#'all this food.... you mean i get to eat ALL THAT?' (proceeds to fill her plate)

[timothylawrence]

this is exactly how hala and raphael's first meeting goes

[ryukatters]

swipe right — k. bakugo x fem! reader

✮ a/n: i remember seeing a post on here a long time ago about a character making a fake tinder profile for their gf and realizing how many people want her. (if someone knows the OG post please lmk so i can link it!) so now i present to you: bakugo falling to his knees in the middle of your apartment bedroom for the exact same reason.

✮ content/warnings: dubcon, quirkless/college! au, jealousy, possessiveness, breeding, creampie, unprotected sex, cum eating, cunnilingus, overstimulation, praise, biting, bkg gets a little rough with you, and bkg's also a fucking simp but when do I ever write him as being otherwise??

✮ summary: your boyfriend decides to make a fake tinder profile for you just to see how many matches you get. he comes to a realization just how many other people want what’s already his.

✮ word count: 4.2k (i'm so sick)

Bakugo can remember how this all started. In very vivid detail, actually. He remembers because Kaminari had pissed him off so much to the extent that it took him a very substantial amount of effort to refrain from bashing his friend’s face in.

It all started during the last monthly hangout amongst Bakugo and his friends— one day out of the month designated to make sure that they all had time to catch up with one another despite their busy schedules.

Everything was normal, with all of them getting more than enough of their fill of food and alcohol while idly playing video games and talking about random topics to fill in the silence in Kaminari’s living room. 

Perfectly normal, until Denki decided to open his stupid mouth, at least. 

He goes off on a tangent about a trend he saw on social media where someone makes a fake Tinder profile for their partner to see how many matches they’d get. He proceeds to tell Bakugo that he should try doing it, for “funsies,”— to which Bakugo scoffs at. 

“Aren’t you curious, Kacchan?” Kaminari smiles cheekily, wrapping an arm around his blond friend’s shoulders, seemingly oblivious to the fact that Bakugo’s becoming visibly more upset with every passing moment. 

“Your girlfriend is really pretty,” Mina chimes in, sticking her tongue out when Katsuki whips his head to glare at her. “I’m still surprised she’s with a grump like you.” 

Kaminari butts in, “I bet there’s a whole line of guys around the block just waiting for a chance to get with her. I mean, just look at her! Hell, I’d even let her peg m—”

For a moment, Bakugo swears he wants to bash Kaminari’s face into his flatscreen. And for a moment, he lets that impulsive thought win— getting up and grabbing two fistfuls of Denki’s shirt before promptly getting cut off by Kirishima.

“Alright alright,” Kirishima forcibly pries Bakugo off of the other blond, pushing him off to the side. “That’s enough, you two. Kaminari was just messing around. I’ll admit, it wasn’t a good joke, but no need to hurt the guy, okay Bakugo?” 

Kirishima knows that Kaminari wasn’t being that serious, but Kirishima can also admit that what he had to say held some ounce of truth. And Kirishima knows Bakugo well enough to see how your boyfriend tends to be rather skittish and protective with matters concerning you— which is exactly why Eijiro had to stop him before it was too late. He really didn’t feel like preparing for Denki’s funeral or helping hide Katsuki escape from a homicide charge.

And that was that…up until a few minutes ago.

Katsuki’s tried to forget that conversation. But try as he might, his mind betrays him and can’t help but wander back to what Denki said that night.

He trusts you of course, and has complete faith in your relationship. However, he’s curious to a fault, just about perhaps too curious for his own good. 

How badly could this end?

As it turns out, this whole scheme seems to be playing out very poorly. 

Dozens of photos of you— screenshotted from your social media accounts— fill Katsuki’s screen. He had to choose photos you uploaded yourself, because most of his photos of you were either too…suggestive or too domestic (and he wants to be the only one to see you in those moments).

He swipes through “your” profile one last time before clicking “done” to officially put you on the market. And just like that, Bakugo’s met with the faces of men who are nowhere near your level. He goes through the batch of profiles, scrutinizing each one he comes across. He’s (un)surprisingly selective with the ones he chooses to swipe right on— making sure that they’re at least somewhat conventionally attractive. To his surprise (or dread, rather), his phone pings right away with a notification from someone who swiped back. Another ping. A message. 

You free tonight? 

Bakugo scoffs. He looks through the guy’s profile— a picture of him at a party with his arms around some girls, another with him doing a victory pose presumably after hiking, and one with him holding a fish. He feels his mouth curl in disgust, about to give into the urge to reply and give this guy a piece of his mind, before he realizes he’s pretending to be you. He takes a deep breath, closes out of the app, and puts down his phone. 

He’s starting to regret this.

Bakugo’s phone has gone off 15 times in the last hour. Bakugo has also felt the need to strangle some stranger through the phone 15 times in the last hour. Your (read: his) profile has existed for less than 60 minutes, and you already have a whole address book of nobodies trying to link with you and get a quick fuck. 

He feels the familiar beginnings of a headache creeping up the back of his skull. He thinks he might need a drink. Why did he decide to do this again?

In hindsight, he probably should have known this is exactly how it was going to go down. 

What was that saying? Curiosity killed the cat?

Yeah.

He was never great at self-preservation in the first place. So this, the feeling of overwhelming jealousy, frustration, possessiveness brewing up a storm threatening to pour out of every single fiber of Bakugo’s being— was no surprise.

He watches as the numbers at the bottom of his screen increase steadily, before tapping on the star icon. 

‘99+ likes!’ it reads. Over 99 people who saw your profile and thought you were beautiful. Bakugo pales, and he can feel the cold sweat building on the nape of his neck. He grips his phone, knuckles turning white. Is he shaking from anger or nervousness?

Anger because all these guys think they even have the slightest chance with someone as amazing as you. Nervousness because what if you decide that they do? You wouldn’t actually leave him for one of these guys, right? Right?

None of these men would walk through hell and back for you. They don’t know how you like your coffee, the details of your skin care routine, how you like to binge watch shows and talk Katsuki’s ear off about them (not that he ever minded, of course). They don’t know you, not like he does. Katsuki looks at you like you hung the moon. In fact, he’s pretty convinced that you did. Everything good in his life— the warmth, the color, the joy,— is encompassed by you. He’d be damned if he lets some greasy little nobody take that from him. Because the moment Bakugo fell in love with you, you became a part of him— inextricably and indefinitely. Loving you has become so intrinsic to him, that even the mere thought of another person loving you or looking at you the same way he does has him going insane. Not that anyone could love you like he did, though. That thought brings him some comfort, but not for long. 

One last notification he sees sends him spiraling. Bakugo swears that he can see red. That’s when he deletes the app, and throws his poor phone in some random corner of the living room, which is markedly one of the smarter choices he’s made as of late. He marches to your bedroom with a fire burning in his chest. 

He stops short of the door and finds you sitting at the edge of your shared bed, fresh out of the shower. You’re applying lotion, and he watches the cream absorb into your skin wordlessly, in awe at how overwhelmingly beautiful you manage to look in the most prosaic of tasks. For a second, he almost forgets the reason he was upset in the first place.  

Your hair is still damp, water droplets accumulating at the tips, and Katsuki feels his mouth run dry the minute he watches a stray bead fall and make its way down your neck and stop perfectly in the dip of your collarbone. Your very existence is forever etched into his heart, every inch of you carved into his memory, but even still he can never get tired of looking at you. At every angle, in every lighting, he needs to see you in it. You could call him obsessed, but he’d simply laugh and agree, because what’s so wrong with that? Especially if it’s you. 

You’re one to be studied— to be adored, Katsuki thinks, to the greatest capacity. It’s what you deserve. And what better person for that task to fall upon than him?

He finds himself naturally gravitating towards you, his finger tracing the same exact path the water had carved just moments before, wordlessly. You try to pay no mind, but it’s difficult as you realize just how close Bakugo was and how your towel barely manages to cover up your most intimate parts. One wrong move and you’d be exposed. With how things were playing out, and the predatory glint in the blond’s eyes, you don’t think your boyfriend would be too perturbed with your current predicament. 

Katsuki presses a delicate kiss to your forehead before he crouches down. Suddenly, you’re at eye level with one another, his hot breath tickling your lips. You think for a moment he’s going to kiss you so you lean forward, lips waiting. But he merely grazes them before he sucks a deep bruise into the juncture of your neck, biting slightly. 

You’re barely given any time to react before he’s grabbing the hand that’s securing your towel and ripping it away, the offending garment falling off your body. Your flesh prickles with goosebumps as its exposed to the sudden chill.  It’s quickly replaced by the heat of Bakugo’s body as he pushes you lightly, your back hitting the mattress. He crawls on top of you, muscular thighs on either side of your hips, your head placed conveniently between his forearms. He’s trapped you, a nonverbal challenge for you to try and escape. 

You’re a work of art, he thinks, but much more valuable than any pièce de résistance framed in any museum. 

Beautiful, yes, but far too blank for his liking. He wants to ruin you, make you his own personal magnum opus. And so he does. 

He presses a clothed knee against your bare cunt, pressing firmly. His lips continue their assault on your neck, leaving angry purpling bruises in their wake. Rough hands find your breast, and you moan in surprise when he gives both of them a harsh squeeze as he shoves his tongue into your mouth. Katsuki kisses you like a man dying of thirst, hungry for everything you can offer him and more. It’s all too much already, the way he’s kissing you has your mind reeling, and you have to turn your head away for a moment to catch your breath. Katsuki thinks it’s a moment too long without you, so he coaxes you into locking lips with him once more. A wave of mischievousness washes over you, prompting you to take your boyfriend’s lower lip in between your teeth, biting down lightly. 

You feel his breath hitch, before he lets out a low groan as he grinds his clothed dick against your bare wetness. He returns the favor, sucking on your bottom lip before letting it go with a wet pop. He pulls back with a lazy smirk, his lips pursing together to scatter messy kisses down the base of your throat and down your chest, alternating between sucking and biting at the flesh. 

He gives you a good once-over, scanning every surface, committing them to memory. You feel the need to curl into yourself with how intensely those vermillion eyes are piercing into you, memorizing every single curve, scar, freckle like he’s done time and time again. 

He drops down to his knees, broad shoulders bullying their way in between your legs, forcibly prying them open. He grips your hips, fingertips digging into the soft flesh, and drags you down the mattress until your legs are dangling off the bed.

“Jesus, Kats, be more gentle.”

“Shhh. I know you like it when I’m not gentle,” he chuckles. As if to prove a point, he pulls you down even further, giving a harsh bite to your inner thigh. He smiles deviously when you yelp. You try to pull at his hair but his reflexes are too quick, pinning both of your wrists down on either side of you easily. “Besides, this is the perfect height for me to eat you out, dontcha think baby?” 

You want to chastise him for being so crass, so Katsuki, but the words die on the tip of your tongue the minute he gives a sweet, loving kiss to your clit, sucking lightly. 

“You’re mine. I don’t want anyone else seeing you like this except for me.” 

You’re not entirely sure what brought this on, but you find it hard to complain when Bakugo drags his tongue from your throbbing clit to inside your pussy, drinking everything you have to offer. 

Your hands automatically try to find purchase in his blond locks, struggling against the vice grip Katsuki has on your wrists. He decides to take pity on you, loosening his hold so you can slip your hands into his hair, moaning appreciatively when he feels you tug. He rewards you by flicking his tongue on your clit over and over again, just the way you like it. He does it until your moans begin to pitch higher and higher, the same way that they do when you’re close. He doesn’t stop his ministrations even after you cum, riding out your orgasm until your thighs are shaking from overstimulation. He pulls away from you with a loud pop, taking in the sight before him. 

He runs a hand up and down your thigh soothingly. “So fucked out already and we’re barely getting started, baby.”

Your mind is barely processing his words before you feel Katsuki’s erection brush against your stomach, his clothing haphazardly discarded on the floor. He taps the head of his dick against your clit to tease you, a feeling of satisfaction swelling when you cry out from under him.  

He watches in fascination as strings of your arousal cling to him. He positions his length at your entrance, locking eyes with you as you hold your breath in anticipation. Katsuki likes you like this. Needy for him. 

 “You’re the most beautiful girl in the world, you know that?” He slips into you with a stuttered groan. 

Katsuki’s always been big. You never get used to the initial stretch, no matter how many times you two fuck. Still, that doesn’t stop him from sliding in with ease from the slick of your last orgasm. It easily coats his cock as he gives a few experimental thrusts. He groans in rapture. How do you manage to feel so good every time? It’s enough to drive him insane. Perhaps he already is. 

“So fucking perfect, no wonder why all those losers want you.” He mutters out the last part, and you’re not sure if you caught that right. 

“What?” He chooses not to respond, and you aren’t given the opportunity to think any further before your legs are thrown over his shoulders, Katsuki’s weight effectively pinning you in place. The stretch knocks all the wind out of your lungs, and all you can do is cling to Katsuki, nails leaving red, angry lines on his well-defined back.

He wastes no time before he starts drilling into you, hips slotting in between your legs perfectly. The position has him pressed against your clit, and your entire body feels like it’s been set ablaze, with Katsuki holding both the power to have it burn even brighter and the ability to extinguish it. And you’re almost there, you can feel your soul slowly ascending, your room filled with hymns of pleasure, the coil in your stomach winding tighter and tighter, threatening to unravel along with your sanity. Katsuki can feel it too— the way you’re squeezing him tighter, how your gasps and moans have climbed just a note higher, how absolutely ruined you look, how he’s responsible for your current state. Which is exactly why he wants to push it even further, he wants to see how much you’ll break for him— and only him. 

Katsuki cuts you off right before you can reach your peak, pulling out but making sure just his tip is inserted. You come to and take a look at your lover and marvel at the sight. He has a crazed look in his eyes. The way he smirks is absolutely wicked. 

You feel distraught— having been so close but having it ripped away from you. You give your boyfriend a petulant pout.

“Katsuki,” you whine, slapping a hand against his sweaty chest, “Why’d you stop? I was so close!”

“Because I didn’t want you to cum yet,” he says simply. “You’ll be good for me, yeah? I’ll give my baby what she deserves, as long as she’s good.” 

You roll your eyes, huffing. That won’t do for him.

As much as he loves seeing you indulge, he feels a need to punish you— at least a little bit to even begin to atone for being the wicked temptress you are. 

“Don’t be a fuckin’ brat,” Bakugo growls, gripping your face with one hand, squishing your cheeks, causing your lips to purse slightly. “I said be good, okay? Wanna take my time with you.” 

There’s a moment of respite, until you sigh in defeat, knowing better than to argue with him lest you wanted to dig your own grave. “‘Kay, ‘ki.”

He flashes you a smile. Obedient, just how he likes you. “Good girl.”

Katsuki draws his hips back, thrusting just enough to fuck his tip into you. He’s teasing. The amount of willpower on his end it takes not to cum is nauseating. 

“You’re so pretty, aren’t you?” he rasps, one hand finding their way around your neck, squeezing just enough to make your head spin. Your hands reflexively grab his wrist. 

All you can manage is a fucked out moan. Katsuki has to resist the urge to coo, about how he’s managed to turn you into a cockdrunk mess in such a short matter of time. The wave of possessiveness that’s been gnawing at the depths of his soul begins to seep out, and he’s reminded of the reason why the two of you are in this position in the first place. 

He gives your throat another squeeze and a rough slap to your clit. “C’mon princess, answer me. Say it.” He slowly adds more and more pressure until your ears grow hot and air feels like a precious commodity. 

“I-i’m pretty,” you manage to gasp out, tears spilling from your lash line as you begin to lose yourself between the space of pleasure and pain. 

Good. Always so pliant for him.

“That’s right, baby,” he concedes. “So fuckin’ beautiful.” He punctuates the last word with a deep thrust, right against that spongy spot that feels so good. You’re so sensitive that it’s enough to send you spiraling into your second orgasm, walls spasming around him uncontrollably. 

Katsuki stills, staving off his own release with all the restraint he can summon. He silently thanks whatever divine forces are out there that he didn’t cum the minute he felt the first clench of your orgasm. 

He grits his teeth as he wills himself to move, trying not to get lost in the wetness that envelops him. You’re babbling now, senseless moans filling Katsuki’s ears like a sweet melody. 

“Kats, please, I’m too sensitive—” You’re shaking now, muscles trembling with every thrust. 

“But I’m not done with you yet,” he says simply, drawing his hips back with a particularly rough thrust. You choke back whatever you were going to say with a loud cry. “What’s your color, baby?”

You take a moment to answer, brain trying to comprehend the words just uttered to you. You look at Katsuki firmly, “Green.”

“Atta girl,” he praises, the drive of his hips beginning to shallow. He’s close, and he doesn’t know how much longer he can hold out. But for you, he tries. “You’re mine, right?”

“Yes,” you breathe out, shivering as goosebumps dance across your skin. 

“Say it,” Katsuki pleads, thrusts growing sloppy by the second. “Say you’re mine.”

“I’m all yours, ‘ki.” 

With that, Katsuki’s fate is sealed. He’s left groaning as a flash of pleasure shakes his very soul, filling you up with so much cum that it dribbles onto the mattress even while he’s still inside you. You follow suit, an embarrassingly obscene rhythm of squelching noises fill the silence as you spasm around his dick. He collapses on top of you, but he’s still coherent enough to not dump all his weight on you. 

Your labored breaths fill the room as the two of you come to. Katsuki pulls out of you with a wince, still a bit sensitive. He gives you a peck on the lips before he drags himself down, settling in between your legs much like he was earlier. 

You tense up, “Kats, wait—”

Any and all protests cease the moment Bakugo works his tongue inside of you, slurping lewdly as he drags out the mixture of your cum and his, swallowing. He tries not to stimulate your puffy clit in an attempt to be merciful, but you still feel yourself steadily climbing to what would be your fourth orgasm this session. While the past three have been intense and drowning, this one comes to you in waves, dull pleasure invading your senses as Katsuki continues to eat you out to clean you up. 

He pulls away when you finish, your slick and his saliva coating his chin before he wipes it off on the back of his hand. You stare at his half-hard erection with a half concerned, half quizzical look. “Do you…” you lick your lips, “need help with that? I’m a little sensitive down there  but I could use my mout—”

“Nah, I’m good babe,” he says earnestly, flashing you a smile that he only ever shows around you. “I’ll be back.” With that, your boyfriend leaves the room only to come back with a bottle of water. 

“Drink.” You comply, finishing half the bottle graciously before handing it to him. He downs the rest before he settles next to you on the bed, laying on his side. You mirror him, shifting your body so that you’re both facing each other. 

Katsuki reaches out, finger idly tracing random shapes and lines onto the bare skin on your hip. He has a pensive look on his face, one that he usually doesn’t hold after stolen moments like this; it’s an expression he wears when he’s in deep thought. 

“Baby,” you call out. His eyes snap to yours, eyebrows raised.

“Yeah?”

“Whatcha thinking about?” You watch as a hesitant look flashes across your boyfriend’s face before he shakes his head.

“S’nothin’. Just thinkin’ about us two.” He speaks lightly. It’s always been difficult for him to voice his inner thoughts and feelings, so he tends to beat around the bush. You’ve learned that if you ever want something out of him, you’d have to pry a little. Katsuki always indulges you though. 

“What about us?”

“Do you- do you think you’ll ever get tired of this?” He repeats himself, clearing his throat. The question is followed by a weaker, “...of me?”

You think it’s the most ridiculous question he’s ever asked, because the answer should be obvious. “I’d never get tired of you, Katsuki. I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” he replies automatically, “but if I ever do anything that upsets you, or if I get too much for you, or if I—” he’s rambling now. Yes, it’s difficult for Katsuki to talk about his feelings, but once you manage to get him to open up, all the walls of his self-made fortress come crashing down and it’s up to you to pick up the pieces. 

“Baby,” you giggle, pressing a kiss to his lips, cupping his sharp jaw with one hand. “Look at me.” And he does— ruby eyes meeting yours. “I love you because you’re you. And I choose to be with you everyday. It’s not always gonna be perfect, no relationship is. But I know that I will always wake up and choose you.” 

You can see the anxiety melt away from Katsuki’s body, shoulders slumping as he lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. 

“Love you too, sap,” is all he says before he’s pulling you against his chest, squeezing you into a bearhug. You two stay that way until both of you are lulled to sleep. 

You’re laying in bed with Katsuki, both of you dozing off when you hear a slight buzz from your phone on the nightstand. You squint as you try to read the notification, and make out that it’s from your friend.

Denki Kaminari: So did it work?

You bite the inside of your cheek to stop yourself from laughing, giving a quick glance over your shoulder to check on your boyfriend— fast asleep. You turn back to your phone, your thumbs making quick work at your keyboard. 

You: Just like I said it would. Thanks Denki :)

Writing belongs to @ryukatters. Please do not share my work on Tiktok.

[zealouswitchwerewolf]

Head canon that all the bats are actually pretty decent cooks but only under very specific circumstances.

Bruce: if Alfred is anywhere near, he'll burn water. He can however cook for 15+ people, if he tries for any less he ends up overusing salt/sugar/spices and the food ends up inedible. Whenever Alfred has the day off, he secretly cooks for his kids while pretending he's just reheating Alfred's dishes. Curiously, they all usually find excuses to show up at the manor when Alfred isn't there, even Jason.

Dick: will not cook for himself even if he has to eat raw pasta. However, if one of his siblings is coming over or they ask for a snack he can make mostly healthy food with the most random ingredients that no one else would have put together. It's usually pretty good.

Jason: can't cook with people in his kitchen. He needs space. The exception is Alfred. Tim has taken to hiding in random places in the kitchen to see how long he can stay without Jason kicking him out. His best spot is top of the fridge, almost beaten by the time he hid inside a floating cabinet and it ended up caving to his weight and dropping him on top of the sauce Jason was making (luckily not yet on the stove).

Tim: only cooks when the recipe has precise measurements of each ingredient (mg/ml instead of cups/tbsp). Proceeds to completely ignore his recipe and ends up with a completely different thing, usually opposite of what he was making, still tastes like he had used the recipe for the final thing.

Cass: cooks based on vibes only so most of the time she's the only one who can eat her concoction, mostly using ingredients that require her to dance and contort around the kitchen at the beat of whatever music she's listening to or just whatever. That being said, her food improves drastically if someone's in the kitchen with her, out of her way but watching, cause then she bases her measurements and ingredients in body language and her proportions end up being incredibly accurate.

Steph: can make anything that requires batter and make it be the best thing you've ever tasted. So waffles, crepes, pancakes, some cookies, cake, etc. Anything other than that will end up on fire. Funnily enough, she can also make incredible fillings that have an uncanny resemblance to some of her previous ashen attempts.

Duke: can cook in the dark without making a mess. He's also a pretty decent cook in general but he somehow leaves piles of dirty pans/dishes whenever he's seen cooking, no matter how simple his dish is.

Damian: can only cook with the recipe or someone (Dick specifically but sometimes Alfred) guiding him. His favorite food is the one traditional from the league, specifically the recipes Talia gave him when he went to Gotham. He wants them to be exactly as his mother intended so he won't deviate from the recipe in the slightest. It's special to him. Just as it's special to cook with Richard and getting to learn his favorite foods from before Bruce took him in. He might or might not either write the recipe after each time he cooks with Richard and ask clarifying questions like "what do you mean measure with your heart? How many tablespoons is that? No, I didn't see, you covered my eyes and told me to 'trust the process'"

Bonus: Alfred has the skill of spoiling the food of people he deeply dislikes while making the rest of it completely perfect for everyone else. Even if it's all cooking in the same pot. He's gotten so good at it he doesn't even do it consciously anymore and forgets he's doing it. It still gets the point across though. Interestingly enough, each of the bats partners have gotten shitty food from Alfred at least once (either shovel talk style or because they did something mean to their respective bat or wtv), they can't even say anything cause all the bats will just look at them like they're being crazy because Alfred could never while Alfred smirks at them from the opposite side of the room.

[roohuh]

Ominis’ Birthday

Part 13 of the Obliviate Series

Ominis x MC

Summary: you find about Ominis birthday and decide to spend the day spoiling him.

Warnings: oops got slightly mature 18+

Fall's cold wind has blown across the castle turning all the leaves beautiful shades of red, yellow, orange, and everything in between. Ominis lays napping under a tree as you read a poorly translated manuscript from the Americas about the magic users that live there. The French author seemed to be hinting at ancient magic but his English was almost as bad as your French it seemed. There were too many things lost in translation to fully glean his meaning. With a loud huff you toss the book on the grass turning your attention to Ominis peacefully sleeping form. Watching the steady rise and fall of his chest makes you tired.

“MC.” A soft voice says behind you. Jumping a foot into the air you turn to see Poppy. Smiling at the intruder you scoot away from Ominis so the two of you can chat.

“I was going to go to visit the Golden Snidgets this evening if you would like to join me.” Poppy says softly, taking a seat on the grass.

“Can’t. It is Ominis Birthday and he doesn’t know I know.” You giggle. Giving you a confused look Poppy asks,

“And why are you keeping it a secret you know?”

“Well Sebastian told me and apparently it’s a sore topic because of his parents messed up traditions have ruined birthdays for him. So I have decided I will just be extra nice to him all day and give him a good birthday anyways.” Poppy laughs and rolls her eyes at you.

“You are hopeless!”

“As if you would not do the same for Sebastian.” You tease. Her face goes red as she picks a blade of grass.

“It’s not like he would ever notice me anyways.”

“Sebastian just has terrible taste in women! Someday he’s going to wake up and realize how amazing you are.” Poppy laughs, shoving you as you continue “Unfortunately for him, by then you will have died of a broken heart.” You pick up a pebble and try to toss it into your friend's indignant open mouth.

“More like I will have run off to live in the forest with the centaurs.” She corrects.

“That I could see.”

“I will have to find someone to go on adventures with me after we all graduate and you and Ominis go to live in your castle together!”

“It is not a castle!” You correct for the millionth time. Your laughter wakes up your sleeping companion. Laying in the grass with his head now propped up by his arm Ominis asks,

“What is not a castle?” Poppy gets up winking at you.

“Oh nothing!” She laughs and walks away. You move back to your spot next to Ominis under the tree

“Poppy calls our home a castle.” You explain.

“Oh but it is!” Ominis plays along. “Only a castle could hold your beauty.” You snort at his ridiculous sentiment as you reach into your charmed bag and pull out a picnic lunch. Ominis cocks a head at you listening with a smile he asks.

“Do I smell food?”

“I figured we would be spending the afternoon outside so I packed a lunch.” You proceed to pull out a simple but delicious packed lunch each item precured to Ominis tastes. You offer Ominis a sandwich which he happily receives. After taking a bite he gives you a funny look

“This wasn’t on the menu for today's lunch. Did you make it yourself?” You root around in your bag trying to dodge the question.

“What they had didn’t sound good.” You mumble pulling out a bottle from the bag and pour piping hot tea into a mug then set it in front of Ominis. The boy settles down in the turf as he munches on the lunch. After eating his fill Ominis stretches lazily and stands.

“Care for a walk?” As he speaks, offering you a hand. Taking the hand you stroll along the path animatedly describing the surroundings to Ominis as you go. He loves listening to your description of the world around you calling it “seeing through your eyes” secretly he just loves how into the task you are diligently reporting everything you feel he would find interesting. You walk a while in this fashion with no particular destination when you get an idea. Covertly you lead the stroll up the side of a mountain taking a less traveled trail. After about thirty minutes of a less than leisurely hike Ominis stops panting slightly.

“Where on earth are you leading me?”

“Just a little farther.” You urge not attempting to hide your manipulation. He wrinkles his nose at you but quickly relents, continuing the hike. Eventually stopping at the entrance to a cave you turn to Ominis.

“Care to explore?”

“Why do I have the feeling you already have?” He snorts attempting to hide his amusement. You take hold of his hand and drag him. Not very far in the cave opens up to a spacious cavern with lots of pools of steaming water.

“What is this place?” He questions feeling the warm moisture in the air. You start to undress as you explain

“Hot springs! Undress!” Neatly folding his clothes into a pile, Ominis strips down to his underwear. You giggle at the modesty removing every last piece of clothing from yourself then lead him to a pool. Gingerly you lower yourself into the steaming water. Ominis slides in next to you letting out a long sigh. Both soaking for a bit you let the tension in your muscles relax. You lean against Ominis with your eyes half shut drinking in the warmth after a chill day. His hand feels up and down your body until eventually he asks.

“Mc? Are you naked?” You giggle unable to keep the secret any longer

“Happy Birthday.”

[enchanted-lightning-aes]

Prompt time 😌

Hwan and Tegan + cooking

Ahh, thank you for the request, Kly! I had fun writing this tidbit! This probably takes place off-screen.

However, just know this also includes some mentions of a misunderstanding. . . in a comical manner. :p

send me a prompt? for any oc, dynamic, fandom characters, concepts.

Word Count: 788

T.W/C.W: food since it's a main topic

***

Packets and containers sprawled over a row of counters. Consisting of spices, some ingredients, vegetables, and some grains.

Hwan opens a cupboard, taking a pressure cooker and pan out. She puts them on an empty spot near the sink.

"I didn't think you'd also show up here," Tegan says while her pulse insists on racing.

Hwan adjusts her glasses, her expression slightly vacant. "Um, my sister invited me over, so yeah. She'll be too tired to cook anything after work. And I'm here to prepare some for her."

Ah. Great. Tegan nods, darting her eyes onto the ceiling.

Somehow, Nijiko managed to roped Tegan into visiting her place. Via a text message. Only to learn that her sister, Hwan, happened to be there instead. And she isn't even here.

So, she can probably help Hwan prepare dinner for Nijiko before she gets back.

But a little part of her had a sneaking suspicion that her best friend ditched her on purpose. With some intentions to nudge them into hanging out together.

Maybe it's to just keep her sister company.

After all, why would Nijiko have set Tegan up for that? Especially since she told her that Hwan's straight and wouldn't be into her.

Right? As a sister, Nijiko probably took it as a duty to encourage her little sister to get along with her best friend. No homo. Pure platonic reasons.   Nothing more, nothing less.

So, she clears her throat and braces herself.

"Well, I can help." Tegan tries smiling. "Considering there are some stuff I'm familiar with."

"Wait, you cook for her too?"

"Sometimes, whenever we both have a day off, we do that. Since we have utterly different culinary styles, I cook some Indian food that she hasn't tried. And she does the same for the Japanese and Korean food."

"Ah. Makes lotta sense."

"Hey, so, do you think you can tolerate spicy food?" Tegan asks, picking a moong dal packet.

Hwan arches a brow. "All have you know I've lived in Japan. And I can definitely handle anything with an abundance of spices. And I've eaten tons of kimchi soups and stews before I went there."

"Huh. Nijiko knows how to cook some mean kimchi soups."

"Yeah, wait until you try mine. In fact, I'm gonna prepare some while you cook your curry."

It might be her imagination yet Hwan's mouth quirks up at a corner. Just a fraction yet visible all the same. Kicking up her heart rate into high gear a little bit.

Tegan averts her eyes, rummaging through ingredients gathered at the counters.

Oww. She just had to be cute, huh?

"Okay then. I hope you can eat this Parippu curry. Once I'm done cooking it, of course."

Hwan just watches her, tracking her movements as she proceeds with the Parripu curry. Getting it's ingredients. Cumin seeds, asafoetida, turmeric powder, coconut oil, dry red chillies, chili powder, mustard seeds, mung dal, grated coconut, curry leaves, pearl onions, and garlic.

She rinses one cup of mung dal into a bowl, putting turmeric powder, asafoetida, and two cups of water into the mix.

After setting a pressure cooker on the stove, she lifts the lids. Then pours the moong dal from a bowl, filling it up. She switches it on at medium and steps back.

"You're gonna have to wait for it to boil," Tegan explains as Hwan raises her brows. "And I gotta make some coconut paste to add into it."

"Got it. I'll go ahead and start with my kimchi stew."

Hwan flips a chopping board then settles it onto a counter. She whips up a knife out of a drawer. She rolls a batch of napa cabbage over it.

Tegan's jaw slacks at how she chops it into bite-sized pieces within two minutes. Somewhat like a ninja, who's got mega fast reflexes.

As the pressure cooker goes off at it's first whistle, it sends a jolt into Tegan. Snapping her back to her current surroundings.  

Darn it. She can't get carried away by this. Her poor brain would be tricked into thinking it's some date or something. And she can't let that happen.  

With a grimace, she squeezes her eyes shut.   Maybe her best friend set out to torture her with this. Showing her on who she can't be with.  

Oh, well. She's gotta manage, somehow. Especially when Hwan throws an expectant look at her.  

For whatever it has to be. . .  

Tegan blinks and smacks her forehead. She turns the stove down and the fire goes out. She removes the lid, instantly greeted by a waft of steam.  

Gee, right. She has to work on the coconut paste before she fully cooks the parripu curry. So, she gets a blender jar.

***

[angi3260]

Insecure part 2: Raul Dominguez

Raul Dominguez. A forgotten doodle of a demon oc. He served no purpose, neither did his family. It only got worse his undestined life, his family arguing over and over on who they were. And without knowing what the consequences would be...

" want some kid" asked a smoker to Raul who took the cigarette and the man's boxes of matches" claro cabron" he replied in spanish. The consequences of the conflicts let to rauls needs. His need to smoke, drink, to sway from shit. Even if it killed him slowly. Sometimes he got aggressive with others without the intention...or complain he went through the worst things than the others who never liked comparing their horrible times...

" hey michael. Can you tell that pig not to eat too much, hes clearly on his third plate by now" spoke raul. It was the groups friendsgiving at a local church and despite arriving late they were all alone enjoying the holiday as friends. However once raul made that statement, Jesse just began feeling a bit insecure at that time and calmed himself down before resorting to violence" Jesse." Spoke Michael to jesse assuring that he's not in trouble" you may proceed with your third plate in peace. Raul, please next time if you feel like you ate too much yourself then dont take it out on others starving" Michael continued" besides you two have different bodies, and both of you need different amounts of food. You may only need a plate or two but jesse may need five to ten" he finally attached" five to ten? Geeze no wonder why he walks so slow and has very bad lungs my man's a fat ass" replied raul pissed of Michael's answer. However this began slowly affecting jesse more and more every second that he didn't even bothered to finish his current third plate of food and handed it to anselm and rochelle" you two can share it together. I'm out of here for tonight" spoke jesse taking his leave while putting on his coat as Raul finally calmed down he noticed jesse gone from the table and his plate still with food on it" raul that was very rude of you, you know that right!?" Spoke rochelle upset that thanks to him jesse got uncomfortable on a holiday bonding of theirs"...Jesse is no pig...he eats a lot because he was never given that amount we usually get to where we need little to be full as he needs more to fill that gap he couldn't have plus.......WANNA KNOW HOW FUCKING LONG IT TOOK FOR US THREE TO FINALLY GET JESSE TO EAT AS THAT "PIG" YOU SAID OF HIM..." spoke anselm defending jesse most from that word "pig".

" it'd be best if raul apologizes to jesse once hes cooled down" spoke Michael" in the mean time. I will try to find jesse and ensure he eats enough for the very least until he is ready to come back" Michael added taking his leave" can I join you?" Asked anselm quickly being brought into a hug with Michael taking both to find jesse" you still got some nerve for ruining the time we can all get together like a family. You know we all find eachother as Home unlike Home itself..."

Rochelle spoke" I will give you time to think yourself of your actions" she added also taking her leave. Raul was now all alone" I'm all alone again heh. Just like I've always been only you and me ain't it?" Spoke raul poor raul, he couldn't quit this smoking of his for it was his way to escape from anythin.

Michael arrived around 2:34 A.M. back from Jesse and noticed Raul smoking and coughing badly the smog of his cigar" Raul. Why do you still yet do this to yourself?" Asked Michael getting closer and removing the awful smelling cigarette from Raul's mouth." Its how I cope okay!?" Shouted raul madly" so that's all you do? You smoke your problems away like a COWARDdrug addict!?" The other spoke" I do..." spoke raul" if you really want to find that purpose of yours, you must start by not denying or hating anything BEYOND YOUR ORDINARY" spoke Michael" if we did that to you I assure you we would've killed you and you'd be Jesse's food to eat" he added on"maybe your right..." spoke Raul.

Extra chapter 1: The Apology

"Its okay jesse. You aren't wrong" spoke anselm trying to convince his friend to atleast not starve himself because of raul" I already told you anselm. I'm not hungry" spoke jesse resisting to eat the cake slice Michael bought him when found, he was very hungry still but those words still hurt him in a way. Maybe he was a fatass like raul said it's no wonder he can barely keep up with the others when running"jesse" spoke raul pissing the other off even more once hearing it" jesse I'm sorry.. I shouldn't have called you like that when eating I just wasnt used to someone like you, a selfless, bruised,strong and caring person"jesse slowly brought anselm in his arms to hug him" and to make up the friendsgiving, I bought something for us three to make our own little friendsgiving" added raul. Jesse noticed it was a bag full of french fries atleast 5 large fries in it and without thinking twice jesse proceeded to consume the fries" hey hey calm down. Theres plenty to eat no rush" spoke raul.

[takkarulz]

Beraking Bungee Gum

Chapter 2

(Prev chapter here)

The Mexican chicken restaurant Machi had picked resulted an excellent option, given out their affordable prices and the delicious and spicy food they were offering, as well as the fact that it had a small area for children to play, so Machi´s toddler girl could play a bit while both ate. Hisoka was pleased to see Machi again even if it also mean to babysit Sarasa too and discuss that “business” that Machi was suggested him. Honestly, Hisoka didn´t think that Machi could be the kind of person who is down to any illegal activity, however he also never thought that Machi would have ended marring off some dude from humanities and staying most of her marriage as either as housewife or as an underpaid high school teacher instead of teaching in some prestigious university or becoming a well-paid engineer or CEO of some important chemical company. She had been one of the top students of her generation after all and as far as he knew, she had participated in an award-winning project during her last semester at university. It was a shame that now she was working in some run of the mill high school, instead of teaching at a prestigious university or getting insane amounts of money in some chemical related business.

“Well, do you got what I told you?” Said Machi to Hisoka as she chewed a chicken wing.

“Yeah, I got that caravan and everything. I knew some dude from our college theatre club who gave me a special price on his old camping caravan, so I only spend 985000 jenny on that. Supposing that we are sharing in an egalitarian way you should return me at least 492500.” Said Hisoka with a grin.

Machi swallowed her own saliva as she heard the number. Even if the cost of that caravan was cheaper that she had imagined it was still a lot of money. Even her account and the account of Chrollo combined didn’t have that much money to spend. However, Machi knew that she could not falter in that moment. Besides, she was 100% sure that she was going to get back the money in a matter of days.

“Do still have the chemical supplies?”  Asked Machi.

“Yes, but is not much. I just managed to get some of the backup shit that I made just in case. But I’m sure we can make some batches if we are careful.”

Machi sighed and proceed to give another bite of that spicy and greasy chicken to then fill her mouth with French fries and swallow an overly sweet coconut agua fresca. She knew that probably she would not be able to eat so much junk food once her treatment started, chemo would likely fuck her stomach and probably Chrollo would likely try to coax her into try those alternative diets as he tried to do with Shizuku when she was first diagnosed with ADHD and autism. Machi felt like crying when she started to think in how she still had not told him anything about her illness yet. She still did not have the courage to tell her family about it, despite her pain and tiredness becoming every day more evident. She had even ghosted her own doctor on her phone due all her feeling of denial and inability of coping with her imminent illness and possible death.

“Poop! Poop!” Screamed Sasara running towards Machi pulling her from her mind. Hisoka just giggled at the spontaneous way in which Sarasa announced her basic necessities.

“Do you need to go to the potty, Sarasa?” Asked Machi to her child, who only proceed to hug her with a worried expression.

“Dang! She soiled herself again!” Growled Machi, recognizing the smell and the way in which her girl acted when she did not arrive to the toilet on time. She and Chrollo had been trying to train her to not soil herself but she still have lots of "accidents", specially when she was not at home.

“Isn’t she a bit too big to shit herself?” Asked Hisoka.

“Hisoka, Sarasa is only two years old! She still has to learn! And stop saying vulgar things in front of her!” Screamed Machi angry.

“What vulgar thing did I said Machi?” Asked Hisoka playfully.

“Shit!” Screamed with anger Machi realizing way too late that she had been pranked by that stupid clown. The rest of the persons of the restaurant looked at the her with a disgusted expression, making Machi feel way too embarrassed to say a word. And to add insult to the injury Machi could saw that both Chrollo and Shizuku entered to the restaurant in the exact moment when she said “shit” almost like if they were the intended audience of that vulgar show.

“What are you doing here?” asked Chrollo very worried as he saw Machi and Sarasa accompanied by that extravagant man.

“Hi! You must be Machi’s husband! Is a pleasure to meet you again Chrollo, it has been a while since college!” Said Hisoka.

“Hisoka? From the drama club?” asked Chrollo disconcerted. He vaguely remembered that Hisoka had joined to the drama club with him just to be expelled from college a few weeks after joining them and helping them with the Midsummer Night's Dream play they were preparing.

“Yes, that’s me. I just saw Machi and your baby girl Sarasa eating here so I joined them to talk a bit about the old times and shake the stress away!” Said Hisoka.

“Well, what a coincidence… I just passed by here with Shizuku after her therapy appointment because we both wanted to try that horchata drink they were serving or maybe give a try to that new strawberry agua fresca.” Answered Chrollo.

“Both are really good, but if you want to get the best stuff here, I’ll recommend to give try to the coconut agua fresca.” Recommended Hisoka.

“That coconut drink sounds good papa.” Said Shizuku, agreeing with Hisoka recommendation.

“Well, maybe we should give it a try. Do you want to stay with us for a bit more Hisoka? It has been a while and I would love to know what have you been doing all these years!” Said Chrollo relaxing a bit despite the weirdness of their encounter.

“I would love to do that too, but I have to go my dear friend. Also, I think you should help Machi a bit with Sarasa, she just pooped her pants and your wife seems way too tired to deal with a diaper emergency.” Said Hisoka bluntly.

Chrollo didn’t hesitated in taking the baby bag from Machi’s table and carrying Sarasa to the bathroom. Machi smiled relieved as she saw how Shizuku just sat on a nearby table and started to play Yoshi's Island in her Nintendo DS ignoring everybody around her.

“So, tomorrow we start our operation?” Said Hisoka in an almost inaudible voice.

“Yes.” Said Machi, determined to get that money by any mean possible.

Hisoka just smiled as he got out the restaurant.

[notforyounorme]

Ominous • 1: Just breath

Dark Dean Winchester x Female!Reader

This is a dark fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given! Please DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you in any way. This is fiction, but can be disturbing to some readers. These warnings are not exhaustive, read at your own risk.

Series masterlist | Main masterlist

Warnings: this fic will include content such as mention of Death, swearing

You see your mother standing next to the garage waving your way as you park the Harley behind your mothers car. She gives you the biggest smile as she walks up to you, her only daughter.

"There you are, honey. You're late! We were getting worried you wouldn't make it again." Pauline Johnson tells her daughter, giving you another quick hug. Darlene smiles as she puts her head on top of her mothers. The small woman scoffs before pulling back with a smirk. "Don't do that! You know I hate it when you show of your taller than me."

"Sorry, mom." You say as you throw a smirk your mothers way. "Couldn't help myself. Sorry, I'm late though. Len needed a hand with a new customer. Car broke down half a mile down Pine road."

You looks down at your slightly greasy hands, being a mechanic isn't the cleanest job but it sure does make her happy. And it pays the bills.

Pauline huffs. "That man needs to do his own job himself, honey."

"You know he's still rocking that brace around his wrist, mom. Means he can't quite hook the cars up right now. Not even allowed to drive. Hank drops him off every day."

"All right, all right. In you go now. Aaron and Trent probably ate half the food already. You know how your brother and uncle get, dear." Your mother tells you with a cheeky smile on her face.

You let out a laugh as you follow your mother up the pathway to the front door. With a twist of the knob the door opens 'That's weird she always locks it. No matter how far out the door she goes.' The thought runs through your head like a small headache and you simply shrug and shake it off. 'She might forgot to do it.'

The sqeek of the leather of your boots sounds through the entrance as you step inside to follow your mom, well the smell of the food, down the narrow hallway. Passing all the picture frames holding bits and pieces of her childhood and pictures of family and friends.

Pauline opens the kitchen door and steps slightly to the side so she can let her daughter pass. "Smells amazing, mom! Let me guess your famous chicken in cream sauce and garlic pasta?"

"As promised." Your mother sings. "Even put in some cream cheese. Just the way you like it." She tells your with a wink.

"Where's dad?" You asks her as she turns to face the rest the kitchen-dining room, the open space dimly lit by some candles here and there. Your eyes glance over the empty chair your father always had his ass pressed on. She looks at the two males sitting at the table. Your uncle Trent Johnson, your father's brother, taking a sip of his beer as he brings the bottle to his lips. Next to him is your younger brother, Aaron Junior, nearly breathing in the delicious pasta on his plate. Neither of them acknowledging you, your mother nor your father missing from his seat.

Suddenly your mother puts a hand on your shoulder. "Honey, what are you talking about? Your dad's been dead for months. Now grab a plate. Aaron is nearly eating all of it." She giggles.

"What?" You turn to her in shock. "What the hell you're talking about? I saw him yesterday. Don't say shit like that ,mom!"

"Don't be silly, honey. You were there when your uncle shot him right here." Your mother says as she taps her finger right between your eyes. The glint in her eyes making her look as insane as her words.

Everything feels off. A feeling of dread filling you up slowly as you once again glance around the room, which doesn't even feel the same anymore. The wallpaper slowly dropping from the walls, food rotting away and the smell of death filling your nostrils makes you gag, all the while your mother just smiles at you. "Come on now, honey. Let's eat."

Before you know what's happening, your mother grabs your head, teeth snapping beside your ear. She drags her daughter to the ground and sits on top of your body and for such a small lady she sure does have strength.

That's when you see it. The death look in your mothers eyes, like a white glaze covering her once deep honey eye colour. And the large bite mark on her neck still bleeding while her skin is rotting away. Your mother, or whatever this is, grabs a hold of your left shoulder trying to push you down while snapping her teeth as if she wants to take a bite.

Another hand on your right shoulder is the one that makes you snap your eyes open. A gasp leaving your mouth as you sit up so fast your head spins.

"Shhh... It's okay. It's just a nightmare, Pop. You're okay." Your brothers soft voice brings you back to reality. Breaths becoming more steady. "That's it. Breathe."

"I'm fine." You stutter out. The nightmare rolling to the back of your mind as you look up at your brother. "Thanks." You softly smile.

"Tell me about it."

"I'm fine, AJ. No need to worry about a silly bad dream." You huff, a scoff nearly leaving your lips at the worried look on your brothers face. You look around the small cabin you found, hidden away in the woods, looking for anything else other than your brothers worried puppy look. The only look that could make you break and cry while you need to be strong and tough for him.

Even though he is only three years younger, it doesn't mean he is any less your younger brother. Little brother even. You would always be there for AJ, protecting him even if it means risking your own life. Nothing more important than the safety of one of the two only family members you have left.

And not a day goes by where you feel regret for not being able to save your mother and father.

Aaron sighs before turning back to his book. "Unc should be back soon. He went out looking for food."

"And you let him go out alone?!"

"Like he would let me leave you here alone to go with him. You know how he gets, sis."

"Of course not! You should have woken me up then. I could have gone with him, you little douche."

"Yeah, right. Bitch." Aaron says before lifting his hand to turn a page. "This I quite the story."

"Of course it is. You've known it from the back of your hand ever since you were young, AJ." You laugh. "I mean, can't quite blame you. Harry Potter is a good book to let your mind just drift away to better places. We sure not one of those." Both of them laugh slightly to the comment.

You stand up slowly. The popping of your bones is causing chills to run down Aaron's spine. He always hated that sound. And You, being the big sister you are, always teased him by popping them on purpose. You could remember your mother scolding you while your father laughed it off. "Perfect definition of brother and sister." He always used to say.

How you missed them both.

The sudden sound of footsteps nearing the door made both of you look up. Aaron reaches for the machete laying next to him while you grab the hunting knife from it's holster on your thigh.

Three knocks, then two then four signals the two of you it's your uncle. He turns the knob slowly before opening the door and stepping in. "Good you're both up." His gruff voice says. He turns slightly to close the door behind him. Taking a deep breath in trying to catch his breath.

"You ran here? What happened?" You ask Trent. In the corner of her eyes she can see her brother standing up slowly. "Are you hurt?" But your uncle shakes his head.

"You both are never gonna believe what I found."

[lovethesagefan]

AN EASTER MEMORY

Growing up as the dull grey wintry days turned to the bright pastels of Spring, Easter was a holiday far different from the rest. As a child, you didn't get presents, other than a basket full of candy and maybe a toy, like a stuff rabbit. One year my daddy gave my sister this small rabbit. It was lime green and white. By the time it went the way most worn stuff animal went, one of the ears was torn. I do not know if it had a name, other than Rabbit. But Easter meant other things, for instance, clothes.

We got clothes at Christmas, but it is now Spring. you have to have Sunday Best clothes. That means, if you were a girl, the family focused on you. You had to have a white cape, usually some type of knit thing. We had to shop all over town for the perfect black or white patented leather shoes. Don't forget the white gloves. Lastly the dress which made rustling sounds when my sister walked. One year, she had a dress that had a tiny bell somewhere on the dress. I could never find it, I think. But girls had to be pretty. They get their hair done either at the beauty parlor or at home, which meant the hot comb! Being a male, I never had to deal with such torture, but watching is nerve wrecking. You take a metal comb and set it on the stove and heat it up, then you proceed to run it through either your or your female child. You had to sit very still or else you will get burned. But boys were different.

Boys may get to go to the barber shop with their father. They listen to the conversation and learn the language spoken in the barber shop. The will get a suit. Most likely it was a suit out of the Sears or JC Penny Catalogue. Mother would hem it. Boys are good to go.

Then the big day arrives. All goes to church to hear Easter speeches. The same 3-4 lines you have been listening to for the last month. When it's time to perform, all they can say is "Happy Easter." Which enough said.

Church ends and a traditional meal is had by all. You didn't eat with your family alone. You had extended family. Often times you ate at an elder house or in our case our great grandmother's or grandmother's domicile. In the latter, my grandmother wouldn't go to church with us cause she had to cook. She may slip off to the little church across the street or walk up to the United Methodist church from the house. She was confident that she could go and still get back in time to make sure the ham was ready. She moved the formica breakfast table next to the wooden dining table. She would spread the white table cloths over the table place the chairs and lay out the colored plates.

The door bell would ring and the once quiet house is now filled with talk and laughter. Small children who now wanted to recite their Easter poem for Grandmother. Adults discussing any and every thing imaginable. I can hear my grandmother say, "Y'all come and sit down. It's time to eat."

The one rule at her house, when you ate, we had to bless the food plus everyone had to know and say a Bible verse. Woe to you if you didn't catch on to the game. One of my brother caught on early so he had his verse already in his head. It was the shortest verse in the the entire Bible: "Jesus wept." My grandmother let him get away with that. So the rest of us had to scrabble for another one. It was ok cause our grandmother would help us out and give us a verse, though she had her favorite she always would say: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." I saw my grandmother as a saint. I have no doubt she is seeing God now.

After ham, green beans with Irish potatoes (pronounced "Ish" potatoes), rolls, souffle, cabbage, and a sorted other vegetable to eat. This is the South, so everyone consumed the nectar of the South: Sweet Tea. I declare, I think my grandmother had the best sweet tea in the world. She made it practically every day cause when we come to visit, we would drink it up. You ate but you had to leave room for banana pudding. My grandmother was one of those old cooks who said she never measured a thing. I used to try to get her to teach me her secrets, but I need exact measurements. She don't deal in such nonsense, however, when we cleaned out her house, we found a ton of recipes she either cut out of magazines, newspaper, or in cook books. I guess she enhanced what was already written.

After the dishes were cleared and the eldest brother volunteered to wash the dishes, the rest of the family would go into the living room and watch t.v. or just talk.

I am telling this story in hopes that family gatherings like this won't disappear. We are not cutting ourselves off from family and just sticking to the single cell nuclear family...people that we know. A lot is lost when we don't connect with other parts of the familial body. Easter is a time of rebirth. Please let's keep the tradition of family dinners with extended family alive.

Happy Easter.

[unladielike]

    "Wow, one of my guesses was actually right? Jocks are truly something else..." Vivian exclaims, allowing pleasant surprise to seep through her voice. Honestly, she wonders just how strenuous practice was for Mizumachi to have enough room in his stomach for ten burgers, but regardless, it doesn't take long for a pensive hum to subsequently slip past her throat.

    "As for me... probably 4 or 5? When it comes to McJunior burgers at McDonalds, though, I could eat 7... provided, of course, there aren't any fries to go alongside them! But the food truck I'm taking you has such filling teriyaki cheese burgers, chances are high you'll be full from eating 4 or 5," Vivian then proceeds to point out before letting out a little laugh.

    "And yeah, I guess I kinda take after my mom in the sense I like ensuring my friends are fed! I also prefer being the one to pay, since... I dunno, it manages to make me feel manlier somehow, as if I'm one of the boys. I mean, usually, girls are never expected to pay for stuff whenever guys spend time with them, right? Hence why I get such a sense of empowerment from using what little money I have on my friends..."

    Then again, to most, her logic may sound incredibly silly; after all, it was now the twentieth century, meaning to genderize the concept of footing the bill itself could come across as extremely outdated. Even so, Vivian always subconsciously had the impression it would feel less like a date or would make her seem that much more 'manlier' if she was the one paying, to the point where she could count on one hand how many times she had recently allowed anyone else to treat her... which, for better or worse, remains a bad habit of hers to this very day. Still, with how much she hated being perceived as a normie, she'd rather her wallet become lighter than be forced to confront the reality she was truly a girl at heart.

    Either way, they'll soon reach Wakwak Burger, causing Vivian to come to an eventual halt ahead of him. "Ta-daaaah! What do you think?" she finally turns to flash a grin at Mizumachi just as the last customer strayed off from the front of the food truck.

[水]

She’d be correct in assessing him as a ‘himbo,’ considering that he didn’t always think before he did anything… and even if he did think, it sometimes wasn’t the most logically sound. It was like most of his IQ points went into sports and athleticism. He had this idea that she could pay for his burgers and he’d pay for hers, but realized the errors of his thought process when she spoke.

“Ah! Uh… I meant to say I’ll treat next time!”

Nice save, Mizumachi. Totally believable and sound reasoning. That’ll work, right? She can pay this time around and he can pay for the next time! That way he can return the favor because she also made some breakfast for him that other time. Hm?

“Let’s go! Say, do you like feeding people?”

He keeps pace with her as she walks them to the promised burger land- or rather, truck. If he had a nickle for each time she’d fed him, he’d have two nickles. It wasn’t a lot, but it was interesting how it happened twice already in the time they’ve known each other.

Selling Japanese burgers already would have him sold. Wakwak burger was going to have a new regular customer who was craving a reminiscent taste of home, no doubt. With how hungry he was feeling, somewhere close was definitely for the better, he’ll get to eat sooner!

“Ah… I could eat 5, yeah. Some days I could eat 10. Depends on how hungry I am. I eat a lot after practice.”

Which was to say that he didn’t gorge himself on food before practice, because it would only slow him down if he pigged out on food. It was better for him to make up for the calories lost during practice by eating his fill on food afterwards.

“How about you? 1? 2?”

Seemed like a safe conservative guess for how many burgers she could eat in a single sitting. It seemed pretty fun trying to guess how much she could eat.

[minerviewrites]

Chainsaw man cooking hcs

Fluffy hcs :) Those included are: Denji, Power, Aki, Makima, Kishibe, and Quanxi (ft her girls)

Warnings: mentions of polygamy, mention of cigarettes in Kishibe's part, SFW and cut for length

Denji- this man... I hope you like burnt food. He doesn't know how to use a stove or oven, and will forget if you teach him... poor boy can't even boil water without somehow burning it. Though he cannot cook, he LOVES watching you cook. It's very calming to him and he just stares in wonder; "how did you not burn the water??!" "Can you teach me? ...Whaddya mean you already have?". He's so clueless

Power- She can do the basics; microwaves instant Ramen, eats cereal, munches on chips, etc. If it's more than 3 steps, she's lost and will make you do it. "HUMAN! Make this for me. Wha? You want me to say please? NO WAY! I'll figure it out myself...", she then proceeds to almost burn down the entire apartment. She will cling to you if you cook, and will taste test every single thing you make; just to make sure it's "good enough for her". Power just wants to be around you <3

Aki- He has a natural talent for cooking! It's nothing extraordinary, usually miso soup or steak, but his meals are always filling. Always the correct amount of spice so it's never too much or too little. He usually had to shoo Denji and Power away so that they don't steal uncooked meat... which has happened on multiple occasions. He talks softly to you while cooking "do you want to taste?" Or "is this the way you like it? I mightve added too much egg...". He always makes whatever you like, and if you've had a bad day, he'll let you cook with him in hopes of calming you down. He's very soft for you

Makima- Now... she's a professional chef 100%. Gordon Ramsey level cooking, and always makes sure that there are leftovers for the next day. Makima doesn't cook often due to being busy with work, but when she does... mouth-watering. Speaking of her being busy.... if you cook for her and have it ready when she gets home... she'll MELT. One of the rare occasions where Makima actually seems human; a soft smile on her face and her eyes slightly upturned and crinkled with pure love. She cherishes every bite, and will give you a quick peck of appreciation when she finishes. "That was delightful dearest... thank you."

Kishibe- absolutely 0 chance this man will cook. He loves if you do though! Very grateful and will offer you a cigarette if you smoke. He says it "goes with the food"... though he says that with every single meal... Will pick you up food!!! After a tough job, all he wants is to chill with you on the couch and eat junk food. It makes him feel loved, and it's one of the moments where you can catch him off guard.

Quanxi- cooking with her is a group activity always! Most of the time, it ends up with flour everywhere and you two laughing on the floor. If you don't mind, her girls would love to join!! Long is a surprisingly good cook, and loves making sour meals. Tsugihagi prefers deserts and baking, but she'll watch from the sidelines as Cosmo throws puffs of flour at you and Quanxi. Pingtsi will end up baking with you and Tsu so that she doesn't feel left out, and she also cleans up after the mess... Lots of kisses mixed in with cooking and it's overall a great experience :] "COSMO! GET YER HAND OUTTA THE FLO-" "HALLOWEEN!!!"

[imaeraser]

Hello!

I really love your headcannons about Strawhats with Teen reader, that's why...

If you don't mind - Can I ask for Platonic Strawhats with Female! Teen reader that tend to be the quietest in the crew because of her shyness?

I also had and the next idea after this one- but I don't want to overwhelm you with it. Take care of yourself!

Have a nice day!

Sorry for the wait, here you go!

Luffy

He was intrigued by you

That’s why he forced you onto his ship. And then he realized that instead of having a convoluted backstory, you were shy

And quite honestly it was refreshing

Even though he likes being around Chopper and Usopp and be loud as heck, he likes spending time with you

You balance him out

And even though you’re not an adult, he’ll go to you for advice. This makes the rest of the crew confused (and low-key mad) because he doesn't want their advice

But most of the time he doesn’t take your advice anyways

I think that you two are close, seeing as he is endlessly extroverted and will break through your walls no matter how hard you try

Most of the time he leaves you to your own devices, but he will drag you to large parties and make you feel as welcome as possible

He does the same on the ship, but that was never a problem anyways because everyone likes you

Feels the need to protect you, not only because you’re a member of the crew, but also because you’re the youngest

10/10 I can see him giving you some of his food (only some)

Zoro

Ultimate big brother vibes

Likes to go to you for a quiet space because the ship can be loud

So he spends a lot of time with you… sleeping

He also half-asks questions to fill up the space and gets to know you pretty well

He also feels a need to protect you since he sees you as kinda weak (but almost everyone is weaker compared to him)

He will also feel the need to shield you from the craziness of the ship

Like sir, it’s nice that you care, but they can take care of themselves too you know?

Doesn't incorporate you into the crew since… he’s mostly sleeping. But he would try, and he would fail because they already like you

Cue him being shocked that he wasn’t your only friend on board, but to be fair he is sleeping most of the time and not watching you

He likes the calmness you bring to the ship, good for his meditation sessions (but I don't think you want to just sit there why he meditates)

I can see you having fun with him and Chopper, maybe play a board game

8/10 calm down sir, they can take care of themselves

Nami

She’s like the cool and fun older sister

She likes to dress you up in her old clothes, and then gush about how cute you look (no, not her super tiny bikinis)

She takes it onto herself to guide you through… whatever I guess

Also feels the need to protect you from dudes

I think that she gives good advice, but when combined with Robin the two of them give life-altering wisdom

You can go to her for anything from how to sew to how to manipulate people

Always gives you juice when the crew starts drinking

If the ship starts to get too rowdy she will shout at everyone to keep it down, and then turn to smile at you as if her actions were for you

She will share her tangerines with you

I think that she wants to protect you, but is frustrated at the fact that she can’t be as strong as the Monster trio (but everything works out in the end)

If you borrow money from her, she will reduce the interest (only by a little)

9/10 only downside is the interest (if you ever borrow money)

Usopp

He was high-key suspicious of you

To be fair he is suspicious of anyone and everything, and seeing as you were quiet he was on the edge

But after you saved his life, he gets all buddy-buddy (really Usopp? You got saved by a teenager)

I think the two of you would get to know each other when he’s working on a new invention, and you guys are having idle chatter

Now he tried to act like a cool older brother. Always ready to swoop in and talk about his “accomplishments”

He will do just about anything to make you laugh

I can see some crazy (but fun) times with him, Chopper, and Luffy

He would give bad advice, but occasionally he does have some piece of wisdom

He would try to protect you, but… yeah

He ends up feeling bad, and incompetent. But tell him that he was amazing or something and he’ll be fine

I think he would get frustrated when you beat him at a game of cards

10/10 he is just so fun to be around

Sanji

Also acts like an older brother

He tries to protect you from guys, saying that they’re all dogs (but then you point out that he’s a guy)

This also means he tries to limit your time around Zoro, saying that he’s a bad influence

Then the two start to fight and right as they pull you into it, Nami hits both of them and carries you off to eat or something

Gives you more food because you’re still growing

He is a surprisingly good listener and when he chimes in his advice are always good

And like all of the crew, he will try to protect you from danger (ma’am you are still a teen, why are you on this ship? Oh wait, Luffy…)

I said he acts like your older brother, but he also acts like a proud dad sometimes

Like sir, why are you crying? All they did was perform twinkle twinkle little star on the piano (Brook taught you)

He also tries to restrain his pervert tendencies around you, but when they inevitably happen he can’t look you in the eyes for several days (he also smokes more. It gets to a point where you have to confront him)

He also teaches you how to cook

8/10 he can get a little extra sometimes

Chopper

If things get too crazy on the ship, he likes to go to you

I feel like he would try to act like a big brother, but you would just pet him (sorry Chopper)

I can see Chopper trying to get you to socialize more with the crew. Just drags you out with his tiny Reindeer paws

I can see you confiding in him a lot because it’s kinda like venting to a stuffed animal (again, sorry Chopper)

He gives (almost) child-like advice, but it’s so simple and it always works

I think you would beat both him and Usopp at games, and then they would proceed to chase you around

He would try to protect you, but he also knows that you need to push yourself to get stronger, so he lets you fight some of your fights

When you end up hurt, he always makes sure to be extra vigilant with your care

I believe that you would also try to protect him, but his pride would end up hurt

I think you two would spend a lot of time in his office for a quiet place to read (and for him to do work)

He makes you help him organize stuff

10/10 a great duo

Robin

She is the kind older sister

She is such a good listener, and her advice would solve all of the world's problems

If things get crazy on the ship, you go to her. She has the presence of calm around her that just soothes you

I think she would also like to participate in dressing you up with Nami. That means you get to wear Nami’s old clothes and Robin’s old clothes

Robin always has an extra book and cup of tea reserved for you. Tea times are when you two like to ramble about anything and everything. This is also the place where you can vent and the both of you talk about your past

She would like to teach you about world history, while you listen and ask questions

She would try to teach you how to read one glyph, but if it’s too hard she stops (and low-key gets sad)

Robin also lets you help her garden. She enjoys having a person keep her company while she does the things that make her happy

She thinks that you are too adorable, and that also makes her go into a momma bear mode when she thinks you are in danger

She will yell at crew members, and she will annihilate the enemies

Robin sees you in a similar way to Chopper, so if you say something dirty or cuss, her image of you will be ruined

10/10 she is perfection

Franky

I see him as a weird uncle figure

He mostly hides in his workshop and creates weird but cool inventions while you watch him and ask what he is doing

I don’t see you two talking about important things, just you two having fun and making jokes

He is fun to watch, but when he tries to get you to participate— it’s even more fun

I can see Robin trying to shield you from him (hey, he says he’s a pervert)

He would share his cola with you (I can see some very fun crew bonding time when everyone gets cola and huddles around Franky’s new invention)

Franky is the opposite of shy, so sometimes it gets to be a bit too much

Like sir, please leave them alone for one second

I think that Franky and Usopp would try to teach you how to make things

And if you like to prank people… they’ve created a monster

Expect all three of you to get yelled at

8/10 pretty good, but he does say some stuff that you don’t get sometimes

Brook

Another weird uncle

When he asked to see your panties, both Robin and Nami slapped him so hard, he had flown off

He never asked again

I can see him joining in on the Robin history over tea, and add things in he knows from living during the period (dang he’s old)

He occasionally makes the tea you three drink

I think he would try to teach you how to use a sword, and then get yelled at so he teaches you to play instruments instead

He’s a surprisingly easy-going teacher, if you don’t practice he’s not mad. He just assumes you don't want to learn. That means he won’t teach you, which leads you to practice

He would let you peek inside of his skull and then jumpscare you. It works every time

Brook would tell you about what he did during the two-year time skip, all while you’re laughing at the fact they called him Satan

I think that being around you and Luffy would make him remember his days as a teen

Starts to get all weary like a dad (and just like Sanji)

7/10 rough start, but good ending

Jinbei

He is the dad (not like, is)

He is always concerned for your health, and whether you should be fighting or not

He told Luffy that it was ridiculous to bring a teen on board, but then he realized Luffy is only 19…

Jinbei is always there to make sure you feel included, and will often leave the crew’s festivities just to hang out with you

Honestly, his old man self likes the quiet you bring

If you ask him, he’ll tell you about Fishman history (also over Robin History Tea Times)

100% tries to protect you. I think that can make you frustrated at times, but he has saved you so you can’t be too mad

So he teaches you Fishman Karate (it gets Robin’s stamp of approval because there are no sharp objects)

Jinbei gives the best advice, again dad and old man

He’s able to see different perspectives and tell you the best course of action (that gets annoying when you just want him to take your side, but you have Nami and Robin for that)

Also is proud of you when you achieve something (part of the tears dad group)

10/10 every group needs a parent figure

[stargazer-balladeer]

S/o’s birthday but locks themselves in their rooms because they don’t feel special [Genshin Impact]

Characters Included: Aether, Childe, Diluc, Kaeya & Venti.

Notes: Ayeeee! Since it’s my birthday today, why not make this? :))) I actually got carried away 🥲 this is around 3.5k words in total. Hope ya’ll like this!

Reader’s Gender: Neutral (tho i think there’s a slight implied female hehe…)

Warning: probably some swear words here and there knowing me- and mild suggestive themes in kaeya’s part 

[albedo, scaramouche, xiao]

Aether remembers your birthday more than he knows his- like srsly, he’s the kind that remembers his s/o’s bday more than his. He’s also the kind that celebrates it privately unless you want to celebrate it with others, which he doesn’t mind. He might have a hard time deciding what kind of gift you want, but sooner or later, he already has one (or multiples bc he can’t decide-). 

Imagine his confusion when your day finally arrives but he can’t find you anywhere, even Paimon, who was excited to celebrate your bday (“oohh~ I can’t wait to eat the cake!” - Paimon), seems confused. Probably the culprit in planting worry in the travellers head as she jumps to conclusion that you might’ve been kidnapped. 

Luckily, he checked your house before he could report it to the knights of Favonius or the Qixing (like any normal person should do really-). When he received no reply, he takes out the spare key you gave him and entered your house, an invasion of privacy he knows but it's an emergency- 

Knowing that you’re in your room when he can’t find you downstairs, he knocks on your bedroom door softly while calling your name. Imagine his (and Paimon’s) relief when the door cracked open. Immediately engulfing you into a hug, he lets out a sigh of relief. He then proceeds to ask you what you were doing inside your room when it’s your birthday. His heart literally broke when you stated your reason. Tightening his hold around your figure, he smiles bitterly, knowing that feeling all too well..

“That’s not true. None of that stuff is true. Everyone deserves to feel special on their birthday, most especially you. We’ve brought some food, and cake of course. Also some gifts from other people. If you want, do you want to celebrate it with just the two, or rather three, of us?”

You, who was a literal angel in his eyes deserve the world. He honestly wants to find whoever put that idea in your head but that was reserved for another moment. For now, his main priority is your happiness. Guiding you downstairs where Paimon was (she left when aether hugged you, knowing you two needed privacy. also the cAKE-), he watches as your eyes sparkle at the sight of the cake. 

Grinning softly he made sure you had fun with your birthday. Even though it would be more fun with more people, it feels more special if it’s celebrated with just the two of you. Staring you with pure adoration as you laughed merrily at the sight of Paimon stuffing herself with food. He couldn’t help himself but lean forward to place a kiss on your forehead and then on your lips, leaning back with a smile on his face. 

“Happy birthday, my love. May many more to come. Maybe next time, we can invite other people. Though I don’t mind if we’ll celebrate it with just the two of us only-” And Paimon! Don’t forget about Paimon!” “Yes yes. And Paimon.”

Similar to Aether, he would most definitely remember your birthday. After all, it holds a special place in his heart, alongside his family. And since this boi is rich af, he would most definitely try to spoil you on your birthday. Piles of expensive (or just cheap yet meaningful) gifts, reservation to a high-class restaurant in Liyue Harbor, and all that glamour. 

Actually, he didn’t find it odd that he didn’t see you immediately, thinking that you overslept or just relaxing in your house. But he soon finds it weird when it’s already around 3 in the afternoon and no sign of your face in the crowd, something he raised a brow at but shrugged it off. It isn’t until it’s almost the time of the reservation he made when he finally realized what’s going on. 

When he arrived at your house, dressed in a suit similar to Zhongli except it’s entirely black and white, waiting for you to come out. After a couple of minutes, he soon got concerned and decided to enter your bedroom through the window (pls do not do this at home). Startled at the sudden appearance of your handsome yet cheeky boyfriend, he stares at you with eyes asking the questions he didn’t dare to tell. 

Knowing he will get his answer one way or another, you decided to tell him about your dilemma. After you finished explaining yourself, silence surrounds you, which is quite worrisome since your boyfriend is known for his rather talkative behavior. Blinking in surprise at the sudden embrace of the 11th Harbinger, his hug was rather tight but not too tight that it cuts your oxygen. Speaking in a low, faint voice, a surprising feat for him, you can make out what he said as clear as day. 

“I’m sorry. I should’ve noticed it sooner. I was trying to be a perfect boyfriend for you but I guess I failed in that aspect. You know, if you feel like you aren’t special enough to celebrate your birthday, then what about me? Me who stained his hands with the red blood of his enemies, always engaging in a fight, clashing with other blades. Insecurity is really an asshole huh? Let me make it up to you now. Let’s not anymore go to that stupid high-class restaurant, c’mon, up you go. You better dressed comfortably when I come back or else…”

Leaving you quickly before coming back immediately, this time in more comfortable clothing rather than the stiff suit he wore earlier. This time as well, he entered your house normally through the door. In his arms, he was holding a bunch of stuff and proceeded to dump it on the living room table. It was different kinds of movies in different genres, you spotted some of your favorite movies in them (makes you also wonder where he got these from since you don’t remember seeing these in the room he stays-).

He would suggest making a pillow fort, and while making the pillow fort, he proceeded to smack you with one. Which ensued a pillow fight between you two. It successfully made the both of you a laughing mess by the end, filled with feathers. Childe then carries you bridal style to the incomplete pillow fort and starts the movie you chose. Placing you in his lap and placing his head either on your shoulder or head depending on your height, cuddling you from behind tightly with a contented smile on his face. 

“You know what? This might not be how I envisioned how your birthday would go, but I’m not complaining. Happy birthday, comrade. My most adorable and most cutest and only love. I love you so much that you’ll be the very reason why I die so suddenly. So stop being so cute okay?” 

(You two are living together in this one.)

Diluc has the probability of forgetting your birthday due to his busy schedule, especially if it’s starting to rise when your birthday draws near. He might neglect you for a couple of days, too engrossed in his work. When the day finally arrives, it completely leaves his mind. Like he’ll think of it as a completely ordinary working day. It isn’t until one of your friends told him to send you their birthday greetings that he remembered. And oh boy does he feel guilty, like srsly, he literally froze when he realizes what day it is today. And you know what that means? ✨Panicc✨

Honestly, I can see him buying the whole store XD. In the state of panic, his common sense just leaves him completely that he ends us buying practically the whole store. It would be sent to the Dawn Winery immediately as he buys some flowers from Flora, who also sent you her birthday greetings, which made him more guilty-

When Diluc steps foot inside the manor, he tries to search for you outside the gardens where he usually finds you but when he doesn't, he gets worried. Asking the head maid immediately about your whereabouts, and his concern and worry (and guilt) grew even more when he finds out that you haven’t gone out of your room. He quickly went to your shared room, with the flowers still in his hands, and knocked on your door. Calling your name softly and asking for permission to enter, when granted he entered the room as quickly as possible. But seeing the sight of you bundled up in your blanket made his heart crack.

Placing the flowers at the bedside table, he quickly made his way in front of you and kneeled down to meet your eye level. You can tell he was very worried about you with how frantic his eyes seem and the concern underlying it. With the way he was staring at you, you can’t help but spill your insecurity to him. The reason why you were hiding in his room rather than go out to celebrate your day of birth. Every word you spill made his heart break even more. Seeing tears started to leak from your eyes, he placed his two hands on your face wiping away the tears with his thumbs. Smiling at you gently and placing a kiss on your eyelids and on your nose.

“I completely understand, my love. Even I sometimes feel that way. Also to the point where I don’t want to celebrate my birthday even, but that won’t do my love. You are so special, you deserve your special day to be well special. If you want to simply lay here and sleep, then so be it. If you want to go out and do something, then I’ll happily oblige. Let’s obliterate those awful thoughts, and if those keep persisting, I’ll slice them up for you. I’ll keep picking you up when you fall. So, what is your command, my love?” (i'm so tempted for him to say master-)

Whatever your answer may be, one thing for sure, Diluc is seen smiling adoringly at you. Even the maids noted how soft the master is around you, particularly today. Whether curled up together in the bed, with him embracing you tightly to his chest and placing a kiss on top of your head. And if you listen carefully, you can hear him quietly humming a tune that his father (or mother) sang to him. Or you two outside in the garden, simply admiring the view with his hand around your waist. 

Either way, at the end of the day, he would wake you up or make you go inside for dinner. You haven’t eaten breakfast or lunch yet so you’re probably hungry by now. If you don’t want to leave your room or want to return to your room, he would understand and make the maids bring the food to you. When the maid(s) finally arrives with the food, you notice the cake on the tray. Looking at him as he chuckles, taking the trays from the maids. Humming a light tune, he scoops a spoonful of cake and holds it to your mouth, with a slight smirk on his face, eyes twinkling with mischief. 

“Stop staring at me like that, did you really think I would let the day go by for you to not celebrate your birthday properly? From what I know, birthdays have cakes in them, whether a huge cake or a cupcake. Say ‘ahh’~... Happy birthday my love. May next year be more enjoyable than now.”

Kaeya remembers your birthday like the back of his hand, I think he’s even more excited than you really. Eagerly awaiting your birthday as he counts down the days, dropping hints and stuff to you birthday-related, and probably plans a birthday party for you. The knights immediately agreed on it, including a certain bard, traveler, and wine master (albeit more hesitantly). He made sure that this party would be successful, constantly checking on the plans and such. To the point that everyone was practically fed up with his constant questions. But they understand that he wants this to be a successful and enjoyable party for you. It got to the point where Diluc kicked him out of his Tavern after asking for the umpteenth time. 

When your day finally arrives, he was practically beaming with joy and excitement. To the point where he can’t hide it behind the cool and suave facade he wears. He quickly made his way to you, going along with the plan of distracting you as they started to prepare for the party. In his total excitement, he didn’t notice the rather gloomy atmosphere around the house. But when he arrived at your door, that is when he noticed how quiet your house is.

Now albeit worried, his excited smile slipping from his face and now replaced with a worried frown, he knocked on your door, calling you in his usual teasing voice. When he didn’t hear your response, the bubble of anxiety appeared in his body. Twisting the knob and finding it unlocked, he quietly and carefully opened the door. Seeing your back immediately, seeing your side rise and fall making him sigh in relief that you were still alive. Closing the door gently but made a noise to alert you of his presence. Taking a seat behind you, he ran his cold fingers on your back, watching you arching at the sudden coldness of his fingers. Smiling slightly, he asked what’s wrong. 

Turning around to face him, you buried your face on his chest, inhaling his strong masculine scent. Instinctively wrapping his arms around you, he played with your hair with one of his hands. Tapping on your head slightly, beckoning for you to answer his question. With no way out, you decided to come clean. You explain how you feel like you don’t feel like you deserve to be treated as special on your birthday and all that sort. His face was void of emotion as he stared at the ceiling with his unique pair of blue eyes. Outside he might seem emotionless. But inside, he was on the brink of insanity. Who dares to put such an idea on his s/o’s mind? Why would you think of that? Was this insecurity of yours also his fault?

“That must be the most stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. You’re not special? Please. Don’t try to make me laugh with that joke ‘cause it’s not funny. You are a jewel, a star, a constellation. As rare as the gems, or rather visions. You can even rival the very sun with your smile. I know those demons in your head keep saying those words to you, the temptation is so tempting, right? Just succumbing to them to make them quiet. But that’s why I’m here, my dearest snowflake. I’m here for you. You’re so special to everyone, most especially to me. You mean the world to me. Anyway, enough of this tear-jerking stuff, we have a party to celebrate. And we can’t celebrate it without the birthday gal/guy now can we?”

Despite your protests, he lifted you effortlessly and carried you outside and into the dawn winery where the party was held. Placing you on the ground and pushing you forward where people from Mondstadt came and greeted you with happy birthdays. Smiling at the sight of you being overwhelmed at the warm greetings, and then chuckling at how bright your face became. Diluc nudges him to you, beckoning him to help you before returning to what he was previously doing (most likely trying to force a bard to not finish all the wines in the vicinity).

After a while in the party, Kaeya brings you to a secluded place with no people for air. Being in a party filled with people could be suffocating at times, especially if you’re not used to it. He intertwined his hands with yours and bends down to meet your eye level (or leans down if you have the same height as him-). He gives you a cheeky smile and proceeds to place a peck on your lips. Chuckling when you pouted and glared at him, wanting more kisses.

“My my, what a greedy vixen~ But it is indeed your birthday so I guess I have no choice but to oblige to whatever my birthday vixen wants me to do. Would you like me to strip as well? Haha. Kidding kidding. Happy birthday, princess/prince. May many more to come. Oh! I forgot. I heard from a certain birdie that you ordered for a personal performance from me~ would you like to get it now?” 

Since we all know that Venti practically doesn’t do anything like every day, I would safely say that he would remember your birthday. Probably save some mora to buy you a gift for your birthday, even though it’s not as fancy as the people in Liyue (they all rich kids-), it’s still meaningful. He probably made a bracelet all by himself with the beads he either bought or also made by himself. Nevertheless, he was as excited as Kaeya for your birthday. Already prepared songs to sing for you when that day comes. 

Venti immediately searches for you when the day finally arrives, but his excited and bright smile vanishes when he can’t find you in the crowd of people. Raising a brow at your sudden disappearance, he searched for you everywhere, the tavern, the church, the headquarters, everywhere but your house. So when he finally arrives at your house, he was filled with worry and concern. Entering your room through the window like usual, he sees your figure sitting on the floor while reading a book.

He pouted at the sight as he made his presence known by asking you why you were here and reading a book on your birthday. He watches as you jump from where you are and turns to look at him, sighing at the sight of him. He slowly made his way to you and sat next to you, his legs sprawled across the floor. He takes note of the food around you, which was non-birthday festive, it was just ordinary food. Not understanding why you’re sulking in your room, he asked you what’s wrong. 

Venti’s eyes widened at your explanation, feeling the sadness leaking at the words you said. They weave themselves around his heart, squeezing it, making him have a hard time breathing. He shares your pain. He was your soulmate after all. He immediately engulfed you in a hug, stuffing his face on the crook of your neck. You were so vulnerable in his eyes. You were so fragile. He desperately wants to protect you from the pain. But looks like he can’t protect you from your own demons. 

“Even though I promised myself to not say or do anything that’ll make you sad, I just need to get it off my chest. I’m sorry you had to suffer through that, those demons that a simple bard that weaves stories into songs can’t erase. Alright, no more feeling sorry for yourself. It’s time to get out and spend the rest of the day enjoyable, perfect for my precious Cecilia.” 

Without any warnings, he picked you up and jumped out of your window. Shrieking at the sudden fast pace, you instinctively wrapped your hands around him as he landed on the ground. Giving you a smug smile while saying “didn’t think i’d let you fall now?” Please slap him. Anyway, he laughed at your aggression and continued to run. Even if you ask where you’re going, he just says it's a secret. So might as well enjoy being in his arms as he continues to run (you swear you can feel the wind adding to his speed but that was just maybe your imagination-).

After a while, he placed you down and you realized where you are. It was Starsnatch Cliff, surrounding you were Cecilia flowers. Venti jumped on you, making you fall to the ground as he giggles. His hat flown back from the force of his sudden attack, he still has that stupid big smile on his face. Since his laughter is contagious, you couldn’t help but laugh alongside him. His eyes glistened with delight at the sight of your smile finally. Grabbing your hand and placing the bracelet he made, he pressed a kiss on your knuckle.

“This bracelet shall be a promise from me to you, a fellow bard to the fairest queen/king. I shall love you for eternity, this heart will only beat for you, and this body belongs to you. If you’re in dire need of assistance, don’t hesitate to call me. I’ll be there, forever and always. Happy birthday, my sweet flower.”

[x] Main Page || [x] Mondstadt Page || [x] Fatui Harbingers Page 

[dourpeep]

WAIT. I'm losing my mind over that friends to lovers post you reblogged. All I can think about is college Albedo + mutual pining, romantic tension, and friends to lovers OTL

- Leaving little post it notes in his bag or inside the cover of his textbook to tell him to have a nice day or remind him to take care of himself because you know he has a tendency to work too hard sometimes!! And what if he meets up with Sucrose and Timaeus because they like to catch up and sometimes discuss their research or homework, and they see Albedo hiding a grin behind his books and think that he's solved a particularly difficult problem but it's just a cute little note you slipped him when he wasn't looking

- You stay up studying for exams with Albedo and he dozes off on your shoulder so you sit there afraid to move because you don't want to wake him but you're also dying inside

- The two of you go to the library to work but eventually get distracted so it turns into the two you sitting close together on a couch and reading each other sections from your favourite books

- I can also see him as someone who rambles about labs or new research he's absolutely taken by. Weeks later when you mention something he said before, he's a little surprised but you just tell him that you tried your best to understand everything because you know it's important to him and maybe his heart skipped a little

- Going off your headcanons: Albedo looking for little specimens and deciding it could be a fun outing with Klee so she can get some sunshine and you find the two of them in the park. You end up joining them and Albedo's heart softens seeing you and Klee laughing and smiling together!

- I remember this little headcanon you had where he snorts when laughing sometimes and imagine Albedo letting one slip out while he's with you, and Kaeya teasing him later on.

- Eventually, his friends start asking if the two of you are together because of the silent affection and teasing between the two of you. Albedo knows he likes you but he's scared a relationship will ruin everything and you're too important to lose even if it means he never says anything, but little did he know, you have feelings for him too.

Anyway, I hope you have a nice day and week! Sorry about this monster of an ask lmao

NEVER APOLOGIZE FOR ALBEDO

NEVER

Like... there are two characters that I seldom, if ever, turn down and that's my beloved Albedo and beloathed Scaramouche- If you don't want me to shut up about a topic??? Like just utter word vomit???? Bring them up. Bring them up, I dare you--

Okay okay okay okay now lemme just--

oops. 1.4k words. Enjoy your headcanon drabbles, courtesy of me being a hard simp for Albedo--

College au Albedo is pretty close to how he normally is! Brilliant, though having difficulties with making friends and keeping said friends, getting carried away with experiments (did you know if you're on good enough terms with the professors, they'll vouch for you so you can use the lab when there aren't classes using them?? Yeah)...so the friendship that you have with him is certainly the closest one he has.

It'd be the kind where you knock on his dorm or apartment door at 11:45pm with some takeout and your textbooks and he'll let you in without a second thought. You slip inside and settle on the floor next to the coffee table cross-legged, setting the food out as if you don't live a good walk away. He wasn't going to sleep any time soon anyway.

Like the kind of friendship where your hand instinctively slips into his to tug him towards something cool you found or to the café where you tend to go after classes.

Even after you get to your destination, you don't let go.

Now that that has been established--the little notes you slip into his bag or on his books really began as a little reminder. Despite his keen intellect, Albedo tends to easily forget things because his mind is always going onto the next thing. So, being the great friend you are, would just slip a note to remind him to take breaks, eat a snack, or that you're supposed to go and meet Sucrose and Timaeus after class to prep for the upcoming exams.

Neither of you really know when they began to turn into doodles or 'seemingly platonic declarations of adoration'. It's normal for friends to write a heart besides "Don't forget I love you!", right? Yeah.

The smile that makes it's way on Albedo's face is unmistakable the moment that Sucrose accidentally stumbles upon a sticky note carefully tucked in one of his notebooks.

-

Speaking of Albedo and his tendencies to get carried away with stuff, he often functions on...minimal sleep.

Those nights that you pop up at his place to study or just hang out, he often ends up dozing off, glasses sliding uncomfortably down the bridge of his nose and hair tousled out of it's usual style.

You never plan to stay the night (though even when he's awake he insists you do because it's not as safe at night to make the commute home), but you can't just disturb his sleep when it's the first time in a while that he's probably gone without taking a capsule or two of melatonin to help himself back into some semblance of a sleep schedule.

It's these moments that you remember just how soft his hair is and just how nice his shampoo smells.

Also that he's a cuddler.

You awake in the morning, back aching and eyes squinting against the sudden brightness of the world around you and limbs tangled with your best friend. He's unbothered because his face is half-shoved against the crook of your neck.

-

With the library, you often find yourselves in a little game. There's so much to learn and so, so many topics through the old vanilla-scent found between pages!!

So trips to the library end up with the two of you digging and sifting to find a topic you've never heard of, sit and read for 15 minutes, then proceed to explain said topic the best you can (without looking!!). It almost always ends up with a few chuckles from Albedo as you fumble explaining (and half-making up) information and Albedo's (unfairly) great short-term memory winning out.

Speaking of...between actually studying and your little topic games, Albedo turns to you to bounce off his current observations and ideas. Sucrose and Timaeus, though both in similar majors as Albedo, are busy with their own projects and research to the point that they don't really have the time to help with stuff as extensive as his research.

Annnnd, naturally, since you don't have anything better to do and are almost always by his side, you play that part!

You listen intently no matter how dense the subject may be and no matter if you do or do not have the background knowledge.

When you ask him to explain something you don't quite understand, he can't help but blink in surprise because you were listening??? And wanted to really understand? You prove time and time again (even days, weeks later) that you listened to every word that tumbled out during his rambles.

And of course you do! Albedo's one of the most important people to you, so it's only natural that you want to show interest in his interests.

Also it's pretty cool to find out those random bits of trivia (like lobsters and their repairable telomeres-).

--

Klee!!!

Oh man, the first time that you met Klee was a pretty hectic day for Albedo. Due to his Aunt Alice's incredibly busy schedule, he tends to care for Klee on days that he doesn't have class.

However, that particular day he just barely finished class before he had to go and pick her up from school.

With you in tow, that is.

Immediately, the little girl brightens up at your presence, no doubt excited from what she's heard about you (listening in to Albedo's conversations with Alice and the embarrassed tone in his voice when he realizes that he's let your name slipped again and now Aunt Alice wants to know about this particular friend who's captured dear little Bedo's attentions). He's relieved when Klee doesn't immediately reveal that.

From then on, Klee insists that Albedo invites you for every outing they have.

The cafe for a quick treat? The bookstore to sit and read a few books?

"Oh, please please please?? Can they come Albedo? Klee promises that she'll be good!"

Who is he to say no?

But above all, those park days are his favorite. You end up running around with Klee, lifting her up so she can reach a particular leaf on a branch, squatting down to see a bug or lizard that she's entirely enthralled by--all while Albedo sits under the shade of a tree on a blanket, sketchbook and pencil in hand.

You don't know it (even though there's many occasions where he's shown you his sketchbook), but the pages are filled with your smile.

-

Around you, Albedo's found that he's most comfortable.

There's no need to hide insecurities or hold his tongue when something particularly exciting comes to mind...nor does he hold back in his laughter. Especially with your insistence that his laugh is cute.

That scenario with Kaeya is entirely an accident, proof of just how used to your presence he's become.

It's a late night and you're out with a bigger group of friends than usual, some friends that Albedo's only known since the start of college, but definitely good ones.

With a drink in your hand you all sit at a large table, chatting about anything and everything when you crack a joke and Albedo snorts.

Not like a snort with his normally quiet chuckle, either.

Instead, he's laughing hard, tears gathering at the corners of his eyes and stomach hurting (and maybe it's because of the few sips of drink he's had) and he snorts. The moment the sound escapes him and he's trying hard to calm back down, Kaeya grins.

He's most definitely one of the first people to put two and two together.

After all, Albedo keeps to himself, even around them. But with you around? There's a certain spark of life that ignites.

-

It's no surprise that the two of you are close when all is said and done.

But that doesn't stop either of you from choking and cheeks from flushing when someone asks if you're a couple. It happens often--too often to count--and ranges between Kaeya's teasing comments and a few sweet words from an elderly woman passing by your table at the cafe.

And you laugh--you and Albedo--because no, no, you're just friends.

Right?

Then the light hits your features just right, illuminating you in a soft glow that makes your eyes shine and--

It's undeniable the way that he feels for you. The sudden quickening of his heartbeat is proof enough. You slide your drink towards him for him to try and he does the same, eyes unable to leave your lips as you take a sip and then smile.

Between the cracks of his appreciation, of this warmth, dread seeps.

Though...that was just over a week ago.

Sitting down back at his apartment, your head resting on his chest and your hands intertwined while you watch whatever's on tv, you shift. Your lips meet in a sweet kiss.

And Albedo wonders how neither of you managed to see it sooner.

[quirklessidiot]

Title: pretty eyes [short story] Pairing: Gojo Satoru x gn!reader [soulmate au; takes place eight years before the yuuji and sukuna fusion] Genre: josei, romance, fluff, comedy, and your normal tragic angst!

Summary: in which the right eye is mine and the left eye is yours and when we meet for the first time, you see your own eyes staring back at you. Warnings: language, blood, minor manga spoilers, mild ooc gojo and death

Notes:  can we all just sit down admire satoru? Like the eyes man, the attitude omg... Ah im so sorry in advance  if hes ooc here sksksk it is my first time to write about any jjk characters and I havent fully grasped them yet despite reading the manga anyways i wont be online next week and tomorrow so i decided to publish this ahead of time. ily all and again thank you for the love and support, it does mean a lot *bows down* see you all again when i’ve got time? jskskss i fucking hate college and online classes, satoru save me please soulmate au’s [not read in any particular order nor are they connected, they just share the same trope]  Pretty eyes [gojo vers.] ||  lasting blues [toji vers]

tragic soulmate au series || taglist 

“Pretty.” were the very first words you uttered in complete awe as you saw yourself in the mirror and no, this wasn’t directed to your physical appearance. It was directed to your left eye, the eye of your soulmate.

Contrasting to your normal boring color on the right, your soulmate’s eyes were ethereal and unreal. How could someone have such pretty eyes? It was completely surreal at that point that you refused to believe that someone with these eyes were actually human.

You placed one hand and gently caressed the left side of your face where the pretty eye rested, “You must be an angel.” you muttered, “Only angels have pretty eyes.”

Thus      like every child     you gave your soulmate a nickname, ‘pretty angel’  and every night before you slept, you’d wonder out loud how your pretty angel was doing, if they were nearby, or anything like that. You wonder what type of food they like, do they like to leave the window open for a cool wind or do they like their chocolate hot or iced.

Yet as you grew older, the pretty angel faded out into your thoughts. The pretty idea of soulmates and love disappeared like the story books you read as a child. The pretty blue eyes on your left is forgotten as life takes a toll on you.

They say death was inevitable, when your mother died in middle school, you watch as your father’s left eye turn to your mother’s color. You watched as he clenched her hand, like it was some last resort of plea. You watched him cry as he passed by the mirrors and you wondered, would it hurt like that too?

It baffles you how beautiful and cruel the soulmate system was.

How every time your father would stare at his own reflection, his left eye would be nothing but a reminder of your dead mother.

You let out a second meek cough in the quiet bookstore that night, the sounds of the car passing by were nothing but quiet noise to you as you immerse yourself in the literature book you were reading, your students would surely love this one.You let out another cough as you turn around to find a small space to read since standing for too long made you tired too quickly. 

You’re too enchanted by the words of the author that you don’t even notice the rather tall man in front of you.

You look up, ready to give a quiet apology but stop short when you notice how ethereal the stranger looked. Albeit he wore a pair of weird Lennon shades at this time of night, he reminded you very much of an angel with his snow white hair.

You don’t even notice how your left eye is returning back to it’s normal color, the stranger does though and it surely was odd to see his eyes on a stranger.

“Well,” the stranger has a shit-eating grin decorating his handsome features, he definitely looked like trouble for sure, “This is unexpected.”

He lowers his shades and your eyes immediately widen as you suddenly cup the left side of your face, you’d recognize those unique eyes anywhere, after all, you had those on your left eye since you were born, “Y-You.” you muttered, the shock momentarily eating you up.

“Yeah, me.” He grins, loving the sudden attention, “Wow, I was expecting something like fireworks or flowers to appear.” He suddenly teased, bending down to your level.

Now that you notice it, he was very, very tall.

“I…” You blink, trying to gain your composure, “Wow…”

“Did I pass your expectations?” it’s been a few minutes since you started talking and all he has been doing is teasing you. 

“You do look like an angel.” You complimented and his eyes widened at the rather out-of-place compliment, “Your eyes are very pretty, thanks for letting me borrow them for twenty-two years.”

Gojo Satoru thought he had the upper-hand, after all, you looked quite meek but when you said those compliments, he was sure that you were going to be the teasing one in this whole-soulmate thing.

So he tries to one up you.

“I’m Satoru Gojo but you can call me tonight.” He grinned, trying to tease you once again, the corny pick up line sounds suave but your blank expression says otherwise.

“I’m Y/N L/N and  think I should call you in the morning, it is quite late right now and I still have classes at eight am.” You mumbled, looking down at your watch, “How about you just walk me home, then?”

“Okay.” Satoru immediately raises his hands, signaling that he was giving up, “First off, you should be more hyper aware that I may be a serial killer.”

“Are you?”

“What?”

“Are you a serial killer?” you repeat, “That would be awfully disappointing if my soulmate was one since I’d immediately give you up on the police. I’m not interested in being in a Bonnie and Clyde type of thing and I think it’s too early for me to die.”

“You’re very upfront about these sorts of things.”

“Well, you’re very teasing for someone who just met their soulmate a few minutes ago.” you shrug, “So, are you going to walk me home or not?”

“Ah, bossy too. I love the attitude already.”

“We’re spending our whole lives together. You might as well get used to it.”

You’d think the idea of soulmates would scare you after the firsthand experience with your parents but curiosity always got the best of you and the white-haired man proved that maybe it would be different this time.

Throughout the few months you’ve spent with him, You’ve noticed that Gojo Satoru and you may be alike in some ways but in most ways, he was different. 

First, he was enigmatic. You’ve known the man for a couple of months now and you’ve been going out on dates but you don’t know much about him except that like you, he’s a teacher at a good school and he tends to be conceited when he talks about his personal skills as a teacher.

“...What are you doing?” Satoru asked, peeking from behind your shoulder as you type in the grades of your student for your class.

“I’m grading my students.” You muttered, it was after dinner at your place and he was lazing around your place, the sound of faint jazz music could be heard throughout your small space and the wafting smell of freshly baked brownies filled the room, “Aren’t you supposed to be doing something since you're a teacher?”

Satoru quirks a brow as if you had said something odd then it seemed like realization had dawn upon him at that moment.

“Ah, I’m not doing much since my students are on break.”

“Didn’t you say that last time?”

Silence filled the room and Satoru breaks it off with his very famous ‘heh’ that made you inwardly roll your eyes and chunk the pillow that you’ve been hugging towards his direction, “Stop slacking off, you’re a teacher.” You scold him mildly, followed by a small cough.

“Ah, Y/N-chan. You’re so mean to me,” He frowned, handing you the mug filled with water, “...No fair.”

“You're a teacher and you’re slacking off.” You deadpanned, ignoring his sly ways of trying to get you in his arms, “How is that even fair?”

“My students can handle themselves so well that I don’t need to babysit them.” He hmphed,  arms crossed and head held up high in a rather arrogant manner. You could only only scoff back a reply at his rather haughty attitude but you’ve gotten used to it to the point where you just roll your eyes.

“You’re a very bad teacher, Satoru.” 

“Hey, I am considered one of the best and it’s an honor-”

You clicked your tongue and just pinched his cheek in reply to get him to stop drawling on about his achievements. You wondered if you dated a man child or something.

Second, despite his teasing nature and good looks, he’s a rather shy bean and has some insecurities about it too, maybe it was because there were moments where you couldn’t really understand your soulmate and his puzzling life. He didn’t tell and you didn’t want to pry because you technically both had your whole life to get around that subject.

Luckily, you seem to have found a remedy for moments like that.

“Satoru…” You called out to your soulmate who was staring at the nutrition content of the wafers on his hand, “Satoru!” 

“Oh, sorry. What were you talking about?” he finally snapped out of his daze and turned to you who was standing there, hand on your hip. The crispy wafers on his hand are long forgotten. 

Your soulmate is good looking, alright. If anyone were to pass by him they wouldn’t see the minor zilch of worry in his eyes.

“Are you alright?” You ask, walking closer to him, completely serious.

“...You aren’t going to leave me, right?” 

You raise a brow at the sudden question, wasn’t he too young to have some mid-life crisis? Was this because of the soulmate movie you watched late last night about the soulmate leaving their other half to rebel against the system and because of his partner’s family?

“Why would I leave you?”

He blinks once, then twice, the only sound that could be heard was the familiar music playing throughout the grocery store, it was as if no one was there during the mid-day. Satoru proceeds to look away, “I don’t know. What if you realize that you don’t like me as your soulmate and you followed what the dude did in the movie?” he started to mumble, mouth pressed on a straight line.

“Ah, the whole rich in-laws.” you blinked, “Don’t tell me you’re a son of some huge clan in japan that’s loaded and I’m going to be a disgrace to your family name or something?”

It came out as a joke at first, it really did and you were going to laugh but when you notice the straight face he has on, you realize it was anything but a joke.

“Oh.” 

“Yeah, Oh.” 

“Aren’t I supposed to be the one asking that question then?”

“What?” He almost half-yelled, eyes wide behind his usual shades that he seemed to wear a lot, “That doesn’t make sense!”

“Neither does your question, Satoru.” You frowned, massaging your temples, “I should be the one asking you that, are you going to leave me?”

“Of course not.” He sputters out.

“Then there goes my answer too.” You replied, huffing out as you grab the sweet wafers on his hand to put into the cart, “You’re very weird.”

“You’re weird.”

“No, you are.”

“You seriously asked me if I’d leave you because of your rich family in the middle of the day.” You deadpanned, inching closer to him to the point where your lips are brushing against his.

“This is unfair.” He huffed, suddenly turning red, “You’re attacking me in broad daylight.”

“Oh dear.” Your beguiling eyes, enjoying his rather embarrassed state, “This isn’t attacking, Satoru.”

Then you closed the distance between you two, his eyes seemed to widen behind his shades at your forward approach, clearly you guys never did PDA. You took this as an opportunity to lick his lower lip so you could slip your tongue in and as he starts getting into it and placing his hand to cup your ass, you pull away with a big smile on your lips, “That’s attacking.” you grinned.

Satoru seemed to have regained his senses quickly after that rather heated public make-out session, he placed his hand on top of his mouth and feigned embarrassment, “My, My, I didn’t think you’d enjoy those types of things in public.” he was back to his normal teasing self.

Well, that seemed to have worked very well.

“Mhm,” 

Yet unknown to you those thoughts still lingered in his head, it wasn’t just his family that he was worried about, it was also regarding his job as a jujutsu sorcerer       something he has yet to mention, he’s not even sure if you’d believe him       it’s a normal occurrence for people like him to die in this occupation and he’s scared that one day, you’ll see your left eye turning back to his eye color with no valid explanation.

Not only that but the amount of people who’d go after you to get to him, he clenched on the shopping cart tightly

“I’m tired.” You cut his thoughts short and Satoru turns to you, unlike him, you weren’t physically active so you tire easily, even joking around that you were a granny in a child’s body, “Can we sit down after this and get some gyudon?”

“Sure Y/N.” he grins, giving you a one-arm hug and kissing your temple.

Third, he’s terrible with kids, period, no questions asked. 

Your eyes narrowed to slits as he brought in one of his students named Megumi, the boy is quiet and compared to your giant and teasing soulmate, he’s serious. In fact he was more serious than the tiny pinky of the white-haired man.

“...Are you kidnapping a third grader?”

“He’s one of my students.”

“You don’t even know the first thing of looking after kids.” You pointed out, “And didn’t you mention that you teach high school students?”

“Well,” he drawled on, “It’s kind of a long story but he’s technically a genius.”

You let out a stifling sigh, “You’re impossible.” you mutter, bending down to the small boy’s level, “Would you like something to eat in compensation for him annoying you?”

The boy nods mutely.

“I wasn’t annoying him!” He corrects.

“He looks very annoyed standing next to you.”

“That’s literally what he looks like!”

You roll your eyes in reply and turn to the young boy, handing him a pastry that you had brought earlier. You  watched Megumi eat his pastry in front of the television that played some child-friendly show as you let out a soft cough and pour yourself some water

“Are you alright?” Satoru asks, resting his head on your shoulders.

“Yeah,” You replied, “Why’d you ask?”

“You’re looking quite pale these days.”

“Maybe it’s the allergy season, already.”  you nonchalantly replied, taking another gulp of water, “You’re terrible with kids, by the way.”

“That’s why I’m a high school teacher, Y/N.”

This connects you to your fourth observation, he’s nonchalant and easy going but he harbors a rather deep worry for you to the point where you wonder if he was really your soulmate or your mother incarnate. Three years into the whole soulmate thing with him, you still couldn’t help but think that he’s doting nature was quite adorable.

You feel like you’re coming down with a cold these days, your head has been throbbing and your cough is worsening. Satoru’s eyes are filled with nothing but worry as he handed you some medication. Your soulmate was now a mother hen and if it were different circumstances, you’d laugh it off.

“We should go to the doctor.” He nagged you once again.

“I’m literally going to sleep it off.” You hoarsely replied, “I’ll be fine, Satoru.”

“You literally sound like you smoked a pack with your voice, are you sure?”

“I am.” You glared, “Don’t sleep-”

Before you could even finish what you were saying, he flops right next to you in the bed, “-I literally told you to not sleep next to me.” you scolded him.

“A mere cold won’t phase me.”

“I swear to god, Gojo Satoru. I’ll kick you out.” He ignores your ministrations and snuggles his head on your neck, his warm breath tickling it, “You’re impossible.”

“You love me.”

“Sadly.”

“Hey.”

“I’m kidding.” you let out a quiet chuckle, looking down at your soulmate and running your hands through his white hair, “I love you very much, you idiot.”

“Hard same.”

“Never mind, I take it back.” you giggle.

And after a rather short playful banter between you two, you find yourself sleeping and snuggling on his long limbs. You think all is well, you really do. That was until you wake up later at three am in the morning with a loud coughing fit. Satoru immediately sits upright and opens your nightlight but what he sees next, scares him more than the curses he has ever encountered.

Your sheets are now stained in blood from the coughing fit that had just happened and you're completely taken aback too, completely breathless.

“Y-Y/N…” He gulps down, quickly taking the sheets away from you, “Let’s go to the hospital now, please?”

“...L/N-san, have you been getting coughing fits before this?” the doctor asks, looking up from your chart. Satoru watches you shake your head as you clench the paws of his jacket, the doctor takes off his glasses, “How about coughs that don’t seem to go away? Getting tired too easily?”

Satoru doesn’t like where this was going, he doesn’t like where this was going at all.

“Um, just some dry coughs and I’ve always been an inactive person.” You quietly replied, contrasting to your usual bright and teasing demeanor, you looked too tired this morning and Satoru just hopes it’s because he dragged you out of bed at four am to get yourself checked asap.

“Y/N-san, has any of your family members been diagnosed with lung cancer?”

The whole room is silent and you could almost hear a pin drop, Satoru feels his knuckles suddenly turn white, “I recalled my okaasan died because of that.” You replied silently and the doctor nods feverishly.

“...Y/N-san...It pains me to say this but the reason you’ve been experiencing this is because of the tumors located in your lungs.” Satoru feels his heart drop when he hears those words, “We have to do further tests to confirm-”

“Do it.” Satoru cuts the old doctor off, his hands are visibly shaking already, he hopes that this was just a misdiagnosis, that this doctor was just a bad one or better yet whatever excuse his mind could make up at that moment, “Do all the tests needed for Y/N, please.”

Fifth, he’s very supportive towards you and your impulsive decisions. If he could join you in it, he would but you usually decide against it.

It’s another quiet night for you as you sit across from your soulmate at the dinner table. You’ve grown awfully thin and your hair was starting to fall off due to the chemoradiation, this day marked the third month since you found out that you have lung cancer just like your mother. Surgery was apparently too risky so the safest option right now was this treatment. 

You don’t deny the anxiety eating you up every day, specifically the fear of death, you’re even more worried for Satoru since not only had he been paying for your treatment but he had opt to take care of you, saying that his job would be fine without him since you were going to get better soon anyways.

“Would you still love me if I shaved my hair?” You asked, your voice still quite hoarse.

“You kidding me? I’d still love you even if you turned into a roach.”

You immediately crinkle your nose in disgust, “That’s disgusting.”

“Honest reply.”

Truthfully, the man had been your rock these past three months. You knew how hard it was for him to be happy around you, how he had put on a brave front and remained positive saying that this was just going to be a rough couple of months and you’d be back in no time despite the bleak outlook.

It kept you sane amongst the tragedy.

“I wanna shave my hair.”

“Like right now?”

You nod, “Can we use your electric razor?”

“You want me.” he points to himself, “To cut your hair?”

“I wouldn’t want anyone else to do it.” You grinned.

And that’s how you ended up in your bathroom after dinner, Satoru’s shades on the side and his concentration directly on your scalp. You had literally told him that he just needed to do it the same way as he shaved his beard but he was still scared. Apparently, he had never shaved anyone’s hair before.

“...Okay, Y/N. Here goes…” He proclaimed, switching the razor on. As bits and pieces of your hair fall to the ground, you feel your cheeks getting wet and your shoulders tense, Satoru is quick to notice the switch of emotion and immediately turns the razor off before bending down in front of you, “Woah, woah… Y/N….”

“I-I…” Your lips are quivering as the tears fall faster when you see his pretty eyes staring back at yours, you try to let out a laugh but instead it comes out as a choke sob, “Sorry, this is stupid. I’m literally crying over fucking hair.”

“No, of course not…” He replies, enveloping you in a hug, “Of course not.”

Satoru feels you start to shake in his arms and he knows he should keep his emotions in check, he’s a sorcerer for crying out loud but seeing you break down for the first time in three months had him shaking too, you didn’t deserve all this, fuck, you didn’t deserve any of this at all!

“Would you like me to shave my hair so you’d feel a bit better?” he asks. After recovering from your breakdown, you had asked him to continue shaving your hair because you might as well be done with it.

“Please don’t.” You reply, wiping your tears away, “We’d look like eggs.”

“Cute eggs, you mean.” He corrects, teasing you and trying to cheer you up, this was all he could do and he hates it. 

He really hates it.

What good was the title of being the strongest when he couldn’t save you from all of this?

Lastly, if you hadn’t highlighted it enough. He has pretty eyes, contrasting to your dull and boring ones, you always loved how different his eyes are. Sometimes you wondered why he dared to hide them behind his crappy and overused Lennon shades.

“Can I see them?” 

Your room is dimly lit as Satoru sleeps next to you on the hospital bed, you were growing weaker and frailer by the day and you could see the toll it took on your soulmate. You were heavily reminded of your father who was sitting right next to your mother on her deathbed.

“See what?” He yawned.

“Your eyes.”

“You’re awfully in love with them, huh?” 

“I’ve always been in love with them from the moment I saw it in the mirror.”

Silence envelopes the room with your statement and as requested, he takes the shades off and now you’re greeted by the most beautiful blue eyes that you love to look at in the reflection since you were a child, “Pretty.” You muttered, raising your frail hands slowly to cup his face, “Pretty eyes.”

Satoru takes in a deep breath as he places his hand on top of yours, the silence is heavy. You both know what’s about to come in the next few days, you’re lucky if you even last a night. Yet he doesn’t want to talk about it, he shuts the topic off quickly when you try to even raise it.

“Yeah.” he mumbles, staring at you, “Pretty.”

You let out a quiet laugh, “I doubt it, I’m anything but pretty now.” your voice hoarse, making him lightly squeeze your hands, “Will you be bringing Megumi tomorrow?”

“Yeah, the brat said he saved enough money to get you your favorite pastry.”

“That’s good.” you blinked, “I’m tired.”

Satoru feels his shoulder tense at your words, they were so plain yet at the same time so heavy, “Should I call the doctor?” he asks. You shake your head and just snuggle on his chest.

“No,” You mumbled, inhaling his scent and basking on his presence, “I want your warmth next to me.”

“Y/N?”

“Hm?”

“You know, you’ve always had prettier eyes.”

Yet you don’t reply and he feels your grip on his sweater lessen, he doesn’t even need to see his reflection to know that his left eye has returned back to your (e/c) ones.

taglist [if crossed out, it means you aren’t available for tags!]

@airybnb​ ;  @hcn421​ ;  @shinhiromi​

[anxiouslynumbme]

Hello, everyone! It's been a while. I hope you're all doing great. Okay, so I wrote this for 4x01. It's been in my drafts for quite some time. It's kinda funny that I started writing this because I wasn't happy with the episode for a lot of reasons. But then, I kept writing and adding more to it, and I still didn't want to post it. But season five is coming, and I thought to myself: what the hell? Just post it. It was all the result of re-watching 2x10, 2x11, and then for some reason, 4x01. Anyway, this might feel a bit OOC for some, but I hope not too much. That short scene in 4x01 is included here, so obviously, I didn't write that part of the dialogue. And as always, this is poorly edited, so proceed with caution.

Summary: "The passing of time didn't deter Lucy from gripping Tim even tighter, long after the tears stopped coming. She knew this was something he was offering once, that she would never get to be held by him like this again. And that was fine, Lucy had always known and respected the limitation of their relationship, the boundaries."

Lucy was trying to process her best friend's death, there really was no room for her to try and process feelings she might have always had for Tim. 4x01

You can read here or on AO3.

Hope you enjoy! :)

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When she really thought about it, Lucy had felt little love in her life. Her parents loved her, but not in the way a child should be loved. Cared for and nurtured, cherished. Unconditionally. So losing someone who was the closest person to ever give her that kind of love was. . .incomprehensible. Her brain couldn't compute the event of Jackson's death–her heart certainly was feeling it, though. Because she loved him just the same, with all her heart. They loved each other in a way that made Lucy feel safe, a way that gave her a sense of belonging. Lucy had that with Jackson, but then he died, and with him died that feeling of having someone who she knew would always be in her corner, no matter what. 

The shock was starting to wear off. Lucy couldn't decide if that helped her in any way. She kinda wished for the shock to return because it froze her insides, and halted her breathing a little. But now, Lucy couldn't stop the tremors of sadness threatening to wreck her entire system. She was slowly shutting down, that was the only thing her frail mind could think about. 

"You hungry?"

Tim's voice breached her numbness as she curled her legs under her on the chair. They had just arrived at his place, and while she had been there before, she had never actually stayed long enough to explore his space. Tim never let her. And now, she couldn't muster enough energy to even look around her. She just wanted to sleep, so that it could all stop. That pain that seemed to keep puncturing her heart. 

"No, I'm fine."

"Lucy, you have to eat something."

"I know. I'm just not hungry right now."

"You weren't hungry this morning either."

Lucy sighed heavily. "Yeah, well, that tends to happen when your best friend dies, Tim. Food kinda takes a backseat."

Lucy could feel his recoil from where she was seated. She didn't really care how uncomfortable she made him, or that she was being harsh and snarky when he was being nothing but understanding and supportive toward her. 

"Fair point," Tim said softly, crouching down in front of her chair. His eyes were so gentle, they made her want to cry. He gingerly placed a hand on her knee, spreading warmth that Lucy was quite desperate for at that moment. "But please, just humor me and let me make you something."

That got her attention, her lips curling to the side. "You're gonna cook for me?"

He smiled. "Cook is a strong word. But I can make a mean risotto."

"Hmm. How mean?"

"Bordering on aggressive."

Lucy couldn't help the chuckle that burst out of her without permission. It caught in her throat, threatening to suffocate her with the grief she wasn't prepared to handle yet. Tears suddenly filled her eyes, falling freely. Her heart was protesting the simple act of small laughter. It was already crushed, it didn't need anything to disturb it. It just wanted to stay crushed. 

"Lucy," Tim's strained whisper of her name released the sob that was begging to be let out. Her chest heaved, whimpers escaping her mouth as her whole body started shaking. 

"Hey, hey, it's okay." Lucy could barely register his arms enveloping her as she slid from her spot on the chair and crashed into his chest. "Shh, it's gonna be okay. You're okay. I'm here, I'm right here."

Lucy couldn't breathe, his solid frame and soothing tone doing little to cut the harrowing ache from her heart, it didn't even pause it. But Lucy held on and clung onto Tim as she tried to comprehend Jackson's absence. Her cries were getting louder, screeching the pain out of her. Tim's words of comfort faded into the background, but she could still make them out, could still hear him well enough to anchor her. Well enough to guide her back once she released her grief and accepted it. 

Could she ever accept it? Lucy knew Jackson's death was going to dig a hole deep inside that might never be filled again. Jackson wasn't just her best friend, he was the closest person. Her person. She could still feel him like he was sitting right next to her, a ghost she can't see. But one that was forever visible in her heart. He was there for all of it, his presence was just not tangible. But Jackson was with her, and as she wept in Tim's arms, Lucy could feel him there trying to calm her down, too. Or maybe she was losing her mind. 

The passing of time didn't deter Lucy from gripping Tim even tighter, long after the tears stopped coming. She knew this was something he was offering once, that she would never get to be held by him like this again. And that was fine, Lucy had always known and respected the limitation of their relationship, the boundaries. Though boundaries weren't an issue she was struggling with at the moment. Lucy needed him to not let go for a little longer, just until she could breathe again. 

His lips on her forehead startled her frozen state, but Tim didn't seem to notice as he did it again. Lucy's breath quickened, she wanted shock to return and it had. Along with tingling. Her skin prickled at the attention while her brain tried to make sense of his actions. Was he even aware that he was doing it?

Probably not. After all, he was sad, too. Worried sick about Angela. But that wasn't all, even if they weren't close, Lucy knew that Tim liked Jackson. Everyone liked Jackson. Her heart pinched in her chest, but Lucy was all out of tears. Tim's gentle strokes of her hair were appeasing her wounded soul, and slowly, oxygen wasn't as difficult to inhale anymore.

"I think I'm ready for that aggressive risotto now," she murmured into his shirt. 

Lucy could feel his grin against her head. "Is that right?"

She pulled back enough to look at his blurry figure. God, she really cried her eyes out. She blinked rapidly. "Yeah, I'll be the judge of your cooking prowess this evening."

"Don't need the validation, but all right, I guess."

"Please. If I don't like it, you'll probably have a breakdown that's a lot worse than mine."

Tim's grin disappeared. Lucy couldn't help it, she had to joke about it. If he were here, Jackson would've gone along with it. He would've given her the time to process it before she spilled her guts out to him. Tim pursed his lips, his eyes boring into hers. Solid, unwavering. 

"I put out some clothes for you on the bed. Why don't you take a shower and change while I get everything ready?"

"Okay."

Tim didn't move and neither did she. Lucy knew why she wasn't moving, it felt like she couldn't be away from him. As though, she would have another meltdown if he stepped away. But Tim's reason for sitting there, staring at her, unable to move was unknown to Lucy. Suddenly, his palm was on her cheek, and once again, his soft lips rested on her forehead with a delicate kiss. 

"You'll be fine," he said it with such conviction that Lucy felt compelled to believe him. The words caressed her skin, his breath cementing his belief in her. Lucy closed her eyes, soaking it in, trying to memorize every second. For the first time, not only could she breathe properly, but she felt hope. Hope for better days, hope that she won't always feel like the ground was trying to swallow her whole.

Lucy managed to finally get her emotions in check. Wiping a final tear, Lucy drew back, her eyes finding Tim's instantly. As much as Lucy appreciated what he was doing for her, she couldn't help the confusion that came from his kindness. Not that Tim was usually cruel or anything, but he was never like this. Lucy kinda resented that something so terrible had to happen for him to let her in, to let her observe him in the comfort of his own home. Lucy could see how vulnerable she was making him just by being in his space. But he was pushing through his issues to tend to her because he knew just how much she needed that of him. 

Something must've shown on her face, because Tim averted his eyes quickly, clearing his throat as he got up. "All right, off you go."

"Yes, sir."

It felt weird calling him that then, and by the way his back stiffened, Tim sensed how strange it was, too. It felt like a bucket of cold water had been thrown over both of them, reminding them of what they were, and who they were to each other. That even if he weren't her TO anymore, this was still inappropriate. Lucy shook her head, standing up and walk-inng to his bedroom. They were friends. Close friends, even if he didn't like to admit it. They were friends, and that was what friends did to help each other. Nothing more to it. 

The minute Lucy stepped into Tim's bedroom, she inhaled deeply. His scent immediately surrounded her, overpowering her senses. Pausing in the doorway, Lucy peered around like a scared animal waiting for something to jump out of the shadows. The room was so Tim that it brought her comfort as she smiled to herself, taking mental pictures quickly while gathering all the items he left on the bed for her. 

As expected, the bathroom was also coated in Tim, everything around her, from the colors of the walls to his shampoo. Lucy was starting to unbutton her shirt when it finally hit her. She was about to take her clothes off at Tim's house. She was going to be naked under his roof. Shit. Lucy didn't like the thrill those thoughts sent through her body.

"Get a grip, Lucy. We're all adults here," she muttered out loud to herself."This is nothing. This is mundane. Just take off your clothes and get into the shower."

"Yep, yep, yep," Lucy looked at herself in the mirror before her eyes found Tim's aftershave and for some reason, she stood there, staring at it. "No big deal, right?"

Okay, so Lucy wasn't really waiting for an answer from an inanimate object. But still, it kinda helped. With a deep breath and a quick nod to herself in the mirror, she shed the unwanted garments off of her body and slipped inside the shower. If she'd thought it was weird being naked in Tim's bathroom, using his shampoo and body wash was a whole other experience in itself. Lucy shut her eyes tightly as her fingers ran through her hair, trying to savor this peculiar moment in time. Something told her to hold on to that moment, to remember it. 

Lucy felt much better after that shower and then diving into Tim's comfy clothes, they smelt like him, and Lucy felt as though she was still being held by him. The only smell that could rival it was the one that wafted into her nose as she made her way to the kitchen. 

"Wow." Lucy smiled, sniffing the air. "Smells great. Good start. Very promising."

"Wait until you taste it."

"Ooh, confident, I like it. I'm very excited about the presentation," she said, taking a seat on the stool facing his back. 

He turned his head slightly to look at her, his eyes quickly scanning her up and down. "presentation?"

"Yeah, it's half the taste."

"I'm not following."

"How the food looks before you eat it is a highly important step in the judging process."

"Food is food. It doesn't matter what it looks like. It either tastes good or it tastes bad."

"Typical."

Now fully facing her, Tim held out the pot he was stirring to her. "My risotto looks like risotto. And it's delicious."

"I'm sure it is." Lucy rolled her eyes. After everything was prepared, Lucy thought they would sit and eat in the kitchen, but Tim surprised her once again. 

"Wanna watch something while we eat?" he asked her, carrying both their food and a couple of water bottles in his hands and making his way to the living room.

Lucy gaped at him, her feet rooted to the spot. Tim was not only going to eat with her, but he was going to willingly sit and watch something on TV. With her. Finally, moving after him, Lucy slumped down next to him on the couch. 

"You know, I appreciate you acting all nice and stuff, but in a way, all you're doing is reminding me why you're being like that in the first place."

Tim looked at her, and she could see the quiet alarm in his eyes. "Lucy, I didn't mean to make you - or make the situation worse. I just thought you ‐"

Lucy let out a chuckle. He was so easy, sometimes. "I'm messing with you."

He glared at her. "You gotta stop doing that. It's not as funny as you think, Chen."

Lucy was confused for a minute before she caught on to what he was talking about. The day she put her foot in her mouth and pretended to have fallen for him. Though his reaction was priceless, and Lucy had felt proud knowing she had played him at least once since they'd met. Lucy could still feel a light blush blooming on her cheeks. "Hey, I apologized for that."

Tim grinned. "An unnecessary apology, it was a nice play. But just. . .stop."

"Fine," Lucy sighed dramatically. "I'll keep the messing around to a minimum. For now."

"How gracious of you," he said, handing Lucy her risotto.

"I have my moments."

There was a beat of silence before he broke it. "Wait, acting nice?"

"Well, yeah."

"What do you mean acting? I am nice."

Lucy gave him a look. "Tim."

"Okay, maybe not nice. But I'm pleasant enough." 

"Not to me."

"Are you kidding me? Lucy, I'm nicer to you than I am to most people."

That was a little true, Lucy reckoned. Where she was sitting was proof of that. "That's not saying much now, is it?"

"Just shut it."

"There he is."

Tim narrowed her eyes at her. "You're provoking me on purpose, aren't you?"

Lucy shrugged innocently. Because maybe she was, him treating her even remotely different was, in fact, a reminder as to why. She wasn't totally joking when she'd said that. Lucy needed Tim to be Tim. Mean, yet kind, understanding, but not that nice and laid back either. He was putting on a front, even if he was hiding it fairly well. Deep down, Lucy knew he was breaking at the seams, too. Jackson was dead and they couldn't find Angela. Tim was not okay. No one was okay. They won't be for a long time. 

Tim let out a breath. "Wanna watch one of those trashy reality TV you love so much?

No, she didn't. That was what she did with Jackson. Watching countless hours of shitty, mindless shows as they laughed and confided in each other about everything. Tears sprung back in Lucy's eyes, her lungs finding it hard to breathe again. Images upon images of all the nights they'd spent together played in her mind over and over again. 

"Uh, no. We could watch whatever you want." Lucy knew her strangled voice gave away her fragility. She could see Tim from her peripheral vision studying her reaction, waiting for her to come back to the present. 

"Okay, then. Top Gun, it is."

Lucy whipped her head in his direction. "Oh, my God, you're so predictable!"

"What? It's a good movie."

"That's not the point."

"There is no point. You wanted me to choose, and I did."

"Your choice sucks."

"You don't mean that." he actually looked so offended that Lucy smiled. 

"I do. Pick something else."

"Lethal Weapon?"

"All right, now you're the one provoking me."

"Die Hard?"

"Tim."

"Die Hard 2?"

"Stop it." Lucy giggled, lightly punching him in the arm. 

Tim's lips pulled to the side, his eyes locking with hers. "I'm all out of options, Lucy. You choose."

His gaze was so warm and inviting. Lucy couldn't help the racing pulse of her heart. "Any other day, I'd love to watch any of those movies. But I just don't want anything that includes guns or police or violence." 

"I get it."

"Yeah, so let's just put on whatever we find."

"Okay."

They settled on an episode of Bob's Burgers. Lucy finally spooned a bite of her risotto. It. Was. Heavenly. "Holy fuck!"

Tim chuckled, squinting his eyes playfully. "Watch your language. But yes, that is the appropriate reaction."

"Tim, I'm serious. You should do this for a living."

"Do what exactly?"

"I don't know about other foods, but you could be a risotto chef," Lucy told him, shoving another creamy bite into her mouth, suddenly very hungry. 

He let out a short laugh. "Not sure that's a thing. And I appreciate the compliments, but I already have a pretty cool job."

"You could also help and save people by feeding them this work of art."

"I believe this is the highest you ever spoke of me."

"Well, you should've cooked this for me on the first day. It would've gone a lot better."

Tim snickered. "Doubt it. You were always gonna be a pain in my ass."

"Right back at ya. Consider it, at least. Just picture it, a cozy little restaurant in a quiet neighborhood. We could call it Tim's Risotto."

"Really? That's what you came up with?"

"It's self-explanatory. Okay, how about 'Bradford's Little Pick Me Up'?"

"What? Why?" Tim asked incredulously, mirth seeping through his gaze.

"Because it can cheer people up when they're having a hard time, duh."

Tim shook his head, still smiling. "Well, let's call it a retirement plan. For now, I'm staying put. Besides, I'm pretty sure you'll miss me too much."

Definitely. They were joking around, but yes, Lucy would miss him terribly. And in her state of vulnerability, Lucy didn't want to think about a time when she and Tim wouldn't work in the same place, even as a hypothetical. 

"Oh, don't worry about that. I'll be a regular."

"You better be," he quipped instantly. "since you're the one making me do it."

"As if anyone can make you do anything."

"You can." 

That response was said rather quickly. Lucy's spoon stopped midway to her mouth."What?"

Tim cleared his throat, coughing slightly, his eyes flitting away from hers. "Yeah, you know, with all your trickery. You could get me to do just about anything for you."

"I'm sorry. Trickery?"

"Uh-huh."

"Unbelievable. You're never gonna let that go. I played you once–just to prove you wrong, by the way–and now it's become trickery."

"You tricked me into believing you. What else would you call it?"

"Proving a point."

"Exactly. Which you did by. . .?" he looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to finish his sentence. 

"Shut up," she grumbled. 

Tim smiled, affection washing over his eyes, and it was all directed at her. It wasn't the first time that look had passed over his features. Every time it happened, it took Lucy's breath away a little, while simultaneously causing fear to erupt for some unknown reason. It wasn't that it made her uncomfortable. Nervous, maybe. Certainly, confused. Very confused. Because it made her wonder why. And it made her want to see it again and again and again. Lucy figured it was just when he was proud of her for doing something right on the job. But then, there were moments like this one when Lucy couldn't find a reason why. 

Grinning back, Lucy simply moved her attention back to Bob's Burgers as they continued eating their dinner. At one point, Tim got up and fetched them two beers. Lucy tensed up but subtly shook her head, declining the offer. It had been a long time since she had any alcohol outside the safety of her own apartment. The couple of times she did, Jackson was there. He had to be there and he had to be next to her the whole time. And she never had enough not to notice if someone put something in her drink or to get drunk. Or lose her inhibitions in any way. Never again. 

At that moment though, Lucy wanted that beer. Or any alcohol, really. Wanted to drink herself to sleep. She trusted Tim with her life, but it'd been so long and her fears and anxieties were rooted so deep, that it was often hard to stay rational.

"You know you have one right there, right?" Tim said, pointing at the table. 

It took Lucy a couple of seconds to realize that she'd been staring, or glaring, at the beer Tim was sipping. Embarrassment flushed her skin and Lucy's gaze darted away from his. 

"I'm aware."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Lucy."

"It's nothing, I swear." 

"Don't do that."

"Do what?"

Tim sat forward, leaning closer to her. "You know what. Tell me what you're thinking."

"It's kinda dumb."

"That's to be expected."

Lucy let out a mock indignant sound, quickly grabbing a pillow and swatting him with it. "Hilarious."

He caught the pillow, smiling, as he placed it behind him. "Out with it, Lucy."

Lucy inhaled in a much-needed breath, readying herself for what she was about to say, trying to form the words in a way that wouldn't be misunderstood. In a way that wouldn't make her look pathetic."I haven't been able to. . . I don't drink much alcohol anymore. Especially, anywhere outside my apartment."

"Oh."

Lucy couldn't look at him. She felt weak admitting it. She knew, that logically, it was normal to feel that way. But that didn't stop her from being mad at herself for letting Caleb have that power over her. 

She suddenly felt the need to elaborate. "Just because I–I mean, I'm not still thinking that – it's just that what was–"

"Lucy, I get it. It's understandable why you'd feel that way."

As obvious as they were, Lucy needed to hear these words. She needed to hear them from Tim. He wouldn't lie to her. "I know. But, it's just so frustrating. I want everything to be normal again. To not give in to that fear. But I can't fully move past it. I know it shouldn't, but it still makes me feel weak."

Lucy was still not looking at him, but she felt him slide even closer. His proximity soothed her jitters. "I understand all of it except that last part. Lucy. You have to realize how strong you are. A lot of people couldn't even begin to handle half the shit you've been through. You are ‐" he paused, making Lucy look up at him to find his eyes intensely locked on her. She couldn't look away. "Amazing. It's quite something to watch you become the cop, the person you're meant to be. So get that ridiculous shit out of your head. You're the furthest thing from weak."

And again, Lucy believed him. Every word. She wanted to tease him, to cut the moment short with some joke or comment. But Lucy couldn't, her heart was hammering, and her soul was heady with emotions. She let her eyes show her gratitude and appreciation as she smiled softly at him. He was the one to look away first, peering at the TV screen for a second before continuing to speak. 

"No pressure at all. But you're safe here, Lucy. If you want to drink, you can."

The 'with me' he didn't add out loud was still heard clearly in the space between them. Her heart stopped its hammering and skipped a beat in alarm. Of course, Lucy knew that. She hated that he might've thought anything different. "I know that, Tim, obviously. My anxiety is just all over the place," she stopped to stare at his profile, it was rigid. It was important to him to address it. Even if it was a fact. "Come on, if I'm safe with anyone, it's probably with the person who saved me."

Lucy meant for the comment to be light, but with the way Tim was suddenly looking at her, she missed the mark. "That is not true. I hope that – you know, you did it all, Lucy. You saved yourself. That ring is the reason we were able to find you. And I really hate thinking about what might've happened if I didn't see it. I could've so easily missed it, Lucy."

His voice came out almost choked. And with bated breath, Lucy realized how much this was weighing on him. "You think about that?" 

She expected him to dodge the question, but Tim only gave her the honesty that lurched her guts. "All the fucking time. It haunts me."

Lucy didn't know what to say. She knew Tim cared, and worried, but she didn't know the extent. His eyes looked tortured, as though he was also tormented by that day. As though, he carried it with him just like she did.

"It shouldn't. You did find me, Tim."

"But I -"

"Stop." She was the one to scoot a little closer to him this time, sensing his own need for comfort. Her hand gently rested on his knee. "I'm fine. It's over. It's hard to let go of all that happened and all that could've happened. It's incessant and ugly. Trust me, I know. But we have to. Moving forward is the only way, right? We can't dwell on these morbid 'what ifs'. We're okay."

They stared at each other. Their eyes held on, carrying on a secret, silent conversation until Tim whispered his next words."See? So strong." 

Lucy could feel herself flush under his penetrating gaze. And this time, she felt the need to cut the intimacy with a soft eye roll and a playful elbow nudge. Tim smiled, leaning back. "Finish your food, Chen."

Lucy went for her plate, it was a little cold now, but still unfairly delicious. Unfortunately, Once her mouth had cleaned the plate of its content, a blanket of sadness unfolded on Lucy. As though, that now her mouth wasn't occupied with something to do, her brain took over again. The continuous chatter coming from Bob's Burgers started to annoy her, and irritate her. The characters were talking, making jokes, and stupidly, Lucy felt angry at them. This was not a normal day. They couldn't just sit and enjoy some dinner and laugh at some dumb jokes. Pretending everything was fine by hiding behind Jokes wasn't working for Lucy this time. Not with Jackson gone. It was when Tim said her name that Lucy realized the sudden shortness of her breath.

"Lucy. Breathe."

"Jackson is dead, Tim. He's gone. Just gone."

"Lucy, I need you to breathe."

"What am I supposed to do? I don't understand this."

"Inhale with me."

But Lucy wasn't listening, she kept repeating the words in her head, tormenting herself with them. Jackson is dead. Jackson is dead. Jackson is dead. 

"Lucy, please. Just breathe. It's okay. You'll be okay, you said so yourself. We're okay." But they weren't. She wasn't. Nothing was ever going to be okay. Lucy could faintly hear him opening a window somewhere, but she wasn't sure. The whole room was spinning. 

Tim kept repeating the words over and over again, Lucy couldn't make out where his voice was coming from, but after a while, it finally registered and she started breathing a little easier. Lucy slowly parted her eyes open to find Tim on his knees in front of her, but he was sitting back, giving her the space she needed. 

"Hey."

"Hi."

"You should get some sleep."

"I can't. Not right now."

"Okay."

"Okay."

They both sat back on the couch. Silent, while Tim turned the TV back on. Lucy hated that. She hated when she had panic attacks. 

A few minutes had passed before Tim interrupted the quiet. "Do you have them often or was that. . .?"

"I had them a few times in my life, but not often. I hadn't had one since Caleb," and even though Lucy knew she was probably not gonna get an answer, she asked anyway. "Do you ever get them?"

"Not anymore. I–I didn't have the easiest childhood. And when you live your life with anxiety and panic, for some reason or the other, you learn to curb them pretty well. After a while, over the years, they just stopped."

Tim kept bombarding her with surprise after surprise tonight, and she hoped her heart could take it. He mentioned something very personal about himself that she didn't have to poke around for. Lucy stared at him, amazed that he actually shared that part of himself. Grateful that he did. She wanted so badly to ask him about it, to tell him that it was okay to tell her anything he wanted. But she knew she wouldn't get answers. Besides, Lucy wanted him to tell her in his own time.

"They suck, don't they?"

Lucy could tell he appreciated that she didn't ask him to elaborate on his childhood. A small, sad smile appeared on his lips. "They sure do."

"Do you think we'll find her?" Lucy asked softly. 

A pause. "We have to. We will."

"I just hope she's ‐"

"She is, "Tim said vehemently, voice hard and unwavering. "She is alive."

"You're right. Fate can't be that cruel."

"I don't believe in fate."

Lucy couldn't help but grin. "Yeah, I figured. I guess, neither do I. But sometimes, it's nice to think that there might be a bigger cosmic reason for all that happens in our lives. It's kind of a relief to think that sometimes things just happen, there is nothing you could do to stop it. It was meant to happen. It's not your fault."

Tim didn't reply, not that Lucy expected him to. They both might've shared too much with each other. Lucy knew it was ridiculous to feel guilty for Jackson's death, she wasn't even in the same room as him. But irrationally, she felt like she should have been. As though, she should've sensed he was in danger. That he needed her. 

I'm sorry, Jackson. I'm so sorry. 

***********************************

Some noise was grating Lucy's ear, forcing her to open her eyes. Lucy blinked slowly, her vision adjusting to her surroundings, the environment was unfamiliar. Lucy jerked up, looking around frantically before finally realizing where she was. She closed her eyes, removing the blanket that was draped over her body. Tim must've covered her with it before he went to bed. 

As she made her way to the guest bathroom to wash up and brush her teeth with the toothbrush that Tim left out for her, Lucy knew that sleep was long gone now. It was a miracle she was even able to sink into slumber in the first place. A part of her was hoping she would dream of Jackson, to see him again in another world, or memory in her mind. But no such luck. Lucy sighed, walking back to the couch. She was surprised to find Tim there setting it up for her.

"You're still up."

"Yeah, I was about to wake you, so you could go to bed. I'll take the couch."

"Wait, I thought you were setting that up for me."

"I'm not gonna have a guest sleep on the couch."

"And I'm not gonna kick you out of your own bed. Come on, get up."

"Okay."

Tim hesitated, not moving from his spot. Lucy could tell he wanted to protest, but probably knew he was wasting his time. "Do you need. . .anything?"

"The last twenty-four hours back."

"I'm afraid I don't have that power."

Lucy remembered a time when she asked him a similar question after Caleb. It was dumb—to ask time machines and time reversals of him. Maybe a part of her, the part that admired and sought out his approval, still thought of Tim as some kind of invincible hero. Someone who could help her whenever she needed it, that he was someone that could make the impossible happen, to make it all go away. To make things better. And Lucy didn't particularly care if she sounded a little pathetic asking him something he could give. If he was willing to let her even closer tonight.

"A hug?" She asked a bit nervously. 

"Yeah, come here." The immediacy of his response astounded her, filling her with excitement and calm. All at the same time. However, nothing compared to what she felt when he was finally within reach, his arms wrapping, so gently, around her. 

"It's okay."

"Thanks."

Their words were whispers that barely made it to the air. Lucy rested her head on his shoulder, and for a few seconds, the world stopped spinning. It stopped constantly thrashing around, torturing her with its endless chaos. A sense of peacefulness replaced it all, her brain wasn't working against her. Everything was so quiet. Lucy silently begged Tim to not let go, to let her drink up this rare moment of serenity.

Tim didn't listen, he slowly drew back and when their eyes slammed into each other, the chaos returned. But it was a very different kind of chaos. That look was in his gaze again, only this time it was mixed with something else. Something that enticed Lucy's skin, causing goosebumps and shivers. It was sudden, so sudden. Lucy never let the thought of Tim being anything else to her to enter her mind. To even entertain it. From the start, she was pretty clear on what they were. He'd made sure of that, they both had. However, her body was letting her experience Tim in a way she never had before, her eyes couldn't look away, traveling up and down with a brand new light. His gaze kept her entranced, it stroke a fire deep in her core, instantly causing wetness. Lucy was having the strangest whiplash trying to comprehend her body's reaction as it responded to Tim's. 

"Good night."

"'Night."

"Yeah."

And then Lucy was standing alone, her mouth slightly open and her body on alert mode. This was bad. Very bad. She didn't even know what this was, but it was bad. Not good. No. No, Lucy was not turned on. No, she wasn't so aroused that she could feel how much her pussy was sleek and wet. Shame, overwhelming shame smacked her all over. Jackson was dead, and these thoughts didn't have the right to enter her mind. The shame was so visceral, she wanted to puke. 

"It was just a moment," Lucy found herself muttering again aloud to the empty room, trying to wrap her head around it as she lay on the couch. " Yeah, these things happen all the time to some people in shock and grief, you know this, Lucy. It's grief. It's coping. It's nothing. It was absolutely nothing."

Except it was something. Something that made her feel not numb. Made the sadness take a bit of a rest. She couldn't stop it, it was invigorating. As though, she hadn't felt horny or closeness before, like she was discovering a new emotion. It was new because it was for Tim, she was hot and intensely bothered for Tim. Lucy leered at his bedroom door, imagining him on his bed. Did he take off his hoodie and sweats? Did he sleep naked?

Oh, God, what was wrong with her?

A lot of things. Lucy was experiencing so many things, and she was overwhelmed. This sudden desire, however, was the most welcomed emotion she felt. So she let it in. Completely. Releasing it from its cage, so it could obliterate everything else that caused pain. That lust now took the front seat of all Lucy's faculties and sensibilities. She didn't care to examine what was happening to her or why. She just wanted to continue to feel it, no matter the absurdity or the consequences.

With a final rational hesitation that Lucy pushed aside, she slowly stood up. She was doing this. Taking the small steps to his door was surprisingly easy, but once she reached it, that was when it sunk in. Her intentions. Was this an alternate universe? Different reality? The insanity of what she was doing held her back before the memory of Tim's chest against hers sent shivers down her spine. Okay, so, she just wanted him close. He made her feel. . .things. Maybe, they could share the bed. That was all. That wasn't too crazy, was it? Just two consenting adults, sharing sleeping space. Lucy wasn't going for anything else, her body could control its hormonal confusion. She just wanted his closeness. Needed it. Fuck it. And with one simple knock, Lucy sealed her fate, as it were. 

The door opened, showing Tim in all his beauty. Beauty that was now the only thing on Lucy's mind. Lucy urged the words to come out. Words that were trapped in her throat, dying to come out. She could do this. She could ask if they could share the bed, that was all. Tim took a step back in an invitation, or Lucy took it as one as she trekkedd awkwardly into his room. 

"You all right?" He didn't sound or seem surprised that she came to him. But she could tell something was on his mind. Lucy nodded in answer, still afraid to voice her thoughts. 

"Ah, came to your senses, huh? Came to take my bed?"

Oh, how ironic it was that he mentioned her senses since she'd lost all of them. Lucy turned to look at him, noting that he didn't shut the door. Her eyes cautiously met his and she could see the concern he had for her actions. Though, Lucy couldn't hide the flare of her emotions from him. In a second, everything shifted, and the air charged with new energy. Lucy could see it dawn on him, could see what was in her gaze reflected in his. His broad chest heaved, both of them drowning in the heat that was suddenly everywhere. Lucy took an apprehensive step forward. 

"Lucy." His voice never sounded like that when he said her name. Gravely and pleading.

"Yeah?"

"It's very late. You should try to get some sleep." 

"You, too." another step was taken in his direction. 

"Yes. Me, too. We both have to sleep sometime." 

"Yeah, sometime." another step. 

His body was grounded where he stood, but his eyes were beckoning, Lucy could've sworn they were begging her to keep coming closer. She wondered if he knew just how scorching his attention was because Lucy was feeling it in the way her underwear kept dampening. This really was a different reality. They were both showing their cards so freely, and Lucy didn't want to question it. 

"Um, you should really take the bed, Okay? I don't mind, I'm used to the couch."

"Your bed is quite big, you know?" Lucy was finally right in front of him. His breath was uneven as he looked at her, pursing his lips. 

"And?"

Lucy's thumbs twiddled, her nerves coming back, her eyes averting to the floor. "I'm just saying we're both adults, and we could share a bed and not make it a thing."

"No."

The way he practically spat the words made Lucy's head snap up. "Why not?"

"Because it's beyond inappropriate, Lucy."

"It's just sleeping, Tim. And it's not that inappropriate, you're not my TO anymore." 

"That doesn't matter. I still outrank you. And we still work together," his voice was getting higher, defensive. And for some twisted reason, Lucy was relishing it. 

"Once again, we'd be sleeping for a few hours in the same vicinity, that's all." Lucy had no clue how she was still talking, and where the hell she was getting all that courage to be so unashamedly forward. she could feel a light tremble in her bones, but she was in it now and she really didn't want to sleep alone. Dreaded it. 

"No. End of discussion."

"Why you're so against it? After all, nothing else is ever going to happen on that bed, right?" Lucy knew she was pushing it way too far. She was operating solely on how Tim was making her feel; he was making her feel so many things, and she wanted more.

Tim blanched before his chin rose in defiance. "I swear to God, Lucy, if you're trying to work me again, I'll - "

"I'm not. I'm not doing anything. I just think it's dumb that one of us has to ride the couch."

"I don't care what you think. It's not happening."

His tone left no room for argument, and Lucy deflated. Why couldn't he understand that his presence was vital to her at that moment? 

"Fine. I'm sorry."

His gaze softened slightly. "It–it's all right. This day just needs to be over."

"Amen to that."

"Want me to take the couch?"

"No, it's actually really comfortable."

"Good." He was still stiff, Lucy knew Tim was still on edge from her proximity and the fact that she wasn't moving to leave. Something was gluing her to the spot, her eyes not leaving his. 

"Good night, Chen," he said firmly, but Lucy could still see the fire he was trying to hide. It didn't escape her notice that he called her Chen. Something that Lucy suspected he did on occasion to prove something. But that speculation was slim since he did that from day one and with almost everyone, but right then, he used it as some kind of abrupt reminder to both of them. Lucy was surprised he didn't add officer before it, just to really dig it in. 

"Good night." 

Before Lucy could stop it, her body stood on its tiptoes, and then her lips were on his cheek. They both froze. Seconds ticked by, as Lucy's lips lingered on his skin. It was done. She was done for. There was nothing that could cease that sudden urge anymore. In a daze, Lucy's lips slid to the side until they were a breath away from his. Tim's eyes were closed, his jaw locked so tight it was a wonder it wasn't broken. Lucy felt the breath from his nose tickling her, making her lean forward even more. Very slowly, Lucy brushed her lips against his once. His inhale was sharp, almost a gasp against her. But Lucy was facing her own range of emotions, everything was heightened, the feeling of his soft lips captivating her to brush across it again. 

It was out of her control. Lucy was no longer able to fight it. Didn't want to. Tim would have to be the one to stop this, she was too far gone already. Lucy waited for him to halt her movements, but he was a rock, unmoving in front of her. If it weren't for the quick breaths he was taking through his nose, Lucy would've been worried. She gave Another light caress that enflamed her further.

"Lucy," he said her name like a prayer. A strangled plea. She knew what he wanted, he wanted her to stop. But her name falling from his lips made her next touch harder, letting him know that she wanted this, so badly. That it was up to him if he wanted to stop it.

Still waiting for him to push her away, Lucy pressed her lips against his one more time. Her want for more increasing rapidly. Lucy determined that she was losing her mind. Whatever, fine, she was okay with it. She was even willing to check herself into a mental health institution first thing in the morning. But now, she just wanted this. Wanted to suffocate in all that was Tim Bradford. 

"Tim," she whispered her own plea for him. A plea to do something, to do anything but stop. 

Whatever trance he was stuck in finally broke, and Lucy's world was never going to be the same. His hands were suddenly framing her face, his lips catching hers, fiercely demanding an invitation for his tongue. Lucy extended it willingly, opening her mouth to let his tongue find hers and twirl it around in the most exquisite of ways. Tim tilted his head, his kiss going deeper and Lucy could do nothing but moan. His grip tightened, fingers slitting through her hair and clutching it to draw her in even closer. 

Tim kissed her with ardor she'd never experienced. His passion was almost angry, showing her mouth what it was like to be kissed by someone who had been starving, one that was unstoppable in his pursuit to drive her mad with him. They were both losing their minds. 

At some point, Lucy finally had the chance to kiss back, her own hands finding the back of his neck and pulling him into her. Her back suddenly hit a wall, Lucy was grateful that she could feel something solid behind her to melt against. Because she was pretty sure she was about to collapse from the heat that was pooling in her core. All the pain dulled, and Lucy was feeling something other than her grief. Something so wonderful, it left her floating, her body sizzling with energy. Lucy dove in farther, her tongue lapping inside Tim's mouth with greed, and the groan he let out vibrated her arousal until it turned into pure hunger. 

This was wrong, no question about it. It was wrong, and all kinds of fucked up. But somehow, the thought of stopping felt even more wrong. Lucy couldn't do it, not emotionally or physically. Stopping, at that moment, felt like a life-ending move.

The second Tim pulled away, she followed, too afraid that he'd talk and ruin her newfound paradise. Her lips crashed against his, but he moved again his lips immediately crossing her cheek and sliding down her neck. His fingers ran around her midriff, snatching the shirt he gave her and lifting it. Lucy arched her back off the wall as his mouth sucked desperately up and down her neck. 

Slowly, his lips traveled back up until they were enveloping hers again, both his palms sliding under her shirt, teasingly caressing her skin. Finally, his hands reached her bare breasts, grunting into her mouth as he softly started to rub her nipples between his fingers. Lucy whined lowly, her nails digging into his shoulders, her back arching off the wall again. She needed his body against hers, to feel his skin as it stuck to hers. 

The way Tim was caressing and fondling every inch of her skin was enrapturing. It momentarily renewed her sense of life, a life that seemed to get darker by the minute. His fingers delicately stopped at the waistband of her sweats, and that was when his eyes caught hers. Lucy didn't recognize them at first, they were dark, intense, and swirling with heavy lust that he didn't hide from her. Lucy was seeing his desire so plainly, that for a second, Lucy questioned if she was actually awake. Maybe she was just still sleeping on Tim's couch, her brain taking pity on her and gifting her this wondrous dream instead of nightmares of Caleb and losing her best friend. 

The very real feel of him quickly admonished that notion, making Lucy tighten her hold on him. Despite the clear want in his gaze, Tim slowed down for a reason, he was gaining his senses back. So Lucy closed her eyes, not wanting to see the realization of the person he was with dawn on him. Her palm on the back of his neck pulled him to her until his forehead rested against hers, so close, sharing each other's breaths.

Please, Tim. Give me this moment of relief, and I promise we'll forget about it in the morning. She silently begged him. 

Her eyes opened to find Tim already staring at her, but his face was so close she couldn't gauge what his expression held. "Lucy."

Don't. I'll never drink coffee before work again. I'll stop annoying you. I promise you anything. Don't stop, Tim. Lucy was conflicted. On one hand, she wished her thoughts would somehow reach him, on the other, Lucy was mortified. But she was also sad. So fucking sad and horny. And if her mind came anywhere near the J word, she'd shatter. 

"Please, Tim."

He sucked in a breath, his fingers still dancing over her waistband. His lips captured hers, softly. His mouth is so gentle, so different from mere seconds ago as it coaxed her tongue out to play with his. His hand finally found its way in her sweats and slid under her panties, meeting her bare flesh. A gentle rub into her flesh almost sent her spiraling. Tim stopped, then his entire palm rubbed up and down her pussy, cupping it as if he owned it before continuing the intoxicating motion again. With a groan, his fingers took over, stroking back and forth without penetration, just a slow, immaculate exploration of her clit that was designed to bring a woman to her knees. 

Rough, passionate Tim was a force to be reckoned with. But this Tim, he was downright seductive, fucking enchanting as he swirled his tongue with hers before caressing it and sucking it deep into his mouth, his lips tugging and pulling until Lucy was pliant everywhere, her body held no tension, no stiffness, it felt free and Tim was just kissing her, shaping her mouth to know his. His fingers made their way to her opening, and with no hesitation this time, he delved into her drenched sex with a lustful grunt. The tension that returned to Lucy's body was more than welcomed this time as she held her breath in anticipation. Lucy couldn't help the slow grind of her hips to get him moving. Finally, Tim let another one of his fingers in.

"Fuck," the moan left Tim the same second a gasp left Lucy's mouth. Heat scattered over every pore of her skin as she tightened around him. Tim proceeded to drive her crazy by simply wiggling his fingers around, stroking her walls deep and hard. After another desperate gasp of his name, he finally relented by adding a third long finger, but the exploring didn't cease. Lucy grabbed the back of his head roughly, urging him to meet her lips again. Her mouth bit and pleaded and devoured his until Tim groaned out his mercy and started thrusting his fingers in and out. Lucy moaned in ecstasy when he curled his tips and found that magical spot, a spot that even Lucy had trouble finding sometimes.

What happened was a blur after that, his fingers circulated, and danced, slowing down before using a speed that was just so fucking right. How did he alternate between what she needed so well? All she could think about is switching his fingers out for his cock. And then nothing mattered, because when his thumb touched her clit again, it was over after one brush. Lucy tightened and released with a deep, satisfied moan. She could vaguely hear Tim cursing and letting out his own noises of pleasure as she rode her high. 

Barely five seconds later, Lucy was being turned around and hauled off the wall. Disoriented from her orgasm, Lucy didn't have enough time to gasp when Tim sucked his fingers into his mouth lewdly. She barely registered what was happening until Tim's lips brought her back to the moment, capturing hers almost bruisingly, her taste on his tongue. He was hastily walking her toward the bed, and Lucy's heart hammered at the mere possibility of what could happen. Her brain was shut off, the only thing she could feel, think, want, was Tim. She was pushed back on the bed. Lucy's mind wandered for a second to a similar scenario but under different circumstances. Lucy imagined herself laughing, teasing Tim for being so rough and eager, he'd make a snarky comment before silencing her with shattering pleasure again, chuckling at just how much he had her. It was a beautiful scene, it wasn't marred by horrific events like the one they were in, it was just them, coming together in the way they were supposed to.

Lucy was about to drown in her thoughts again but rising to her elbows, she was thumped by the sight of Tim standing at the foot of the bed, staring at her with balled fists at his sides. Lucy reckoned that he, too, was trying to regain his senses. But just looking at him sprung back her arousal tenfold. Lucy blinked, making a quick decision, her hands caught the hem of her shirt and took it all the way off. Lucy wasn't shy about her body, not anymore. She was confident enough, especially with her breasts. But she still held her breath waiting for his reaction. The thick silence burned through them, Lucy could feel it like hot oil during a particularly enjoyable massage. Tim's chest heaved so erratically, that Lucy wanted to ask if he was okay. However, after reaching his eyes, Lucy couldn't form a coherent thought from the look he was bestowing upon her. A face she hadn't seen before, his jaw ticked, his eyes dark with hunger. The rough passion he had at the beginning was back with a force and every fiber of Lucy's body felt it. Unclenching his fists, Tim's fingers slowly unzipped his hoodie before his hard chest was on full display. Lucy's eyes roamed, trying to dissect every inch leisurely, but Tim didn't let her. His knees hit the bed as he leaned over her, forcing her back to touch the mattress again. Lucy was pretty sure her mouth was open, leering with awe. His lips wrapped around her gaped ones, sucking methodically. Euphoric steam saturated Lucy once his skin touched hers. His slick chest slid against hers as his weight finally pressed her down deliciously. Lucy felt her brain halt all activity once his cock settled on just the right spot between her legs. She inhaled sharply, soaking in the sensation. Tim's groans and shivers were indications enough that he was experiencing the same pleasured delirium. 

The immediate grind of his hips was met by her own, they were both frantic now, grasping at each other. Lucy could feel his entire length, feel how hard and thick. The longing that hit her was unlike anything she'd felt before. She felt empty, so crazed to have him fill her. Her body was on fire, burning up with the need as her hand maneuvered between their bodies, slipping into his boxers and clasping his stiff member without hesitation. 

"Fuck, Lucy, ah." that moan almost made her come, it was laced in lust and yearning. She stroked and stroked, her hands fascinated by him as she kept the up and down motion, squeezing. The feel of his precum caused her to salivate. She wanted to taste him so badly. Suddenly Tim's hand caught onto her wrist, and Lucy whined in protest. 

"Shit. This is wrong."

Lucy was beyond enveloped in desire, his gruff voice causing nothing but more arousal. "I know," she whispered back, her tongue sticking out to lick his bottom lip. Not missing a beat, he instantly captured it into his mouth with a low growl, sucking deeply. Lucy's palm tried to continue its mission, which was to get his cock out and into her, but once again she was stopped. 

"Tim,"

"No. Not that, we can't." when she tried to release her wrist from his grasp, Tim gave another growl before grabbing both her wrists and pinning them beside her head. She was about to give another lusty protest, but it was forgotten when his cock ground against her again. Lucy gasped as Tim, without warning, set an alarming pace. Her ache was expanding, she wanted to sob in frustration and joy as his cock kept rubbing her pussy through their clothes, his chest almost becoming one with hers, squashing her breasts against him. She could feel his stomach, abs, and nipples. All of it collided with her own flesh in agonizing harmony. 

"Tim."

He just moaned loudly, kissing her harder, his hands tightening on her wrists as he kept thrusting. Lucy was meeting him every time he came down. His movements were getting even more frenzied as he rutted against her, seeking his own pleasure. The husky sound of her name gasped desperately into her mouth as he came, triggering her second orgasm, both of them not stopping the gyrating of their bodies, trying to prolong the high. 

Then, it was over. 

Tim's head was buried in her neck, his breath harsh and quick against her sweaty skin. She could feel it creeping back in with the slowing of their breathing. The fog was lifted. And with that, the sadness, and the devastation were all crawling their way back. Not alone, though, they brought their other unwelcome friends. Anxiety, panic, shame. 

Lucy felt it the moment Tim snapped back to reality, his whole body had gone rigid. So rigid, that his weight didn't feel erotic or comforting anymore, his weight felt like a fucking statue trying to crush her with its regret. She could sense the regret in his muscles as he stiffly lifted himself off of her, eyes flicking to hers for an agonizing second. Just enough for Lucy to see his own shame before he averted his gaze. 

Lucy was frozen, her eyes firmly glued to the ceiling, hands still useless by her head as she listened to Tim go into the bathroom. She should cover herself, get up and leave his place altogether, but her nerves were iced. She couldn't fucking move. Breathe, Lucy, just breathe.

As if coming out of sleep paralysis, her limbs started functioning again. Lucy gingerly straightened up, thankfully, immediately finding his shirt right next to her. After pulling it back on, Lucy simply sat on the bed, staring aimlessly ahead. Her thoughts were jumbled, to say the least. 

She fucked up. And it was clear how much that fuck-up was going to cost her. The cement she mentally felt was being poured on her, slowly burying her, painting her in one realization after the other. Did Lucy start kissing him because she was grieving and sad, or was it something she secretly wanted to do for a long time and just never realized it?

Because maybe, Lucy wanted him so bad for so long, that her messed-up brain used this situation to get her what she wanted. That she could have a taste of Tim and chalk it all up to temporary insanity because of grief and not lose him.

"Fuck."

Lucy had a feeling she already lost him. Nothing was ever going to be the same, they'd gone too far. Tears brimmed her eyes, but Lucy couldn't let them fall, couldn't let him see it. She knew he was already blaming himself. 

The sound of the bathroom door closing was deafening to Lucy, her body was freezing up again, preparing her for the ugliness that was to come. Tim's silhouette graced the doorway, and Lucy couldn't look at him as he made his way back into the room. His gait was stilted all the way over to his dresser, his back to her. Lucy immediately knew the tactic he was going for, he wanted to pretend nothing happened. To not talk. And Lucy agreed, but she was also on edge, her senses were stampeding her rationality. She was in panic mode and needed to voice her thoughts to make it better. To fix what was reparable, so she could focus later on the pieces that were too damaged. 

"Tim, I'm s ‐"

"I think we need to go to sleep."

"Tim."

"Lucy, let's do this in the morning. Please."

The way he said please, she almost caved. But she couldn't, this felt too important. 

"I'm so sorry, Tim. I don't, I don't know what came over me."

If it were possible, his body stiffened even more. "Don't apologize." his voice was almost too low for her to hear. 

"I have to. This is my fault. I'm so sorry."

"Do not fucking apologize, Lucy!" 

She could definitely hear him after that. Tim turned around, his eyes occupied a different kind of darkness, one that Lucy did not appreciate. She could recognize the self-loathing that stifled his being. 

"Listen to me, this was not your fault. I'm the one who should apologize. I'm the one who is sorry, Lucy."

Oh, fuck, no. He wasn't going to do this shit. 

"I started it, and before you say you didn't stop it. I'm telling you it doesn't matter, we didn't—nothing too major happened. But I have to take responsibility for starting it."

"Lucy. I'm the superior officer, I should've stopped it before anything even started. No matter who started it. That's on me and you know it." he paused, directing his gaze to the ground. For a second, everything he was feeling was laid bare in front of her eyes. Guilt, regret, but Lucy focused on the slight disgust on his face. Disgust in himself, her, both of them, it didn't matter, it just hurt so badly she had to look away. 

Perhaps, that hurt was why she couldn't stop her next words. "Why didn't you?

Tim inhaled sharply. "What?"

"Why didn't you stop it?"

Lucy's emotions were going haywire, she was still trying to pinpoint why she hit the gas so hard. But why didn't he hit the brakes? Did he know? Was there something he wasn't telling her? Or was it just their circumstances? Their own fucked up way of coping. 

If it had been any other day, Lucy would've laughed at the way Tim's mouth was opening and closing. He was startled by her question, that was for sure. Lucy wasn't going to feign that she wasn't getting some pleasure from his current state. 

"I-I didn't- I don't think answering that question would help anyone right now."

"Why?"

"Don't. It's neither here nor there, okay? It happened. I don't know why."

"Yes, you do." Lucy was on the verge of something, and she couldn't stop poking around it. She felt slightly unhinged. 

Tim gaped at her, maybe in disbelief at her persistence. However, his eyes were alight with certain danger, and something that was akin to a warning. Lucy knew she had to stop, but the sanity train had left the station quite some time ago. 

"There's always a reason, right? I mean, you adhere to that belief. Not to mention, you're a control freak."

"Chen."

"It's Chen again."

"What?"

"Why won't you answer my question?"

"Lucy. Stop. We can't do this right now. We shouldn't talk - "

"Why not? I think it's a simple question."

"Oh? Okay, why did you kiss me, then?" Tim looked pained as he glared at her, daring her to say something she was still not sure of. 

"I'm still figuring it out, actually," Lucy bit out, and because that look of disgust and shame on his face was still heavy on her mind, Lucy wanted to hurt him back. "However, I believe it had nothing to do with you. I was just really fucking sad and I didn't want to be alone. It could've been anyone."

Tim's eyes darted away from hers, his flinch at her constricted her heart, causing an ache that she immediately wanted to erase. 

"Your turn."

"Lucy, let's call it a night. Please."

He was right, of course, and she hated him for it. He was so in control, so put together. And she felt like a walking mess. Her mouth was translating the pain inside with no filter. 

"I answered your question, Tim. Answer mine." Lucy just wanted something in return from him, anything to regain a resemblance of dignity. She wanted him to wipe the memory of that look, that reaction to what they did by showing her something else. 

"What are you doing?" he whispered. 

Lucy wished she knew, the tears that kept wanting to burst out of her were not a good indication, though. "I'm not doing anything. I think there's an answer to my question somewhere deep inside that hollow chest of yours, that's all."

One more flinch from him broke her. What was wrong with her? 

Tim was shaking his head, his mouth parted. His fists clenched and unclenched as he stared at her. 

Finally, he said firmly. "No,"

"No?"

"I'm not answering your question. Go get some sleep."

"You're being really weird, Tim. This avoidance thing-"

"Goddamn it, Lucy, drop it."

"- makes it seem like you're hiding something."

"Lucy."

"I guess your silence is saying more than anything you could possible te -"

"I didn't want to stop!"

Lucy's lips were instantly shut at his harsh voice. Her heart pounding rapidly in her chest, the fire that arose again in his eyes searing her from the inside out. 

"Is that it, is that what you want me to say?" he gritted out, and Lucy's pulse pumped at finally getting something from him. But she wasn't thrilled with the way his body tremored, and Lucy suddenly felt as though she could hear his bones rattling as he advanced on her."I didn't want to stop. I'm a selfish asshole and I couldn't help myself. There's your fucking reason!"

Their harsh breathing filled the silence that followed. He was so close again, yet so far away. His eyes roamed her face with the passion that she'd felt from him earlier, zooming in on her lips before darting back to her eyes again. 

He was right. She really shouldn't have forced them to speak about it. Because all Lucy wanted to do was kiss him again. She wanted him so badly, and she could see it on his face, too. How much he wanted her. How much they both still wanted this. But they couldn't. They just. . .couldn't. 

"I'm sorry."

Her hushed voice snapped him back into rigidness. His eyes grew blank as he took several steps away from her.

"Don't apologize. It was a moment of weakness. We weren't thinking clearly. A mistake. For so many reasons. We should forget about it," he said, almost robotically. 

Again, Lucy knew he was right about all of it, she did. However, that didn't stop the sting that shot through her at his words, his expressions. Lucy tried to ignore any glaring reason as to why it hurt. She lost her best friend, Angela was missing, and she just dry-humped her ex-TO. Her emotions were clearly all over the place, no longer ensnared within. Lucy wanted to cry, but in her agitated state, she was experiencing body malfunction. None of her organs were working right, she needed time to gather herself. That was all, that was why the pain was planting itself in her blood. 

Lucy still couldn’t let him imprison all the burden inside. "You can't blame yourself, Tim. I see why you think you were supposed to be the one to stop it, I do. But please, remember that I'm a grown woman and I also made a choice tonight. And I'm so sorry, Tim."

"It's not on you, Chen. It's -"

"Tim, stop. Let's just stop. It was a mistake. It will never happen again. Let's leave it at that."

He hesitated, that awful look that will surely haunt her still on his face. "Yeah. Okay. Agreed."

Her leaden legs were finally starting to wake up, and the ice that seemed to surround her ankles thawed until she could finally move again. Lucy's feet finally responded to her demands and carried her to the door. Her erratic heart seemed reluctant to leave without one last glimpse, though. Lucy slowly turned around, hoping for his gaze and dreading it. When his eyes bore into hers, Lucy's breath hitched from the onslaught of emotions that were visible on his handsome features. They all slammed into Lucy way too quickly for her to decipher them and their intensity. His eyes appeared manic, passionate, and forlorn all at once, the stiffness of his frame still apparent in his stance. Lucy needed to be the one to look away first, or maybe she needed to stay locked in his gaze forever. Lucy was no longer sure of anything. she did know that she couldn't allow one more thing to break her. Not tonight. 

Tim looked away first. And Lucy chose to believe that she didn't because it made her stronger, and gave her control of the situation somehow. With his back to her, Lucy felt it in her gut. She lost him. Or at least, the version of him that she freely had access to. Lucy knew what was coming before she had to leave. The coldness, the distance, all of it. From both of them, really. They could pretend all they want, but something had irrevocably shifted. They couldn't change and if Lucy wasn't already wrecked, if she weren't already in deep mourning, she'd feel the despair of the consequences they had to face. But all that devastation merely joined the despair that Lucy was already feeling. It shredded and tore at her until everything went numb again. And Lucy welcomed the apathy with open arms as she made her way back to lie on the couch. Lucy stared at the ceiling blindly, not fully comprehending that she might have actually lost another person who was close to her. She couldn't fathom it. Thankfully, she didn't have to think about it for long, because a few minutes later, Tim stormed out of his room with the news that Wesley knew where Lopez was held. 

And just like that, Lucy was back. Hopefully, they were both back to before. Relief flooded her as she prepared herself for what was to come. Angela needed them. She was alive. Lucy would deal with the rest of it later. Or maybe she won't. Maybe Lucy had to take it all, dig deep, and bury it somewhere where it won't ever see the light of day. She had to. Because maybe, it was the only way.