#( but also if i hadn't picked suki )

[kamipyre]

resident inbox goblin is back. what's your character/oc's name? did you create it? if you did, what thought did you put into it? if you didn't, what did the author intend for it to mean? either way, do you have any particular meanings you've appended to the name?

ppl everyone @eternasci is back <3 <3 <3

SYNNIE WELCOME BACK <3 <3 <3 

her name is suki nakamura! i think i have spoken about this before, but suki’s name can have two meanings: (1) beloved and in verb form ‘to like’ and (2) a derivation from the word ‘tsuki’ or moon. 

suki’s name is ironically also derived from both of her parents’ names: daisuke and mizuki. for me, it really emphasizes the fact that at least in her first character arc, she considers herself her parents’ daughter first, rather than being her own person– everything she does, even down to her own name is a reminder of her parents in this sense. this then makes her arc, i think, all the more obvious in that she needs to let go of her parents so that she can become her own person.

[discordiansamba]

just some more spitballing about character backgrounds for the avatar Yue AU... some of this I've been over before but it has been a hot minute since I discussed this AU

Yue is still the princess of the Northern Water Tribe, though she was born a waterbender and did not require the assistance of the moon spirit. She was only taught to use waterbending to heal growing up, and her father had full intention of concealing the fact that she was the Avatar from her, fearing that it may draw their people back into the war. When she discovered the truth (as well as her upcoming betrothal to Hahn), she decided to leave the North Pole and head to their Southern siblings, with the hopes that they would teach her combat waterbending.

(She is unaware of the major flaw in her plan.)

Aang is her childhood friend, born into one of the small pockets of survivors of the airbender genocide. He grew up in the North Pole and became fast friends with Yue, who was drawn to his sense of humor and how free he seemed. He's not an airbending master just yet, but it's clear he has incredible potential. When Yue decides to run away, she turns to Aang for help, and he agrees- and also agrees to teach her what he knows about airbending. He's eager to go out into the world, and maybe even connect with some of the other Air Nomad survivors.

Officially, Prince Zuko was kidnapped and likely killed by Earth Kingdom spies. Unofficially, the newly crowned Fire Lord Ozai paid off a few of his most loyal subordinates to make Zuko disappear. His face was burned to make him harder to recognize, and he was cast out into the Earth Kingdom and expected to die. Instead, he was picked up by a traveling theater troupe, who took him in. He taught himself how to fight, and has taken up moonlighting as a vigilante, fighting against both Fire Nation forces and Earth Kingdom corruption.

Instead of being too young to fight, Sokka was just old enough in this universe that his father brought him with him when he and the other men went to war. It was still a sharp learning curve for him, but under the mentorship of his father, he's gained strength in confidence in his own budding abilities. However he's throw overboard during a storm, but ends up washing up on Earth Kingdom shores. His goal is to find his father's fleet, but before that, he finds the Avatar and her two companions, and since their goal is to go to the South Pole, he decides his new mission is to join them.

(He and Zuko butt heads at first, but eventually, they learn to get along.)

Katara has disappeared from her village. According to Gran-Gran, she believes that she left to seek out proper waterbending training in the North, but even if that were the case, she should have arrived there before Yue left, but neither she nor Aang hadn't heard a thing about her. So where is Katara?

(She got side-tracked by Jiang and her pirate crew. She's doing great, actually!)

When Toph ran away from home, she decided she'd stay away and began living with the badgermoles instead. Now the Blind Bandit wanders the Earth Kingdom, looking for anyone strong to fight. She earns money by working as a bounty hunter, so a clash with the Avatar and the entourage is in the future...

Suki decides to escort Yue as her personal bodyguard after she helps fend of Zhao's forces on Kyoshi Island. If there's one thing that skirmish has shown her, it's that the Kyoshi Warriors can't afford to stay out of the war any longer... and the Avatar's got the best chance to end it.

(Plus, she and that Water Tribe boy are both pretty cute. She wouldn't mind traveling with them.)

After the disappearance of his nephew, Iroh traveled to the Earth Kingdom to search for him. He always suspected Ozai was behind it, but he had no proof, and therefore could not publicly accuse him. He has settled into the life of a wandering tea merchant, refusing to give up hope on Zuko.

[biconickyoshi]

I am still of the opinion that they will do Kataang based on the season 1 finale. Katara says, “I need you now.” And that gets Aang out of Koizilla. Plus they have these moments in the second to last episode that I’m not entirely sure were meant to be just platonic or not. Where Katara specifically highlights how Aang has helped her see the world. And they have parallels with Yue/Sokka and Suki/Sokka. I think they’re waiting for Aang’s actor to grow older. There’s definitely other ways they can develop Aang and Katara without Cave of Two Lovers. One of the biggest complaints (not that I agree) is that Aang and Katara were “forced” so I think they’re going to take their time with them.

Now that I've finished the season, I see what you mean. I was also glad to see that scene because it's the most emotion we've gotten out of Katara towards Aang the whole season, and it was nice to finally see Katara be the one to bring him out of the Avatar State since we didn't get that at the Southern Air Temple.

I genuinely hope that they do decide to go through with Kataang eventually, because their relationship (both platonic and romantic) is such an important part of the original show, and it felt glaringly absent in this adaptation. And the fact that they've been consistent with Sokka and Katara's B1 love interests so far would make me pretty ticked off if they decided to just forgo Kataang as a whole.

I also honestly have no idea why people think Kataang was "forced" lol. I was a huge Kataang shipper as a kid - I picked up on every little indication of romantic feelings between them when I rewatched the show hundreds of times growing up, and if you asked me right now I could name all of them in order (and there'd be a lot). I think some people just don't like the ship because Aang isn't a handsome older emo badboy character like Zuko. If Aang had looked like how he does in the Imbalance comic trilogy in the original show (aged 15-16 instead of 12), I think there would be a lot less complaining.

This is another one of those times where I just wish they hadn't kept Aang's age the exact same in NAtLA - I think it would have been better for everyone to be in their mid to late teens (like in LoK).

[the-badger-mole]

Come Away With Me

I've gotten a few asks to give Aang his ELAINE!!!!!! moment, and so I'm going to give it a shot. It's not connected with any particular story.

The opulent decor was not Katara. Everything about the wedding venue screamed old money in an ostentatious way from the heavily scented floral arrangements to the pale blue silk runner leading up to the officiant on the altar, to the navy blue gown she wore. This wasn't Katara. The woman preparing to exchange her vows with her groom didn't even look like Katara. Sure she had worn make-up before- she had an extensive collection of creams, powders and pigments that she had once described to her ex as reasonable- but despite the hours she'd spent learning how to apply it, she always favored a fresh face with just a touch of lip color. Today, though, there were shades of reds and golds and blacks that all looked so...artificial. She was still beautiful, of course, but it wasn't the easy beauty of her everyday life.

Aang sighed sadly watching her. She would be grateful, he told himself. In just a few moments, this would be over, and she would be far away from this place. Aang imagined the relieved look on her face as she leaned in to kiss him...He shook his head in distaste. She would have to wash all that paint off first. But once he had her away from this place, away from him, she could get rid of that ridiculous gown and toss out all her makeup and never, ever feel the need to put anything like that on again. She would be his natural beauty. His forever-girl. His bride. He just had to wait for his moment.

Sokka had explained once how it worked. At big society weddings, there was a moment when the officiant asked about objections. Anyone who objected for any reason could speak up or "forever hold their peace". Well, Aang certainly meant to speak up. He glanced around him. He'd sat on the bride's side, but chose not to sit near Hakoda. He and Sokka were shockingly in support of this farce of a marriage, and Aang privately wondered what Zuko could have promised them to make them give up Katara to the man who had once terrorized them all.

Toph and Suki stood at Katara's side, the official bride's witnesses, and Sokka stood by Zuko's side. Aang had been invited to be a groom's witness, too, but pleaded he was too busy to have such a responsibility. Though now he questioned his decision. If he was standing up there, he'd be close enough to touch Katara. To take her hand as they fled the building before anyone could stop them. He would also have a much easier time understanding the officiant's droning if he was standing beside him. As it was, Aang was near the back of the room, and the crimson clad sage was barely audible. He motioned to the couple, and then Zuko began to speak.

They were exchanging vows, Aang realized in a panic. Wasn't the objection part supposed to come before that? Had he missed it? Had Zuko had that part cut out in case someone tried to rescue his bride? Zuko was going on and on about loving, honoring and protecting Katara. Pretty words from the pretty boy's pretty mouth. Aang's thoughts raced. There was still time, if he had missed the call for objections. The ceremony wasn't over. They hadn't been declared husband and wife. And if he hadn't missed the objection part, well...what better time to catch Zuko and the audience off guard? Aang nodded once firmly to himself, and then stood.

No one noticed him at first. He had chosen a seat on the aisle, so he didn't disturb his neighbors getting out of the row. Heads began to turn as he walked up the silk lined aisle, though. The officiant looked at him in confusion, and Zuko stopped mid-sentence.

"I object!" Aang said, picking up his pace. He was half-way to her. Katara's brows- expertly plucked into delicate arches- drew down.

"What are you doing?" she asked, she looked to her friends and forced a nervous laugh. "We're kind of busy here." The murmuring around the room grew at bit louder. Why was the Avatar objecting? Was this part of the ceremony? Some Air Nomad custom, or a prank? Aang held his hand out to Katara.

"I'm taking you away from here," he told her. Katara stared at his hand uncomprehendingly.

"What...?"

"You don't have to marry him," Aang insisted. "I'm here to take you away." A look of shock, horror and anger dawned on Katara's face.

"You think I don't want to marry Zuko?" Katara shook her head. "We've been together for four years. I love Zuko." Aang shook his head.

"I know you feel like you have to," he said. "I don't know what he said to pressure you, or what he offered to your tribe, but it isn't worth your freedom."

"No one's forcing Katara into anything," Zuko stared at his friend as if he'd just sprouted a second, third and fourth head.

"Oh no?" Aang scoffed. "Then what about the treaty?"

"You mean the treaty that was signed a decade ago?" Sokka asked incredulously. "The one we agreed to before Katara even started dating Zuko? Are you drunk, Aang?" Aang scowled at Sokka.

"Of course I'm not!" he said. "I don't drink. All I know is that I love Katara and she can't get married today!"

"We have been planning this wedding for almost a year," Katara snapped. "I have sat through hours of seating arrangements and meal preferences for people I don't even know," Katara turned to the audience with a nervous smile, "no offense. I am getting married today. Either sit down, quietly, or leave."

"Katara, this isn't you," Aang insisted almost tearfully. He gestured around the room, at her gown, at her. "You are being turned into something you're just not. I can take you away! I can make you happy!" Katara folded her arms and scowled.

"I chose these flowers and this gown," she told him. "I like them. I love Zuko. And you are in the middle of ruining the happiest day of my life! How dare you? How would you even know what's me and what's not? You haven't stuck around long enough to get to know me! We dated for two years when we were kids! And we've barely maintained a friendship since. What do you know about me Aang?"

"I think you should leave," Suki told Aang. She stepped forward, but Katara caught her sleeve and held her back.

"No, I really want to hear what he thinks he knows about me!" Katara folded her arms and scowled down at Aang. "Go ahead, Aang. What about my wedding isn't me?"

"It's just so showy," Aang's words sounded weak even to him. He hadn't expected this. He had prepared a speech, but all the words had fled him, and now he was left scrambling for something, anything to say to convince Katara that he was her soulmate. "All this silk and velvet. All the flowers. Your makeup. You never used to wear makeup."

"I've worn makeup for years," Katara huffed. "I had a whole box of makeup when we were dating. And I like my makeup today."

"I think you look fantastic," Zuko said hesitantly. Katara smiled and brushed her hand against his. Then she turned back to Aang.

"I like the silk and velvet and flowers," she told Aang. "I worked very closely with the wedding planner on this. We both did. This," Katara gestured around the large hall, "is me! This is me and Zuko." Tears had begun spilling from Aang's eyes, and Katara sighed, pity welling up in spite of her ire.

"Aang," she said not ungently. "The version of me you think you love...she doesn't exist. I'm marrying Zuko today. I love him. And he loves me. If you care about me at all, then be happy for me. But I'm not leaving here without my husband." Zuko stepped up and put a arm protectively around Katara's shoulders. Katara reached up and rested her hand on top of his. Aang stared at them for a moment. A choked sob escaped his throat, then he turned on his heels and fled the room. Before he'd gotten very far, he heard Sokka speaking loudly over the chattering crowd.

"Sorry about the interruption folks," he said. "We'll give you a few moments, and then the bride and groom will-" Aang didn't hear the rest of the plans. He just wanted to be anywhere else on the planet just then. Appa sat in the courtyard, his saddle decked in ribbons and wildflowers. It looked sad in comparison to the richness of the wedding inside, but Aang thought Katara would appreciate the simplicity. Appa didn't need Aang's prompting to take off. In a moment, the palace had disappeared beneath the wide expanse of clouds. Aang stared off into the distance, with no particular destination in mind. Now what, he wondered.

[jariten]

May-July 2023 roundup: Favorite one-shot comps edition

its not over until I get to the one shot collections.

Flight by Minori Kimura is my first one-shot collection by her and immediately I was in love. Smart, sensitive, and very unlike anything I’ve read from her peers or anyone working today. Really looking forward to reading more so I have more to say about her style and talents

Rainy Doori no Niji by Keiko Fukuyama is not a one-shot collection but an anthology of connected stories centered around a painting that keeps changing hands. I only had a vague familiarity of Fukuyama by way of a cover of hers having caught my eye at some point but I hadn't memorized her name so this acquisition was very much something out of the manga itself. Polished and charming character art that reflects her background in anime not to mention fun and creative storytelling reminiscent of the early generations of children’s anime. Once I finished I was pretty embarrassed that I didn’t knowing anything about her at all prior to this.

Suki Desu, Kono Shoujo Manga is a 5 volume anthology that’s very special because it wasn’t curated by a group of editors but Shoujo manga artists who submitted a one-shot either someone else made or from their own career that they’re particularly proud of. And truly there were nooooo misses, it covers a 50 year time span and gave me the chance to read the works of artists I already love, were curious about, or never even heard of before. The covers are also all illustrations Chiki Ooya made specifically for the anthology series. Since a bit more than 10 years I really hope someone does a project like this again I’d love to know what the manga artist currently in the scene would pick as their favorite shoujo manga one-shot. Check its anilist page to see the full table of contents!

“GARO” “COM” is another curated anthology focusing on the very iconic and formative magazines named in the title (if you read Mitsuru Adachi and Rumiko Takahashi’s relay manga from Came The Mirror you may remember them discussing how formative both magazines were for them). Volume 1 covers the established talents who made up the initial all-stars line up in each magazine, Shirato Sampei’s Kamui Den, Tezuka’s Phoenix, Shotaro Ishinomori’s Fantasy World Jun, and Shinji Nagashima’s Fuuten are previewed along with one-shots from other stars. Whereas volume 2 features some of the breakout talents from each magazine. It was a great way to get a taste of what reading these magazines were like, although if you keep up with the alt manga that gets licensed into English you might have read most of the Garo works already (and for Garo it was a rather tame selection). Absolutely another type of anthology series I wish someone would bring back, bc I want moooooore. Check its anilist page for the full lineup!

[writersmorgue]

Okay atla opinions! Here we go!

Casting - immaculate. No complaints. There were a couple I wasn't sure about at first but they QUICKLY grew on me and they all embodied their characters really well and I love them.

Pacing - oof. 8 episodes (even hour long episodes) was NOT enough. Everything felt rushed. Someone mentions at one point that it's been months and it's like... show your work?

Wish they hadn't completely scrapped all "filler" because if I wasn't familiar with this story and these characters already I don't think this would have been enough to really bring them to life for me? They needed more down time. They needed to develop their relationships. Don't just tell us they're a family. Show your work!!

Also they really missed every possible opportunity to show how close and important Appa is to Aang and that's gonna bite them in the ass if they stick to the bison-napping plot point later on.

The visuals for the spirit world were stunning, Koh looked amazing, the creep factor was on point, but I didn't love how they reworked his part in the story. He wasn't so much a trickster as a lonely predator? Aang didn't have to control his face? He didn't get frustrated that he couldn't steal his face? They didn't cleverly dance around each other? Idk it fell a little flat for me tbh

Avatar training - where was it???? He wasn't looking for teachers at all! He had a couple brief conversations with past avatars and that's it! They told him how powerful the avatar state is but NOT that he MUST NOT die in it which feels like a pretty important bit to gloss over. Also Aang didn't do one teeny tiny attempt at water bending that whole time. He didn't even try. Katara didn't get to try to help him. She didn't get to be frustrated at how quickly he picked up what she struggled to improve.

Speaking of Katara struggling to improve... wtf was that shit at the northern tribe? She had one (1) singular 5 minute lesson in healing, PROMPTLY stormed out before even really practicing it?? confronted the master, suddenly could water bend a LOT better while she fought him, got exactly zero instruction from him after earning his respect (neither her nor Aang got a single bit of instruction actually, fuck them kids) and then suddenly people are referring to her as a master??? Okay :/

Overall - great casting, great costuming, great effects, shitty pacing and weird story changes, didn't LOVE it but I have hope for the next season.

These are such great points!!! I agree the casting is on point but the characterization that the writers did?? SHIT. have you seen videos of the cast members interacting with each other? they have SUCH potential to actually embody the original dynamics but the writing is ASS. I know we already had the "where is sokka's sexism" thing but seriously!! that was an integral part of his character! He learns better! Katara, Suki, and Toph show him better! And that's all gone! The best characterization in the whole show was Zuko to me. Dallas did an incredible job.

Also also also if you're interested Drew Gooden did an awesome video talking about a lot of the issues that a lot of people have with the show. He put into words a lot of things I felt were off but couldn't explain, but that's like his whole job lol.

[getoutofthisplace]

Dear Gus & Magnus,

Bad weather hit Central Arkansas this afternoon and the tornado sirens went off right before Gus's school let out. Mom called me because she was torn on whether to take cover in the basement with Mags and Suki or try and go get Gus before any weather hit our neighborhood. She was worried that if she didn't go get Gus, the school would let him out anyway and then he'd be walking home alone -- something he hasn't done before -- and then the tornado would hit. But she also didn't want to take Mags out into the weather. I was watching news coverage at work and it seemed like it was west of us, so I told her to go get Gus. But then Sasha, who was in line for pick-up at PHE commented in my work chat that the kids had been locked inside for safety. I called Mom and she and Magnus turned around went to the basement.

I've always told her that the absolute safest place in the basement is underneath the stairs, in the small little storage cupboard. A few minutes later, Mom called me back and said they had made it to that small space, but that the door had latched behind them and locked them in. She told me not to come let them out, but to be ready to come do so as soon as the tornado had passed. The news reported that the tornado was in Riverdale, just down the hill from us, but they were showing footage of it crossing the river to the north, so I felt certain I could drive from downtown to our house safely. I didn't like thinking about Mom and Magnus being stuck in that small space in the dark. And what if the tornado did hit our neighborhood and they really got stuck in there, but I couldn't get to them because of debris and road closures or whatever? Or what if Gus got stuck at school and I couldn't get to Hillcrest?

I grabbed my keys and ran to the parking deck. A man taking cover in the stairwell opened the door for me and said, "Come on in!" When I told him I had to drive to Hillcrest, he told me not to, and then wished me luck. I raced through downtown along 2nd Street, and then 3rd, just like I do every day, but faster and more alert to everything around me. By the time I reached our house, the weather had settled somewhat, but my adrenaline had peaked. The air reminded me too much of the day Nene and I rode out the tornado in the hallway in Beebe in 1999. (In that linked video, you can see an 11th grade version of me at the 7:04 mark, sitting behind the dude in the black shirt.)

As soon as I opened the basement door in the kitchen, I could hear Mom reassuring Magnus underneath my feet. I heard her say, "There's Daddy," and even though I knew they were safe before that moment, hearing Liz's voice broke me. I had tears in my eyes when I unlatched the door and saw them standing there. But I also couldn't help laughing because I hadn't expected to find Mom wearing Magnus in the carrier, I hadn't expected them both to be wearing bicycle helmets, and there was also something funny about seeing Suki standing there with them. Mom laughed through tears, too. The three of us stood there and held each other for a few minutes.

"I told you not to come," Mom said.

----

We went upstairs to keep an eye on the news. The tornado had continued on its path northeast and we kept an eye on Beebe. Sasha called and said she was with Gus and could drop him off at our house.

After she did, I could finally feel myself start to relax. It felt good to have us all in the same place. It always does.

Dad.

Little Rock, Arkansas. 3.31.2023 - 3.00pm.

[imjustsuki123]

As much as she didn't want to she stepped away from him a bit so he could speak to his hyungs. She also needed to speak with her manager anyway. Her manager gave her a knowing smirk.

"Don't look at me like that......how as I supposed to know I would see him again outside of just passing glances." She said, hanging her head a bit as her manager laughed.

Yuna had been Suki's manager since the beginning. So she knew pretty much everything. Including the fact that Suki was already smitten with Jisung.

"Call it fate" Yuna said with a shake of her head. "I'm gonna go an get things squared away for tomorrow. You have the free time for now since your album has been released. Enjoy it" She gave Suki a hug before heading out, offering polite bows to the guys as she went.

Sighing softly Suki turned around just in time to catch the end of the conversation Jisung was having with his hyungs. When Changbin and Chan said they were leaving and they would see her tomorrow she simply offended a polite bow on return before looking back to Jisung.

Picking up her phone from the table where they left it, she noticed that Jisung's number hadn't been added yet. Slowly she made her way back over to him, wondering why he still hadn't turned around to look at her.

"Sungie.....everything okay" she asked reaching out to run her hand down his back in the same soothing manner she used to whenever he was stressed about something.

When he still hadn't turned around she moved so that way she was in front of him her hands coming up to rest on his cheeks. "Sungie... Sungie hello.... Jisung look at me please. What's wrong?"

*The email her manager sent her said she was being picked up at 8am to go to the jyp building for a meeting. It would seem that one of the members of Stray Kids wanted to collaborate on a song with her. Her manager didn't tell her much, just that the producers of the group would be there.*

Once she got to the JYP building she made her way up to the meeting room after checking in with building security. Upon entering the room she noticed that she was the first to arrive. Her manager showing up a few minutes later a drink tray in hand. Spotting the Iced Americano, Suki grabbed it, took a big sip and smiled.

"Oh my God you are a lifesaver, I really needed this today." Suki said sitting back in her seat. "So who exactly are we meeting today?"

"From what I was told we are meeting with...." Her manager didn't get to finish her sentence before the door to the conference room opened and others started to come through the door..

[katsukikitten]

Hello friends! Here is my contribution to the Bakugou Birthday Bash! The master link will be linked here ! Please enjoy my bit of an angsty fic! And all of the other art and works that are on the master list! Enjoy the big bakugou blow out and remember to leave a comment on your favorite pieces! Happy birthday ya shitty man! (Lowkey become 3d please)

Warning: he's 28 btw 😂 (my fic says so also)

It shouldn't be this fucking hard to get groceries and booze. It's a quick and easy errand. Everything already pre-ordered for an important birthday that just needed to be picked up. And yet here you were crying in your car trying to get it together before the attendant asked for the order name. Honestly you had texted out "I can't do this today. Sorry." Several times before deleting it, telling yourself not to hit send. But you would have to be having the worst mental day of your life wouldn't you? Today of all days, how fucking selfish of you.

Especially with the amount of time and effort you and Kirishima had put into this idea. Since New Year's actually, months and months of planning after the two of you had gotten shit faced at Denki and Mina's new years party, creating the brain child. All after bonding over switching patrol partners six months before, you had gotten Bakugou and he had gotten Ashido. Kirishima and yourself giggle over stupid things to the side of the party, people watching as you took shots. Kirishima points towards a normally grumpy blonde.

"Wow I think he's actually having fun." You snort, as you watch Bakugou hide his rare cat smile behind a sip of his beer as Mina makes Denki the butt of a joke.

"He actually loves parties. He never says it so people just think he's a wet blanket." Kirishima laughs, pouring the two of you another shot. Bakugou lets out a particularly loud laugh after 'Dunce Face' proves Mina's point. I guess that would be the time that it started.

When you started to fall. His laugh makes your cheeks deepen in hue and burn, to want to hear it again, to watch it again and learn all of the other sides of your patrol partner that he obviously only reserved for his closest friends.

"Let's throw him a great birthday party." You say, holding up your shot as a devilish smile spreads over sharp teeth. The mountainous man clinks your shot glass before he adds.

"Let's." In unison the two of you down the burning liquid as the plan comes into fruition.

Four months, four months and nineteen days of you thinking of nothing but your patrol partner with whom you got extremely close with since New Year's. So why? Why today of all days were you struggling? Why would normal everyday tasks feel more as if you were wading through mud than the breeze they should have been? You flip down the visor, looking yourself in the eye through little square mirror as you grit your teeth hissing

"Get your shit together."

Your little pep talk helps you get the several cakes and the cart full of booze that everyone requested, planning to make this the best birthday ever. Helping Kirishima set his house up with decorations, setting out the snacks, catering and even pouring some drinks as guests began to arrive to set down their gifts and help with the last minute touches before hiding. Masking through the pit in your stomach as you smiled at all of your friends as they poured in through Kirishima's door. Through the weighted emptiness you felt as each one wrapped you into a tight hug, already praising you and Kirishima for the amazing effort, that Bakugou would be so surprised when it was more than just you and Kirishima here. . Finally you had to go and get the guest of honor just before sundown to catch him before he went to bed. A much needed breather from the constant smiling and forcing a laugh that everyone thought sounded genuine.

Enjoying the silence of the evening train as it pulled you across town to the unsuspecting blonde. And maybe you could have made it through the night from your shitty pep talk or at least through getting the freshly 28 year old to his party but instead you catch your reflection in the window. Your facial features weighted with exhaustion, shoulders hunched allowing your body to continue to produce cortisol. Tears prick your eyes as you deep low, too low. Remembering everything and nothing all at once, steeping in guilt as you beg yourself for just a few more hours. That the depression episode can happen when you're home and alone, after the party goes off without a hitch. Tears fall anyway and they do all the way to Bakugou's until you finally get enough control to step out of yourself for a moment. Ringing the doorbell several times as a smile is plastered on your face, the door swings open. Bakugou's eyes narrow as they take you in, he notices that something is off. Your smile is a little too wide, your eyes rimmed red but he says nothing about it. Instead he lets his initial anger come forth.

"Oi! I told you to fuckin' text me when you were on the train so I could meet you at the station!" He growls, slamming his door shut and pocketing his keys. Deadly and sweaty hands deep in the pockets of his leather jacket as his palms itch to hold onto something else. Garnet eyes track your own hands as you reach over your head stretching.

"Yea yea, I hear you Dad." You tease giving him a look, "I still made it okay."

"Kirishima should have come instead of you that fuckin hair for brains." He snarls keeping pace with you as he always does on patrol.

"I know Dad must be sad cause his favorite didn't come to pick him up." You try not to sound dejected, nudging him in the ribs to distract from the crack in your voice, "Happy birthday ya big lug."

Bakugou cuts you a glare, mind racing before his barks out a "Thanks."

Comfortable silence stretches between the two of you before you two hit the train station, passing a corner store.

"Was shitty hair burning dinner? Do I need to stop for back up?" His thumb hooks over his shoulder towards the neon as he stands idle waiting for you to jog your memory. Kirishima had burned the last friend's dinner making Bakugou so angry he walked six blocks to make something that was 'FUCKIN EDIBLE!' while you tried to air out his apartment. You laugh loudly, genuinely for the first time that day causing Bakugou's shoulders to sag with relief. In the ten months he had been working with you he had only seen you faking a smile or laugh once or twice. Then the time after that you were absent from work the next day or two forcing him to patrol with Denki but worse yet...making him worry.

"Guess I'll grab something just in case." He gave you his back so you wouldn't see his face or the faint blush that dusted his cheeks.

"No, no! I ordered out this time. From that famous chef you like." Bakugou glares your way, digging in his back pocket for his wallet.

"How much." He demands through gritted teeth while you show him the palms of your hands in surrender.

"Woah woah! It's your birthday gift! You can't pay me back for dinner! I'd sooner burn the money before I'd accept it from you!" Your watch dings with a message from Kirishima asking for an ETA. You grab onto Bakugou's hand pulling him along into a run as you shout over your shoulder.

"We're gonna be late!"

Oh how Bakugou wished you hadn't done that, he was already struggling to keep his heart beat even when you were around and now to grab onto him. To pull him along in a hurry like those cheesy insta posts that couples did on their "grand adventure" together. He swallows the lump in his throat as he reminds himself that you are nothing more than his patrol partner. His friend at best.

Even though the train was mostly empty Bakugou stood closely by you, as he always did when the two of you were in a crowded space. He had seen how most men took advantage of the situation and he hated the idea of that happening to you although he knew you were more than capable of handling it on your own. Hell you could kick even his ass but he would die before ever admitting that. Instead he watches you talk about what you ordered for dinner and how you got the cake from that bakery Sato works part time at, the same one he got your birthday cake from but he doesn't hear a word. Instead all he can see is the golden light from the setting sun worshiping you. Kissing your skin to make it glow, giving your eyes a hue that makes his heart fall into his stomach and illuminating you in a true light. A radiant ethereal thing is what you were and Bakugou was just lucky enough to be standing by you. So out of it he doesn't realize the two of you are at your stop.

"Uh Suki?" Your voice is soft paired with the setting sun has him acting weird. He leans closer to you, pulled by some invisible force before he stops himself as he watches you look up at him beneath long lashes.

"You okay?" You ask almost nervously from his proximity, the smell of spice and caramel wrap around you making you feel warm and fuzzy. Temporarily making you forget that you were trying to act on the train, making you relax as you just talked to Bakugou. He sucks his teeth as he picks up your bag to sling over his shoulder.

"Yea but you were gonna forget your whole damn purse like you always do." He huffs, this time he was the one pulling at your hand in a rush before the doors closed to trap you two on the train. His hand feels warm in yours, his grip tight as he drags you along before pulling you within his sight, another habit of his you happened to notice. Almost reluctantly he lets go of you hand as Kirishima's house comes into view.

"We better have a good time tonight patrol Princess or you owe me a special birthday gift." He laughs causing you to roll your eyes at his stupid nickname that stuck after your first day with him, adamant that the two of you take your route instead of his it was a huge argument. But it was a good thing he listened to the "princess", it put the two of you smack dab in the middle of a robbery. You stick out your tongue.

"Trust me. You're gonna have a good time!" You push him up the steps as he bats away your hands. Opening the front door before everyone jumps out of various and bad hiding spots.

"SURPRISE!!" All of the alumni of class A and some of B shout, a select few already slurring their words. Bakugou's scowl turns into a smirk before he looks over his shoulder at you.

"Aw you did this to me?" His voice is teasing but his eyes almost sparkle, you nod encouraging him to go deeper into the party. As he does people flock to him laughing and yelling out happy birthday until he's sick of hearing it. All the while your smile wanes with the night. Until an hour in that heavy episode hits you full force. Numbness setting in where happiness should be, rotting as it turns to shame and guilt as you watch your friend, your crush, enjoy his night. Bringing a glass bottle to his lips as he talks with Kirishima, who then presses a shot into his hands. Bodies dancing to the house music that beat out of the speakers competing with chatter and laughter.

It felt weird to watch everyone truly enjoying themselves while you felt low. It felt more as if you were standing outside of the house, looking in through the window to see everyone enjoying themselves, no one even knowing who you were as you stared in.

You felt distant, alone. What a shitty way to feel in a room full of people, none of it being their fault and so the guilt pressed harder. Eyes watering as they lingered on the blonde who deserved this celebration and more. Making you decide to give the best birthday gift of them all.

To slip away upstairs and onto the roof, to give the room space to breathe when you felt like suffocating.

Crying to no one but the moon.

And no one noticed. Two hours slip by before Kirishima insists that Bakugou make a wish and eat cake before everyone gets too drunk too. The entire house drunkenly sings happy birthday but Bakugou notices a voice missing. Yours that's just a touch off key, not to mention he didn't hear you say the stupid nickname 'Suki' where his name should be in the song. Plus you weren't one to miss out on dessert. For as long as Bakugou has been working with you, you never turned down the opportunity for sweets. Whether that was taking the long way back to the agency to try to catch a certain street vendor or to hover by the deserts at a party to pick the very best treat.

And if it was a birthday party, you never could shut up that y'all could not leave until after they blew out the candles and made a wish.

His eyes linger for a second longer, making sure he didn't miss you before his heart sinks. He takes in a sharp inhale, thinks on his wish and blows out the candles.

Meanwhile you hear the cheers of everyone down stairs and sob into your knees. You missed your favorite part of birthdays. Of hoping they make a wish that comes true, of watching their face as they think of something quickly or how some people tear up when they finally realize just how loved they are on their birthday.

It isn't long after that do you hear the sound of combat boots on shingles. Whipping your head up in the direction of the sound. Stomach clenching with guilt as you watch Bakugou walking towards you with a slice of cake.

"Brought ya some cake, since I didn't hear you sing off key to me." He says sinking down beside you as you furiously wipe at your tears.

"I'm-um."

"You don't gotta explain yourself to me." He snarls as you stare dumbly at your cake, "You know that."

"I know…" Silence passes slowly, the moon shines overhead and the party carries on below.

"Well, I'm waiting!" Bakugou says dramatically, "You gonna sing or am I gonna have to sing to myself?"

"Oh." It makes you giggle a bit before you blush, realizing he is serious. You take a deep breath before singing "just off key" when you don't, to him.

"Sukiiiiii!" Relief washes over his features when he hears the dumb ass name, "Happy birthday to youuuuuu!"

"Okay, now you can eat the damn cake." He grunts, his smile never wavering as he looks to the empty street below. You follow his eyes, chewing the inside of your lip, setting the cake down.

"What'd you wish for…" Curiosity gets the better of you and earns his intense gaze. He smirks, scoffing at the end.

"You always say you shouldn't tell or it won't come true." He laughs at your pout, before he finally admits "I wished for courage."

With a furrowed brow you give him a puzzled look, he just holds your gaze.

"Why? You're like the bravest hero I know!" Bakugou can hear the truth in your voice, you aren't saying it just to fucking stroke his ego.

You actually meant it, making this conversation that much harder.

"Yea except when it comes to this one thing I want to do. Its fuckin easy and I've done it hundreds of times just as I'm about to do it I fucking back down cause I'm probably fuckin reading into things too much." He leans in closer, again his smell mesmerizes you, causing your body to visibly relax, "Too much of a fuckin bitch, thinking she doesn't want me like I want her. So I wished for the courage to follow through. To fuckin' just do it."

Your heart is racing out of your chest before one of his hands finds the nape of your neck pulling you into a feverish kiss. Teeth gnashing from the passion, lips perfectly modeling to the other before tongues lightly dance around one another. Lengthening seconds into hours with just a few head tilts and plush lips. You moan into his mouth, he pulls away, eyes clouded with lust as a string of spit connects your tongues. He pants, face flushed and his hand warm, almost burning at the nape of your neck, the shingle by his hand charred from restraint as he pants out.

"I wished for you."

[pcvensies]

*.• Si vis amari.

I. The Moon.

in which 18 year old gojo satoru is left in charge of 6 year old fushiguro megumi, with the help of 17 year old nanami suki (oc).

word count: 2180

0. Prologue | II. The Sun

Suki listened from the kitchen, as the white haired boy explained the story to her brother, sat at the dining table.

The kid, Fushiguro Megumi as he had explained, waited patiently for his dinner in the living room, watching TV with fake interest, ears fixed on the conversation that was taking place in the other room.

The blonde girl poured the boiling water in the pan, hard noodles floating on it, and she turned around to the boys, lower back resting against the kitchen.

Satoru looked at her, trying to decipher her expression, while Kento simply sighed, rubbing his temples with his index fingers.

“So you killed a man, and he put his kid’s life in your hands to, what? Mentor him?”, the blonde asked, as his sister remained quiet.

Suki disconnected from their conversation, trying to process everything she had heard. The Zenin’s were not good people, that she knew. And if that kid’s father had denied them, and dirtied their name, Fushiguro wasn’t safe with them. But why put the responsibility on Gojo? Wasn’t that man meant to kill him?

She sighed softly, humming as she turned around and stirred the noodles, adding a small packet of spices on top.

Fushiguro Toji. She was sure she had heard it before, somewhere. Perhaps in class, or training with the older students? She couldn’t remember. But if his death wish had been for Gojo to protect his kid, it was to respect, right? As crazy as it was. But would the kid be actually safe? Was an eighteen year old the best option to raise a kid? Eighteen year old Gojo Satoru, of all eighteen year olds?

However, the question that mattered the most to her was why now. From what he had said, Fushiguro senior had died a year or so ago. Why take the kid now? What had been the inflexion point?

“Dinner’s ready”, she finally said.

Gojo frowned, eyes back on her. He couldn’t hear any kind of emotion through her voice. He had no idea what she was thinking, and it angered him. Suki always had had that ability, to turn it off and simply don’t feel, to hide her thoughts.

Kento got up from his chair, getting two plates, one for the kid and one for the white haired boy, and Suki walked to the living room.

“Eavesdropping is bad education, you know?”.

The kid looked at her with a plain expression, and the blonde girl sighed, waiting for him to walk to the kitchen. The kid sat next to Kento, and in front of Satoru. Suki took the plates that had been left next to the stove, and served two rations, handing one to the kid, and another to Gojo, who looked up at her with an eyebrow raised.

Nanami simply rolled her eyes, her hand on the back of his head turning it to look at the plate, a silent sign for him to just eat. She could tell he hadn't had dinner either.

Kento looked at his sister with that look, and Sue sighed softly, looking back at him with that other look. To the boys, it didn’t mean anything, but the Nanami’s were having a conversation just with their eyes.

“So…”, the girl cleared her throat, moving her eyes from her brother to Satoru, “Are you taking him to the school tonight? To sleep, I mean”.

“Not sure how our dear sensei would react to that. I’ll figure something out”, he said unimportantly, looking at the kid, “Pretty sure I can find somewhere for him to stay until I know how to tell Yaga about him”.

Satoru didn’t really want to have that talk, if he was honest. He knew what Yaga would say already, and it wasn’t something he wanted to hear. In fact, Kento had also said what he thought he would: that it was crazy, and irresponsible. But Suki, she hadn’t said anything. Her behavior around the kid was careful, with respect, but informal.

If he didn’t know her, he’d say she was angry. But it was something else, he just couldn't put his finger on it.

“He can stay here tonight. And you should too”.

He looked at the girl, then at Kento, and chuckled softly.

“You worried we’ll end up sleeping in the streets, Nanami?”.

“No. I’m worried you’ll end up dead in a ditch, and him with the Zenin’s. Plus, it’s Christmas vacation, tell Yaga you’re celebrating with us and will go around just to train”.

“I can defend myself quite right, thank you, I don’t need—”.

The sound of Suki’s punch hitting the table silenced the boy, and the blonde girl sighed softly, calmly even, closing her eyes and opening them slowly.

“I wasn’t asking, Satoru”.

The white haired man clenched his fists under the table, looking at the short girl with a serious face. Kento looked at her too, eyes opened with surprise at the sudden first name usage from his sister, and her very clear (to him, at least) worry.

“Fuck off, Suki”, the blue eyed boy said, getting up, and looking at her. But his expression soon changed, and he chuckled softly. “I’m sleeping with Nanamin, ‘cause that attitude you have today? Huh-uh, no thanks”.

Suki’s face changed at his words too, a smile cracking up as she rolled her eyes, and picked up the now empty plates, as her brother turned to the white haired boy.

“Excuse me, no, the hell you’re not. You get the carpet, and because I feel bad enough for you already”.

“Nanamin… don’t argue with me, not in front of the kid…”, the boy replied, pouting at Kento, and the blonde rolled his eyes, a small smile plastered on his face.

Suki left both plates at the sink, and told the two boys to go look for a movie to watch. They both looked at her, then at each other, then at the kid, and nodded understandably.

Megumi was annoyed. He didn’t want to be there, he wanted to go away and get as far away from that white haired tall baby as he could. Gojo was loud, extra, and incredibly annoying. He didn’t need Gojo to take care of him, nor whoever Yaga was. But something about the twins, Suki and Kento, made Gojo a little less annoying.

They didn’t look at him with utter admiration like the people on the streets did, girls and boys turning their heads his way and Megumi’s. They spoke to him like he was just another person, ignoring any kind of honorifics or respect, even when they seemed to be younger.

“He can be really stubborn when he wants, right?”.

The girl spoke, and Megumi looked her way, his blank expression never changing.

“Yeah”.

“Not much of a talker, huh? It’s okay, silence is okay with me”.

She gave him a sweet smile, and started cleaning the dishes, her back to the kid. She hummed a little song as she did, and Megumi felt his eyes start to get heavy, some silence finally forming around him. He hadn’t realised how tired he actually was until now, arms warm and stomach full.

He looked around slowly, eyes landing on various pictures displayed on the cabinets and bookshelves. Lots of pictures of the twins, from when they were his age, to their tenth birthday, to them now. A picture in which he could recognise Gojo, with another two girls and another boy seemed to be hidden behind a flowerpot.

“Do you want to go to sleep now, or later, Fushiguro?”, the girl asked, and he shrugged, trying to hold a yawn, “You can have my bed, and I’ll take the couch. Kento will lend you some old pyjamas to sleep on, too, and you can go to sleep or come watch the movie with us, okay? Your choice”.

She seemed like a genuinely cool person to the kid. She didn’t let Gojo’s arrogance put her down, nor did she allow him to let it get over his head. She spoke surely, without any shame to take charge of the situation.

But she wasn’t scary, or rude. Not even cold. At the same time, she seemed sweet. Allowing him to choose for himself, lending her room, and not forcing him to talk. There wasn’t a trace of condescension on her voice as she spoke to him neither, having a conversation like she would with anyone her age.

When she finished the dishes, she picked a glass from a cabinet, and filled it with water.

Megumi followed her around the apartment, his school backpack hanging from his shoulder, the sweater she had given him now folded in his arms.

Suki’s room wasn’t very big, but it was cool. She had Christmas lights hanging from the ceiling all over the room, and a long desk, between the window and the bed, with lots of books and a computer. There were also many little plants around, and a big mirror next to the window, framed with many polaroids of her and her brother and friends, but also of plants, street animals, and sunsets.

One of the walls was the color of wine, as were the bed sheets and the windowsill, and the other three were covered in lots of posters and more pictures. There were even some plants and vinyls hanging from the walls.

“Okay, wait here”, she interrupted the silence, as Megumi continued to explore with his eyes.

The closet was inside the wall, white wooden doors contrasting against the dark paint, as were the bedframe and the desk.

“Here”, she said as she came back, handing him the small pyjamas, and leaving the glass of water in the nightstand, “When you’re ready, you can sleep or come with us, in the living-room, okay?”.

The dark haired kid nodded, taking the things from her hands and sitting in the corner of the bed, still looking around the walls, reading the posters.

“If you need anything, just call me, alright?”.

He nodded again, and Suki gave him a little smile, and turned around to leave the room, already regretting allowing the boys to choose the movie, when the kid finally answered:

“Thank you, Nanami-chan”.

( . . . )

“God, that was scary”, Kento complained, picking up the empty soda cans from the table as Suki turned off the TV, stretching out on the couch, as Satoru´s head rested on her shoulder, “I can’t believe he fell asleep with your yelling”.

Suki chuckled softly, shaking the man next to her as her brother walked to the kitchen to throw everything away, then went to the bathroom to get ready for bed.

Gojo groaned, sitting up and yawning, and rubbed his eyes.

“You cool?”, the girl asked, and the blue eyed boy nodded, giving her a smile as he rested his head back on the couch, facing the ceiling.

“Long ass day, it’s tiring always being the coolest person in the room”.

Suki chuckled, getting up, and Satoru pouted at the sudden cold by his side. The girl walked to the bookshelf, picking up a copy of Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth”, and opening it to reveal a small box of cigarettes.

The white haired boy chuckled at her, sunglasses slipping down the bridge of his nose, and Suki sent him a serious look, not wanting her brother to hear.

She walked to a glass door, moonlight coming through it and lighting up the room, and she opened it with one hand, as she lit the cigarette with the other. Gojo watched her silently, her small frame walking out to the small balcony.

Suki was a confusing person to most of the people, but she was pretty easy to read once she opened up. Satoru knew she was worried, he had finally realised what the emotion was when she sat next to him for the movie, allowing him to rest his head on her shoulder. She could tell he was tired.

“Are you okay, ‘toru?”.

Her voice hung on the room for a minute, Gojo’s heart jumping at the first name basis again. She knew he wasn’t, and she was giving him the chance to talk about it by asking directly.

But he wasn’t ready, not yet.

The boy got up from his comfortable place on the couch, and walked slowly to the balcony. Suki was sitting on the floor, legs hanging outside of the surface between the handstand’s bars. Gojo settled next to her, legs crossed and blue eyes locked on the moon, as he held his weight with his arms behind his body.

His fingertips brushed against the girl’s, and he looked down at her. The blonde girl was looking up too, but not at the moon. Her honey eyes squinted lightly, trying to distinguish the stars.

She wasn’t the biggest fan of physical touch, he knew, so he left his hand there, allowing her to make whatever next move she pleased.

Gojo smiled at the weight of her head against his shoulder, just like he had done before, acknowledging the trust Suki had on him, and her intention of supporting him.

She was like that sometimes, she never made anyone speak, or tell her what they didn’t want to word out. She simply offered her presence, and a pure, genuine understanding.

“You cool?”, asked the boy this time, eyes fixed back on the sky.

“Very. Stars look better from this angle, just that”.

n/a: does anyone want to be on the taglist for when i post ?? idek if anyone actually likes this but yeah if u wanna be tagged on updates, lemme know! <3

also anything related to this fic will be posted on #sivisamare.lulu so i can keep things organised!! check it out for suki’s fc and me making memes of my own fic hehe :)

[in-superbloom]

did you ever hear about the girl who got frozen? (a.i.)

right where you left me: prologue

pairing: ashton irwin x olivia jones (oc)

warnings: uhh a kinda grieving theme i guess? but no deaths. it has a sad tone overall, but nothing major (in this chapter hehe). foul language because i can't help myself. the tiniest mention of alcohol, but as a memory. think i should probably warn you that this contains a very sad ash. also not much dialogues. this is mainly for explanation and introduction, but very important for the story. if you find anything else that might be triggering, please let me know so i can add it here !!

author's note: oof okay. so. this is the prologue of a series very very dear to my heart that i've been working on for what it feels like my whole life but really it's been just a few months. but i'm in love with the story (which rarely happens with my own writing) so i hope you can enjoy it too !! this is also my very first time posting a fic since 2013 so pls keep that in mind <3 no i am not shaking as type this ofc not also: although i have the full story ready in my head, this is the only chapter that's written. i wanted to wait until i had at least a few ready before posting this but i'm too anxious for that lmao just saying this bc it will take a good while until i have any more chapters, so <3 (p.s.: i went over this thing a million times since may so if you find any errors pls look away, i'm not fixing this thing anymore. thanks <3)

another note: anna from the future here to say that i completely forgot about the playlist i made for the story lmao here it is in case you're interested k thanks bye <3

credits: title is from taylor swift's song right where you left me. model in the picture: paola locatelli. banner by me.

i also wanted to take a minute to thank some really nice friends that i've made here over these past few months & that i'm extremely grateful for @wastelandcth @suchalonelysunflower @littledrummerangie i cannot thank you babes enough for inspiring me the way that you do & for letting me yell about this to you && for encouraging me so much 🥺 i'll never be able to explain just how much this means to me, so i'll have to settle for saying thank you at any change that i can get <3 i love you all 💜 also gem my baby, thank you for the inspo with the banner 💚

@bluesdelis look babe i did it 😌 you know how grateful i am for you & for you letting me have a breakdown every week about my writing for the past 8 years so let's not dive into that or else i will write something bigger than this prologue jsjsjdjd love you 🖤

i hope you all have a good reading and a nice day ♡

let me know what are your thoughts about the fic ! ♡

word count: 4.1k

☆☆☆

Cold. That was the first thing that Olivia’s brain processed.

Still with her eyes closed, she buried herself more into the duvet, while her arm blindly reached for the furnace in human form that she calls boyfriend. However, as soon as her arm was only met with cold sheets, her eyes shot open.

Blinking the sleep away, she sat up on the bed, searching for the infamous red clock resting on Ashton’s bedside table that was supposed to look like a vintage alarm clock. Olivia had ordered it online at an auction website a couple of years back, as a gift for his 23rd birthday, since it was something he had mentioned multiple times prior that he was looking for, but still hadn't found. But when it finally came in (two weeks after the due date), it looked nothing like the picture she saw on the website. Feeling beyond frustrated, she wanted to send it back immediately and ask for a refund and maybe leave a not so polite review on the seller's page. But Ashton stopped her right away, laughing like the situation was absolutely hilarious to him, while saying, 'I like it, it’s quirky'. So, the clock stayed and found a home right next to him in their room.

Some days, however, she would wake up at some ungodly hour because of the blaring noise of the only ringtone the clock had. But whatever annoyance she could feel towards the object, it always vanished as soon as she felt Ashton's lips gently touching her face in a good morning kiss before he would get up to start his day, leaving her to catch some more hours of well deserved sleep.

As the furthest from a morning person as a touring musician could possibly be, Olivia had always feared that living under the same roof as Ashton would turn her into an early bird like him, but she's thankful that it never happened (not that he needs to know about that).

When she sees the red clock, she smiles at the sudden but welcome memories of them flooding her foggy brain, but frowns slightly when she realizes it reads 12:13 pm. Ashton rarely lets her sleep past 10 am.

Gathering all her strength and will, she rises up from the bed, smoothly picking up a grey wool sweatshirt from the chair (way too baggy on her slim body, but it smells like him), pulling it over her head and relishing on the soft material warming up her body. Making her way to the door and calmly going down the stairs, she can’t help but stop for a minute to admire the picture frames on their walls, one in particular catches her attention – probably one of the most prized pictures and memories they had. It felt older than it actually is, but it was around 4 years ago, she's sure – a little while after the two of them met. The picture was of their group of friends that still remains the same: Ashton and his best friend, Luke; Olivia, her best friend, Calum and their old hometown friend, turned into Calum’s new friend at college, turned into everyone’s friend, Michael; and her then newly band members, Suki, Eli and Ravi. Together, their group was the life of the party through all their college years, and it showed by the big smiles and drinks in hands they all had in the picture. It was a very special night, the first time Olivia’s little band played for the public – for a small audience sure, but it was a wonderful night nonetheless. What a long road it had been since that night.

Her nostalgic thoughts were interrupted by a shiver that went through her whole body, and it made her realize how oddly cold the whole house was, not only their bedroom. Which, granted, it was November in New York and the weather was just getting colder, but that’s exactly why Ashton always made sure to keep the house warm enough. As much as she loved the chilly season, the warm weather always reminded him of his hometown, and who was she to deny him that?

The smell of fresh made coffee could be sensed even before she reached the kitchen. Arriving there, the curly haired woman still found no signs of her boyfriend, so she went straight after the coffee maker pot sitting on the far left corner of the cream marble counter. Smiling softly at the tons of memories of Ashton's sleepy figure making their favorite beverage, she reached for a coffee mug on the cupboard on top of the counter and poured the remainder of the hot liquid on it (it's her favorite mug, if she must choose – it was a gift from a fan, and it had printed on it a collage of the pictures of her and Ashton that were posted on social media through their first year of relationship).

Moving to the glass doors that lead to the mini garden they cultivate, she didn't have to open them to spot the 6-feet-tall man sitting on a bench outside, looking oddly small in his oversized clothes, coffee mug tightly held between strong hands. Something about his figure made Olivia frown, however: he was staring with an unwavering look at her small but eye-catching pot of yellow daffodils that were almost as much of a pet to them as Stitch at this point. Sensing that there’s something definitely off about his semblance, she made a mental note to talk to him and find out what’s wrong later. So she goes back to the kitchen, knowing that he might need this quiet and private moment for himself.

She lost count of the minutes that went by (couldn't have been more than five) before she hears the garden's door opening and closing, and then his bare feet are dragging his brawny body to her. Except, he goes over to the sink, walking right through her, not showing any sign that he even saw her hunched figure over the counter table in the middle of the room.

Alright, someone's in a mood.

Olivia tries to swallow the annoyance already bubbling inside her – he knows how much she hates to be ignored, no matter how mad he might be – by trying to think of what she can say that won't piss him off. This is always a hard feat to accomplish when Ashton gets in these moods, but there’s a reason for them to work so well together.

“I missed my favorite body heater when I woke up,” she says in her best sweet voice, knowing how quickly his resolve crumbles when he hears that voice.

Still, no reaction.

That settles a worry at the pit of her stomach, because Ashton is never like this. Even when he's not in the mood to talk, he always gives some kind of reaction to her words; it doesn't matter how small, just enough to make her feel acknowledged.

When he's finished washing his mug and the few scattered dishes across the sink – she noticed that he already had lunch, if the lone plate in the drying rack is anything to go by –, he dries his hand in a towel, turns around and throws it on top of the same counter Olivia was leaning up against. Once again, he walks away not even sparing her a look.

Indignant, she leaves the now empty coffee mug on top of the table and follows him as he walks up the stairs, any determination to not aggravate his mood now well gone.

“Hey! In case you didn't notice, I'm right here. Whatever got you in this sour mood, I'm certainly not to blame, so can you stop being a child now and talk to me?!”

Ashton just keeps walking – more like sluggishly dragging his body – until he reaches their bedroom and suddenly stops just merely two feet inside the room, looking around with vacant eyes; like he was expecting to see something that wasn't there.

“Okay, that's really mature of you. Are you planning on ignoring me all day then?” Olivia questions exasperated, staring angrily at the back of his neck, where the condor tattoo lives – her favorite of his, but that sight doesn't bring her any peace today like it usually does.

Her glare only breaks when she hears the familiar sound of dog tags swaying on her right side. Shifting her gaze to the direction of the sound, Olivia notices Stitch, their small, black & white French bulldog – who she thought was outside in the garden – slowly trudging his way from around the bed until he stops at Ashton's feet, looking up at one of his humans with sad eyes. That realization only makes the worry in her stomach grow uncomfortably.

“Hi buddy,” Ashton's voice cracks a bit from the lack of use, but he smiles softly at the sweet dog, and crouches down to pet him.

Olivia can't help but gasp as she notices three things all at once that leave her overwhelmed: first, how she didn't even notice Stitch was in the room when she woke up – which never ever happens, in fact, most days he wakes her up whenever he deems her bedtime as finished and can't ever contain his excitement when she finally gets up; second, how the windows blinds are closed, which, again, rarely occurs under their roof, not if Ashton can help it. And third, how sad and melancholic the whole scene in front of her is – how sad and melancholic Ashton is. Pointless to say by now – that's also a very rare occasion.

A chill creeps up Olivia's spine, putting her body into high alert and also serving as a reminder of how everything looks out of place today. Trying to keep her head from spiraling down way too soon, she wraps her arms around herself and crouches down beside her two favorite boys, trying once more.

“Ash? Can you hear me?” even with her throat closing, she softly asks, purposefully putting her face in Ashton's point of view. Her only answer is the low whispers he's letting out to Stitch, while cradling the tiny dog in his arms, spreading gentle kisses on his head.

“I know, bud, I know. I miss her too,” is the only whisper she could understand and immediately wishes she hadn't. The weak wail that comes from Stitch's throat seems to fit perfectly with how the three of them feel.

Ashton then looks up and for a couple of seconds, and Olivia can swear he’s staring right into her eyes. But when he shows no reaction, she knows he’s just staring ahead and not at her, with that look that says there’s too much going on inside his head. She feels the urge to embrace him and get him to talk about whatever is on his mind, so they can share that weight like they always do, but when Ashton gets up from the ground and settles on the bed with Stitch, Olivia can physically feel the crack in her heart caused by the feeling she’s left with.

While Ashton is pulling the duvet over him and the dog, with clearly no intentions of getting up anytime soon, Olivia stands up on her feet with a new-found determination – she needs to figure out what the hell is going on.

This nightmare had to be just that, right? Nothing but a very vivid dream – she's had those before. Scary sure, but they always go away, and soon enough she's back into Ashton's arms, with Stitch jumping on the bed ready to lick their faces off. She just needs to wake herself up from whatever fucked up dream this is – right?

She's running down the stairs this time, frantically in search of something, of what exactly, she doesn’t know – but she knows she needs an answer. The more she looks for something, the more desperate she gets, not knowing what to look for. Then suddenly, something catches her eyes.

The white and blue calendar that's held up by magnets on the side of the fridge. She knows their calendar is red and yellow. They got it from their favorite flower market. Slowly, as if scared of what it might be there – “It's just a calendar, for fucks sake” – she approaches the damn thing. Upon inspection, she deems it as a normal calendar – she really doesn't know what she was expecting – until.

She knows what's wrong with it now.

It's November. She knows it, because the Asian and last leg of her first world tour is about to begin November 21st, eleven days from today. Right after Mike's birthday, she knows this.

Then why does the calendar say today is January 14th?

☆ ☆ ☆

Ashton woke up with a jolt. He quickly sat up, frightening the little Frenchie that was asleep right next to him on the bed. Trying to make sense of his surroundings, he roughly rubbed his face to get some sleep off of it and soon reached for the dog that was staring at him with sleepy but sad eyes. Ashton is sure Stitch understands far more than a dog is supposed to understand about their current situation.

The room is covered in shadows, almost pitch black, but he can see the sunlight even through the thick dark grey blinds covering up the windows. Ashton knows he won't be able to sleep again at that moment, so he gets up from the bed – much slower than he used to. His heartbeat is still out of control because of the nightmare that woke him up, but he can't bother to pay attention to it when Stitch is softly wailing beside him. Ashton lets out a ghost of a smile when the dog rests his head on his right upper thigh, looking up at him with an expression Ashton knows all too well.

“C'mon you little ravenous creature, let's feed you,” the bulldog excitedly jumps to the ground, already running his way down the stairs, not even waiting for Ashton to get up.

That gets a real smile out of him, but it vanishes as soon as he glances at the alarm clock on his bedside table. It reads 5:13 am, nothing out of the ordinary for him. But that small and inoffensive clock, with its red paint peeling off, holds a lot of memories for him. Memories that two months ago would bring joy to his heart, but now he almost wants to throw the object across the room.

It was a stupid thing, really. He had been wanting a vintage alarm clock and Olivia got one for his birthday. But the product they received was definitely not the one she bought, and if he's being honest, he didn't like it as much as he made out to. But seeing her so excited in the weeks before it arrived, and how disappointed she was when it did, he couldn't help but try his best to make her smile that luminous smile again. It's part of his nature by now.

That's also the reason why he lets her think that he doesn't notice when she wakes up at some ungodly hour (her words, not his) along with him, because of the annoying and only sound the alarm clock is able to produce. He always leaves soft kisses in every inch of bare skin he can find on her sleeping figure, so she goes back to the dream land and doesn't wake up before 10 am. No one wants to deal with that kind of bad humor, not even him.

As much as he likes being a morning person and absolutely enjoys her company in the mornings, he knows she'll take any and every extra hour of sleep she can get before starting the day. And that's why he loves that she's so stubborn that his early bird tendencies never got to her – he knows she feared that this would happen when they moved in together, but he met her like this, fell for her like this. He wouldn't change a single thing about her.

Ashton drags himself out of the bed, wincing slightly at how cold the wooden floors are under his bare feet. He doesn't bother putting some socks on, or a sweater – the cold weather in the house is uncharacteristically comforting to him. Nothing feels warm without her anyway.

While descending the stairs, he mentally curses himself for not being strong enough to look past the picture frames on the wall. One in particular catches his eyes – a picture from the night of Olivia's first concert with her band. The memories of that night are still painfully vivid in his mind: the laughter among their group that eventually infected everyone at the pub, Suki and Luke's first kiss and the silly smile that didn't leave his best friend's face all night, the standing ovation Olivia got after her three-songs set, and her captivating and breathtaking smile that made him realize right then and there, while watching her sway to the music, that he was definitely falling in love with her and there was nothing he could do to stop it – not that he wanted to.

So many memories held up on that wall, in the relatively short time since they met, that he can't help but wonder if that's all they'll get in this lifetime.

Ashton is abruptly taken out of his thoughts by Stitch's barks coming from the bottom of the stairs. He quickly jogs down the few steps left and goes straight after the dog's food in the kitchen's cabinet. After Stitch starts to happily devour his breakfast, Ashton goes to make his coffee, doing enough for two people like he always does, since Calum drops by most days for a chat or to drop Duke before going to work. Although all three of them know he just can't bother to make food for himself in the morning, while Ashton is the group's elected chef. Ashton always says he just needs a boyfriend – Olivia says Calum already has one who makes him breakfast every day.

He grabs an apple from the fridge and makes his way outside to their garden. Even though a lot of their memories took place there, the garden is the only space in the house where he doesn't feel like suffocating all the time. At least here, he can breathe some fresh air and look at the sky when he's feeling overwhelmed – which is basically all he's been doing for about a month now.

Yet, a lot of the garden has Olivia's name written all over.

He remembers vividly the day she came home after spending two weeks in LA doing some pocket shows, with a pack of daffodil seeds and the largest smile. She excitedly told him that a friend gifted it to her when she mentioned the little garden they were planning to build together at their new house. The friend told Olivia that daffodils symbolize rebirth and new beginnings, so as the good lover of symbolism that she is, Olivia loved the idea of having those flowers to symbolize their new beginning.

Ashton, on the other hand, wasn't a fan of the flowers at first – he just didn't see the appeal to them. But nonetheless, he indulged her, letting Olivia plant the seeds near the bench they used to sit during the quiet and unrushed afternoons, so they could admire the sunset, and she could happily look at the daffodils.

Pointless to say – the damn flowers grew on him.

Now, however, looking at them without Olivia and her contagious joy next to him, they were back to be as dull as they were before, if not more so.

Still lost inside his head without any sense of how much time went by since he sat down, Ashton doesn't hear the front door closing, and doesn't notice that he's no longer the only person inside the house until someone sits next to him on the bench. Yet, he doesn't show any sign of acknowledgement to them.

A few minutes go by before either of them speaks up.

“Luke said you didn't go to see her yesterday,” Calum starts softly, not wanting to disturb the calmness of the morning.

Ashton takes a few seconds to respond, “No point in doing that.” The black haired man licks his lips while thinking carefully about his next words.

“You know staying inside this house all day by yourself won't help either,” Calum turns his head to his left and takes a good look at Ashton's uncharacteristically hunched over figure, and immediately thinks that anyone can tell this man is not himself anymore. His second thought is that Olivia would hate seeing him like this.

“And what exactly do you expect me to do? Move on with my life like nothing happened? Like I'm not slowly and painfully losing the love of my life? Just because it’s easy for you doesn't mean it's easy for me.”

Calum closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He knows Ashton doesn't mean it, it's the anger and frustration talking. He knows it. Doesn't make it sting any less.

“I'm not telling you to move on with your life, because that's far from what I'm doing, and I certainly don't expect you to do it. I'm just saying you need to occupy your mind or else–”

“I'll go insane? Think it's a bit too late for that,” Ashton interrupts with a bitter tone that doesn't belong to his usual chirpy voice.

“You know it's not,” Calum sighs and drinks the rest of his coffee, moving his body slightly, so he's facing the blonde man, “I got a job interview for you at that school you talked about so much last summer, the principal said you can go any day this week. I went ahead and sent her your resume as well as explained everything that she needs to know about Olivia, so you don't have to. You just gotta put on some decent clothes and show up.” he sees Ashton's face softening a little and takes it as a victory. A few beats go by and then, “Maybe take a shower too. That's gonna make you feel better.” Calum leans in closer to his friend's personal space and takes a sniff, causing Ashton to deflect from him slightly, but not to push him away – another small win.

“Definitely take a shower, you stink. When was the last time your hair saw shampoo?”

“Fuck off,” is Ashton's only reply to the younger man's inquest. But Calum can see a smile creeping up on the blonde's face, which brings out a smile of his own.

“I'll send you all the details later today,” he checks the hour on the watch on his wrist and gets up, “Just please, Ash, go. I can't lose you too.”

Calum gently lays a hand on Ashton's shoulder and squeezes a little. The man doesn't look up, but gives a curt nod to his friend, who's satisfied enough. Calum stops on the threshold of the garden glass doors to give some kisses to Stitch – who came to make Ashton company as soon as he finished his food –, and then he puts the coffee mug on the dishwater. And soon enough, he's on his way out of the door. But not before snatching a tangerine from the fridge.

Ashton is left by himself once again. As he hears the sound of the front door closing, he thinks that this might be his life from now on. Just him and Stitch, trying their hardest to make it through another miserable day without the love of their lives. While everyone else comes by just to make sure he's still breathing. Breathing, maybe, but alive?

Swallowing the tears, he looks up at the sky. It's a deep, beautiful mix of orange, pink and blue, but he knows that it won't last long and soon the rain will be pouring down. He thinks about how much Olivia loves the rain.

God, he needs to pull himself together. She would hate to see him like this. Maybe he should take Calum's offer after all, he really needs to occupy his mind.

Making a mental note to thank Calum later, and also to apologize for how rude he was to him this morning, Ashton slowly gets up from the bench to put his mug on the sink and makes his way to the living room, with the small dog loyally following his every step. He puts on some cartoon that for once doesn't remind him of her (she always lovingly made fun of him for still watching those) and cuddles with Stitch on the couch. He can take a shower later.

Not half an hour goes by, he falls asleep and has a good dream for a change. He dreams of the days he spent with Olivia in the Philippines last February, right before her first world tour started. Some of the most magical days of their lives – surrounded by delicious food, a whole new culture to learn about and the warmth of the sun. Infinite counted days full of love and passion, where they were the only people in the world.

Even his subconscious knows to hold on to that brief moment of happiness, because he might never live that again.

[ack3rlady]

The Universe Had His Back - Chapter 5

Sunrise

Summary: The aftermath of the breathtaking encounter between reader and Levi when true feelings are revealed

Chapters: Four | Five | Six

Master List

Warnings: Fem! Reader, Angst, Fluff, Modern AU, Reference to alcohol abuse, slight swearing.

Word Count: ~ 2.5k

Inspiration: Starry Night - Suho

Tags: @sooibian, @queenofcurse, @red-n-tall ; Anyone else who'd like to be tagged, please let me know!

You accepted Levi’s offer to drive you home, a decision you would come to regret the moment the car was in motion. The journey was quiet, with you mostly looking out of the window as he drove. Your greed for more time with him that you didn’t account for how dejected you would go on to feel once the adrenaline dried out. You hadn't exactly ended things with him on amicable terms. The ride home in his company just added salt to the unhealed wounds. Levi turned his head towards you several times like he wanted to say something, but didn't.

“How’s Luna?”, your words finally cut through the silence, voice low and shaky.

“She’s fine. Isabel stayed at home with her today.”, he responded, eyes focused on the road.

Then it was quiet again. It took all the strength to bottle up the multitude of emotions building up within you that were burning to be expressed. So, you decided to focus your attention on the row of lush green trees along the sidewalk, whirring past you.

Levi quelled his desire to lay his hand on yours more than once; intertwining your fingers snugly together while you ran soothing circles on the back of his palm - something he always did while driving with you by his side.

‘Old habits die hard’, he thought. Neither of you uttered a word again till your apartment building was around the corner. You sat glued to your seat, unmoving even after he parked.

“You know that you could just come see her, right? She asks about you every day.”, Levi’s gaze was still fixed on the car parked in front of his own, his voice barely audible.

You sighed, feeling ashamed for depriving your own baby of your presence.

“I’m not ready. What if I can't keep it together in front of her? I need to get better before she sees me.” you despaired, looking down at your feet, too afraid of the effect on Luna if she saw you like this.

“I’m going to be right there with you. And how do you expect to get any better if you deny yourself the exact person who is capable of making you feel so?”, Levi turned in his seat to face you, placing a firm hand on your shoulder.

He was right. Of course, Luna was the only one who could pull you out of this abyss. Why had you been running away from her this whole time?

“C-Can I come see her after work tomorrow?”, you squeaked.

“You don’t have to ask. We’ll both be waiting for you.”, he whispered moving his hand to rest on top of yours.

You finally mustered up the courage to look towards him. He wore the same smile on his face that you had been in love with for the last eight years; the exact one that always assured you that everything was going to be okay.

.

Reader’s POV

You entered your apartment and laid the shopping bags on the counter. Taking off your shoes, you placed them neatly on the rack by the door, taking a little step towards keeping the word you gave Miche this morning. It was late in the evening; the Sun having just set. You glanced around your gloomy apartment, at the dark shadows and how even the brightest colored paints and fabrics looked somber in the dusk’s dullness. The eeriness of the space was starting to eat at you when something shiny on the kitchen platform caught your eye. It was a bottle of whiskey, its amber liquid gleaming in the residual rays of light entering through the window.

The conflict in your head began as you started walking towards it absentmindedly. Was tonight going to be the same as the other wretched ones of the last two weeks? Faces of Luna, Levi, Miche and Nanaba flashed before our eyes as you inched towards the humble kitchenette. Finally at your destination, you picked up the bottle and stared at it, putting up a hard fight against the demons in your head.

You jumped when the door to your apartment suddenly slammed open, making the bottle almost slip out of your hands.

"Sweets!", A loud voice called out to you, the light from the window reflecting off the intruder’s glasses.

It was a moniker given to you by your dear friend based on "your profession and character" as they liked to call it. But the truth was, it was a part of the 'couple name' they had created for you and Levi called 'Short and Sweet', earning them a few punches from the holder of the other half of the title.

“Hange, you almost gave me a heart attack! What are you doing barging into my apartment like this?”, you grumbled.

“Well, your door was unlocked. So, how was your run in with Shorty? Tell me everyth... What the fuck is that?”, they began with excitement, but it dissipated as soon as they switched the lights on and spotted what you held in your hands.

You looked like a thief caught in the act. Guilty.

“It-It's nothing. I wasn’t drinking it.”, you stuttered, hastily putting it away.

“You mean you hadn't started drinking it yet?”

They were probably right. That’s how your evenings usually began these days. You tried your hardest to conquer the need for a drink, only to eventually give in and ending up passed out somewhere in your apartment.

Your train of thought was interrupted by a knock. Miche and Nanaba tiptoed inside through the still unlocked door with guilty smiles, as if ready to turn on their heels in case if you decided to chase after them.

“So? How did it go with Ackermann?”, they asked eagerly in unison.

“Wait. Was my day broadcasted in the news or something? How do you already know?”, your face had a giant question mark stamped on it.

“Who do you think brought it all together?”, Hange grinned, proudly wiggling their eyebrows.

You furrowed yours, and audibly gasped seconds later when it hit you. The sequence of events played before your eyes; how each person you had seen today and led to you meeting Levi. First Miche and Nanaba, then Suki. Your jaw slacked, and you gaped at each one of them in complete disbelief at what they had just pulled off.

Miche quietly slithered to position himself closely beside you and wrapped his arm around your shoulders – a little too tight. Well, you were contemplating introducing their jaws to your fist, so you guessed he was just being cautious.

“Who else knew of this?”, you hissed.

“Not Shorty, if that’s what you’re asking. I cooked up the idea. But it was Erwin who played commander and assigned roles! Everything from you and Levi having the same day off work, Suki and Furlan pestering you two into going with them, Nanaba and Miche forcing you out of here, Isabel staying home with Luna so that Levi could leave, and now us being here to witness the success of our little project, it was brought together by him. In fact, Erwin is checking in on Levi as we speak!”, Hange exclaimed triumphantly.

You felt stupid after finding out that you and Levi got played by practically everyone you knew. How were they this good at keeping it under wraps?

“Why did you do this?” You asked.

“Because you are both too stupid realize how crazy you are about each other and how this estrangement is paining you. So, we just decided to nudge you in the right direction. You’re welcome, by the way!”, Nanaba grinned.

“What are you even talking about? He’s the one who willingly ended what we had.”, you despaired.

The memories of the months preceding the divorce were fresh in your mind. Levi couldn’t stand being in the same room as you for more than a few minutes at a time, constantly falling out with you over something or the other. You remembered how much it hurt when he always seemed irritated by your sheer presence.

“Rubbish! You should know by now that Shorty is a complete moron with his feelings. Don’t you remember how long he stalled asking you out on a date all those years ago? And also, how I finally had to ask you for him? This is history repeating itself, silly!”, Hange chuckled, gently flicking your forehead

“Erwin and I see him every day, Sweets. We know how much he regrets letting you go. But he’s too much of a chicken to do anything about it. We’ve been badgering him to reconnect with you for a while now. But he was terrified of making a move. The dumbass is utterly in love with you. Precisely why Erwin and I decided to take matters in our own hands.”, they stated matter of factly.

The barrage of information caught you completely off guard. But you couldn’t help but dwell on one detail in particular -

“He’s still in love with me?”

.

Levi’s POV

Levi felt restless on the drive back home, aimlessly fidgeting with his seatbelt and rapidly tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. He was worried about you. Well, he always was, but more so because of what happened today. He suppressed the constant urges to turn his car around and return to you because he needed to get home to Luna and relieve Isabel of her baby-sitting duties.

He parked the car in the driveway and walked through the front door, momentarily freezing upon seeing a tall blonde man seated on the couch with Luna half asleep on his lap, immediately relaxing after recognizing who it was. He was reading her a story from one of the many books you had bought while Isabel was lounging on the loveseat beside them, her face glowing under the light from her phone screen. All three turned to Levi upon hearing the jingling of his keys.

“Papa!”, the little one was refreshed by the sight. She ran to greet her father by wiggling her way off the man’s lap and on to the floor and hugged is leg.

“Hi, moon beam! Erwin, what are you doing here?”, he asked as he gave Luna a kiss and then looked up at the man.

“I’m here to check in on you. How was your meeting with uh... ahem?”, Erwin cleared his throat instead of mentioning your name in the toddler’s presence.

“Check in on me? How do you know about that? What did you do?”, Levi’s temper audibly rose with each question.

“I’m going to tuck Luna into bed, and you are going to wait right here for my return. We need to have a little chat.” he glowered at the taller blonde before he could answer, ignoring the sheepish smile slapped across his little sister’s face.

Luna was out cold the moment her head rested on the pillow given how worn out she was after horsing around with Isabel all day. Additionally, story time with Erwin already had her feeling drowsy by the time Levi had returned home. Ten minutes and a few goodnight kisses later, he was sitting at the dining table with the two adults, sipping tea that Erwin had just brewed.

“When do you plan to start telling me what is going on? I could have had dinner during the wait.”, he jibed.

“I take it that Suki and Furlan were successful in bringing you two face-to-face?”, Erwin’s tone was casual, maintaining steady eye contact with his old friend.

He proceeded to explain in great detail, how he and Hange worked with both your close friends to hatch this plan.

“Can’t you two keep your eyebrows and shitty glasses out of my fucking business?”, Levi growled.

“Since you both can’t communicate like mature adults and figure things out for yourselves, we had to step in as catalysts. Hange is at her apartment right now, making sure she’s okay.”, Erwin kept his defense short.

Levi was at a loss of words. Sometimes he felt like he wasn’t worthy of his two friends. Hange and Erwin always went out of their way for him when he was hit with a challenging situation, and all he ever did was snivel about it.

“Fine. I’ll give you both credit where you deserve it. I had been wanting to see her myself. But I didn’t know what to say. She is coming over tomorrow to see Luna. So, thanks, I guess.”

Erwin knew that this was the closest thing to an apology and appreciation that he was going to get from Levi. So, he took it with a smile.

“Awesome!”, Isabel's scream cut through the calmness.

“And you.”, his fiery gaze landed on her at the far end of the table where she strategically seated herself away from the reach of her older brother in case if he was particularly irked. “I’m going to take care of Furlan later. But you too are hiding things from me now?”,

“Hey! I was just following Erwin's orders! And how could I say no to having my favorite person all to myself for an entire day?”, she reasoned, her face resembling a cartoon cat that Luna was fond of; Puss in Boots, was it?

“So, how did it go?”, Erwin intervened before Levi could scold her further.

Levi took a minute to gather his thoughts. Images of your face flashed before his eyes, making his tense posture relax significantly.

“I - I don’t even know how to describe it. I feel like for the first time in forever, I might sleep well tonight just because I met her. She looked so beautiful.”, his lips showed signs of the smallest smile as he ran his fingers along the rim of his teacup, gazing at the dark liquid contained within.

He quickly composed himself after realizing that he had in fact just said these words out loud and they were not just in his head, but it was too late. Isabel oohed with amusement and yelped after receiving a flying spoon to the head from him.

“It was also... a stark reminder of what an absolute piece of shit I have been to throw away everything we had. She’s in so much pain.”, his softened expression clearly revealed the despair behind his words.

“As are you, Levi. You made a grave mistake. Unfortunately, you're not the only one who is paying for it. But there is no use lamenting over the past, is there? What counts is what you plan to do now. Have you decided what you will say to her when she visits?”

Levi let out a long, suffering sigh. “I regretted what I did the moment I came back to an empty home from the court that day, Erwin. Seeing her today only reaffirmed how shitty my life is without her. I need to win her back. I’m afraid she’ll reject me after what I did to her. But - But she still needs to know that I -

I’m still in love with her.”

Chapters: Four | Five | Six

[burningupp-replies]

You were nervous. Of course you saw your friends all the time, and you were particularly excited to see Suki (let's face it who wouldn't be) and everyone had picked 3 kickass movies to watch - and yet, the thing you were focusing on most? Some emo boy with a scar.

Even thinking of him that way felt so wrong. First of all, he deserved to be recognized as a person, and a sweet one at that. Second, his scar was not a defining feature. Maybe at first glance, yes, but for some reason his scar seemed... Endearing. It suited him, in a weird way.

But also, yes; you definitely had some type of feelings towards your coworker. That was definitely the reason for your nerves, as much as you hated to admit it. And Sokka's constant "subtle hints" (read: blatant matchmaking) were making your nerves ramp up even more.

At 7:15 you started freaking out - everyone was there except for him. Did he change his mind? Did he decide that you weren't worth his time? Did his girlfriend-which-he-probably-had convince him to go out on a date instead?

You were going to throw up.

"I am pathetic," you told Suki, who snorted in response.

"Yeah, pretty much." when you groaned at your friend's general unhelpfulness, she sighed and turned her full attention on you. "He has never been here before, right?"

"No..."

"Uh huh. He's probably stuck looking for parking or lost or something. Stop worrying, y/n, he will be here and he will enjoy himself."

With that, Suki turned her full attention to her dumbass of a boyfriend, and you got up to go into the kitchen for a soda. Once you got one, you were headed back to the living room when the doorbell rang. Your blood turned to ice in your veins, and you suddenly forgot how to breathe.

In that moment, you felt as stupid as ever. He was just some dumb guy who just so happened to capture your attention a little. So what? People had stupid crushes all the time - sometimes it went somewhere, sometimes it didn't. You put on your big girl panties, and went to answer the door.

Only to be struck dumb once more.

Shit.

He was wearing gray sweatpants and a fitted dark red sweater. He was holding a grocery bag and a takeaway tray with a bunch of cups from the JD. He looked good, mouthwateringly so.

"Hi, y/n," he greeted.

You blinked once before scolding yourself mentally. He's a freaking person, y/n, say something!

"Hi, Zuzu!"

Nailed it.

You grinned widely and stepped aside, allowing him into yours and Sokka's apartment.

"Sorry I'm late, parking was... Difficult," he smiled, and you looked at him apologetically.

"I should have warned you. And it's fine, you're here now, so we can get started! The others are in the living room."

You guided Zuko into the living room, where greetings and hugs were shared throughout the group. He gave everyone a cup of tea - apparently Iroh had a soft spot for the gaang.

"I have some drinks and snacks with me, mind if I go into the kitchen and borrow a bowl and a glass?" he asked politely after a while.

"No problem," Sokka piped up. "y/n can show you." He then proceeded to wink very animatedly at you, and you could feel your cheeks heating up.

"That I can," you agreed with an eye roll at your roommate. "Sorry about that idiot," you sighed once you and Zuko were in the kitchen.

"No worries," he smiled as he dug around in his grocery bag. "I've known him since high school; trust me when I say I know him."

You laughed a bit at that, handing him a bowl which he accepted without a pause. It gave you a weird feeling of domesticity, and you pushed down the butterflies that were battling their way out. Instead of swooning, you grabbed a glass and poured one of his drinks for him, while he put the other ones he brought into the fridge. You couldn't help but smile to yourself.

"Alright, movie time!" you said, clapping your hands together before leading him out of the room.

In the living room, everyone were spread out everywhere. Katara and Aang were sharing a love seat, Sokka and Suki were taking up a whole-ass couch and Toph was sitting on the floor, leaving Zuko and you the other love seat as your only option. The small one, might you add. You glowered at everyone, but they all just smirked back (except for Toph, who was oblivious).

"Oh," Zuko murmured, his cheeks tinged a light pink that might just be your new favorite color.

"It's fine," you started, "I can sit on the floor."

"No, you don't have to - there's enough room for both of us," Zuko protested, and you smiled, unsure.

"I don't want to make you uncomfortable," you mumbled, your cheeks heating up again.

"Oh my god, just share the damn seat. I want to listen to a movie," Toph groaned. Yep, definitely blushing now.

Everyone laughed, and you glared at them as you and Zuko sat down on the couch. Sokka started the movie - Aladdin, the remake from 2019.

~*~

"That was a good movie," Aang praised happily as the movie ended.

"It was alright," Zuko agreed as everyone began to stretch. "So, what happens now?"

You gazed at him, not that you had much choice since your brain hadn't been able to focus on anything but him throughout the entire movie. Somewhere in the middle of the movie, you had repositioned to stretch out your legs. You hadn't thought about where you put them, though, and had ended up with them partially over his lap. You started to pull away immediately, but Zuko had just grabbed your legs like it was the most natural thing in the world and draped them over his lap. Needless to say, Sokka had been smirking. Bastard.

"Now we take a fifteen minute break, talk some shit, get some drinks, go to the bathroom, and then we watch another movie. Frozen is up next, right?" Suki answered, to which you ripped your eyes away from Zuko to nod.

Zuko looked over at you and smiled, saying, "I think I'm good here."

You practically died.

TEAMWORK | part 5

A/N: Since you guys asked me to, I wrote out the whole movie night! Hope you guys enjoy it, even though my writing is kinda shit lol. This is also the last one I will post before Christmas, HOWEVER I am from Sweden, so I celebrate with family and stuff the 24th, so I will probably have the next part up on the 25th (don't quote me on that tho). I really hope you guys enjoy it! Lmk if you want to be on the taglist :) love youuuuuuu <3

Taglist:

@theblueslytherin @bakugouswh0r3 @slutforsalvatore @charlenasaxen

[yn-dreamlife]

Do I know you?

AU!denki kaminari X reader 

Warnings: breakup, angst, fluff

Description: in high school denki always spoke of his dreams of debuting as a musician and when he was going to give it all up for you you didn’t let him. And when you see him years later your heart breaks all over

“I got it... I’m gonna debut.” Denki whispered holding the paper loosely in his hand.

“Denki that’s amazing I’m so proud of you!” I hugged him but he shook his head. I pulled away confused. “what’s wrong?” I whispered placing a hand on the electric man I have come to love.

“I’m not going.” He sounded so determined but I could see how much it hurt him.

“What?! Why?! You’ve been working so hard, this is your dream!”

He shook his head. “no y/n you don’t get it!” He shouted and I took a step back. Denki never yelled at me. he sighed deeply cupping my cheek. “I’d have to leave Musutafu.”

“So? What does that matter Denki?”

He looked hurt by my words. “That means I would have to leave you!”

I tilted my head confused. “no you wouldn’t I would come with you!” But it dawned on me then. I couldn’t leave Musutafu, not while I had to take care of my father and keep going to school. “Denki,” I hesitated but steeled myself I would not let him give up his dream. Not for me. “you're going.”

“No, I’m not!” He protested, “I don’t want to leave you!” it was now or never I had to say it, no matter how much I didn’t mean it.

“But I want you to!” The look on his face broke my heart. I wanted to reach my hand out and brush away the tears but I can’t. “I don’t want to be with you anymore Denki.”

“W-what? Y/n stop this!” He said cupping my cheek but I brushed him off.

“No, I’m serious.” He stood not moving. “Go!” I yelled at him, the tears were so close to falling. If I broke now I knew it would never last, I would fall back into his arms apologizing and forever be guilty he gave up his dream for me. He left then and as the door clicked shut I whispered “I’m sorry.” As I crumpled to my knees and the sobs ripped their way through my throat. I pulled out my phone calling the only person I could think to call.

“What the hell do you want!” Katsuki said gruffly into the phone.

“Suki.” I whimpered.

“Shit- what happened?! Are you hurt?!” He spoke quickly but I could hear the worry.

“D-Denki he-” A sob stopped me.

“Hang on ill be right there!” He yells into the phone before hanging up. I don't move from my spot on the floor, I just sit and cry when suddenly the door is kicked open.

“Y/n!” I hear him yell as he slides on his knees over to me. “What did dunce face do?! Did he hurt you?! I’ll kill him!” He screamed as he looked me over.

“I-I broke up with him!” I sob.

“w-what? But you love him,” He spoke confused.

“I-i do but-” The sobs were too strong and I couldn't get my story out. He held me for a long while without saying anything. When he finally did speak he said he was going to call Denki and sort this whole thing out.

“No!” I cried ad he stared at me confused as I snatched his phone.

“I broke up with him because he was going to give up his chance at a debut because he didn't want to leave me!” I speak quickly my voice shaking.

His eyes soften even more as he nods and I break down sobbing again. Katsuki stayed with me for a while after that, making the trip to his hero agency from my house. He knew I couldn't be alone right now. I thought I had gotten better but then I heard his name on the radio and went all downhill again.

Katsuki comforted me once again, he knew the pain to some degree. He remembers when Kirishima got his first girlfriend before they had confessed to each other in high school, he felt like he was dying.

But he could barely imagine the pain you were in now. You and Denki had been together for four years, if not more. The truth is you always lost track with him, it just didn't feel long at all but it also felt like it had been over thirty years.

Your father sadly passed away a few months after your break-up, you never felt more alone in your life. Even with Katsuki there, you knew he longed to be back at his shared apartment with Kirishima, so you sent him back.

You pretty much had forced him to leave, he couldn't help it. You were like his sister he wanted to take care of you. Of course, he also felt bad for Denki, he was still his friend too. Luckily Kirishima handled him for the most part, Katsuki couldn't do both on his own without getting caught in a mix.

“Oh god Eij, I don't know what's gonna happen with her.” He said his first night back. “What if someone breaks in? What if she calls him? What is she hears about him on the radio or social media? What if-” Kirishima cut off his fiance's worries with a kiss.

“She’s a big girl, she can handle this. Besides at some point, she was going to have to learn how to live on her own again, so let her do it on her own terms.” He whispered caressing the side of his lover's face.

You hadn't gotten any better at your house, well you kind of did. You stopped crying, but now all you really felt was numb. You wanted him back, simple as that.

There was no ands, ifs, or buts you simply wanted your boyfriend back. But in the end, you were happy for him, he was going to live his dream. Even if he couldn't have you with him. Although you had considered calling him once your dad died but thought better of it.

He was probably busy working on his first album or something. What you didn't know is that he saw your father's name in the electronic paper and wished you had called. No, more than that. He wished he had called. You were mourning the death of your father, he should have called to check.

But he couldn't bring himself to do it. So instead he asked his friends, the only connection he had to you really. He sent them letters to give to you at random times, as well as sending pre-orders of flowers into local flower shops so they would be delivered while he was on his first tour and you would never know the batch of yellow roses were from him.

Each gift made you smile every time and the explosive blonde was always sure to thank his friend for what he did for you even if he was still under the impression you had fallen out of love with him.

It was a little over three years later. Denki was finishing up another tour, and he was a huge star by now. He was doing a show in Musutafu Japan and everyone from class 1A was coming. It was fitting since that’s where you all went to school.

I was shocked when I got my invite but I just assumed he had an assistant send an invite to all 1A students. The concert was in a week or so Denki wouldn’t be in town for a few more days so to say I was shocked at what was happening was an understatement.

I was just walking around the park near my apartment like always when I looked down at my phone and then seconds later ran straight into someone. I ended up almost falling except the stranger caught me.

I looked up only to see a familiar pair of golden eyes. “D-Denki?!” I stuttered out shocked.

“Uh...” he looked at me confused.

“Oh my goodness I am so sorry.” I bowed deeply before I hesitantly stood back up straight seeing as he was still confused.

“Dens? You okay?” The nickname slipped out so easily. Just like his first name had.

“Dens?! I’m sorry do I know you?” I looked at him shocked and hurt tears welling in my eyes.

“Are you serious?” He raised an eyebrow. “Unbelievable.” I scoffed.

He stood there silently as I began to walk away “glad to know three years erasers four years worth of memories. I should have known better.” I scoff as I roll my eyes walking over to Katsuki's car that I see waiting to pick me up for lunch.

“W-wait!” I hear him call behind me but before he can I get into the car.

“Is that Denki?!” Katsuki asks shocked.

“Yeah,” I mutter bitterly. Katsuki gives me a raised eyebrow but I shake my head. He gets out of the car to greet his friend.

“Oi dunce face you weren't supposed to be here for another few days!” I hear Katsuki yell before closing the door and going to talk to him. I can’t hear anything but mumbled words. I try to ignore the way my heart hurts as I wipe the silent tears from my cheeks, missing the golden eyes on me.

“Hey, Kachan!” Denki says embracing his friend his mind still reeling from realizing it was YOU he bumped into. “I-is that-“

Katsuki cuts him off. “Y/n? Yeah.”

“Shit. I didn’t even recognize her.” Denki says embarrassed.

“Really?!”

“Well yeah. The last I saw her was three years ago and as much as I wanted to I’d never allow myself to look at her socials. It... it just hurt too much.”

That’s when Katsuki remembers, you two didn’t just break up YOU dumped HIM. The last thing he thought was that you fell out of love with him.

“Yeah, I guess a lot had changed.”

“Yeah, but once I saw her eyes it hit me. I’d never forgotten those eyes.” Katsuki could tell the second he saw Denki's eyes hit you, he was still in love with you.

“Hey dunce face there’s something you should know-.” Katsuki started but before he could finish Denki was getting a call.

“Shit it’s my manager I wasn’t supposed to leave the hotel. I-I’ll catch up with you later okay? It was really nice talking to you Kachan!” Denki says as he hugs his friend before answering the phone quickly rushing off.

Katsuki sighs As he goes back to the car. “Aw, the great and famous Denki have to leave already? Too good to hang around us commoners for too much longer?” You asked bitterly.

Katsuki looked at you shocked. “Don’t give me that! He didn’t even recognize me! I mean you’d think after four or more years of being together every day you would remember a person! But noooooo now your famous and too good to even remember the girl you were supposedly in love with!” You yell. Katsuki puts a hand in your shoulder and you look at him.

“It’s okay to still be sad y/n. You can let it out.” With that, it was like the damn bust. The fake facade of anger faded and the tears leaked from your eyes.

“I-it fucking hurts. I think about him every. Single. Day. And he just.... forgot about me.”

“You know he never kept up with you in social media....” Katsuki says softly.

“What?” You ask pulling away.

Katsuki begins to drive as you continue. “He said he never kept up with you on social media, it hurt too much. You gotta remember y/n/n in his mind... you fell out of love with him.”

It all set in then. And the rest of the car ride was silent as you thought about what he said.... he was right that’s how you ended it. Convincing Denki you didn’t love him that you didn’t want him. In his mind, there must be no reason for you to be upset because you left him.

It was the day of the concert and you had made up your mind you were going to talk to him. Explain, and at the very least after that get him to forgive you. At the best.... well you wouldn’t even think of that, it’s not possible.

You were standing in the front row staring up at the stage as you watched him come out. Energetic and bursting with happiness. You smiled widely tearing up, this was his dream... and he was happy. At the very least you don’t regret what you did.

You watched him perform his songs watching him dance and sing feeling the energies of everyone around you. The crowd loved him almost as much as he loved them. You couldn’t help but feel like you kept seeing his eyes flick to you but you convinced yourself that it was just the rest of the class he was looking at.

At one point he sang the song he used to sing to you. It was a love song he wrote, it described you and all the things he thought were so perfect that you thought were flaws. There was a full ache in your chest listening to it.

Remembering all the times he would hold you as he sang the words softly. Or when he would cup your cheeks and sing lines to you. The soft moments shared just between the two of you flashing in your mind. What you didn’t know if they always flashed in his.

The rest of class 1A looked between you two. Knowing that you both still so clearly loved each other. Even after so long apart.

After that, the concert had ended you and the rest of class 1A went backstage.

“Oi dunce face!” Katsuki yelled you giggled softly seeing Denki turn around a soft blush on his cheeks but a wide smile on his face. He embraced Kirishima, Katsuki, Hanta, and Mina.

You missed the way he instinctively went to hug you too because you’re weren’t looking at him. You all were catching up enjoying hearing stories and sharing bits of your own personal life. You didn’t talk much and when you did it wasn’t for long. Finally, people were talking amongst themselves and you decided it was time.

You went to look for Denki snd when you couldn’t find him you asked around. You heard that he was out meeting fans so you went to find him. What you saw was beautiful. Denki was beaming as he took photos and signed autographs. One of the girls looked up at his eyes shining.

“E-excuse me M-mr. Kaminari s-sir.” She stuttered.

“Hey there what’s your name? And please just call me d-Denki!” He said happily taking the photo and marker the girl handed him.

“U-um Naomi.” She stuttered before clearing her throat and straightening her shoulders. “I was wondering who was your last song about?”

“My last song?” He asked to clarify and she nodded a soft smile formed as he signed the photo handing it back and grabbing the next giving the girl a smile. “It was actually about my first love. We broke up when I debuted it just.... wasn’t the right circumstances so she ended things with me.”

“She sounds stupid.” One girl scoffed.

“Yeah what idiot would leave you? I mean I would drop anything to date you.” Another chimed in.

“I mean she couldn’t have been THAT amazing like your song says if she left you.” A third chimed in.

Tears welled in your eyes. You were stupid to leave him, and you weren’t the same girl his song described.

“Hey Guys c’mon don’t-“ Naomi tried to cut in only to be cut off.

“I think you should leave.” A low voice said and your head snapped up. Denki stood their shoulders tensed and eyes hardened.

“What?!” The three girls gasped in unison.

“I said leave. I’ll have you know that she was better than what my song described! And those circumstances she wasn’t willing to drop was her father who was severely ill. How dare you talk about someone you don’t know like that!” He says anger evident in his voice. Hell, it fucking radiates from him.

Denki gave Naomi one last smile before glaring at the other girls again and turning to walk away. When he did turn he got a few paces before stopping dead in his tracks his eyes locking with yours.

You stood there shocked the tears that had slipped down your face still there and your eyes most likely a little red.

“Y/n?! Sunshine what’s wrong?!” He says rushing to you instinctively cupping your cheeks.

“Y-you... t-they...” your brain wasn’t working. For once you were the one short-circuiting.

“They had no right to talk about you like that and I’m sorry you heard it. And I’m sorry about the other day too when I didn’t recognize you. I hadn’t seen you in so long.” He says as he rubs your cheek softly. “But then I saw your eyes and I heard that fiery attitude of yours and recognized you instantly.” He said a soft smile on his face.

“I don’t regret it you know?” You blurted out. His face dropped and he pulled his hand away. But you grabbed it holding it in your own okaying with his fingers as you continued. “I saw you up there... you were fucking glowing dens. The energy you radiate on that stage and the energy I felt from that crowd, I would never regret hurting both of us if it meant this for you.”

“Y/- wait did you say hurting both of us?” He asked tilting his head.

“Of curse both of us.”

“But you- you said that you didn’t love me.”

“I... I kinda lied. I- I knew you would stay and I didn’t want to take your dream away from you. So I lied, but dens you gotta know that there is nothing that hurt me more than that. God I still fucking love you but I would go through it all again if it means you get your dream- THIS dream.”

He softly whispers “You love me?” And your eyes widen. Shit, you did say that out loud? You mod closing your eyes waiting for the rejection. You drop his hand.

“Y-yeah. But it’s okay, you have thousands of wonderful eligible people. Hell, you might even be with someone. I wouldn’t expect you to have waited around all these years when you thought I didn’t love you.” There was more silence as you continued to avoid his gaze.

“I- I think I should go, get back with the others. Leave you to your fans. You can just forget everything I said haha.” The laugh was forced and pitiful, you both heard it and you inwardly cringed.

“Why would I forget it?” He whispered and you looked to him only to see the widest smile you had seen since you two were together “why would I forget the love of my life saying she still loves me? Am I crazy?!” And with that, he pulled you into his arms and kissed you deeply.

His fans roared with applause and cheers, you found yourself blushing but not pulling away. “I sang my song to you for a reason sunshine, it's 'cause your still my whole fucking world.” He whispered. And you found yourself smiling just as wide.

The next day the chargers, Denkis fan base, had your ship name with him trending on Twitter. Thousands of pictures and posts of you two together and kissing exploded on the internet wondering if it was just a publicity stunt.

But those theories were silenced when Denki got past his PR people and posted a tweet about how he was finally back with the love of his life.

And when Denki saw a familiar face, the girl Naomi from the night before and the words of encouragement and love she sent towards the two of you in hopes of amending what her now ex-friends said. The girl found herself gaining quite a few followers. All with names suspiciously like the Baku-squad hero names. With pictures of people that seemed just a bit too similar to the hero’s and singer, she loved so much. But her favorite was “y/n/n0230” who sent her a quick message thanking her for the kind words.

The chargers were thrilled that you two were together but no one was as happy as the two of you.... well except maybe the rest of your squad, happy to see their two balls of sunshine shining once again.