#'but i had to do it it's all uncle's fault'

[reashot]

But I'm Your GF!/Finally Some Arkos.

Pyrrha:

*glug*

*glug*

*exhale*

Barkeep, another!

Junior: I think you had enough.

Pyrrha: *throws glass*

Junior: Motherfu....

Pyrrha: I will tell you when I have enough!!!

Now pour me a drink, you sorry excuse for a bartender!

Junior: Okay sheesh. Don't blame me when you end up dead in a ditch.

*pours a stiff one*

Pyrrha: *glug*

*exhale*

See! That wasn't so hard now was it!

And leave the bottle.

Junior: *rolls eyes*

Hey Blondie you might want to keep your girlfriend from drinking herself to death. Just a small piece of advice.

Jaune: Uhmm... Pyrr. Don't you think you need to stop.

Pyrrha: *downs the entire glass*

And whose fault is that I have to drink so much in the first place?

Jaune: Me. But you only asked me to talk about my day?

Pyrrha: And you always talked about Ruby, Ruby, Ruby! I'm your girlfriend, Jaune!

Why won't you talk about me more!?

Jaune: Well I can't help it. Ruby is my friend and we share a lot of interests together.

Pyrrha: But I'm your partner.

I've been there for you from the start. I helped you with your training.

She didn't do anything!

Jaune: Hey now, Ruby sometimes helps me out too.

Pyrrha: Why are you always defending her!?

Tell me Jaune are you sleeping with her. Is that it?

Because that makes a lot of sense.

Jaune: Me with Ruby? No way!

We're just friend.

Pyrrha: J-just a friend?!!

I saw how you looked at Ruby. What kind of friend look at each other like that?

I also saw you cuddling with her on a sofa in the break room and on a bed.

Jaune: Ruby likes to cuddle, that's her way of showing affection and she sometimes gets very lonely at night.

Pyrrha: What?! She only ever did it with you!

Jaune: What can I say. Ruby just felt safer around me for some reason. That's what best friends usually are.

Pyrrha: Best friend! Best friend! Tell me Jaune does best friend shower together after training?

Jaune: Simple. She's my shower buddy. We're just showering together because we want to do our part to save water.

Junior: By the brothers, kid. What's wrong with you.

Pyrrha: Y-you are u-unbelieavable!!!

*stands up from her chair*

Hey everyone!

*belch*

My boyfriend is cheating on me with his best friend!

Jaune: Please, calm down Pyrrha...

Pyrrha: You don't get to calm me down. You cheater!

You think you can just do whatever you want just because you have a big dick!

Hey everyone did you know that my boyfriend's dick is so goddamn big that it should come with a choking hazard sign!

And he is such a great lover that he can make you cum multiple times with just his finger!

Crowd: *gasp*

Junior: Well that's my cue to stay away. You're on your own kid.

Jaune: Okay Pyrrha. Please come down from there let's talk about this at home. We don't need to make a scene.

Pyrrha: Then how come you never asked me to cuddle or shower with you?! Don't you know that I love you so much?

Jaune: I know that. And I'm sorry for making you feel that way. But rest assured that whatever feeling I have for Ruby is nothing like I have with you.

Pyrrha: *cry*

I'm sorry babe.... I know you and Ruby are just friends. And I agree that Ruby is a nice girl to hang out with.

It's just that every time you talk about her and be all happy about it. I felt a little neglected. I want to hang out with you too you know.

Jaune: Well maybe we can hang out together. All three of us.

Pyrrha: *sniffs* I-I mean if she's cool with it.

*doze off*

Jaune: Then I guess we will ask her together.

Pyrrha: *snore*

Jaune: Oh, I guess you're asleep now.

I'm sorry for everything my girlfriend does Junior. You can put it on my team's tab.

Junior: Urgh. Tell you what kid, it's on the house. Just get her the hell out of here.

Jaune: *heave*

???: Hey handsome. Here's my number if You want to hook up later.

Jaune: Uh... Thanks?

Back at the dorm

Ruby: Jaune, Pyrrha? What happened we were worried sick waiting for you... And why is she smelled like uncle Qrow before noon?

Pyrrha: Ugh...

*belch*

Ruby, keep your hands off... hrugh... My man.

Ruby: Excuse me?

Jaune: My guess is she just has too much to drink.

Ruby: Then we better put her to bed. I mean the rest of the team is already in one after they get tired of waiting.

Jaune: Thanks, Rubes.

*puts Pyrrha to bed*

By the way do you want to have a late night shower with me before we get to sleep? I've been sweating all night.

Ruby: Well... I mean it is good for the environment if we shower together...

So okay.

Pyrrha: * a single tear rolling down her cheek*

Jaune... You liar...

Then the both of them shower together. And nothing is going on between them inside the shower because they're just really good friends.

[miizuzu]

“How did??” You couldn't even finish your question. Your voice was caught in your throat.

“Come on, you really thought you could run from me? Even destiny brought us together. I was visiting my uncle and cousin when your packages arrived. I even helped you sign for them. Aren't I the best boyfriend?”

“Zenin, we broke up a long time ago.”

“Naoya. Also I never agreed to breaking up. Only allow you to have some time alone, and you dare to try and run from me.” 

He cages you in with both his arms next to your head, you've backed yourself along the wall and now you have nowhere to run. You were shivering in fear, couldn't help but get Flash back from the past.

Naoya Zenin was your first relationship. Right after moving to Tokyo, you transfered into his class. You were very friendly and active so you ended up with a lot of friends. Naoya was one of your closest friends, he helped you get used to your new life in Tokyo. You used to tell him about your friends from before you moved and he would enjoy listening to your stories. He would easily get jealous when other boys got your attention. It wasn't too bad at first but it gradually got worse. 

He asked you out on your 16th birthday, and you agreed. His family was rich, and they went away on vacation a lot, even throughout the school year. He was pretty smart in school, so the teachers didn't have much to say for him going away. He would be so nice whenever he comes back, but as soon as he realized there are guys close to you he would get mad. He would yell at you like it was your fault, you shouldn't be so friendly towards everyone. He would constantly make you choose between him and your friends, to a point you stopped talking to others just so he wouldn't be mad at you. 

He would never be there when you needed him, always away on vacation and when you called him while he's away, he would call you clingy and tell you to grow up. By the time you noticed how bad it was, it was already too late. All your friends had left you, you had no one else. 

You stayed with him, thinking you had no one else. You couldn't talk to anyone without him getting mad at you. On your 18th birthday, he asked for your virginity and you gave it to him, not because of love, but because of fear. Fear that you would lose the last person who matters to you. 

After taking your first time, everything went downhill. Nothing you do ever satisfies him. Even in bed, he would criticize you for every little thing. How you always make him use a condom and never let him finish inside you. Saying your moans sounds forced and you should keep quiet, or you just lay there like a dead fish. 

You finally had enough of him and said you needed time. He said fine and went on his family vacation. That's when you finally decided to run from him. You packed all your things and moved away, found another city and that's how you ended up here. 

You find that you could no longer talk to people normally if it is not work related, it felt awkward every time you tried talking to someone. Your only escape was your feline friends. 

You stood there, frozen in fear. You do not want to go back to those dark days, you managed to avoid him for 4 years, changing your phone number multiple times, only to be dragged back into his life. 

You were saved by your coworker who came looking for you when your break time was over. You got back to work, but you couldn't help your hands from shaking. Naoya never left, he tugged himself at the back of the sitting area, watching your every move. He would get frustrated when you help male customers. He tapped his foot loudly and got a lot of attention. Your coworkers were so close to asking your manager to send you home early just because they didn't want him to cause problems. 

You were trying to think of ways to get away, and as if it was right on que, Satoru walks in with a bouquet of flowers. Naoya eyed him down right away, Satoru didn't notice him, his attention was on you, and how he could see something was wrong. Satoru walked in front of you with a worried look.

“Y/N? Is everything ok? You don't look so good.” 

“......help me.” You whispered.

Satoru turned serious, he reached for your hand only to be yanked back by Naoya.

“What are you trying to do?” Naoya questions Satoru.

“None of your business.” Satoru calmly glares at Naoya.

“It is my business. I am her boyfriend.” Naoya smirks at Satoru.

Satoru looked at you and you shook your head. He knows it's not true. He has never even seen a single picture of them at your house. Never seen him or even heard you talk about having a boyfriend. 

“Well it doesn't seem that way, plus, we are currently dating.” Satoru grabs your hand over the counter. 

Naoya was about to punch Satoru when he was stopped by the store manager. She kicked him out for disturbing the other customers and her employee. Your coworkers actually stood by your side and tried to protect you from Naoya. That one girl feeling bad for not checking with you first before letting him in to see you. 

Your manager told you to take the rest of the day off, telling Satoru to get you home safely which he instantly agreed. The 2 of you took the back door to avoid Naoya, but not sure where you should go since he knows where you live. 

“We could go to my place? Only if you are comfortable with it. I could get you a hotel room if you like.” 

“Anywhere is fine. I just want to get out of here.”

Satoru nods and leads the way to one of his homes. He told you to go in front of him, keeping a safe distance between the 2 of you, wanting you to feel more relaxed. He told you where to go and you followed his instructions, arriving at the building of his penthouse. 

You didn't really speak during the whole way here, the only thing said was Satoru telling you directions. He got you settled down inside. He offered you some hot cocoa and sat you down on the couch. He then disappeared into his room, you didn't even have time to thank him. You were grateful for his help, you also appreciate him giving you space and not questioning you like others would. 

Even though you didn't want to talk, you do want some company, you are just not sure how you should ask, since things ended a bit awkward between you and Satoru. 

It was as if Satoru read your mind, he came out of his room, not as his human form, but his cat form. He slowly walked towards you, and when he saw you petting the couch next to you to invite him over, he quickly hopped onto the spot, nugging your forearm with his head. 

You pet his head gently and scratched his chin. “Thank you for helping me. I don't know what I would have done if you weren't there today.” 

You could hear him pur as you kept petting him. You suddenly remembered your friend while you were young. Almost as if the memories Naoya made you suppressed come rushing back. 

“You know, I used to have a best friend who was like you. He could also turn into a cat and would always comfort me when I'm down.” 

Satoru stiffens, before jumping off the couch and running back into his room. 

You were confused why he suddenly went away, you went after him but he locked himself in his room.

“Satoru? Are you ok? Did I say something wrong?”

“......” No answer.

“Hey… you're worrying me now. What happened?”

“So you really don't remember me…” he pouts as he swings the door open, he's turned back into human form, well not completely. His ears and tail were still showing, he got a towel and wrapped his lower body so you wouldn't see him naked.

That's when it finally struck you. His hair and eye color, merging with the memory of your best friend from the past. Finally remembering him. 

“So… you were him all along…”

“Mmhmm…”

“Wait, so you knew it was me?”

“Mmhmm.”

“How? I couldn't even remember after everything that's happened.” 

“You've never once left my mind. I promised that I would be your cat, I have every intention to keep my promise to always be with you.”

You could feel tears threatening to spill from your eyes. After his whole heartedly confession you hugged him in your arms tightly. 

“I'm sorry, Satoru! I'm so sorry for forgetting about you! So much had happened. I'm sorry!” 

You started bawling, Satoru held you tight in his embrace. You felt safe, everything felt right. This is where you belong.

He lets you go when you finally calmed down. He excused himself to put on some clothes as he got you to wait in the living room. 

You were sitting back on the couch, everything happened all at once. Your mind was going on overload. Satoru made his way over to you and kneeled down in front of you, grabbing hold of your hands.

“You can count on me. I will always be there for you. You are welcome to stay here as long as you like. As long as you're comfortable.”

You nodded and thanked him again. You could hear Satoru's stomach growling, he hadn't eaten anything yet. He turned away embarrassed, which made you laugh at him. 

“Can I see what's in your kitchen?”

“Sure, my fridge is pretty well stocked.”

He wasn't kidding. You could find anything in there, and everything seems fresh. He had people who would come and clean and cook for him. There was also a full shelf of sweets and cakes. You know he had a sweet tooth from his cup of cream and sugar with a drop of coffee. 

You asked him for an apron before pulling things out of the fridge to prepare for a meal. Satoru always hoped that there would be a day where he could be around you while you cook with him staying close to you in his human form. He was so happy his wish came true. 

“Is there anything you want me to make?”

“Sweet Tamago!” 

Of course he would pick a sweet dish. You sighed and laughed at him. You got the ingredients out and cracked the eggs into a bowl, you put in the sugar and soy and a hint of fish sauce and you asked him to whisk everything together. He enjoyed being your helper as you prep the other ingredients. His kitchen had everything, if you could put your mind to it, he had it. It made it so easy to cook everything. The sweet tamago was made perfectly with the square pan. You always make them weird looking since you only have a round pan at home. 

You set the dinner table, you could see Satoru's eyes glittering. He pinched his cheeks as if he was trying to see if he was dreaming. You told him to sit and eat while it was still hot. He loves your cooking, eating so fast he almost choked. 

“Slow down, I can always make more. No need to rush.” 

“You cook so well. I've been wanting to tell you.” 

Satoru hits you with a childlike toothy smile, your heart beating out of your chest, finally remembering he was your first crush. You wanted to keep in touch but didn't know how. You and your mother left in a rush and you were sad for a long time. Even after meeting Naoya, you would talk about your fun times with Satoru, which made Naoya brainwash you into actually suppressing all your memories of him. 

Satoru helped with cleaning up after dinner. It was the first time he got to help, he offered to wash the dishes and asked if you like to shower and just relax. You took his offer for a shower and he lent you his t-shirt and a pair of shorts.

Satoru focused hard on the dishes as he heard the shower running, he couldn't help but be reminded of how you look naked and could feel his blood rushing south. He didn't want to be a creep about it but you just have this effect on him. He wanted to touch himself so bad but held it in, thinking of everything and anything for his buddy to calm down. 

“I'm done with my shower, it's your turn.”

You walked out, wearing his oversized clothes on your tiny body, his eyes linger a bit longer than they should. Satoru started nose bleeding, he quickly grabbed the washcloth and covered his nose. He excuses himself again as he sprinted to his room and slammed the door behind him. ‘How can someone look this adorable in baggy clothes???!!’ You were pretty well covered but he thought that was the sexiest thing you've ever worn. 

Satoru didn't want to be rude so he shouted from his room, telling you he will be taking his shower now and that you could find something to watch while you wait. He quickly slipped into the showers, his hands making quick work to relieve the throbbing pain on his cock, squeezing tight around the base before furiously stroking himself, picturing how cute you looked just now. He let out a pornographic moan before shooting his thick load, wishing someday you would be on the receiving end. 

You watched TV as you waited, not sure what tomorrow would bring. What could you do? Naoya knows where you live and where you work, how can you continue hiding from him? You could feel another headache every time he occupied your mind. You were lost in deep thoughts when Satoru came out, he saw you laying on the couch, your brows furrowed and your eyes were closed. He pokes at the spot between your eyebrows, something you used to do to him long ago when he was overthinking. 

“You must be tired, I have spare rooms you can stay in. It would be more comfortable than sleeping on the couch.”

His smile was so gentle it was making you melt. You nodded your head and followed him to a room close to his own. 

“Well then, good night, Y/N.”

“Good night, Satoru.” 

He turns to walk towards his own room but your arm moves on its own, grabbing the bottom of his t-shirt. 

Satoru's eyes widened and kept blinking at you with a semi confused look. You let go of him and apologize, “Sorry! I don't know what came over me! Good night!!” You tried to close the door only for Satoru to intercept. 

“If you want me to stay, you only have to ask.” Satoru smirks as he enters the room. You stumbled backwards towards the bed, your legs hit the side of the bed and you ended up sitting on the bed. 

He walked closer and started taking his shirt off.

“???! What are you doing??” Your hands fly to your face and you cover your eyes as you squeeze them shut. “Don't worry, I'll take care of you.” 

You could tell he was taking off his pants too but you kept your eyes covered. Next thing you felt was Satoru rubbing against you, in cat form. He thought you wanted his company, which he wasn't wrong, but you didn't know how you should ask him to stay. He hopped onto the bed and patted on the pillow with his paw, telling you to go lay down. You moved toward the pillow and laid your head on it, Satoru lay beside you, not as close as he did before, but close enough for you to feel his presence. 

“Thank you Satoru, sweet dreams.”

You closed your eyes and could hear his soft purrs, it lulled you to sleep soon after. You haven't had a good night's rest for a while, the same goes for Satoru, his worst fear was that you would hate him and never let him see you again. You both had a sweet dream, dreaming of when you both used to play together, always having one another.

Satoru woke up before your alarm went off, he always does. He just likes to pretend to be asleep and hear you giggle at his silly sleeping poses. He's still in cat form, but he wished he was in human form. He wants to touch you so badly, not in a sexual way, just feeling you in general. Your hair falls perfectly over your features, cheeks look so smooth and soft and your lips look oh so, so, So sweet. 

Maybe he could have a taste before you get up? He leaned in slowly, his heart was beating out of his chest, he could hear the ba-thumps ringing in his ear. He was SO close, he could almost taste you, his whiskers accidentally touched you and you turned away. He didn't have the courage to try again, since your alarm will go off soon. He laid himself down, just watching your peaceful sleeping face. This is all he wishes for right now, he shouldn't be greedy and scare you away again. 

Your alarm finally rings, you reach for it and turn it off. You turned your head and saw Satoru staring at you, instead of resisting or hiding, your arm moved to pet him.

“Good morning Satoru, You're up early.”

Satoru purrs to your touch before jumping off the bed, walking towards his clothes and dragging them outside with him. He returned shortly after, fully dressed. 

“Good morning. How was your sleep?” 

“Great! Haven't had a good night's sleep for a while.”

“... I'm sorry, it was all because of me wasn't it?”

“Don't worry about it, I already forgave you. A while ago actually… I just wanted to prank you a bit more.”

Satoru was shocked, he could sense things were getting better but he didn't want to jump to conclusions. 

“I promise I won't lie to you ever again.” 

He looks so sincere, just kneeling down by your bed, keeping himself away because he wasn't sure what you feel about him being close. You thought he was very thoughtful, always keeping you in mind, nothing like the person you used to be with, so arrogant and selfish, only thinking of himself. 

You could feel your heart racing, your old memories of how much you enjoyed his company floods your mind. With him always putting you first, and with him being your first love, he had you crushing like a school girl all over again. 

You listened to your heart, your hands reached to cup his face, his eyes widened before you surprised him by pulling his face towards your own, capturing his lips. 

Satoru never would have expected that, he wasn't sure what you thought of him right now, but this? He couldn't resist at all, the moment your lips touched his, his eyes were rolled back so far in bliss. He felt like he was melting, you taste so much sweeter than he could ever imagine. He responds back by seeking access with his tongue, you parting your lips and even extending yours to meet him halfway had him moaning as both of your tongues danced in harmony. 

You and Satoru lost the sense of time, losing your mind on each other's kisses. Satoru was drowning in pleasure, he had wished for this day to come a lifetime ago. Both you and Satoru became a drooling mess, both still unwilling to let the other go. Just as Satoru was leaning in, about to push you down to the bed, your phone started ringing. 

You both snapped out of your trance, wiping the drool that seeped out from the corners of your mouth, you picked up the phone and realized it was your manager calling. 

“Hello?”

“Hey Y/N, I just wanted to let you know, the guy who showed up yesterday is here again. You might want to take a day off, you have vacation saved up too if you would like to use them. Just let me know.”

“Thank you so much Uraume, I'll take some time off then. I'll have this figured out before returning to work. Thanks for your understanding. Help me thank the others as well.”

You hung up the phone and sighed. Not sure what you should do next. Satoru knows something is up, it is written all over your face. 

“Is it him again?”

You nodded. 

“What's his problem anyway? Why is he acting like he's your boyfriend?”

You sighed but decided it was best to tell him what had happened between you and Naoya.

Satoru sat there, processing all the information that you've just given him. He thought Naoya was an asshole and he never deserved you. He was hurting to hear that your first was given to him.

“Y/N.” Satoru said with a very serious face.

“Let me protect you from now on. I won't let him hurt you anymore. You shouldn't have to change for anyone. You can be yourself when you're with me. Let me take care of you. Will you be my girlfriend?”

You were shocked from his sudden confession, you were overwhelmed with happiness, tears were flowing from your eyes, you haven't felt this way for a long time. You eagerly nodded, your arms flung around the back of his head, his arms held your middle protectively as he was also overjoyed. 

With your feelings finally reaching each other, Satoru thought you could stay at his place for now, at least until the Naoya issue is settled. He suggested for you to stay over, since he has the space and you both could use each other's company. Your only problem was you not having any personal belongings other than your wallet and your phone. You haven't had the chance to get home since Naoya’s sudden appearance. Right now the 2 of you were just enjoying being in each other's embrace. 

The tender moment was cut short by your grumbling tummy. You turned away embarrassed while Satoru chuckled. He suggested going to the mall to pick up some things for you to stay over, since he wasn't sure if you should go grab them from your place since Naoya could also be waiting for you there. You agreed and you both went to get ready to head out, you changed back into your uniform, since it was just a white blouse and black pants, it looked better than wearing Satoru's oversized t-shirt.

Satoru was in one of his fancier dress shirts and dark pants. Your gaze stayed on him for a bit longer as you felt your cheeks starting to burn. You don't want to admit it but he did look good in everything he wore, you thought that before as well, even when you couldn't remember him and thought he was just acting like a thorn in your sides. 

“Like what you see?”

“Yup.” 

Your straightforwardness actually caught him off guard, he's now blushing and looking away, fiddling with his hair as you giggled. He extended his hand for you to hold, you reached for it with no hesitation. The 2 of you left his penthouse and headed for the mall in his car. You 2 held onto each other's hands every opportunity you got. 

You had a meal together, went to buy a matching toothbrush and towel, even a few sets of matching pajamas. Satoru insisted he paid everything, he knew you could afford everything you want but he just wants to spoil you rotten. He was going overboard, to a point where if you just look at something a second longer, he would buy it. He bought you different outfits and dresses, some he just picked out thinking they would look good on you. He was carrying so many bags it was starting to get difficult walking, he didn't want to stop buying things for you though, wanting to put everything he bought so far in the car so he could get more. 

You 2 walked by a lingerie shop and Satoru stopped for a second, eyes landing on the set on display. He quickly shook his head and started walking again. You told him to bring the items to the car, and that you had to use the bathroom first. Satoru insisted he wait for you but you told him it wouldn't take long and that he is carrying too much stuff, so he sighed and agreed. 

Satoru went to the parking area, putting all the bags in the trunk, it could hardly fit with the amount of bags there were. It took him a while to finally put everything away and you went to the parking lot right after. 

On the way back to Satoru's apartment, you told him to think of what he wanted for dinner, as a thank you for buying you all the things. He doesn't really know what he likes most since he loves everything you made him. He suggested you make him dessert, and you thought you could make him some cupcakes. 

When you arrived back at the parking of the penthouse, Satoru asked some of the receptionists in the front to help carry stuff back upstairs. The ladies were all fond of Satoru, so young and rich, too bad he was never interested in anyone other than you. They envied you when he carried most of the bags, while the ladies carried some and you just stood there empty handed other than your personal bag. You kind of felt bad for them, you could have carried your own things but Satoru wouldn't let you. 

After putting everything inside, Satoru gave the girls a generous tip for helping with the bags, they thanked them happily and went back downstairs. The bags were everywhere, it would take a while to sort everything. You appointed Satoru to do the sorting while you prepared to make his dinner and dessert. 

He brought the bags in the spare room and started filling the drawers and closet with the new items. His thoughts went back to the lingerie shop, he looked up the site with his phone and scrolled through sets he thought would look nice on you. Would you wear it for him? He couldn't help but think how nice you would look in them, he had already marked a few and had them added to the online shopping cart. He thought it wouldn't hurt to have a few extra sets of undergarments, right?

It took him a while but he finally got everything sorted. The closet and drawers were already full of clothing. You have months worth of new clothes, he thought maybe you could do a mini fashion show for him. 

The yummy smell of dinner had caught his attention and he came out of the room, going to the kitchen and hugging you from behind while you cooked. He loves just being there with you, and you don't mind him being there as well. You asked him to set the table and he gladly does it. Helping you bring the finished dishes to the table. 

“Your cooking is so much better than the chefs I used to hire. Maybe you should consider living here and being my personal chef.” Satoru jokingly said even though there was 90% truth and the rest of the 10% was wishful thinking. 

You didn't give him an answer, you thought it was too soon to live together, it hasn't even been 24 hours since you got together. You thought of what could have happened, if you didn't move away, would you be together with Satoru? Would you be dating each other sooner? It feels like so much time has already been wasted and you should just do what you want to be happy. 

“We’ll see~” you teased.

Satoru had enough of not being with you, he would marry you right away if you told him yes. He's tired of waiting but he knows he cannot rush you, he respects you too much to not consider how you feel. 

You both finished dinner and you told Satoru to go wash up first while you finish with the desserts. He agreed and went to take his shower. You cleaned up and did the dishes, finishing up with the final touches of his dessert. 

Satoru came out of the shower, wearing the new pajamas that you bought together, he was excited for his desserts but you told him to wait until after you finish with your shower, wanting to savor them together. He patiently waited, looking at his phone once again and buying more outfits for you. (This man needs to stop…) His heart was racing when he saw you come out, wearing the matching pajamas, you left the first button loose on purpose, he could feel heat building up between his legs.

You brought the cupcakes over to the coffee table and grabbed one before sitting yourself down on his lap, making him flinch and stiffen his posture. You turned to face him and began feeding him the cupcake, the blue icing smeared on his lips for him to lick off, moaning at the delicious treat as you fed him more. There was a bit of icing left at the corner of his mouth and you licked it off. 

Satoru was feeling flustered, you must be doing this on purpose right? Were you inviting him to touch you by sitting on his lap? You were driving him insane, he wasn't sure if he should be taking this as a chance to advance or not. You could almost hear the gears spinning in overdrive. 

Satoru's eyes were glued to you, how you took a bite of his cupcake as big chunks fell on your semi exposed chest. 

“Hey Satoru, could you get that for me?” you acted all innocent but you were anything but.

“Umm… Ca-can I?” He started stuttering.

“Yea, help me please?” You changed your position, having one of each leg on his side, semi saddling him as you lean your chest towards his face. 

“You're gonna be the death of me.” He tried to eat the chunk of cake but it fell further into your bra, he looked up at you as if he was waiting for your instructions.

“What are you waiting for? Aren't you going to help me get it out? I thought you wanted your dessert?” You playfully teased him. 

He lets out a sound that was a mix of a whine and a moan. His fingers work to unbutton your pajama top to get to the bra, his eyes widened as he sees you wearing the set of lingerie he was eyeing earlier at the mall.

“!!!” his mouth gape open and he was at a loss of words, his Adam's apple bobbing as his eyes tried to burn the image into his brain. You even picked his favorite color. 

“Do you not like it? You're being awfully quiet.” you continue to tease. 

“You tricked me! You told me you were going to the bathroom. I wanted to buy everything for you!” He starts pouting. 

You put the rest of the cupcake back down and licked your fingers, “Well I wanted to do something for you, since you were so nice to me.” 

“Wait, you got this for me???” 

“Mmhmm, do you like it?”

“Like it? I love it!! Does this mean I get to…”

“Mmhm-” you couldn't even finish as he had already popped your breasts out of its refines, he had one hand on each of your breasts as he rolled his fingers on the hardened nipples, making you whine, before taking one side and sucking it in his mouth. His tongue swirls hungrily on your nipple as his other hand squeezes your other breast. He eats up the piece of cupcake which was stuck between your breasts before moving to suck the other side. 

“So yummy, best dessert ever.”

You were starting to feel a little embarrassed, feeling your whole body was heating up, especially down at your core. You are slightly wiggling awkwardly, Satoru noticed and you could FEEL the smirk on his face. 

“You teased me long enough, now it's my turn.” He abruptly got up, his hands grabbing onto your under thighs as he carried you off to his room. 

“Get ready babe, our fun is just about to begin.”

sorry it was getting way too long so im cutting it off at the BEST PART. look forward to the next part n3n~♥

@moonchhu @non-artistic-license @entr4p3 @prtty-pink-angel @nonamevenus @victoria1676 @haithamsbb @jotarohat @birbwithhat @hel1nn @undercooked-chaos-noodle @akiraneedstobefixed @soozeu @sukunadckrider @yihona-san06

[randomnameless]

I'll say it, I really liked Field of Revenge especially from a villain perspective. Cause for one, it's a heartbreaking chapter/battle especially if you're BL fan (granted you can mitigate that by recruiting but let's assume you don't). And second, it shows Supreme Leader at her probably most villainous with her emotional warfare i.e victim blaming, and basically deciding to spare no one. The King of Delusion scene is infuriating but in a "omg, she's dastardly" way.

Oh!

Yeah, I loved it because even if this was the first route I played, I was left with the impression that bar "wow am I supposed to know those characters?" the map conveyed what the narration had been hammering - no matter what, Supreme Leader and pals will break through to reach their goals, even if it means killing named characters I'm supposed to be sad about.

After playing the other routes -

It's again even more wonderful, because we have the "uwu don't want to kill her uwu" options in dialogues, but when it's her turn to apparently get this option, we have "Dimitri must die" and all of his generals with him (iirc this is a rout mission?).

"no u" also lampshades how Dimitri tries to understand why the frick he is being invaded, and why this war is happening, and just why the fuck he has to fight - but Supreme Leader doesn't bother explaining anything to him. Even when he is on his knees, she beheads him, after asking Hubert to give her an onion to get a few tears and goes "if only we were born in a world of peace" when, uh, she just beheaded him a few seconds ago when he was at her mercy, and specifically ordered at the beginning of the map to kill him.

Even Rhea, who is PTSD'ing hard (she brought back Seiros the Warrior's costume!) comes to regret having to fight like this - of course not because Supreme Leader's character, but because she's Willy's scion - but Supreme Leader dgaf, gives a Supreme Reply (tm) and off with her head (ah wait, it's in the next chapter).

Her interactions in this chapter are great, we play through the tonal dissonance - which is why Supreme Leader, only when everyone is dead (and Rhea retreated), contemplates the futility of Dimitri's death, blaming it on Uncle and how she wished things could have turned out differently...

Just after playing a chapter where she ignores and/or straight out refuses to be plays a different script than the one she gave at the beginning.

That's what I find fascinating and like about her character, she can say X to her "trusted" ones in private, but say Y in public - even if we all know, since we were privy to the "private" exchange that she wants to do X.

This is again shown in the next chapter - to Billy, Supreme Leader says she wants to obliterate Nabateans - but when her army is all around, she asks Rhea to surrender.

Is it only for PR? Is it to gain Billy's trust? Is she ever telling the "truthful truth" of what she wants to anyone (save for Hubert)?

IIRC some people made more detailled posts on the safflower (the flower of CF?) but I don't remember them that well.

Tl; dr : that chapter rocks.

[it-is-i-zim]

Fellas? We ain't okay over here.

[clicheyandereapologist]

Wow I’m alive huh?

[dangoulains-devotion]

yuffie has many interesting elements to her but people refuse to move past "i find energetic kids annoying" and it makes me sad

[philsmeatylegss]

“Parasocial relationships are bad” “it’s not creators’ responsibility to cater to your feelings”

I genuinely am still heartbroken three years later about finding out what an awful human Shane Dawson was and is and I truly still feel angry and betrayed by him and I don’t give a shit if it is parasocial.

[kodokugumon]

the fact that so many child abuse laws are like "its not child abuse unless it leaves a lasting mark" is so fucking crazy to me. You can hit a kid as long as your fists weren't closed and you hit them light enough

[dreaminterlude]

it actually makes me so angry that people are not there for you the way you need them but in a way that wants to make them feel good

[strayloveletter]

i know that “do it out of spite” for academic achieving women is considered iconic but its so daunting. i’m hardly motivated and have the attention span of a goldfish but i’ve been trying to push myself anyway and have been barely making any progress (like 10% progress when 100% daily is like average) when i know i have the potential to do twice as much as the average person, or at least i used to. i don’t have much time left either. 

 i met the reason i’m doing it out of spite last week, my childhood bully. as she never openly admitted to anything she’d done and pretends to be just a childhood friend, we have a cordial relationship but anyone with a pair of eyes can sense the tension. she’s also a distant family friend, and though my family mainly cut contact with her’s after all the bullying and shit, i see her every couple of years or so. 

she got into USC. she’s probably going to become a doctor in the future. she and her sisters tried to pretend she got in straight after high school, but i know she transferred bc she took the exit exam sophomore year. USC isn’t child’s play. i know they look down on me for attempting to enter a uni out of the country even though its a quicker process and still challenging, but what if i don’t get in? they don’t know this but this is my second attempt. i got my diploma a year early and attempted the exam once before and missed by 8 points. 

i don’t know if my spite can fuel me any longer. what if my desire to end up better than the girl who ruined my entire childhood isn’t enough to motivate me into creating my success? i’ve always been obsessed with the perfect balance of revenge, evident in the many revenge-themed novels and comics i read and i’m not ready to accept the fact that thats rarely the case. people don’t get their perfect revenge. i was so sure it was real. whenever my dad would beat me, he would immediately face issues at work which would miraculously fix themselves once he’d apologized. people who’d say things about me behind my back would immediately bump into something or get hurt. maybe it’s the tiny things where god and the universe would be by my side, but will things work out where it really matters? i’m not so sure any more... i’ll never be better. i’ll never make her regret what she did. i’ll never make her wish she could turn back time and not isolate and bully the six year old who was so excited to see her family friend in a sea of unfamiliar faces at her new school until they were teenagers. 

the perfect balance was always so important to me. i was basically obsessed with it. i had the predisposed notion that if someone had an awful home life, they’d have an amazing social life. if they had an amazing home life AND an amazing social life, they probably had financial issues or weren’t too intelligent. but i had a shitty home life and an awful, lonely school life since i was like six. we were never poor and are well-off enough even to american standards today, but back then my parents saved every penny but i guess they never made us feel poor. i was very intelligent and fine health-wise, despite the chronic headaches that have only gotten worse. but back then, the main holy balance was either a good home life with parents who don’t hit or yell at you for trivial reasons and aren’t extremely fucking strict and a school life with no bullies or isolation and a bunch of fun unique friends who hung out all the time and even outside of school, whose groupchats are never dull. my dream was to have an average balance on the scale. kind, slightly neglectful parents that i had the luxury of missing and a couple friends i could trust. lol i was pretty naive. my parents are nice now but still incredibly strict. i don’t really have any friends at all, unless you count the passive kind that i still love but never really talk to. i’m also not a genius anymore.

i should be better now. i’m not bullied anymore. my household isn’t abusive anymore. heck, they even apologized. (yes, it’s a big deal. i never thought they’d do that) it’s been so, so many months since i’ve been slapped and they get me all the little things i want too. we’ve settled into the facade of the perfect family quite well :) but i still can’t seem to focus or learn. it’s like all my energy and excitement has been sucked away from me before i even had the chance to reach eighteen. i’m sure nobody’s actually reading this lol especially not up till here but i’m so so scared i’ll never get to be anything and will end up being an average person arranged to marry some average guy and raise his children while cursing myself and my bully and complaining to anyone who will spare a second to listen about how shitty my life is and how it’s not my fault but her’s. i really hope i won’t be forced to watch her live my dreams and think about how much of a failure i am forever. still, i can’t seem to push myself to do anything to change the trajectory of my life. i’n not going to fail and then blame others for it. i’m going to have to succeed and make her wish she was my friend. i’m going to live the life of my dreams idc. (iA)

 i’m going to study some more now

[bending-sickle]

if y’all want a taste of how shit my day was today:

brother: are those [plant] too?

me: yes

brother: *angry* why did you answer like that? i asked you a normal question.

me: *on the edge of brother-induced tears for the past ten minutes* …and i gave you a normal answer?

brother: no, your tone was wrong. you sounded exasperated.

gee, why the fuck would that be?!

[floatyflowers]

Dark Platonic! Fire Nation Royal Family x Non-bender Reader

Part 2

With Ozai:

At first he didn't accept the fact that you, his youngest child, is a non-bender, and ignored your existence.

That was until he noticed how his older brother, Iroh, spends time with you, Ozai got extremely jealous.

And decided to spend time with you, only to realize that you are his favorite child, and felt like an actual father.

Yes, you can't firebend nor do you even have the ability to protect yourself.

But why would you need to protect yourself when your father is going to be the Phoenix king of the fire nation?

Ozai will burn down the world for you.

"You, my sweet child, will grow up in the presence of a very powerful father"

With Ursa:

When Ursa found out that you couldn't bend, she became overprotective of you to the point of paranoia.

Since childhood, she refused to allow you to play with anyone except Zuko.

One time, one of her handmaidens scolded you harshly for playing outside without your mother's permission which resulted in you bursting into tears.

The next day, that handmaiden was fired and Ursa made sure that she gets no other jobs.

While thinking of escaping, she thought to take you with her.

However, Ozai has forbidden that from happening.

"When you find out the truth, promise to come find me"

With Azulon

While still alive, he made sure you had the best education and guards.

Azulon also made sure to have you believe that the fire nation is without mistakes or faults.

He tried manipulating you into believing that just your loyalty to your people is enough duty.

However, you are kind, too kind.

Yet, he Azulon didn't hate you for it even if he considered a weak trait to have in the royal family.

He also still has the flower crown you made him stored away safely so it doesn't rot.

It is rumored that the last word he muttered was your name.

With Iroh

Uncle Iroh isn't really as possessive as the other characters, but he focuses on advising you from time to time.

You enjoy drinking tea with him and gossiping about everything.

Even though, Ozai has forbidden him from speaking with you, you would sneak behind your father's back to drink tea with him.

After the loss of his son in the war, Lu Ten, Iroh felt depressed.

Yet you managed to comfort him with your cheerfulness and playful attitude.

It reminded him of his son.

"The best quality in a princess is her kindness, something which your sister clearly lacks"

With Zuko

Zuko thought you would be like Azula but you have proven him wrong.

You are kind, gentle, and nurturing just like your and his mother.

That's why Zuko always found himself by your side, being your playmate...being your protecter.

His mother told him that it's his duty to protect you from danger considering that he is your older brother.

Even though Azula has never hurt you, but Zuko was always wary of her, especially after his mother disappeared.

When Ozai challenged him to an Agni Kai, you were the first to cry out and plead with him to let Zuko off, but Ozai felt jealous of your relationship with Zuko and was determined to teach his son a lesson.

However when your brother got banished, Zuko took you with him in secret not wanting you to be left with Azula.

"I know the journey will take long but once I restore my honor we can return home together"

With Azula

Azula was extremely jealous when you were born, thinking that you will take all the attention from her.

But she realized that you deserve all the attention.

You didn't treat her like a monster, you weren't scared of her.

Instead you showed her love and called her 'big sister'

You would cling to her as a toddler, whenever there was lightning, you would secretly sneak to her room and sleep beside her.

"How can you be scared of lightning, we control it, silly"

Mai and Ty Lee saw how Azula softens whenever you are around.

And when Azula discovered that you have left with Zuko, she destroyed everything in her way and burned a few servants.

"She's mine, and only MINE"

[theealbatross]

fight the alchemy (s.s)

Plot | After a tumultuous year, Sebastian’s life was finally okay – passable, up-to-scratch, satisfactory. And he had just almost reached peace – when his brilliant, painfully observant, carelessly crude genius of a friend, Garreth Weasley, started pointing out unnecessary facts that could rip all that harmony to shreds.

or, Garreth asks why Sebastian isn’t dating you. Sebastian spirals.

Tags | fluff, sebastian is a thought daughter, low self esteem, seb is a playboy BUT NOT REALLY, horny thots but we keep it pg, insecurity so deep you try to fight cupid, cupid fights back

An Ashwinder’s wand to his neck and Sebastian could honestly and truly say that he was … alright.

Life wasn’t perfect, by any means. His uncle was murdered dead, an estranged twin sister in Paris who refuses to answer his letters, a mistrustful Ominis that breathes on his neck, and a tattered companionship that was barely hanging on by a thread.

But he was okay.

Thankfully, Solomon was still dead, Anne was still alive, and still cranky Ominis is now open to reconciliation. Plus, if all else had fallen, he at least managed to save your cherished friendship thanks to your forgiving nature.

Thus, as thanks to the people who had not yet given up on him, he had sworn to live the rest of his academic life as a meek, unassuming, law-abiding student of Hogwarts.

And he did such a good job at it.

The professors are now impressed at his steadily increasing grades (so much so that the Ravenclaws are now finally seeing him as a threat again) and he even managed to make Imelda’s team as her beater to keep him occupied.

The latter, however, had a grating consequence – he had become popular.

It was thrilling, at first, he went on dates to make up for the years he had lost, kissed the pretty girls because it felt like he should (as one of the few bastards lucky enough to live every raging teenager’s dream), and accepted the slaps on the face politely when they inevitably broke up.

But now he’s just gotten tired and bored of it all.

Ominis says it’s a genius’ folly, to always find a fault in something and then drop it when it doesn’t quite meet his standard of perfect. Leander says he’s just a bastard.

He cups his face with his hand, wincing. Her fucking ring caught on his skin and he can’t be arsed to suffer through the bitterness of a Wiggenweld Potion for a mere scratch.

Garreth doesn’t bother to swallow his bread before saying, “Really, mate? I thought you liked this one?”

“Liked her rack, more likely,” Andrew quipped from his seat on the stone steps of the boathouse.

Sebastian threw his scarf on his face, satisfied at his squawk.

“No talking about my ex-girlfriends,” he warned. It was one of his few rules when it came to his male friends. He may be a bastard but as someone with a sister and a couple of good female friendships, he makes it a point to never become one of those losers who talk badly about women they have a history with. Just so he can have a moral high ground when he beats up anyone who might do it to his friends.

“All right, all right,” Andrew raised his hands in playful surrender, throwing Sebastian’s scarf back to him. “But as your friend, I think it’s about time you stop swapping out girls every time you get bored of them.”

“I don’t swap them out,” he rolls his eyes. “Breakups are normal.”

“Breakups are normal,” Garreth points out. “Six breakups in 2 years is an issue.”

“Maybe I’m just meant for the bachelor life,” he mumbles, ignoring the pointed accusation from Garreth. Fucking perceptive prick. “Not everyone gets to meet their soulmate in Hogwarts, asshole.”

Garreth grins, “Natty’s great, isn’t she?”

Sebastian and Andrew both throw their scarves at him, the three of them bursting out in laughter and boos.

“To the Three Broomsticks, then?” Andrew stood up, patting his pants.

As 7th years it was nearly impossible to take a breather with the looming threat of exams that will dictate the rest of your life and the inescapable trap of adulthood that awaits them in a couple of months. So, his friends had made it a point to at least go out once every week whenever they could, really take advantage of their last year as students where they had no other responsibility but to survive the week.

In a year’s time, seeing each other as often as they do will be nothing short of a miracle.

“Leander and Everett are already there, saved up a table since it’s a Friday, it’s gonna be packed full,” Andrew explains.

Sebastian looks around, eyes scanning the castle in the setting sun. “You go on ahead I’m waiting for –”

“Sebastian!”

A flash of movement appeared rushing down the stairs towards the boathouse, your face beaming as you waved to the three of them. When you were a foot away from him you jumped into his arms, shrieking energetically when he grabbed your waist and lifted you above his head.

“Sorry, I’m late,” you pant, smiling at your friends once you’re back on the ground. “Professor Hecate asked me to stay back for a minute, something about revisions on my research.”

“I can’t believe you got permission to research in The Restricted Section after the crazy nonsense you pulled in 5th year,” Garreth shook his head. Sebastian wrapped an arm around your shoulders, pulling you closer to his side, beaming in pride. Nobody knows but the two of you that the very thing you were researching were the technicalities of how you broke Anne’s curse so it could be taught to the nurses in St. Mungos and hopefully spread to the rest of wizardkind.

“It’s exactly because I had the nerve to break the rules that I was given the honorable opportunity,” you dramatically curtsied. “And they said Gryffindors were the brave ones.”

That made Sebastian laugh. Garreth blinks, eyes squinting at him for a second but he doesn’t look offended, more … focused on Sebastian.

“Alright, no more of that House Rivalry. Quidditch Season is over,” Andrew quips.

“Wiped your asses there too, Larson,” he quipped, Andrew’s jaw drops, looking at Garreth for help and receiving none. He was still staring at Sebastian, eyes shifting between him and you.

Andrew groans. “Slytherins are assholes.”

Slytherins are, apparently, also light-weights.

Well, at least one of them is.

He adjusts his hold on your body as the other hand wraps his coat around your body properly. After your last ‘improved’ butterbeer you had slumped into his lap, rudely snoozing off on the crook of his neck and refusing to wake up even when it was time for your group to leave – not that he would’ve allowed that to happen, with your demanding research it was a miracle to get you to sleep let alone let loose.

The rest of the group had gone in first to scope the scenery and bribe the patrolling Head students with leftover chips while he and Garreth were stuck carrying you and an unconscious Amit that they had managed to catch last-minute in Hogsmeade. Poor bastard.

“I was thinking –”

“Please don’t,” he groans.

“Why have you two never dated?”

Sebastian stops his fussing, barely able to use his head to ensure he keeps walking, and continue to Act Normal, now using both of his hands to hold you tighter.

“You’re drunk,” he deflects. The puffs of your breath warm his entire body.

“Because! When I think about it …”

Please, for the love of the great Merlin stop thinking.

“You’ve been inseparable from the start! I can’t believe it’s escaped my notice you’ve never dated. You say your past relationships got boring and got annoying but you’ve never been bored and annoyed with her and you’ve been friends for years!”

Bored with you? He’s had more near-fatal heart attacks because of you than breakups. Sebastian barely had the time to be bored. And sometimes you do get at each other’s throats but it was always fixed after a proper conversation. If his killing his uncle couldn’t turn you away then he doubts anything you do could ever turn him away.

“Plus, with all the respect and love to my beautiful darling Natty, she’s a fucking catch, mate!”

If Garreth wasn’t carrying a sinless half-dead Amit, Sebastian would’ve punched him in his mouth just to stop him from talking.

“I’m just saying,” Garreth walks ahead of him, clearly aware of the fuse he had just lit. Sebastian was tempted to kick the back of his knees just for the satisfaction of seeing him fall.  “Maybe you can join the club and find your soulmate in Hogwarts.”

Garreth winks.

“We’re still accepting members.”

He’s decided.

He needs to kill Garreth.

He has not been able to sleep properly for the past week and it’s all because of that ginger prick and his needless remarks.

“Why have you two never dated?”

Sebastian’s pencil cracks in his hand.

“Is he alright?” he hears an underclassman whisper on the other table. He glances at them and they flinch. Quickly, he softens his expression ("You really need to stop scowling at people, Sebastian."), unaware he had glared at them and sent a wary smile in apology. It would just be unfair to aim his ire at innocent people when he could just use it to rip out every strand of Weasley’s hair.

“He’s been staring at that page for an hour. Maybe we should call –”

He stands up, escaping.

Sebastian never realized just how much he spent his time with you until people were looking at him funny when he was walking or sitting alone in public places. At first, he thought there had been crumbs on his face or one of his asshole friends stuck a note on his back like a kid. Plus, he hadn’t been feeling his best since that night but he thought it had been the lack of sleep.

It wasn’t until he had met Imelda on the grounds that he found his answer:

“Where’s the rest of you?”

He blinked at his captain, “I’m sorry?”

She shook her head. “Man, it feels weird seeing you alone. Did you guys have a fight? You’re usually shadowing her like a puppy after class.”

Then everything clicks, the strange looks, the feeling of missing something (like a forgotten important homework after he had reached the top of the Astronomy Tower) – it’s been a side effect of avoiding you.

Okay, it’s not that he’s avoiding you per se. He just needs space. He needs to think and he finds that can’t do that once he feels your eyes on him. With his luck, you’re going to see right through him and that would just be unideal if not a fucking catastrophe.

That’s why he’s taken it upon himself to stay off your way until he puts his thoughts in a row and finally screws his head on straight again. Or he could just kill Garreth, get sent straight to Azakaban, and avoid confronting these complicated thoughts altogether.

“I can’t believe it’s escaped my notice you’ve never dated!”

He sits on a bench, hands on his head as he let out a prolonged groan, “The fucking bastard.”

Why did he have to point it out? Why did Garreth have to bring what he, upon reflection, had buried on the back of his head, just waiting for that one little flick of acknowledgment before it blew his brains out.

Because Sebastian is a lot of things but he’s not a fucking moron.

It’s not that the thought of being together is unpleasant. If he lets himself consider it his chest feels like it would escape his ribcage both in excitement and utter terror.

But Garreth was right: he’d never thought about it before – hadn’t thought the idea was conceivable in this reality.

He has a feeling it was his way of preserving whatever pure relationship he had left. He’s not exactly rich with true companionship and he’s not idiotic enough to risk it all over a bloody crush. 

And not just any crush – his best friend, the person who saved his life and then helped him rebuild it when he was finished smashing it to pieces. The one who never turned her back even when his blood had given up. The girl who has a line of eligible bachelors following her on their knees for a single chance, ones who could offer her more than he ever could – ones who could offer her the world.

So, yeah – forgive him, but he’s never really allowed himself to entertain the idea of them dating. Sebastian has tested his luck enough.

Unless the roles switch and he gets to save the wizarding world this time then maybe … yeah, maybe -- maybe in another fucking life.

The thought makes him stand up, walking straight out of the campus to hopefully drown the sorrows of the depressing state of his love life with the best fire whiskey Hogshead could offer. How does he even move on from this? How does he make peace with the fact that he has sealed his fate of living the rest of his life alone? 

It’s impossible, he’s decided. Even if he graduates at the top of the classes he is taking and gets accepted into the Auror Programme that Sharp had recommended him for, their social standing is still heavens apart. He’s an orphan, with a husk of an extended family and no money to his name.

It wouldn’t matter to you, never really cared for pure bloodlines or lineages and he knows anyone who brings that up when they’re courting you will receive the most disgusted look on your face. 

But he cares – you are the most special person in his life. He wants the best for you. And the best is not something he can provide.

His depressing thoughts halt as his steps falter, a familiar scent tickling his nose. A familiar scent that leads straight into the Forbidden Forest. When he looks up to the sky, he realizes the sun has almost finished setting.

She can’t be that reckless, right?

He was barely surprised when he chanted the incantation that triggered the charm they had both put in their necklaces, the sparkling thread leads straight into the forest. And if he knows you half as well as he thinks he does then he knows exactly where it’s gonna lead to.

There goes his late-night plan.

It isn’t exactly his first jaunt in the forbidden space but it still gives him the creeps especially so close to the night. Why you’re so fond of the place is something he’ll never understand.

But that’s just the way you were, just another part of your quirks that makes you so endearing.

How you throw your head back when you laugh, that you get so cranky when you’re studying that no one dares to approach you but him, even the way you messily eat your favorite chocolate pastry of the week yet never fail to share a piece with him.

With this new revelation, he bitterly accepts the reason for his philandering ways. That he simply is another prick who is coping with not being able to attain the love of his life at the expense of those poor girls.

His self-condemnation however was cut short when he heard the waterfall, not being able to help the smirk on his face when he turned the corner and found you just as he had expected: in the middle of the clear, dark, water, floating carelessly on your back.

Gods, you are a beauty. He’s always thought so, the entire male population in Hogwarts thought so too. If they somehow get to break through your walls and manage to get to know you, he might just have to beat them away with an actual stick.

“Sebastian,” you smile, his heart stops. “I knew you’d find me.”

You swim to him gracefully, barely disturbing the water with only your eyes above the water but there was no hiding the grin in your face. Like a pitiful sailor seduced by a siren, his feet dragged him to the edge, a short ledge above from where you were looking up at him.

“You left your scent on purpose,” he states, kneeling to get a closer look at you. What a beauty – mischievous, cunning, irresistible. He’s never loved anyone more. “Naughty, naughty, darling.”

She pulls herself up the ledge, their faces inches away from each other. He nails his eyes to yours so they wouldn’t be tempted to look down at your soaking figure cloaked only by a thin chemise “I had to get you somehow, knew you couldn’t resist a damsel in distress.”

“Funny,” he softly glares, chuckling when she preens, clearly satisfied that her plan worked perfectly. “With all the water in the Black Lake, you had to pick the Forbidden Forest to swim in.”

You dip yourself back down in the water, swimming away but still facing him. “Come, Sebastian. I’ve been bored all week since you’ve been avoiding me.”

Guilt runs through his spine at the sudden coldness in your offhanded comment. Clearly, his absence hasn’t escaped your notice as he had hoped.

Like a scolded pup, he follows your command to a T. Eyes never leaving your floating figure as he removed his coat, folding it neatly along with the rest of his clothes until he was left in his underclothes.

He winces at the touch of the freezing water. A heating charm would do wonders but the way your unsympathetic eyes never left his figure gave him a feeling that this was a punishment he was meant to endure.

He steels himself, diving into the water and only resurfacing when he is right in front of you. “You called?”

“You’re so fucking full of yourself,” you splash the cold water at him, shrieking when he reaches out for your arms and barely managing to slip away.

He dives again, grinning at your confused flounder, until you realize your mistake, looking down just as he catches your waist, your surprised shriek, and his unrestrained laughter breaks through the quiet of the forest.

“You done running now, pet?” he locks his hands on your back, pushing you close until he is carrying both your weight in the water, chin resting on your chest as your hands run through his soaking hair.

Your darkened hair frames your face, like a sheer curtain it drops, teasing his cheeks, and hiding your conversation from the rest of the forest – in the dimness, your eyes have never been more radiant, even if it was clearly pissed at him.

Skinship wasn’t foreign between the two of you. When you’ve saved each other’s lives from certain death more times than you care to count, cuddling is the least of your worries.

But there is something about the forest's silence, the sparse moonlight that peaks through the dense trees, the sound of the droplets falling from your hair to the water, and the distant echoes of the animals that make everything intimate. -- more intimate than usual.

“Are you?” you throw his question back at him mercilessly, your hands on the back of his neck, locking his face to look up at you – finally at you. The weeklong separation had been torture and now that the distance had cut his regular contact with his favorite witch, he finally realized how fast his heart was beating when he was around her.

He smiles.

He was satisfied, he swore he was.

Sebastian’s life was finally okay – passable, up-to-scratch, satisfactory. He shouldn’t strive for more, couldn’t allow himself that luxury – the luxury of love, the luxury of you.

But as he stares at your eyes, as he feels the ice in your skin, as he imagines a future where it wasn't him that gets to bite the plump of your lips – that dirty, greedy part of him crawls out of the hole he had shoved it in.

He feels it win.

“Are you done running now?” you whisper, a droplet falls from the tip of your nose to the space just below his eyes, his breath hitches, like your magnetic presence had sucked out all the air of the forest.

“I wasn’t running,” she raises a brow, and Sebastian presses his lips to your ears. “I was thinking.”

“And?”

Leander was right: he really is a bastard.

But he’s a bastard who will no longer wait for another life to love you. He's a bastard who will get what he wants.

“I think,” he whispers, at peace. “I think I’m gonna marry you someday.”

[ms-demeanor]

Hey friend! So while I'm incredibly skeptical, I'm not strictly against alternative medicine, like you are. I saw you mention reiki, and thought you might geek out on this article like I did:

https://web.archive.org/web/20200308195914/https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/04/reiki-cant-possibly-work-so-why-does-it/606808/

It's called "Reiki Can't Possibly Work. So Why Does It?" and I highly encourage reading the whole thing. It first of all thoroughly debunks a lot of the claims reiki practitioners make but it also details all of the studies that have proven its effectiveness and provides what I find a pretty compelling explanation: that much of modern western medicine is stressful and traumatizing. Of course laying in a quiet room with the lights dimmed while a kind person sits with you and wishes for you to be well is effective. It reduces stress and all of the negative biological processes it triggers, which promotes healing.

The article mentions that for years we didn't understand the mechanism by which acetaminophen worked - we just knew it did. I knew a man who was really into "chakra therapy" in the 90s where he had a set of colored sunglasses that, supposedly, would rebalance one's out-of-whack chakras through light therapy. He found that attending to his throat chakra, yellow, helped him sleep better. Years later, formal studies found that yellow lenses filter blue light and can help regulate circadian rhythms.

When I was really little, my uncle sold magnet therapy products (which claimed to promote circulation?? I think??). I had a huge meltdown at a family reunion and no one could get me to calm down. My uncle put a blanket full of magnets on top of me, and I immediately relaxed. Imagine my surprise hearing that story for the first time as an adult who now uses a weighted blanket for stress.

I agree that people need to be really careful about these practices, about getting scammed, and especially about herbal supplements that can have dangerous interactions. I also think there's an extent to which you can analyze the risks and benefits and say, "Okay, I have no idea why this works but it does and there's no major downsides."

Hey so I get a bit heated in this response but I want you to know that I approached this ask in good faith because I know you and I know that we have a lot of the same values and interests and this touched a nerve that was not at all your fault and once I get past the direct response to the article I think I come off a little less. Um. Like the aggression there is not directed at you, it's directed at the article and at one person mentioned in the article specifically who is part of why my reaction to the article is so not good. But I promise after the last bullet point I come off as less reactive, I think. (I'm also publishing this publicly because I think it may be helpful for people to see how CAM stuff often gets away with a veneer of skepticism-that-isn't-actually-skepticism - the article claims to be skeptical but then makes a ton of assumptions and cites some truly mind-bogglingly bad sources that a lot of people won't recognize as bad if they don't have a hair trigger trained by far too much time on the bad CAM parts of the internet).

I've actually read that article a few time times, and would like to do a quick rundown on why I find it unconvincing:

She doesn't cite any decent studies on reiki; one that she does cite is just a self-reported questionnaire response from 23 people in 2002.

While we don't know the exact mechanism of action for acetaminophen, we do know that it does work - it measurably reduces fever and in double blinded RCTs produces reproduceable results in reducing certain kinds of pain. The Science Based Medicine authors cited in the article who called for an end to studies on reiki did so both because there is no plausible mechanism of action for reiki (specifically as energy work, not as 'being in a room with a patient person who listens to you') and because there is no good evidence that it works. (And they wrote a follow-up to the Atlantic article; I like SBM but it's quite sneery, as are most of their write-ups of reiki). When Kisner asks "why should this be different?" when comparing reiki and acetaminophen, the answer is: because there is not only no plausible way that reiki *could* work, there is not any good evidence we have that it works better than placebo.

"Various non-Western practices have become popular complements to conventional medicine in the past few decades, chief among them yoga, meditation, and acupuncture, all of which have been the subject of rigorous scientific studies that have established and explained their effectiveness." This one sentence needs probably twenty or so links in response, suffice it to say that western medicine has emphatically not established and explained the effectiveness of AT LEAST acupuncture and the casually credulous way Kisner accepts that acupuncture is effective (effective FOR WHAT?) throws some serious doubt on her ability to assess these kinds of things.

The title of the article is "Reiki can't possibly work, so why does it?" and that's probably the Atlantic's fault more than Jordan Kisner's fault, but she doesn't ever demonstrate that it works. She says she got a buzzy feeling after her training, she says that patients at the VA were asking for reiki as treatment for pain and sleep disorders, she says that people remembered "healing touches" from parents and loved ones and that the same mechanism might be what makes reiki 'work.' She says that reiki "has been shown by various studies that pass evidentiary muster to help patients in a variety of ways when used as a complementary practice" and the two studies that she includes that weren't just a questionnaire were 1) a non-blinded study of heart rate variability post heart attack where the reiki arm involved continuous interaction with a trained nurse and the other two arms involved resting quietly or classical music (so relaxation as a result of additional focused attention by attentive medical professionals could account for this? Why was the control for this study not having a med student sit and hold the patient's hand?) and 2) a study of patients who sought out reiki who were surveyed after treatment and noted improvement on one of twenty mental or physical markers (this study is like, GOLD for an example of a bad study; no control, self-selected participants who believe in the efficacy of the intervention, exceptionally broad criteria for a positive result - I find it really really really challenging to grant any credence to someone who confidently cited this as an example of reiki "working")

Near the end of the article she says "At the same time, this recalled the most cutting-edge, Harvard-stamped science I’d read in my research: Ted Kaptchuk’s finding that the placebo effect is a real, measurable, biological healing response to “an act of caring.” - if she read any of Ted Kaptchuk's research she didn't link to it; what she did link to was a 2018 New York Times profile of him and Kathryn Hall, researchers at Harvard's Placebo Studies and the Therapeutic Encounter program. Being any flavor of journalist and citing Ted Kaptchuk as your source for cutting-edge, institutionally-backed science is disqualifying.

I now need to do some yelling about Ted Kaptchuk.

For clarity: I have as much medical training as Kathryn Hall and Ted Kaptchuk, which is to say: None.

Hall is a microbiologist with a PhD in Public Health, so she at least a background in science. Kaptchuk is an acupuncturist with a BA in East Asian studies and a doctorate in Chinese medicine - notably NOT a medical degree; he was forced to stop calling himself a doctor and had papers retracted after enough people questioned whether the school he claimed he attended even existed and the documents he presented to claim that he was an "OMD" were conclusively translated and did not have any indication that the granted a medical degree of any kind - Science Based Medicine was involved in investigating this because they've been comprehensively anti-quack forever and Ted Kaptchuk has been a quack forever (after recieving confirmation from the government of Macau that Kaptchuk's alma mater was not a medical degree granting institution SBM STILL gave him the benefit of the doubt and had people translate his documentation for final confirmation).

He is also an author on of one of my most beloathed ever studies, which showed that sham acupuncture, placebo, and albuterol all produced the same effect on patient-reported well-being, coming to the conclusion that patient reports can be unreliable and that "placebo effects can be clinically meaningful and can rival the effects of active medication in patients with asthma." That fucking line, that stupid goddamned line, gets cited in every piece of woo bullshit about how acupuncture or chiropractic or some scam-ass diet all work, I've run into this study while looking through at least twenty bibliographies and it is one of the biggest, reddest flags that whoever is writing the paper you're reading is full up on some bullshit. Because, see, the paper found that "placebo effects can be clinically meaningful and can rival the effects of active medication in patients with asthma" in terms of *patient-reported* markers, but the fucking study found that only albuterol produced an actual effect in lung function. Here's the sentence BEFORE the one that gets cited all the time: "Although albuterol, but not the two placebo interventions, improved FEV1 [forced expiratory volume in one second - the measure for lung function used in the study and used to diagnose asthma] in these patients with asthma, albuterol provided no incremental benefit with respect to the self-reported outcomes." It doesn't matter if the patient *feels* better if they can't actually breathe! It doesn't fucking matter - feeling better but still having poor breathing leaves you more vulnerable to dying of a fucking asthma attack! I hate this goddamned study so fucking much and it's used all the time to claim that placebo can be just as effective as medicine for making people FEEL better but, like, they're still sick even if they feel better! I HAVE HAD PEOPLE CITE THIS STUPID FUCKING STUDY TO ME AS EVIDENCE THAT I DON'T CARE ENOUGH ABOUT TREATING MY FUCKING ASTHMA BECAUSE I DON'T GET ACUPUNCTURE TO TREAT MY FUCKING ASTHMA. If sham acupuncture makes you feel better when you've got the flu but doesn't lower your fever or make you less contagious, you shouldn't act like you don't have a fever or aren't contagious this study makes me INSANE.

Okay done yelling.

I think this look at placebo in the midst of her article about reiki is really interesting because it's very common for CAM practitioners to claim that it's as effective as placebo - which just means that it's not effective. This is a great explanation from The Skeptic on why placebo isn't and can't be what Kaptchuk, Hall, and the like claim. It's also interesting to me that Kisner didn't choose to link to a 2011 New Yorker profile of Kaptchuk that is somewhat less rosy about his placebo studies and includes this absolutely crushing statement: "the placebo effect doesn’t appear to work with Alzheimer’s patients. Trivers suggests that this is because most people who have Alzheimer’s disease are unable to anticipate the future and are therefore unable to prepare for it."

But to the actual point of the ask: I honestly think it's fascinating how much CAM success probably rides on "well did you listen to the patient and pay attention to what was wrong with them and sympathize with them and help them lay out plan that made them feel like they had some agency in this exceptionally frustrating situation (chronic illness, newly diagnosed issue, totally undiagnosed issue) that they're dealing with?"

I know part of why people with chronic illnesses turn to CAM is because they're ignored and dismissed by allopathic practitioners who are largely looking for horses, not zebras - this is one of the reasons that I'm really big on reminding people that (at least in the US) DOs are fully licensed physicians who use a holistic and patient-centered approach so if you are someone with a chronic illness who has had trouble getting diagnosed or had trouble getting doctors to believe you, swapping your MD for a DO as a primary care physician might be really, really helpful to you.

But the flip side of that is that is that I worry deeply about the question of where harm starts; the example with your uncle is really great because you do have a solid instance of something working but for totally the wrong reason (pressure being the mechanism that actually helped, versus magnets being the reason given by the person who did the treatment). Some of this stuff has very little likelihood of causing direct harm, but has the distinct possibility of having indirect harms, which people in the anti-CAM space generally divide into two categories, treatment delay and unnecessary costs (opportunity costs, monetary costs, wasted effort, etc.)

I'm going to step outside of your specific example and look at magnet therapy generally, which really is a spectacular thing to focus on because it honestly doesn't have any direct harms; nobody is allergic to magnets, the kinds of magnets used aren't strong enough to interfere with medical devices, it's even safer than the whole "well herbalism is sometimes just a cup of tea" thing because there are "safe" teas that can do real harm to large populations! But simply being around magnets is not going to hurt anyone (unless they're swallowed; nobody swallow magnets please).

One of the things that I think goes under-discussed when talking about placebo and CAM is that the people trying the alternative solutions desperately WANT the alternative medicine to work (I suspect that this is why the self-selected study of reiki patients has such a significant finding). They are pulling for it; they may be looking at it as a last resort, or they may be hoping that it will work to avoid a treatment that is more frightening, expensive, or inaccessible. I think this actually contributes a lot to the delay of care that we see with CAM.

The absolute worst case harm I can imagine from magnetic therapy is delaying treatment. Let's suppose we've got a diabetic patient with gradually increasing peripheral neuropathy; they have reacted poorly to gabapentin in the past and are looking for something more natural, and they hear from their chiropractor that magnet therapy can be used to treat neuropathy. They buy some compression socks with "magnetic and earthing properties" and sleep in the socks. Whether through the compression controlling some edema or through the simple desire for the socks to work, they feel some relief from the nerve pain they were experiencing and decide that this is a success. The socks work! They continue wearing the socks with occasional pain, but less than before. However, because they are focused on the lack of pain, they don't notice that it's accompanied by increasing numbness. The numbness significantly increases their risk of injury to their feet, which significantly increases their risk of amputation.

It probably sounds like catastrophizing to say "using magnets could lead to amputation" but honestly I don't think it's that far out of the realm of possibility (every time I post on this topic I get flooded with the saddest stories in the world about people whose loved ones died because of delayed treatment for cancer or heart disease).

The second category of harm is cost, which is honestly pretty minimal with magnet therapy, as long as you aren't spending $1049 on a magnetic mat

or paying a chiropractor to give you magnetic treatments. For some other medically harmless treatments like reiki, cost is the thing that I worry about - while I was looking up information related to the article I found that people are charging anywhere from $60 to $225 a session, and selling multi-session packages for thousands of dollars - and if someone thinks that something works, even if it only works by being in a soothing space where someone cares about you - they'll pay for it.

I'm aware that all of this is also extra complicated because of the cost and lack of access to allopathic medicine - a chiropractor broke my spine because I could pay her $60 per appointment but I couldn't pay $125 to see an MD when I didn't have insurance. People who are sick are going to look for treatment; people who have been denied treatment or dismissed by doctors are going to look for alternative treatments.

But man, I really wish I'd spent that sixty bucks on half of a doctor's appointment because the chiropractor didn't know about the benign tumor that I had that weakened the structure of that particular bone when she did her adjustment; it also didn't make the pain go away, it made a different pain start and get worse because it turns out I was having debilitating muscle spasms that then had a bone injury added in on top.

(Chiropractic, for the record, goes with chelation therapy and many many many many cases of herbalism where it's NOT just cost or delay; people claim these treatments are harmless and they are not. They can do tremendous harm).

But yeah I'm not going to deny at all that all of this would be a hell of a lot better if people (especially marginalized people) didn't have to jump through hoops to prove to a doctor that something is wrong with them, and didn't have to do so in an appointment that attempts to cram whole person care down into fifteen minutes, and didn't have the possibility of bankrupting you. Interacting with allopathic medicine is a nightmare and I totally understand why people want to look outside of it for treatment.

I've just heard too many horror stories and seen too much predatory CAM to cut much of it any slack.

At the end of the SBM response to the Atlantic article, the author (I can't remember if it's Gorski or Novella) makes the point that reiki is a spiritual practice, and that we've known for a long time that spiritual practices can improve a person's well-being in a number of ways; they can reduce anxiety, they can provide community, they can give people a space to feel and express emotions that they certainly aren't going to be able to process in a doctor's office. Spiritual practices can be wonderful, and we know there are a lot of people who they can help. But they aren't medicine, and attempting to replace medicine with them (which I don't think that most reiki practitioners are trying to do, to be fair, but which Ted Kaptchuk DEFINITELY is in trying to 'harness the power of placebo') is a disservice to people who need an inhaler instead of acupuncture.

Also, and I know this was not your point but I have to bring it up because people ask about it whenever discussions of placebo come up:

The placebo effect is not treatment. The placebo effect, whether achieved through deception or when someone says loud and clear "this is a sugar pill" does not improve an illness, but it may improve how a patient *feels* about an illness. In some cases, this may as well be the same thing - if you're dealing with muscle pain because you're stressed and no matter what you do it doesn't go away because your shoulders are always up around your ears and you're grinding your teeth and you're sleeping poorly, then literally just talking to someone who is in an office and says "this is a sugar pill, go ahead and take it" may make your muscle pain feel better, but it isn't going to reduce your stress and it isn't going to last, and if your muscle pain is because you're feeling angina as a result of a partially blocked artery then it SURE AS FUCK is not going to make you better and may mask symptoms that were a warning sign of a much more serious problem. People who are sick deserve actual treatment, and placebo is not treatment, which is part of why Ted Kaptchuk makes me want to tear my hair out.

[sugarlywhispers]

viking!b.katsuki x fem!reader

a.n; i wanted to give viking!bakugou a try, and honestly, this is all @imaginationmess fault for feeding me fanarts of bakugou and his dragon🙃 luv you tho🤍

Viking Bakugou Katsuki who rides the biggest and most terrifying dragon that has ever existed.

A legend said that his dragon in particular had been going on for generations in his family, no one willing to risk their life to tame it. Until Katsuki’s uncle, Bakugou Kudo, did it. He had been the first in generations to ride this dragon. Yet he understood that the bond between dragon and riders was not consolidated between them.

When Katsuki was eight, the little shit escaped the hut and went towards where the nests were. Kudo almost had a heart attack when he saw the brat far off and almost there. He sprinted as fast as he could, a tragedy already displaying in his head –the kid being incinerated, turned to ashes, and his sister cutting his dick off for being a sorry ass uncle. Fuck, and he would had deserved it. Because even though he had tamed the beast, it was still very unstable to let anyone close to it; one of his own men had suffered the consequences of trying to get close, more than half his body had been burned. He was no longer part of their battles.

However, Kudo saw in first person how a dragon’s bond was created. Between his terrifying dragon and his little nephew.

It hadn’t looked much from his perspective, yet he felt the magical aura surrounding them. Katsuki laughed as he touched the dragon’s snot like it was a mer pup, happy and excited while climbing its leg with such ease until he was up on its back, right behind the head. The dragon himself helped the kid to reach the place. Kudo noticed then the beast’s eyes shining a very resplendent gold. Yep, that was definitely a bond.The kid was anything but scared, as he caressed the dragon's head, hugging it even.

Kudo smiled, shaking his head, hands over his hips as he took a deep breath, relaxing. The dragon was only letting him ride it because it knew that Katsuki was his bonded rider and Kudo was related by blood to the kid.

As years went by, the bond only became stronger and deeper. Kudo would ride it in battles, but once at home, the brat and the beast were like one. When Katsuki turned eighteen, Kudo retired from battles and settled down with a wife and kids at the village located next to that of where their family originally came from. From that day on, the brat became the dragon’s one and only owner.

Katsuki was the only human being able to control, care for and command this massive dragon, also becoming the nightmare of most villages in the world. Both, dragon and rider were vicious, deadly and feared.

You still remember the day Bakugou Katsuki landed on your lands. The bright blue sky suddenly turned dark, the huge dragon he rode clouding the sun above. Everyone knew what it meant. Destruction and chaos, the end of their peaceful lives.

The Leader of the village, your dad, didn’t waste time in trying to negotiate a truce between them.

And that truce is you.

You are forced to marry him, to leave your family, friends and life there and go with this barbaric man. You are a bit afraid he is some sort of savage. Rumors told how violent he was, how scary he looked with his scars and aggressive attitude towards everyone. Now that you have said man in front of you, you agreed with all of them.

You were expecting him to manhandle you, to treat you like another woman he picked to use for his own pleasure. Yet all you received since you stepped foot in his village, in his home, had been nothing but coldness and distance. He has kept to himself, doing his stuff and trying not to get in your way. Least to say, it has been completely awkward since the ceremony.

When you are getting ready for it, his mom enters his-your hut. She smiles, a sincere feeling in her eyes, “Being the daughter of a Leader sucks, ain’t it?”

You look down, a slight smile on your face that agrees with her but eyes filled with tears you’re holding back. “It does.”

You feel her hand on your shoulder, and the little squish she gives it in reassurance makes the knot in your throat tighter.

“My son is not a charming prince; however, I know the kind of man I raised him to be. You’re gonna be okay.”

You don’t say anything in response. You don’t even look back at her, but you think she didn’t expect it either as she walks out, leaving you alone. As you walk towards the entrance, fully knowing that once you cross it, your soon to be husband will be waiting at the end of the aisle, all you can wish is that Ms. Bakugou is right.

When the ceremony reaches its end, the old lady of his village drawing the symbols of union, love and family in your foreheads, Bakugou extends his hands for you to lay yours over his. You still haven’t looked him in the eyes, but you do what's expected for the ceremony. When your hands touch the skin of his, you can't avoid thinking how warm they feel. Big calloused, rough and strong hands surround yours, and you don't hate the feeling. On the contrary, it’s quite comforting. The old lady ties a beautifully white and gold silk ribbon around your hands, symbolizing the union of the souls.

While everyone cheers, you finally decide to raise your eyes towards him. Deep red eyes collide with yours, making a shudder run your body at their intensity. Surprisingly, it isn’t a bad feeling, but it is something you have never felt before.

A tingly feeling swirls in your stomach as you realize Bakugou Katsuki's face is getting closer and closer to yours, his intent clear. He is going to kiss you. Your first kiss. You close your eyes instinctively and his lips touch yours in a quick and short peck. Yet it feels like all the tingles in your stomach exploded, sending warmth throughout your whole body.

That has been the only close and physical interaction you have had until today.

Bakugou Katsuki decides to give you space to accommodate and get to know his village and people around.

It doesn't mean he doesn't want you. However, he never makes any sort of move towards you.

Until one day…

Bakugou got back that morning to the village after being away for almost four days with the victory of conquering another village, so you decide to bring him some of the sweet bread you have cooked as a welcome back. You have to admit, this time with him since the marriage ceremony hasn’t been bad. Civil, even. Despite his distance and cold attitude, he has never disrespected or forced you to nothing. Not even that first night as husband and wife. He didn’t even try, he simply picked one of the pillows and clothes to make a bed on the floor, closer to the entrance door, and slept there. You have been very confused. Your mum had previously told you everything of what was expected from a woman on the night of the ceremony. You expected even a fight between you two, because of course you didn’t want that to happen with a complete stranger like he was still to you.

Nevertheless, he never hovers over you. But you do feel his eyes on you whenever he’s around. He always makes some sort of sound for you to acknowledge that his presence is close. Katsuki is attentive to your reactions whenever you are both alone and doesn't even raise his voice at you. Ever.

Then again, he is his ruthless self with everyone else.

You tried looking for him around the village, but couldn't find Bakugou anywhere. So you walk towards the woods where you know the dragon's nests are, where they rest. Even though Bakugou has explicitly forbidden you to go near there, due to the danger their dragons were most of the time, even for the riders.

You are confident Katsuki will be there, so probably he will see you from a distance and you wont need to get that close. But when you arrive, you come face to face with the massive beast: Bakugou's dragon, Cweorth.

You have seen it at a distance, but having the beast up close is a completely different experience. Its whole body is red, with golden piercing eyes that feel very much like Bakugou’s itself. Its wings are huge as they spread in a stretching movement up high, almost taller than the big trees that surround the woods. You can even see some flare of gold in its scale that actually looks mesmerizing. Majestic.

Your basket falls to the floor in shock when the beast finally looks down at your small, minuscule being. It watches you intently, with a scowl on its face –like beast, like owner. But far away from feeling scared by it, you feel intrigued. You feel enamored even as you stand there, looking at such majestic creature.

Bakugou is actually several meters away, taking a bath in the lake close to the nests, cleaning all the blood and dirt off his body before going to the hut he shares with you. He has some scratches and cuts from the fights, but nothing deep or worrisome. He is very proud in saying he is the fucking best out there.

When he's walking through the woods back to the nests of their dragons, he sees it.

His whole body freezes. You are standing there, your arm and hand stretched upwards. His own dragon, the one who eats men like candy at Katsuki's own command, the one who has burned villages in seconds with his strong fire, the one who hates anyone’s touch or closeness that isn't Bakugou himself... His dragon has his snot close to you, letting you pet him with its eyes closed, enjoying your affection like a small puppy dog.

And he can not fucking believe what his eyes are seeing.

Of all the women he has had before you, none were brave enough to even look at the beast. They had all been afraid to death.

And there you stand, looking even fascinated by it. Eyes shining and smiling as you feel for the first time what its skin is like under your touch. You look… beautiful. Gorgeous. Heavenly sent. Fuck. You have him in your hands already.

Bakugou Katsuki then decides:

He will fucking kiss the ground you walk. He will give you everything you ask of him.

You want certain clothes to wear? He will search for them for you. You want certain foods? He will fly his dragon to wherever they are made or grown on. You want a land? He will fucking burn every single thing or life it takes to give it to you.

You want him? He will gladly give himself completely to you.

Well, he already is.

[strangersteddierthings]

Good People

Part One🦇Part Two🦇Final Part

Wayne knows eavesdropping isn't the done thing. He's definitely old enough to know better, and he wasn't going to. He had a plan. He was going to walk directly into the living room, so they'd know he was awake, and after he'd fixed his cup of coffee, he'd plopped into his perfectly worn in recliner and subtly glare at the Harrington boy until he squirmed.

Mostly because it amused Wayne, but also just a little sliver of it was because he wanted the Harrington boy to know Wayne didn't think he was good enough for his boy. But only a little! Lord knows that Wayne couldn't do anything to make Eddie change his mind about Steve Harrington, short of Harrington proving Wayne right. Which he doesn't actually want because he doesn't want Eddie hurt.

He's just... He expects it to happen. That's what boys like Harrington do to boys like Eddie. He's seen it enough times to know that this song and dance leave no room for improvisation. Boys like Harrington play around, get their kicks with the devotion Eddie shows them, and then when they've had their fill, they leave.

Boys like Harrington will never be good enough for Eddie, but they always leave with Eddie feeling like he's not enough. Wayne hates it.

Anyway, his plan wasn't to eavesdrop. It's just that Harrington said his name and Wayne found himself standing still instead of continuing.

"Why doesn't Wayne like me?" Harrington asks.

"This again?" Eddie says dismissively, which has Wayne agreeing. His opinion shouldn't have bearing on their friendship.

A deep sigh from Harrington before, "I just. It's- he means so much to you. And, like, I- nevermind. It's stupid. I'm stupid."

"Hey," Eddie sounds a type of serious that Wayne rarely hears from him, "you're not stupid. And you gotta quit fucking saying that. You say it enough and you'll start to believe it and it's not true."

"Hard to quit feeling stupid when people dismiss my concerns like they are stupid," Harrington snaps back, bitchy as can be. The tone makes Wayne bristle on behalf of Eddie. His boy doesn't reply immediately, though. Doesn't bite back like Wayne's used to hearing. Huh. Maybe he's growing up, just a little.

"You're right, Steve," Eddie says when he finally speaks. "That was dismissive. I'm sorry. Explain it to me. Why does it matter to you whether Wayne likes you or not?"

"Well, because he's your family."

"Yeah," Eddie agrees, "he is. But that doesn't explain why it matters. I don't care if your parents like me or not."

"That's different!"

"How?" Eddie asks, soft but firm.

"Because their opinion doesn't matter. It's not- It's irrelevant. What they think."

"That makes no sense. Wayne's opinion matters because he's my family, but your parents' opinion doesn't even though they're your family?"

"Yes!"

"But why?" Eddie presses.

"Because they're bad people!" Steve bursts, not quite shouting but close. "Because when bad people don't think highly of you, it's not a fault in you. Their disproval is, like, a compliment. They don't like you because you're too different from them. And that's great! You shouldn't want their approval. It's different, because your uncle is a good person. And when a good person doesn't like you, it is your fault. It's something- it's..." Harrington loses steam here, voice dropping low and defeated, "there's something wrong with me. Something in me that- that he just knows. Senses about me or whatever. Something wrong or rotten or-"

"Steve! That's bullshit. Sure, Wayne's been standoffish, but he'll come around. You're not wrong, or rotten, or whatever else you think you are."

"How do you know that? I was an asshole most of life and what if that's just the real me? What if that's who I'll always be deep down. 'Cause I'm trying so damn hard, man. I'm giving it my all trying to be a better person and it's not enough! Everyone still talks about who I was in high school and even you-" Harrington snaps his mouth closed so hard that Wayne hears the clack of his teeth from his position in the hallway. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to- I'm sorry."

"Steve. This is about more than just my uncle's opinion of you, isn't it?"

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything."

"I want you, too. I want to know if I've ever done anything to make you feel like you aren't enough."

Wayne really shouldn't be listening. He should back down the hall and into his room. Give them time to talk.

"No, Eddie, you don't make me feel like- that's not what I meant. I just. I'm...."

"Hey, Stevie, you can tell me."

"I'm just so afraid that... That one day everyone will wake up and realize what Wayne already knows. That I'm not good enough for them. For you."

Oh. Wayne really shouldn't be listening.

"I'll admit that Wayne's opinion is important to me, for a lot of things. But not about you. What I feel about you, how I feel about you, isn't dictated by Wayne."

"Sure. I mean, I know that, like, logically or whatever. But it's. I can't convince my brain that you won't just. Hate me one day. And I- fuck, Eddie, I'm already halfway in love with you and-"

"You're in love with me?" Eddie interrupts, sounding awed, starstruck, and Wayne cannot be listening anymore. He backs down the hall silently and back into his room.

Steve Harrington seems to think that he's a good person, but he's not feeling like a good person at the moment.

He's got some thinking to do.