#( no scar for now bc me lazy ~ )

[charminglilly]

A Quiet Pouring

Ellie Williams x fem!reader

Summary: A cozy rainy day with Ellie filled with nostalgia and kisses

a/n: helllppp this is my first time actually posting one my of works to tumblr... also not proof read at all bc I'm lazy! 😋  Enjoy

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Now playing: Video games By Lana Del Ray

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You and Ellie were sitting cuddled up under a soft weighted blanket as a movie played in the background. You were more focused on watching the rain droplets hit the window and trickle down, racing each other till the bottom.

“Babe, this is the good part, focus.” Ellie said, grabbing your cheeks and gently turning your head to face the tv before returning to her position on your chest. You chuckled and ran a hand through her auburn tangles.

“Els, look, it's raining.” You said back, raising a hand to point at the window. Ellie spared the window a glance before sighing and turning to face you

“Yeah? So? What's the big deal, we weren’t planning on going out today” the freckled girl replied, sounding a little more irritated. You just sighed and slipped out from under her while she watched curiously on what the big deal was? You reached for the remote and paused the tv before turning back to Ellie.

“C’mon Elsss,” You said, pulling her up from the comfy couch.

“Hey! I was watching that!” Ellie protested and leaned away, trying to resist your pulling. Finally, you gave one last tug and pulled her up so that you were standing face to face with her. Quickly, before you lost your chance, you led Ellie to the front door and slipped on your shoes. Ellie quickly followed you and put on her beaten up converse that had definitely seen better days. You reached for the door knob and pulled it open before stepping out into the cold misty air. Ellie grabbed an umbrella and followed you.

“Babe, you forgot your umbrella and jacket.” She said handing you an umbrella but you continued walking to the street, ignoring her advances.

“Don’t need one, trust me babe,” Ellie just rolled her eyes and placed the umbrella on the floor and closed the front door, following close behind you. As the two of you walked towards the street the misty humid air twirled around your feet, creating an art piece beneath you two. 

You didn’t know why rainy days felt so special, so nostalgic. You grew up in the countryside where you would run outside with your siblings into the pouring rain. Joining the neighborhood kids, all of you would dance around like drunkies and jump in the puddles, drenching your shoes and pants in muddy water which your parents would only shake their heads in response to by the end of the day. But now that you are older and everyone has moved out of your little town in hopes of creating their own life and beginnings, you continue to hold the rainy day traditions close to your heart, that includes sharing them with Ellie.

Once you and Ellie reached the middle of the street, you came to a halt causing Ellie to crash into you, but you couldn’t be any more than unbothered. She watched you with judging eyes as you took in a deep breath of the cool air as it filled your lungs with a pinch of pain. With the seasons changing it would've been a good choice to wear a light jacket, but since both you and Ellie are irresponsible, you both seemed to have forgotten.

“Brrr, it’s fucking cold. How are you not freezing your ass off right now?” Ellie said as she wrapped her arms around herself, hoping the stubborn bumps on her pale arms would go away. You just chuckled in response and turned to face her. The rain seemed to pour harder as you looked into her piercing forest green eyes. She looked back at you with a glint in her eyes. You studied each freckle on her face, counting them one by one

1

2

3

4

5678…

Ah forget it

You studied the slope of her nose, the way it perfectly came to a bump at the end and the scar on her eyebrow. Who knows how she got it, with Ellie being Ellie, it could have been from just sitting down. You were the first to move, taking a small step forward. Ellie seemed to get the hint, taking her own step forward and releasing her arms, instead she placed them on the curve of your hips. You slowly traced your hands up Ellie's arms and came to a stop on her neck. She pulled you impossibly closer before she dipped her head into the crook of your neck. Her wet hair smelled of wet dog mixed with her perfume, a weird yet comforting smell that filled your nose. You wrapped your arms around her neck and she moved her hands to the small of your back.

“I love you,” the pale girl whispered into your ear, placing a few kissed below your earlobe. Chuckling, you replied,

“I love you more.” Ellie quickly began placing delicate kisses along your neck, ghosting it ever so slightly causing you to shiver and laugh harder. You felt Ellie’s lips curl into a smile as she reached your jawline. It was silent for a few moments, the only sounds being the rain hitting the concrete road and Ellie's lips hitting your neck. Despite the silence, there was no reason for words, the air felt filled enough with the meaning behind every touch you and Ellie left behind. She soon reached your lips and kissed the corner of your mouth before pulling away to look into your eyes.

“Hey, you missed.” You claimed, pouting your lips a little. Ellie only chuckled before leaning closer and placing a proper kiss to your lips. The kiss started out slow, just the feeling on Ellie's chapped lips on top of your more soft lips. Your bodies pressed impossibly closer as the kiss grew more passionate. There was nothing sexual behind it, only the love you two shared for each other. You parted your lips, as Ellie slipped her tongue into your mouth. Your two breaths become one and the feeling of Ellie’s heartbeat against your chest lit something inside you. For the next few minutes, the only sounds that were heard was the teeth clashing between you and Ellie, then obviously the pitter patter of the rain surrounding the two. Ellie was the first to pull away, you chased her lips for a second longer, not wanting the moment to pass just yet, but soon pulled your head away. Ellie tried to catch her breath before bursting into chuckles.

“What!?” You said, raising your voice to be heard over the rain.

“We look so stupid standing out in the pouring rain and making out!” Ellie replied back, laughing even more. Her laugh never failed to make you laugh along with her, no matter the situation.

“No it’s not stupid, it's romantic. Have you ever watched a rom-com?”

“Of course I have, but only because you make me watch them! Now come on, let's go inside before we catch a cold.” Ellie said, pulling away and intertwining her hands with yours, leading you back up the driveway and to the front door. All you could do was sigh and follow her lead.

“You're no fun” You said, like a child who was denied a sweet at the candy store. Ellie only chuckled in response. She didn’t want to admit it, but she loved this moment, she loved it when you did the most out of pocket things because it made you happy. And seeing you happy made Ellie feel full of love.

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Idk how to end this so thats it, thanks for reading!!

[avatar-anna]

Anime Eyes

just boyfriendrry and reader being disgustingly in love bc i love the new kacey musgraves album💕💕

Masterlist

"What are you looking at?"

"Who me? Nothing."

Your eyes fluttered back down to your book, but only for a moment, your gaze inexplicably transfixed on the man before you.

Harry wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary. In fact, it was probably the most regular day you'd shared with him in a while. After lots of traveling, for both work and vacation, you and Harry were finally in the comfort of your own home. He was folding laundry while you enjoyed a lazy day in bed recovering from jet lag, humming to himself as he sorted his clothes into categories before putting them away.

"What?" he asked again, having caught you for the second time. The corner of his mouth tipped up, pleased that he'd caught you admiring him. "See something you like?"

Where do I start? you thought. It was no secret your boyfriend was attractive. Even in an old faded t-shirt, five o'clock shadow, and his hair unkempt as it dried from his shower, she was still the most handsome man you'd ever met. It was startling sometimes, his smile or dimples or green eyes making you do a double take, causing you to blush before he caught you ogling.

"No," you said, still holding onto the charade that you hadn't been admiring him. Harry raised his brows, not buying your cool act, which only made your cheeks burn, but you sighed in defeat nonetheless. "I just love you, that's all."

Harry's responding grin had your heart melting into a puddle at your feet. It was both satisfied and bashful at the same time, beautiful and adorable as his cheeks became dusted with pink. "Oh stop."

"No, really," you said, leaning forward as you set your book aside. "You're doing something as simple as pairing socks, and I just fell even more in love with you. Can you believe that?"

Looking down at his various piles of yours and his clothes, Harry shook his head before covering his face with his hands. When he removed them to look at you, his whole face was beet red.

"Now you're the one flustering me."

You shrugged, pushing onto your knees. Carefully, you moved the piles of clothes out of the way so you could be right in front of him to wrap your arms around his neck. This close to your boyfriend, you could see all the little things that made up the face you loved so much—the light dusting of freckles, the scar on his chin, the precise shade of green that made up his eye color, the perfect arch of his brows. Harry was a work of art, one you considered yourself lucky to be able to behold on a daily basis.

For a moment as you held his gaze, you could see it all. The present relationship you had with him hurtling into a bright future. One with tears of joy and sadness, of remarkable memories and feelings too great to comprehend. It was almost too daunting to think about, but you wanted it, you wanted it all with him.

"What are you thinking about?" you asked him, grazing your fingers over the tops of his cheekbones.

"How much I love that little twinkle in your eye when your mind wanders off somewhere," Harry replied.

"Thinking of you, baby," you murmured, before finally sliding your lips over his.

Harry's arms tightened around your waist as he hummed appreciatively, his hands roving all over your back as he brought you impossibly closer against his chest. You sighed at the familiar touch, never quite used to the feeling of butterflies or the electricity that zinged through your skin every time he touched you.

"In case it wasn't abundantly clear," Harry murmured, his lips smearing lazy kisses over your jaw and down your neck. "I love you."

Squeezing him tighter, you nudged your nose against his neck. "I love you too."

[lustlovehart]

Hiiii hope you are well

I have a question regarding your monster AU

I would like to know how Ace and Deuce look like physically (I mean clothes and more detailed things on their face), honestly I would like to draw them but I could only find a drawing of Ace and a small description of both of them

Sorry for the inconvenience! >_<

Warnings: Blood, Implied murder, Obsession

Your hands pet Deuces tangled locks, a reminder to the lack of care he has for his person. But can you blame him? Is there a point in caring for yourself when you’re no longer living? Then again, there should still be empathy in your soul to humans if you were once one.

“I’m sorry…” Deuce whispers under his breath, his trembling sullied arms hugging you with a great vigor. There should still be empathy for murder. So why… Why is there a man laying face down in front of you? “Are you upset with me?”

You open your mouth, attempting to reply to the zombies question, but halt your ministrations when you spot the blood in between his canines. You close your mouth, mustering one of the falsest smiles you could form.

“I’m… I’m not.” your hand slowly reaches for his neck, pulling him into your body, burying your face into his hair. You don’t see the soft smile accompanied with a pink tint on his face. Though, you really don’t wanna see anything at all.

Especially the dark result of a monster's love.

Dw about it at all!! I was actually attempting to make some sketches about the other Monster roster!! For the most part, any clothes I draw on the characters aren’t exactly canon?? So, you can really go buck wild on their clothing, do whatever you wanna do! And If you’re like me (Can’t draw mens clothes), go the classic way and just, doodle something really basic 💀. Unfortunately, I don’t have a sketch for Ace yet, but when I do i’ll post it! For now, here are some physical details about them!!

Warnings: Slightly Gorey descriptions for their appearances

Ace:

- Scar on his right eye, but since he can’t exactly heal, it’s still open

-the space above his left eye is detoriated and exposes bone, and something not depicted on the doodle is the open space on his head exposing his skull.

- A chunk of his neck is gone, and so is part of his chest

- Unlike Deuce, whose mark is a tattoo, his is actually a part of his death, making it another open wound.

- He doesn’t have skin on his right calf, but unlike Duece, all his limbs are still entirely intact.

- He takes out his left eye frequently to spy, so it tends to be lazy sometimes when he puts it back in.

- Hole below his neck from ????

- It’s not very obvious on the doodle for Ace, bc i forgot about it, but him and Deuce are both the same shade of cool pale grey since their dead

Deuce

- Missing right eye, and skin, so only his skull is visible.

- Loses his left hand frequently.

- Holes in his cheeks expose his mouth.

- His left arm starts off as bone at his shoulder before getting to the forearm and returning to a regular hand.

- Has an open wound on his left leg

- His bottom left side of his torso has a slash wound that’s open, slightly exposing his muscle.

- Open wound on his chest.

- Hole below his neck from ????

[foresthyena]

Vi headcannons bc I wanna eat her

Sfw:

Super sweet and caring no matter what, communication is a MUST. She loves talking to you, no boundaries needed.

Shes a huge cuddle bug, she loves to sleep in and just sleep the day away in your arms.

Loves to listen to her voice, sometimes it'll seem like she she isn't listening but she's just admiring your voice.

She's LOVESSS showing you off, kisses everywhere,clothing, jewelery anything to show others she's yours.

She's bad at cooking but tries her hardest for you💔 she ends up ordering you food instead and feels bad.

Let's you do her makeup and skin care, even if she hates it, but it's worth to see you smile.

Enjoys letting you cut her freckles and run your fingers around her scars. She finds it endearing, and likes your gentle touch.

Quality time is her favorite way to show love, she just loves it.

(for chubby ppl ofc<3) she loves to pinch your love handles and lay her head on your tummy. She just thinks it's more pillows!! Expecally laying on your thighs, who doesn't love some soft thighs squishing them.

Nsfw:

Gentle sex every morning with her, she just loves starting the day after eating you.

Switch but mainly sub, but she can be either such a sweet gentle dom, or an absolute beast. She's such a whiney bratty sub it's so cute, she just wants to feel good:(

Gentle dom: she praises you and kisses you while slowly fucking you or eating you out. Loves when you sit on her face, she just loves the feeling. She'll hold your hands while she fucks you and thru it.

"yeah that's my good girl, just like that"

"one more for me, c'mon you can do it"

Mean dom: oh don't piss her off, she'll ruin you completely. Slapping and spanking, spitting on your face too. She's absolutely filthy with it, but it's to teach you a lesson. Can't have you mouthing her off now can we. Handcuffs you and ties you up, loves to treat you like some dirty sex toy for her own pleasure. Degrades you the whole time, bruises and hickeys on your skin.

"dumb fucking whore, do I need to fuck you stupid again?"

"god you're so useless, is that right? Hm? Answer bitch"

"fuck- please...please more.."

"next time listen you dumb mutt"

Sub: oh she's so whiney and begging for your attention. She might just die without it, she'll also voice what she wants. She's mainly obedient as a sub but she'd get bratty if it meant getting fucked. Clawing onto your back looking at you with those puppy eyes.

"so good, harder please..."

"ugh- more please fuck"

~thats all I got lazy

[leahrintarou]

Hello can I get for Dabi x Fem!Reader when Reader wakes up in bed without him and she hears him in the kitchen making coffee or tea and she leans against the doorway and stares at him shirtless, because she loves his body so much especially his back and chest and abs, and she hugs him from behind. And touches his abs and stuff and he's obviously his smug self. And Reader just wants cuddles and he turns to hug her back. And it's so fluffy and sweet

✩₊˚.⋆ CHAMOMILE TEA - dabi/touya todoroki

CW: sweet sweet fluff, fem reader, fluff, he's his sarcastic and authentic self, fluff, and some more tooth-rotting fluff.

Word Count: 989

Author's Note: this was such a cute idea :') i enjoyed writing it and i hope you all enjoy reading it! tysm and make sure to send in a request if you have any in mind! also, i head cannon that bro drinks tea bc his vocal chords are fucked lol.

the cool temperature of the air surrounding her suddenly began to feel more dramatic as seconds passed by. with her eyes still closed, y/n felt around the bed, hoping to meet the familiar warmth of her boyfriend. unfortunately for her, that contact never came, leaving her cold—and now annoyed and worried.

her eyes shot open as she scanned the dim room. shadows and streaks of sunlight peeked through the blinds, casting just enough light to check the area, but still, she didn't see him. with a huff, she stood from the bed, the fabric of dabi's loose t-shirt hanging off her frame. she took slow, careful steps out of the room, the scent of chamomile tea drifting into her senses.

her nerves eased, but not because of the tea’s calming properties. it was the familiarity—the scent that dabi would brew every once in a while. eventually, she'd grown so accustomed to it that she'd ask for her own cup. now, dabi made two cups out of habit, whether or not y/n was around. he pretended to be annoyed, but deep down, y/n knew he didn’t really mind when she teased him about it.

y/n's shoulders relaxed as her gaze finally found the defined muscles of her boyfriend’s back. his ivory skin stood in contrast to the purplish hued scars that told the tale of flames clashing against the limits of his body.

those same molten-patterned scars traced along his abdomen, his neck, and down his arms. y/n couldn’t see all of them from where she stood, but each one was etched into her memory. she took quiet, careful steps forward, arms lifting to wrap around his middle. the instant her palms pressed against his toned abdomen, warmth flooded back into her body. dabi let out a low sigh as her fingers lightly traced over his skin.

"you're finally up," he muttered, voice still rough from sleep but soothed by the tea he took slow sips from.

"you left me to freeze to death," she muttered, resting her head against his back, her tone half-pouting.

dabi chuckled, the sound low and amused, as he took another sip. "oh, come on, drama queen," he said, smirking to himself. "you act like i was gone for hours and left you in the arctic."

y/n’s arms tightened around him, her fingertips grazing the ridges of his scars, tracing them with a familiarity that made his chest tighten just a bit. "you know i hate waking up without you there," she mumbled into his skin, her breath warm against him.

he placed the cup on the counter, his free hand casually covering hers, his thumb tracing lazy circles over her skin. "yeah, well, i couldn’t sleep," he said, his voice dripping with faux indifference. "figured i’d make some tea since it’s apparently the only thing that keeps me from going nuts around here."

she hummed softly, eyes closing as she pressed closer to him, her body fitting against his. "next time, wake me up," she said quietly, though her words carried a more playful challenge.

dabi turned just enough to glance over his shoulder at her, his lips curling into that cocky, knowing smirk. "so you can whine about being woken up too early? yeah, sure, sounds like fun."

y/n rolled her eyes but smiled, her lips brushing his back. "actually, I just prefer you not to sneak off and leave me freezing," she shot back, her voice filled with exaggerated irritation. "you’re the space heater around here, remember?"

dabi chuckled, amused by her response. "ah, so that’s what this is about? you just want to use me for my body, huh?"

"obviously," she retorted, her tone teasing. "you think i keep you around for your oh-so charming personality?"

he let out a low laugh, slipping out of her hold with that same smug grace. turning to face her, he leaned down, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss to her forehead as a palm met with her cheek. "tell you what," he said, his tone dripping with mock charm. "i’ll make it up to you with some tea—exactly how you like it. aren’t i just the best?"

y/n raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "tea’s great and all, but it doesn’t keep me warm for long."

dabi’s smirk deepened, eyes glinting with that familiar mischievous spark. "oh, so you need me to keep you warm forever, huh? alright, sweetheart. deal."

y/n smirked, tilting her head slightly as she crossed her arms. "well, forever might be a stretch. you’ve got your moments, but I’m not trying to roast like a marshmallow every night."

dabi raised an eyebrow, his grin widening as he leaned in closer, voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "careful what you wish for. you might start liking the heat."

y/n snorted, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her smile. "right, because nothing says romance like third-degree burns."

dabi smirked, not missing a beat. "hey, at least you'll always have a reminder of me. permanent, just like i promised."

y/n laughed, shaking her head. "oh, how sweet. a love story for the ages—scars and all."

he shrugged, his grin widening as he pulled her closer. "you love it. keeps things interesting, doesn’t it?" she raised an eyebrow at those words, giving him a playful nudge. "sure, if by ‘interesting’ you mean constantly babysitting a walking fire hazard."

dabi huffed, his hand coming up to gently cup her face, his tone turning softer. "lucky for you, I’m your fire hazard. guess that makes us even—since you’re the only one who can put up with me."

y/n’s playful smirk softened, her arms slipping around his waist again as she rested her head against his chest. "yeah, well, you’re stuck with me. flames and all."

"wouldn't have it any other way," he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, the warmth between them more than enough now.

got a request? send it in and i'll write it :D

Taglist: @nemoo888 @delicatexmoonchild @flowerpjimin @tedcruzumakii @sugacor3 @selysixn @mitsuyas-version @matchaismylove @cyberrthegreat @ivydoesit23 @riririntaro @ilovechickfilasauce @sincerelyzee @daydreamteardrop @satorusluvrgirl @tired-jaz

[bunnwich]

Uh just a heads up, did you read/saw the Leona and you meeting in the novel? I kinda wanna talk about it

Leona and Yuu Meeting in the Novel

ANON ANON. YOU REALLY BROUGHT MY ATTENTION TO SOMETHING W I L D BC I HAD NEVER ACTUALLY READ THE NOVEL VERSION OF THE MC MEETING LEONA???? Also, I was gonna see if the EN translation had been released but it doesn’t in my area until 8/27 so RAAAAAAAAAAAA. OKAY SO LET'S BREAK IT DOWN. (Using @/yuurei20’s wonderful translation) So as we know, in the game and manga Leona comes off as very… aggressive?

He threatens to “rip out our tooth” which, sir???? Like from the first time, I could tell that this was just a “flex” and he absolutely was saying it in a facetious manner. Though in the manga they further escalate it, even going as far to have him going to kick Yuuken.

BUT, HERE???? IMO this interaction is much more indicative of his character as a whole. There is so much more nuance to his intentions here. Protecting his dorm, deescalating, being smart. All the stuff that I’ve been saying from when I started playing twst about him just keeps being proven to me. Also that perhaps Leona, actually doesn't like fighting. These are my main takeaways.

1.) Leona is a well-respected and liked dorm leader who is looking out for his dorm's best interests.

And his dorm mates follow his word like gospel for the most part. I feel like ppl tend to gloss over this bc he is lazy or w/e but the Savanaclaw students mostly love Leona and would do anything for him. 

It’s just nice to see so much of the stuff you get reading between the lines at the forefront here. He’s so much more calm and menacing here than cranky and aggressive and that feels so much more him? Leona’s intimidation IMO doesn’t come from his physical strength per se, it comes from the authority he commands, his demeanor, as well as his magic I’m sure.

-- He is wrapped in a strange atmosphere that attracts the stares of everyone around. Even hidden under his school uniform it is clear he is well-muscled, with a scar over his left eye that lends all the more power to his chiseled face. The fists of the older students froze in mid-air at the command, completely throwing off their momentum. Now, like small animals under the watchful eye of a predator, they shrink away, murmuring, 'Leona-san'. Ignoring the confused Deuce entirely, Leona raises an eyebrow at the formerly brawling group. 'Move up a grade and the first thing you do is start a fight in the street--are you all stupid?' 'But that brat is the one who started it first.' 'Huh. And? Don't like what I have to say, then?' 'Impossible! It's not like that at all.' Leona is dressed down, wearing neither the jacket nor the tie to his school uniform, but he does wear the same yellow vest as the three students who had come so close to exchanging blows with Deuce. All three have become properly obedient in front of their fellow dorm member, Leona. --

2.) HE DID WHAT???

SO in my head I always imagined Leona stepped a bit close and sniffed the air around Yuu/MC but in this version HE SNIFFS THE NECK?? LIKE FULL ON PUTS HIS NOSE TO THE BACK OF YUU’S NECK?? WHAT THE HELL???? THATS SO WILD SIR?? I’M CALLING THE POLICE??? YUUYA ,ARE YOU OKAY??

-- ‘Hey. You.''Y-yes?' Yuuya's response leaves him in a sound that is almost a yelp, because Leona has suddenly drawn close enough to place his beautifully-sculpted nose near to the base of Yuuya's neck.Yuuya breaks out in a cold sweat. Having his neck so exposed is frightening in a way he cannot put into words: he is frozen in fear of Leona tearing out his throat at any moment. --

3.) In this Ruggie CALLED Leona over to help Yuu and Deuce fight off the Savanaclaw goons.

That just gives such a layer to Savanaclaw as a whole, that neither one wanted to see Yuu and Deuce get beat up. Leona continues to show he has a soft spot for his underclassmen perhaps. I do think it mostly was about him protecting his dorm mates and not wanting them to get in trouble bc he knew Yuu was taken in by Crowley, the headmaster.

-- 'My name is Ruggie Bucchi.' Ruggie responds, with a deliberate shake of his whole body. 'And this scary personage is Savanaclaw Dorm Housewarden, Leona Kingscholar-san. We already know you're dumb enough to pick fights with upperclassmen, but even you know you won't be winning against our Housewarden, yeah? Times like this, you gotta side with whoever will benefit you the most.' 'Benefit? They're the ones who started this fight, and now they're trying to run away!' 'My my, aren't you a hot-blooded kitten--and here you should be thanking me. I called Leona over because I saw you were in danger, y'know?'Leona looks to Ruggie. 'Tch. Patronizing bastard. You just wanted to give me more to deal with.' 'Shi-shi-shi. That's our housewarden! Settle brawls in an instant like that, and people will start relying on you.' The three students who had been scuffling with Deuce and Yuuya look down at their feet, snickering; they seem to have cooled off after being chided by Leona. As his position in the dorm would lead one to assume, Leona seems to be well-liked.) (!!!) --

4.) Perhaps, Leona’s Lazy demeanor is just a front to something more.

-- Though he has a languid stare, his narrow pupils send a shiver down Yuuya's spine. Yuuya knows, instinctively, that challenging Leona on their own would be disastrously reckless. --

Anyways its just so funny that I never read this bc I assumed (wrongly) that it was just similar to the other version of this meeting and like…whoa. 

I know it doesn't seem like much of a difference now but when twst was newer and we got less depth to Leona, andhe came off as very one-dimensional guy who was aggressive for aggressive sake and most of my HCs were really were speculation for the most part, and at that time as not many bothered to read between the lines about him.

Yes, he is scary (stop sniffing ppl) but also a bit teasing, but lowkey a caring and good leader. I do think his intimidating persona is two-fold. Like…half is so he can command respect from his dorm mates and it’s needed to be the Savanaclaw dorm leader in the first place. And the other half is a front to hide the softer parts of his personality that he denies at every turn, like being idealistic and a good mentor.

5.)  Leona sort of defends Yuu when the 3 goons make a comment implying that Yuu needs to watch who they tangle with.

-- 'Nothing wrong with having guts, but prepare well enough to know who your opponent is.' 'Hahaha! Yeah, just like the Housewarden says!' 'I'm talking to you three, too.' --

IMO He’s clearly looking out for his Savanclaw member’s well being here but I think he does some inkling of respect for Yuu, whether that bc they are strange or simply bc they are affiliated with Crowley and he doesn't want trouble, either or both is interesting to me. 

(TBH I’m still NOT over the neck sniffing thing.)

I will be interested to see the official EN translation of this scene, so I’ll update ya’ll on that once I see it! I NEED to know if they change any of it. Sorry for the ramble but YES please anon, feel free to talk about it with me! I love to yap, thank you for bringing it to my attention!!

(Thanks again to @/yuurei20 for all the translations for this scene!! Your work is so so appreciated!!)

[hoshigray]

I WANT TOJI TO GUIDE ME (like literally almost teach me) HOW TO GIVE HIM HEAD PLZZZZ

Ohhhh, I don't know how tf I'm gonna write this, but here we go!! Hope I did alright on this one hehehe~ *sweats nervously*

Cw: Toji x fem!reader - oral (m! receiving) - it starts off cute but gets dirty, so minors DNI - reader admiring Toji's dick lol - face+throat-fucking (Toji goes at a reasonable pace) - pet names (angel, baby, cutie, sweetie, mama) - heavily detailed descriptions of a blowjob - praise - Toji laughing at you asking him to help bc what are boyfriends for, but you get a laugh out of it too - some humor. Wc: 2.8k

"You okay, kid?"

"Hmm?"

"You look lost in thought about somethin'."

"I do?" He lifts a brow and nods at you. "Oh, it's nothing, Toji, honest." The man looks at you for a few seconds as if he doesn't believe your answer, yet he goes back to watching the television, and the big hand on your shoulder brings you closer to him.

It's a lazy Sunday afternoon, and you and Toji are watching your favorite sitcom on the couch in your living room. But the show wasn't capturing your attention like it usually does. Instead, your mind wandered to other matters. Other...explicit matters.

How explicit? The two of you have been together for a long while now, and you can honestly say things have been going great. For him to be your first serious relationship — plus him being older and more mature than you — it's nice to know that things have been going way smoother than you'd thought in the beginning.

Although things may seem fine, something has been clouding your head recently. This is where explicit matters come into the conversation.

Through all this time together, it just occurred to you that you haven't given Toji head. Scratch that: you've NEVER given a blowjob, period.

It's always been the other way around. Not that you're complaining, because your boyfriend seems to enjoy eating you out. And he's actually good at it! Like, really good at it. Just reminiscing all the moments he's had you turn into jelly with just his scarred lips and relentless tongue is enough to make you go dizzy.

It's a pleasure how attentive he is to you during sex. And you appreciate that he cares for you in that regard...yet you can't help but feel like you're not a good partner in bed with your lack of reciprocity.

And it's not like you don't want to give him head. Because trust, you would've done so already! The real problem is that...you don't know how.

You've watched videos and read articles on how to do it, even practicing on a banana (per your friend's advice). Nevertheless, whenever you wish to initiate; or the opportunity arises, you just freeze on the spot and force yourself to forget about it. It's as if researching and amping yourself up is way easier than the execution.

Though, you can't just let your man be the only person doing the work — sex is supposed to be enjoyable for both parties, damn it! And you're gonna push yourself to have his dick in your mouth one way or the fucking other! But......where the hell do I start!!??

You release a defeated sigh, bringing your hand up to massage your forehead from the endless banter in your brain. And Toji watches you from his peripheral, his brows drawing downward at your display of frustration. "Alright," his gruff voice snaps you back to him as he lowers the TV volume. "What's goin' on in your lil' head, baby?"

You blink at his question. "Hmm? What do you—"

"Aht aht, don't do that with me." His jade eyes harden, and you hold back from finishing whatever you were going to say. "Somethin's wrong, so tell me. I'm over here watchin' this stupid show that you dragged me on to, and you're not even paying attention."

"Hey! It is not stupid," you counterargue, and use his comment to dissuade him from the topic. "You were very invested last week when my favorite character punched the guy she likes for stabbing her in the back! So who are you to—"

"Y/n." It didn't work. Your name was thrown at you with such seriousness that there was no use in trying to distract him. "Tell me what's goin' on. If somethin' is bothering you, don't be scared to come to me about it." He says it sternly, yet he's still gentle with his delivery.

"Toji..." You can only call him by name before he leans forward to kiss your forehead, and it almost melts all your worries away.

"Tell me."

The two of you look at each other for mere seconds, you searching for any sign of uncertainty before confessing your thoughts to him. You sigh once more and lean onto Toji, his hand rubbing on your shoulder — a silent gesture of him giving you all the time you need before confiding with him.

You told him, "Don't laugh, okay?"

He scoffs. "Can't make promises I can't keep, kid." His smile manifests when you shake your head at his shenanigans. "I won't laugh, angel."

When he uses the pet name on you, it seals the deal. It's now or never.

"I was just thinking that...I might need your help with something."

A brow is lifted. "With what?"

"Umm, it's..." Your fingers find each other to fiddle with to keep you busy from the awkward tension. "It's for......y-you know—"

"I don't know."

"I-ahem-I want," you can only gulp to ease the uncomfortable bob in your throat. ".........Iwannagiveyouablowjob."

No words. No movements. Nothing. Only the noise from the TV gives a sense of life to the silence following your confession. Even the big hand on your shoulder chose to remain completely still. And you can feel the slight quiver of your lips start to come to fruition.

Nothing happens until you feel a jolt on the shoulder you're resting on. Your face blooms hot, and your lips can't fight the uncomfortable twinge. Oh, this motherfucker is about to laugh.

"Is...Is that—ahem," A tiny gust of wind exits through his nostrils, trying to extinguish the beginning of a chortle. "Is that what was botherin' you this entire time?"

Now your ears get hot, and all you can think about is how you'll dig a nice big hole for yourself to crawl in later. God, why me??!

"W-Well, I mean, I notice how you're always doing it on me," another jolt from the older man. "And...I just feel like I'm not doing my part." He lifts his hand from your shoulder and rests it on his face. Fits of chuckles silently enter the air. "But I don't know how to....do that kinda stuff. So, I was just wondering—" He starts smacking his thigh, and with the twitch of your eyebrow, you've had enough. "Toji, I swear to Christ, if you don't fucking stop—"

And with that, the floodgates opened. The laughs he was doing a terrible job suppressing wheezed out, his hand covering his eyes while the shit-eating grin was present with laughter seeping out his system. You cover your face with your hands, shielding away from the embarrassment and not letting him hear giggles of your own.

"Oh shit, c'mere ya damn cutie." Toji pulls you in with both arms, caging you so he can place a kiss on your temple. "Pfft, kid, I'm not laughing at you. But goddamn, you looked so fuckin' stressed fr' no reason."

"But it is a reason!" You chuckle under your hands, only prompting your boyfriend to laugh harder. Once he calms down, you explain yourself further. "Toji, I'm serious. We've been together for this long, and it's always been me getting eaten out. I just think it's unfair that I get to feel good and you don't, ya know?"

He snickers. "I'm always feelin' good when I fuck the shit out of you."

"You KNOW that's not the same thing!!" Toji barks a laugh from you yelling at him, and you can't take this anymore. Removing yourself from him, you get up from the couch before you sink further into the internal pool of regret. "Just forget it. This conversation never happened...I'll just go to sleep." And hopefully, die of suffocation from my pillow.

However, before you could step toward your bedroom, Toji quickly caught your wrist. You reluctantly turn to see him looking at you with a playful smirk and soft hooded emerald eyes. "Not so fast there, sweetie." His hand slides down to fully grasp your hand, engulfing it with his size. "Ya know, you're a real cutie when worryin' about me. But don't go thinking you're not making me feel good, because you do with what you got. I woulda found someone else if you didn't." You briefly glare at him, though you know he has a point.

"Yeah, I know. But I want to do more. You always take good care of me, so...I wanna do the same for you." And Toji knows you're serious about this. It doesn't matter if you can't look directly at him because of your bashfulness; your words are sincere. God, you looked so cute it drove him crazy.

He sighs quietly with a smirk, his thumb making circles on the back of your palm. "Well, if you're really sure about putting y'r mouth on my dick," and before you could fully process his words, the older man spreads his legs for your eyes to observe. And the first thing that corrupts your vision is the outline of his erect cock, the tent prominent through his dark sweatpants. "Looks like ya got yourself a lesson. Up for it?"

You gawk at his erection for three extra seconds before you look at your boyfriend and give him a nod for confirmation. Seems like your plans of suffocation and dying in a hole have been postponed to another day.

Toji grins hard, his teeth peeking through under his scar, and then he points to the floor with his chin. As instructed, you kneel between his legs.

He pulls down the waistband of his sweatpants, freeing his cock from the clothed prison for you. And you're in awe with the sight before you. Of course, you've known his girth to be immense. You've had the damn thing inside you, for God's sake. But now, seeing his length so close, it's hard to believe you had him before. You can take note of every dent and vein of his shaft, how they structure all the way down to the base, and the pinkish-red color of the tip. It all overwhelms you and makes you second-guess what you're about to do...and the throbbing sensation down south flourishes.

"Like what ya see down there, angel?" The heat on your face worsens when you glance up and see Toji sneering down at you, and a hand comes down to massage your cheeks. "Try lickin' it first."

You gulp before following his suggestion, opening your mouth for your tongue to flick on the frenulum of his cock. You can hear him moan from the action, so you proceed and lap around the head of his cock until you feel adventurous enough to take his glans in your mouth. Toji groans from the wet walls of your mouth, and your teeth brushing against his glans makes his body jerk. "Hmmm, be careful with y'r teeth, baby. Relax that jaw and puff those cheeks a bit fr' me."

His comments are taken wholeheartedly, making sure everything goes right for him. Your cheeks go hollow for you to suck his cockhead and take in a few more of his length, his hums of pleasure egging you on. It goes well until the tip hits your uvula, resulting in your gag reflex. And Toji is quick to gently pull you from him, your saliva coating his dick.

"Woah there, sweetie. Don't forget to breathe." He coaxes while you cough. Your eyes start to water as you gasp for air to even your breathing. "We can stop now, don't want you chokin' on— Aisssh!!."

He's unable to finish his sentence when your hand strokes his cock, paired with kisses to the underside of his shaft. "No, I can keep going." You look at him with half-lidded eyes, having the man twinge his lips upward.

"Alright, then we're gonna go slow, okay? No rush." He aligns his cock to your lips, waiting for re-entry. "I'll push, and you breathe."

You give him a nod to signal you're ready, and your mouth agape to take in his returning limb. Toji brings your head in while you remind yourself to breathe, but your body jolts when you feel the tip come almost close to your uvula again. "Relax, mama, relax. Keep taking deep breaths fr' me." He coos at you, and you do as he says. Breathe in, breathe out. Once you slowly move, Toji aids you by gently pushing the back of your head toward him. And a wave of astonishment and relief hits you when you manage to have his dick hit the back of your throat.

"There ya go, cutie." He smirks at you, aware of your tiny display of giddiness. "Now, try goin' at your own pace."

With a few bobs up and down, slowly but surely, you get used to having Toji's cock in your oral cavity, going at your own tempo and enjoying yourself with this. Your movements are filled with confidence, and you whimper every time you try to go as far as you can but not too crazy.

And Toji loves every second of it. Your moans vibrate the walls around his cock, and it turns him on even more when he peers down to see you suck on him so deliciously. Spit covers your lips the more you take him in your mouth, and he groans when he feels your hands stroking him and kneading his balls (something you've learned to do from the articles you've read). "So good...Hmmph! So fucking good..." It's been a long time since Toji's been given a blowjob, and it feels so good to have you — his sweet thing — do it for him.

But then a thought pops into his mind, and the pleasure in his body churns into a different path of want and need. "Sweetie." Your eyes flutter up at him when he calls you, stopping midway through. "Wanna go a lil' further than this?" It takes a moment for you to register, but you give a curt nod with a hum on his dick, which he can only assume is a "yes."

"I'm gonna stand up, okay? So keep taking deep breaths and follow my lead." You don't answer, only gaze at him as you mentally prepare yourself. Toji rests a hand at the rear of your head as he gets up from the couch, keeping you still on his cock in hopes you don't choke. Now he's standing upright, and his sweatpants slide down to his sturdy thighs. He places both his hands on each side of your head. "I'm gonna start moving slowly, 'kay baby?"

And so he does, unhurriedly pushing his shaft into you, and your hands find purchase on his thighs as he does so. His dick that once stopped at the back of your throat eventually finds its way deeper within, and you're senses are clouded with his smell when your nose and mouth meet his pelvis. It all feels so overwhelming that tears start to form.

Toji lets you adjust to all of him for a while, grinding his hips on your lips to fully accommodate his whole girth, prompting more muffled mewls from you. He ruts his hips at your face when he notes your steady breathing. Gradually, every inch of his cock sinks into your mouth. Your head starts to pound as you enter a haze.

The pace of his thrusts eventually goes faster and faster by the minute, and the tears finally come down with every jab to your throat. Saliva runs down your chin with the smack of his balls, the head bullying your insides with the erratic rhythm. Your nails form scratch marks on his thighs from all the stimulation you're going through, but you'd be lying to yourself if you said you didn't feel so fucking good. Having your boyfriend's pelvis smack on your face on par with the sounds of you sucking him off felt like fire to your eardrums. So hot but so electrifying the more you indulge yourself.

As for the older man fucking the hell out of your face? Oh, how he missed this. It's been so long since he stuck his dick on such a pretty mouth. And your throat's tight, velvety walls have him rutting for more. He knew this would make his thirst return, and now he was sure an addiction would form from this. But right now, he can feel the surge of his orgasm arise, and his brows crease with a guttural groan as he thrusts into your face with harsh motions.

"Shit, ahhhhh shit, shit," It's so close, almost there. "Gonna cum, mama, gonna—Mmmm! Haaah, oh fuck, oh fuckin' Christ!" Through his moans of pleasure, Toji releases his load down your throat. And you're in no other position than to just take it, whimpering blissfully onto his length as he gives you a few more ruts to your face.

When he's done experiencing his ecstatic high, the older man withdraws himself from you. Your throat and mouth become empty except for his essence that you swallow. Strands of spit and come connect your wet face to him for a crude yet intimate moment before they break out.

He pulls up his sweatpants and drops down to wipe your pretty face with his hand. "So? Was I a good teacher?"

[coffee-at-daybreak]

power | brynjolf x reader

a/n: ty all SO much for 50 followers ahh !!! here's a celebratory bf brynjolf fic. technically sfw but it's suggestive if you squint bc bryn's a tease lmao

“Everything alright, love?”

His voice, tender and gentle, pulls you out of your thoughts. You look up from the dagger you were sharpening, though your lack of concentration keeps you from doing a good job.

Brynjolf crosses the training room to approach you. He looks at you with a mixture of curiosity and concern, studying your features intently. Even when he’s assessing you for your emotions, his gaze sends flames along your skin.

You nod. “Yes, just fine.” You turn back to your dagger, swallowing any other words that might give you away.

He makes a small humming noise. Then he’s sitting next to you, the locked chest you’d been using as a seat creaking with the added weight. His shoulder taps your own.

“Are you sure?” He asks. “You seemed very unfocused during that meeting.”

Your stomach takes a dip. You’d been praying to Nocturnal that nobody had noticed - especially him.

It wasn’t often that a meeting was called for all the Guild members to attend, so you knew it had to be something big. And something big it was, because whatever map Brynjolf had rolled out onto the desk looked too complex to be a simple grab-and-go mission.

Turns out the owner of a grand estate somewhere outside Solitude will be gone on a business trip, the optimal chance to swoop in and take all the riches that can be found within. Surely, he’ll have some guards there, but that’s nothing for seasoned thieves like yourselves. So there was a lot of planning to be done - who goes in, who grabs what, which paths and entrances to take. You really did intend to pay attention.

But then Brynjolf had started drawing circles and lines on the map, and you found yourself watching his hands. You’d never noticed how well-formed they are,how muscular and veiny, how they are adorned with tiny scars and notches. And how nimble in their movements…

And then he had leaned over to gesture to one area of the map, and you’d caught a whiff of his scent. He smelled like leather and warm spices, something comforting and masculine, a refreshing waft of air compared to that of the cistern.

And then at one point, still locked in discussion, he had quickly tied up half of his hair and gathered it into a messy knot, getting it out of the way so he could see better as he hunched back over the map.

Unfocused is a major understatement for your state of mind during that meeting. You’d been entranced by him, reminded of your boundless infatuation.

But you hope you still have a chance to play it off. “Did I?” You ask, trying not to let one drop of nervousness show up in your voice.

Brynjolf watches you fidget with the dagger in your hand. “Mhm. I wager you weren’t even listening.”

Your head shoots up to look at him. “I was listening!”

Half his mouth lifts in a smile. You see a little sparkle in his eye, and immediately, you regret saying anything. “Really, now? What’s your role in the plan, then?”

You open your mouth, then close it. You look away again, heat flushing the ends of your ears.

Brynjolf chuckles softly. “That’s what I thought.”

You go back to messing with the dagger, but you don’t get very far before he’s reaching over and taking it from you. His hand brushes over your own, and you feel a prickle shoot up your spine.

“When you’ve been in the field as long as I have, you become very observant.” He sets the dagger aside and his hand goes back to yours, but this time, the grazing of his fingers on your palm is slow, and feathery - deliberate.

Your heart starts to race against your ribcage.

“And it seems like you were very observant of me,” he says, his voice dropping a little.

The warmth on your ears rushes down your neck, and you know if you try to play dumb again, it’ll only get worse.

So you give a lazy shrug instead. “Maybe…”

Brynjolf laughs again, a soft rush of his breath falling against your cheek. “You could have picked a better time.”

“I know - sorry,” you mumble.

“Don’t be, love. In fact, I like it.”

His fingers dance farther up your hand, to the sensitive skin of your wrist. His thumb prods at the pulse point, and even though it’s a light touch, you feel a jolt leap up your arm.

“You do?” You question, getting a nod in return. “And here I thought you would chastise me for not paying attention.”

“If I were still your superior, I would,” he says flatly.

You scoff and start to gather a reply, but then his hand strays higher up your arm, and your words die with a hitched breath. Your thoughts stumble over one another as your attention shifts to the path of his touch.

You can feel the warmth of his palm through your leathers as he reaches your shoulder. His fingers stretch out to briefly weave some of your hair between them. One of his fingertips grazes your jaw, and your heartbeat flickers.

“But we are equals now. We run this guild together.” Brynjolf’s voice goes soft, matching the gentle movements of his hand as he tucks the strand of hair behind your ear. “Frankly, you can do whatever you want - even if it’s drooling over me at a meeting.”

You roll your eyes at that comment. For a second, you forget the nervous state his touch is putting you in. “I was not drooling. Don’t exaggerate it.”

He snickers. “Had it gone on a little longer, I’m sure you would have started.”

Your blood simmers at his teasing. But once more, your attempt at a retort vanishes when he leans closer. With your hair out of the way, you can feel the subtle warmth of his breath on the side of your face. His hand is back near your shoulder, the pads of his fingers resting against your skin.

The pounding in your chest increases, making it difficult to draw in a slow, unsteady breath. But there is also an excited flutter in your abdomen, and the nerves are overpowered by the desire to play along, to feed more into his intoxicating attention.

You turn your head to look at him. The immediate eye contact is so intense that it’s nearly overwhelming. But you tilt your head, holding that sensual gaze of his. “You like the power, you mean.”

Brynjolf cracks a smirk. “Aye, that might be true.”

Suddenly you feel his fingers slithering down your back, making you flinch with a jolt. He laughs. “Alright, very true. I like having the power to do that.”

“Don’t let it get to your head,” you mutter, flushing deeper as his fingers stray lower.

“Too late.”

He moves to the small of your back. His fingertips trace your spine, diving into every little ridge as they work their way back up. You shiver, back rippling with movement, but he keeps going.

“I could get drunk off of this,” he says, sounding a little winded. His hand pauses between your shoulder blades, his thumb making a sweeping motion there.

You cast him a glance. “Careful. You know what happened to the last Guild leader to abuse his power.”

He grins again. “Right, right. But if you ask me, I’m using mine wisely.”

His hand travels up until his palm is flat against the nape of your neck. His touch feels warm on the exposed skin there. His fingers stretch up, easing themselves into the hairs at the base of your skull.

Another tremor runs through your body, and you can’t help but lean into his touch. It’s almost embarrassing how weak you are for him.

“Doesn’t seem very fair,” you murmur. You look at him again, trying to narrow your eyes in defiance, but you’re caught off guard by the heat in his own gaze. His own composure is slipping, the amusement in his eyes slowly being washed out by something more serious.

“Is it not?” Brynjolf’s voice drops lower, and so does his head. His mouth is dangerously close to your neck, the sensation of his breath there causing your lungs to lock. “Do you even know of the power you have over me, love?”

That surprises you. You start to voice a doubtful “really”, but it turns into a silent gasp when you feel his lips brushing ever so lightly over your throat.

“How often I look at you when you don’t notice? The effect you have over me when you say my name, or when you give me one of those gorgeous smiles from across the cistern?” He carries the breathy words further down your neck, his stubble grazing the sensitive skin above your collarbone. He’s so close that you wouldn’t be surprised if he could feel your crazed heart pumping. “How often I think about you at every moment, how utterly obsessed I am with you…”

You shudder. It’s a struggle to find your voice, but you manage to whisper, “I .. didn’t know.”

Brynjolf moves back up slowly, his mouth never quite lifting off your skin, until right before he reaches your own lips. He inches back just enough to reply, “Now you do.”

Then he’s finally pulling you in for a kiss. You’ve never melted into one so fast. His lips caress yours with a fierce hunger, one you easily match. It is pure instinct that takes over your body, that drives you to cling to one of the buckles on his armor and bring yourself even closer. You thrive off the warmth provided by him in every way - his hands squeezing your waist, his tongue swiping across your bottom lip, his ragged breaths tumbling onto your face.

It puts you into a euphoric haze, one you only break out of when you impulsively slide a hand up his neck and into his dark russet locks and he groans into the kiss. The sound alone shocks you to your core, but feeling it from his chest, pressing against your own - that is forever etched onto your memory.

You break apart, a brief second passing where you both merely catch your breath, sharing the same air and tingling aftereffects. A warm, amusing realization appears in the clouds of your mind.

“I get it now.” You tilt your head and leave a chaste kiss on his cheek. “I could get drunk off of this.”

Brynjolf’s laugh is breathless, his lungs still recovering from the kiss. But his hands snaking up your waist and back have a newfound strength.

“Like I said, love. Equals.” And he captures your lips again.

[lalacliffthorne]

🤍 just a one time thing 🤍

modern!Cassian x Reader

summary: add together best friends and a drunk slip up and you get a massive load of chaotic feelings.

part I

notes: 😭💞 this has been long overdue, bc honestly - Cassian just has my whole fucking heart, and this modern version reduces me to a pile of giggling, feet-kicking mush. I've had this idea for a while now, along with some impeccable inspiration - and it's finally coming together. this one's got smut (duh), flirting and friendship (and a whole lot of f-bombs on Cassian's side) -- and, which seems to be business at usual for me at this point - it got insanely long. in fact, it got so long that I had to scratch posting it in one part, cause I think that would have brought tumblr down. so, you know the drill; get cozy, get comfortable, you're gonna be here for a while.

______________________________________________________________

The library is my favorite place on campus.

Even though it's way too small for so many students and has way too little workspace, which means it's chronically stuffed with people, there's something calming about the absolute silence you enter once you walk through the front doors. And I quickly realised that if you slipped into one of the lesser frequented sections, moving through the aisles all the way to the back where the tilted roof is glass and everything is completely quiet, you can actually pretend you're alone, just surrounded by hundreds and hundred of books, not another soul around.

Which means usually, it's the perfect place for any sort of breakdown.

Usually.

♡

“You okay there?”

A deep, amused voice makes me jump; quickly, I pull the book from my face and dip my head back, craning my neck – and feel my breath catch.

Damn it.

A guy is standing a few feet away, his brows crunched together and eyes narrowed, but the corner of his lips twitches.

At least it looks that way from upside-down.

I blink. Then I send him a slow, sheepish smile from my position down on the carpeted floor, sprawled out on my back, head tipped back and neck craned to look up at him.

“Hi.”

The guy stares down at me, and slowly, his lips curve upwards.

My heart misses a beat, and my breath hitches.

Oh.

“Hi.” His voice sends a tingle over my skin, deep and warm, creases digging into his cheeks when he grins down at me.

Creases.

Crap.

Clearing my throat, I crunch my nose, smiling innocently up at him. “Can I – help you?”

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that?” The dude narrows his eyes, but his lips twitch like he is trying not to smirk as he slowly leans his shoulder against one of the shelves. His voice rumbles through me, low because of our surroundings, sending tingles down my spine.

Using my book to scratch my chin, I squint up at him. “Why?”

The dude’s eyes narrow further, a slow grin spreading over his face.

Creases.

“Cause you’re laying starfish-style on the floor with a book on your face.” He raises his brows, eyes twinkling. “I don’t know ‘bout you, but to me, that kinda sounds like a breakdown.”

I blink. Then I huff and push myself up into a seated position, grumbling “Judgy much.” under my breath. Somehow, the guy still picks up on it, because he chuckles, the deep sound travelling, and my breath hitches. My eyes dart up, and for the first time, I really look at him.

My heart gets stuck in my throat, and I almost feel myself shrink a little.

Well, shit.

Of course he's gorgeous.

Dark eyes, tracking over my face in amusement, even darker hair, the top half pulled back haphazardly into a bun. Mischievous, lazy grin, causing dimples to appear in his cheeks, a faded scar on the side of his face shifting with his smirk, and a jaw that looks like it could cut through paper.

And then there are the tattoos.

All in black, scattered all over his muscled arms, down to the backs of his veined hands and disappearing into the sleeves of his t-shirt, peaking out above the collar. His shoulders are straining against the material even though it's hanging loosely on his wide frame, muscles working under the fabric when he shifts lightly in the spot, crossing his arms over his chest. I try not to stare as his biceps tenses and relaxes again.

God, there probably isn’t an inch on the guy’s body that doesn’t carry muscles. Even with his loose joggers it's clear that he never skips leg day, his biceps are the size of my head, and his chest and shoulders are broad enough that I can feel my throat go dry.

I blink, and the guy’s shit-eating grin grows.

Ah, crap.

Clearing my throat, I quickly raise my brows.

“So, can I – help you?”

“I don’t know.” The guy narrows his eyes in thought, pushing off the shelves. “Any reason you’re back here?” The corners of his lips twitch, his deep voice vibrating like he's holding back a smirk when he starts to saunter towards me. “Deleted someone’s assignment when they went to the bathroom? Spilled soda on a book worth more than your apartment?” Dimples form in his cheeks when he grins. “Smuggled in your cat?”

I crunch my brows.

That seems – oddly specific.

“No...?" I dip head to the side in confusion, and the guy chuckles and crouches down in front of me. A wave of his warm cologne washes over me, something dips in my stomach, and the dude raises his brows with a smirk.

“Hope it hasn’t got anything to do with you currently blocking the number one hook-up spot on campus.”

I blink. Then I snort a little and giggle, raising my brows.

“You’re kidding, right?”

The guy stares at me, the corners of his lips slowly curving upwards.

I stare back with a wide smile that dims a little. Then I blink and frown. “You’re joking.”

The guy grins, his gaze tracking over my face.

“Nope. Wish I was.” He sighs deeply before crunching his brows. “Have you been back here often lately; ‘cause that would explain why suddenly every horny student has migrated to the fourth floor over at the auditorium. And before you ask how I know that,” the corners of his lips tip into a smirk, and he nods gravely, “I walked in on a couple fucking in the broom closet a week ago.”

I stare at him. For a second, my mind is simply blank as I feel heat wash into my face and the guy stares back, the corners of his lips twitching and eyes twinkling mischievously. Then I blink and crunch my face, clinging to the only thought I can grasp.

“Why didn’t you knock?”

The guy arches his brows, and his lips curve upwards. “Knock. At a broom closet.”

I raise my shoulders, somehow managing to fight a sudden wide smile when I widen my eyes at him.

“I don’t know; it’s a broom closet in an empty hall, that’s like the second most cliche place for a hook up. I mean,” I try to keep my lips from curving upwards, “you probably scared the crap out of them; neither of them will ever be able to do it in a confined space again because they’ll be too scared of you suddenly barging through the door, but – to the rest of the student body, a broom closet will still be pretty high up on the list.”

The guy snorts, dropping his head for a second as his shoulders shake with quiet laughter, and something leaps against my ribs.

“So you’re saying it’s my fault?” He looks up at me again, creases digging into his cheeks as he grins widely and raises his brows.

“Well, it’s definitely not mine.” I frown, something beginning to bubble giddily in my chest, making me suppress a slow, beaming smile. “What did you just walk into a broom closet for?”

“I thought someone was dying in there.” The guy widens his eyes at me, his grin growing bigger. “That poor girl was faking her fucking heart out, and it wasn’t surprising, the guy was making her teeth chatter.”

A snorted laugh breaks from my throat before I can stop it, and the guy raises his brows, deep creases forming in his cheeks.

“Seriously, man; it was traumatising, I’m getting flashbacks every time I just open a fucking door.”

I try to fight a ridiculously wide grin. “In that case, maybe it’s good then he can’t do it in small spaces anymore.”

For a second, we just stare at each other while suddenly, I can’t keep my smile at bay anymore, my heart hopping against my ribs and the guy’s lips curving, dimples forming in his cheeks as his twinkling eyes pierce mine. Then I blink, and my gaze catches on the clock on the wall behind him.

My eyes widen as something dips in my chest, startled.

“Shit.”

Hastily, I cram my book into my bag and scramble to my feet. Looking around to make sure I haven’t left anything, I turn – and almost run face first into a broad chest.

My heart misses a beat, my gaze darts up, and my breath catches in my throat as I feel my lips part a little.

Oh.

Crap, he's tall.

The guy’s lips curve like he can read my thoughts as he stares back down at me. He's so close, I can feel the scent of his cologne fill my lungs with every soft, hitching breath, something dark and warm and addicting.

I could step back to make it more comfortable for both us. I probably should; I'm still barely an inch away from bumping into his chest and have to crane my neck to look up at him, the top of my head barely even reaching his shoulders, his own head dipped so he can hold my gaze.

But for some reason, I suddenly can’t move a muscle, my breath caught in my throat and my heart thrumming against my ribs as I stare up at him with slightly widened eyes. His wide shoulders are blocking the sunlight falling through the roof, his broad, solid chest is radiating warmth, and his scent makes my head swim. There are green flecks in his iris, surrounding his dark pupils in a ring and melting into warm brown that slowly starts to twinkle.

“What were you doing back here again?” The guy’s quiet voice vibrates like he's suppressing a grin, his eyes narrowing lightly.

Somehow, I keep myself from swallowing. Instead I manage to pull myself together with a huff and start to glower up at him.

“Not what you’re thinking right now.”

The guy slowly starts to smile shit-eatingly, dimples digging into his cheeks as he raises his brows.

“Actually, sweetheart, you’re the one thinking it -”

Grumbling, I turn around, barely fighting the stupidly wide grin threatening to break out on my face.

When I throw a quick look back before turning the corner, the guy is still standing in the same spot, dimples in his cheeks as he stares after me with a grin.

♡

Rain is pattering onto the skylights above, the lamps dunking the quiet library into warm, golden light.

It has started chucking it down just a little after I slipped into my favourite rarely visited section, setting up camp under the windows. I got some work done before pulling my book from my bag, curling up against the wall.

Crunching my brows in focus, lost in the story, I'm about to turn the page when a pair of sneakers appears at the edge of my vision.

The scent of dust and paper is chased away by a dark, warm scent; my heart leaps into my throat and my head whips up, and someone plops down next to me.

My breath catches, and the guy that has been wandering my mind since his appearance in my section a few days ago stares at me with contemplatively narrowed eyes. There's the hint of a crease showing in his cheek, his loose sweatshirt somehow makes him look even broader than he already is, and his huge frame dwarfs mine even with him sitting next to me on the floor.

“You know…” He shifts, one tattooed hand rising from where it's loosely draped over his pulled up legs as he dips his head towards me.

“Over there,” squinting as his lips quirk, he points towards the aisles leading back into the main space of the library, “are work spaces where you can actually sit at a table instead of on the floor?”

I stare at him, and slowly, something starts bubbling in my chest. It feels warm and giddy, causing my heart to hop and a wide smile threatening to break free on my face.

Biting it back just barely, I crunch my brows.

“Yeah, but, over there,” leaning his way without being able to help it, I also point towards the aisles and look back at him, raising my brows dramatically, “you have to actually kill someone to get a seat.”

The guy chuckles, the sound travelling through me. Eyes crinkling and dimples digging into his cheeks, he grins and leans back against the wall, easily stretching out one long leg and propping his arm onto the other. I try not to stare at the tattoos inked onto his skin, muscles flexing beneath when he shifts to get comfortable and smirks at me.

“You know, I was hurt when you ran away from me the other day.”

Something flutters high in my chest, and I huff. “I didn’t run away, I had class.”

“You didn’t even say goodbye.” The guy’s eyes are twinkling even as he furrows his brows in a dramatic pout that looks ridiculously adorable.

“I was late.” Widening my eyes at him in disbelief, I try to fight that strange feeling that's vibrating in my chest again, bouncy and giddy and causing my lips to try and break into a huge smile.

“You had time to stare.” The guy smirks, a crease digging into his cheek as his gaze lazily drags over my face, and I glower at him even as heat bleeds into my cheeks.

Damn it.

The guy’s grin grows, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Then he raises his brows, draping his hand over his knee.

“So you’re still sitting in the hook up-section.”

I huff, trying to fight my curving lips.

“Yeah, well; your word is the only one I got that this is actually a hook up spot, and I’m not about to give up the only place in this library where I don’t have to fight anyone to get a seat.”

“I'd fight for you.” The guy’s eyes are twinkling as he stares at me, his grin growing when a disbelieving laugh breaks from my throat.

“Besides.” I turn back towards my book and raise my brows with a soft grin. “I decided that if that whole thing is true, then I will gladly keep scaring people off with my presence.”

The guy’s gaze drags over my face, his lips curving. “I'm sure you can be pretty scary.”

I quickly turn my head to scowl at him. “Hey. Just so you know, I can kick very painful places.”

The guy’s grin widens, creases digging into his cheeks and iris sparkling as he stares at me. “Kinky.”

I huff, mostly to suppress the sudden laugh rising in my throat as the happy bubbling under my ribs grows, then I shake my head and turn back towards my book.

“Also, I don’t have to be scary, just a person being here is gonna do the job.” I feel a cheeky grin tug at my lips when I arch a brow at him. “People generally don’t want an audience when they’re having a quicky in the library.”

The guy squint at me, his lips curving.

“You talking out of experience?”

My cheeks heat, and I glare at him.

“I don’t know; you’re the one who heard people fucking in a closet and decided to take a look,” I grumble.

A deep laugh breaks from the guy’s chest, the sound suppressed as he tips his head back, shoulders shaking as he laughs silently.

Something skips against my ribs, and I try to fight the stupidly wide smile pushing onto my lips.

Breathing a chuckle, the guy drops his head again with a grin, his twinkling eyes flickering over my face as he narrows them.

“So, why did you decide robbing people of quickies in the library was a good idea? Cause there’s a bunch of students 'bout to be really fucking pissed at you.”

“Because unlike a broom closet, no aisle here has a door. I don't wanna know how many people got traumatised because they were looking for a book at the wrong time,” I grumble drily before crunching my face. “Also; fucking in a library, have some respect. The poor books!"

“What, a broom closet is less sensitive?” The guy furrows his brows, his lips twitching like he's fighting a laugh.

“Yeah; I mean, the only thing to defile in there are mops. And they’re used to dirty stuff.” I feel my lips curve.

For a second, there's silence, and when I raise my eyes before looking to the side, the guy is staring at me, the grin on his face slowly growing.

My lips start twitching, and a giggle bubbles in my throat.

“You know, I don’t even know your name.” The guy reclines lazily, his eyes bright when he raises a brow.

Staring back at him, I feel my lips curve. “Well, I don’t know yours, so I’d say that’s fair.”

The guy’s grin widens. Then he sends me a light wink.

“Cassian.”

Something leaps up and down under my ribs, and I try to fight a slow, wide smile.

“Y/N.”

For a second, we stare at each other, something bubbling wildly in my stomach. Then the guy, Cassian, blinks and crunches his brows, again looking ridiculously adorable.

“So what was that breakdown the other day about?”

I sigh and raise the book I'm holding. “This. I’m really trying to enjoy it, but it’s just breaking my brain –“

“It’s a book, baby; how bad can it be?” Cassian’s lips curve into a smirk as he plucks the book from my grip, crunching his brows and turning it to read the back, and I feel my breath catch at the absolute nonchalance with which he calls me baby.

Somehow, I manage to widen my eyes at him.

“It’s the story, okay; listen –“

“Next station -”

The tinny voice coming from the speakers overhead rips me out of my thoughts, and when I raise my head, my gaze lands on the name of the station on the screen.

“Shit.” I feel my eyes widen as my heart leaps against my ribs, and I quickly dart out of my seat.

♡

“Sorry, excuse me –“, wincing, I weave my way through the people coming my way from the crosswalk. Squinting against the last rays of sunlight, I breathe out, the cold air making me shiver gently as I slide my hands into my pockets and stop at a red light. Rocking back and forth on the spot, I let my gaze flicker over the square behind the crosswalk.

I don’t know why exactly today, my brain has decided to take me on a trip down memory lane. But it causes that same happy, bubbling feeling from two years ago to rise under my ribs, causing me to barely suppress a wide, giddy grin.

The light jumps to green, and I cross the street, feeling my brows furrow gently as I let my gaze wander over the square. The windows of the restaurants and shops are reflecting the last golden rays of light, there are people crossing the square; elderly couples, groups of teenagers -

My breath hitches in my throat, and slowly, a wide smile spreads over my face.

In the middle of the square next to the fountain, a tall figure towers above all others, wide shoulders even broader under a dark puffer jacket, his profile lit by the last golden flickers of sunlight, straight nose crunched against the cold and strong jaw tensing and relaxing as he lazily shifts on the spot. His eyes slowly track over the square, the last light causing the scar on the side of his face to shift.

My heart rises in a warm thrum, and I whistle sharply.

Cassian looks over his shoulder, his gaze darting over the people until his eyes find mine.

Even from a distance, I can see a twinkle beginning to spread through his iris.

Creases slowly start forming in his cheeks, and something skips happily against my ribs when my best friend begins to grin shit-eatingly. The lines of his smirk, now, nearly two years later almost as familiar as my own, make my heart do a happy wiggle, and I begin to beam back.

I quicken my steps, and Cass turns towards me, raising his brows as his lips curve.

I get faster, a happy giggle bubbling in my throat, then I crash into him.

Cassian grunts, but the sound quickly turns into a chuckle, and he leans down with a dramatic groan and lifts me off the ground. His arms tighten in a squeeze around my waist, his shoulders broad and solid beneath my arms, and feeling something skip happily against my ribs, I swing my legs around his waist, interlocking them tightly.

“Hi monkey.” Cassian’s deep voice rumbles through me, a little raspy as always and vibrating with a grin. Slipping his arms under my thighs to hold me up, he chuckles when I pull back just enough to press a firm kiss onto his cheek.

The scent of his cologne starts to fill my lungs, and something hops happily against my ribs when I lean back and just catch a dimple forming in his cheek.

“Hi.” Sliding my arms around his neck, I grin at him, and Cassian smirks. The last light hits his eyes when he shifts, causing the green spots in his iris to glow, and something wriggles in my stomach.

“You good?” Cassian lazily hoists me up a little to adjust his grip, grinning when I tighten my grip out of reflex.

“Yup.”

My belly grumbles, and Cass raises his brows.

I grin sheepishly. “Apart from that.”

Cassian smirks.

“You know, I’m always surprised by how much food you can stomach,” his eyes narrow, “it’s like you’re a little black hole for snacks or something –“

I glare and lightly slap the side of his head, and Cass breaks off with a deep chuckle that makes my whole body shake.

“Leave me alone, I haven’t eaten all day.”

“You? Haven’t eaten?” Sliding his right arm under my ass to hold me up, Cassian frees his other hand to press it against my forehead, brows dramatically crunching. “You sick, baby?!”

“Oh, fuck off.” Trying to push his hand away, I nearly lose my balance, quickly locking my legs tighter around his waist and linking my arms back together at the nape of his neck. Cassian chuckles, his warm eyes flickering over my face as he grins at me, and I have to fight the overwhelming urge to press a kiss onto the side of his nose.

“I’m fine. Just got sucked into writing this morning and basically didn’t stop until like an hour ago.” I grin sheepishly.

Cassian stares at me. Then his lips curve, and slowly, very slowly, that familiar shit-eating grin spreads over his face, only doubled tenfold now as he eyes me, creases digging deep into his cheeks.

I blink and feel my heart do a little swerve.

“Don’t.”

My best friend widens his eyes lightly, his grin growing. “You don’t even know what I was gonna say!”

I huff, something warm suddenly bubbling wildly in my chest. “I know you, dipshit; you were about to drop some suggestive innuendo about sucking!”

“Dude, your mind went there; I didn’t actually say anything -“ Cassian’s smile is broader than ever when he raises his brows and slips his hand back under my thigh, and my heart leaps against my ribs.

“I can’t with you.” I shake my head, barely keeping the warm, giddy feeling in my chest from causing a stupidly wide smile to spread over my face.

“Can’t without me either, baby.” Cassian grins and winks, and I lose the fight against the giggle breaking from my throat.

“Put me down, you idiot.” Trying to keep a smile that's mirroring his in check and failing, I slide my legs off Cassian’s waist. “If Mor’s gonna make me drink, we gotta change the food-situation.”

Cass leans down to place me back onto my feet with a dramatic groan.

“Alright.” Straightening laboriously, he pulls his phone from his pocket and squints at the screen. “We got - another hour until we’re meeting the others; so, let’s get you something to eat before you start getting hangry.”

“I don’t get hangry.” Frowning, I crane my neck to stare up at him.

Stuffing his phone back into his pocket, Cass stares back, brows rising.

“Okay, fine; maybe sometimes. A little.” Grumbling, I cross my arms in front of my chest as I glare up at him, and Cassian slowly starts to smirk, causing his cheeks to crease. Then he dropped his head, and something topples under my ribs when he presses a kiss onto my cheek, his hands sliding around my jaw to keep me from moving when the first is followed by another, and another, until my heart hops and a soft giggle bubbles in my throat.

Cassian grins against my cheek before pressing one last firm kiss against my temple.

“Alright, c’mon, sweet cheeks.” With a smirk, he straightens to his full height, his arm sliding over my chest and turning me around, his body pressing into my back as he starts to push me down the sidewalk. I crane my neck to try and look up at him.

“Who’s party is this again?”

Cassian shrugs, the neon lights of a shop throwing shadows under his jaw and cheekbones, dark brows furrowed lightly.

“I don’t know, think someone from one of Rhys’ classes?”

I hum, frowning in thought. “Think they’ll have food?”

“Nah, don’t count on it; we’re getting you something now.” Looking back, Cassian wraps his arm over my shoulder, lightly drawing me into his side as a cyclist zips past us.

My stomach twists with a soft growl, and I look up at him, fighting a smile. “Thanks.”

“Are you kidding?” Cass throws me a look, huffing. “Not eaten all day; you and I need to have a talk.”

Warmth rises under my ribs, and I look back ahead, shaking my head even as a wide smile spreads over my face.

Cassian sniffles against the cold air, pulling up his shoulders a little as he crunches his brows contemplatively. “I could eat."

“You can always eat.” I grin teasingly up at him before yelping and snorting a giggle when Cassian tightens his grip and leans down with a grin to playfully nip at my jaw. His breath hits my skin, something bubbles high in my chest, and Cass straightens up again with a smirk.

“Fuck yeah, baby. Food’s life.”

Snickering under my breath, I huddle into his side, shivering dramatically and chattering my teeth.

“Why is it still so fucking coooold –“

“Want me to warm you up?” Cassian’s grin is shit-eating enough that I elbow him into the side.

Whining dramatically, Cass tugs me into his side, grinning when he rubs his palm over my arm and raises his brows.

“Okay, seriously, what do you wanna eat?”

♡

Crunching my brows, I study the two packages of crisps in my head, trying to figure out which one to take.

Something warm brushes against my shoulder, then a head slowly appears right next to mine.

I feel my lips twitch; a giggle breaks from my throat, and I quickly reach up to push Cassian’s face away from me.

His chest vibrates in my back when he straightens up with a deep laugh, his head tipping back, and shaking my own, still snickering softly, I raise the packages to squint at them dramatically.

“I can’t decide!”

"It's okay, I'll help with the rest." Grinning, Cassian leans over my shoulder and plucks both of them from my grip, pressing a kiss onto my temple before straightening. His chest pushes into my back, and quickly snagging the packages from his grip, I pile them into my arms, letting him steer me down the aisle.

The small supermarket is fairly empty thanks to the time, the city and sky outside slowly turning dark when we reach the register. Dropping my things onto the conveyor belt behind what looks like a guy’s dinner and a girl’s grocery run for the weekend, I sigh happily at the sight of crisps and two bottles of soda.

Cass leans over me to snag a pack of gum, throwing it down next to my stuff, then he straightens, his arms sliding around my collarbones and his chest pressing into my back when he rests his chin on my head. Snuggling into my jacket, I lean into him, beaming softly into his sleeve when Cass squeezes me with a dramatic sound.

Something starts bubbling happily against my ribs, and I feel Cassian grin into my hair. Then he places his chin back on my head and slightly clacks his teeth together, the vibration travelling through me. I snort and Cass chuckles, his chest shaking in my back.

The guy in front of the line pays as the girl gets ready to start shovelling her groceries back into her cart, and I look to the side, letting my gaze roam until it meets the one of an elderly woman a register over. I send her a grin, and the old woman beams, her eyes gleaming as they dart back and forth between Cassian and me. Then she leans over slightly, her voice lowered confidentially as she says with a wide smile: “Such a lovely young couple.”

My heart dips, and I freeze. My eyes widen and lips part, but before I can quickly correct her, Cassian’s deep voice echoes from somewhere above me, a grin vibrating through his voice.

“Thanks.”

I blink before craning my neck to stare up at him in bewilderment.

The smirk I get in response is shit-eating, only topped by the quick wink that follows.

The elderly woman beams happily, sending me a gracious nod before moving forward in line, and I quickly turn and elbow Cass into the ribs, something skipping in my chest when I hiss: “What the hell?!”

“What?” Cassian drops his head so he can mumble into my ear, his smirk still wide as he throws the old lady a look over my head. “Didn’t wanna disappoint her. Besides.” His nose grazes my temple, and his smirk turns mischievous as his eyes drag over my face. “Can’t blame her for assuming.”

My breath catches in my throat, and my eyes dart back and forth between his, warm and twinkling and suddenly so very close with his head dipped.

With a blink, I pull myself together and ram my elbow into his ribs again, and Cassian whines softly and dramatically, his grin wide as he straightens up again.

Grumbling, I turn back ahead, trying to ignore the heat suddenly flushing my cheeks.

♡

“No, wai- stop that!” Quickly yanking the my fries away, I glare at Cassian, trying to hold back a laugh.

We're sitting on a bench circling the big tree at the corner where the others are supposed to meet us, the sky above us dark, cars rushing past. I'm huddled up, legs criss-cross, my knee pressing into the side of Cassian’s thigh while he is lounging against the backrest, squinting into the neon lights of a laundromat across the street. The wrappers of the burgers and fries we picked up at the take-out place next to the supermarket are crunched up next to me, and one bag of crisps sits open in Cassian’s lap.

He’s still has been trying to sneak his hand into the paper bag that contains the rest of my fries for the past few minutes.

Glowering, I turn to hold the package out of Cassian’s reach, twisting as I drop my head back to pop a fry into my mouth. Cass quickly leans forward, his arm sliding past me, and I make a sound of protest that bubbles with laughter as I hastily hold out my arm, trying to get the package to safety.

“Stop it, you already had the rest of the extra fries! And your burger, and your fries, and that huge bite of mine, and you’ve got the whole package of crisps -”

“Baby, I’m twice your size; how can you expect me to not still be hungry when you are?” Cassian’s grin is wide, his warm breath brushing over my nose, and I glower back at him.

For a moment, we stare at each other, faces only inches apart, the green flecks in Cassian’s eyes twinkling as something bubbles high in my chest and I barely fight the wide smile trying to form on my lips. Then Cassian’s hand shoots forward, I quickly try to twist away, and a soft squeak breaks from my throat when Cassian dips forward, sliding his arm around my waist and dragging me into his body.

For a few seconds, we're caught in a scuffle as I try to save my fries while aimlessly flailing my legs and shaking with uncontrollable giggles, Cassian’s huge body half burying me beneath him as he tries to reach the bag, groaning and cursing under his breath until he manages to snag some fries.

A dramatic whine breaks from my throat, and whooping lightly, Cassian sits up with a wide grin.

Breathlessly, I slump against him, and Cassian tips his head back and drops the fries into his mouth with a smirk.

Grumbling, I try to sit up, but Cassian’s arm around my waist isn’t budging, instead sliding tighter around me.

For a few seconds, I struggle, then I give up.

Sinking into his side in defeat, I huff. Cassian’s scent starts to rise into my nose, dark and warm and familiar, and I can feel the warmth radiating from him even through his puffer jacket. Shivering slightly, I shuffle a little to get more comfortable, pulling in my legs. Cassian drapes his arm over my collarbones, and I snuggle into the curve of his elbow, squinting into the light of the laundromat as I lean my head against his chest. Then I pluck some fries from the little package and crane my neck to look up at my best friend, holding them up.

A wide grin spreads over his face, and leaning forward quickly, Cass snags the fries from my fingers, teasingly biting my knuckles. I yelp a laugh, slapping his arm, and Cassian’s chuckle vibrates through me when he leans back, chewing lazily.  

Snuggling further into his elbow with a happy sigh, I drop some fries into my mouth, chewing contently. I can feel Cassian's muscles shift when he takes a sip of my soda, then he drops his head to steal another fry from my fingers, sending me a wink when I glare up at him, dimples digging into his cheeks.

A few minutes later the fries are empty, and I'm digging around in the second package of crisps, trying not to burst into giggles whenever Cassian dips his head, lightly nipping my jaw.

“Stop tha-“ Quickly holding out some crisps, I laugh softly when Cassian pull them out of my grip with his teeth, dipping his head back to let them slide into his mouth.

There's a sharp whistle, and I turn my head, craning my neck. My gaze flickers over the street until it finds the three people slowly making their way towards us, and I start beaming and wave my hand. Cassian’s body shifts in my back when he leans over me with a soft grunt, stretching his arm out to dip his hand into the crisps and shortly making me vanish from sight.

When he straightens up again, three shadows fall over us, and I grin up at our friends.

“Starting the party without us, I see.” Rhys shakes his head in disappointment, letting his arm slip from Feyre’s shoulders. He's wearing a thick jacket, his hair fashionably messy as always, and the tip of his nose is pink from the cold, but the twinkle in his eyes is mischievous as usual.

I huff.

“Hey, you’re the ones late,” I grumble.

“Someone took ages getting ready.” Feyre, also with a slightly pink nose and huddled into her jacket, rolls her eyes.

Both Cassian and I turn our heads to look up at Azriel, tall and brooding and never the one making anyone late.

Az returns our looks before raising a brow. “Very funny.”

Giggling, I sit up up, Cassian’s arm sliding down my side. Feyre drops down next to me onto the bench, freeing her hands from her pockets to hug me, her teeth chattering dramatically. Smiling widely, I squeeze her back.

“You two ready?” Leaning down slightly to greet Cassian with a bro-handshake, Rhys raises his brows.

“Yeah,” I crunch my brows and squint up at him, “where’s Mor though?”

“Should be -”, Feyre dips her head to the side, “ah, see, there she is.”

Leaning forward to follow her gaze, I nearly tip off the bench, but Cassian's hand slides over my stomach, keeping me upright, and I beam when I see a tall blonde speed walk towards us, red painted lips glinting in the lights.

“Punctual as always!”, I yell, causing Feyre to grin widely, and Mor calls back loudly: “Fuck off!”

Giggling, I push myself up again, gathering all of our trash before getting to my feet on the bench. Cassian’s hand slips off my waist, and I rest my own on his shoulder to climb over his lap. His calloused fingers wrap around my wrist, keeping me steady, and his deep chuckle travels through me as Cass holds onto me until I'm on his other side, dimples digging into his cheeks when he smirks up at me. I flip him off with a grin, then I turn around, wandering over the bench towards the trashcan on the other side of the tree.

When I get back, Cassian and Feyre have gotten off the bench, Cass towering over Mor who's bickering with Rhys over which way to go. Azriel catches my gaze over Feyre’s shoulder, rolling his eyes and causing me to grin widely.

Coming to a halt on the bench next to where Cassian's standing, I exchange a look with Feyre, and she sighs and steps forward, trying to break up the bickering.

Shivering, I pull up my shoulder, and my eyes get caught on Cassian’s profile. My heart does a little flip.

“Hey Cass?”

Cassian looks up at me, and slowly, I beam at him.

“Piggyback ride?”

My best friend smirks, eyeing me. “Sure you can carry me?”

My smile drops, and I glower at him.

Chuckling, Cassian steps towards the bench, turning his back towards me, and feeling my heart swell, I lean down slightly, sliding my arms over his shoulders and hopping onto his back. Cass catches my legs, his warm hands gripping my thighs before he slips his arms under my knees, lightly hoisting me up. My chest presses into his broad back, his scent rises into my nose, and grinning happily, I wrap my arms around his neck.

“Okay, ready.”

“Can we just go?”, Cassian interrupts Mor and Rhys, a dimple forming in his cheek when he smirks. “By the time you two are done, the party's over.”

I part my lips and mumble softly: “The horror.”

Cassian’s chest rumbles as he laughs, his head tipping back lightly.

“Fuck off, baby.”

Grinning, I sling my arms tighter around his neck before crunching my brows. “Seriously, can we please just go; I don’t give a shit about how quickly we get there as long as we get there.”

“Amen,” Azriel grumbles.

“Well, if he would listen to me –“ Mor glowers at Rhys who huffs.

"Excuse me -"

The two start bickering again, and Az rolls his eyes and brushes past us. “C’mon.”

I slide my arms tighter over Cassian’s collarbones, and Feyre sighs and slips past her boyfriend. Cassian waits until she's past him, then he follows after her.

Resting my chin on my best friend's shoulder, I feel my heart do a small happy wiggle as my body starts to sway with his steps. Behind us, the bickering slowly fades into the distance. Az and Feyre, a few steps in front of us, fall into conversation, Feyre linking her arm through Azriel’s, and Cassian cranes his neck slightly to look back at me.

A deep crease slowly forms in his cheek as his eyes flicker over my face, and I crunch my brows, feeling my cheeks heat gently.

“What? Do I have something on my face?”

Cassian’s body vibrates as he chuckles and turns back ahead with a wide smile, squeezing my calves. “Nah.”

Staring at the side of his face for another second, I blink before leaning forward quickly to press a kiss onto his cheek. I feel a crease forming beneath my lips, then I pull back, and Cassian shakes his head, gaze directed forward but eyes twinkling.

♡

Rhys and Mor catch up with us after maybe two blocks, both grumbling about being left behind, and I grin and slide off Cassian’s back, linking my arm through Mor’s to pull her with me.

The party of who-knows-who is at some industrial loft further downtown. There are people standing in front of the entrance, smoking, a few stepping out of the way when Rhys pulls open the heavy steel door with a dramatic flourish. When I slip into the stairwell after Feyre, I feel a warm, tall body towering in my back.

The music is audible even down here, and sliding my arm out of Feyre’s, I tip my head back to stare up the winding staircase. I can feel the others push pass me, talking as they start to climb the stairs. Then something brushes against my back, and when I look up over my shoulder, Cassian’s breath hits my hair as he leans forward, his chest pressing against my shoulders as he crunches his brows and stares up the stairwell.

“What are we looking at?”

A soft giggle breaks from my throat, and elbowing him into the ribs, I turn with a grin, sliding my hand around his wrist to tug him with me towards the stairs.

By the time we reach the fifth floor, the floor is vibrating. The noise of the party has doubled, and I'm wheezing dramatically.

“God, who thought throwing a party up that many stairs was a good idea?” Holding my sides, I try to catch my breath, grimacing at the huge, open metal doors opposite of the stairs behind which lights are flashing, illuminating the silhouettes of dozens of people. The others have apparently already gone in, because the landing's empty apart from a few empty bottles on the floor.

“Someone who’s never fallen down any steps while drunk.” I can hear the shit-eating grin in Cassian’s voice as his hands close around my shoulders, rubbing slowly back and forth. I snort a breathless giggle before straightening with a wince and, trying to steady my breathing, begin to trudge over the landing, feeling my best friend in my back.

When I step through the open doors, I'm hit by the music that makes the thick, stale air vibrate. My gaze darts over the open floor loft, only lit by flashing lights changing colours, so dark you can only see the outline of the mass of people heaving and moving, and my breath catches in my throat.

The noise and the amount of people crowding the space makes my chest begin to thrum with a mix of exhilaration and anxiety, and something slowly closes around my lungs, making the flickering lights swim, the noise closing in from all around me -

A calloused hand slips under my jacket, wrapping around my side as a solid chest presses against my shoulders, and a familiar scent washes over me, chasing away the stale smell. My heart dips; I rip my gaze away from the crowd dipped in darkness and look up over my shoulder, and something loosens around my lungs.

Cassian is so close that I can see the details of the dark ink at the base of his throat, towering over me like a lighthouse in the dark as his gaze flickers over the crowd, the flashing lights illuminating his face and his slightly crunched brows. His thumb absentmindedly brushes up and down over my ribs, anchoring me down, and something slowly starts to bubble gently in my chest.

The noise slowly fades back to the edge of my consciousness, still present but no longer a weight on my senses, and I can feel my shoulders sink as little by little, the tightness around my throat slips away.

“I think the others are over there!” Cassian’s deep voice vibrates through me as his grip tightens, then he dips his head, and I can feel his shit-eating grin against my cheek when he calls over the noise: “Want me to put you on my shoulders?”

I lightly kick his shin, and Cassian’s chest shakes when he laughs into my hair, his smile wide as he straightens. His body presses into my back, and gently, he starts to push me through the crowd.

In the flashing lights, it's hard to even make out faces, the noise of the crowd and the music leaving my skin humming. I quickly reach back, hooking my fingers into Cassian’s belt loops as my heart thrums against my ribs, my breath hitching when I feel his body press closer, towering over mine like a rock between the waves.

Cassian’s grip tightens. Then the next second, he draws me back into his chest just before some girls shove past us.

I nearly trip over my feet, but Cass holds me steady, and when I throw a quick look up at him over my shoulder, he's glaring after the group, muscles in his jaw flexing and a dark shift in his eyes.

Something topples in my stomach when I feel his hand slip up a bit, wrapping around my rib cage, then his chest presses into my shoulders, and Cass nudges me forward.

We catch up with the others about halfway through the loft. Feyre clocks us first, and I wait until a group of guys has pushed past us, yelling over the music and causing me to subconsciously move back into Cassian’s grip. Then I step forward until I'm standing next to her and crunch my brows.

“How ‘bout we find a - less crowded spot?”, I call over the noise, trying to sound lighthearted, but Feyre looks right through it.

Squeezing my elbow comfortingly, she calls back: “The guys are gonna see if they find a place to sit or something!”

Nodding back, I crane my neck to look up at Cassian. He's still towering over me, his hand wrapped around my rib cage protectively, not making any move to step away from me.

Warmth swells in my chest, and I lean back into him without being able to help it, feeling him shift when he looks over his shoulder. Then Mor appears at my side, calling loudly: “Let’s go get something to drink!”

Glad about an opportunity to blend out some of the noise and chaos, I nod quickly, poking Cassian’s ribs to get his attention. He turns his head back towards me and dropped his gaze, and I stretch lightly to call: “We’re gonna go get drinks!”

“I’ll come with you!” Cassian’s deep, steady voice vibrates through me, and feeling something warm bubble high in my chest, I roll my eyes.

“I’ll be okay, I got the girls! Just go with Rhys and Az, we’re gonna be fine!”

Cass crunches his brows, looking ready to protest, and with a soft laugh bubbling in my throat, I slide my hand towards his collar, tugging him down towards me. Cassian complies easily, one corner of his lips curving as a wave of his scent washes over me, and stretching, I press a kiss onto his cheek. It lasts just long enough that I can feel a crease forming under my lips, then I pull back.

Something leaps into my throat when my nose brushes against Cassian’s.

Suddenly, the room and the noise fade away. Cassian’s head is dipped so far that I can see the green specks in his twinkling eyes as they flicker over mine, only an inch away, so close that his breath is fanning over my lips. 

Like he can feel the way something is suddenly hammering against my ribs, my breath catching and whole body frozen, Cassian’s gaze flashes.

Something twists low in my stomach when his lids suddenly grow heavier, eyes darkening with something deep, hazy, almost heated as they slowly drag over my face, and suddenly, I'm acutely aware of his wide, towering body half pressed against mine.

My breath catches, Cassian’s muscles shift, and his lips part as he slowly, absentmindedly runs his tongue over his bottom lip.

My heart leaps and gets stuck somewhere in my throat; someone’s elbow hits my back and makes me jump, and Cass blinks. His lips tip back into his usual, lazy grin and he straightens slowly, nothing left of that strange, heated look but the light twinkle in his eyes when he dips his head to call into my ear: “Stick close to the girls!”

Maybe it's the noise around us, but Cassian’s voice sounds deeper, travelling through me and almost causing me to shiver. But somehow, I manage to push away the way my heart pounds against my ribs and poke his side, sending him a wide, cheeky grin. “Duh.”

Cassian’s chest vibrates when he chuckles, his cheeks creasing when he drops his head to press a kiss against my temple, and something staggers against my ribs. Then Feyre takes my hand and pulls me with her.

♡

After raiding the kitchen area at the other end of the loft, we squeeze back through the crowd towards the windows where there's a bunch of couches grouped together. Mor is carrying shot glasses and a bottle with clear liquid, glancing over her shoulder every few steps to check on us and glaring at anyone who gets too close. Feyre is balancing a stack of beer bottles in her arms, her hand on my shoulder as she stays in my back, and I'm carrying some boozy lemonade I've found in the fridge, the ice cold cans pressing against my arms and keeping my focus away from the crowd and the bass vibrating through the floor.

Mor slips past a group of guys, and following after her, I throw a quick look back to make sure Feyre's still behind me before turning ahead again, and something leaps gently against my ribs.

The boys have cleared one of the couches and two armchairs facing them. In the flickering lights, I can see Cassian’s teeth flash when he grins, a chuckle causing his shoulders to shake. He's lounging on the couch, melted into the cushions, his long legs spread lazily. His black t-shirt is straining against his wide shoulders, the colourful, raging lights flickering over the tattoos scattered over his arms all the way down onto his hands. Deep creases form in his cheeks when he smirks at something Rhys calls over the noise.

Mor calls their names over the noise, and when I blink, Cassian’s gaze darts over the crowd, finding mine over her shoulder.

The corners of his lips curve up, and slowly, a lazy twinkle spreads through his eyes as he starts to smirk.

Rolling my eyes, I take the two beer bottles Feyre hands me and squeeze past Azriel. He's occupying one of the armchairs, boot propped up onto the coffee table, sending me a faint smirk when I hand him a beer.

Cassian grins up at me when I move to squeeze into between the coffee table and the couch, his legs falling apart further to make space for me, and I hand him the other bottle of beer.

“Here,” I call over the loud, blaring music, and Cassian straightens and leans forward, snatching my wrist.

My heart nearly topples out of my chest; I yelp softly, and Cass he pulls, dragging me down onto his lap.

My breath catches in my throat when I topple into him, chest colliding with his, Cassian’s breath grazing my lips and nose nearly bumping against mine.

One corner of Cass' lips tips upwards as his twinkling eyes drag lazily over my face. Then he dips forward, and I make a soft noise of surprise, hastily holding onto his shoulders when his arm slides around the back of my butt, nearly lifting me into his chest when he drags me closer until my thighs bracket his hips.

Something skips into my throat, and I barely suppress a swallow and instead huff, causing Cassian’s grin to widen when he slouches back into the cushions, his head tipping back lazily as he stares at me.

“Best seat in the house, baby.”

I snort under my breath, feeling my lips curve into a wide grin as I lean forward to speak into his ear. “I don’t know; Az looks pretty comfy too -”

Cassian leans forward quick as lightning, and my laugh catches in my throat when he lightly sinks his teeth into the soft skin of my neck just below my ear, his grin so wide, I can feel it against my skin.

Curling my fingers into his hair like reflex, I hold my breath, and, dimples showing in his cheeks, Cassian pulls back, his eyes twinkling.

Huffing, I manage to tear myself away from the sight of his curving lips and the crease digging in his cheek. Flicking his forehead, I shift to get comfortable in his lap, feeling warmth rising in my chest when Cassian’s large hand cups my hip to keep me from sliding away to the side.

“Did we miss anything?”, I call over the noise, carefully opening one of the cans I've dropped onto the couch.

Cassian makes a non-committal sound and plucks the drink from my fingers, turning his head to take a sip. His throat works when he swallows, causing the tattoo at the base of his neck to ripple. Then he makes a face.

“Ugh.” Blinking and smacking his lips, he looks at the can, brows crunching. “How the fuck can you drink that?”

“By knowing it’s the only thing you won’t drink for me.” I grin and pull the can from his grip, something warm bubbling happily in my chest, and Cassian’s body starts shaking as he tips his head back with a deep laugh.

Grinning, I take a sip, feeling Cassian’s gaze drag over my face and down my throat.

“Hey!” Mor’s loud voice makes me look over my shoulder, and when Cass dips his head to the side to look past me, the blonde grins widely. “They've got a beer-pong table!”

My heart dips, and slowly, I feel a grin spread over my face.

A couple of minutes later, we've fought our way through the crowd and Mor and I are standing on one end of the dining table by the windows, cups arranged in front of us and Azriel and Cassian on the other side. Cassian’s eyes are twinkling in the light when he props his arm onto Azriel’s shoulder, raising his brows at me, and without a word spoken, I see the challenge in the way he smirks as his eyes drag lazily down my body.

Something rises under my ribs, and I narrow my eyes, feeling a wide, cheeky smile slowly spreading over my face. Then I lightly nudge my chin forward.

Do your worst.

Cassian starts to grin. Sliding his arm off Azriel’s shoulder, he easily catches the ping-pong ball some guy threw his way and turns slightly, raising his hand. Then he sends me a wink and tosses.

♡

A few hours later, the sky outside is pitch black and a happy buzz has taken over my entire body, making me feel very giggly and a little sleepy.

“Hey.” A finger gently taps my nose, and I shift, forcing my eyes that have started to feel very heavy to open, and my breath catches a little in my throat.

Cassian is staring down at me, a dimple digging into his cheeks. Then he dips down his head, and his breath grazes my cheek when he calls into my ear, his deep voice washing over me: “Think it’s time we get you home, baby!”

I don’t protest. I'm not drunk enough to not feel how heavy my limbs and eyes have started to feel. Instead I just reach up to poke Cassian’s cheek and send him a wide, slow beam that causes his own to widen.

It’s goofy edge, the depth of his dimples and his pupils, blown and darker than usual, are the only signs that Cass is definitely not sober anymore either.

Slowly freeing myself from where I've curled into his side, I feel Cassian’s arm slide off my shoulder, curling around my waist instead to keep me steady, and following a warm, lazy impulse, I lean up and press my lips onto his cheek, long enough for his scent to fill my lungs, dark and warm and mixed with a boozy edge.

When I slowly pull back, Cassian turns his head, and in the flashing lights, his eyes suddenly seem deeper and darker, his warm breath grazing my lips as his gaze drags over my face. He blinks, his lips curve upwards and creases appear in his cheeks, and his arm slides tighter around me, then he dips his head and presses a slow kiss onto my cheek.

His nose drags over my skin, and shivers race down my spine.

Somehow, I pull myself out of the warm, buzzing feeling that fills my chest and turn around, pushing myself to my feet. The room tips just a little and I only nearly trip over my own feet, but large, warm hands wrap around my waist, holding me upright.

A giggle bubbles in my throat when I feel Cassian’s wide chest pressing into my back. Craning my neck to stare up at him, the warm buzz seems to swell when I catch a glimpse at his wide, dimpled grin, his chuckle causing both our bodies to vibrate.

Cass leans down his head, and his hot breath grazes my cheek when he calls into my ear: “Let’s say bye to the others and then get the fuck out of here!”

♡

The next bus is only in half an hour, so Cassian and I walk the way from the loft to my apartment.

The night air is cold and crisp, making the warm bubbling feeling in my chest swell even as the chilly wind nips at my skin. I slide my hand into Cassian’s after few blocks, his palm large and warm, engulfing mine as I link our fingers together and quicken my steps, tugging him with me, the happy, bubbling buzz in my body causing a laugh to rise in my chest, the smile on my face so stupidly wide it makes my cheeks hurt when I turn and walk backwards, swinging our hands.

Cassian’s answering grin is unrestrained and wide, dimples digging deep into his cheeks when he pulls me back into his side, his arm sliding over my shoulder. Giggles break from my throat when I bump into him, nearly stumbling.

Cassian chases me the last few steps to the front door, even drunk still quicker than me, his arms wrapping around my waist just as I leap onto the front step, and the storm of wild flutters in my chest reaches new heights when he lifts me off my feet, his chest vibrating against my back when he laughs into my hair and giggles bubble from my throat.

“Stop i-“ I almost trip when he drops me back onto my feet, a snorted giggle leaving me, and warm hands grip mine, keeping me upright as Cassian starts laughing fully, head tipping back and shoulders shaking.

I flip him off, and Cass catches my hand, grinning so widely, creases formed in his cheeks. He looks a bit flushed, from the cool air and the alcohol that seems to make his gaze slower, more intense as it drags over my face.

Feeling something dip in my stomach, I turn around, trying to pull my keys out of my pocket.

The warm light in the staircase flickers on when I push open the door. Shushing Cass and trying to suppress a giggle at the offended look he sends me, I nearly groan at the sight of the stairs.

By the time we've made it to the third floor, I'm out of breath and desperately trying not to laugh at nothing in particular, the happy bubbling buzz in my chest making it hard to stay quiet as I drag Cassian to my door.

I miss when I try to slide my key into the lock, a snorted giggle burst from my throat, shaking my body so badly, I lean my forehead against the door, trying to keep the giggles in as more bubble in my chest.

There's a deep, suppressed laugh behind me, then a warm weight presses into my back and a solid body leans against mine when Cassian props an arm against the door frame and drops his head to smother his chuckling in my hair. The scent of alcohol rises into my nose, mashed with that scent that's just him, deep and dark and warm, and I inhaled it deeply without being able to stop it.

Trying to suppress more giggles, I pull back my head just enough to look down, squinting dramatically.

After two more tries, my key finally finds the lock, jingling quietly when I turn it, and whooping softly under my breath, I push open the door.

The only light in my apartment is the glow of the streetlamps outside falling through the windows, the sky outside inky black like Cassian’s hair. I kick my shoes off in the small hall, hopping on one leg and nearly falling over, causing a startled, snorted laugh to leave me.

“Fuck, I love your place.” Breathing out happily, Cassian lets the door fall shut behind him and slides out of his jacket, carelessly throwing it over the shoe rack before moving past me, and I switch on the small lights in my bedroom, just in time to see him collapse onto my bed.

“Dude,” I whine, crunching my brows, “no outside clothes on my bed!”

Cassian snorts, then he rolls onto his back and starts to laugh, his head tipping back and body shaking, and something swells in my chest when I catch a glimpse at his face; the way his closed eyes crinkle and dimples dig into his cheeks.

Grumbling, I start taking off my socks, and still grinning, Cass pushes himself to his feet with a soft, dramatic grunt, his chest pressing into my shoulders when he pushes past me with a chuckle. My skin tingles where his hands closed around my ribs.

Cass ducks his head to the side to not hit it at the door frame and trudges into the small kitchen, opening the fridge, and I start to shimmy out off my pants that started to feel incredibly uncomfortable quite a while ago.

Kicking them to the side, I turn around, moving towards my bed while wrangling myself out of my top. Tugging my bra over my head, I unceremoniously dump it onto the floor, then I drag the oversized t-shirt I sleep in out from under my blanket. It vaguely smells of something else besides me, something warm and dark and addictive, and after sliding into it, I bury my nose into the collar, breathing in deeply.

Something swells and flutters against my ribs, and I turn around with a happy sigh.

Cassian's still bent over the fridge, arm propped onto the open door and head stuck inside, grumbling under his breath as he dig through the contents.

Feeling a wave of giggles bubbling in my throat, I kick our shoes out of the way and squeeze into the bathroom to wash off my make-up that has started to feel sticky on my skin. Nearly groaning happily, I dry my dripping wet face before raising my head and catching a glimpse at myself in the mirror; eyes bright and hair messy.

Looking around for the joggers I left in here before leaving earlier, I crunch my brows. Then I shrug and turn around.

“What are you looking for?” I pull the bathroom door close behind me before stepping into the door to the small kitchen and leaning against the frame, feeling the warm, bubbling feeling rise against my ribs when I stare at Cassian’s large frame towering in my kitchen, chugging soda from a colourful can. My gaze flickers over the curve of his throat and the tattoo rippling at its base, and something curls low in my stomach.

Finally dropping his head, Cassian swallow and exhales dramatically. “That was good.” He drops the can into the trash before turning around, and his movements slow as his gaze drags down my body. His eyes flash with something heated, growing deep and hazy, and my breath hitches, the warm feeling in my chest swelling.

Cass blinks, and slowly, he starts moving, his piercing gaze never leaving my face as he walks towards me.

A wave of his scent washes over me, warm and addictive, and all my thoughts quiet down when he leans his shoulder against the door frame, his knuckles brushing against my side as his low-lidded eyes drag over my face. My chest brushes against his t-shirt, his warmth travelling even through the layers of clothing, and I stare up at him, feeling the warm thrum in my chest as my lips part softly, my breath hitching as the warm buzz under my ribs swells.

My mind feels slow, hazy, muddled either by the alcohol cursing through me – or by Cassian’s scent filling my lungs, the warmth radiating from his large body, pulling me in, and the way he's gazing down at me, his eyes hooded and dark under heavy lids, an intensity in the way his gaze drags over my face that sends tingling shivers over my whole body.

My breath catches in my throat, and my thoughts narrow.

Beautiful.

All of him. The dark ink all over his skin, the shift of his muscles and hazy heat in his goddamn beautiful eyes. It feels like all of him is pulling me in to swallow me whole, making my chest flutter with something so powerful, it causes my breath to die in my throat when I stare up at him, my heart thrumming warmer against my ribs with every second.

And just because it feels like I might combust if I don’t, I stretch and kiss him.

My heart shudders, and something bursts in my stomach, like hundreds of bubbling fireworks rising to the surface.

Cassian's lips are soft and taste like fruit soda and alcohol, sweet and bitter at once. My chest swells as my fingers curl into the soft cotton of his t-shirt and Cassian’s lashes flutter against my cheek. Then a deep, low sound breaks from his throat, and dropping his head to meet me, Cass slides his hands up my sides.

His calloused palms wrap around the sides of my neck, and exhaling deeply like a weight has lifted from his shoulders, Cassian kisses back like he’s been starving for it.

The rising feeling in my chest bursts into a warm, fluttering storm.

Sinking down onto my heels, I drag him with me, gripping his shirt and curling my fingers into the nape of his neck, feeling his warm skin under mine and how he shudders at my touch, causing my heart to thrum and the bubbling feeling under my ribs to swell.

Making a deep, hoarse noise, Cassian moves until his wide chest presses into mine, and his hand wraps around my rib cage, dragging me into his body as he kisses me harder.

He's kissing me like he's trying to devour me, his jaw flexing with every kiss that deepens, hungry lips parting mine, tongue swiping into my mouth like he's trying to memorise the way I taste.

I dig my fingers into his sides, and Cass begins to push me backwards. I feel the planes of his torso, warm and hard, flush against mine, his body towering over me, and the warmth bubbling in my chest swells, heat pooling in my panties.

My back hits a wall, and something curls low in my stomach when Cass groans low in his chest as his whole body presses into the length of mine, so close my breath catches in my throat.

His long fingers curl into my hair, and Cass drags my head back and dips his own to kiss my throat bruisingly.

My heart leaps into my throat; I suck in a sharp breath, and my eyes flutter shut as my lips part.

Cassian moans against my skin, his hot breath heavy as he drags his lips down the side of my bared neck, licking, biting, teeth sinking into my skin and making soft whimpers tumble from my lips. His hand slides down to my waist and slips under my t-shirt, and I hold my breath when his palm drags up my side to cup my rib cage, his calloused skin burning against mine.

Raising his head breathlessly, Cassian crashes his lips against mine, and the flutter in my chest hitches like my breath. His hand slips further into my hair as his lips part mine, tongue swiping greedily into my mouth, and a whimper spills from my throat as I cling to him, kissing back feverishly.

Cassian groans against my lips, biting down onto the bottom one and pulling lightly, causing my insides to flutter madly.

Dropping his forehead against mine, he breathes heavily, and when I force my eyes to open, my heart leaps into my throat at the sight of his, half-lidded and feverish as they drag over my face.

Cassian's throat works like he's suppressing the urge to swallow. Then his hand slips away from my rib cage, his fingers brushing down over my stomach.

My lips part, and my fingers curl into his shirt as the buzz in my chest slows to a warm, heavy thrum.

Cassian watches me through hazy hooded eyes, swollen lips parting as he absentmindedly runs his tongue over the bottom one. Then his thumb hooks into the waistband of my panties.

The bubbling feeling in my chest rises until I hold my breath.

Cass shifts and his nose nudges against mine, his head dipped so far that I can feel his hot, heavy breath on my lips, can see the green flecks in his iris bleeding together, and warmth builds in my chest, fluttering wildly at the feverish look in his hazy, half-lidded eyes.

His lips graze the corner of my mouth, causing the thrum between my legs to tighten. Then his finger pull at the waistband of my panties, and dragging them down my legs, Cassian drops down to one knee.

My eyes widen, my heart rises, and my hand flies out to hold onto the door frame as the other shoots down to bury in his hair, some part of my brain catching up with the fact that he can’t possibly want to –

“Open your legs.” Cassian’s deep, hoarse order rumbled against my hip sends shivers down my spine so violently, my body shook.

“I –“

One big, calloused palm slides under my knee, and I nearly lose my balance when Cass drags it up and over his broad shoulders.

My heart leaps into my throat, my back hits the wall, and Cassian groans, his eyes hooded as he runs his nose up the inside of my thigh before biting down softly where my leg and hip meet.

“Fuck.” His raspy words sound slurred against my skin as he squeezes his eyes shut. A muscle in his jaw works and I feel his wide shoulders shift. Then he dips forward with a soft sound and runs his tongue greedily through my folds.

My lips fall apart as pleasure races up my stomach and my fingers dig into his hair, and Cassian makes a noise sound so low in his throat, it sends my back arching.

“Shit, baby, you’re perfect,”, he mumbles into my skin, his deep voice so hoarse, it slides over my skin like sandpaper. His pupils are so large, they swallow all colour of his iris as he stars up at me through hooded eyes, hazy and heavily lidded as his palms close around my hips; my heart catches in my throat, and with another soft groan, Cass dives forward, running his tongue hungrily over my pussy.

My body spasms as my head falls back against the wall and pleasure twists through me. Cassian's moving like he's trying to map out every inch of me, tongue circling my clit before dipping lower, coaxing whimpers from my throat.

“Shit –“

Cass buries his nose in my skin and sucks my clit into his mouth, and my eyes roll into the back of my head as my fingers dig into the door frame and shaky curses spill from my lips.

My hips roll forward, and Cassian grunts.

“Fuck, you’re killing me.”

Diving forward, his hazy eyes on my face, he sucks, slow, hard, his warm hands sliding lower, holding me in place as he firmly runs his tongue over me.

“Oh.” My insides twist as heat washes through me from my muddled head to my tensing legs, and my lips part, no sound leaving my throat as I grab to hold onto something, my pussy clenching, and Cass groans.

“Shit, do that again.” He presses closer and licks harder, his hooded gaze piercing my face. The sounds bounce off the walls, causing my insides to wind tighter and my body to stutter.

“Fuck.” My fingers curl into Cassian’s hair, and he groans, deep and hoarse, his eyes fluttering and tall body bowing into mine as he pushes me further into the wall, lapping greedily at me.

My breath catches as I cling to the door frame, feeling a familiar tightness build in my lower stomach, twisting more taut with the second.

“Shit,”, I whimper; Cass presses closer, licking and sucking harshly, and my eyes roll back when without warning, the tension snaps.

My back arches as my body shakes and pleasure crashes over me in a tidal wave harder than anything I had ever experienced.

My eyes squeeze shut, head pressing against the wall as I cry out, feeling my insides shudder and tighten, pulsing harshly around nothing, and Cassian tightens his grip around me, his moan vibrating through me and causing my limbs to tremble.

My body is shaking when I slump against the wall, trying to catch my breath, heat washing through me, skin buzzing and insides thrumming. Then a soft, delirious giggle breaks from my throat, my heart pounding against my ribs as I lean my head back and close my eyes as the warm, bubbling feeling in my chest swells.

Hot lips press against my hip, followed by teeth sinking softly into my skin before something warm brushes against my chest and calloused hands slide under my shirt to keep me upright.

Still breathing a little unsteadily, I force my hazy eyes to open, and the warm thrum under my ribs grows tenfold when I find a tall body towering over me, so close our chests almost press together.

Cassian’s gaze is heavy-lidded and feverish, his lips swollen and parted, a dimple digging into his cheeks as he stares down at me through hazy, twinkling eyes.

My breath catches in my throat, and Cass blinks, his gaze shifting, becoming deeper, molten, hungry.

My heart rises into my throat. I swallow, and Cass makes a low, rough sound deep in his throat as his piercing gaze flickers over me face. Then he drops his head, and I suck in a sharp breath when his lips crash onto mine.

My eyes flutter, and a soft moan breaks from my throat when I stretch, clinging to him as I dig my fingers into his shirt and kiss back feverishly.

Cassian’s body presses closer, rough palms cupping my sides when he starts to push me backwards, into my bedroom. Half-stumbling, half-pulling, I tug him with me, curling my fingers into his t-shirt, the warmth and strength of his body towering over mine causing something to bubble and swell in my chest, and Cassian’s lashes flutter against my cheek when he makes a low, hoarse sound against my lips. Then he drops his head, and his hand slides into my hair and drags my head back.

A broken moan vibrates through my chest when he attacks my neck, kissing and sucking harshly, sinking his teeth into my throat until my lids flutter and I have to fight soft whimpers.

My fingers tug at his t-shirt desperately, pulling it up, and Cassian lets off my neck just long enough to help me drag the soft fabric over his head.

Dropping it carelessly, I stretch, my lips crashing onto Cassian’s as my fingers curl into the hair at the back of his neck. My hand slides down his warm chest, and I feel his muscles shudder under my touch, causing warmth to buzz under my ribs and something to twitch low in my stomach.

Heat rises in my chest, and I break the kiss to start trailing hungry, breathless kisses down his throat, sucking and biting gently at his pulse point, drunk on the taste and softness of his skin.

A low moan vibrates through Cassian’s chest, the sound so deep it travels all the way through me as he lets his head fall back, jaw flexing, and I softly bite into his collarbone, licking over the spot before pressing kisses down to his right pec, my tongue trailing over the art inked onto his skin.

Cassian makes a sound somewhere between a groan and a moan, his fingers curl into my hair, and when I raise my head, thoughts hazy, he crashes his lips back onto mine. I whimper, and Cass swallows the sound greedily, his tongue wrestling past mine, swiping into my mouth.

I inhale sharply, my fingers digging into his warm skin, Cassian pushes closer, his large body pressing against mine, and without breaking the kiss, he leans down and slides his calloused hands under my thighs, lifting me off my feet.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I sink my teeth into his bottom lip, and Cassian's eyes flutter when he moans, then he breaks into a deep chuckle, his lips curving upwards into a wide grin against mine. His hand squeezes my ass, and feeling that bubbling feeling in my chest swell, I let the giggle in my throat break free, my fingers sliding into Cassian’s soft hair.

Beginning to walk towards my bed, Cassian drops his head and bites into the soft skin below my ear, licking and sucking at the spot harshly, and my eyes roll back as I cling to his large, warm body, his bare skin pressing against my thighs and the muscles in his back shifting, causing something in my chest to soar. Then Cassian lets himself drop forward, and a startled squeal breaks from my chest when my back hits the mattress, turning into unrestrained giggles when his huge body buries mine under its weight.

Grinning into my neck, Cassian drops his head, and something tumbles in my stomach when his gaze clashes with mine as he sinks his teeth into the fabric of my t-shirt, his dark eyes hooded and heated.

“Off.” The deep, mumbled order sends shivers over my body, and I push myself up, starting to shimmy out of the fabric, Cassian’s tattooed fingers curling into the hem, helping to tug it up my torso. His eyes seem to grow more hazy and heavy lidded the higher the seam rises, and a low grunt escapes his throat when I slip it over my head.

Dropping his head, Cass nuzzles his nose against my collarbone, sinking his teeth softly into my skin. Then he drags his lips lower, and my back arches, a flutter exploding in my lower stomach when he slowly circles his tongue over my nipple.

“Shit," I whisper with a breathless whimper, my fingers digging into his neck, and Cassian groans softly, his eyes fluttering when he buries his nose in my skin, biting the soft skin of my breast before sucking it into his mouth as far as possible.

A soft shaking sound breaks from my throat and trembling shivers run through my body as my insides twist and the bubbling feeling in my chest rises. Cassian moans low in his chest as he starts to suck and lick my nipple greedily until my fingers dig into his nape and I arch into him with a breathless whine.

Running his nose over my skin, Cass presses a lazy kiss against a forming bruise, then he switches sides, his calloused palm closing over my breast. I suck in a sharp breath, my heart leaping into my throat, and Cassian watches with hazy eyes as a tattooed finger slowly circles my nipple until the pull gets so tight, I squirm, soft whimpers breaking from my throat as I press my head into the mattress and squeeze my eyes shut.

“Perfect,”, Cass mumbles raspily against my skin, sinking his teeth lightly into the soft skin above my breast before dragging his lips up to my neck, running his tongue teasingly over my throat. My hand shoots up to grip his hair as I fight for breath, and Cassian dips his head and kisses me, lazy and hungry, parting my lips and dragging his tongue over mine.

A shiver shakes my body, Cassian's lips curve upwards, and warmth bubbles in my chest as a soft, delirious giggle forms in my throat.

Cass grins against my lips, his forearms pressing down into the mattress next to my shoulders as he shifts, his hips lodging into between my thighs, and the giggles get stuck in my throat when the hard bulge in his pants presses against my core.

A breathy sound escapes me as my hand flies out to dig into his back; my back bows and my hips buck, and Cassian groans against my skin, his teeth sinking into the corner of my mouth. My eyes flutter when I feel the outline of his cock, huge and what has to be painfully hard, straining against his jeans, and the rising feeling in my stomach grows unbearable.

My fingers are trembling with need when I slide my hands down over Cassian’s stomach, my chest thrumming and stomach buzzing when I hook my fingers into his belt, the clasp clinking when I pull to open it. My eyes flutter when Cassian's teeth sink into my neck, and cursing breathily, I try to tug at his pants.

Cass snorts a laugh into my skin, a giggle bursts from my throat, and I kick his ass with the heel of my foot.

“Stop – laughing –“

Cassian’s shoulders shake as his deep, unrestrained chuckles cause his body to vibrate, and my heart gets stuck in my throat when he raises his head, dimples digging into his cheek, eyes hazy and grin wide.

“Need help?” Teasingly, he rolls his hips down, grinding his hard on against my pussy, and my back arches at the jolt of pleasure racing down my spine, a whimper breaking from my throat the same second, a low groan tears from Cassian's chest, his eyes fluttering. My heart leaps against my ribs, and an uncontrolled, breathless giggle spills from my lips.

“Fuck you.” My breathy voice vibrates with more giggles that shake my body, my chest buzzing, drunk on alcohol and kisses and the familiar, dark scent filling my lungs, and Cassian's face splits into a wide grin against my neck. Then he raises his head, blown iris twinkling, and my heart gets stuck in my throat when he nudges his nose against mine, lips ghosting over mine and crease digging into his cheek when he mumbles huskily: “That’s your job, baby.”

My breath catches, something twisted sharply in my stomach, and Cassian's hazy eyes pierce mine.

Swallowing softly, I reach down, touching his belt.

"Off." My voice is just a whisper, breathless and hoarse as heat builds deep in my stomach, thrumming under my skin.

Cassian's gaze flashes, flaring as his heavy lids flutter. Then he pushes himself up, his warm, solid weight disappearing from my body when he sits up. His hazy, dark eyes pierce mine, and without looking away, he starts unbuckling his belt.

My lips part softly as my gaze follows his tattooed hands like hypnotised as they undo his button, slip into the back pocket of his jeans and pull out a foil package, raising it to his mouth so his teeth can rip it open. Then they slide under the waistband, and Cassian pushes his jeans and boxers down his hips in one.

My soft inhale catches in my throat. Scorching heat washes over me, setting my cheeks aflame as my lips part further and I can't do anything but stare, at sharp v-lines and flexing muscles as Cass slides the condom over his hard length.

My insides tighten, throbbing around nothing, and swallowing, feeling the bubbling feeling in my chest rise up into my throat, I tear my gaze away. My gaze darts up, and my breath hitches when my eyes find Cassian's, deep, heated and hazy beneath low lids as they pierce mine. Then he leans forward, and his palms press into the sheets next to my sides.

The mattress dips under his weight when he pushes his pants off, his blown iris never breaking away from mine, then he moves up my body until he's hovering over me.

Staring up at him, a wild flutter rising under my ribs, I feel my breath hitch, and slowly, Cass lowers his head until his nose grazes mine.

My lips part, and with a low, deep noise, Cassian leans forward and crashes his lips onto mine.

My soft inhale gets caught in my throat, something in my chest rises in a flutter, and with a quiet, needy sound, I stretch to slip my arms around his shoulders, my fingers curling into his hair as I inhale sharply. Then I kiss back feverishly, and Cass groans softly, his lips parting mine greedily,

My body shudders, and I arch closer when Cassian slowly lowers himself until his forearms press into the mattress next to my head. His chest brushes against mine, his warm, smooth skin causing shivers to travel down my body, and I feel myself push closer almost involuntarily until Cass lets himself sink lower, my muscles going lax at the feeling of his warm, massive torso pressing mine heavily down onto the mattress. My thighs slowly fall apart, and Cassian shifts, his chest sliding against mine and causing my nipples to tighten. Then his tip drags through my folds, my heart leaps into my throat, and I gasp against his lips, fingers digging into his shoulders.

Cass groans, low and hoarse. His throat works, jaw muscles flexing, and his heavy lids shudder.

“If you want me to stop, you tell me.” His voice is so raspy, it sends shivers down my spine.

My fingers dig into his back when his cock slides over my pussy again, and I inhale shakingly, nodding as my eyes roll back slightly.

Cassian's nose nudges my cheek, and his low, strained voice vibrates through me. "C'mon, baby, look at me."

Somehow, I manage to force open my heavy lids, and something twisted tight and low in my stomach when my eyes meet Cassian’s, blown like he's drunk on more than alcohol, his jaw muscles flexing like he's trying to reign himself in when he makes a deep noise low in his throat.

“Need you to tell me.”

The bubbling warmth in my chest swells, and I nod again, my voice breathy when I whisper: “I’ll tell you.”

Cassian softly sinks his teeth into my bottom lip, then he shifts his weight, one of his hands sliding over my thigh, his calloused palm leaving shivers in its wake when it closes around my knee and drags it higher up his side until my leg slides over his back. His nose nudges against mine, his blurred, feverish eyes piercing mine. Then he lightly rolls his hips forward, and my lips fall apart when his tip pushes into me and my pussy clenches.

Cassian's body shudders, his eyes flutters, and he drops his head into my neck with a groan.

“Fuck.” His deep voice sounds slurred, his back muscles flexing under my hands. His jaw works as low, broken sounds rise in his throat, and a shaking whimper tears from my lips when my body arches into him.

“I - I don't -“ I squeeze my eyes shut, breathing shakily. “This might take a while.”

Cassian’s lashes flutter against my cheek, and a low groan breaks from his throat when he nuzzles his nose against my jaw, mumbling hoarsely into my skin: “Fuck; yes.”

A soft, startled giggle builds in my throat, and Cass grins against my skin, my insides twisting at the sight of his hooded, hazy eyes and the crooked line of his smirk. Then he dips his head and nips my jaw, softly biting into my neck as he drives his hips forward, and my eyes roll back, my nails digging into his back.

♡

With a soft groan, I bury my nose in my pillow. Then I slowly blink open one eye, feeling my nose crunch when the light hitting my face sends a wave of throbbing pain through my head.

Ouch.

Whining softly and squeezing my eyes shut again, I drop my head and bury my face in my pillow.

Urgh.

For a few seconds, I just lay completely still, feeling a steady pounding set up residence right underneath my skull. Birds are chirping softly outside the window, a car passes on the street outside, and I can hear quiet clatter in another room.

My limbs feel heavy when I slowly raise my head again, making a face at the fuzzy taste on my tongue, the general queasiness and the spike of pain in my head as I squint to take in my surroundings.

I'm in my bedroom, stretched out diagonally across the mattress, clinging to my pillow. The gap in the curtains allows warm rays of sunlight to fall onto the floor, and a cool breeze sways the fabric. There are pieces of clothing scattered over the floor and the furniture, throw pillows dropped onto the carpet around the bed, my blanket is tangled around my bare legs, and I'm wearing nothing but underwear and a too big t-shirt that smells dark and warm and familiar.

Making a low sound in my throat, I consider just burying my head under the pillow and going back to sleep until my head stops pounding and I don’t feel like death anymore – but then the smell of something frying wafts into the room, and my stomach twists and grumbles miserably.

Whining softly, I exhale deeply. Then I slowly dig myself out of my blanket and slide my legs over the edge of the mattress.

For a second, the room seems to tilt a little, and I close my eyes until the sensation subsides. My whole body aches, and wincing at the drumming pain in my head, I push myself to my feet, nearly moaning at the soreness of my muscles. Grimacing and tiredly rubbing my eyes, I sluggishly trudge over the carpet and push open the half closed door.

The smell of bacon rises into my nose, and running a hand over my face, I trudge through the small hall, coming to a halt in the door to the kitchen. Squinting into the sunlight, I blink tiredly, and my heart performs a small, happy hop against my ribs at the sight of the tall guy moving around my small kitchen.

Cassian’s back shifts, muscles flexing under his bare skin as he smoothly flips a pancake, the soft, concentrated crunch of his brows melting away when he places the pan back on the stove. Twirling a spatula between his fingers absentmindedly, he looks around before beginning to stir another pan with what looks like scrambled eggs. The golden sunlight falling through the window makes his eyes look softer and skin glow warmly, his large body dwarfing my kitchen as he moves around like he belongs here, and something squeezes softly in my stomach as my eyes flicker over his bare torso down to the black boxers peeking out over the waistband of his low hanging joggers.

Cass moves and throws a look over his shoulder, and our eyes meet.

His body stills a little, and for a second, his gaze flickers down my body, something shifting in his eyes when they seem to linger on my bare legs. Then Cassian blinks and raises his eyes again, and something pulses warmly against my ribs when one corner of his lips slowly curves upwards.

“Hey.”

His deep voice, warm and raspy, paired with the teasing twinkle spreading through his eyes sends a gentle tingle down my spine, and breathing out, I reach up to rub my eyes, crunching my nose gently as I mumble back hoarsely: “Hey.”

The scratchiness of my tired voice nearly makes me wince, and Cass chuckles softly, dimples forming in his cheeks when he sends me a slow, shit-eating grin.

“You good, baby?”

Something leaps softly against my ribs at the teasing tilt of his voice, and exhaling heavily, I lean my shoulder against the door frame and drop my temple against the cool wood as I stare at him tiredly, feeling my head pound. Then I raise my brows. “I definitely had too much to drink.”

A snort breaks from Cassian’s throat, and the wide grin on his face causes something to topple lightly in my chest.

Breathing out, I blink tiredly. Feeling my brows crunch softly, I stare into space as I try to separate the very blurry strands of memory in my head.

“Did you sleep here?” My hoarse voice sounds as sleepy as I feel.

Cassian raises his head, and his eyes flicker over my face.

I wince softly, squeezing one eye shut as I send him a crooked, sheepish smile. “I’m – sorry; I just remember that we left that – ridiculously full party last night, everything after is – blurry.”

Cassian’s gaze flickers over mine. Then he blinks, his jaw muscles shift, and his throat works gently like he's suppressing the urge to swallow.

Something twinges gently in my chest, and raising my head a little, I feel my brows crunch gently with worry as my eyes move over his face.

“What?”

Cass blinks again. Then he turns his eyes away, one corner of his lips curving gently as he mumbles: “Forgot you’re a fucking lightweight.”

A soft giggle bursts from my throat, and the curve of Cassian’s lips deepens just a little as he lets the pancake slide onto a plate that's already filled with others, turning off the stove.

Staring at him and the shadow of a dimple in his cheek that doesn’t feel fully him, I feel that soft twinge in my chest twist a little.

With a blink, I push off the door frame and trudge towards him, rubbing my eyes, then I slide my arms around his waist and drop my head against his chest with a tired, soft sound.

For nothing but a second, I think I can feel Cassian’s back muscles tense under my touch, his warm body seeming to freeze gently. But just as I'm about to raise my head, a small breath leaves him, and his shoulders sink. His hand slides up my back and his arm wraps over my shoulder, and Cass drops his head to bury his nose in my hair.

There's a small flutter against my ribs, and exhaling slowly, I slide my arms further around him, then I bury my face in his chest, his bare skin warm against my cheek. My eyes drop close on their own accord, and just for a few seconds, the pounding in my head fades a little as I soak in the solid feeling of Cassian’s body towering over mine and the warmth and scent of his skin.

Finally, I raise my head reluctantly and with a soft sigh, tiredly staring down at the pans for a second before I tip my head back to blink up at Cass, feeling my lips curve just a bit as I squint.

“That for me?”

Cassian’s eyes flicker over my face, and slowly, the smallest trace of a crease appears in his cheek. Then he crunches his brows, narrowing his eyes a little even as his gaze starts twinkling the tiniest bit. “You even hungry?”

My stomach tightens and rumbles, and a slow grin spreads over Cassian’s face, causing his eyes to crinkle a little and small dimples to form in his cheeks and warmth to rise in my chest.

Chuckling softly, he slides his arm from my shoulder. “Sit down.”

Squeezing his sides with a tired, happy sound, I breathe out sleepily, dropping my arms from his waist and stepping back to move past him. My heart does a gentle little wiggle when I see the small table at the window, glasses with orange juice standing next to cups and a steaming pot of coffee, another glass with water and painkillers sitting in front of the seat on the small sofa.

Something warm starts bubbling in my chest, and feeling a soft smile spread over my face, I crunch my nose to barely suppress a yawn and wriggle past the table, climbing onto the couch.

Pulling the soft blanket over my bare legs and cuddling up in my seat, wrapping my arms around my knees, I tiredly blink at the set table for a second, feeling the warm bubbling sensation under my ribs swell a little. Then I slowly pull the glass with water towards me, ripping open one of the packages and dumping the contents into the glass. It starts fizzling, turning bubbly and pale, and picking it up and making a face, I quickly chug down its contents.

The bitter taste makes me shudder and smack my lips with a grimace, and quickly, I refill the glass to rinse the taste out of my mouth and quench the sudden wave of thirst.

Emptying the second glass of water in one go, I barely suppress a soft burp, and there's a quiet chuckle. Then a plate stacked with pancakes, eggs and bacon is placed in front of me, and when I raise my head, Cassian takes the seat on the other side of the table, a soft dimple digging into his cheek.

The greasy smell of bacon rises into my throat, and groaning softly, I close my eyes and breathe in deeply.

“Thank you.” My voice is still raspy and tired, but the smell of food makes some of the queasiness melt away, my mouth watering as I pick up my cutlery.

Warm silence settles over the kitchen as I start eating, feeling too sleepy and hungover for conversation. The sun tickles my nose and makes Cassian’s eyes look like light hazel with flecks of green as he slowly sips his coffee, brows crunched a bit against the light. He doesn’t seem in the mood for conversation either and just protests with a soft, dramatic sound whenever I sneak bacon off his plate, the corners of his lips curving just a little as he plays with his fork, hazel eyes watching me.

Polishing off the last bit off pancake and egg, I breathe out happily, most of the queasy feeling gone as I put my cutlery down and blink tiredly. Now, my stomach full and warm, the ache in my head dulling down to a painful thrum, I only feel like curling up on the spot and napping for the next 24 hours.

Though –

Crunching my brows softly, I drop my head, carefully sticking my nose into the collar of my shirt and sniffling.

Wincing lightly at the stale smell of alcohol, I slowly raise my head again and blink tiredly.

“I think I’m gonna take a shower.” Resting my elbow on the table and leaning my cheek against my hand, I sleepily stare at Cassian. Then I mumble softly: “You okay?”

Cass blinks. His gaze slowly moves over my face, and his throat works slightly. Then he drops his head, the shadow of a crease forming in his cheeks when he nods.

“Yeah.” His quiet, raspy voice sends a warm tingle down my spine as he looks up again, watching me, and I stare back at him, my lids fighting to stay open, the sun warming my skin.

“You sure?” My words are soft, quiet.

One corner of Cassian’s lips curves, and he leans forward until he can rest his chin on his arms, staring up at me. “You know, showering sounds like a good idea. You’re kinda stinky.”

Warmth swelled in my chest, and without changing my position, I pick up a piece of packaging and toss it across the table. A soft giggle burst from my throat when it hits Cassian’s forehead, and Cass crunches his brows and whines softly, dimples digging into his cheeks and eyes twinkling softly in the light.

Feeling happiness bubble gently against my ribs, I stare at him with a tired, crooked smile. Then I get up slowly with a sigh, grumbling dramatically under my breath as I climb off the couch.

Cass straightens, throwing the piece of paper onto his plate, and sluggishly squeezing past the table, I lean down and wrap my arms around his neck from the side in a tight hug, leaning my chin against his head and closing my eyes tiredly.

Cassian’s hand slowly rises to wrap around my forearm, his thumb gently brushing over my skin, and feeling warmth rise in my chest, I drop my nose to bury it in his hair. Then I press a long, dramatic kiss onto his temple and slowly straighten up again, squeezing his shoulder. Cass looks back at me, his palm wrapping over my hand for a moment, and sending him a soft, crooked grin, I gently flick his forehead. Then I turn around, sighing tiredly and rubbing my eyes.

I take a detour to the bedroom to get fresh clothes before I trudge into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. The warmth of the sun and my full belly make me feel even more tired than before, and I barely manage to keep my eyes open as I strip out of my clothes, dropping them carelessly to the floor before stepping into the shower and turning on the water.

My lids slide shut, and I allow them to as I slowly scrub myself clean, letting hot water run over my face and down my back. The steady sound nearly makes me doze off on my feet, and somehow pulling myself together, I turn off the water and step out onto the small matt, reaching for my towel.

Wrapping myself up, I stay motionless in the same spot for a second with half closed eyes, dripping quietly, listening to the sound of a bee buzzing against the window.

A light knock against the door startles me gently, and Cassian’s low, deep voice travels through the door.

“Hey, you still awake?”

I blink slowly. Then I mumble, softly and hoarsely: “Fuck off.”

There's a muffled chuckle that sends a warm tingle down my spine, and I can almost see the way Cassian leans his shoulder against the door frame in my mind, dipping his head towards the door with a light grin.

“I used up the rest of your groceries, your fridge’s a fucking wasteland now; I’ll go down to the store and get you some shit for the weekend.” His deep voice vibrates over my skin even muffled by the door. “You want anything special or just the usual?”

Breathing out, I lean my hip against the sink and blink tiredly, my voice still rasping a little when I mumble: “You staying?”

Cass is quiet for nothing but a second. Then his warm, raspy voice echoes softly through the door.

“Yeah.” The hum of his low, deep voice sends warm shivers over my skin when he adds: “If you want me to.”

“Duh”, I mutter tiredly, my voice sounding a little less scratchy when I crunch my brows. “You always do. It’s tradition now.”

Cass huffs a deep laugh, and I feel my lips curve as I blink slowly, my eyelids drooping. “Just get the usual. If I don’t feel like death tonight, I’ll make pasta, so – you just pick whatever you want for a sauce, and – get snacks. Lots of ‘em.”

Cassian chuckles softly, and warmth bubbles gently against my ribs.

“Got it.” He lightly raps his knuckles against the door. “Don’t fall asleep until I’m back, 'kay?”

I feel a slow, wide smile spread over my face.

“No promises,”, I mumble with half-closed eyes, and Cass breathes another quiet laugh, then he pushes off the door frame, the floor creaking. Warmth gently flutters against my ribs, and breathing out, I slowly push myself off the counter as the front door falls shut.

Somehow, I manage to dry off and get myself into my underwear and a soft bra, even after giving up the fight against my heavy eyelids. Then I blindly grab my body lotion from the shelf and force my eyes to open dramatically as I turn around.

Just this and brushing my teeth and maybe sorting my hair, then I can go back to be-

My gaze finds the mirror over the sink, and my breath catches in my throat as my heart stops.

The bottle of body lotion slips from my fingers and hits the tiled floor, and my lips part as I stare at the mirror and the dark bruises littering my chest, ribs and the side of my neck.

My heart thrums once against my ribs. Then memories crash over me like a tidal wave.

Of heated, messy kisses and large hands wrapping around my limbs, turning and sliding my body into positions that made my back arch, of lips dragging over my skin and teeth softly sinking into my ribs, of sweaty skin sliding together, my eyes rolling back into my head and a warm, massive body hovering over mine, husky curses rasped into my skin and fingers tangling with mine in the sheets.

Shit.

I stare into the mirror as my cheeks pale and my chest squeezes harshly, my breath shaking more with every second.

Shit, shit, shit.

@azrielshadows1nger @waytoomanyteenagefeels @secretlyhers @icey--stars @ailyr92

[drop-dead-dropout]

posting a kimharry oneshot here bc i'm too lazy to format it on ao3 rn but I'll reblog with the ao3 link later if I get around to it

so basically I was thinking about how kim is very my partner coded and I had this galaxy brain idea to write a fic where kim is asexual or uhhh. would grayace be the term? sorry idk but it's based on my partner I love him <3. also blink and you'll miss it trans harry but it's important to me that you know they're t4t in this lol. cw for suggestive (non-graphic discussions of sexuality and also it takes place Directly after them fucking), 1.3k words. (please be nice to me I've never posted fic on tumblr lol)

YOU — The air in your apartment is musty with the smell of sweat and sex. Your chest heaves with slightly strangled breaths, face burning with humiliation. You've always been a little (a lot) loose-lipped during orgasm—

ELECTROCHEMISTRY — Especially an orgasm like that, holy shit, Kim—

YOU — But you've never, in living memory, said anything quite as ridiculously and unashamedly needy as the complete word-vomit that just exited your mouth a few seconds ago.

REACTION SPEED [Easy: Failure] — Honestly, you were a little out of it and the exact phrasing is already slipping your mind, but it was something along the lines of... What was it again?

ENCYCLOPEDIA [Medium: Success] — Oh my fucking Dei don't stop, Kim please I need you so bad, god I'm so desperate, shit, you drive me fucking crazy, pleasepleaseplease—

SAVOIR FAIRE — Yeah, no, I'm cutting you off right there. He's already about to spontaneously combust, you don't need to embarrass him even more.

ENCYCLOPEDIA — He asked. Besides, I'm not the one who dropped the ball there.

COMPOSURE — Sorry for that, Harry.

KIM KITSURAGI — Kim's hands rest on your chest, tracing circles just below your twin scars with his nimble fingers. "Is that... Really how it feels, to you?"

EMPATHY — It's a genuine question, and he's smiling with an infectious fondness. He's not upset, just curious. Your eagerness is fascinating to him. And cute.

HALF-LIGHT — What does he mean by that, though? Are we too needy? Is it not good for him? Does he hate us and want us to die forever—

VOLITION — No. Shut up. We already agreed you're not allowed to talk when Harry's alone with Kim, don't you remember?

HALF-LIGHT — But! Danger!

ESPRIT DE CORPS [Trivial: Success] — It's Kim. There is no danger here.

YOU — At a loss for anything else to say, you just nod, a bit dumbly. "I mean... Yeah. Is it, uh, not like that for you?"

COMPOSURE [Formidable: Failure] — You try to play the question off as a nonchalant, but you're not even close to being a good enough liar to hide the mild undercurrent of fear in your voice. Especially not from him. (Khm. Sorry again.)

KIM KITSURAGI — "No, not really. It's not you," he quickly adds, seeing the obvious and barely-held back self-loathing in your expression. "It's just the way I am, I suppose. I'm too old to question it now."

DRAMA [Heroic: Success] — He's not lying to spare your feelings, sire. This is truly just a facet of himself that's always been there.

RHETORIC [Challenging: Failure] — By the way, you distinctly recall hearing him talk about having had sex before. Quite a bit, in fact.

YOU — "But wait, I thought—"

KIM KITSURAGI — Already having anticipated this line of questioning, Kim laughs a bit under his breath. "It wasn't a lie; I never said I don't. Actually, sometimes that made it better— without all the messy urgency, I guess I seemed 'cool', to borrow your phrasing. And it's not like I didn't enjoy it, either." He shrugs. "It was just... Something to do. I never really understood the intensity."

SHIVERS [Legendary: Success] — A dozen miles and many years ago, two young men make out in a musty old apartment. "How are you always so— so unaffected," one says to the other with a breathy laugh. In a few months he will repeat these words with a much uglier tone, and they will be the last ones Kim ever hears from him.

EMPATHY [Heroic: Success] — For the record, he was not, in fact, "unaffected" by that particular heartbreak. Don't ever hurt him like that.

YOU — Before you can think better of it, you find yourself saying, "Is that bad?"

KIM KITSURAGI — A twitch in the corner of his mouth interrupts his relaxed grin for a moment. You almost want to mourn the loss. "I don't know, Harry, is it? Why do you think it would be?"

PAIN THRESHOLD — You've hurt him, idiot. We just told you not to do that.

YOU — "I-I mean— it's just—" Your teeth click audibly with how quickly you shut your own mouth. You really, really don't want to fuck this up.

HALF-LIGHT — Too late.

VOLITION [Challenging: Success] — HEY. Back in the corner, you.

YOU — Guys, please help me. I don't know anything about… Well, anything, really, but especially not this. How do I fix it? What do I say to make him feel better?

INLAND EMPIRE — You could start by actually answering his question, instead of rushing to apologize. Why do you think it would be bad? What about the concept is uncomfortable to you?

SUGGESTION [Medium: Success] — Kim feels safe with you, in the same way that you do with him. Be honest. He knows you didn't mean anything by it— the only way you could fuck this up is by not talking to him.

YOU — After a moment of pondering, you find the right words. Or maybe not the right words, but the ones that feel the most true: "I don't know. But I know I would be unhappy, if I was... Different to how I am now."

EMPATHY — Kim's eyes flash with a bit of surprise. But good surprise, like an old friend dropping by unexpectedly. The smile returns (yay!)— smaller, but softer, and almost giddy. It's not one you see on him often, a bit too unguarded and juvenile for his tastes. It's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen.

KIM KITSURAGI — "So would I," he says simply.

DRAMA [Challenging: Success] — He means it.

YOU — "Oh." You blink two or three times. "Oh. Well that's good, then, right? That you're happy?"

PERCEPTION (HEARING) — Something about the almost childish sincerity in your voice must be funny to him, because he keeps doing that thing where he chuckles under his breath, and coughs to try to cover it.

PAIN THRESHOLD [Formidable: Failure] — He's laughing at you.

AUTHORITY [Trivial: Failure] — Exactly. He's mocking you, Harry, he thinks you're an idiot. Make him respect you—

EMPATHY [Easy: Success] — He's in love, you moron.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY — As if on cue (or maybe your internal dialogue is just more easily observable from the outside than you thought), Kim leans forward and kisses you. For the first time, you notice how effective he is at responding to your reactions, like he's trying to find and wring out every last happy sigh and spark of oxytocin he could possibly give you.

INTERFACING [Medium: Success] — Because he likes this. He likes pressing all your buttons and seeing what they do, which ones work the best. (Almost all of them work, when it's him. Maybe a little too well.)

ENDURANCE — Hey, don't look at me like that! It's not my fault he doesn't play fair.

SAVOIR FAIRE — Exactly. How are we supposed to be cool in front of Kim? He's like, the coolest.

KIM KITSURAGI — "I love you," Kim whispers, his lips tickling against your collarbone.

SAVOIR FAIRE — See?! He even makes THAT sound cool, a thousand times cooler than when we say it, which is, like, every five seconds!!

EMPATHY — It's true that you're usually the one to say it first. For a time, he hardly said it at all— you learned not to take it personally. You certainly have your own baggage. But lately, it's been nice to watch as he gets a bit more comfortable.

EMPATHY [Formidable: Success] — The cuddling usually seems to help, in moments like this.

CONCEPTUALIZATION [Godly: Success] — After all, what is a hug but a way to hide your face?

YOU — You wind your arms tighter around him. "I love you, too, Kim." And you swear he must be able to feel the way your lungs glow.

EMPATHY — He does. Of course he does.

INLAND EMPIRE — For a moment, you think you can feel his, too.

SHIVERS [Legendary: Success] — SLEEP WELL, MY DARLINGS.

[obsolete-stars-if]

Shhh forget about the port,,, I have art

I've been having a lot of stress and subsequently migraines recently. Everyone say thanks to job hunting for my head angry.

(I am still learning to draw chubby ppl so please add some weight to TK in ur minds BCS my hands refused to draw them how I want to)

You can't see it but Gigi and Kate have stretch marks BCS they deserve to be hot and actually realistic. I have so many things to say about their looks and stuff lemme just break the post so it's not a wall of text.

SO in OS magic can influence how you look, things you like or want on your body can be added/changed over time. The best example is Mikhail, since we know they do not look like the rest of their family, but instead look like the General. The person who actually took care of Mikhail and he sees as his family.

Now, magic changes in appearance aren't limited to such cases like Mikhail. But rather basically anyone. It's not an instant overnight change, BCS u know. Your body has to physically change and adjust. And for those without magic, potions can be made, and smaller changes can be set into ur body with one two sessions. That would include hair color for example. Ofc it takes time BCS your hair has to grow out in the new color, but it's basically set rather quickly.

Now my fav part about this entire thing: it means that in OS there are no beauty standards. They cannot be established BCS nothing can be cherry picked and then gatekept. That also means that most of the cast (excluding Sammy and TK BCS they don't have magic nor were interested in it yet) look how they want to.

So things that are seen traditionally as flaws, stretch marks, lines from age, chubbiness, scars, etc. Are primarily on someone's body BCS they believe it to be beautiful on them.

Kate and Gigi love being chubby, like the stretch marks. Mikhail still adores all of his scars. Alia enjoys being small and aerodynamic. Sascha obv loves everything about his body. And while TK has their insecurities about their scars, they overwise like their body. And Sammy has never thought about not liking their body [outside of gender dysphoria, including TK].

And I care so much about that. If u ever feel like u hate ur body, and if it helps just a tiny bit. All of the RO think you're beautiful, regardless of what you dislike about your looks. They'd never reject nor think badly about your body, BCS even flaws are beautiful.

And you are beautiful, your smile and laugh lights the room, even if u have bad or crooked teeth. The hair on your body is beautiful, acne, moles and freckles are like small kisses on your skin. (my mother used to tell me that each freckle and mole is where an angel kissed me before sending me to earth.) Your eyes are beautiful, with or without glasses, even if you struggle with lazy eyes, or you don't like the color. Any scar on your body, self inflicted or not, is a sign of your survival, from a deep depressive state to tripping one day as a kid. The lines on your face are a reflection of your wisdom, of your emotions, the experiences you've had already. They show how much you've cried, laughed, loved, screamed.

If you struggle with body insecurities, know that all the RO know you're beautiful, and if fictional characters aren't enough, hell, I think you're beautiful.

[mikuustuff]

☆°.DABI HEADCANONS.°☆

[Song 4 the mood] --- some silly hcs of my bbg to start off my blog<33

_They get more intresting as you continue to read lmao

_Warnings- swearing, blood tears

☆Doesn't like spicy food, burns his throat and sour stuff is 10x more horrible, he has a raging sweet tooth tho!

☆LOVES peppermint (+flavoured stuff) it soothes his throats internal burns

☆Likes to sleep butt naked, absolutely no tops and his trousers are like a trap for his legs, he's laying in bed with shorts/boxers only

☆VERY picky eater (doesn't eat fruit hates citrus stuff but likes vegetables, Enji prolly ate them alot to keep fit which influenced Touya to follow thru)

☆Doesn't laugh at other ppls jokes, maybe a snort or gruff with a smirk

-defo snickers a lot tho when it comes to insults from him or hearing ppl give someone else a good insult

-BUT especially after his reveal and feeling less constipated of his personal life and identity he HOLLERS

-he's finally being loud and clear and WANTS to be heard

-If he hears smth funny he will bellow a loud ass laugh especially if he's the one making a joke, he's rolling all over the ground giggling and will give ppl dirty looks for not laughing along with him

-Girliest giggles while scrolling thru Enji hate twitter meme posts at like 4am

☆horrible sleep schedule, NEVER knows what time it is

☆Really doesn't give a shit abt anyth (thats not apart of his 'scheme' anyway)

-but sometimes if he's interested enuff he'll become all competitive and try to open up on you getting all cocky

-SUPER salty when he loses he's a silent sulker and will most likely berate u for it (sore ahh loser)

-SOOO SMUG IF HE WINS THO will all of a sudden mention a bet u two never made so now ur in debt to him for smth, its usually rly tame tho like if he's too lazy to get himself a drink he's been craving so now ur his little errand runner

☆100% watched those "real or fake?!" Cake videos with his siblings when they were younger

-Would throw massive hissy fits if shoto gets one right and he doesn't

-shoto is like a baby so bro is probably drooling and pointing at the screen cooing happily that he's copying his big bro touya while his role model is actually fucking seething

☆Because of this shoto prolly tried to copy touya a lot as a baby, saw big bro as a role model and made all the same decisions as him especially since touya is the only other kid with a fire quirk

☆BIG CRYBABY (after revealed identity) he's finally free he's no longer emotionally constipated, happy sad angry doesn't matter there is blood spilling from his scars but its always with a smile cause that's how he always was as a kid too, he doesn't know why he does that himself but it's actually because he can't cry, his body doesn't allow him to express his emotions properly however he can still smile

☆doesn't feel pain anywhere, uses that to his advantage a lot...

☆However he's still a whiny baby, gets stomach aches a lot prolly, his burns always itch and always has a migraine, will let EVERYONE know as an excuse for them to stfu or do shit for him, however if he's feeling especially vulnerable when feeling rly sick he's quiet and fidgety cause as a kid it was probably seen as a weakness that he would want to hide from Enji so he could train

☆Has travel/motion sickness (js like me fr), will vomit after watching a 3D Movie he's that pathetic, roller coasters r a big nono makes him dizzy js looking at them

☆ALWAYS stays up thru every movie, never once falls asleep on the couch even as a kid he gets stupid fomo over anyth (prolly bcs of Enji and shoto training)

☆He stims a lot when he gets excited/overstimulated/annoyed (kinda canon?)  Mostly his feet

☆HE DID NOT PLAN HIS DANCE, he was so into the moment and was so excited and full of emotion he just busted out moves and started dancing from sheer joy to finally be recognised once again (he stimmed lmao)

☆Bcs of his feet stims he defo was a random tiptoe walker as a kid and sometimes randomly does it as an adult

☆HUGE SENSORY ISSUE WITH SOCKS I've never seen bro wear any anyways?? Everyone in the LoV saw his feet when he wore his church shoes in s2 so wearing his big fancy boots is a great way to hide his free grippers

☆Bac to food he prolly rly likes plain food, pass him mac n cheese or any plain/tomato sauce pasta and he's happily chomping away with that big ass mouth, loves potatoes dishes he likes the mushy stuff, because of his big jaw eventho he hates fish he LOVES his chicken and beef and bites at the bone, turns into a rabbid animal sometimes

☆SO shit at shooter games, can't aim and just doesn't have the energy to get competitive over it, low key stresses him out

-however he LOVES anything that was on the Wii that he played as a kid cause he knows what he's doing, him fuyumi and natsuo all have a 3DS and got the same games to play with each other

-few years later he's now an adult with a distaste for ps5 and pcs but tenko gives him a random hacked 3DS extra he had cause dabi was complaining abt being bored when they had to lay low after some risky missions

-and he. went. feral.

-A shooter game on the 3DS? He knows what he's doing

-Defo showed off the cool trick to play as luigi in Mario bros but liked mario more cause ONCE enji said mario was 'cool'

-Always mained bowser (cause...yk Enji parallels) in Mario kart from childhood tho as an adult hes a dry bones guy, he's a nintendo>Sega baby does not know sonic nor gives a fuck

-knows quite a bit abt pokemon because fuyu had a hyperfixation on it and relaxes in animal crossing new leaf since that was natsus fav game cause he was the youngest and sucked at the harder ones, touya played a lot with them both

-but his favourite..is cooking mama 1-3 HES SO GOOD AT IT?? Just enuff chill and competitiveness, however gets weird ass whiplashes if he misses up (rarley) when mama has those fire eyes when shes angry...sounds familiar to a certain someone...

-also has a special memory of Rei trying the game and touya makes fun of his mama cause she sucked and ends up teaching her how to play and she actually gets rly good..as a kid it made him happy and proud...

-absolutely destroyed his dad in any wii sports games tho, 4 sure bowling/that samurai sword thingy is his goat (ifykyk)

-Sure he hates all the other consoles but he thinks the switch is alright, defo thought of natsu when acnh came out and the other pokemon games for fuyu

-SUPER salty no cooking mama games were made tho

☆whole heartedly believe he'd be a mamas boy if they found touya at 16 or if the incident at 13 didn't happen, would have time to mature (and yk don't miss like 3 super important years of actual development then living alone after said missed development) he would learn to see that appeasing enji was something he'd learn to resent and hate

☆Likes spiders, let's them crawl om him before flicking them off with a bored expression but if he finds out someone's scared of them he will start spooking them with the spider or ridicule them abt thier irrational fear to smth so small and inferior

-He was scared of them as a kid but during his ig...runaway Arc? (That we have no canon actual mentions of? Ig apart from the anime laptop scenes?) He found them around the places he'd sleep in for shelter so he kinda grew accustomed to them, so now knowing he overcame a fear so small he kinda likes to flaunt around his conquered fear and make fun of those still scared of them cause he's childish and thinks he's sooo great for getting over smth childish

☆surprisingly cares abt his nails? Doesn't like getting grime in them and screams internally when he sees toga a chronic nail biter chomp away at her nails mindlessly, he hates it it just irks him

☆Ik I said he'd be a picky eater, but I think in his runaway arc and first joining the LoV he became used to eating ANYTHING, raw, burnt, out of date he didn't care anymore food is food, give dude a freshly pink torn chicken wing and he'd silently eat it while watching some endeavour clip

-His obsession was so bad sometimes when he was this age that he'd forget to eat or sleep some days, hence getting him into his habit of eating anything and forcing himself out of his picky eater era

-Fortunately after joining the LoV and the whole liberation fight he went back to being his picky eater princess brat appetite back

☆Reported any endeavour praised videos, would try to dox endeavour fans and harass them, would block anyone that would disagree with him, had MULTIPLE accs cause he's js that extra, 100% used like 1 or 2 acts to back up another acc that got into a fight to look like ppl were on his side cause he's js that much of a petty baby, would be mean to literally any media (cause like let's be fr he watched other shit on that YouTube laptop) and would silently have a guilty pleasure watching creepypasta vids and speedpaints, knows all thier lore and was a victim to the slenderman family trope thing, prolly idolised the edgy teens that turn into psychomurderers ig as he starts to peice his new identity and yk...actually murdering ppl...but who cares??? mention eyeless Jack and his eyes will secretly sparkle in 90s anime style fashion, let bro rant abt it...

☆Speaking of which, if he were to ever doodle he'd so have some sort of low effort chibi 90s anime/scene emo kid art style, dude defo has an emo D carved/flamed on random abandoned buildings, was also a kid obsessed with that one S doodle

☆He's a pretty light sleeper, he never got much sleep as a kid and would prolly try to imitate enjis rly bad hero sleep schedule, after the hospital arc he defo is a sleepy guy but again can't sleep since he's on the streets, however after joining LoV he gets a little better at sleeping, before he was a silent guy but now he's js like his 13 Yr old self snoring LOUDLY but will 100% deny it, still a light sleeper but a little less worse than what it was

MY HC W ME/READER IG HEH😈(self indulgent cause I can)

☆He doesn't care much for music, will remember those old nightcore songs and doesn't mind heavy metal and rock but it kinda gives him a headache so he doesn't rly go out of his way to listen to anyth, u will NOT catch bro jamming to some random pop song, maybe after his reveal ull get a sentence or two from a popular old song from like avril lavene and a foot step to a rhythm but again not much care, however dude wouldn't mind listening to my background animal crossing playlist, he'd defo love the rain sf versions and would prolly help him sleep, the rain is a super big comfort to him it's like his white noise, his favourite is 1AM in acnl cause...idk it js is dont fight me on it

☆WORSE night terrors, is a victim of sleep paralysis, sleeping on the streets defo did a huge number on this dude, if we're talking abt being a potential partner he'd calm down and gently pull u towards him to hold it'll help him feel grounded, makes him feel safe knowing someone is sleeping next to him in general like he slept next to natsuo, when he was a kid natsuo would be too tired and a heavy sleeper to rly know abt touya waking up in sweats which didn't help when he was younger(natsuo is not like his big bro he is a DEEP sleeper) so if ur there with him hugging him whispering a word or two of reassurance(don't start blabbering he'll get annoyed he's prone to headaches especially when ur trying to be some saint) so he'll find comfort in u, best believe he's getting a good rest

Hope u enjoyed!!<33 I love yapping --- DO NOT STEAL/REPOST

[Wait the self-indulgent hcs were low key fun might make more lol]

•Don't copy/steal/repost•

[fizzyrodeo]

miscellaneous helluva boss redesign headcanons i'm not gonna use because i'm too lazy to do a full rewrite;

robofizz IS fizzarolli. instead of the robofizzes being robotic replicas, fizzarolli was so damaged by the fire that he is now 90% cyborgs. as his arms and legs are interchangeable, he has a series of work-related sets (the typical black flexi-metal) but also a series of casual sets that he reserves for asmodeus' company (the same metal but engraved with hearts or cute phrases).

blitzø has wings (half succubus, hell yeah) but can't fly because he was never taught and maybe because of his trauma he's incapable of learning. barbie wire also has wings and can fly, having been taught by verosika in rehab. both barbie and blitzø prefer to use their succubus charms over their wings, but again barbie is better at it than blitzø because she had a guide.

millie is the second tallest member of i.m.p (loona's tallest), equalling sallie may's height. she's also significantly buffer than the others because she actually works out and proteinmaxxes or whatever the hell people do to get buff. i don't work out but i do know millie is buff as hell.

moxxie looks a little more like his mother because why the hell not.

loona has some kind of visible injury that was gained during a fostering prior to blitzø's. i feel like the show leads us to believe loona had never been adopted prior to blitzø, but to me it makes more sense that she was and it didn't turn out so well... because otherwise she really has no conceivable reason to be treating blitzø the way she did for majority of the series. anyway, loona has long hair, so i think she'd have some kind of ugly eye scar that she covers with it. maybe multiple scars?

i also imagine loona as chubby with her weight going to her hips/thighs (me projecting hehe) due to blitzø absolutely spoiling her with fattening treats for like the first year of adopting her (until he learned how unhealthy they were) PLUS the fact that loona does seem to lean into gluttony quite often.

chaz is also buffer because i feel like it's easier to trick people into thinking you have something to offer if you don't look like a scrawny mf. he also has an eyepatch that used to be for show but eventually becomes necessary after he betrays the wrong mobster...

STRIKER!!!! striker should have more snake features rather than the invisible rattle. if he has to keep the imp tail just so he's recognizable as a hybrid, at least give him a rounder face and fangs. maybe some kind of ugly tinted scales under his receding hairline <3

similar to beelzebub, stolas has some king of glowy cosmic effect incorporated into his design. maybe his eyes? or it's emanating from his head, like a ponytail. i think giving stolas long hair would make his design so much better.

since octavia seems somewhat studious and is also incredibly introverted, i imagine her really leaning into the "moody astrologist teen" aesthetic rather than the "moody headphone teen" aesthetic. in my revision i imagine to distract herself from her family issues she throws herself into her studies of space and magic (struggling with practical performances due to her stress) which in turn leads her to adopt a not-so-stylish fashion... stained cloak, messy hair, you know?

stella gains some "negative" effects from her pregnancy with octavia. things that would make her hate herself, like additional weight (not even anything significant, just some pesky stomach chub she can't get rid of bc you know she'd throw a fit about it) or... idk, insert something else. i don't know anything about pregnancy 😭 i also headcanon her to look more swan-like, or at least with a pointier head so that she doesn't look like stolas' cousin.

[ashthesalamipiece]

//A new way to cope\\ Bakugo katsuki x fem reader

(Not my GIF!)

Warnings// Self harm, (kind of detailed) not good English, mentions of throwing up and ED, anxiety user and maybe some harsh words, reader talking bad about themselves and maybe some angst if the actions in this isn't.

Sorry if this was written dryly, XD but I'm not so good at writing stories, i just have the storyline in my head, and I know what I should write and what it's abt, but then my head completly shuts down and i forget how to write XD

Might write a part two

SORRY FOR TAKING SO MUCH TIME TO MAKE THIS

This story is probably short bc it' my first time writing on here, but I will make my other fucs longer

I think that's all, but please comment if I missed something and I'll put it in the warnings:) English is not my first language so be aware for some typos. This will probably be verg detailed and i might use a few words many times after each other but, without further ado let's get into it

Also, to those who are suffering from any of these I want you to know that i support you, ive also had a past with self harm and you're strong and my messages will always be open if you would like to chat, I don't judge and I will comfort you in the best way possible 💗

(This was a request from my sister)

◇

◇

◇

You grunted as the hard and big sharp blade pierced and dragged down your arm multiple time's, blood trickling down all the way to the bottom as you heard the drops of blood hit the ground. Your breath was uneven and your hands and whole body shok, probably because of the sharp object injected into your skin. You didn't know why you did it, but it just felt right.

A few moments passed before you walked towards the bathroom to wash of the remains of the blood on the blade, the bathroom door creaked as you pushed it aside.

You took a cloth that hung on the small metall bar beside the shower and carefully wiped the blade, being carefull to clean everything off and not to cut your finger.

You laid back the cloth and walked back towards a drawer next to your bed, you gently and carefully placed the blade into one of the shovels.

You sighted as you looked at your arms, blood dripping out of the hem of it, you'd probably have to bandage it because of the cuts, but then you'd have to go downstairs to get some from thr medkit in the small box that was hung on a wall inside the kitchen and then everybody would suspect something going on.

You didn't want to start commotion, that was the least you needed right now. You had a few cotton pads in a tall glass next to your makeup shellf and you also had a box of wipes under your desk so you didn't have to worry about those things.

"Hmm... maybe i should just ask katsuki he usually doesn't question things unless he gets suspicious, and most of the times he had to bring something to you he never asked why you needed it"

You told to yourself.

And if he got suspicious, you could just say something happened at training, right?

You walked to the bed and sat on it, quickly grasping your phone and pressing on Bakugo's contact.

"Can you bring me some bandages plsss"

You typed and laid down the phone, waiting for a response. "Bling" was suddenly heard and you picked up the phone.

"Tch, are you too lazy to to downstairs or somethin"

"Just get it for me asshole"

"K, fine."

A few moments later bakugo knocked on ythe door and you sprinted quietly towards it, you opened the door halways so he wouldn't see your bloodied arms.

"Here ya go, take the the bandages, but why do ya even need it in the first place"

"Oh uhm, something happened at training today, it's nothing serious but my "wound" opened up again, but anyways thanks for the bandages!"

He frowned and made a "tch" sound before he turned on his heels and walked away. You rolled your eyes before closing the door. You gathered all the things you needed to clean and bandage the scars.

First you put some water on a few cotton pads and softly wiped the bleeding cuts with it, then you grabbed a pair of wipes and carefully wiped of the water. Finally you picked up the bandage roll and cut off a small piece, you carefully wrapped it around your arms.

After everything was done you cleaned up everything around you, washing away the drops of blood on the floor and changing into your night clothes.

You checked your phone before placing it on your night table and pulling the blanket over your body.

Hours passed and soon sunlight beams became vissible shining strongly throught the curtains. You woke up and groaned as you sat up and rubbed your eyes, your memory refreshing as you thought about how much damage you did yesterday.

You raised your arm as a sudden pain stung you, you whinced and groaned as you shut your eyes closed. A sight left your mouth as you stood up and walked towards your closet, you grabbed your uniform and walked towards the bathroom to change.

When you were done you did light makeup look with mascara, lipgloss and a tiny bit of blush. You smiled at your outfilt, you put your books in your bag and made sure you looked fine before heading downstairs to eat breakfast.

When you arrived downstairs you saw some of your classmates already sitting around a table, they shoot you a glance and waved at you to come closer. You took quicks steps towards them and sat down next to mina.

"Hey girl! What took ya so looooong, it was getting boring without you"

She said as she took a bite out of her cereal earning a chuckle from you.

"Sorry sorry! I guess I lost track of time, I promise!"

"Hmmm, are ya sure you weren't making out with bakugo or something like that"

She smirked as the people around you quickly widened their eyes and shoot bakugo and you a glance. Your mouth widened and your eyes raised, bakugo quickly looked at mina and shot her a big frown, IIda's eyes looked like they were gonna pop out if his scull, momo put a hand on her mouth and sero smiled playfully.

"WHAT THE HELL RACOON EYES"

"H-HUH"

"Oh god"

"THAT IS HIGHLY INAPPROPIATE"

Your cheeks flushes with a red tint and you quickly tried to change the topic of the talk.

"That didn't happen, I promise!"

"Hmmm, fine fine I belive you but next time I'll catch you"

"You sure will"

You said while chuckling.

A few minutes later you checked the watch on your wrist, a few minutes left before class was starting. You put your breakfast in your backpack before rising up from your seat.

As you took some steps you heard mina say your name

"Y/n? Why didn't you eat your lunch, you didn't even take one bite"

She asked with a confusing look on her face.

"Oh uhm, im not really hungry right now, feeling a little nauseous so just might wait til dinner"

Katsuki took a notice in this but didn't say anything as he watched and listened to your conversation with the pink haired girl.

"Oh okay, hope you get better, we better get going to class too, mind if we walk with you to class?

"I don't"

You smiled as you watched her and the others stand up, throwing away the remains of the breakfast in the trash before following you to class.

Some hours later you're in your fourth period, your scars itched and were begging to get itched. Your brows furrowed in irritation, your homeroom teacher, shota aizawa took a notice in how your brows had furrowed in almost each period.

He walked to your desk and bent down with his hands on each side of the table.

"L/n what's wrong, and don't you dare say nothings wrong because I've noticed your face rhythms so tell me"

You looked up at his sharp face studying your every move.

"Uhm, nothings wrong what do you mean"

"L/n."

He stated strongly, "don't you lie to me"

"I'm fine, don't you worry"

He grabbed your arm before watching you whince and groan as you pulled your arm back in a fast motion holding it with your other arm.

He slowly pulled his arm back and looked at it.

"Why did you-" He stopped talking when he noticed something red spilled under your left arms hem.

You widened your eyes and swallowed your saliva, watching his eyes following your gaze. You hid your arm under the desk as you waited for a reaction.

"L/n, let me see" he spoke in a dark tone as his eyes darkened.

Your lips shivered as you shook your head, you didn't have time to react before he snatched your arm back and pulled your shirt around the arm back.

He stopped when he had pulled it away, looking at the cuts around your arms. Some were small, other were looking like a normal cut you would get from getting scratched from a cat or something like that, but what really worried aizawa was the three very big cuts bleeding on the top of your arm near the elbow.

"What the h-hell" he stuttered, his eyes wide.

"Tell me what happened right now, i know damn well this injury didn't happen during training"

Your throat got dry and you struggled to find the words to explain and make up a new lie.

"TELL ME RIGHT NOW"

Aizawa shouted as you flinched and turned your head away, other students heads turned your way and looked worried for Mr Aizawa's outburst.

They locked eyes with where aizawa's were staring and many eyes widened, including bakugos,

It dripped a little more than a normal cuts would bleed, plus an injury couldn't make so many cuts in different places.

"Y/n..."

Bakugo said your name slowly as he raised up from his desk, his normal grin or smirk replaced by an angry-worried expression.

He slowly walked towards you.

Shit, this wasn't supposed to happen.

TBC?

[lunathegalacticwolf]

Random Dandy's World headcanons I have

Rodger and Teagan are Toodles' parents. However, she's adopted, which is why she often refers to them by name. (teacase aaaaaahhh)

Sprout is chubby bc yes.

Finn has a really low pain tolerance. He would cry over stubbing his toe.

Shrimpo is secretly extremely protective over Toodles. If anyone harmed her, he'd kick their ass.

Glisten is a gay uncle figure to Toodles. So is Boxten. (jewelrybox go wee)

Sprout and Cosmo have a crush on each other, and while they never made it official, they act like a couple. (fruitcake go brrr)

Shelly = Vee's pookie (hehe shellvision)

Shrimpo is extremely touch-starved, but he refuses to ask for hugs, cuddles, headpats, nose boops, kisses, etc and he hides when he has mental breakdowns or panic attacks. (angst hehe)

Tisha has OCD. If anything is out of order, she HAS to fix it.

Toodles = AUTISM

Coal is spayed, but neither she nor Pebble know that and they want to have puppies. (no, they're not related in any way. If you headcanon that they are, that's fine, but keep in mind that in my AU, they're not)

Sprout has a fluffy leaf tail that wags when he's happy. He doesn't even bother to deny it.

While Cosmo is really good at baking, he CANNOT cook actual food for the life of him. Give him a microwave pizza and he'll find a way to set it on fire. He always has to ask either Ginger or Sprout to cook for him, or he just gets take-out. How many wrong ways can you use a microwave? Cosmo's done them all.

Boxten struggles with social interactions. He never talks to anyone he doesn't know unless he absolutely has to.

Boxten has glasses. Even though he's supposed to wear them all the time, he usually only wears them when he has to read something because he thinks they make him look like a geek. (insecurity alert)

Scraps and Goob are Boxten's cousins.

Dandy has attachment issues. He gets anxious when a friend stops talking to him for too long (aka a day 💀)

Toodles is really stupidly strong despite her age.

Shrimpo claims that he hates cats, but he secretly owns one.

Boxten knows Japanese. He learned it from his oldest brother.

Boxten is also the youngest of nine brothers and sisters.

Tisha is the type of person to run herself ragged just to keep things clean and in order.

Finn is nineteen years old and he's still afraid of the dark.

Boxten can't handle chocolate very well. Ironically, he still enjoys eating it. (me lmao)

When Connie and Looey have sleepovers, Looey tries to kick Connie off the bed in his sleep.

Coal is extremely lazy. She'll stay in one spot for hours.

Pebble sees himself as being the same as wolves. The only real difference is that he has Dandy to feed him.

When Toodles is picked up, she'll screech like a pterodactyl. She hates being picked up, unless it's Rodger or Teagan.

Rodger was thought to be mute as a child due to not having a mouth, but he slowly taught himself how to talk. Due to this, his grammar isn't the best.

Dazzle is slightly shorter than Razzle, so the two of them walk a bit funny, but it doesn't cause them pain and that's all that matters.

Despite not being in Brightney's book club, Razzle does enjoy reading, but he's not the biggest fan of Dazzle's reading tastes, so it usually puts him to sleep.

Gigi teases Cosmo and Ginger by saying they're dating. (They're not though, this isn't- well, I am in Alabama, but you know what I mean!)

Rodger calls Toodles 'sunshine' bc yes.

Shrimpo is a big back. Not as much as Toodles, but he could be in his bedroom with 30 bags of chips all to himself at any time-

Toodles has a little fluffy tail and paw beans on her hands and feet because yes.

Looey's tail usually never stops wagging, so if it does, something is very wrong.

Finn used to cut his shoulders and thighs when he was younger, but he doesn't do it anymore and he's nothing but happy now. He doesn't even bother to hide his scars, since Gigi told him it's a sign he went through something tough, survived it, and came back stronger.

Rodger has a country accent bc yes.

Shrimpo likes dandelions. Even though they're technically weeds, he thinks they're beautiful and they calm him down during his mental breakdowns.

Looey identifies as non-binary. While he's okay with he/him, he prefers they/them pronouns.

Boxten likes sitting in boxes. He finds it comfortable.

Boxten and Poppy have been best friends since they were practically babies. They're inseparable.

Toodles likes to sing in the shower.

Astro writes in his diary with a glittery gel pen.

Cosmo owns and wears Hello Kitty socks, though he's embarrassed about it.

Looey tackles and wrestles people to show affection.

Connie makes Your Mom jokes.

Dazzle is really scared of dogs.

Rodger has fallen asleep when working several times. Like Tisha, he tends to run himself ragged.

Sprout won't pass up the opportunity to spend time with Cosmo, and even hides when he's sick to do it. as soon as Cosmo finds out, he's the one to take care of him until he gets better.

If you don't like the ships that I mentioned, that's totally okay! Just don't be rude about it and if you feel like they get too shoved in your face, let me know nicely and I'll take a break from posting anything ship related. ^^

[the-fabled-void]

The trio has a bad time

Posting this late bc I was trying to figure out a good ending before deciding to leave it open ended. Includes a lot of my own ideas for the AU lore.

@wickjump you wanted to be tagged :3

@honey-bell-aint-well @t3m1 @midnight-fries @concretesweetner @unamzi @defnotcocopaws @fandomsfordays21

(pls don't feel left out if you're not tagged, I'm horrible at remembering to tag everyone)

-

When Chara woke up, they first felt the ache in their head and their stomach. It felt like they'd swallowed poison and threw it all back up. The second thing, as they opened their eyes, was mind numbing brightness. They squinted to get used to it.

The third was the gentle slaps, and finally, the last was a slight ringing in their ears. As said ringing faded, they could hear a shrill voice.

"-an, human, human, wake- oh, they're finally awake."

The tall skeleton looked at the shorter skeleton nearby, which they hadn't noticed until now. He was sleeping in the snow as if it was the most comfortable matress in the world.

"comic, they're awake. come on, you can't fall asleep that fast."

Upon closer inspection, the surface was too white to be snow, and the sterile lack of other noise reminded them of a hospital. Not only that, but the white was everywhere, not just on the ground. The taller skeleton let out a heavy sigh when the other didn't budge. Upon closer inspection, the shorter skeleton looked eerily similar to King Sans.

"and brother called me the lazy one."

Chara scrambled upright, into a sitting position. They stared at the two skeletons.

"comic, come on."

"i know you're just pretending. nobody falls asleep that fast.

"call me nobody then"

Chara held back a smile at the stupidly hilarious joke. But the skeleton did at least sit up, so it seemed like the first one had been right. Not that it mattered.

"What is going on? Why are you slapping me instead of trying to take my soul? Is it because the king is here?"

They asked, finally finding it within themselves to move back.

"I am not frightened. I will use force to defend myself."

They lifted their hand, not in a fist, but the way someone would lift it to summon magic. But nothing, no vines. They stared at their hand, eyegrows lifting, pupils widening. The taller skeleton lifted an eyebrow and cocked his head to the side, before his eyes widened and he shook his head.

“there’s no magic here. not even we monsters can use it.”

Chara lowered their hand.

-

Time passed slowly in the colorless void. They had no clue how long they were in there, or for what purpose. So, they talked. About their lives before this, hoping to figure out how they got here.

At some point, one thing became apparent to the skeletons.

"...so, we're obviously all from alternate universes. Not timelines."

The one that Chara had been referring to as Carrot in their mind claimed.

"duh."

Comic replied, as if it was as clear as day, and it pissed Chara off.

"Can you two stop reading each other's mind? Not all of us are lucky enough to have their brother with them."

They snapped. The skeletons' jaws shut immediately.

"you lost your brother too?", came the question from Carrot. Chara sighed, instinctively reaching up to their locket- Asriel gave it to them as a promise. One day, they would be free together, and Chara could show him their village.

"Yeah, now tell me about this 'alternate universe' shit-"

"Hey, no cursing, little human"

Carrot warned, which made Chara glare at him.

"I am not little! I am fourteen!"

They exclaimed, earning twin looks of skepticism from the two skeletons.

"you're a kid, even if you're not wearing any stripes."

"Look. Just tell me what made you reach that conclusion."

They said, to avoid the looks of pity rhey received from the two skeletons.

"i think we're all counterparts in some way. we all live in snowdin, or, in your case, frosted fields. we all have a brother that believes too much in people. we even got matching scars. for us two, it's obvious" he gestured towards Carrot.

"he's like my brother, but if my brother was me."

Carrot nodded.

"you got that, kid?"

Comic asked Chara, who glared at being called a child again. But, they nodded. They didn't need more explanations for that.

"I understand... It still does not explain why we are trapped here. But... I think I am starting to figure it out"

The two skeletons leaned closer. Carrot adjusted his head.

"We all failed to help our people. I believe we are already supposed to be dead, and we have the wounds to prove it."

They pointed out, and it was true. The slash across Comic's chest was pretty obvious. Carrot probably got off the easiest, with only his skull being removable now. He had to adjust it a lot to keep it from falling off.

Chara got hit the hardest, a chainsaw to the stomach can do a shit ton of damage. They'd tied their hoodie around it to keep the skeletons from staring. They were grateful that this place seemed to have robbed them of the ability to feel pain.

"i fought the human in the judgement hall, figuring that maybe i can get 'em to at least give up."

Comic continued, and his gaze shifted towards the alternate version of his brother.

"i helped set up undyne's warbots in hotland. it was only once i realized they weren't working without their creator alive to control them, that i chose to fight the human at the end of hotland."

Was it just Chara, or did they keep using 'the human' as synonyms for 'the killer'? Well, they did just prove that humans were all shitty. And Chara hadn't exactly disproven it.

"I was trying to run away from them... at the end at least. First, I was trying to use my power to RELOAD. That is why the king kept me around for. I was supposed to reload, and as a last resort, reset. But since I hadn't saved in ages, I had to find these... These stars only humans can see."

They were glad these two seemed to know what reloading and resetting entailed.

"But each time I tried to undo some damage, they had already SAVED it at the next star. They were always one step ahead. It was only in the castle that I had an advantage- the king had shown me shortcuts to it for emergencies. He gave me an emergency key to the elevator."

"I was trying to close it, but they entered first. And... I guess they were the first to leave, too."

Chara swallowed, gripping their jacket.

"I failed at the one thing I was kept around to do."

"why didn't you confront them? would the king not already know?"

Carrot questioned Chara, and they felt worse. It was like admitting that they had given up.

"I was going to ask him to kill me and use my soul to fight against them. But, just as you two, I failed."

Tears welled up in their eyes, and as always, they tried to laugh it off. More and more laughs bubbled up in their throat, until they were just laughing and laughing.

When they calmed, they spoke again.

“So… we are here because we do not deserve the peace of death. Because we could not stop them. Even another time traveler was not enough."

Silence lingered in the air after what Chara stated. They had said what they'd meant to, and the two skeletons with them felt the weight of the words press down on them.