#((they've been raised right! they've been surrounded by good influences from the jump))

[theheadlessgroom]

@beatingheart-bride

"It...it will be."

The Burke's exchanged a subtle look with one another when Emily said this, resisting the urge to give up the game: The topic of their eventual departure from Gracey Manor was one that had been discussed between them several times over the course of the month, and with every subsequent discussion, they found themselves growing more and more reluctant with every hour spent walking the grounds, every minute spent getting to know their (temporary) neighbors, every second spent with their family.

It had actually come to something of a head the night before: As Josephine leisurely soaked in the tub, as she often did in the evening, August had been sitting in their room's armchair with a book in his lap, but he could hardly focus on it as he turned over the day's events in his head.

They'd had a marvelous time in the kitchen that day, baking cookies in all manner of spooky shapes (bats, skulls, and bedsheet ghosts, just to name a few). While Josephine and June had handled making the dough, the children excitedly used the cookie cutters before August moved them to the bake tray, while Randall and Emily put together the different colored frostings (all the usual Halloween color suspects-black, orange, green, purple, and so on), and Wilhelm and his brothers gathered the sprinkles. Once the cookies were done and cooled off a little, they all sat down together and designed them, talking and laughing as they did. It reminded August of making cookies with June when she was little. Reminded him of how much he missed those days.

"I don't think I want to leave," he commented aloud as he closed his book. "I...I don't think I want to go back to New Orleans."

"Oh?" Josephine called from the bathtub, and he could hear the smile in her voice when she did. Smiling, August continued, "I don't. This is a beautiful house, the perfect place for our family to be. There's...so much more I want to say, so much I want to do, things that...can't be done in just a month's time. To go back to New Orleans, and not see their faces for heaven knows how long...I think it would only make me miserable."

"I feel just the same."

He heard the plug be pulled and the water draining, and soon, Josephine, dark hair tied in a loose and lazy up-do, was leaning in the doorway, clad in nothing but a towel as she replied with a smile, "We both could use a change of scenery-and better company than that of our neighbors...I'd like to have a few words with them before we leave town for good..."

But neither of them made mention of this to Randall and Emily, as they continued their leisurely evening discussion-that surprise could wait for now...

[theglitterypages]

Title: Let's Fall In Love Part 1

Pairings: Nishinoya x fem! Reader

Warnings: None

Word Count: 3000+

••••

You looked around you to see if you knew someone at this place but all you see is unfamiliar faces, you sighed before fishing your phone out of your pocket, you typed a message and sent it immediately.

After placing your phone back to your pocket you heard squeals nearby, your eyes landed in a group of girls surrounding a tall guy weaing glasses.

“Oikawa-san, can we take a picture?”

The guy smiled and looked at the short girl in front of him while the other girls surrounding him was obviously dying because of his smile.

You just raise your brows and proceeded to walk away so you could finally watch your cousin play.

“Oh, hello. I'm Y/N I'm Hinata Shoyo's cousin. Nice to meet you all.”

“Oh! Hinata told us you'll be coming, the game already started. They lost the first set.” you gasped and immediately looked at where the players are just to see your ginger cousin looking so serious.

You bit your lower lip and guilt filled your heart, you kinda get lost on your way here that's why you were so late.

When the second set of the game started and they scored you silently screamed. You don't know Hinata's teammates yet but those determined look on their faces makes you want to cheer for them aside from the fact that you're here to support Shoyo.

You witnessed how Hinata became fond of volleyball as he talked about his idol, the little giant. You're just a few years older than him but you've seen how he grew up loving volleyball even if his height became some sort of hindrance.

You couldn't help but be proud of how far he is to the old Shoyo, if they win this match this is their ticket to the nationals, Shoyo's goal.

“They're trouble.” you commented as you look at the players of Shiratorizawa. Yachi was able to hear you and she immediately looked up at you, “H-How can you say so?” you narrowed your eyes as you stare at the players on the other side of the court, those stern faces are obviously full of pride and for them to have such pride, they must have the talent as well.

“Their eyes screams determination and pride. It is ideal to have the confidence in matches like this and they must be confident because I've heard that they've been into Nationals but their own pride may become their own destruction in this match as well.”

Yachi blinked for numerous times with her mouth gaped open, you noticed her silence and you looked down at her. “Sorry, did I say too much?” you smiled awkwardly and Yachi immediately blushed as she shook her head.

“Ah no! No! You just seems so smart and you're so—so pretty.”

“Thanks for thinking so..”

You also blushed and focused on the game once more and you saw Karasuno's libero trying to chase the ball with all his might but he failed.

For a guy who's small, he's energetic and he's also fast, you can even tell that he's an outstanding libero just by the way he holds himself inside the court, not to mention that he's good looking, the blond bangs is a big plus in his looks as well. You blushed when you realized that you were too focused on him and shook your head to snap out of the spell that little guy has put into you.

“Ugh, the guy's serving again.” Saeko said as she looked at the big guy on the other side of the court.

“Monster.” you whispered silently, that dude is obviously a monster. His posture screams dominance, it was as if he's silently declaring that he owns the court, that he owns the game.

When Shoyo entered the court your eyes literally shone in glee. You clapped so hard and shouted in top of your lungs.

“Go, Shoyo!!”

Hinata was surprised to hear you shout but he waved anyways and winked, you smiled at him while waving and suddenly your gaze landed at their libero once more.

Nishinoya was frozen in his position when he saw you standing beside Yachi, he has no idea who you are but you're probably Hinata's friend. Noya's expertise is spotting real beauty in every place despite of the fact that he's crushing hard on their manager.

His admiration for Kiyoko has become a common joke among the team but he wouldn't deny the fact that he is indeed attracted to her but not to the point that he'll court her or other stuffs.

As he looked in your direction, his eyes met yours and the two of you are frozen. Your breathing hitched for an unknown reason, his eyes are intense, despite of being a small munchkin those eyes made your knees weak for an unknown reason.

You kept on telling yourself to look away and focus on your cousin but he's not looking away either and you can't let yourself be defeated.

More seconds has passed and no one's backing down not until you heard the crowd shouting, your eyes widened and you looked at Shoyo's direction just to see his spike get blocked by the red haired guy.

You worriedly looked at Shoyo and you bit your lower lip as you tightened your grip on your sling bag as you close your eyes for a silent prayer.

Nishinoya smirked as he witnessed that. It was amusing, really, because that nervous look on your face feels like you're the one playing in the court, damn, he loves how adorable it was.

He let out a deep breath and fixed his posture, now, he just feels himself become more determined to win, he doesn't know if it is because of you or it is because he wants to cheer up his team, either way, his desire to win is burning.

He's gotta prove himself now.

When Hinata was able to score you screamed just the same time that he did and you laughed. “Shoyo hasn't change much through these years. I'm glad.” you whispered.

You can still see that small child you used to take care of before, Hinata has always been a happy virus, he's good at influencing everyone's feelings and it is one of his remarkable traits that you've loved.

But when your gaze landed at Nishinoya, who jumped so high you couldn't help but chuckle at his similarity with your cousin, it may appear that they're twins.

“Number 5 has been playful in guessing where to block. Since most of his intuitions were right he'll end up being too confident, once that happens they should lead him as far as possible and then prepare to attack.”

“Oh YN, you're smart!” Saeko commented and you shook your head, damn you didn't notice that you talked out loud.

“Shoyo's stamina and his speed could be annoying sometimes especially if you're the one being fooled by him. That brat kept on running away from me when he was a kid every damn time it's time for him to sleep.”

You smiled upon seeing how he scored again and everyone around you also clapped. “You sounded like a Mother eh? You're so mature.” Saeko smiled and you smiled back.

•••

When Ushijima go for a spike, you saw three blockers from Karasuno jumped but you smirk upon knowing what they did. “They opened a path for their libero.” you looked at Nishinoya who was able to dug the ball and kept it on air, you saw him sat on the floor as he breathes heavily.

That spike was surely strong, it would probably kinda painful too, Nishinoya looked into your direction and your eyes widened, you immediately looked away and turned to their setter instead.

Nishinoya smirked, “Too late sugar plum, I've been watching you watch me since earlier.” he whispered.

“What are you saying Noya? By the way nice receive!” Daichi complimented and Noya just smiled.

“No, you guys are the reason why I got it.”

Saeko gasped and she looked at you, “So they didn't put three blockers to stop him?” you nodded and smiled as you glanced at Nishinoya, “They cornered him so he would be forced to go for that spike, a spike that landed to where their talented libero is placed. Directly blocking forceful spikes from that guy would be bothersome and dangerous for their fingers but if they can corner him to spike on the direction of their powerful libero the ball will be theirs.” Yachi nodded knowingly as she made a mental note to remember this tactic.

“Are you a volleyball player too YN-san?”

“I was. I hated sweating too much though so I stopped playing. I prefer using my brain than my body.”

•••

“Your brother is smart.” you told Tsukishima's brother, he smiled at you and rubbed his nape, “He may look spiritless most of the times but yeah, he is smart and the more he feels down the more he became strong.” you nod and looked back at the court.

“The pressure is on their setter, your brother is doing good in being able to touch those spikes, nothing hurts a setter's pride than those and the total blocks of course. The more the pressure, the more they'll change their pace. At that time they may lose their balance.”

You looked at how Hinata saved the ball and you got worried for him but he stood up like it was nothing and attacked. You sighed in relief as you touched your chest, “Shoyo will be the death of me.” you breathed out and Yachi giggled beside you, “It really is scary when they chase the ball with everything they got.” she told you and you totally agreed.

Another powerful spike was given by Ushijima and you gasped after seeing Nishinoya saved the ball, it was beyond amazing, you imagined yourself being the one in his place and you can already tell you might end up with tons of bruises because of that man's spikes.

But even if that spike must've been painful to receive you see nothing but determination in Nishinoya. He's a strong willed soldier, a man probably destined to be a libero.

Karasuno took that set but Shiratorizawa wasn't fazed at all. Another spike from Ushijima came, Nishinoya tried to save the ball but he fell on his back because of the impact.

You worriedly glanced at him, your hand flew to cover your mouth as you gasp, the long haired guy come to his side to check on him but Nishinoya stood up by himself with a dangerous look on his face.

“He has the advantage of being the biggest among us but that fact wouldn't affect me as a libero because in this court no one is equal to him but me.”

•••

It was the final set, a serve that you thought it wouldn't even make it in, has passed the net and Nishinoya immediately saved it with all his might.

Ushijima spiked it down but Nishinoya saved it for another time and later on they scores when Asahi hit it. Everyone went wild including you, you held Yachi's hands, “YES!!!!” you screamed loudly.

Nishinoya heard that unfamiliar voice scream so he took a glance on your direction just to see you cheering with Yachi, he smirked and looked at Daichi, “Thanks, Nishinoya!” Daichi told him and Nishinoya proudly looked at his captain.

“Karasuno can depend on me!”

You heard that shout and looked at Nishinoya's direction, when his eyes met yours he smiled at you, at first you didn't know what to do and you wanted to just look away but that would be impolite.

So you chose to give him a small smile as your cheeks reddened because of embarrassment.

Nishinoya gulped hard at the smile he had received from you and he looked behind him trying to see if that smile was for someone else but no one was in his back, meaning, that smile was meant for him.

Your heart was beating fast when you see Karasuno prepare for a synchronize attack, everything depends on every point and when you saw Hinata jumped your breathing hitched and it almost feel like your heart rate dropped after speeding up just seconds ago.

Hinata hit the ball but it was saved by Ushijima, it was spiked once more and Hinata was hit by the ball, you gasped and immediately called out his name. “Shoyo!!” you held your chest and tried calming yourself when you saw him got up as if it was nothing.

Ball was exchanged in a breathtaking manner and you almost had a heart attack they prepared for another synchronized attack this time, “First tempo...” you breathed out when you saw Hinata mixed in and as he jumped it seems like he was flying.

He hit the ball and as it flew towards the other side of the net receivers tried diving in to get the ball but it already dropped on the floor.

There was a stunned silence amongst the crowd and at that moment all you could hear was your heartbeat. You see Hinata landed on his feet while breathing heavily and at that moment the crowd has gone crazy to cheer the new champions.

Tears started forming at the corner of your eyes as you see the whole team hugged each other, it was a heartwarming moment, and the way each player held into each other made you tear up.

Your eyes landed on Hinata and you smiled even if he's not looking at you, you were there when he came home when he lost the match when he was in Junior high school. You were also there when he begged you to let him practice with your teammates so he could be good in volleyball.

Before you see Hinata's smile right now, you've heard his cries first, you witnessed him cry out of frustration before seeing him like this.

And you must say his hard works are all worth it.

•••

After the awarding ceremony you prepared to leave just like the others but before you could even leave, Shoyo already shouted your name as he held his medal.

“YN-SAN! WE WON! WE WON!”

He was hopping playfully as he charged himself towards you to hug you. You laughed and hugged him back, you're basically lifting him so you tapped his arm, “Shoyo, you're not a kid anymore, I can't carry you around like I used to.” you joked but he just giggled as he took his medal off his neck.

He jumped to wore it on you and you looked at him cluelessly, “Y/N L/N the best big sister ever!” you blinked and suddenly you felt tears streaming down your cheeks.

“I'm proud of you Shoyo. I'm so damn proud of you.” you took off your neck and give it back to him with a smile, you pat his head as he giggle and your eyes landed at his teammates, they were smiling at the two of you so you smiled back.

“Congratulations.” you bow your head down for a bit and they did the same.

Nishinoya's eyes are sparkling as he look at you but you didn't notice that. He wanted to introduce himself but he doesn't want to ruin your beautiful moment with Shoyo.

“I have to go now, Shoyo.”

“But we just met! We're gonna celebrate, come with us! Come with us!”

“Shoyo, Kuro and I will—”

Hinata glared at you as he pointed his team, “You came to watch us but you'll see Nekoma?!” you laughed and shook your head, it is true that you're friends with the players from Nekoma but the reason why you have to call Kuro is because you asked a favor from him.

“Aren't they your friends too?”

“But I'm your cousin!”

Childish. That's the word you'll use to describe him but you can't resist that cute pout on his cute face.

•••

“Shoyo, wake up idiot.” you shook Hinata but he's still sleeping, Nishinoya on the other hand was sitting in front of you and he's half-asleep.

“You look horrified YN-san. Don't worry, they're just tired. Nishinoya and Tanaka sometimes fall asleep with their eyes half open too so don't be scared.” Sugawara smiled at you as he handed you a juice, you gladly accepted it and drink some before sighing as you look at your cousin once more.

“Ahm guys, thank you for taking care of my cousin. I know that Shoyo is sometimes too hyper. Sir and Coach thank you for guiding him.” you bowed to all of them but everyone shook their heads, “No, no, you don't have to thank us. Hinata is a good player.” Daichi smiled.

Nishinoya woke up and his eyes immediately met yours, you let out a sound of surprise when he suddenly sat up but you ended up smiling as you see how he looked. Noya smiled back and wiped his mouth, you silently chuckled because of his gesture and seconds later you heard your phone beeped.

“Uh-Oh, Shoyo your Mom is texting me. We have to go." You shook him but he's still unresponsive, you felt bad to wake him up but you just have to go home, “Ugh, I think I should leave him here. Ahm wake him up once you guys are gonna go. My house is a bit far so I really have to go.” you looked at your cousin and pat his head, “Sleep well you little monster. Please take care of Hinata for me, sorry for the trouble.” you bowed to his teammates and they stood up to bow down too.

“Thank you for cheering for us.”

“Oh, that's nothing. It's nice to meet you all, see you soon.”

“Take care YN-San.”

•••

You were walking as you put your earphones to listen to some music but you suddenly heard someone shouting behind you.

“Oh...Nishinoya, why?”

“I asked Shoyo where—” he paused, catching his breath as he look at you, “I asked him where you live and my house is a little near yours. Would you mind if I go with you?” you suddenly felt your cheeks heating up, you had to look away from Nishinoya and mutter a response to his question.

Noya smiled at how you reacted, “So, you're Shoyo's cousin. You're tall.” you looked at him and chuckled as you shrugged your shoulders, “I stopped growing years ago. You'll probably be taller than me in no time.” you replied, still avoiding his gaze.

“Is that an attempt to cheer me up? I don't really mind my height.”

“I'm glad that you don't you look...” you paused for a moment to think of the proper choice of words but your mind just went blank when Noya suddenly walked in front of you with a smirk.

This is why you wanted to go home early, there's something in Nishinoya's presence that makes you weak and even if you're a little taller than him, he can affect you more than you can affect him.

“I look what?”

“Fine. You're also a great libero, the double save was amazing, not to mention your sets.”

“You're beautiful.”

He said it like it was nothing and you wondered if he's joking or not but you've decided not to comment anything about it.

••••

“Y/N, can I get your SNS accounts and your number?”

You took his phone from his hands and typed your Social Media Accounts before giving it back to him. “Thanks for walking with me. I appreciate it.” you took the key of the gate of your house while Nishinoya watch you.

“Your parents are not yet home?”

“They only come home on Weekends. I live alone in Weekdays.”

“What? You should go inside then, don't come out of the house at night. If you need something always buy them at morning but if it's something that you really need you can call me and I'll bring it to you just don't come out alone. It's safer for you to stay inside.”

You laughed at his long speech and he narrowed his eyes at you unamused that you chose to laugh at his kindness. “Hey, I'm serious. It's dangerous for a young lady to stay outside at night. You should ask Shoyo to stay with you sometimes, even though it's not much it would be better if there's someone with you.” Noya has no idea why you're laughing at his sentences, he's genuinely worried for you, it's not really ideal for a young lady to be alone, he should tell Hinata to stay with you at some days of the week.

“Don't get too worried Nishinoya. My Dad taught me martial arts. Thanks for walking me home. Congratulations super libero.”

“Go inside first before I go home. Lock the gate, your door and windows.”

“Yes Dad!”

•••••

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