” his speech is slurred due to the alcohol but you can't help but find it adorable.”you come here often?” you question him as he laughs he was an oddball when he was drunk “nah I'm a busy man with busy stuff to do. Name’s Chuuya Nakahara and you aree-?”

You chuckle as you cut him off “names Y/n L/n I like your fedora reminds me of a video game character” you compliment him but he doesn't quite get it “you think my hat looks fake?!” he's appalled (it's not that deep Chuuya) you wave your arms out in an attempt to defend yourself “WHAT NO? I just meant your hat looks cool” you get defensive trying to explain yourself as you hear faint giggles “well thank you” again I repeat Chuuya is NOT Chuuya when he's drunk.

Eventually, your small talk turns into conversation which blooms into laughs and giggles which then transforms into exchanging numbers.Unfortunately, it's cut short when one of the port mafia limos come to pick him up “I really like you Nakahara,call me when you're sober if you want. We can arrange a date so I can get to know you more.” you say walking with him towards the car door “I’ve got your number I’ll make sure to call.” he winks at you before getting in the backseat of the limo and driving off.

About a day later around 4pm you're on a walk in a park, gold rays falling on your E/C pools as your hair gets caught in the wind. Your thoughts zoned out anywhere but in your head but you’re soon snapped out of it to a ringing phone, it was your phone. “Hello” you speak to the other line, stopping to sit at a park bench “It’s Chuuya, you still down for that date?” he can hear you giggling from his pov “alright pretty boy,where do you wanna go?” you decide to entertain this “meet me at a cafe at 8pm i'll send you the location,Oh and it's all on me you don't need to bring any money” then he hung up ,kinda mysterious???

Once you're finally ready you go outside and walk up the sidewalk to the cafe where Chuuya is already waiting “hey gorgeous ready for our date?” He says smirking like he just won an award.He opens the door for you as the familiar smell of coffee and baked goods flood your senses,it's warm, you already like the location choice as Chuuya makes it better by pulling your chair for you to sit down.Once you two get to chatting a familiar sound reaches your ear playing from the radio,its a song,It’s YOUR song.The read on your cheeks made it obvious you were somewhat embarrassed as soon as the song played which brung Chuuyas banter to a halt trying to find out what was wrong with you. Did you not like the food? Or..did you not like him “Hey..so uh you like the music it's from my favourite artist S/N..hah-” he gets nervous his insecurities taking over.”Oh yeah just kinda awkward hearing a song I sang” hes dumbfounded “what.?” it takes him a few minutes of brief silence before realising “WAIT A FUCKING SECOND.. YOU’R S/N????”

Lets just say you became more than just his favourite artist that day.

[espballs]

It's Never Just Coffee

Chapter 1 - I Saw You Paint The Sun

♡ Summary: The Mean Bean gets a new alien barista! And Shadow wants to learn more about the other hedgehog in Green Hills

♡ Note: Canon divergent, technically takes place at the start of Sonic 2 but Knuckles left Eggman and became bros with Sonic. Shadow got released by Commander Walters. Gerald died. Shadow doesn't want to destroy the world cuz Eggman and Gerald aren't there. Characters may be ooc because of altered events

♡ Cross posted on AO3

“Ma’am this is The Mean Bean… There are no Unicorn Frappuccinos here...”

The little girl on the other side of the counter frowned. “Then can you give me something pink?” She asked quietly, instantly perking up with a new idea. “Oh! And add a little unicorn horn to it too! With sprinkles, powder, and drizzle!”

Shadow recoiled out of sheer disgust. How could anyone drink something like that when coffee beans existed?

Shadow sighed and softened his gaze. He looked down at the little girl. “I can’t make that, but what I can make you is a hot chocolate with lots of whipped cream”

The girl brightened up again and slammed a ten dollar bill onto the counter. “YES! Make me that!” she screamed.

Shadow recoiled so fast he almost fell off of his stepping stool. But he took her money and entered it into the cash register and handed the girl her change before hopping off his stool.

His ears flicked when she let out a squeal of excitement. The little girl quickly rushed out the way for Stone to take care of the next customer. 

Shadow moved with precision every time he made a drink. Cold milk from the jug poured carefully into the pitcher. Pitcher under the steam nozzle, where it’d let out a small hiss and the milk began to bubble as the temperature rose.

Shadow tended to think while it heated up.

Shadow hadn’t been working at Coffee shop for long, today was his second day and he was already considering quitting. It had been two weeks since his sudden release from G.U.N.

But Shadow knew he was definitely being monitored—if the band on his left wrist was anything to go by.  

Milk swirling with cocoa powder always drew Shadow back in. The rich scent it released was one Shadow had grown accustomed to in the past week. It brought him back to her.

Pouring the mixture into the ceramic mug. Shadow wondered why they let him out, and why now. Fifty years of pain and they let him go despite the fact he might try and take revenge on them for killing her?

He circled the whipped cream around till it began to build up into a tall mountain of white. Shadow stepped back to momentarily admire it before he stuck a peppermint stick in the center.

Shadow placed the hot chocolate in front of the girl with a soft exhale, not realizing he’d been holding his breath until the moment passed. He glanced up and saw the little girl’s eyes light up as she admired her drink.

“Thank you,” She quickly said before she grabbed the mug and chugged her drink.

Perhaps it was the little girl's youth, her blonde hair, or even her blue coat that somehow reminded Shadow of Maria.

Perhaps it was odd of him to be reminded of her every time he saw a blonde, whenever he looked at the color blue, or whenever he saw someone as youthful as she was when she died.

Maria was a constant thought in his brain ever since his release. The pain of her loss felt like too much to bear at times

Shadow just shook his head and turned back to his work. 

“You alright Shadow?” Stone asked, standing by the front counter.

Shadow didn’t respond at first. He tried to steady his mind many times without success, he worried it was beginning to become a distraction. Would Stone get rid of him for it?  

“Y’know… if you’re feeling sick I can get Brayden to cover your shift.” Stone whispered.

Brayden was the only other employee of The Mean Bean. He worked there before Stone owned it. But Brayden was the only employee that Stone didn’t fire after he took over. (after he accused the previous owner of money laundering and got her locked up)

Shadow quickly shook his head. “I’m fine.”

Stone sighed, showing his dissatisfaction at Shadow’s response. Stone shuffled his feet, glancing around the shop. “You know, you could talk about it, if you wanted to." Stone tried to be subtle about his suggestion. Stone failed.

Shadow shot him a glance, his gaze narrowing into a glare and he felt like throwing Stone out the window. Shadow refrained from doing so since Stone had taken him in and given him a job. "I'm not here for therapy.”

“I get it. I do,” Stone held up his hands in a mock surrender and backed away from Shadow. "I don’t know what you're thinking about, or if anything at all." Shadow really wanted to just walk away. “But you’ve got a fresh start, kid. Even if it feels like you’re passing or wasting time, this is a chance to get away from whatever put you in that alleyway”

What put Shadow in that alleyway was the rain. Shadow had been hiding in a trash bin to cover from the night when Stone found him.

So technically that made no sense.

But Stone constantly drew his ex that disappeared off the planet on customer's coffee’s everyday and cried about how much he missed the guy so he never made any sense. Shadow was pretty sure Stone was going insane too…

“...Okay?” Shadow had no idea what to say to any of that.

Stone just nodded awkwardly and took a step back, still staring at Shadow. “Okay… okay” He kept staring at the hedgehog till the bell at the door rang and a customer walked in.

Weirdo.

“Oh, fuck” Stone sighed.

Now Shadow just had to turn and see what customer managed to make Stone curse with their mere presence. Either to thank them for helping him escape the awkward conversation or give them a kick to the face.

“What's up, Stone!”

Shadow would be annoyed too if someone walked in with that much energy at 11:23 in the morning. But he would be annoyed if anyone came in with that much energy at any time so who was he to be talking?

“Wade,” Stone greeted through gritted teeth, putting a smile on his face.

Wade Whipple was apparently a regular at The Mean Bean, much to Stone’s dismay. Shadow wondered if he would end up having to suffer the same fate as Stone: Having to serve Wade Whipple a coffee with copious amounts of sugar.

Stone had given Shadow an entire tutorial on how to make Wade’s concerning order without killing the man or dissatisfying him on his first day.

Wade walked up to the counter with a blindingly bright smile on his face. “Got an important case to solve today!” he announced proudly. Now that interested Shadow. As far as he knew, Green Hills was a quiet town with little to no crime at all.

“Three donuts went missing from my desk this morning!” Oh , way to disappoint! 

This was obviously not worth Shadow’s time. The espresso machine was in need of cleaning, and much more worthy of his time.

Stone forced a smile, he forced it so much you could tell he was forcing it. “Let me guess. Large coffee, and a ton of extra sugar?”

Wade obviously didn’t notice. “You know it!” Wade smiled so much it was starting to concern Shadow. “Oh, and throw in one of those muffins! I’ve been craving one since Friday” It was Tuesday… Why didn’t he just go to the store? Were the Mean Bean’s pastries that good?

Stone barely had time to start Wade’s coffee order before the doorbell chimed again. Shadow was gonna have to serve that customer… he crossed his fingers and prayed they wouldn’t be as energetic as Wade.

“Morning, Wade!” the man greeted, his tone casual as he approached the counter.

Well he technically wasn’t as bad!

The sigh Stone let out told Shadow that the guy definitely was.

Shadow wondered if quitting on the spot would be rude. He decided it probably was and turned around.

A man in a sheriff uniform walked up to the counter and stood besides Wade. The name ‘Wachowksi’ was on the right side of his uniform. He looked normal, not that interesting, and the soft smile on his face looked normal compared to Wade. He didn't look like a strict cop, but he wasn't as sunshine and rainbows as Wade.

“Ah! Tom! I’ve got a case for you!” Shadow desperately hoped it would be more interesting. “Donuts! Three stolen right off my desk!” Goddamnit.

"You sure it wasn't you that ate them-"

Shadow hopped up onto his stepping stool and waited for the two to finish talking. “Oooo! Another alien hedgehog!” Wade whispered.

… Another?

Shadow resisted the urge to tilt his head and ask about that. But instead, he looked Tom dead in the eye and asked, “What would you like to order?”

To say the sheriff was dumbfounded was an understatement.

Tom just blinked at him for a few moments before he shook his head. His mouth hung open for a moment before he spoke. “Oh, uhm… just coffee, black” He said before quickly going back to staring at Shadow and recovered just as quick. “Thanks”

Shadow nodded before hopping off the stool.

“He looks like Sonic, but dark and edgy with gay highlights...” Wade failed to whisper quietly. “You think he knows him?”

Sonic must be the other hedgehog!

“Isn’t it wrong to think all alien hedgehogs know each other?”  

Shadow really wanted to laugh, but I’d reveal he was eavesdropping on their conversation. 

“I mean… aliens coming here is basically normal after Tails and Knuckles dropped by.” Tom laughed quietly. 

So there are other aliens on the planet besides me and Sonic!

“Right, right, right” Wade nodded in understanding, bowing his head slightly before quickly bouncing back. “He’s all dark and broody though, nothing like Sonic… bet they'd be best friends!” 

Shadow did not like where that was going.

“You should bring Sonic here! I bet he’d explode just seeing another hedgehog around!” 

Tom chuckled lightly. “I don’t think Sonic needs any more explosions in his life. And knowing him, he’d probably run around the room and talk a mile to the guy.”

Wade clasped his hands together as if the idea thrilled him. “Exactly! Imagine how happy he’d be! Sonic’s like your son dude! You should want him to have friends he relates to! It’d be so good for him!” 

Shadow wanted to think something mean about that, but he was starting to wonder if it’d be good for him too.

Stone handed Wade his coffee and muffin. “Will that be all today?”

“Oh, yeah! Thanks!” Wade was smiling brightly again before he turned back to Tom. “Just saying! I think their friendship would be mind blowing dude!”

Tom just nodded along. “Yeah, yeah”

Shadow saw the opportunity to step back onto his stool and slide Tom’s coffee over to him. 

“Shouldn’t you get back to working on your… donut case?” Tom asked. Is he trying to get rid of Wade?

Wade’s eyes widened and his mouth fell open. “Oh crap! I totally forgot about that.” Wade rushed out the door. Shadow was kind of sad to see him go since now he wouldn’t be able to find out much about that other hedgehog.

“So… new to Green Hills?”

Shadow looked up at Tom. “Yes” he said in the most monotone voice he could muster. Shadow was fighting the urge to ask a million questions about the man's alien hedgehog son.

“Don’t know if you heard, but my kid, Sonic—” Tom cut off mid-sentence when he looked back and Shadow’s pupils dilated in what was probably excitement, his tail wagging behind him. “...Sonic, he’s also a hedgehog, not from earth… and he's... blue”

“I’ve heard.” Shadow replied, trying to sound monotone and bored but the slight tightness in his voice betrayed his interest. Shadow hadn’t heard anything about the hedgehog before, but the idea of him was enough to have Shadow captivated.

Tom smiled at him. “Well, nice to meet you! I gotta head back to the station now!” Tom took his coffee and left.

Shadow only watched him leave.

“What do you know about Sonic?”

Stone blinked, rubbing his eyes tiredly. “The Hedgehog?” He asked, even though there was no one else Shadow would be asking about.

Shadow nodded up at him, now that they were in the privacy of Stone’s apartment. Shadow wasted no time in getting to the point, as soon as the door shut it was time to interrogate Stone.

“He’s… a hedgehog” Shadow, ever patient and kind, resisted the violent urge to punch Stone to the moon. “Uhm… he’s fast, like stupidly fast” Shadow ran to his bedroom and rushed back with a notebook and pencil in hand to write that down. 

Stone gave him a funny look, so Shadow glared at him to continue. “Uhm… He never shuts up, he’s ridiculously optimistic, annoyingly energetic…”

Shadow nodded along as he frantically scribbled the words down. He muttered to himself as he wrote, “Talkative…. Optimistic… energetic…”

Stone laughed. “Is he not your type?”

Shadow ignored the comment and watched Stone as he sat down on the couch. “Tell me more about him” Shadow didn’t demand it this time, his voice softer and his tone sounded almost pleading .

Well Stone couldn’t say no to him now… 

“He lives with The Wachowski’s, Tom and his wife, Maddie” Stone began, holding up two fingers to count. “Then there's Tails, he’s a yellow alien fox with two tails, he makes gadgets and stuff”

Shadow continued to nod and mutter. “Residence: Wachowski household. Family: Tom, Maddie, Tails” he looked back up at Stone to continue.

Stone momentarily wondered if he should be concerned but decided this was totally normal. “Then there’s Knuckles, believe it or not the guy came to Earth to kill him! But Sonic forgave him! Now he’s part of the family!”

Shadow froze in his scribbling, mind bouncing back and forth between wondering how Sonic could be so forgiving and how anyone would ever want to kill him?

Did Sonic have some super secret super dark backstory?

Shadow wrote that theory down in an instant.

“You know, for someone who pretends to be all disinterested… You’re really into this.”

Shadow shot him a glare but didn’t deny it, because he was very interested. “Is there anything else I should know about?”

Stone scratched his chin and went quiet to go deep into his thoughts. Shadow held his breath as he slowly leaned in closer to hear what the man would say.

“He’s like a hero to the people of Green Hills,” Shadow wasted no time in writing that down. “He helps the people here out of the good of his heart, just to be a hero… y’know?” 

“A hero… selfless… kind…” Shadow muttered.

“He, Knuckles, and Tails are kind of like a team now, they work with G.U.N to keep the world safe.” Shadow was quickly alarmed by that. “Not for them, but with them, they’re not assets or anything.”

Shadow wrote that down.

Shadow looked back up at Stone, that same hopeful glint in his eyes. Shadow was smiling.

It made Stone want to smile so bad. When he first met Shadow, he was like a dirty stray cat, out in the back alley of the Mean Bean hiding in trash cans. Maybe helping Shadow learn more about Sonic wouldn’t be so bad considering it made him smile. 

There was a childlike gleam in his eyes when he smiled.

Gosh Stone was really starting to get attached

Stone shifted in his seat and looked at Shadow, that familiar teasing glint back in his eyes. "I didn't know you were such a fan of Sonic, is he your new hero?"

Shadow's face flushed slightly, caught completely off guard by the teasing, but he kept his cool, trying to brush off the question. "I wouldn’t say that..." he muttered, eyes darting around. He hated to admit how much he was beginning to care about someone he didn’t even know.

Stone smiled at him, because he knew exactly what Shadow was feeling. “He’s interested in meeting new people, especially people like him. As soon as Tom opens his mouth about you he’ll be running to say hi.”

Shadow’s eyes widened. “Why didn’t you say that?!” He yelled, frantically flipping pages and writing notes at top speed. “What am I supposed to say to him if he shows up! I need to prepare! What if he shows up Tomorrow? I need to brush my quills! Do you know his favorite food? Maybe I should make him some food as a... friendship gift! Yeah that, now do I decorate the Mean Bean for his arrival...” Stone tuned out at that because he was not looking forward to any other ideas Shadow might have.

Stone was beginning to wonder if Shadow was a teenage girl in disguise.

Note: Only posting this on tumblr in-case ppl from ao3 like it here more... also cuz I wanna post updates n funny shit

[banquetwriter]

୨୧ stupid expensive couch ୨୧

pairing: rookie!Leon Kennedy ♡︎fem + AFAB!Reader

warnings: ୭̥⋆*｡, not proof read, smut, feeling of abandonment, implied non aftercare, crying after sex (lol), just so much smut lmg

summary: ʚ after hooking up with your best friend once, you two have to finally admit your feelings ɞ

words: 5019

AN: This is a very OOC representation of rookie leon just leave me alone <3, HEAVILY inspired by this audio :>also consent is not specifically asked for in this fic however it’s implied reader and leon have hooked up before and consent and boundaries were set then, neither party was taken advantage of!!

⤾·˚ ༘ ◡̈ ⤾·˚ ༘ ◡̈

“Leon, why aren’t you eating more of your going-away cake?” you mumble through the sheer fullness you felt. Leon's face flushed red from the alcohol, he shakes his head furiously “You can’t keep feeding me this stuff! It has so much sugar in it I swear!” Leon commented pointing to it. “What? Scared you're gonna get fat and they're gonna turn you away at the door? You have to be fit to be a policeman you know.” you mumble, taking yet another sip of your drink. The alcohol seemingly scratches your throat on the way down. “Mmm fuck.” you mumble setting your drink down. 

Leon gives you a fake and dramatic scoff, “I'm not gonna get fat from some horrible “cheese-cake” he mumbles with air quotes. “Hey, what's with the quotes?” you ask, biting your lip slightly and tracing the rim of your glass. “This isn’t cheesecake, y/n! It’s just candy!” he tells you leaning back on your couch. 

Ugh, the couch, your boyfriend- well… ex-boyfriend bought it. It was always the same with you, going after guys who never usually meant much to you. It’s not like you wanted to use them, you just wanted to fall in love! In love with anybody else except for Leon, your best friend in the whole wide world. 

Your best friend was moving to fucking Racoon City for fucks sake. “Whatever Leon, how are you feeling?” you ask through a small giggle, tilting your head to the side. Leon looks up at you, his eyes slowly filling with thoughts. That's always something you have known about him, as expressionless as his face tends to be; you can always see in his eyes what's wrong. Your eye contact only holds for a moment before he looks down at the base of your coffee table. 

He lets out a deep sigh before looking up again, this time not at you. You could see it, he was searching for words. “I'm nervous I mean, they tell me to stay away from the place the week I'm about to start? What does that mean? I’ve already looked it up but I can't find anything online about it.” he rambles, standing up. 

The alcohol must have hit him… you let out a small giggle. “I meant the drinks, Leon,” you say eyes following his pacing. “Oh… well fine then. I’m barely even buzzed,” he says walking back over to the couch and sitting down. You smile looking down, Leon lets out a borderline pornographic moan as he lays back on the couch. “My god Leon!” you exclaim looking at him. 

He lets out a toothy grin, “Hey this couch is very comfortable… are you still paying this thing off?” He asks, sitting back up again, reaching for his drink. You open your mouth to tell him that you did not pay a penny for it and instead your ex-’boyfriend’ bought it for you because he was *going* to move in before you broke up with him. 

Leon doesn’t let you get a word out though, he moves the cup down from his lips and swallows. “Oh wait I forgot your boyfriend bought it for you heh, you little couch princess,” he mumbles the last part into the cup before drinking again. Ah Leon, ever the flirt. “No Leon I didn’t pay for the couch and me and *him* broke up,” you say avoiding his eyes and taking a swig yourself. This was not going to be an easy conversation. 

“Oh..” Leon's voice was quiet as he looked down at the table. No matter how drunk or unexpressive he may be, it was clear to you the disappointment and regret on his face. Your stomach suddenly swirled, maybe you shouldn't have eaten so much of that cheesecake and then used it to soak up alcohol. You quickly set the glass down nervously rubbing your sides. 

“I’m sorry I didn’t know.” He mumbles, gesturing with his hands. “It’s ok Leon, honestly it's been a few months,” you confess, looking at him. You can feel a small anger bubble in him. “Fuck really? You wanna talk about it?” he asks scooting ever so closely. Your heart falls as he shifts forwards. Fuck you thought, booze was liquid confidence. You were feeling very confident, just dizzy. 

“No, not really,” you mumble feeling the heat from his body. He was so warm… I mean in a heated apartment in jeans and a sweatshirt… plus he was probably drunk right now. “You care, Leon?” you ask, a small amount of surprise seeps up through your throat and into your words. His eyebrows furrow. “Yes of course I fucking care. I mean it makes sense you two broke up I mean fuck it's getting pretty late, there are drinks and well he isn’t here you know? I wouldn't be comfortable letting you go have drinks with another guy late at night if we were dating.” he says, moving his elbows to his mid-thighs and using his hands to talk. 

He doesn’t seem to know what he is saying. You two dating, god it sounds like a bad nightmare being desperately in love with your best friend and him joking about dating you. You're not sure what to say, your mouth is drying up. “You couldn't have told me this when we called the other week?” he asks, getting loud. Fuck, no not the calls. The calls you two would spend together with each other for hours, desperately flirting with him even when you were ‘dating’ someone. 

Again you go to open your mouth but just like on the calls you can’t bring yourself to say anything, it would ruin it all. “I knew you weren’t doing in a good place but fuck y/n you don’t tell me anything anymore. I know what you said ok, about us being different after we did what we did but I thought we were still best friends!” he rambles, his alcohol fueling his anger. A raging fire that's been there for some time. 

‘After we did what we did’ are words you never wanted to hear tonight. It hadn't been your fault entirely; it takes two people to tango. But taking your best friend's virginity and then leaving before he even fell asleep after… you felt sick. You hadn't meant for it to happen, you didn’t want it to go down the way it did. You were barely giving him anything as he is near crying from happiness… The L bomb nearly slipped out. 

The memories from that night flooding back to you. Your drunk brain is finally losing the internal battle you fought with yourself. Finally pulling him in for a kiss. Telling him that it would change us. It didn’t seem to matter to him though. It was disappointing, for both of you… You only had the guts to go so far before you backed out.

Jerking him off then telling him you couldn't deal with anymore that night, letting him lay down, and then leaving him in that stupid hotel. You swallowed thickly being brought back to the present. A not-so-innocent Leon looking back at you. “Leon I-” you finally started your voice shaky, “No don’t ‘Leon’ me! Why don’t you tell me anything anymore? For Christ's sake, I didn’t even know you had broken up with your boyfriend. I know that dress y/n… when you get sad you buy things, for yourself or your apartment. If you bought something new you would have worn it tonight, for me but you didn’t. You’re wearing that fucking dress…” he points to you, you look down really it wasn’t anything bold. Very simple in fact. Just a tight black dress with a red streak on the side.

Your face heated up. God, he knew you so well. “I knew something was wrong because I saw all your new apartment decorations y/n, I saw them on the call ok? You would never normally buy this shit. I knew you were struggling and I couldn't bear to ask you if you were ok because I already knew the answer to that question. If I had asked you that question,” he leaned in forward. His breath was laced with sweets and liquor… “You would have lied and told me you were doing fine,” he says almost out of breath.

You were out of words watching him, he had stepped back now going back to his pacing. You bit your lip looking at him, he was waiting for you, To say something, anything you supposed. You couldn't keep disappointing him. “It’s always been the same for me, Leon! What else do you want to hear?” you question trying to ignore the sadness weighing on your chest. 

“Please talk to me y/n! You never talk anymore, you never tell me anything and it makes me wonder…” he starts and you can almost see tears in his eyes. “Wonder?” you ask. “Yes y/n wonder, do you ever talk about me anymore? I know we aren’t in school anymore but you still talk to people from school I know you do!” he almost shouts. God why? Why did he have to know you so well>

“Do you ever mention my name? Does anyone else mention my name? Ask how I am. What do you say y/n? Do you say ‘Oh Leon is doing great he is gonna be a cop!’ Is that what you say knowing you don’t know me anymore?” he asks chest heaving. Fuck he looked so pretty all worked up like this. You couldn't help but think about him like that. It’s how you got into this mess in the first place. 

The truth was you didn’t talk about him with anyone, no one except yourself. You couldn't bear it, saying anything about him that is. You would ruin things if you did. “Did you tell him about me? Your couch-buying boyfriend?” it was clear he was jealous as he always has been. He is a gentle person when he wants to be. Never telling you how when a guy would wrap his arms around you it made him sick. He never said it but you saw it in his eyes, you knew it was true. “Did you tell any of your ‘boyfriends’ about me? Huh? About how you fucked me?” he asks, his voice going quiet. 

His chest fell and rose. His anger flowed out of him. “Leon I’m so-” you try to stand up too, but again his eyes betray him. Guilt floods over his features. “No please I’m sorry I shouldn't have said all that, I know it’s not what you wanted to hear.” His voice was soft, unlike the borderline yelling from his a second ago. “You know I always promise myself I’m never gonna see you again, you know?” he asks, sitting down again. Your heart falls even deeper into your body. 

“I promise myself every time I leave here that this will be the last time. I will leave and never come back until you're marrying some stupid rich guy. Every time I see your name on my phone asking to call my heart fucking sinks. Because you have trapped me, and I can’t get out. I know that I can’t hold myself back when I see you. I will flirt and plead and beg for you even if you don’t see it. God I want you so fucking bad.” he mumbles, burying his face into his hands. 

Your heart is thumping. You're so scared, this is all you have ever wanted. Maybe you didn’t need to be so scared… “It always goes the same way for me, Leon,” you mumble, he peaks up at you moving his fingers from covering his eyes. Your head was spinning with nerves, your brain screaming at you not to tell him what you so desperately wanted to. Your heart was pleading for something else… and for the first time. You listened to your heart.

“I always fall for some stupid guy who turns out isn’t what I want so I freak out and break up with whoever it is. I never like the guys I date because, well I don't want to date them! I want to date you, so badly. No guy can ever replace you. And I’m so sorry I do this to you. This little cat-and-mouse game. I keep pulling you along for shit I know I shouldn't. I’m sorry for ever fucking you in the first place. I should have done it right… you looked so fucking perfect that night. You were just wanting to be loved by me and I screwed it all up. I got scared so I ran. It's what I always do.” you ramble letting your years-long feelings finally seep to the surface. 

Leon was still covering his face with his hands but you can tell by his dreamy eyes that he is happy. Of course, he is. “But I'm trapped too, I ran from you only to run right back. You never want to see me again because of the way I push and pull you.” you sit back down facing him finally. “Flirting with you because I can’t bear to let you go completely yet I can’t commit enough to be with you because I’m so scared. I would do anything to change that night, to give it my all, and love you the way you deserve. But I can’t go back. I can only try and fix what I have done now.” you had started crying. Your face is tear-stained. 

The room went silent minus your occasional sniffles and deep breaths. Leon slowly drops his hands from his face, a very big red blush dusting beautifully on his features. You give a small breathless chuckle licking your lips slightly. The silence seemed like it filled the room. A small tension sewing its way between the two of you. 

“Thank you. For uhh saying that. I thought about that night a lot since it happened. It felt like my dream was coming true but it wasn’t. Jesus, I even cried after you left. You must think I'm so pathetic.”  he mumbles wiping his hands on his face. Your face fell, “I don't think your pathetic Leon.” you say scooting next to him and grabbing his hands. 

His face looking at yours. “I'm so sorry for what I put you through, and you're very brave. I mean fuck, you want to risk your life to help others. You're Not pathetic for crying after I left. Ok?” you spoke in a hushed serious tone. That was a rare occurrence for you and Leon. He just smiled nodding slightly but you weren’t gonna have that. Your hand comes up to his jaw, “Ok?” you ask again, and he gives you a sheepish smile. “Yeah ok,” he mumbles, this Leon contrasted the one from earlier. He was mad or loud and he was happy. 

A tone seemed to have shifted between you too. “Do you think we should try that night over again?” you ask, letting your eye fall into a half-lidded pose. You lean towards him. His eyes widen ever so slightly, you could almost hear his heart rate increase. “What?” he asks. Oh how different this Leon was… so shy and cute. 

You smirk, pushing his arms over his head. You used the pressure your hands had to hoist yourself on his lap. “W-Hat are you doing? Why are you getting on my lap?” he whined, unconsciously bucking his hips as you slid onto him. “Shhh,” you whisper smirking, pressing your finger against his mouth. He gives you the most pathetic look staring up at you.  

You move your finger from his mouth, leaning down. Leon leaned forward, his lips meeting yours. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down as a whine left his mouth. Your hand slowly moved to his neck squeezing it just a little. His hands found your hair entangling with his right hand while his left hand gripped your neck.

He was already getting worked up, his dick hardening underneath you. You moved back letting yourself catch your breath. “You told me you play a game of cat and mouse with me right?” he mumbled, biting his baby pink lips. “Good job listening,” you mumble in a condescending tone. Leon's eyes shift to an intense stare. 

“I wouldn't mind if we kept playing… you as the cat and me as the mouse?” he asks, his voice raising in pitch, batting his eyelashes. You smirk, “Yeah I think I can arrange that baby.” you say pushing yourself off of his lap and walking over into your room. Leon smirks watching you walk to your room. 

After a minute has passed you hear Leon’s voice from your living room. “What's taking so long?” you playfully roll your eyes. “Hold tight Leon!” you yell from, chuckling slightly. Leon shifts in his seat with anticipation. He couldn’t wait for whatever you had planned for him. He heard your soft patterns come out of your room and he turned his head. He saw you had a rope in your hand. “When the fuck did you get a rope?” he asks, looking at it. 

Your hand leaves the rope to land a smack across his face. Leon whimpers at the impact, “Fuck I’m sorry, you can tie me up.” he whines out bucking his hips. “Good boy,” you murmur, rubbing your hands against his face. “Can I get naked please?” he asks, trying to give you the most innocent eyes possible.

It seemed to have worked because you started pulling down his pants and boxers. He took this as a yes and took his shirt off. He was now completely bare sitting against the very comfortable couch. “Can I tie you up now?” you ask, admiring his body. “Fuck yeah you can, god I wanna be your whore so badly,” he whined. You raised your eyebrow at his enthusiasm. He put his hands behind his back for you. You push his head down exposing the back of his neck. 

You began tying his hands together and kissing his neck. “Ahh fuck.” he mumbles feeling the fibers burn his wrists. You fist a bit of the hair on the back of his pulling his head back up. You let your fingers trace over his thighs, moving slowly towards Leon’s almost completely rock-hard cock. It was flushed with pink and dripping with pre-cum. 

You leaned down kissing him again finally letting your hand glide up to his cock. Gripping the base of it, Leon moaned into your mouth. You moved your hand painfully slow up and down on his cock. “Fuck please…” he whimpered. You pulled away from him, “Please I need to see you too.” he whined out of breath. 

You pushed his shoulders back so he hit the couch. You slid the dress off your body revealing your entire body. You had decided against wearing panties. Leon’s eyes raked over you. “Fuck I should have known you wouldn’t wear any panties. You knew you were gonna fuck me huh?” he growled looking at you. 

You slapped him again, his blush matching the bright red color on the right side of his face he adored. “Fuuuck,” he mumbled, looking back at you. “Please let me see your fucking pussy.” he whined trying to buck his hips into the air, his cock slapping his tummy. “Yeah, you wanna see my pussy? Yeah?” you asked, leaning down to Leon who was rapidly shaking his head ‘yes’. “Please, please, please Mommy,” he begged, his face bright red.

You sat down right next to him, the pudge of your thighs touching his. You spread your legs apart. Leon gasping at your body. Your left hand moving back to his cock, your right hand moving to your clit. You moved both of your hands gathering your slick occasionally with your right hand. 

Leon was in heaven breathing rapidly watching you pleasure yourself while jerking him off. It was fucking beautiful but this isn’t how he wanted to cum. “Please, let me eat you out…” he whined looking at you. You slowed your ministrations. “You don't wanna cum?” you asked with feigned pity. “I do but..” he whined looking at your fingers knuckle deep in your pussy. “Fuck I want you to use me. I want you to cum first please, god I will do anything.” his voice was exasperated.

Sweat dripped down his face, his lips swollen, cock red and dripping with his arousal. You bite your lip looking at him. “Fuck please oh my god I want you to sit on my face so bad.” he damn near screamed struggling against his ropes and bucking into the air. “Beg,” you murmur. “Please Mommy, you have to let me eat you out. I know you want to come, please let me do it. Fuck! Please please please!!” he was screaming now.

Your hand slapped over his mouth, tears rolling down his cheeks onto your hand. “You can eat me out baby calm down.” you ensure, staring at your sobbing partner. Cue the rapid “Thank yous/ your so good/ use me’s” he was dripping with tears, sweat, and precum. You straddled his head holding just about his face. “Are you sure Le- baby? I don't wanna crush you,” you say, hand rubbing the side of his face. “I WANT you to crush me, sit down please!” he begs trying to lift his head to your aching cunt. 

You managed to keep his head down with your hand. “Ok baby if you're sure,” you murmur, you gently sit down. Your thighs smothering Leon’s face. You feel his tongue start moving in and out of your sopping cunt. You gasp feeling the burning pleasure slowly start building in your lower tummy.

“Leon- fuck.” you let out a whimper, white-knuckling the couch. You couldn't understand most of what Leon was screaming into your cunt but sounded a lot like. “Fuck fuck fuck! God your so cunt is so good. That's it ride my fucking face.” whatever he was saying was vibrating your clit making his tongue feel even better. 

You went to sit up to give him some room to breathe but that was a mistake. “What are you doing, please? Come back I need you to use me like a free-use whore, fuck!” he was screaming again. Next to thrashing around for your cunt again. 

Your hand landed on his cheek bringing him out of his tantrum. His pupils were blown, still gasping for breath. “You need to catch your breath before you get to eat me out again,” you warn. “I don't wanna breathe! Just fuck me!.” he growls. You bring your hand up to his throat squeezing. “Don't be mean you know you want to. I'm just a free dick and mouth for you. You and your beautiful body. I'm just here to please you. I’m just a fucking whore.” he whines at you, wrists burning from the rope. 

“I'm not letting you taste my cunt again, just for that,” you growl, which makes his head spin. He can’t even throw another fit before you make him lay down. “Of course you make me lie down, you know my hands are still tied so I can’t do anything. M just a lil free use toy for my mommy.” he was teasing you…

You straddle his dick, slowly sinking into him. He unintentionally bucks up, dick hitting your cervix. “Ah, fuck I’m sorry I didn't mean to do that.” Leon mumbles and for the first time tonight gave you an earnest look. “Heh, it's ok Leon don't worry. Are you doing ok? Need anything right now?” he was balls deep inside of you and you were asking if needed anything…

Leon could have sworn he would have come just then. “No- no I’m good!” he says adjusting his hips, cock somehow slipping deep inside you. “Good,” you mumble, and you began moving up and down on him. Your hands brought up to your tits groping them.

“You like watching me play with myself on you baby?” you ask, to which he can only feverishly nod ‘yes’. Words have escaped Leon, his edging from earlier coming back in tenfold. “M gonna cum.” he whimpers out in fear. “Don’t wait for me first ok?” you mumble, feeling the coil in your tummy tighten your cunt hungrily absorbing Leon’s cock. “Fuck!” he shouts, wrists almost bleeding from how hard he was pulling them.

Leon’s brain was going completely blank, his neurons only able to produce TV static. “Please momma, you can come on my cock I know you can, fuck! You're so beautiful I can’t take it anymore! Just come Mommy for me please!” Leon begs his voice almost whispering. 

“God your such a good fucking whore Leon,” you mumble, hands white knuckling the couch, bouncing your body up and down. Feeling your coil snap, cunt clenching around his cock. He clenches his jaw watching the most beautiful thing he has ever seen before in his life. Your eyes roll back with fever that makes him dizzy. 

Your head falls back beads of sweat dripping on your face and neck. Cunt swallowing up his dick. Fucking hell he was in heaven. Your orgasm dies down, as you ride yourself through it. You are only able to give Leon a little nod, and he lets his orgasm rip through his body. “Fuck fuck fuck, y/n.” he whimpers, hot cum shooting inside of your cunt. 

Both of you were breathing rapidly, eyes interlocking. “Good job Leon,” you mumble kissing his hairline. Slowly moving off of his dick cum leaking out of you. “Can you sit up for me?” you ask, trying not to let it come spilling off of your thighs. “Y-yeah,” he whispers while sitting up. His back was hot and sweaty. Beads of sweat dripped down. 

You made quick work of the rope taking it off, your stomach turning slightly at the bright red and freshly bruised marks. You kiss his wrists ruffling his hair slightly. He gives you a puppy-like gleam, fuck he was so adorable. “Would you be ok if I left you for a second to clean up?” you asked, cupping his face. 

“Mhm! I’ll be right here heh,” Leon said, you pulled him into a kiss before letting him go to clean yourself up. You went pee and grabbed a towel for him as well as a glass of water. You needed to do this right for him this time. You were going to make sure you never made the same mistake again twice. 

Unfortunately, as you feared when you walked back into the living room Leon didn’t look ok. “Baby? Leon? Should I not have left? Are you ok?” you ask, rushing over to him, setting the water and towel down next to the couch. Leon's face was red but not with a blush but with tears. They prickled at the corners of his eyes, your arms pulling him close to you. A small sob racked through his body, hands covering his face as he fell into your touch. 

“I’m so sorry Leon, I know this has probably been hard for you. I’m so sorry for that. I’m going to do better, I promise nothing we just did was real. It’s all pretend pretty boy. You're not a whore, your safe with me ok? I’m going to work hard to earn your trust ok?” you whisper into his ear, slowly stroking his hair. You know he can hear you, you also know letting him cry might be the best thing right now. 

This no doubt has brought up a lot of feelings for him, and that's ok. “Can you try taking some deep breaths? You don’t have to stop breathing but I need you to breathe ok?” you ask in the softest voice you can muster. You place your hands on his chest. He nods against your thighs, wet tears smearing around. You can feel him calling himself down with the occasional hiccups. “Good job.” you praise kissing the back of his neck. 

You coddled him for a few more minutes before he agreed to let you clean him up a bit. He sat like a kicked puppy on the couch letting you use the soft microfiber towel to clean around his groin and tummy. Holding his cup of water with both of his hands gulping some of it down.

He was quietly staring at your hands to clean him up. “Do you want a bath or a shower?” you ask, setting the towel on the side. “Um, can we have a shower please?” He asks, still feeling off from everything. You take his cup of water, set it down, and help him up to the shower, turning it on at the perfect temperature that nearly melted Leon as he stepped in. 

“I’m sorry for crying, I just got reminded of that night. I felt so alone,” he mumbled, clearly embarrassed. “Hey don’t say sorry for crying I’m sure you felt a lot. Let’s get you clean ok?” he nods, before wrapping his arms around you. “I’m not sure how this is going to work between us but if you want I would love to be your boyfriend.” He whispers into your ear. 

You pull away from the hug hot water dripping down your bodies. “I would love to be with you Leon,” you whisper, kissing him. His hands snake around your waist pulling you flush against him. The two of you melding your bodies together. 

After a very loving shower to contrast the feelings of earlier you two got dressed (you forced Leon into one of your shirts that was too short for him but you certainly didn’t mind. His arms wrapped around you, his nose nuzzling into your neck. His soft snores filled the room. You never wanted to let go of this moment. 

If only you two knew what lay ahead of Leon in Racoon City…

[moodymelanist]

Now That Your Rose is in Bloom

happy day 2 of @sjmromanceweek everyone! Elucien won in my poll so I had to make sure to get to them <3 title from Seal's Kiss From A Rose for... obvious reasons haha.

it's been a long, long time since I've written Elucien so apologies in advance if this is ooc or what have you. but I hope y'all enjoy!!

Summary: Lucien buys Elain a bouquet of flowers for each year they've been together.

Word Count: 2,385

Read on AO3 here!

♡♡♡♡♡ Elain

Valentine’s Day dawned bright and early in the Archeron-Vanserra townhouse, and Elain groaned as the sound of Lucien’s alarm woke her up. She didn’t have to be up for at least another hour, but he had to be at work by eight instead of nine today, hence her sleep being interrupted.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Munchkin,” Elain heard Lucien say. She mumbled something incoherent back and fell asleep to the sound of his low laughter, snuggling further into the pillows as he quietly got ready for work.

When she woke up again, Lucien was already gone for the day. Elain didn’t fully wake up until she was five minutes into her shower, and the only thing keeping her going was the promise she’d made to herself that coffee was coming soon. Once she was moisturized and her skincare routine was done, she put on a pink sweater to be festive. She loved big holidays like Valentine’s Day, but she was also a grad student. There was only so much energy she could spare, especially when she knew she’d need it for whatever Lucien had planned for today.

Elain and Lucien had been dating for just over five years now, and around their second year together, Lucien had come up with a little tradition for Valentine’s Day: one bouquet of flowers for every year they’d been together. It hadn’t been so bad in the early days of their relationship, but now that they lived together and were talking about spending the rest of their lives together, things had gotten a little… out of hand. 

Lucien had never missed a birthday, anniversary, or Valentine’s Day, and he clearly wasn’t going to start now. There was a modest bouquet waiting for Elain when she walked downstairs to make herself some breakfast, a mix of pink, red, and white flowers brightening up their counter as they waited to be noticed.

Even though she’d known it was coming, that didn’t stop Elain from smiling as she read the little card waiting beside the vase. This one had a gnome on the front and said Valentine, there’s gnome-one like you!

She laughed as she opened the card to reveal Lucien’s familiar, prep-school handwriting. Happy Valentine’s Day, Elain, he’d written. I love you more than I can possibly explain. Yours, Lucien.

“Always the romantic,” Elain murmured fondly to herself. She gently placed the card back in its original spot and snapped a quick picture before opening up a new text to her boyfriend.

Elain Archeron, 7:57 AM

[Attachment: 1 Image] Stop trying to one-up me so early in the day, Lucien!

Lucien Vanserra, 7:58 AM

Why, is it working? ;-)

Elain snorted and put her phone away, focusing on getting through the rest of her morning routine instead of going back and forth with him. She had a quick breakfast, packed her lunch, and made it out the door on time for once. There thankfully wasn’t a lot of traffic for once, and she got lucky while looking for parking, so by the time she strolled into the biology building it was shaping up to be a wonderful day.

“Hey Elain,” Nuala, one of the other grad students in Elain’s program, greeted her as she walked into the graduate office. She and her twin were both students here, though Cerridwen hadn’t yet made an appearance yet. “There’s a delivery waiting for you at your desk.”

“Thanks,” Elain replied. She made a quick pit stop at the fridge to drop off her lunch before circling back to her desk, her jaw dropping at the bouquet waiting for her. “Oh my God.”

“Lucien strikes again?” Cerridwen asked from behind Elain, finally making her appearance this morning. She walked over to Elain’s desk and made appropriately impressed noises at the bouquet and accompanying card. “Wow. He’s really not playing around this year.”

“He’s ridiculous,” Elain answered. Judging from the sound of the twins’ chuckles, neither of them quite believed her. “He does this every year!”

“Trust me, we know,” Nuala responded with another laugh. “How do you think he gets them past security?”

“By batting his eyelashes and flirting with whoever’s at the front desk,” Elain fired back without missing a beat. “We’ve been together a long time. Trust me, I know all of his tricks.”

“No wonder he got so good at them,” Cerridwen teased. She winked at Elain before heading back over to her desk, her long, dark braids swinging behind her as she did. “Guess you two got in a lot of practice!”

Once Cerridwen left for her desk, Nuala wasn’t far behind. Elain let the sounds of the rest of the biology department trickling in fade into background noise as she reached for her second card of the day, this one with a picture of an orange cat on the front. The caption read, You had me at meow!

Elain flipped open the card to reveal another few lines of Lucien’s handwriting. You’re purrr-fect for me, Elain. Love, Lucien.

Elain Archeron, 9:13 AM

[Attachment: 1 Image] It’s barely 9 am!!!

Lucien Vanserra, 9:14 AM

What can I say? You’re all that I knead 😻

Elain shook her head fondly before she pulled up her schedule for today, looking forward to TAing classes and working on her own research. She responded to a few emails and set some reminders for herself before grabbing her backpack and heading upstairs for her first class of the day, and by the time she made it back downstairs to the grad office for lunch, there was yet another bouquet waiting for her at her desk.

“He’s really stepping it up this year,” Cerridwen said once Elain got back to her desk, already nodding with approval. Nuala wasn’t in the office, so it was just the two of them for now, a reversal of this morning when Elain had first arrived. “Two bouquets in one day? Sheesh.”

“You know he does one for every year we’ve been together,” Elain replied, smiling as she gently brushed her fingers across the pink and white peonies. “I have two bouquets to go before I’m done for the day.”

“You did tell me that.” Cerridwen sighed wistfully from her desk. “Does he have any sisters?”

“Unfortunately, no,” Elain answered. “He’s one of seven boys, if you can believe it.”

“Jesus. His poor mother.”

“You can say that again.”

They fell into comfortable silence after that, Cerridwen going back to whatever she was working on while Elain reached for the card. This one was science-themed and pulled a soft laugh out of her the second she read it; the front had a molecule on the front and said, We’ve got a strong bond!

Happy Valentine’s Day, (almost) Dr. Archeron, Lucien had written. We’ve got some awesome chemistry!

Elain pulled out her phone to take another picture and sent it to Lucien immediately.

Elain Archeron, 12:23 PM

[Attachment: 1 Image] I’m not a chemist, you dork

Lucien Vanserra, 12:25 PM

Doesn’t matter

You should change your name to Enzyme the way you make me react

Elain rolled her eyes, quickly taking another picture — this time, of herself looking annoyed — before sending it over to him. He’d made that joke every single time Elain reminded him that she was in a biology program, not a chemistry one, but it didn’t stop him from making it anyway.

Elain Archeron, 12:26 PM

[Attachment: 1 Image] Can you feel my disappointment.

Lucien Vanserra, 12:28 PM

I’d much rather feel something else 😈

Elain hoped no one had seen her choke on her leftover spaghetti and meatballs as she read her boyfriend’s text. Cheeks pink, she quickly texted him back while trying not to die getting her food to go down the right pipe.

Elain Archeron, 12:29 PM

Don’t start with me I have office hours at 1!! Let me enjoy my lunch in peace you scoundrel

Lucien Vanserra, 12:30 PM

That’s 30 minutes from now, Elain Don’t be like that

Elain Archeron, 12:30 PM

GOODBYE, Lucien

Lucien just sent back a series of laughing emojis, so Elain rolled her eyes and went back to finishing her lunch in relative peace. Once her break was over, it seemed like the rest of the day flew by, between meeting with a few students for office hours, working on a study guide to distribute to her sections, and grading some quizzes she’d meant to finish last week.

Elain startled as someone knocked on her desk, looking up to find Cerridwen fixing her with a look. “Elain, get out of here already.”

“I’m almost done, I promise,” Elain replied. A quick glance at the time showed it was already 4:30, and if she wanted to get home in time to bake Lucien something sweet, she knew she needed to get a move on. “I just have a few left—”

“Come on, you know Thesan won’t care,” Cerridwen insisted. Thesan was one of the professors they both worked with, and he was well known for his more relaxed vibe in the biology department. “Just finish them up tomorrow and come on already.”

“Okay, okay, fine,” Elain agreed, holding her hands up in surrender. “Twist my arm.”

Cerridwen waited for Elain to finish packing up her things, and then the two of them were off to the garage. With Cerridwen’s help, they managed to get the two bouquets to Elain’s car without dropping anything, which was a minor miracle as far as Elain was concerned. Once they got off the elevator onto Elain’s floor, Elain somehow got her keys out without jostling anything too badly, and she almost didn’t notice the bouquet of red roses already inside until Cerridwen made a surprised noise.

“Oh my God,” Elain said incredulously once she noticed there was somehow another bouquet inside her car. “That sneaky motherfucker!”

Cerridwen gently laid the bouquet she was holding down on the backseat while Elain went to investigate the roses in the passenger seat. “He’s smooth as hell, I’ll give him that.”

“He’s ridiculous is what he is,” Elain replied, laughing off her surprise. “How did he even know where I parked!”

“He probably drove around looking for your car,” Cerridwen suggested. “Now that’s a keeper.”

“That he is,” Elain agreed. There wasn’t a card to go with this one, so Elain shrugged and put the rest of her stuff in the backseat with the other two bouquets. “You want me to give you a ride to your car?”

“No, I’m okay,” Cerridwen responded. She waggled her eyebrows as she added, “I don’t want to interrupt however you’re going to thank him when you get home.”

“Goodbye, Cerridwen,” Elain told her, ignoring the way Cerridwen was laughing at her pink cheeks. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Cerridwen was still laughing as she turned and started walking back toward the elevator. “See you tomorrow, Elain. Enjoy your V-Day!”

Elain managed to make it home in one piece, and thankfully no other surprises were waiting for her when she got through the door. She had to make two trips to carry the ridiculous amount of flowers Lucien had gotten her inside, and since the stems had already been cut, she made quick work of finding vases to put them all in.

From there, she got started on dinner and dessert. Lucien may have been a sneaky wizard when it came to leaving her flowers, but Elain was a true mastermind when it came to the kitchen. She’d been planning this meal for at least two weeks, and it felt good to finally put her plans into action. She poured a lot of love into her Marry Me chicken — aptly named, if you asked her — but the real star of the show was the lava cakes she was making from scratch. She’d been secretly testing the recipe out and she prayed tonight wasn’t going to be the night things went wrong.

Of course it wasn’t. She was just that good.

By the time Elain looked up at the time, she realized Lucien was probably going to be home in the next couple of minutes, so she ran to the bathroom to quickly freshen up. She made it downstairs just in time to see the lock turning in the door, and even though she’d long since gotten used to the sight of her boyfriend coming home, it still sent a happy little shiver up her spine every time he came home to her.

“You’re absolutely ridiculous,” Elain called out the second Lucien got through the front door. Lucien was waiting for her with a final bouquet, the sheer amount of roses stuffed into this one making it a little difficult to see his handsome face over the tops of the flowers. “Lucien!”

“My love knows no bounds, Elain,” Lucien said back, setting the frankly ridiculous bouquet down on the coffee table so he could wrap her up in a warm embrace instead. “Mhmm, I missed you today. Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Happy Valentine’s Day to you too,” she replied. Her voice was a little muffled from where her face was pressed against his chest, but neither of them minded. “How the hell did you get flowers into my car?”

“A gentleman never reveals his secrets,” he answered, pulling away so he could steal a kiss instead. He tasted like chocolate, and she hoped it was a sign he’d enjoy his dessert tonight. “But if you must know… I took the emergency key and drove around looking for where you parked.”

“Of course you did,” she responded, shaking her head fondly. She reached onto her toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek, savoring the way his eyes crinkled around the edges as she did. “Come on, Mr. Romantic. I made us dinner and dessert.”

“It smells amazing in here,” he told her. He was still holding onto her, one of his warm hands sliding under the hem of her sweater to touch the small of her back, and suddenly she wasn’t quite thinking about the same kind of dessert. “Can I send my compliments to the chef?”

Their food was a little cold by the time they made it to the table, but that was alright. Elain wouldn’t have it any other way, and neither would Lucien.

tag list: @perseusannabeth | @bookstantrash | @charming-butt-insane | @oversizedbats | @melphss | @sv0430 | @podemechamardek | @autumnbabylon | @live-the-fangirl-life | @julemmaes | @that-little-red-head | @jmoonjones | @sayosdreams | @thewayshedreamed | @hiimheresworld | @brieq | @pearlfortears | @swankii-art-teacher | @nerdperson524 | @snickerdoodlechittybangbang | @imsointobooks | @nesquik-arccheron | @sweet-pea1 | @champanheandluxxury | @dustjacketmusings | @mrs-shadowsinger04 | @unlikelypersonalknight1 | @goddess-aelin | @arinbelle | @talkfantasytome | @simpingfornestaarcheron | @duskandstarlight | @letstakethedawn | @vidalinav | @c-e-d-dreamer | @dealfea | @katekatpattywack | @burningsnowleopard | @thatsowlmazing | @avidromancereader | @a-little-disguised | @kale-theteaqueen | @talibunny30

[music-among-the-amapolas]

tallulah if youre taking reqs, can i possibly get a 4halo fic? or a charlie x cucurucho pretty please?

(;° ロ°) Oh wow!! Charlie x Cucurucho is a pretty rare pair! I'm so sorry if Cucurucho is OOC (˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ ) please don't be mad!

The Devil Can Be Beautiful, Charlie/Cucurucho, love at first sight, dancing together, sunset dates, they sit on the wall and watch the sunset together it's lovely

♡(ŐωŐ人) this one was pretty fun to write, thank you for the request!!

Can I Get That Iced?, 4halo, Coffee Shop Au, Bad takes one look at this costumer and goes . Mmmm and then it's like please get out it's against the rules, no shoes no shirt no service, light cursing, they kiss over a cup of coffee

[nan0ka]

𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐇♡𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐄⁰²

summary. he promises to take good care of your flower, because you remind him of a rose.

content. highschool au, fluff, slowburn, childhood friends to lovers, umemiya may seem ooc, little angst.

wordcount. ~2.81k.

❨📁❩ ← previous. ❨🗂️❩ → masterlist. ❨📁❩ → next.

　“YOU'RE back.”

As you heard steps coming you closer, your gaze went to the side and you saw the boy you met weeks ago. This time he looked a lot healthier. A lot better. A lot prettier. You stared at him dead into the eye before observing him little by little while laying your watering to the side. Now you stood upright, your body turned to his direction. He looked happier. And you looked somehow emptier.

"Of course!" his voice seemed to be full of enthusiasm. "I'm here to pick up my rose."

His blue eyes shone brighter than any stars in the nightsky. His calm smile resembled the quiet moon. And yet his demeanor was similar to the sun. His presence felt alive. You did say if he looked healthier the next time you met, you'd give him one of your precious pink roses as a gift. Your flowers are important to you, you were pretty greedy about giving them away. You mean, you didn't promised it.

But you still wanted to at least keep your word.

"You remembered."

"Like I'd forget."

Whenever he smiled, it seemed like the sun was blessing him itself. Was it because the sun liked his silly smile? If it did, you would fully understand. His smile was beautiful. Really beautiful. Your eyes went back to the flowers and searched for the roses. And suddenly you remembered something. You can't give a rose away. Right. There was a reason why you planted them at first place.

"Right." you mumbled. "They're not available right now."

"What." his smile was replaced with a confused face. "Why?"

"I only planted six buds." you started. "For my sister's sixth birthday. Because she said she wanted roses to her sixth birthday. She's going to be a big girl now."

"Oh."

Your eyes darted back to him. He looked disappointed. Really disappointed. You almost felt guilty. For saying something and not keeping your word. But your little sister was still your priority number one. "Sorry." you apologized briefly. And suddenly, a smile formed on his face. Why was he smiling? He was weird. For what did he smile so happily after getting disappointed that bad?

"It's fine." was his response.

"Aren't you disappointed?" you didn't understand.

"Yes, I am. But it's for your younger sister, isn't it? Tell her I said happy birthday." he smiled. "But I still want a rose. Can you plant new ones?"

"Sure." you nodded slowly. "And I'll tell her."

"How long does it take for a rose to bloom?" he asked.

"Maybe three years. If you're unlucky then four—"

"Three years?!"

You winced at his loud voice. He looked surprised, and a bit shocked. "Yeah. Didn't you know? I think I have some buds in my backpack." you reached out for your red backpack and rummaged through it. "Found them." with that you took out some buds and placed your backpack on the ground again. "However, they need to be set in water for a while." you studied the buds before looking at him again.

"Let me help you!"

"Uhm... Sure I guess."

The smell of freshly-brewed coffee reached your nose as you snapped out of your thoughts. You stared at Kotoha's attentive hand movements while she served the elderly lady her afternoon coffee. "Kotoha-chan's coffee is the best in the town. Thank you, sweetie." the lady gave your friend the calmest smile before turning back to mind her own business to read her newspaper.

"You're exaggerating." a chuckle, which sounded pleasant in your ears, left her lips.

She quickly made her way back behind the counter to continue her work. The silence was nice. Enjoyable. The thing you like the most in this dine-in restaurant. Pothos was your second favorite place of all time after all. You sat there all day if you had some thoughts lingering in your mind. You looked down. The warm cup of cacao in your hands left a trail of savory smoke in the air.

"You seem distracted."

"And you always notice."

"It's not difficult to notice, [name]." she chuckled again while drying the glass. "What's wrong? Wanna talk?"

You watched her as she placed the glass on the table, moving forward to the next one while also having an open ear for you. "Don't know actually..." you started. "Actually. I really seem to... be quiet. I always listen to people's stories and keep my mouth shut the whole time. I don't know what to say. But if I stay quiet all the time, I'll fade into the background and feel forgotten. What if—"

"You're wondering what if the people, I hold dear to my heart, forget about me, right?" she finished your sentence.

"...Mhm."

"You're overthinking, you know?" a smile found itself on her lips, lightening up the gloomy mood.

" 'think so?" you looked up to her.

"Sure you are. I mean, it does depends on the person honestly. But the most of them really love people who listen to them. And sometimes they also feel annoying, because they think they get on your nerves too." her round amber eyes met [e/c] ones. "Maybe you should just leave few comments to make sure they know you're listening." her smile reminded you of his smile.

And her words calmed your thoughts down. "Thank you, Kotoha-san. Your advices are really helpful." you showed your gratitude with a small smile on your lips. It's a rare sight. You smiling. Your mouth-ends moving up. You showing some positive emotions. A shame that her brother missed it. "You think Hajime would forget someone like me?"

"Nah." she shrugged her shoulders slightly, the smile drops at the mention of her 'brother'. "If it would happen... He probably would be insane to."

This time the answer didn't satisfied you. You did trust her. Of course you did. But something in your head denies it. Your eyes went to your cup of cacao again. It's getting cold. Your drink is getting cold. The feeling of warmth left your hands, letting them feel a bit cold even though it's spring. "—How about you ask him yourself?" this suggestion lets you flinch a little as you looked up to her.

"I'd never—"

"Mhm. Sure, yeah." she rolled her eyes with a grin.

Out of nowhere the door was slammed open, letting the little bell ring. Your head immediately turned to side, shocked at the sudden intrusion. But you calmed down again, as you saw an overly excited man stepped a foot into the restaurant. "Speak of the devil." the owner sighed at the very familiar person who finally looked up from the door. "And stop slamming the door, Ume."

"Ko-To-Ha!~"

His excitment could be seen kilometers away. You shook your head and you stared at the man who opened his arms. "I missed—" the moment his eyes were set on you, he froze mid sentence. There you sat comfortably, on the stool right infront of the counter. "[name]-chan." he called out your name as he began to literally sparkle. "[name]-chan!" he screamed happier than ever and ran forward.

How could he not?

"No hugs." you furrowed your eyebrows slightly and placed your palm against his chest to stop him from wrapping his arms around you.

"Oh, how I missed the both of you! How jealous I am! I also want to laugh and giggle with you two." he beamed.

"We literally saw us each other yesterday." Kotoha and you answered simultaneously.

"Ah Kotoha, you look as cute as ever! I think all types of hairstyles suit you! Don't get me started about you [name]-chan!—" he started to ramble, only for you to shut his voice out of your

You only sighed again as your eyes landed on his companion, standing behind him. Short grey hair which was straightened back. Piercing green eyes. And the furin uniform. Compared to Umemiya's uniform, the jacket was rather short. "Nice to see you again, [lastname]-san." the annoyed and tired face was replaced with a polite smile.

"I only can say the same, Hiragi-san." you nodded. "We didn't see each other for while."

He only chuckled and began to tell you how tiring the leader can be while you listened quietly. Hiragi Toma, one of the few 'delinquents' you accepted. Sure you despise violence and most delinquents, but you learned that violence isn't always bad. And furin uses it for good reasons for the last two years. Can they even be called delinquents? Umemiya Hajime, the man who changed the perspective of a whole damn town.

Umemiya Hajime, the man who showed you another world.

A smile formed on Umemiya's lips, while he was watching the two of you. "I'm glad they understand each other." he turned to Kotoha with the biggest smile. "[name] doesn't need many people by her side. She'd even do fine with only you. But I enjoy seeing her be comfortable around my friends!" he sat down on the stool next to you while staring at his sister doing an omurice for him to eat. "One day I'll show her the world I live in—"

"—By the way. [name]-san wondered if you would ever forget her. Silly question if you ask me. But she wasn't entirely sure if it was true." the burgundy-haired girl broke through your thoughts once again. "How about you answer her?"

Not only hiragi stopped talking, you also stopped in your tracks. You slowly turned to the mature girl with hurt in your eyes which was hard to recognize. Only people you know long enough would notice the change on your face. "Huh?" Umemiya slowed down with his rant as soon as his sister interrupted him. "[name] asked?" he turned to you, confusion visible to your eye.

But the confusion turned turned to a sad puppy face. "[name] after all these years you spent with me. You ask me such a question?" he looked betrayed. You sweatdropped at first, before nodding your head slowly. A sob escapes his lips which made you deadpann. "You really..." the playfulness wasn't present anymore in just seconds, while he was looking at you with a serious gaze, yet he smiled.

"Do you doubt me?"

"What if I do."

"I don't know, but you must to trust me if I say I'd never forget. Because I honestly would never forget you."

On the inside you were dying because of heat and you're really lucky they couldn't see it on the outside as you heard his every word. How could you even have distrust if the person you're talking about is Umemiya Hajime? You felt a bit ashamed. Your eyes wandered around his face to see his features. "I'd be crazy otherwise." he chuckled and watched how red your ears got.

"And you make me go crazy..." you avoided his gaze at all costs with an embarrassed sigh and stood up to take your leave. "I'm leaving."

With that you took out your purse and left the money for your half-drunken chocolate milk on the table next to the now cold cup. You quickly turned around and wanted to step out of Pothos, only to be stopped by a hand grabbing your wrist. "Please wait until I'm down with my omurice. I want to accompany you home." as soon as your head went to Umemiya again, you could see how he grinned.

"..."

"Promise I'll finish it fast." he tried to convince you. "And you can drink up your chocolate milk without wasting your money!"

At the end you stayed. To make your money worth it. For the drink. Not him.

─ ⊹ ⊱ ☆ ⊰ ⊹ ─

　"Bye bye, Koto'-chan, Hiragi-san." you waved your goodbye.

"Get home safely, yeah?" Kotoha smiles at you.

"Take care of her." Hiragi looked at his leader who nodded with a grin.

"I will! But you both also need to take care, okay?"

With that he turned his back to him, just like you and walked by your side. Every time he feels your presence beside him, it excites him so much. The bubbly feeling in his chest is killing him. Every time your hand brushes against his, it makes him going crazy. He can't possibly smile any seconds longer, because it's hurting his cheeks. Even if those are only accidental touches.

Umemiya Hajime can't keep himself from staring at you. You look like a woman out of a gorgeous oil painting. Everytime you set a foot into the same room as him, his eyes are glued on you. And if you catch his staring, you get easily embarrassed. Your ears always turn red. Or sometimes even your cheeks. It's like you're wearing the most expensive blush. And the way you bat your eyelashes at him.

He is close to touch you, wrap his arms around you and shower you with all of his affection, but of course he'll try to hold himself back. He doesn't want to make you feel comfortable. He knows that physical touch isn't your thing. But why are you making this so hard? The only thing he can do right now, is staring at you. And even if he'd bump into a street lamp, it doesn't matter.

"We're there." you said. He can hear jow you're taking out your keys. Your eyes wandered to him as soon as you opened your apartment door.

"..."

"Quit gawking at me."

"Can't."

Now you're hesitating to continue. "Why?" it felt dry in your mouth. You're preparing for the worst.

"Too pretty."

Your wide eyes, full of confusion, shot up to see if he's just joking. Oh. Umemiya is not joking. He's smiling, yet you can see a slight desire. You can only see it if you look closely, because he's always so good in hiding things. He's actually a bit of a sly man if you're gonna be honest. "Snap out of it already." you sighed and got into your apartment, while turning to face his direction, but your gaze was on the floor.

"Get home... safely."

Is it possible for his smile to widen at your rather shy behaviour? The silence is getting louder and louder with every second passing, making you quite uncomfortable. Umemiya looks at your ears that were turning red in the moment. His finger twitched at that. His hand moved up and reached out for you. Only for you to look up because of the silent awkwardness.

The first thing you saw how his hand stopped, centimeters away from your cheek. You blinked. One time. Two times, three times, four times, five— Your cheeks fired up immediately as you grabbed his wrist. He was also observing your features as he kept his mouth shut. Since when was he so quiet? Since when was it this awkward for the both of you? Or was it only unpleasant for you?

"..."

"...May I.. touch your face?" his question makes you go redder.

"...Mhm." you nodded slowly, your hand stayed around his wrist but the grip was loose.

He smiles again. This time, the smile was softer than the usual ones. It was different from what ever you've gotten before. This smile reminds you of the one from yesterday. Has he ever gifted someone this kind of smile? You watched him as he tucked your [h/c] hair strands behind your ear before his hand brushed against your cheek softly. The warmth of his calloused palm was really nice.

Until he pulled back.

"...Wait." you stopped him.

And with that you ran into your room, leaving him to let him stand there like some idiot. Not a minute after, rushed steps were heard as he watched how you stopped infront of him while panting a little. In your hand was a pink rose. "Take this." you pushed the rose gently into his hand. "It's my favorite. And it's only three days old... If you take care of it really well, it'll live eleven days more."

"Promise, I'll take good care of the rose."

"That makes me happy... See you, Hajime."

His eyes widened as you gave him a smile and closed the door. It was a small one, almost unseen by him. Such lovely lips you have. Oh how Umemiya wished for you to smile more. You're alluring. If you would give him a brighter smile, he would definitely freak out. If only you knew that you're pretty like the rose. You leaned your head against the door with a completely red face. You couldn't hold it in anymore.

"How... embarrassing." you muttered and closed your eyes.

"She's divine like you, you know?" he whispered to the rose you gave him just minutes ago. "Sorry buddy, but..." he smiled happily and looked at the door.

"She's prettier than you."

- NAN0KA [ may 31st, 2024 ]

[junoship]

♡ “ baking cookies for my love „ - 𖦹

★ fuyuhiko kuzuryu (+ peko) x reader

★ warnings : fluff AGAIN EW , teasing , kissing , tsundere fuyuhiko , songfic(?) , reader only really shows up in the end lol , ooc fuyuhiko and peko idk how to write for them , pet names(sweetheart)

★ a/n : guess my fave dr character, take a wild guess . . . wrong its rantaro

“ oh my god peko how do i do this “ fuyuhiko asked, having no idea what to do. he was currently in the kitchen with peko, about to bake something for you while youre out with your friends. “ the fuck?? how do i do this shit?? “ he asks “ i believe you should start with heating the oven “ peko tells him, turning on the oven and setting it to 375 degrees. “ then you have to grease the baking sheets with this “ peko continues, handing fuyuhiko the butter.

“ oh shit okay “ fuyuhiko says before grabbing the butter from pekos hands and greasing the baking sheets. once he finished he looked at his phone continuing to read the recipe. “ whisk white flour and baking soda together in a medium bowl . . . “ he says as he reads out the instructions. “ the fuck is a medium bowl?! “ he questions, not understanding what the fuck a medium bowl is.

for afew more hours the two finally finished the cookies they made for you. they quickly set up the cookies on a cute plate fuyuhiko bought you afew years ago before they both took one cookie each to try. it didnt taste like the ones u make and it made fuyuhiko a little sad but he hoped you’d like them anyway. he sat down on your couch with the cookies on the coffee table as he nervously waited for you to come home, peko already being upstairs in her room.

“ fuyuhikoooo ! im ho- hey it smells good in here ! “ you called out to him before being distracted by the delicious smell of chocolate chip cookies. “ ah- hey sweetheart “ fuyuhiko welcomes you home, standing up and grabbing the plate of cookies he made for you. “ these are . . for you “ he gives you the cookies, looking away so you dont notice the blush on his face.

“ you made these for me ? ! thank you so much ! “ you thank him before happily tasting one. “ well peko helped since i dont know how the fuck to bake “ he confesses before putting the plate back down on the coffee table, sitting down with you. “ well i love it either way fuyu, thank you ! “ you smile, swallowing the chewed up pastry in your mouth before quickly kissing fuyuhikos cheek.

fuyuhiko grumbles, looking away with blush on his face. “ youre welcome “

[thesoftestirises]

always, forever - final.

♡ pairing: steven x reader ♡ rating : 18+ ♡ word count : 6k ♡ smut warnings : thigh riding, oral (m receiving), facials, nipple play ♡ warnings : age gap relationship (the characters are   both well into adulthood, but it is a ten year difference). this shit   rated t for THERAPY! steven’s gonna make you feel good about yourself   whether or not you’re ready for it! ooc steven - rewritten to fit the au  parameters. ♡ summary : Steven  is a veteran journalist with a   thirst to do the right  thing. You’re his insecure cameraperson. The two  of you fall in love  slowly, then all at once.   ♡ an : this is the final part of a two part miniseries. you can find part one here

The first accidental mess up was not the last. A month later, the two of you ran into the same problem in Newark. There was a BTS concert going on that particular week, so you really should have known better. Nonetheless, you were far less uncomfortable with prospects of sharing a room with Steven now that you considered the two of you to be friends. The disastrous movie night only brought the two of you closer together, breaking the barrier between coworker and friend.

“Do you know where they keep the extra towels in this place?” Steven asked, coming out of the shower wearing only sweatpants as he was prone to do.

You startled at the sound of his voice and dropped your phone onto your bed, sighing when Steven chuckled at your reaction. “Try the closet?”

Steven moved over to the closet, as per your suggestion, and located the pile of fresh towels. He grabbed one and began drying his hair as he seated himself on your bed. “Something wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

Steven looked at you unconvinced. “Do you want to try that again? Maybe with a more believable tone?”

You laughed despite yourself and shook your head. “It’s stupid.”

“Nothing involving your feelings is stupid,” Steven said, putting a hand on your knee. “If you don’t feel comfortable telling me, that’s fine. We can do something to get your mind off of it. But I do know that telling someone will halve your burden.”

You suddenly got misty eyed at the level of concern and care Steven was giving you. He made a soft noise when he saw and moved closer to you, wiping away your tears and pulling you into an embrace. Steven smelled like his expensive cologne. Lavender, coffee, pepper - with just a tinge of the hotel bar soap. It should have been a little awkward to be hugged by someone while they weren’t wearing a shirt, but from him, it felt like going home.

He must have noticed you hadn’t loosened your hold on him, so he didn’t pry you off, figuring that you needed the touch more than anticipated. He rested his cheek against the top of your head and softly pet your hair, coaxing more tears out of you.

“Oh, love. Let it out,” he whispered. “It’ll be okay. I’m here. I’m always here.”

You buried your face into the crook of his neck and cried harder at his gentle reassurances. You’d never been comforted so effectively in your life. Steven seemed to know exactly what you needed emotionally and you started to consider the possibility of soulmates while you were soaking his skin.

You eventually tired yourself out and fell asleep after all your crying, as Steven began to suspect you would after the ten minute mark. He gave himself another minute of just holding you before he moved you to lay down in a more comfortable sleeping position. He wiped off the remaining tear tracks on your face and pulled the sheets over you.

Steven moved to the mini fridge to grab you a bottle of water, broke the seal on it so you wouldn’t have to struggle to open it if you woke up in the middle of the night, and set it on your nightstand. He then paused and recalled when you told him you tended to get headaches after crying, then took two ibuprofen pills from the bottle in your purse and placed them next to the water. By this point you had stirred, noticing him move around the room to complete his nighttime routine.

“Steven?” You asked, your voice soft and broken from sleep and the exhaustion of crying.

“Hm?”

“This may be inappropriate and you can ignore me if you don’t want to, but could you sleep here? With me?”

Steven paused at the suggestion, his toothbrush almost falling out of his mouth. “Yeah, of course.”

“Thanks,” you said, turning over in your sheets and noticing the bottle of water and the pills.

Steven saw you drink half the bottle and take the ibuprofen in the reflection of the mirror and smiled to himself as he finished up with his mouthwash. He turned off the light and crawled into bed next to you, the sheets a comfortable level of warm from your body heat.

He was surprised when you immediately rolled over and wrapped an arm around his waist, but decided not to question it. He didn’t want you to think he was bothered by it, though he did have to wonder what was so emotionally exhausting for you that you were willing to cling to the first person that offered you comfort. He briefly wondered if you were just used to handling your problems on your own, and that’s why you were so willing to be dependent once he had shown you that he had the ability to care for you the way you needed to be cared for. He brushed the loose strands of hair on your forehead away and gently kissed your temple.

Something about this particular moment lit something within Steven he hadn’t felt in a while. He’d always liked you as a person, finding your awkwardness and quirky humor charming, especially paired with your obvious intelligence and eye for detail. You were a great coworker and an excellent conversationalist, worldly and well read. Mature, but still able to tap into that youthful sense of wonder and hope. He thought it was cute that you tended to veer away from the spotlight and became bashful when complimented. He didn’t mind your lack of confidence and introspective behavior, finding that he had an easy time navigating around it because your body language was so obvious to him. The fact you were beautiful went without saying, of course you were.

He’d never seriously considered you as a romantic partner before, your age and position as his coworker being his main deterrents, but he found that he quite liked having you be vulnerable with him. The feeling of emotional connection was something he’d never had with any of his previous lovers. All of them were entirely independent in every aspect of their lives, and didn’t feel a lot of need to loop him in. It wasn’t a negative trait, but Steven had a part of him that liked making others happy. Providing support to you was strangely rewarding to him. And he knew you could reciprocate for him, as you had done only a few months ago.

Perhaps it was just the proximity talking, but Steven thought his current feelings towards you could be more than just based on the short term bursts of oxytocin he was getting from cuddling. He’d have to explore that line of thought later.

“Steven?”

“Yes?”

“Are you sleeping?”

“I don’t believe I am,” he teased, laughing when he felt you frown against his shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

“I just… I feel like I need to talk about it.”

Steven sat up and reached over you to turn on the tiny lamp on your nightstand so that he could see your face. “Whenever you’re ready, love.”

“I got an invitation to a high school reunion,” you said, looking up at Steven. His face was devoid of judgment as it always way, his eyes gentle. “And I was upset because I read the name of the person who had sent out the invite. She used to be my best friend. Her and this other boy. It was the three of us for a long time, and she knew I liked our other friend, and - this is sounding so dumb and high school, isn’t it?”

“No, love,” Steven said, cupping a hand under your jaw and stroking your cheek with his thumb. “Like I said earlier, your emotions are not dumb. They’re never dumb. Everything you feel is valid, okay? I will never judge you.”

You nodded, taking a deep breath and continuing. “So my friend, Hannah, knew how much I liked our other friend... Jason. It was embarrassing, I must have thought it was true love at the time. I was very, very wrong. Anyways, a few weeks before the end of our senior year, I realized I never told Jason about how I felt. And I figured I should tell him my feelings eventually, right? I’d liked him for so long, I should say something! There was some strange sense of urgency in me, telling me to go over to his house.”

Steven frowned, already anticipating the end of this story. He nodded for you to continue, but you could see in the way his brows were furrowed that he was worried. It was sweet, his concern for past you, even though these events had already occurred.

“Anyways, his mom let me into the house and I was going to knock on his bedroom door when I heard Hannah talking. I thought it was strange she didn’t tell me she was planning to see him beforehand, because she usually did,” you glanced up at Steven who looked upset already. You couldn’t help but smile and reach up to poke his cheek. “Why do you look so sad?”

“This story isn’t sounding like it has a happy ending, Y/N. And quite frankly, I don’t like the idea of you getting hurt,” he answered, his tone sincere. “Continue, though. Maybe they’ll prove me wrong.”

You blinked in surprise, a rush of heat flooding your cheeks at Steven’s words. You had to shake your head to get yourself back on track. “I heard them... talking about me. The relationship that they had started well after I’d told Hannah about my feelings was hurtful, but the way they talked about me as if I was a burden? After all I’d done for the two of them? It really made me not want to trust anyone with my emotions again.”

You sighed and continued. “So I’ve never dated since then. Well, never dated at all, I suppose. It’s not that I think I’m unlovable, though sometimes I do wonder that, it’s more of my inability to believe someone genuinely cares. Oh, and the relationship wasn’t a full secret, a lot of our friends at the time knew and were all in cahoots to keep me from finding out. So whenever I go back to Wisconsin, I only visit my family. I didn’t think that anyone from high school had a way of contacting me, but I suppose now with our work being out in the public, my LinkedIn page shows up higher when you Google-“

Steven interrupted your musings with a kiss. You were shocked, letting out a muffled squeak the moment his lips met yours. He pulled away with wide eyes, as if he could hardly believe his own actions. “I’m sorry, I didn’t ask. Was that okay?”

You blinked up at him and let a smile work itself across your face. You wrapped your hands around his forearms and leaned up to steal another kiss. One that you were actually prepared for.

Steven’s lips were soft, almost pillowy in texture. The kiss wasn’t something intense or firework inducing, but there was something about it that felt distinctly right. Like he was the person you were meant to be kissing all the time.

“You feel that too, right?” You asked, looking at him fearfully. You really didn’t think you could handle it if Steven broke your already fragile heart.

“Like this nagging feeling I should have done that a lot earlier?” He asked, playfully nuzzling your nose with his.

You smiled at him, relief writing itself across your face. He stroked over your hair and looked into your eyes for a few moments of silence.

“You didn’t deserve that. You’re far too precious. Fuck them. You’re worth so much more than that. I’m happy you’re here with me now. It was their loss,” he whispered, punctuating each sentence with a kiss.

“If you don’t stop, I’ll cry again,” you warned, already feeling yourself begin to tear up.

“I’m going to tell you those things every day until you believe them,” he said, seriousness in his tone. “I had a feeling there was a reason you lacked confidence. We’re going to change that, okay? You genuinely deserve love, and I’d like to give you that. If you’ll have me, of course. If you’d rather we stay friends, I’ll still support you and cheer you on until you’re able to start seeing yourself the way everyone else sees you. The way I see you.”

You bit your lip and nodded. “I think I’m ready to try.”

“Good, we’ll start first thing tomorrow. First, I’d like you to get eight hours of sleep.” He kissed your lips once more before rearranging the two of you so that he could wrap himself around you.

You’d never slept so well.

“Where are your parents?” Steven asked as he came down the stairs, rubbing his eyes and stretching.

You’d decided to stay with your parents for your holiday vacation and introduce them to Steven, who was officially your boyfriend. It hadn’t been too long since you began dating. Only four months had passed since you had that breakdown in your shared hotel room. But your relationship progressed so quickly and seamlessly, you felt like you’d been with him for years.

“They went out a few towns over to visit a friend and get groceries. They won’t be back for a few hours,” you said.

He hummed at that and flopped next to you on the couch, turning his face into your neck and wrapping his arms around your waist. He was silent for a few minutes, and you wondered if he fell back asleep before you felt him lay kisses against your neck and play with the hem of your shirt. Your breath hitched at the feeling of his light brushes against your sensitive skin.

“What are you doing?”

“Nothing,” he said, blinking up at you innocently. “Yet.”

“Don’t you need to eat breakfast?” You breathed out as he went back to kissing your neck.

“I am,” he said, nipping gently at your ear. “Come upstairs, love. I’ll make it worth your while.”

You let him lead you back up the stairs and into your childhood bedroom, where he laid you back on the tiny twin sized bed. Steven had been staying in your former bedroom while you slept in your sister’s, which was unoccupied since she had her own place in town. He pulled at the hem of his shirt, stripping it off before tugging at the bottom of yours.

You stared at him, not sure if you wanted him to see you without your shirt on. He’d had his hands under your blouses and up your skirts in the past, but taking them off felt like a huge step for you. He repeatedly told you that he was okay with taking it slow, that he would never want to make you uncomfortable, and you knew he meant that. You wanted to do more and explore pleasure with him, but you were nervous that he might find you unattractive and realize that he truly was much too good for you.

“Too much?” He asked, smoothing your shirt back down.

“I’m just afraid,” you told him. Upon his curious silence, you elaborated. “That you won’t like what you see.”

“I like you, darling. As a whole person. I’m always going to like what I see,” he told you, kissing your forehead before pressing your noses together. “I just want to make you feel as good as you make me feel. But I’m happy to move at the pace you’re comfortable with. Don’t feel pressured.”

You took a few moments to build up courage, and lifted your shirt up, letting him help you fully take it off.

“You’re absolutely gorgeous,” he murmured, kissing along your exposed collarbone and making his way down to your stomach. The way he looked up at you every now and again as he continued down between your legs made you even more nervous. He paused when he kissed near your navel and sat up. “You’re so pretty. Will you let me see more?”

You hesitated, then asked. “What else do you want to see?”

He responded by slipping a hand behind your back, tugging at the hooks of your bra. You briefly froze, but nodded when he kissed you in that way that made you forget the whole world. He unlatched each hook as slow as possible, as if giving you enough time to think about whether or not you truly wanted this. With each hook he removed, he brushed his lips with yours.

He pushed the straps off your shoulders and let you pull your arms out of them before he tugged the fabric off. A long silence fell between the two of you as he just stared, slowly moving one of his hands up to cup the underside of one of your breasts.

His gaze met yours and he groaned suddenly, breaking eye contact. “God, don’t look at me like that.”

“Look at you like what?”

“So innocently, like you have no idea how much you’re affecting me right now,” he said, wrapping his hands around your hips. “You’re so fucking cute. I shouldn’t find that sexy, but I do. You make me want to own you.”

“You already do,” you murmured, pulling him down for another desperate kiss. Steven smirked into the press, slipping his tongue past your lips and licking the roof of your mouth. He swallowed all your whimpers and whines as he moved his hand into your shorts to stroke your clit over your panties.

“You’re so wet, darling,” he said against your lips, moving his hand a little lower to press at your entrance through the fabric. He shifted his body up, using his other hand to circle and play with your nipple.

You gasped and moved one of your hands to twist into his hair while the other wrapped around the wrist of the hand he had in your shorts. He cooed at you almost mockingly, but eased up on you, pulling his hand out of your shorts and sticking his fingers into his mouth. When he noticed how you were watching him, he pushed the same fingers past your lips and kissed your temple when you obediently sucked.

“You’re such a good girl,” he whispered against your ear. “Don’t even need to be told what to do. You just want to be taken care of, don’t you?”

When you nodded, he smiled, pulling the digits out of your mouth and kissing you. “I’m gonna love you the way you deserve.”

He stood from the bed and pulled off his sweatpants before situating himself back between your legs. He wrapped his fingers into the waistband of your shorts and slowly pulled them off you, pressing kisses against every inch of skin as he tugged them off. Once he had stripped you down to just your panties, he grabbed you by your hips and tugged you down until you could feel the distinct line of his cock against your pussy. The fabric of your underwear and his boxers were doing nothing to quell the heat of his hardness, and you were sure he could feel how wet you were.

“What are you going to do to me?” You asked after he made no move to do anything other than hold you.

Steven closed his eyes and bit his lip at your choice of words, slowly grinding against your clothed wetness. “Haven’t decided. I don’t want to fuck you here, this isn’t how I pictured our first time.”

“You think about our first time?”

“Yes, of course. Often. All you have to do is tell me when you’re ready, sweetheart,” he said. He paused to settle his forearms on the bed on either side of you and continue grinding against you, now with more force. When he noticed you moaning and closing your eyes, clearly enjoying this much more than he thought you would, he laughed. “You’re so cute. You wanna get on top and ride my thigh, love?”

When you nodded, he pushed you a little over to the side and laid down, allowing you to climb on top of him and grind your clit against his thigh through the thin layer of fabric. You grabbed your headboard and focused on chasing your pleasure, barely noticing your boyfriend below you staring up at you reverently.

“I think I’m gonna come,” you choked out as you kept going, feeling yourself getting close to the tipping point. It had been an embarrassingly short amount of time, but you didn’t have enough self control to stop yourself.

“Do it, come for me. Come for me, princess,” he whispered. “I want to see what you look like in pleasure, I want to paint that picture into the back of my eyelids forever. You’re so beautiful, love. So perfect for me.”

You let out a little choked moan and did as he requested, closing your eyes and riding out the sparks of pleasure. After you’d fully come down from your high, your breaths beginning to even out, Steven spoke.

“That was incredible,” he said, moving you so that you were sitting between his legs. He pulled his hardness out of his boxers and carefully thumbed at the head, spreading the precum dripping from the tip. He looked over at you where you were curiously watching him, leaning in closer to get a better look at his cock. He couldn’t help but chuckle at your wide eyed expression. “Do you want to touch?”

Upon your eager nod, he smiled and sat up against your headboard. He took one of your hands into his and brought it close to your mouth, silently instructing you to spit into your palm. When you did, he let go of your wrist and sat back, watching you finally wrap your hand around the base of his cock and curiously stroke upwards. He closed his eyes and let out a sweet sigh. “Rub the tip, don’t be afraid to grip a little tighter.”

You nodded and did as he said, rubbing your thumb against the sensitive top of his dick before firmly stroking up and down. Steven began letting out soft moans, clearly responsive to your clumsy handjob. Out of curiosity, you gave the head of his cock a kiss. He groaned and opened his eyes, watching as you began licking and taking the head into your mouth as you continued stroking up and down his shaft. The taste was bitter and salty, and honestly not very pleasant, but you loved the effect it had on him too much to stop. The noises he was making, the way he squirmed underneath you, the glazed look in his eyes. It made you feel powerful.

“What are you doing?” He stuttered out.

You pulled off enough to speak and kept your rhythm going with your hand. “Trying something new. You don’t mind, right?”

“No,” he hissed, cradling the back of your head. “I don’t mind. But if you keep going like that, I’m going to come soon.”

“Good.” You kept the head of his cock in your mouth, occasionally dipping your tongue into the slit like you recalled people doing in erotica you’d read. He loved that, his grip in your hair becoming harsher and his breaths becoming more uneven.

“God, pull off. I wanna come on your face. You want that, darling? You want my cum dripping off your pretty face?”

You nodded and let him take his cock out of your mouth and into his own hand, jerking himself off much faster than you had been. He took a few more seconds before he groaned your name as the first thick, warm string of cum landed on your cheek. You flinched and shut your eyes, letting your lover paint your face with his release. When he was finished, he wiped the cum off your eyelids and lashes, and pushed his white coated thumb into your mouth. You obediently sucked his finger clean, ignoring the bitter taste and focusing on how turned on he looked.

“That was amazing. You’re amazing,” he said. “I’d kiss you but then I’d just get us both messier.”

You laughed and sat up while he went to your bathroom to get a damp towel to wipe you off with. He returned and cleaned you up, then gave you your promised kiss before mentioning that he was hungry. You rolled your eyes but brought him back downstairs.

Against your better judgment, you had listened to Steven when he said you should RSVP to your high school reunion. ‘Let them all know you’re doing well’, he had said. ‘Rub it in their faces, show them you grew up to become the most gorgeous woman alive’, he had said. Now it was starting to hit you how bad of an idea this all was. He could see you seated on your bed, wearing a facial expression that spoke of regretting all life choices, and smiled reassuringly at you.

He pressed a kiss to the top of your head. “You look beautiful.”

“You always say that,” you said in a mumble, curling your fingers into the blush colored lace of the dress you were wearing at the suggestion of Alice, your friend who wrote the fashion and style section of GSR.

“Probably because it’s always true,” Steven said breezily. “If you don’t want to do this, we don’t have to. I’m giving you one out and if you don’t take it now, I’m going to make sure you walk into that building and show everyone who hurt you that you never needed them in the first place.”

“I think you’re drastically overestimating how much everyone cares.”

“You’d be surprised how far mere curiosity extends,” he said as he straightened his tie. “Does this look crooked to you?”

You stood up and helped him adjust it until it laid down against his chest properly. He took the opportunity to wrap his arms around you and kiss your lips, stealing the breath from your lungs until you felt just the tiniest bit lightheaded.

“I love you,” he said.

You looked at him with wide eyes. “You do?”

“Of course,” Steven laughed. “The surprise on your face is almost insulting! Have I not shown you that I adore you?”

“You have, it’s just,” you cut yourself off with a sigh. “You’re the first person to ever say that in a romantic sense.”

Steven cupped your cheek and kissed you again, this time soft and gentle, as though you’d shatter if he handled you too roughly. “Well, I do. I love you very much.”

“I love you too. Glad we’re on the same page.”

Steven chuckled and rubbed his hands over your shoulders. “Ready to do this?”

“As much as I can feasibly be.”

“Don’t be like that, love. It might go better than you expect,” he said, giving you a wink.

You’d read on the invitation that Hannah and Jason planned these events yearly; you supposed this was their first time being able to find and invite you. You couldn’t imagine missing high school enough to go to one of these yearly, and you fully intended to never go again after this one.

You were recognized almost immediately. An acquaintance of yours called your name from behind you when you were only five steps away from the rental car you had arrived in. You turned around and grinned at the boy who used to sit next to you in math class, allowing him to hug you. You turned and introduced your former acquaintance, Nate, to Steven. Nate looked at him for a second and remarked that he looked familiar, causing Steven to let out a surprised laugh, before Nate continued speaking to you.

“Dude, you look great! Much happier!”

“I’ve got Steven to thank for that,” you said, hooking your arm in with Steven’s. He looked down at you and smiled, encouraging you silently. “You look happier too, is that your girlfriend?”

“Yeah, Mel! Mel’s the light of my life. Mel, this is Y/N, we used to suffer in pre calculus together. Y/N, I literally haven’t seen you since graduation, you have to update me on what I missed!”

You filled Nate in on your college years, thinking maybe this wasn’t a terrible idea after all. Then you saw Hannah, standing by the bar entrance with Jason. For whatever reason, you hadn’t assumed they’d still be together. It shouldn’t bother you, yet you felt frozen when you saw the two of them talking with each other, casual and clearly happy. Steven noticed you stiffen and looked down at you in concern. He followed your gaze over to where you were staring and put two and two together.

“Shoot, I think I left my phone in the car. Y/N, do you mind coming back with me? We’ll meet you inside, Nate.”

Nate nodded and ran off inside with his girlfriend to escape from the freezing weather that had descended upon Wisconsin. Steven turned you around and walked you slightly away from the building so that you couldn’t be seen from where Hannah and Jason were. “I figured you needed a pep talk.”

“You figured very right. I didn’t think they’d still be together.”

“Doesn’t matter. It’s not about them, it’s about you. You’re better than what they said about you, and you need to prove that to yourself. Get some closure.”

“You’re right,” you said, nodding to yourself in determination. “Yeah. Okay, let’s do this.”

“I’ll be right beside you the whole time. Squeeze my hand twice if you’re feeling really uncomfortable and I’ll find a way to get you out of the situation,” he said. “But I’d like for you to try and start your healing process.”

“I love you,” you smiled. “Thank you.”

Steven interlaced his fingers with yours and kissed the back of your hand, before leading you back up the steps. When Hannah looked up, she appeared genuinely surprised to see you. She pointed out your arrival to Jason, who was helping another couple get registered. He looked over at you and nodded casually, in his typical apathetic style. Why you ever liked him, you’d never know. Steven was so different from him, so full of care and sensitivity, ambitious and idealistic.

“Y/N! I didn’t think you’d actually show, you disappeared after graduation,” she said, giving you an almost genuine looking grin. She turned her gaze over to Steven and looked properly shocked. “That’s not Steven Grant from CNN, right? This is your plus one?”

“Steven Grant from GSR,” Your boyfriend corrected. “I left CNN a while ago. But yes, I’m Y/N’s plus one.”

“Holy shit, you got your famous coworker to come to Wisconsin?!” Hannah squeaked, looking reverent.

“We’re dating. So yeah,” you said in a deadpan tone. Steven stifled laughter and subtly moved closer to you.

“Right,” she said with an awkward cough. “Well, I’m glad you came.”

“Me too,” you said. You didn’t mean that shit for a second, you’d much rather be making out with your boyfriend back in D.C., but you understood you needed to be here.

Most of the night was a lot of people you didn’t even realize cared about you asking where you went after graduation. Even the people who had been in on Hannah and Jason’s deception seemed to have been genuinely upset by your entire disappearance, making you question if the situation had been more complicated than originally suspected. You decided to give a good portion of them your new social media handles, figuring that it couldn’t hurt. You weren’t planning on being best friends with them anyways. When you turned around to look at Steven, he gave you the warmest smile and whispered that he was proud of you.

At some point during the night, Steven briefly left you unattended as he went to go get the two of you something to eat. While you were scrolling through your phone to make sure your social media person didn’t accidentally upload the wrong clip from your latest interview to twitter, you were interrupted.

“Hey, long time, no see,” a voice spoke up behind you.

You put every ounce of willpower you had in your body into keeping your expression neutral. “Jason.”

“Stone cold. I probably deserve that,” he said, laughing awkwardly. “I had a feeling that I was the reason you left.”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” you said, shaking your head. “It was all of you. I felt I couldn’t trust any of you after I discovered the level of deception that was going on within my own friend group.”

“So you know everything?” Jason asked, furrowing his brows. “There was more to it, you know. I loved Hannah for years.”

“I know. I don’t care about that. If you guys had told me earlier, I would have gotten over it pretty quickly. Turns out my real soulmate was just a tv signal away,” you said, wondering briefly where Steven had run off to. He probably saw Jason talking to you and hid somewhere to let this conversation play out. He must be nearby, waiting to swoop in at the first sign of your discomfort. “Anyways, I was more upset by the fact you guys thought it was appropriate to hide it from me, tell all our friends, and then laugh about it privately. Did you really think that wouldn’t hurt?”

Jason frowned, as if he hadn’t considered it. Or didn’t want to consider it. “I guess not. I’m sorry.”

“You’re forgiven. I stopped caring about all that a while ago. I just wanted to get some closure,” you said.

Steven, with his perfect timing, returned at that moment and cuddled up behind you. He kissed the top of your head and wrapped his arms around you, enveloping you in his comforting scent and warmth. He rested his chin on your shoulder and playfully pouted at you when you looked at him.

“There were kale chips and quinoa. Looked disgusting. Wanna blow this joint and go get McDonalds?” He asked, finally giving you the unspoken permission to leave you’d been waiting for all night.

“Mr. Grant, it’s been an honor to have you here. I do have to ask, how did you two end up together?” Jason interrupted, looking at your boyfriend suspiciously.

“I’d have thought your girlfriend would have done some research, considering that she invited us here through Y/N’s LinkedIn page,” Steven said, pulling off the passive aggressive midwestern tone perfectly. You’d taught him well, you thought. He stood up straight, but kept his hands placed on your shoulders. “We work closely together. I suppose over time, we noticed how similar we were and how our goals aligned. It was only natural to try dating.”

“Ah, I see.”

“I do want McDonalds,” you said to Steven, tugging on the sleeve of his suit jacket and giving him a bright grin.

He watched you with an impossibly fond expression, and leaned in to quickly steal a kiss. “Okay, let’s go.”

The cool night air enveloped the two of you, reminding you just how muggy it was in that bar. Perhaps someone had gotten a little too crazy with the fog machine, but at least everyone smelled much better than they did in high school. You looked up at Steven, finally taking the time to appreciate the cut of his suit on his body. He turned and saw you staring at him, giving you an amused eyebrow lift.

“See something you like?”

“As a matter of fact, I do. How much for the handsome man in the nice suit?”

“Ah, unfortunately, he’s not for sale. He’s missing a vital part. You see, his heart was stolen,” Steven explained, pretending to be full of regret. “We’re still trying to catch the perpetrator.”

“Oh, how dreadful! What did they look like?”

“Beautiful. She had the prettiest eyes, the softest skin, the most melodious voice. She was an angel. Come to think of it, she looked quite a bit like you,” Steven hummed, looking at you with narrowed eyes. “Ma’am, I’m going to have to ask you to come with me.”

“Where to? I’m innocent!” You gasped, bringing a hand up to the side of your face.

Steven wrapped his hands around your shoulders and spun you around, softly pressing you against the cold metal of the car you’d arrived in. You blinked up at him as his eyes traced over every inch of your face, his expression soft. He leaned in and pressed several soft, affectionate kisses against your lips and cheeks.

“It’s you, you’re the one who stole my heart,” he said as he looked into your eyes. “You’ll be fined for that.”

“How much?”

“One million kisses as recompense.”

“One million is a lot, sir. Is there any way I could reduce my debt?” You asked, innocently blinking at him as you cupped his cheek.

“Come home with me and I’ll see what I can do,” he said, capturing your hand and pressing a kiss to the inside of your wrist.

thank you for reading  ♡  you can find my masterlist here  

[stardustincarnate]

Baby You're All That I Want, When You're Lying Here in My Arms // Bruno Bucciarati x Reader

GENDER-NEUTRAL READER.

SUMMARY : There is nothing that can compare to early morning snuggles with your beloved boyfriend, as well as contemplation for the uncertain future, which your boyfriend lovingly reassures you of.

WORD COUNT : 1102 words.

GENRES : fluff that transitioned into soft angst (author got a little carried away)

♡ writing commissions are open! ♡

watch out for typographical/grammatical errors.

A/N : this is my first actual jjba fanfic, so i do apologise if bruno is a bit ooc. i'm still in my jjba phase but i'm beginning to think that, oh boi, maybe this isn't just a phase anymore...

A blissful sense of tranquility blanketed this certain morning of yours, like a soft, wistful mist smothering the city and sending it to a serene, enchanted trance. You found respite at the sound of nature thriving at the hour, completely unperturbed by the activities of man and their made machines, only hummingbirds flapping their tiny wings, roosters crowing to wake the lazy up to start their day and feed them, and the shrilly songs of magpies as they traveled across the morning sky, which was painted with soft shades of yellow and purple, laden with so little clouds which produced way for the sun to beam majestically at you as it towered above the city of Naples.

You sighed in sheer contentment as the tantalizing aroma of your morning cappuccino wafted towards you, and it seemed as if it had also permeated through the curtains of your shared hotel room with your lover, Bruno, because he had begun to amble towards you while rubbing the sleep from his eyes and smiling weakly. You reciprocated the latter gesture.

"Good morning, amore."

"G'morning. Would you like some coffee?"

Bruno sat beside you on the empty upholstered chair of the hotel's balcony. As he did, he gave your forehead a quick however warm kiss, and then took your half cup of coffee which he drank to himself.

"I guess that's a yes." You chuckled fondly, sidling your chair closer to his with a sound that seemed to scrape your ears and his, which was the reason why his half-asleep state had vanished. "You can still sleep, Bruno, if you'd like. There's plenty of time before the day officially begins. You deserve to rest, especially after yesterday's mission."

"I want to spend time with you. Consider it part of my rest."

Your smile, unbidden, reached your ears by then, and it infected him vastly. He was looking at you with profound love in his eyes, and, even after only waking up, he looked godly. A ray of soft, orange sunshine dappled his ethereal physiognomy, and the cool, morning breeze gently swayed his dark hair, tendrils now billowing behind his ear. His current hairstyle, one of which the rest of his gang was not privy to, was crafted delicately by you the night before, albeit it was now a tad tousled. You had gathered his bangs, slicked them back, and made a small bun at the back—a hairstyle that seemed to only emphasize his pulchritudinous features, one which revealed his forehead, which you had been peppering with kisses the night before while he whispered sweet nothings into your ear.

Bruno wrapped an arm around your shoulder and pulled you closer to him. You immediately melted under his touch—an unconscious tendency that would take over your system for every time he touched you, a touch of any sort, as if every piece of you had been made to match his in an incomprehensible, primitive level.

With your head now resting on his chest, you could feel Bruno's warm breath above your head, could feel him starting to caress your generously tousled hair, could feel him kissing the crown of your head. He had done this countless of times, but each time he did, it still felt like the first time. Nearly heart-stopping and breath-catching. It was a wonderful feeling.

"I missed you." He said. You could almost hear the frown in his tone. You knew well what he meant by that; that even if you were always seeing one another due to you being assigned to his team, moments which you genuinely enjoyed were scarce. There was always danger and anxiety. The anxiety which rooted from the question: what if one of us... suddenly goes away during one of these missions?

"I missed you too." You admitted. Suddenly, there were tears pricking your eyes. He heard the impending sobs in your voice, and so he readjusted your positions and lifted your chin up so you could meet his gaze.

"Amore, I promise you, when this is all over, when we finally defeat the boss, you won't have to endure the fear. We will have nothing to fear by then, all right? I'll arrange for us to live peacefully in the suburbs of Naples. We'll have the life that we've always wanted. It will be our own, little heaven."

You nodded, and then the floodgates broke; you began to sob. The tranquil morning made you realize a harsh reality, that there was a lot of normalcy that you and your lover had been missing out on due to the dangerous nature of your job at the mob. You only wanted all of it to end—to finally be able to live a normal life with the love of your life at one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The desperation for that kind of life was so strong, that it hurt when you realized that you still had many obstacles to go through before you could reach that point. Hadn't the seemingly endless traumas been enough for the both of you?

"Shh, don't cry. It hurts seeing you in tears." Bruno wiped the tears off your eyes with his thumb, even though his own eyes were glistening as he looked straight at you. "I know, I know that you want to live that way already. I do too, very much. But we still have to endure this life a bit, okay? Just hold on. I promise, this will all be over soon. I'm always here. Hold onto me for a bit longer, okay?"

Your eyes were still obscured with tears, but now you were smiling. Bruno never failed to give you a haven, build you a fortress against those malicious thoughts which dared to destroy you emotionally.

"Y-Yeah... I will. I love you very much, Bruno." You cupped his face, thumb gently circling over his cheeks. He did the same with you, the floodgates discernibly about to break.

"I love you more, [Y/N]. I love you so much. You mean the whole world to me. I will always protect you, so don't worry, okay?"

Bruno leaned in and kissed your forehead. He kissed it for a long time, his lips seemingly never wanting to leave your skin.

Bruno, your angel, had engulfed you in a warm embrace afterwards, and it seemed to be that you were in your own kind of heaven. No heed of the ugliness of the world and the ugliness of its people. No heed of anything else, only of each other's presence, and the beautiful present.