#AND CUTTING OUT THE STUPID RED ORB TOOK ME 5 TRIES BECAUSE I HAD TO CUT OUT WHERE HIS HAND WAS AND I KEPT MESSING IT UP LMFAOOO

[lil--nuggett]

haha hey guys long time no see im very sorry but here's some anime/RSE maxie and archie spreads i did in my sketchbook to get myself used to drawing on paper again as an apology

[ushiwakatrash]

On your knees, King! (Part 4)

Bakugou x reader, Todoroki x reader

Fantasy AU

!Warnings!: Swearing

Synopsis:

Bakugou is the esteemed King of the Kingdom of Barbarians and because he succeeded in ruling the lands that were once governed by the Yuuei Kingdom, an offering must be made for the peace of the people. As the so-called ‘black sheep’ of the royal family, the King of Yuuei a.k.a. your father, offered you–naming you the most precious thing he could give; but you know the truth behind his words.

PART IV

← Part  3          Part 5 →

--

The princess couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as she dipped into the bath prepared by Ochako. She had fun--maybe the most fun she’s had in a while. The blonde surely captivated her.

His confident strides as he fended off her weapon during their spar was something she found attractive. Usually, people tend to give up when faced with her during a duel, some just downright give up.

But this man, whose golden locks shine best when the sun is about to set, he stood his ground and gave her quite a beating. Sinking in the water a little more, a content hum escaped her lips.

“Fucking hell, I’m getting married. It would have been nice if dandelion and I could have been friends. Who knows if that stupid face king locks me up in some abandoned tower forever.”

Before her fingers could get wrinkly from being dipped in the water for too long, she had called her maids to dry and clothe her. Even if the thought of her marriage was at the back of her mind, the princess couldn’t help but be in a good mood thanks to the match she had earlier for a boar that had been eaten by the beautiful dragon.

The moonlight was particularly bright that night. For some reason, it was comforting, because she was sure that the same moonlight shone on her dandelion.

--

King Bakugou felt alive. Dominating kingdoms got boring because of how easily people gave up. But for that stupid piece of boar, he sparred for his life. It was  enthralling. The pit of his stomach got warm and mushy every time he would relive the match in his memory.

This is how real fights should feel like, he thought. For someone who didn’t have a lot of friends, he actually wanted to befriend this peculiar girl. She was pretty, he’d give her that. But what amused him the most was how deceiving her demeanor was. 

No matter how he tried to look at it, the girl looked so frail that maybe even a roar from Kirishima would send her to the afterlife. Well shit, he was so wrong. She was strong, both in body and mind. 

In all his years, he never had interest in the opposite sex, he didn’t even feel the need to have a woman by his side. But with the forcing of his parents, he finally agreed with settling down with the token of Yuuei. 

How bad could it be? She would just have to stay out of his way, do her duties as queen and not act unnecessarily. But damn, if he had another chance of picking a bride, maybe that cute girl would make the cut.

“Thinking about her, Bakugou?” Kirishima casually landed on the king’s balcony as if it were his own place. “Shut up, red. I-I’m not.” Kirishima smiled at his stutter. “Man, she was so cool. She even gave me the meat!” the dragon boy clearly shown his fondness of the girl, even if they had just met.

“You know your highness, a Dragon’s instinct is always right. And this girl would have made a fine wife.” The blonde grunted at his steed’s statement because deep down he truly believed it to be true. She was entertaining and smart. He felt as if he wouldn’t even need to protect her.

“Whatever shitty hair. I’m getting married to some damn woman. There’s nothing more I can do.” “Well sire, why don’t we try to find her again? I mean, before you finally marry?”

“You know, that doesn’t sound like a shitty plan”

--

It was as if the two shared the same braincell, the young lady thought of doing the same. Having a few more days of fun wouldn’t hurt anyone.

Her plan was to go to the same place they met and bring snacks for after sparring. Y/n made sure to pack some tasty treats for the red dragon as well. Not knowing the chances of meeting her dandelion, she left her palace quite early.

Quietly making her way through the forest, the light hit Y/n’s face in the right places, giving her this godly glow. Red orbs were captivated by such an ethereal image that had shaken his entire being. 

She was there, a few feet away from the two boys who’ve been there since sunrise. Lost in their thoughts, they failed to notice the arrowhead that skidded against the blonde’s cheek.

“What the hell woman?! You wanna fucking die?!” “Dandelion?!” Bakugou wiped the blood off his cheek. “Nice aim but I’d prefer if you get fowl instead of human flesh.”

The princess quickly tore a small piece of fabric from her top and used it to press on the wound she made. “I’m terrible sorry. I didn’t expect company this early.” Contemplating whether to confess her real intentions, the king beat her to it.

“I came here looking for you. And what luck, we meet again.” The girl’s face brightened as a warm smile was now on her face. “Really?! Me too! But I’m kind of sad Kirishima isn’t here. He was such a good boy”

With the mention of his name, red spiky hair popped out of the back of the blonde and the dragon boy send a toothy smile to the princess. “It’s me, lady! I transform!”

“Kirishima!, that’s amazing” The red head smugly looked at his master, mocking him by lifting his brows repeatedly. Rolling his eyes, Bakugou stood up with dagger in hand and charged at the girl.

Y/n deflected the blade quickly by pushing away the weapon by smacking away the king’s wrist. “Hah, nice try dandelion!” “Stop calling me that!”

After minutes of non-stop combat, they finally took a break. Kirishima transformed into his dragon form to use his wing as shade for the two. “What’s your name, woman?”

I don’t think I should tell him, Y/n thought. It would be difficult if she were to be seen with a man days before she meets her husband to be. “Hmm, call me daisy. It’s only fair since I call you dandelion!”

“Whatever. It’s been a while since I’ve gotten a good spar in. I have you to thank, daisy.” “I could say the same. Thanks Dandelion.” 

From the bushes, Y/n revealed her picnic basket and proceeded to lay out the contents. “I expected a dainty lunch from you, but you eat like a fucking soldier!” The girl’s face flushed from Bakugou’s teasing but mostly from the laugh that one could listen to for days.

The lunch had a few small portions of greens but it mostly consisted of meat.

“Shut up you damn porcupine! Just eat or else I’m giving your share to Kirishima!” At the sound of food and his name, the dragon’s head whipped fast. “Oi red, don’t even dare.”

Taglist: @the-sander-fander @cathwritestragediesnotsins @emilymikado @itsmysticalmystery @yoonbbyboy @karissassirak

[bleedingthirium]

Nines x Reader (Nightmares)

Um, sorry-not-sorry I wrote this??? It was an unfinished Nines x Reader that no one asked for. Okay, thanx, bai. (Quick note, yes I am getting to my requests! This was just something I needed to finish!) As always, sorry if it’s crap. Apologies if Nines is out of character; I think this is my first time writing him. The ending is weak but it’s midnight and I don’t care. NO BETA, WE DIE LIKE DOUCHE-BERRIES!

 Being with Nines was extremely difficult. He wasn’t the type that was physically or verbally affectionate. Normally you didn’t mind because you weren’t an overly affectionate person, you didn’t like people touching you. But you couldn’t deny there were moments where you wished he was physically affectionate in some form. Especially when you went to an empty bed most nights. Such as tonight. You had asked for him to stay with you but his excuse was that androids don’t require sleep in the way humans do, and to ‘sleep’ would also mean losing extra hours he could utilize and be productive with. In fair compromise, Nines stayed until you fell asleep, so he isn’t entirely inept as a boyfriend. 

You didn’t know this, but Nines literally watches you fall asleep. Not in a creepy way, but in an endearing way. The steady rise and fall of your chest, the way your hair slowly comes out from your messy bun, your top lip escapes its hold from the bottom, leaving the slightest gap to see a glimpse of pearly white teeth that belonged to someone with a radiant smile… He stayed for those moments; because they also calmed him too. As per usual, once you were asleep, he quietly left the room. Gently closing the door behind him before he retreated downstairs to the living room. It was a couple of hours into reading a particular chapter in a psychological textbook (for research purposes) when a sound out of the ordinary reached his ears. Straining his ears (or, more specifically, allowing his audio processors to work on overdrive), his grey eyes narrowed for a moment before turning his attention back to the book. Grey orbs skimmed another few words before the sound interrupted through his audio processors again, causing his LED to flicker to yellow. The fact he heard it a second time he knew it wasn’t a coincidence. Slender fingers slowly closed the book as grey orbs lifted up to the ceiling, the sound seemingly located transpiring from the master bedroom. Eyes narrowed in concern. When he heard a more distressing sound come through, he snapped the book shut, placed it down on the table and made his way upstairs with purposeful strides. Your levels told him that you were still asleep, he was unable to detect any other bodies in the house so he knew you weren’t in any immediate danger. However, the sounds coming from the bedroom were quite disturbing for a time as late as this. He switched the hallway light n as he passed the switch so it would provide enough light for him to see without startling you awake. Opening the door to the room you both shared, he could visibly see your lower half squirming while your arms lay either side of your head; almost as though someone was on top of you and pinning you down. Small whimpers of pure terror fell from your lips but nothing more disturbing than that. Nines didn’t want to envision what you currently were through your sleep. His LED spinning red as three quick strides had him by your bedside and sitting on the edge of the bed. He placed a hand on your shoulder, fingers clasping firmly but gently around the smaller mound of your body. You seem to have struggled more upon the physical weight being placed down upon a body part, regardless it was an innocent area like a shoulder, but it still projected back into your nightmare. “Y/N? Wake up. I need you to wake up for me.” Usually people tend to be gentler and cooing with their words upon waking someone up in the throws of a nightmare, but this was Nines, he operated very differently from everybody else you knew. However, you’ve known him long enough to know that this was his gentle side talking.

Your struggles began to slowly calm down as Nines voice cut through the screaming that was currently filling your head. But it wasn’t enough to yank you from your sleep. “Y/N, wake up please.” A gentle shake to your shoulder had you gasping in fright the moment you were suddenly yanked from your unconscious state, and upon seeing a figure looming over you during your flight mode of fear, you whimpered in fright and struggled to move away, the blankets holding you captive. “No. No! No no no no no please no.” you begged out those whispered pleas as you struggled to get away from Nines. His LED continued to spin a violent red upon your reaction, and his hands immediately withdraw to his side before he got up off the bed completely, kneeling down beside it instead to place the bedside lamp on and to show he meant no harm. He knew this was a reaction humans had when being suddenly awoken from a nightmare, therefore he decided a more docile approach would be more successful in getting you to calm down and come back to your senses; hence why he chose to keep the distance between you both with him crouching down by the bed, allowing you the extra height of authority and power over the room. “Y/N, It’s alright. Your safe, you’re home. Nothing will harm you here. That was my vow to you.” Nines spoke in such a gentle manner; it had been enough to calm you down and refocus since you’ve actually never heard him speak in such volumes… it was almost human. Upon seeing you able to recognize him, he very slowly stood up from his crouched position and perked himself on the edge of the bed once more, twisting slightly to look at you. “I detected a disturbance in your sleep pattern; I thought it best to wake you before you reached levels of distress. However, seeing your reaction, I fear I reacted too slowly.” You didn’t say anything except stare at him with fearful big E/C eyes. Your lips parted, brows furrowed into a slight frown as you tried to explain yourself, but the tears decided to blur your vision before you even had a chance to stop them. They fell down your cheeks, one tear after another. You weren’t sobbing out loud, you just sat there in such a numb state as those tears fell like a cascade down your cheeks. You had long since stopped struggling, shoulders drooped as you stared helplessly at him. Nines didn’t quite know what to do. He’s never seen your this distressed before. He’s never experienced such an adverse reaction from you either; he’s worried if he reaches out to you to physically comfort you, that you would only be triggered back into that frightened state again. But he couldn’t just sit there and watch you suffer alone like this. “Deep breaths, Y/N.” He gently but firmly instructed, this order obviously not being negotiable. “Do it with me.” He offered, gently holding out his hand, palm upwards, fingers outstretched, welcoming you to place your hand in his if you wanted to the physical reassurance. And you did, which was why you immediately placed your hand in his. His fingers enclosed protectively around your hand but he made no other movement to avoid triggering you unless you were the one who initiated it. Normally, from grounding techniques with victims, he would ask them to close their eyes but given your current situation, he knew that wouldn’t be a safe idea for you. “Keep your eyes on me. Breathe in for me. Deep breathe through the nose for 5…4…3…2…1. Hold for 3 seconds, 2, 1… and slowly exhale through the mouth for 5…4…3…2…1… Good. Let’s do it again.” Nines repeated this with you for a few more sets of breathing, he was even loudly inhaling and exhaling with you even though he had no need to with his systems. Regardless, this helped ground you with instructions and a guidance. “How are you feeling Y/N?” You took in a deep, shaky breath and held his hand a little tighter but answered honestly; “Better. I’m sorry for making such a fuss. It was just a stupid nightmare.” Nines LED had flickered to yellow; he had calmed down enough now that your levels weren’t spiking to what would have been critical for an android, but he still remained greatly concerned for your wellbeing. “I would hardly dismiss it as ‘stupid’ considering your reaction during and after being awoken. Would you care to discuss it? I’m under the impression that talking about things is most beneficial. I’m not a psychiatrist who can interpret dreams by any means, but I can offer reassurance if needed.” You shook your head, you weren’t quite ready to tell him about it, or relive the memory. It was very…graphic, and it even felt like it physically hurt even after being awoken. Your heartrate had slowed down but your pulse was still a little higher than normal for you, so Nines opted not to question you anymore regarding your nightmare. His sole purpose was to calm you down. “It’s still quite late, perhaps a cup of tea might help?” “Yeah, that’d be nice.” “Would you prefer I bring it to you?” You quickly shook your head, your grip tightening against his hand, “No! Please… I…I don’t want to be alone right now.” He noticed your level spiked momentarily at the sudden panic, but he didn’t mind if you came down to the kitchen with him if that’s what you preferred. From what he could gather from his research, it would have been beneficial for you to stay in a dimly lit room and remain in bed while drinking a calming tea, hoping it would help you become tired easier. However, that idea seemed to spook you, so he hadn’t any quarrels with you wanting to be up and about at an ungodly hour for a human. He squeezed your hand in reassurance, his thumb gently caressing against the palm of your hand. “Of course. Let me get your gown.” You let go of his hand and immediately wrapped your arms around your legs as Nines went to fetch the white cotton gown you wore regardless of the weather. Admittedly the lack of physical reassurance was a little hard. You wanted nothing more than for Nines to wrap you up against his chest and just hold you, but you also knew Nines did not work like that. He opted to hold your hand instead and you had to settle for that. Still, it didn’t quite help the insecurity that was settling in the back of your mind; the same one that your dream had been based upon.

 Feeling a light material drape around your shoulders, fingertips barely touching your skin, you realized Nines had retrieved your gown and you were able to pull your arms through and wrap the material around your body in comfort. Hugging your arms tightly, you climbed off the bed and followed Nines out. Nines watched as you recoiled from any form of physical contact and so he waited for you to join him before leading the way out of the bedroom, down the hall and into the kitchen. While you sat on the barstool at the kitchen counter, he went about preparing you a tea. “Chamomile sufficient?” he asked, sparing a glance over his shoulder to see you nod at his choice of tea for you. Good, he felt better knowing you were having a natural herbal tea with benefits to calming and inducing sleepiness while being void of caffeine that can be found in the black tea you drink during the day.

Letting the teabag infuse in the water for a moment, Nines retrieved the teabag strainer from the top drawer before squeezing it out and passing the freshly brewed cup of tea over to you. He leant back against the stove, palms resting on the edge of the countertop behind him while he studied you as you sat at the counter island in front of him. His piercing blue eyes watched as your fingers wrapped around the mug and you seemed to favour cradling it protectively against your chest rather than drinking it. You barely said a word since walking out of the bedroom and you looked like you were about to cry again. “You look sad.” Nines gently said, and his, oh, so gentle concern was what tipped you over the edge and you finally let out a sob. A hand retracting from your mug to cover your face. “Y/N? What has you so distraught?” “Do I…Do I disgust you Nines? Answer me truthfully. Do I genuinely disgust you?” Your voice was rising to volumes of hysteria with each question you suddenly threw at him. “Y/N, we’ve been together for two years. I think I’ve proven that I fail to find you disgusting in any way, shape or form. Why do you doubt me all of a sudden?” You placed the mug down and dropped your tear-filled eyes from his cold, piercing blue ones. Hugging your own arms instead as your voice lowered to a hushed tone. “You haven’t hugged me; you refuse to touch me…and I don’t … I don’t know what I did…In the nightmare I’m – I’m not as smart as you…and you…I disgraced you…” “Enough.” Nines gently hushed you as he left his position from leaning against the stove to come around to you, pulling out a stool next to it and sitting down upon it. One leg bent with his foot resting on the steel bar, the other foot straight and planted on the floor. His elbow leant up on the counter while his hands clasped together, drooping over the edge. “You awoke in such a fright I feared I would only trigger your further by touching you. I must have misread your signals; had you required physical comfort; I would have given it.” His gaze softened slightly as he unclasped his hands and slender fingers reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. “How could you think I’d ever view you as a disgrace?” slender fingers looped around your ear and rested upon your cheek, tugging gently to turn your gaze onto him. “Look at me, Y/N.” Hesitantly, your eyes met his again, and they almost melted beneath his gaze. Nines left himself open with vulnerability, something you rarely see him do – even with you.

“You are my priority. I have vowed to protect you with my life. At no point have I ever doubted your intelligence, your beauty, your heart, or the way you carry yourself every day. I love you.” Those three little words that Nines barely spoke had you throwing your arms around his neck, and for a moment he didn’t know how to respond but after a second he wrapped his own arms around your waist and buried his face in your hair as you buried your face in his neck. “I love you too” you sobbed out, muffled against him. Nines quietly held you until you decided to pull away. By then, the emotions were beginning to catch up to you and you quietened down to a very tired state. Being able to read your vitals, Nines stated it was back to bed and even offered to stay the rest of the night with you. You didn’t mind this at all because it kept you calm throughout the rest of the night as you fell asleep against his chest. He cheated a little, however, by heating up his internal systems to a few more degrees warmer so it was cozy warm for you. He felt there was more to the nightmare than just tiny insecurities like that, but you were clearly exhausted and didn’t want to talk about it further, so he left it for now. He’ll gage your mood tomorrow morning. For now, he’ll watch over you as you sleep and hopefully keep those nightmares away.

[triviasfolly]

Chili Peppers, Lotus Flowers, and Giant Squid Ink

Fandom: The Untamed & MDZS / Pairing: WangXian / Rating: T

Wei Wuxian wanted to kill whoever decided to have Advanced Potions at eight in the morning. Because of them he was not only late to class, but also made him blurt out what amortentia smelled like. While he was standing next to to Lan Wangji, his best friend. Who also happened to smell just like the amortentia. But he totally couldn't be attracted to his best friend.

Right?

Read it on AO3

Wei Wuxian swore as he reached out to grab a pillar to bank around the corner without slowing his running. He held his red ribbon in his mouth as he tried to comb through the mess that was his long black hair with his hands. As he slid down the banister he gave up, settling for tying it up messily with the ribbon. 

He practically launched himself down the staircase to the dungeons. Like diving off his broomstick, he tucked his head and rolled to his feet and continued barreling forward. He cursed whoever decided to make Advanced Potions at eight in the morning. Gryffindors lived in a bloody tower! How were they supposed to get there on time? 

He barreled into the potions classroom, his chest heaving as he came to a stop. He pitched forward bracing his hands on his knees. He’d have to suggest this run to Jiang Cheng for the Quidditch team. 

“Mr. Wei, how nice of you to join us,” Wen Qing’s voice broke through the quiet of the classroom. Wuxian lifted his head, giving a nod and a wave. The rest of the class was gathered around her table, a cauldron bubbling happily away on it. He was too far away to see what was in it. 

“I overslept,” He offered as an apology. “Then the staircases shifted, and-” 

“I rather not have your excuses distract from class time, 5 points for tardiness.” Wen Qing replied tersely. Wuxian nodded sheepishly as he plopped his bag down at his spot and moved to join the rest of the class. 

Wen Qing was the youngest Potion’s Master in Hogwarts history, having graduated only a few years prior. She’d quickly shot down any ideas about special treatment to those who knew her as a student. In Wuxian’s case, having a teacher who knew he brewed a polyjuice potion in second year was a personal hell. He still had cramps from the last paper she demanded he redo, with the order to ‘write it properly this time’. 

Wuxian grinned as he saw an open spot. He tugged lightly on the back of the Ravenclaw robe as he slid next to its owner. A pair of annoyed golden eyes slid to him, Wuxian’s own silver orbs winked in return. 

“Lan Zhan, you really overdid it with the incense burning this morning.” He teased, his nostrils filled with the sandalwood scent lingering in the air. Usually, it was only trace amounts drifting off of Lan Wangji. Wangji wondered how much he had to burn to make it so strong. 

Not that he was complaining. 

“I did not burn incense this morning,” Wangji replied, his gaze focused on Wen Qing in front of him. Wuxian’s brow furrowed in confusion, why were Wangji’s ears bright red? They only did that when he was embarrassed. 

“Wuxian, since you’re volunteering why don’t you tell us what else you smell?” Wen Qing smiled. Wuxian paused, was she hiding a laugh? He threw a glance around the class, seeing Jiang Cheng with his face in his hands. 

Confused, Wuxian took a deep breath. The sandalwood was still there, but now he was picking up on two other scents. The first was loquats, but what was that final one? 

“Sandalwood, loquats,” Wuxian paused trying to put a name to the final scent. He bounced in place as he tried to figure it out. “Fresh parchment and ink at the Library!” He named it, although seemed oddly specific. “Did I get it right? I don’t think I know any potions that smell like that.” 

“We’re studying amortentia, idiot!” Jiang Cheng hissed from beside him. 

Wuxian felt his blood freeze. 

“Amortentia?” He almost stuttered. 

“Yes,” Wen Qing nodded. “As Mr. Wei has shown, the unique trait of the Amortentia potion is the scent changes from person to person based on what they find attractive.” 

Wuxian’s mind numbly tuned out Wen Qing as she continued her lecture. His mind connecting memories to all of the scents. The incense he burned during meditation that clung to his clothes. The loquats he pretended not to enjoy when Wuxian stole them from the kitchens. The scent of line writing detentions that morphed into study sessions. All of those scents traced back to Wangji. 

Attracted?

The word bounced around Wuxian’s head. Lan Wangji was his friend, just his friend. Right? It wasn’t like he hated it when he didn’t see him for more than a day. Or that he was filled with a happy warmth whenever he saw him. He teased and flirted with him because it was cute to see him react. 

Did he say cute? 

Cute, his mind repeated. Cute, like the way his ears turned red when he was embarrassed. The aggravated tick of his eyebrows. The way he vocalized his exasperation with a small huff. The tender upturning of his lips when he smiled. Would they be soft if he kissed him?  Wuxian felt heat flood into his body. 

He was in love with Lan Wangji. 

He was in love with his best friend. 

“Wei Ying?” Wangji’s voice questioned. Wuxian let out a squeak as his eyes focused on the face before him. The golden orbs and those lips so close. Wuxian stared at his lips for a moment, before he realized what he was doing and nervously pulled his eyes away.  “We’re moving on to potion making.” 

“I-” Wuxian stammered. “I need to go.” 

Before anyone could say anything Wei Wuxian was fleeing. He made it out of the dungeons before he slumped against a wall, running his hands through his hair. He couldn’t be in love with Wangji! It would ruin everything. It would mean the end of their late night study sessions, the visits to the illegal colony of rabbits they accidently started, their one-on-one quidditch matches. Everything he loved about their friendship, ruined by his stupid emotions. 

After all it was obvious Lan Wangji didn’t like him back. They’d known each other for six years. Wangji might take awhile to get to know, but even Wangji would have made a move by now. He didn’t know what was worse, realizing he liked Wangji or that he didn’t like him back. 

He needed to talk to shijie. 

Pushing himself off the wall, he was crawling off to his favorite hiding place. After Jiang Cheng had found out he used the Boathouse as a hiding place, Wuxian had been on the lookout for a new one. He wasn’t sure how, or why, a classroom on the fifth floor was slowly being overtaken by a magical pond. But when he stumbled into it while dodging a night patrol, he wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. With a quick disillusionment charm, the room was Wuxian’s own little secret. 

Wuxian moved quickly, careful to avoid any teachers, or prefects, that would know he should be in class. Before he knew it, he was sliding off his shoes and his socks and feeling grass beneath his feet. As he let his toes squeeze what felt like real ground, he wondered if it was real. He made a note to ask Wangji about it. 

The idea made the reason Wuxian was hiding come crashing back to the front of his mind. He took a moment to roll up his pant legs, setting his feet adrift in the water. With a sigh, he dug in his robes producing a small mirror. He rubbed his thumb over its surface and in a manner of moments Jiang Yanli’s face was smiling back at him. 

“A-Xian, shouldn’t you be in class?” She greeted him. He watched her face fall slightly as his own face came into focus. “Is everything alright?” 

“No,” Wuxian shook his head. He could feel tears welling up in his eyes. “Shijie, I messed up.” 

“Did a prank go wrong?” Yanli questioned her eyes widening. “Are you hurt?” 

“No, not a prank.” Wuxian shook his head. “We studied amortentia today. I was late, so I blurted out what I smelt in front of everyone.” 

“I’ve never known you to be embarrassed,” Yanli hummed in reply. “Was the scent distinctive?” 

“It’s Lan Zhan,” Wuxian replied, wiping at his face. “I’m in love with Lan Zhan. I just blurted it out in front of him and everyone else.” 

“A-Xian,” Yanli laughed. 

“It’s not funny shijie,” Wuxian whined. “We’ve known each other for six years, if he liked me he would have made a move by now. Now he knows that my stupid love potion smells exactly like him! I’m going to be stuck staring at his stupid gorgeous face and thinking about how I want to kiss him and it’ll ruin our friendship! Our bunnies will be parentless.” 

“A-Xian,” Yanli interrupted him. “Have you talked to Wangji about this?” 

“No,” Wuxian replied. “But I know Lan Zhan, I would have noticed.” 

“You would have noticed,” Yanli replied, a smile playing on her lips.

“I’m glad you find my pain funny,” Wuxian sniffed. He saw Yanli roll her eyes, a hand coming up as if she was trying to tuck some of Wuxian’s hair behind his ear. He subconsciously did it for her. 

“A-Xian, who brought you soup and stayed with you for three days when you got sick after swallowing the ink after you startled the giant squid?” Yanli questioned with a raised eyebrow. 

“Lan Zhan,” Wuxian sniffed in reply. 

“Who sneaks you sugar quills in class?” Yanli continued. “Who helped you free the rabbits from the transfiguration room and relocated them to your ‘illegal colony’? Or who willingly stands by with healing charms when you practice new quidditch moves?” 

“Shijie, that’s because we’re friends.” 

“So he does that with all of his friends?” Yanli questioned raising an eyebrow. “Talk to him A-Xian.” 

“But-” 

“No buts,” Yanli shook her head. “Don’t call me back until you talk to him.” 

Wuxian watched his sister cut the mirror’s transmission with an open mouth. He groaned as he fell back against the grass. Yanli was supposed to reassure him, to tell him everything would work out. She wasn’t supposed to confuse him further. Afterall, Wangji had done those things because they’re friends, hadn’t he? 

Wuxian let out a growl of frustration as he pressed his hands over his eyes. Why did he have to fall in love with his best friend? He flirted with dozens of people, granted none of them were as pretty as Lan Zhan, but falling in love with one of them wouldn’t ruin his life. Wuxian let his feet flail in the water, feeling water hit him from the splashes. 

“You can do this,” Wuxian rallied himself. “You’ve hung out with Lan Zhan every day for like 4 years. I mean this attraction didn’t happen overnight, I just know it’s there now.” He muttered to himself. “We can just bottle it up and nothing has to change.” 

Wuxian was drug out of his internal, and external, monologue by the feeling of something warm on his chest. He lifted his hands off his eyes, tilting his head to see a silver rabbit on his chest.  

“Hello there,” Wuxian greeted. “Whose patronus might you be?” Wuxian hummed as he reached out. He pouted as his hand passed through the patronus. “Guess that solves my question about being able to pet a patronus. I know, I’ll give you someone to play with!” 

The rabbit hopped off his chest as he sat up. He dug around in his robes, quickly producing his own wand. With a flick, his own silver rabbit was hopping around. He propped his elbow on his knee, setting his chin on it to watch the two rabbits bounce around. His rabbit was definitely more lively with the other one. As he watched it hop circles around the other, he wondered if it was bothering the other rabbit. 

“Wei Ying.” 

Wuxian jumped, turning to see Wangji standing at the edge of the grown grass. He felt his brain freeze. He had charms up. This was supposed to be his hiding place! He wasn’t ready for this conversation yet. 

“Lan Zhan,” Wuxian nervously smiled. He felt his face flush as he turned back to the rabbits, pulling his knees to his chest. The patronus that wasn’t his came bounding back over to him. It nuzzled against his hand, sending an odd warmth through it as passed through it. Once it was done, it was hopping over to Lan Zhan. 

“Mn,” Wangji hummed to it. With a flick of his wand the rabbit was gone. 

“Lan Zhan, is that your patronus?” Wuxian questioned wide eyed. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen it’s corporeal form before.” 

“Mn,” Wangji nodded, moving to sit next to him. Wuxian’s own rabbit came bounding up to him, hopping in circles around them. 

“Sorry,” Wuxian laughed dismissing his own patronus. “I guess he’s a bit annoying like me.” 

“Not annoying,” Wangji replied. Wuxian looked over when he heard him pulling something out of his robes. He couldn’t help but smile when he pulled out a sugar quill and offered it to him. 

“Ah, Lan Zhan,” Wuxian grinned, taking it. “You must like sugar quills as much as I do, you always seem to have one on you.” 

“You like them,” Wangji replied. 

“I think we’ve already established that,” Wuxian chuckled as he sucked absentmindedly at the tip of it. 

“I carry them because you like them,” Wangji restated. 

“Ah?” Wuxian turned to him. “Do you really not like them?” 

“I prefer loquats,” Wangji replied. 

“Ah, Lan Zhan, don't remind me.” Wuxian flushed clutching his knees to his chest. He wished this conversation wasn’t happening right now. “I’m embarrassed enough.” 

“Chili peppers, lotus flowers and Great Squid Ink.” Wangji spoke. 

“What?” Wuxian turned to him. 

“What I smelled,” Wangji replied, his ears flaming red. “From the amortentia.” 

“Wait,” Wuxian back tracked. “Great Squid Ink?” 

“Mn,” Wangji nodded. 

“Why does the person you like smell like Great Squid Ink?” Wuxian pouted. Of course Wangji would like someone else. They were probably smart, charming, and probably just as good looking as Wangji. He already wanted to punch them in the face. 

“Because they decided to provoke it and got sick for three days,” Wangji replied. Wuxian stared at him for a moment. 

“But Lan Zhan, I got sick for three days after startling the great squid!” Wuxian tugged on his sleeve. He saw the tick of annoyance in Wangji’s face. “I think I would have heard of someone else doing that. You just don’t want to tell me who you like,” He started to turn away to look out over the pond. He supposed it was for the best, he’d just make Wangji angry if he punched his crush. 

Suddenly hands were grabbing the front of his robes. Wuxian let out a squeal of surprise, but found it silenced by a pair of lips. 

Wangji’s lips. 

On his. 

Wuxian felt his mind short out, his eyes flickering closed as he leaned into the kiss. It wasn't an elegant kiss, but hot and needy. Wuxian’s hands wound their way up into Wangji’s hair, pulling him closer. His question from earlier managed to surface, and he let his tongue trail out to find out if Wangji’s lips were soft. 

After the briefest brush of his tongue against Wangji’s lips, nowhere near enough time to determine if they were soft or not. Wuxian found something hot and wet eagerly twisting out to wrestle with his own. He felt Wangji shift forward, pressing his weight up against him. 

The new weight caught Wuxian off guard and his hand flew back to support it. Wuxian gasped as his hand slipped in the grass and he started to fall backwards. The hand in Wangji’s hair only succeeded in pulling him down on top of him. 

He heard a surprised grunt from Wangji, as he started to pull back. Wuxian let out a whine of protest, quickly pulling him back. When they finally parted, they were both panting. Wuxian’s eyes opened, finding Wangji’s darkened eyes staring back at him. A rare smile on his lips. 

“You know,” Wuxian grinned, shifting his hand in Wangji’s hair to trace his lips. They were a bit swollen, but soft as imagined. “You really shouldn’t be kissing me when you’ve got someone who smells like squid ink to go find.” 

He laughed at the exasperated huff Wangji let out, eagerly pulling those soft lips back down to his own. 

[gaignun]

Novel Translation Fun

So, I’m starting to translate the Yzak-centric stuff of the Gundam SEED and Gundam SEED Destiny novels and am gonna post them in batches as I do so.

Both series got 5 volume novelizations years ago. Volumes 1 - 3 of the first SEED novels were translated into English by Tokyopop before being cancelled, and I have all Yzak related parts of those up here on my domain. These translations I'm putting up are from the Japanese novels of the rest of them that I'm slowly working on as a project because I feel like it (I own the JP novels).

Here are the Volume 4 excerpts which I finished so far. It’s quite texty and long so be warned!

DISCLAIMER: My translations aren't always the best as I'm pretty meager at it, so some parts will be translated, and some may more be me summarizing jists of things as I probably had a tough time putting something into the right words. But hey, hopefully what I have here is enough for some interesting new content!

___________________________________

Scene in question: Following the battle where Dearka/Buster and Athrun/Aegis go missing.

Meanwhile, on the ZAFT submarine "Cousteau," Yzak rushed up to Captain Monroe at the command post and yelled, "What about Athrun and Dearka?!"

Monroe glanced at him, looking at the bandage wrapped around his forehead, and asked, "How are you doing?"

His wound was caused from an impact after being hit and falling. Again humiliated by being injured by the Strike, Yzak distorted his face, but it was more in concern than anything at the moment.

"The ship is moving?"

He looked at the panel, and rather than the Cousteau heading north, he noticed it was facing the opposite direction. He raised his voice angrily. "What's the situation?! Have they returned?!"

Being talked to one-sidedly, Monroe gave him a stern look, before quickly glancing away.

"... Those two's situation is unknown."

Yzak's eyes opened widely, momentarily unable to cope with such an unexpected answer. "Unknown? What do you mean unknown!"

"I don't know the full details of the situation." The captain was still, trying not to meet his eyes, and continued indifferently. "First, we lost communication with the Buster, then after confirming a large explosion, communication with the Aegis was cut off."

Yzak was stunned as he listened, but eventually came to his senses enough to ask, impatiently, "Emergency signals?"

The answer to that, however, was obvious. "Nothing has been received from either of them."

It hardly needed to be said. If an emergency signal was picked up, the ship would be heading to their rescue. That means-- that means-- this is…

Yzak's head refused to think beyond that. He persisted the matter directly before him, as he put off that conclusion. "What about the Strike and the Paw!?"

The answer to his question was unexpected "The Paw is being pursued by the Bozman squad. We received a return order from Commander Klueze."

"That's ridiculous!" Yzak finally shouted, angrily and unconvinced. The prey that they've chased all the way to this point and have been unable to capture, suddenly being called back to Carpentaria right in the middle of that...

And, now that he was all alone--

"That's stupid… turn the ship around immediately!" Yzak pressed the captain with a rush of momentum. "Do you think those two would die so easily? We don't wear red for nothing!"

Yes, there's no way those two can be dead! They're all ace pilots allowed to don the red suits. First Nicol, and now Athrun and Dearka? Such a thing... Such a stupid thing is impossible!

However, Monroe chastized Yzak for his angry protest. "As someone who also dons that uniform, you should be able to calmly judge the situation. Didn't I just say it? We were ordered to return."

(This short part I had difficulty with, but what I think happens here is Monroe gives Yzak a somewhat pitied look, that Yzak notices and thinks - Why should he be pitied since Athrun and Dearka could be alive, yet Monroe is looking at him as if he's already part of a now-extinct squadron?)

It can't be that way!

But Monroe continued cooly, "A separate force will be dispatched to search."

"But--!"

He continued in a hard voice rather than suppressing Yzak, who continued to try to interject. "There are reports that Orb is in the area as well. Do you understand?"

That was an order, though an order issued in the form of a question. Yzak had no choice but to stay silent.

___________________________________

Scene in question: After being picked up by Cagalli/Orb, Athrun returns to ZAFT

Athrun was then put on a boat, and taken to a ZAFT helicopter waiting near the coast. Yzak was leaning against the hatch, and burst out in anger when he saw him. "Bastard! You have some nerve showing your face again!"

While yelling, he realized Athrun's condition with his arm hanging down, so kneeled and reached out to the hatch to help him get on.

"... The Strike has been destroyed." Athrun murmured in a tired voice as he passed by. For a moment he thought Yzak was going to get mad, but instead his mouth flashed a smile. He's only thinking about himself, Athrun thinks to himself while dazed.

My head doesn't work at all. What was I doing…?

"What are you standing up for? Rest right there! You're injured!" Yzak yelled at him lowly, with an unexpected concern as he lied Athrun down on the bed of the helicopter. As Athrun fell asleep, he thought vaguely that it was a dream, because [Yzak] only thinks about himself.

It's a dream… everything is…

___________________________________

Scene in question: Athrun gets promoted and goes to leave, but Yzak waits for him

As Athrun started to walk, there was someone standing there, Yzak Jule stood as a barrier, not meeting his gaze. There's no need to stand in such a place, so he was probably waiting for Athrun. Thinking to himself that such stubbornness is just like Yzak, Athrun smiled and walked up to him.

As Athrun approached, Yzak uncrossed his arms and stood from leaning on the wall, turning to him. The two boys stared silently at each other for a moment.

They were the only two left... Rusty, Miguel, Nicol was gone, Dearka was missing.

And now I'm going to leave….

Yzak, staring at Athrun, started to speak bluntly. "I'll go there soon, too."

Athrun smiled at the rival-like words that were uttered. Then, almost as though the other boy thought he was being made a fool of, he turned away with a sullen look on his handsome face.

"Someone like YOU in the special task force…!"

Athrun put his bag down on the floor and held out his hand. Yzak looked down at it, puzzled.

"I'm sorry for a lot of things. And thank you, for everything."

He thought it would be ignored, but Yzak silently grabbed Athrun's hand. He was trying to maintain a unfriendly face, but his grip was painfully strong. At first, he didn't realize the unexpected severity of this boy. Only after repeated clashes, losing their friends, and sharing the same pains, now they may have been able to understand each other a little better. That seemed to be a good thing.

"Well then…"

Athrun felt his eyelids grow hot, letting go of Yzak's hand with a feeling of shame. When he moved to grab his bag and walk away, Yzak turned and spoke suddenly.

"Next time, you'll be MY subordinate!"

His arrogance hadn't changed at all, but now Athrun was also aware of the awkward warmth that was there.

"Until then… don't die!"

The words that followed made Athrun feel guilty. He nodded, doubting that he was entitled to receive such concern.

"Understood."

With that, the two boys parted. The next time they meet again, neither know if that day will come.

___________________________________

Scene: Dearka in jail, thinking about shit

He wasn't sure if news was reported back to the country. It felt strange to Dearka when he imagined he was thought of as dead. Yzak… he'd probably talk down about him and call him stupid, but just like with Nicol, he'd cry over it as well. Which doesn't suit his usually zealous face.

___________________________________

Scene: Shit’s going down in Alaska and Freedom swoops in to save the day

Inside the Duel, Yzak heard the message and doubted what he heard.

< Both sides, stop combat and withdraw immediately! I repeat… >

The source came from a machine that suddenly descended from the sky to protect the Archangel. Though it looked similar to the GAT series at first glance, it had huge, wing-shaped vernier thrusters that had allowed it to fly through the atmosphere - was this the Earth Force's new mobile suit?

It must be. Considering that it was protecting an Earth Alliance ship. What else could it be?

In that case--

"I'm not falling for that…!" Yzak screamed, and attacked the machine. He thought it was a bluff to distract them. "Activate CYCLOPS? If they did that, every single one of their own soldiers would die. Even if they made such an inhumane move, why are you revealing such a strategy by yourself?"

If ZAFT retreated here, the operation itself would have failed. Therefore, Yzak took it that the enemy machine was just making a false statement to save their fleet.

--this guy was disgraceful!

Duel approached the unknown unit, drawing its beam saber. "Haaaah!" But the enemy was quick to dodge the attack, and tried to push the Duel away.

< I told you to stop! Do you want to die?!" > The speaker blared, as Yzak got angry. "What did you say?!"

It was like being told that he had no chance to win. Losing his cool, he slashed, and the unknown unit easily dodged the blow, and pulled out its own beam saber which was mounted at the waist.

--this was bad.

Gazing at the blade of light approaching the cockpit, Yzak's spine froze.

This was it -- he thought, but then the next moment the saber's trajectory changed. The blade cut off both of Duel's legs, and while Yzak was dumbfounded and immobile, his unit was kicked off its balancer by the enemy mobile suit.

"Ehh?!"

A GINN that was flying nearby quickly grabbed the Duel, that had lost both legs.

< Get out of here! > The voice that had been calling out, repeated painfully. <And stop it already!>

The voice sounded so young, it seemed to belong to a boy around his age. Yzak didn't know what to say when he heard the voice.  He thought he was about to die. The opponent's sword was coming straight for his cockpit. However, the blade suddenly moved and instead took the Duel's legs.

Why?

At the last moment, the enemy seemed to be dissuaded from killing Yzak.

But that was the enemy… wasn't it?

< Are you okay? >

Suddenly another voice was heard, and Yzak came to his senses. It was the GINN pilot that was carrying the Duel.

"Y.. yeah…"

< Let's return for the time being >

"But...!" Yzak couldn't help but say.

< You can't fight if your machine doesn't have legs. In any case, even though we're down for now, our victory is all but decided. >

He spoke cheerfully, then went silent.

Yzak turned to gaze at the mysterious unit moving away in the monitor as he was being pulled away. "Who is he…?"

___________________________________

Scene: Athrun is on PLANT and hears about what happened in Alaska

Athrun inadvertently muttered. Yzak and Raww also participated in Spitbreak, didn't they? He thought of Yzak, whose face he just saw and left yesterday, and felt the shock of a sudden chill.

Completely wiped out?

Yzak too? It was only just a little while ago that we parted, saying that we wouldn't die!

Athrun was listening to the exchange between his father and his assistant, but was relieved at the report. At least Raww seemed unbeatable. So he was sure that Yzak, too…

It seemed that everyone he reached out for was spilling through his fingers. Kira. Nicol. Dearka. Saying goodbye to Yzak, and finally, even Lacus…

___________________________________

Scene: In Panama, the ZAFT forces go a little too far with revenge for what happened in Alaska

Then, Yzak Jule joined in on the GINN attack. At first, he felt excited about this mission, but at the sight of his comrades indiscriminately killing at random, his exaltation quickly ceased. He muttered, "A waste of bullets…! How can you enjoy shooting enemies that can't even move?" There were no enemies here. His lifted his unit and turned back.

Something like the Strike, that could fight back against him was worthy to be considered an enemy. The rest were just small fish. Small fish - enemies who were rendered completely unable to fight, he didn't want to fight against something like that. That's all. He was somewhat scared of the unexpected cruelty that his comrades showed…

The scene he witnessed at Alaska overlapped with the slaughter currently being carried out before his eyes. Yzak, who had believed that they were different from Naturals, wondered where the advantage of their superiority was, watching the grievous acts that his comrades were carrying out.

Superiority - that's right, the strange mobile suit pilot who called to save every life in Alaska, regardless of if they were friend or foe.

To repeat the cycle of slaughter driven by fear and vengeance like a bloodthirsty beast was no different from how the old human race used to be - Yzak suddenly felt horrified when that thought came to mind. But, every morning when he looks into the mirror and sees the scar on his face, every time he thinks of his lost comrades, desperate for vengeance on an enemy - was there any difference between him and those who were indulging in this slaughter like animals?

Gungnir - the thunder of God

But, are we Coordinators beings that should be considered above God?

Confused, Yzak began to feel doubt in his heart.

___________________________________

Scene: Yzak asks Klueze wtf is up with Fllay

After speaking, he left the command post, Yzak following beside him. Yzak followed Raww through the narrow submarine passage in a moody silence. Glancing at the boy's expression, Raww teased, "You don't look very pleased, Yzak. Would you like to head out and fight?"

"Eh? .. no." Yzak quickly shook his head.

"Orb is denying support from ZAFT … so we really have no choice." Raww continued.

"I'm not interested in that…" Yzak said, looking disconcerted.

To soothe him, Raww continued, "We'll watch for a little while longer, and then return to Carpentaria. I know you're tired of being in such a small space since Panama, but please bear with it for a little longer."

Raww seemed to assume that Yzak was restless having been confined to this one ship, however Yzak's real issue was not that. In his confusion, Yzak suddenly spoke boldly. "Commander."

"Hm..?"

"--what's with that girl?" As his superior turned to glance at him, Yzak continued, his tone tight. The 'girl' was an Earth Alliance soldier that had been kept in one of Raww's private rooms. Raww never seemed to hesitate about the existence of the girl, but it was something already known to Yzak. "If she's a prisoner, she should be treated like one…!" To a senior office who should normally be looked up to, Yzak's disposition was unexpectedly angry.

However, Raww replied with some mysterious words. "Yzak… war isn't simply pointing and shooting guns at each other."

"Huh?" Yzak was suddenly surprised and silent.

"I've been searching for a 'key'." Raww continued despite Yzak's lost look, speaking more similar words. "And I've finally found it. Or so I believe..."

--A key? Maybe it was some sort of metaphor. Did the girl have some kind of key?

With a conciliatory smile, Raww turned away from the mystified Yzak, and left.

In the past, Raww always used to speak using deep and meaningful words. And though it was difficult to make sense of them all, Yzak always admired those reserved words. Perhaps with this as well, he had some sort of deep idea.

Or perhaps he was using that way of speaking to fool others?

Feeling indecisive, Yzak watched his superior head off.

___________________________________

NOTES AND FINAL THOUGHTS

Guys I fucking love Yzak so much so this essentially GUSHING.

First of all, the first scene where he starts to think about the idea that Athrun and Dearka might be dead and his brain LITERALLY SHUTS DOWN THE REST OF THE THOUGHT. This poor boy.

Yzak showing the slightest bit of concern toward Athrun and Athrun is convinced he’s delirious and dreaming based on that. YZAK?? BEING NICE?? SURELY THIS IS A DREAM. I love it.

The next scene where Athurn is now aware of the “awkward warmth” that Yzak has is just /chef kiss. There was an article too that described Yzak’s kindness as awkward too. Just, this dumb boy with his emotions.

Dearka’s thought about Yzak reaction to him being dead was 100% perfect because it’s 100% CORRECT. Not just in the novel where he has the same reaction when Nicol was killed, here is a picture from his and Dearka’s Edge manga story. Someone dies and Yzak has a reaction of just, “IDIOT!!!!!!! [CRIES]”

The stuff I love about volume 4 is how much more insight we’re getting with Yzak, particularly with Freedom and with Klueze. 

First, Freedom. The small notes like Yzak noting that the pilot sounded about his age. His inner thoughts about the motivations and how his own line of thinking in that he was lying are things they make reference back to in volume 5 (I’m a little ahead as I post this, lol). But although Yzak thinks that at that time, Freedom’s actions are definitely something that stuck with him a lot more than they show in the show. It’s something on the forefront of his mind when he’s in Panama watching his comrades slaughter people who can’t fight back. 

And Klueze, even though Yzak WAS questioning him in the show here and there, we get SO MUCH MORE of his thoughts in the novel, and get even better stuff in volume 5. How he’s confused, questioning things, not sure if he should trust everything Klueze is saying, but just kind of having no choice but to go along with things for now (there’s a thought later about this, where he basically thinks if one just said hey let’s stop this he’d turn around and get shot in the back). 

It’s so interesting to me because a lot of Yzak’s growth truly WAS thanks to meeting Dearka again and seeing people like him, and Athrun and Freedom’s pilot, Lacus and Andy, all fighting for this ‘other side’. But one thing I love that the novel expands on is that he does start to take those first steps first himself, slowly. Starts to wisen up, starts to question things. Of course, this whole time he was alone, so the process was a lot slower for him due to that compared to the main cast who were meeting others and growing. Alone, assuming his comrades were dead, and then not dead but leaving him alone again anyway. A lot of stewing anger there for a long time. That and of course, his personality being very stubborn.

I translated parts of the Last Exile novels back in the day for the same reason. I just love to see all this extra introspection and stuff with characters because it brings more little details to these characters. So far doing this is so much fun because I’ve had these novels forever. I’m also going to probably die when I get to the feelingsy parts of Yzak and Dearka meeting again so Jesus take the fuckin wheel, my babies. I’ll post more soon! Maybe in smaller batches of 4 or 5 scenes? We’ll see.

[myfairgunslinger]

Title: Red Dead Revenge: Kiss of Death  [Part 5]

Pairing: Arthur Morgan x OC x John Marston

Warnings: Smut, Minor Cursing

Summary:   Arthur catches John and Maeve in their lie. Time to come clean.

A/N: Hey guys! I know it's been a while but I'm back with a new chapter. Been pretty busy but I finally had time to write this out so hopefully it was worth the wait. Warning: There is smut in this chapter! So hope you enjoy!  Italics means  flashbacks.

Chapter 5: Soft Spots

Her eyes were shut, her lungs inhaled the humid air of Flat Iron Lake.  She felt the sunlight on her skin as it went down over the horizon, basking her in orange and yellow gleams.  She still had her eyes closed when feeling hands around her waist and a bit of pressure around the top of her head from a resting chin, "Beautiful," John's voice, low and raspy in her ear.  He was embracing Maeve from behind.  She turned her head, "Isn't it?  I love this view."

He had turned her around to where she was facing him, "I wasn't talkin' about the view," John leaned down to peck a kiss on the smile she made. Her dark orbs peering at his face, "Ain't you sweet. What ever could you want?"

"Just a moment of your time," he kissed her neck, "Maybe longer," John breathed out. Maeve was blushing as he kissed her like that. Her eyes locked with an older couple that watched them with appall on their faces, "Can we do it in private?" John pulled away, head slightly turning to see the people judging them.  He waved a hand, "Howdy."

Maeve grabbed his hand and pulled him away from the docks to go towards the shops, a giggle escaping her chest, "You are just--"

"Horrible?  I know, you've told me.  Can you blame me?" he smirked while wrapping an arm around her body to pull her into the small spaces between the buildings. John's other hand moved to turn her face towards him so he could kiss her.  She practically melted into the kiss, all of his affectionate touches were something new for the girl putting her in a constant state of fluster. John moved Maeve to where the front of her body was facing his, rough hands were on her hips as the man held her close during their passionate kisses.

It had been a week since John decided to stay here in Blackwater, renting one of the two rooms up in the saloon.  Maeve spent more time at the saloon after work to either have a few drinks with him or they would walk around town, John taking an interest in whatever she had to say about anything her heart desired.  When the topic of John and his background would come up, he would either keep it brief or change the subject.

John placed his hands against the wall, a hand each on both sides of her head as he stared at her with his dark eyes.  Maeve could feel herself on fire from the stare and she made a slight smile with her lips, "There's just something about you when you make that face that gives me the urge to not be such a good boy."

Maeve's cheeks had a sprinkle of blush to them as her eyes pulled away from his, as if something was bothering her, "What's the matter, darlin'? Something I said?" "No, it's not that-- I mean it is something you said, but it's not bad," she tried to explain herself, "No one's ever talked to me, like how you are."

John felt guilty as he pushed off the wall so his arms could rest at his side, "Oh, sorry I won't--."

"No! I like it.  It's very new to me, a lot of this is...what we are," she breathed feeling nervous, "Can I tell you something, John?" he nodded, "Anything."

Maeve bit the side of her bottom lip preparing to say the next words, "I'm a...well I'm uhh..." the palms of her hands rubbed together, praying he caught on so she wouldn't have to say it.  He didn't as he shrugged his shoulder, "You're cold?"

Maeve leaned closer to him to whisper while placing a hand on his chest, "A virgin."

"Oh," John's eyes went somewhat big at the surprise.  It wasn't an uncommon thing, he's just not used to meeting women who were that pure.  John smiled at her and placed a curled finger under her chin to lift it up, "That's actually really nice to know."

"It is?" Maeve's raised a corner of her mouth.  He leaned down to peck her lips, "It is," John's finger was still under her chin, "Don't feel rushed to change it either, alright darlin'?Maeve took a step back while holding his hands in hers, "But what if I said, I did want to change it?" her eyes on his, "With you?"

John said, "I'd say you're crazy, but there's no arguing with you is there?" his face leaned down to hover over hers giving Maeve a moment to quip back with, "Nope!" she pushed herself to close the space, taking John's lips with hers.

"Maeve!  Maeve!" Cecilia called out for her daughter from the front door of the tailor's.  She let out a sigh, "Lemme help with closin' and we'll 'talk' some more?" John smirked, "Oh we talkin' now?" he teased her as Maeve giggled at him while letting go of his hands, "You'll just have to--"

"Maeve!" Cecilia called out louder sounding as if she was walking around.  Maeve started to walk away, before leaving the narrow alley John had asked, "Should I introduce myself?"

"No, no! " Maeve said, "She's lovely," John chuckled then started to go around the back of the shops to get to his room at the saloon, "See you later, darlin'."

Maybe some day soon, he could meet Cecilia and Everett.  Maeve picked up her skirt a bit so she wouldn't trip when walking to the store to see her mother, "I thought you were at the pier?"

"I was.  You ready to close up?" Maeve tilted her head innocently enough with a small smile hiding her excitement.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Her eyes opened up still seeing Arthur standing there with an expression on his face that Maeve could only read as betrayal.  John decided to speak, "It's not how it looks.  I met her when you brought her to--"

"Even caught, you're still lying to me. I expected as much from you, Marston!" Arthur spat at him then his eyes shifted to Maeve who was still trying to find a voice, "But you?  Why on earth would you lie for this idiot?"

Maeve's head was still spinning as she was overwhelmed from not only drinking so much, but she did stab a man trying to rob her only moments ago, "I--he" her finger pointed at John for a moment before dropping her hand, "I was trying to help John..."

"I asked her to, Arthur," John said, "I told her I was tryin' to fix things with Abigail.  If people knew about us they will talk and it would ruin anything that--"

Maeve scoffed out in an irritated manner, "Oh cause that's me!  A life ruiner!" John looked as if he was offended, "I didn't say that!  I never said that!"  Arthur was now watching them argue, "No, but that's all I've been to you since I came to camp, right?  Been ruining your chances to patch things with your family, who you apparently ran away from."

Arthur's expression turned to be amused at how she was yelling at him, "Have you even told Abigail?" Maeve watched him as John said nothing.  She let out a noise that could only be recognized as the world's saddest single laugh, "I hate you!" Maeve said right in his face with her eyes glossy.  John felt a pain in his chest when her words cut him.  Why did he always have to do this?

She turned on her heel to storm passed Arthur to go back into the saloon, "Mae! " John went to follow after her, but Arthur grabbed him with his arms, "Let her go. You've done enough."  John pushed away from the man to go in after her.  He saw Maeve climb up the stairs, slamming the door to the room Arthur rented.

Arthur came in last, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Since you're a dirty liar, Lil' John.  You get to buy me a drink as you explain yourself."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maeve kicked over the chair that Arthur had been sitting in while tears rolled down her face.  She was beyond angry.  Angry at John for convincing her to lie and be this secret of his, for not being truthful to his wife.  More importantly, she was angry at herself for going along with his plan, in hopes that this would do something to repair their relationship even if it was just as friends. She was angry at how Arthur was upset that she did lie for someone he has a lot of hostility for.  He won't trust her because of this and Maeve was scared this was going to get her thrown out of camp.

She went over to throw herself on the bed to cover her face with a pillow while yelling all her anger in the fluff.  Wishing things were easier, back when her worries were about simple things.

Outside her window Maeve could hear voices on the porch, men talking, "What is wrong with this country? I tell ya it just gets more hateful and more violent, but nothing disgusts me more than people doing sick things for the fun of it," the men leaning on the railing were dressed like law marshals.  The other one said, "Have you heard what happened in Strawberry a couple days ago?  Gang of men fed a father and his son to a pack of wolves, made the poor mother watch them get torn apart before they raped and beat her to death."

Maeve's heart sunk hearing that but continued to listen to the marshals, "I did, the Bollard Twins, right?  Those boys grew up 'round here, ya know.  Always trouble makers those two.  Now Mike and Phil run a gang of monsters wearin' stupid hats!"

The blood in her began to boil from knowing exactly who these old marshals were talking about.  She opened up the window to the room, "Excuse me!"  The two men jumped, turning to see Maeve, "Evenin', miss."

"You two are talkin' about Mike and Phil Bollard, right?" they nodded as she climbed out of the window, "Tell me everything you know about 'em."

The older man gently shook his head, "It's not for the faint of heart, miss."

She stared at him, with a dangerous look in her eyes while leaning on the rail with them, "Try me."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Her eyes were on the saloon, a place she spent a lot of her time working, in now she was here for John.  Maeve entered the building and right away Lou saw her as he served up drinks.  She smirked at him, picking up her black and red skirt that had white frills underneath to puff up the dress.  Going along with her skirt, Maeve also wore a long sleeved, red blouse that had a low-cut on the collar that hung just off her shoulders.  Usually she'd put on a corset but Maeve didn't want John to struggle with taking it off.  To complete her outfit, she had a red neckerchief tied around her neck with black homestead boots.

Climbing up the stairs her heart raced as her eyes went to search for John on the top floor.  She saw him sitting down on one of the sofas with a beer in hand, he didn't look drunk but he did seem like he was thinking deeply about something.  Maeve approached him to pull John out of where ever his mind was with a simple, "Evenin'" and John smiled, face lighting up when he saw her.

"I see what's been keepin' ya," he observed her change of clothes when standing up, "Well, I had been in the other dress all day," her shoulders raised in a shrug while walking to his door, "You coming in, Mister Marston?"  Maeve's mouth smiled, stepping into the room, "Yes, yes I am."  He closed and locked the door behind himself.

As he turned around he saw Maeve standing in the center of the room staring at him, with a look in her eyes that John recognized as nervousness.  When approaching her, he placed a hand on the side of her face while his other hand was placed on her waist, "We can stop anytime you want, darlin'. We don't need to do this."

Maeve placed the tips of her fingers on his jawline to kiss John on the lips, her mouth was still close to his when she whispered out, "Don't see that happenin'." She had used her hands to push off his dusty jacket over his shoulders.  John let it fall to the floor while pulling her closer to him.  His large hands were on her waist, fingers were finding their way to touching her pale flesh. Maeve had started to unbutton his black shirt, exposing his scared chest from past wounds, each one being a complete enigma for her.

John had turned his head back to see where the bed was then moved them to where he was sitting down and she was standing in front of him, "Get up here," he placed a hand on the back of her leg, nudging her towards him so Maeve can straddle his lap.  She had hiked up her skirt when she sat down on him.  John pulled her shirt off with ease then kissed her collar bone when tossing the clothing to the side.  Her cheeks blushed when being bare chested, John could feel her body tense for a moment.

Pulling away, his eyes gazed at the top half of her naked body then stared up at her face, "You're beautiful," Maeve placed her hands on the side of his face as he kept saying these kind words.  Their lips connected again, devouring each other in their lust.  Maeve wanted so much more and John wasn't going to stop unless she asked.  Her hand reached down to unbuckle his belt.  The jingling noise his buckle made only excited John, his manhood was hardening as Maeve's hand reached inside his pants.  She grasped a hold of his length, peered those brown eyes into his gasping out a "Wow".

John cracked a smile from her reaction, "Like what you're grabbin', darlin'?" Maeve bit her bottom lip for a moment while moving her hand to rub him off.  He moaned out when Maeve squeezed him a bit.  John sounded so pleased which was only turning the girl on more, "I think I like seein' you like this," she moved her hand faster on his stiff member while pecking her lips against his neck.

The man could hardly take it anymore, John had shifted their bodies to where her back was laying on the mattress.  He reached up Maeve's skirt to pull down her bloomers, once they were off John placed a hand against her warm mound, his middle finger was softly rubbing against her slick entrance. Hitched breathes were made, her stomach tightened and she was staring up at John with longing, eyes begging for him to do something more.

He slid his finger inside her folds, messaging her little bud.  Maeve was a mewling mess from his touches, "John, please," her voice gasped.  John took out his fingers when he felt her wet core, "You ready, darlin'?" he asked her.  He pushed up her skirt and stood between her legs, aligning himself to her slit.  Maeve propped herself up on her elbows to see what was about to happen. She nodded her head at John and he slowly slid his cock inside, between her warm, untouched folds.

Maeve made a dragged out yelp as she adjusted to his member.  John grunted in pleasure, he slowly moved his narrow hips back to then push himself back inside her as the lady beneath him was moaning from the thrusts he made. John placed his large hands on the curves of her hips to pull Maeve closer, each thrust hitting a bit deeper and faster. There was a fist full of bed sheets in her hands as Maeve repeatedly called John's name from how good he was making her feel.  

His hands squeezed tighter on her thighs as he pulled her on and off John's dick. He let out a huffy groan, feeling the inside of Maeve was better than he imagined.  John slowed down enough to get on the bed, sitting up on his folded knees to then pull Maeve's body up towards him so they can face each other.  John crashed his lips to hers while wrapping his arms around her waist to hold Maeve,fucking her.  Maeve cried out in bliss then started to move her hips in sync with his, "Just like that," John moaned against her mouth breathlessly.

Feeling him go deeper inside sent shutters through her body.  Maeve was getting fed up with her skirt that she untied the sides then pulled it over herself to toss it to the floor, leaving her necktie and boots as the only articles of clothing left on.  Her hands moved to push off his suspenders, John's shirt also slipped off with it.  His eyes looked at her body and he was still bewildered how all those clothes covered up one of the prettiest sights he's seen in Blackwater.

After a moment to pull herself away, Maeve took the opportunity to untie the laces to her homestead boots and John came out of his head to kick his pants off, discarding them with his own boots.  They were both naked now, her eyes were on his face before trailing down to gaze at his still hardened cock, swelled with blood.

"My eyes are up here, darlin'," John teased her as he crawled over to be on her as she laid down on the bed.  Her lips parted to let out a gasp as John slipped himself back inside Maeve.  The man kissed her lips while caressing her face with his hands, Maeve's legs wrapped around his waist and John moved his hips fast to pound into her.  He was waiting to hear her voice say 'slow down' or 'be softer' but it never happened.  Maeve found that she was really enjoying his roughness, "Mmm Mae," he moaned out.

John grabbed her wrists to pin them to the side of her head as he kissed her jawline and the skin around her neckerchief.  The sight of her like this was driving him insane with lust, he never wanted to stop touching her.  John could feel her walls closing around him and he was not far off from climaxing also, "John" her voice whined when he repeatedly pushed his length in and out.  Hearing Maeve, he had slowed down his thrusts looking at her face, she stared at him and bit her bottom lip, "I wanna ride you," she asked shyly.

John smirked then got off of Maeve to roll on to his back, "Anythin' for you, Mae," she watched him for a moment before climbing on top of John.  His hands rested on her ass, "Go nuts," Maeve's slit took back his throbbing cock making both of them moan out.  She rolled her hips as John's hands guided her, making her strides fast and deep. Maeve's head tilted back, crying for John when she finally came.

The room filled with their heavy pants, John pulled himself out of Maeve, on the verge of bursting.  He got her hands to place them on his dick and sure enough, the girl got the idea on what to do.  She stroked him, listening to his soft whimpers.  Maeve leaned forward to kiss his lip while giving a few squeezes making John come on her thigh.  He used both of his hands to hold the sides of her head as their lips met again.

After they kissed, John pressed his forehead to hers pecking her face affectionately, softly asking , "Are you okay?" Maeve did a gentle nod, "Never better," she said running her fingers through his hair, "Can we do it again?"  Maeve asked with a mischievous smirk.

John laughed out, "As long as you like, ya harlot," he pushed her down on her back as Maeve giggled from what he said.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Arthur and John were sitting at a table with a beer in their hands, "That where you spent most of your time then?  Runnin' around Blackwater with Miss Milley,"  Arthur said to the younger man.  He gave a soft nod, "She was different then, we both were."

"That's cause you didn't know each other then. New mysterious guy in town and a pretty gal like her, it's a wonder you didn't stay," Arthur took a sip of the beer, when setting it down he stared at John, "Why didn't you stay?"

John shifted in his seat recalling why, "I'm not right for her.  She was a daughter, a great one at that.  Always puttin' her family first above anything, including me," He shrugged when Arthur made a face at him, "And that's a good thing.  I love that quality about her. It really made me want to be a better person."

"But what's the problem?" Arthur asked to push him along, "She eventually wanted me to meet her parents, officially.  I'd only ever seen 'em from a distance.  It was a big step that I wasn't ready for."

He groaned, "You're a jackass," John huffed, "I wasn't ready because I'm not supposed to be the man she takes home to meet the folks, Arthur.  I was already soiled by the time I met her and she was just...so innocent in many ways.   I was scared that I was gonna be the one to ruin her life.  So...I left.  Ended up coming back to Dutch and thought Maeve was better off without me.  Someone would meet her and she'd forget all about me." John finished off his beer.

Someone met her alright. Arthur watched him, understanding a bit where he was coming from.  He then had to ask, "Did you love her?"

John stared at him thinking on if he should say his answer, but ultimately went with, "Doesn't matter anymore, she hates me and that started before you brought her to us." "That wasn't the question I asked, was it?" Arthur went to search his satchel for an item while saying, "I get that you left her cause you thought she could do better. Believe me, I do," he took out a folded picture, "But maybe Miss Milley thought otherwise," Arthur handed it over for John to open.  When the younger man took it he saw it was of Maeve at the very contest he met her at, the winning photo.  What he didn't know was that the camera had caught part of his face that was on the edge, "Found that by her bed side table."

John didn't have words due to being speechless.  Seeing this photo and knowing just how much it meant to Maeve answered questions he had when being apart from her.  How often did she think of him, for how long? Did she miss him?  The answer to that was a lot.  He made a soft sign, knowing just how much he wanted to be with her in that moment, "God Arthur...you're right...I am a jackass."

"Only been saying it for years," Arthur sipped his drink, "What are you gonna do now?"

John looked up to the room and set his empty bottle down then got up, "Something I should have done a while ago," he stood up and Arthur took a sip of his drink, muttering out in a bitter tone, "Hopefully her taste in men is still horrible."  John heard him and asked, "Are you going to keep being mad at her?"

"Maybe, what's it to you?"

"Don't be... if you're gonna be mad at anyone, it's me.  Don't punish her for having mercy on a fool like me," He then went up the stairs to go knock on the door to the room the girl was in, "Mae?  Can you open up?" John pressed his ear to try and hear anything in the room, "We need to talk," still there was nothing.  He glanced around for a moment before fiddling with the lock to break into the room.  As the door swung open he saw that she was not here, "Damn it!" he yelled when seeing the window, he was about to yell for Arthur until he heard her voice outside along with a few others.

Maeve had a disheartened expression on her face after the marshals told her everything she wanted to know on the Bollards, they were scum of the earth and have done more horrible things to so many others.  Their folks died at an early age from some sickness, their aunt and uncle kicked them off their land to raise a family of their own.  These two boys only had one another with no guidance or anyone to teach them decency.  They went from town to town killing people in brutal ways, making widows, widowers, orphans or just leaving parents without children. All Maeve could hear was that no one would miss them if they turned up dead.

"If they were to be caught, they'd be hung the same day for all that they did," the older man said.  As much as Maeve wanted to see those men swing, she felt that was still too nice for them.  John came outside to collect her, seeing her with the law marshals made him feel a but nervous, "Mae, can I talk to you?"

Maeve turned her head to see him there, hesitating to approach her.  She quickly thanked the men then said to John, "Can you stop callin' me by that name?" when walking over to the stairs.  He made a soft nod when following Maeve down the steps.  He glanced back at the marshals, "What was goin' on there?"

She shook her head, "Jus' having a friendly chat.  Now what do you want?" the girl changed the subject.  John took in a subtle deep breath, "I'm telling Abigail about us when we get back to camp."

Maeve was at the bottom when turning back to him, "You are?  Did Arthur say he'd tell on you?"

John shook his head, "No, surprisingly," staring at her he said, "It's hurtin' you...me lying.  And you don't need that, especially now."  She crossed her arms, observing him, "So you think you know what's best for me?  What I need?" her eyes winced during the last sentence.  He could feel her ridicule seeping out, but John didn't let up, "I haven't been a good person to you, Maeve.  I only want to make things right with you."

Watching him speak these words, Maeve knew he was telling the truth, "So what's gonna happen after you tell your wife?"  She figured he was hoping for forgiveness from the mother of his child, "I don't know...guess we'll find out," John stood close to her.  Her body language was tense, but Maeve couldn't help but ask, "Should I be there with you when you tell Abigail?" John shook his head, "No, but that's real sweet of you to ask," he had a soft smile on his lips.  Maeve's eyes shifted away and there was a flutter of fleeting hope that made John believe she didn't mean it when Maeve claimed her hatred for him.  She still had a tender place in her heart for John as he did for her.

Her dark orbs caught sight of the rising run that crept up on the town, making Maeve's eyes have a golden gleam to them.  It had been a long night, but with the morning there was the promise of a new day filled with opportunities.  John gazed at her wanting to say something more, but his thoughts were interrupted with, "You pack of liars ready to get back?" Arthur called out to them.

Maeve let out a groan, feeling guilty all over again, "Really, Arthur?" she whined out walking over to him, "Well you did lie, Miss Milley," Arthur said before whistling for Boadicea.  John went to collect Liability and Old Boy who weren't that far from them.

"And I'm sorry, really.  I didn't know how you would react if I said anything," Maeve explained.  Arthur scoffed when mounting his horse, "Guess we'll never know."

The girl let out a soft sigh, "If you're going to keep being mad at me, then know that I still appreciate everything you've done for me.  I won't forget it," she looked up at him, "And I'm willing to do anything to make you trust me again."

Arthur rose an eyebrow at her, "Really?  How do you plan on doing that?"  John observed the two talk wondering what Maeve was up to.  When Liability was by her, Maeve climbed up then said, "I owe you my life, Mister Morgan. So from here on out consider me a personal helper for you."

He let out a hearty chuckle, "You don't owe me your life and I don't need a helper."

"It's only right.  I'll wash your laundry, I'll clean your guns or your tent, just something to not make me go insane," Maeve told him.  Arthur turned his head to not face her, his voice sounded irritable, "It's not necessary, but if you insist then so be it.  Wash my dirty clothes all you want, Miss," he pulled on the reins to get going.  Arthur didn't sound too pleased, but she still wanted to do this.  John mounted Old Boy as Maeve watched Arthur start to head out of town.

"He won't be mad at you for too long, not like how he is with me," John said riding next to her.  Maeve asked, "You really think so?"

"I know so.  He's got a soft spot for you, Maeve," she whipped her head to him with a confuses expression as he continued with a slight tilt of his head, "It's hard not to have one."

The corner of her mouth twitched up at that, hopefully he was right.  Maeve faced the road leading back to camp, "Are you ready for this?" she asked him referring to telling Abigail when they arrive.  John shook his head, "No, but I have to do this." They both rode off to catch up with Arthur.

[icyhotexplosiondumpster]

Sweaty Hands

Author’s note: I think way too much about how sweaty Bakugous hands might be and how he thinks his partner must be grossed out by them; just some fluff tbh

Word count: 1.9k

Warnings: omegaverse, cursing

Pairing: omega!Bakugou Katsuki x alpha!Reader (gender neutral)

Hm. You furrowed your brows, seeing Bakugou wiping his hands on his school uniforms pants once again, but you didn’t say anything – yet. Since you two started dating a few weeks ago you caught him doing that quite often, but you never really said anything, even though it did surprise you a bit at first because you never saw him doing that before.

You kind of thought of what the problem might have been. It was just an assumption though, hence why you finally wanted to – if there really was a problem – eradicate it, after all your dates were amazing and kisses from him were explosive and passionate, just like him. At first you thought that he might have been nervous to touch you – you were an Alpha after all and you did radiate dominance, it was just your upbringing to always let others know what you were. Maybe it scared him, is what you thought at first, but again, even though Bakugou was an Omega he would definitely not back down just because of some dominant aura.

Bakugou was not ready for the plan you silently concocted, he was to busy cursing quietly while wiping his hands again. He hated it.

For the first time in his life, he hated how much excessive sweat he produced for his quirk to work. His hands were always kind of moist and even though he tried to dry them multiple times, it would not work for a long time. For the first time, he felt kind of insecure, what if he were to touch you and you would find it gross how sweaty his hands would be? What if he would initiate holding your hands and you would withdraw immediately because of how gross and moist his hands would be?

All of that ran through his head, making him groan in annoyance, stupid fucking feelings and love that made him this insecure and weak. Looking surprised your (e/c) orbs watched him carefully from the side, eyeing him how he quietly mumbled something under his breath. Class was finally over so side by side you went quietly through the hallway, now approaching the school’s gates. You didn’t want to stay quiet any longer, hence why you started, “Ne~ Katsuki? When we’re at my place, wanna play some games and see who can kill more robots, hm?”. Grinning at him, you yanked him out of his thoughts with your voice.

For a second, he just blinked, until he quickly realized, and his smirk made a comeback on his lips. With his typical roar he declared, “Of fucking course, you’ll never break my record in killing these shitty robots anyways, stupid Alpha!” and you only laughed. “We will see about that~!”, you chirped and stretched your arm out to grab his relaxed hand, which he didn’t realize, until you were actually touching him.

He was so surprised by the sudden touch, he accidentally set of an explosion while his head yanked around to look at you. Only a short yelp escaped your lips when you pulled your hand away, the sudden explosion burning your delicate skin. Tears welled in your eyes, not really because of the pain, since you managed to pull away quite quickly and it was not a big explosion, rather the little shock that he actually set of an explosion was the reason for your tears. With a little laugh, you sniffed before wiping your tears away. “Man Katsuki that surprised me, haha…” you managed to laugh, it really was not that bad, but when your (e/c) eyes met his crimson one, you immediately stopped.

A look that you have never seen appeared on his face, he looked horrified and so, so angry at the same time… gritted teeth, face flushed red from the anger and…were there tears in his eyes? Before you could manage to say anything else he flung himself at you, pressing you against his body, you could only blink in confusion for a moment. “Kats-“, you started, but he cut you off, mumbling a “Shit. (Y/N)…I’m fucking… sorry!” and that’s when you pulled back a little to look at him again, even though he did turn his head so you wouldn’t see him. Bakugou apologizing, even though you knew he would rather get his tongue cut of before initiating an apology, for a second you thought it was because as an Omega, he injured an Alpha, and he just HAD to do it, because social norms. However, you quickly let go of that thought, no… it wasn’t because he was an Omega, it was, because, for the first time he made an explosion even though he didn’t intend to do one. Bakugou, who was always so proud of himself for how much control he had over his quirk, made a mistake and hurt his partner because of… a mere touch.

Before you could say anything else, he slung his arm, careful not to touch you with his hand this time, around your shoulder and dragged you to the nearest sink on the school, while he rubbed his teary eyes to erase the tears which welled up due to him feeling so angry. How could he set of an explosion so easily? He was so fucking angry at himself, this should never happen, was he 5 or what? For fuck’s sake he didn’t set of an accidental explosion in forever and then… when you touched him…he felt like shit.

Finally, getting to the sink, one hand grabbing the faucet, the other pulling you towards the cold water, you taking the hint and letting the water cool of your slightly burned hand. Bakugou took his own hands back, pressing them to his sides, avoiding your gaze. “Katsuki please, this really is nothing, I don-“, but he didn’t let you finish, cut you of with an angry roar, “Nothing!? I fucking burned your hand, if you hadn’t pulled back, I would have blown it away, (Y/N)! Shit! Fuck!”

“But it doesn’t hurt, Katsuki, it was not a big explosion after all, I just surprised you. Please, Katsuki, don’t think about it, it was just an accident.” – “A fucking accident that should have never happened! I could have hurt you… really badly”, his voice broke a little at the end, his arms slightly shivering, the thought of hurting you in one of his explosions gave him a chill. He never wanted to hurt you and now this happened, so not only his sweaty hands were a problem now, he also had to worry about blowing you up every time he might touch you?!

“Katsuki, come on-“, he tried to cut you off again, shouting at you, he didn’t mean to shout, but he was frustrated, you could almost feel it, but you had to confront him – now or never.

“God dammit! Katsuki! Listen to me!”, you had a slight dominant tone in your voice, making your Omega shut up almost immediately; he hated being shut down by some shitty Alpha and at any given time he wouldn’t back down just because of some dominant undertone, but it was you after all, he would never admit it, but he did have a little more respect for you than any other Alpha. He just looked away, baring his teeth, you only sighed. You pulled your hand from the sink, facing him directly this time, the other hand laying on his chest, now your voice softer again. “I know, why you did it. It was an accident, because you were nervous to hold my hand, right? You didn’t think I was going to touch you, I surprised you.” – “What the fuck?! (Y-)” – “Do you think I’m stupid, Katsuki?”, you interrupted him, chuckling a little this time, he finally looked at you, confused and taken aback.

“How could I call myself your Alpha if I wouldn’t have noticed the way you were wiping your hands all the time whenever we were together, or how you would stare your own hand down as if you wanted to kill it? Though, I have to be honest, I didn’t think it would be this bad by now that my touch would set of an explosion.” His face was a little red and even got a shade darker when you held out your hand with the most beautiful smile he had seen all day.

“Won’t you hold my hand?” This time you asked, so such an accident wouldn’t occur again and even though his hand twitched, because he really wanted to touch you, he didn’t do anything, only looking down, avoiding your eyes. “It’s gross… my hands are gross, always sweaty, always just moist from my quirk…You don’t want to hold or be touched by something this gross!”, he more or less pressed out between gritted teeth, his hands tightly clenched to fists this time. “Oi, oi, oi. Don’t just go and assume anything on your own, okay?”, your words took him by surprise, though he managed to hide it, he still looked in your eyes with a hint of confusion, making you sigh. “You know… I don’t mind one bit, if your hands are sweaty or even full on waterfalls. Seriously, because, …”, you stretched out your hand, this time for him to see, when you touched his wrist bringing it up a little, your other, slightly red hand also touching him gently, so his fist would relax slowly, “… these hands belong to my Omega I have so many feelings for and just because they are sweaty does not mean I find you or your touch gross, got it? I would be so happy if you were to touch me, Katsuki.”

For a moment, he didn’t say anything, only looked into your eyes, his face and neck getting a little red, even though he tried so hard so suppress his redness it didn’t really work, you just…were amazing, seriously. He then grunted and without a word pulled you into his arms again, one hand on your tailbone keeping you tightly pressed against him, the other holding your hand, hissing a “Shitty Alpha!” in your neck, to which you only responded with a hearty laugh, because you could practically feel the heat he radiated because he was clearly embarrassed by your words. Gently, you squeezed his hand and made him intertwine his fingers with yours, and yeah, he was sweaty, but did you mind? Nope, not one bit, it was rather a happy feeling flooding through you that he finally touched you, letting go of his thoughts that he could gross you out, because really, he never could do that.

Surprised you looked at him, when he suddenly cupped your cheek, pulling your face closer, so he could lock his slightly rough lips with yours, before pulling your body closer again, making you melt against him, because he was not only your Omega, but also your rough, short-tempered boyfriend who made your knees weak with his kissing skills.

When you two finally broke the kiss, you panted a little, but also smiled happily at him, before he turned around, slightly dragging you by your hand until you two went alongside. “We still have to murder some robots, ain’t that right?” he grinned, finally walking home with you and with a quieter voice mumbling, “…and get your hand bandaged…” You looked at your slightly red, slightly burned hand, before smiling, looking back to him and sneakily pecking him on his cheek and ear, so he would look at you again and before shouting at you for not doing such a thing in public you just laughed and gave his hand a squeeze, making him turn his head away, his ears slightly red whilst cursing under his breath and you giggled, “Yeah…let’s murder some robots, Katsuki!”

[shadowsfascination]

YAAU - Chapter two - Coping

-An all zoned out Amy Rose sat on an old bar stool in Legends, the cafe downtown Newport where the gang always would meet up when they were going out at night. She was staring blank and stirring her drink with a straw. The ice cubes in it left a tinkling sound when they touched the glass. She was so lost in thought that she didn’t notice that someone stepped in on the bar, now standing next to her. It took her a few moments to realize that she knew this person- and that she was staring at him without seeing him at all. “Oh, ehh… I’m sorry.” He just shrugged his shoulders at her. “How long have I been staring at you like that?”

“Minute or so.” The consciousness that came back to her crawled up from her spine and left a flustered color on her cheeks. “So, what’s on your mind?” He asked. “Not much. I’m just really tired.” “Then why sit here?” “Waiting for a friend.” Jayde had been one of her close friends since she entered college and they agreed to meet here tonight, but Amy hadn’t seen her yet. Lately, things had been rocky between them. Jayde hadn’t been feeling well over the last couple of months and Amy noticed that she’d been hanging out with other friends. Maybe she had forgotten about them meeting tonight- again? She was not gonna text her. Jayde had to think for herself. In fact, maybe she had stood Amy up… She grabbed her drink and drank it all in one pull. “Can I have another one?” She asked with a determined look in her eyes. Jayde wasn’t going to ruin her night. She could have just as much fun without her. She felt a hand gently touch her arm, trying to gesture that she’d keep her hands down, while she was actually searching for her wallet. “It’s on me.” He said while handing some money to the barkeeper. “Thanks, Shadow.” She smiled politely at him. They all had changed a lot over the past years. You can say whatever you want about him, but Shadow had manners. They had become good friends over the past years. Shadow’s still a closed up guy, by far not as enthusiastic, impulsive and outgoing as Sonic was, but he was loyal, polite, dedicated and many times he calmed Amy down with his down-to-earth way of looking at situations. She appreciated that in him. After a couple of hours “So, you think your friend’s still gonna show up?” “Don’t care.” “Then why were you waiting for her in the first place?” “She stood me up okay? Again!” Shadow couldn’t tell whether her cheeks were red from the frustration or from the fact that she was tipsy. “I’m sorry, but we’re closing in 5 minutes, so could you wrap it up? “- The barkeeper interrupted their conversation. “Yeah, sure.” They stepped into the cold and damp night sky to walk home and she told him all about her friendship with Jayde and how that changed a few months ago. How Amy got the feeling that Jayde kept things from her and having that confirmed later on by her other friends who did know about the thing she kept, while Jayde clearly left Amy out. And then there’s Sonic. Ever since he and Shadow got back from their latest mission, Amy had noticed a change in Sonic’s eyes. His avoiding attitude towards her and the rest of the gang proved she was right. Not only Jayde was avoiding her, Sonic was too. “I mean, can you believe that? I don’t want to, because- I mean I’m not jealous- but, I would like to spend some time with her too! Am I unrealistic? Might I not be fun to be around?” … He quickly unlocked eyes with her, not knowing how to comfort her, not only because it was not in his nature to do so, but also because he was tipsy as well. His mind struggled to form words. “You’re supposed to tell me I’m being foolish… you know?” The girl’s eyes were becoming watery as the silence lasted. On an impulse she quickly turned around and snored at him: “Never mind! You’re all the same; Sonic, Jayde, you. You’re all cutting me out, not telling me what’s going on and I know something’s off. I’m not stupid you know?!”

The bubblegum pink hedgehog almost tripped over her own feet and experienced a shock from the pull on her arm that kept her from falling. Instinctively, Shadow pulled her towards him to keep her from falling. Locking eyes with her he saw her angry, upset face and she stumped on his chest. “I thought we were friends. What was I thinking?” “We are.” “Then tell me what happened on your last mission.” A painful expression appeared in his eyes when she mentioned this. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “You do.” Her glance was firm as well as her grip on him, trying to convince him to talk to her. “Fine, I’ll ask Sonic.” She said when he ignored her for too long. She let go of his arms and tried to free herself from his grip, but he was reluctant to let her go. “Wait…” It sounded like a scream, but was just a whisper. She froze as she let him pull her closer to his chest and felt his heartbeat sped up. Amy took a breath to speak, but was interrupted by Shadow. “Sshh.” “But-“ “Shh.” “Argh, you’re sooo annoying” She lashed at him. The words she spoke were decorated with an agitated tone that gave away the fact that she was a little drunk. “It’s not always necessary to speak while being there for someone, you know?” “What do you mean?” “That we should just stay like this for a while.” She gave in and accepted his embrace with her body, but her mind wandered off, giving her a guilt trip. Something’s off! I just know it and this proves it. Something’s bugging him and I don’t understand it. I don’t understand him, but I want to! Why don’t they entrust me with it? Why does it seem like nobody entrusts me with the stuff they’re dealing with these days? I freaking want to be there for them. “Rose.” Suddenly the tone in his voice changed into a determined, slightly agitated and fed-up way of speaking and she felt busted- like he peeked into her mind and read her it like she was an open book. He continued: “Stop blaming yourself. Stop making yourself believe you’re not doing good enough as a friend and everything. Just stop. You can act all tough, but right now, I know you need me as much as I need you.” See? I was right! Something is bothering him. “And I want to be there for you and Sonic, but you’ve got to let me!” “Then shut up, will ya? I don’t want to talk about it. Period. Did it ever cross your mind that we might have our own reasons for not telling you?” “Like what?” “Like confidentially obligation? Like personal reasons or wanting to spare you the drama.” “Let me make that decision for myself.” “No, we do. It’s our matter. Sonic has to make this decision for himself and so do I. This doesn’t include you.” “But I… Weren’t you telling me that you needed me just a second ago?” “For goodness sake, just listen for once, Amy.” Guilt and the feeling of being selfish entered the door to her heart. He seriously broke through the barrier of her stubbornness and the drinking from before. “Stop joking around-“ His mimics changed along with his way of speaking to a much more soft and gentle expression. “You’re just trying to be the shoulder for us to cry on, so you don’t have to experience your own sadness, your own pain, Amy. You’re obviously hurt because of your friend and still you’re trying to be strong for me, for us.” “Shadow…” “Did I ask you to?” “No.” The girl’s muzzle showed a hint of annoyance because she had to admit he was right and she was wrong. “I’m not asking you to be strong for me. Just give in.” She buried her face into his shoulder and tilted her head towards his face to check one more time if it was all right for her to be like this. Looking up, she was caught by his glance and felt a tension boil up inside of her that she never experienced between them before. He slowly closed in on her and pressed his lips against hers, making their hearts jump from the adrenaline that flowed through their veins. 

He left kisses on her lips, her jaw and down her neck, leaving her speechless. All flustered she stared at him, softly breathing out, blowing her breath in his face. It smelled like alcohol and strawberry from the cocktails she drank earlier. The ebony and crimson striped hedgehog looked her in the eye, barely showing any emotion in his deep red orbs. Still: Seriousness was found in it. His lips were just slightly curled, just enough to show some emotion. It had never been easy to read his mind and so it wasn’t easy to read it right now. Amy kept staring back at him, hoping to find a hint that’d show her what was going on inside his head- or his heart. His gestures took her by surprise and she couldn’t decide whether the sensation she experienced meant that she had feelings for him or that she simply longed for a comforting touch. One that kept her close to him, one that had awakened feelings inside of her she wasn’t aware of that she had those in the first place. It just felt… really good. Totally taken over by the pleasurable side of it, she pulled her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately on his mouth. The pleasant sensation it left, made her knees week and she let herself subside onto the grass.

_______________________________________________________

Read the previous chapter here. Text in italic = thoughts Inspiration: - Scared to be lonely by Martin Garrix and Dua Lipa Illustrations: - Opening picture - How long have I been staring at you like that? - Never Mind! - Ending picture

[nochu-specs]

in broad daylight

… or my first fan fiction ever. i hope to develop as a writer so that my writing will be a better quality. feedback is always appreciated! - sen

summary: jeongguk is the chaser of the gryffindor quidditch team, and he seems to think of you as more than a friend.

genres: fluff, mild angst?

word count: 9.3k

pairing: jeongguk x reader

warnings: mild swearing, mentions of sexual violence(tw!)

Jeongguk was a boy of multiple charms. Not only magic with his wand, but magic with his words. He could use language in a way that could make anyone’s heart twist in their chest, cheeks turn red and hands shake out of nervousness. But when it came to you, words wouldn’t come out.

The

Jeon Jeongguk, who could make anyone drop on their knees, was loss at words because of you. And boy, did it infuriate him.

You were very endearing to him. You were known as the quiet nerdy girl, who devoted her life to studying, and therefore held the title for the best student in Hogwarts. You didn’t brag about it though. You just genuinely enjoyed studying and seeing the results of your hard work gave you motivation to work even harder than before. You never caused any trouble, you kept your circle small and although there were boys drooling over you, you ignored them. Nobody but your best friends knew this - but you were a hopeless romantic. You didn’t want just anybody. You wanted that someone who would make the butterflies burst in your stomach, and make the colours of your world a little brighter.

Jeon Jeongguk was in the same year as you, in the same house as you, Gryffindor. He was a Chaser in the Quidditch team, and he managed to keep his grades up fairly well. He was handsome and charming, the girls in school knew it and so did he. The girls didn’t spark his interest, though. He only had eyes for one girl, even if he knew the girl would never notice him romantically. And that girl just happened to be you.

Sure, he had grown to be your friend through some study sessions with your mutual friends, but he could only dream about you considering him as more as a friend. The idea never left his mind though. It would always linger in the back of his mind, whisper sweet what if’s and make his heart jump to his throat everytime you’d flash that blindingly beautiful smile of yours. Just the mere thought of ever being able to hold you in his arms, look you in the eyes and stutter out the three words that he so fondly believed in could make his face light up.

—

“Mr Jeon, I can understand that you may not find interest in my class, but I’d truly appreciate it, if you could at least pretend like you’re listening.” That awoke Jeongguk from his daydream about you. He has had those so many times, he has lost count. He shoots the Transfiguration professoran apolotegic, goofy smile. “Yes, Ms. McGonagall, I’m sorry”, he answered and chuckled at the quiet giggles from the girls sitting behind him. He tried to steal a gaze from you, but you kept your attention at the board where Ms. McGonagall returned to write down the exercises for today’s class. Of course. You wouldn’t let someone else ruin the learning from you, of course you wouldn’t. Even if you found it slightly funny. Jeongguk dropped his gaze back to the pergament and focused his thoughts on how to turn glass bottles into plastic ones.

—

“Y/N! Wait up!” You heard a familiar voice behind you. It was one of your closest friends, Eunjin. You turned around and faced your friend with a smile. Others had given a lot of thought on why you were friends. You were quiet, reserved and preferred to keep your issues and joys to yourself. She was loud, open to all kinds of ideas - even if they were absolutely terrible - and if you gave her a little something to drink, she would spill all her secrets out, along with everyone else’s. Yet you managed to grow really close with each other. You knew each other’s fears and needs, along with deepest secrets. Yours were the only ones she would lock up in her pocket. Maybe that’s why you two had grown so close.

“Yeah? What’s up?” You asked with a genuine smile smothered on your face. Eunjin flashed a smile right back.

“So. You know that the Slytherin against Gryffindor match is coming up… Hoseok and all the others are going to be play there and I know finals are coming up, but could you just take a break to come to the match? Pretty please? You’ve been doing so well in school, as usual, I thought you could use a little break”, Eunjin said in a suggestive tone that had a slight turn towards a whine. You chuckled.

“Eunjin…” You started, but you couldn’t finish off your sentence.

“Y/N please! You know you’re gonna get straight A’s, even if you skip one day of studying!”

“We already know that we’re going to win against Slytherin. Why should I drag myself to a match, when the result is already clear? I can join the celebrations afterwards, I’ll have the morning all to myself if everyone else is watching the match”, you pointed out and Eunjin pouted.

“Pretty please? It’ll be fun, trust me! Besides, Jeongguk is playing too, and I know you want to see him shine on the field. Just consider it? You can have one day off and not fail every class, trust me”, Eunjin said while looking straight at you with those puppy dog eyes. She knew you couldn’t resist, she knew it very well. Goddamnit.

“Okay, okay. I’ll consider it. The match is on Saturday, right?” You asked, and Eunjin answered you with a nod.

“Alright then. So far, I’m in. But if you mess with me or my studying, the deal is off. I cannot risk failing my courses”, you said, a tiny bit of regret already lurking inside you. Your friend jumped in air due to excitement.

“Yes! I knew you’d say yes, Y/N! I promise you, it’ll be fun. Both Quidditch teams have been training like crazy, the match will be be exciting. Even though we all know Gryffindor’s going to win, right? Gosh, I can’t wait to tell the gang about this, they’ve been wanting to see you watch Quidditch since day one, they’ll be so exci-”

“Okay, Eunjin, I get it. Let’s go eat dinner now, yeah?” You laughed and looked at Eunjin’s overly excited face while the both of you started making your way to the great hall, joy filling the both of you.

—

You slammed the thick book close and let out a frustrated sigh. You understood the stuff, but why wouldn’t the words just come out in a way that would please you? Jeongguk lifted his gaze from his own book and turned it to you. He looked around, Eunjin and Hoseok were cuddling (and most likely snogging, too) in some corner, Yoongi, Jin and Namjoon cancelled and Jimin and Taehyung were most likely trying gather enough people to throw a party in the Room of Requirement. Jeongguk looked back at you and gave you a slightly confused look.

“What’s wrong? The smart girl isn’t so smart anymore?” Jeongguk said teasingly with a cheeky grin on his face. You glared back at him, but he knew you weren’t really mad. The warmth in your eyes gave it away.

“Oh trust me, I’m still smart. I just can’t pour out the words for this essay. I want to impress proffessor Snape, you know how he is… He doesn’t let any Gryffindor off his hook, even if we knew better than the Slytherins”, you sighed with a look of exhaustion on your face. Jungkook’s grin softened to a kind smile and he rested his face on his palm.

“C'mon now, smartie. I know you have it in you. Besides, there’s like 5 days before the d-day, don’t stress yourself about it too much”, Jeongguk said with an assuring sound in his voice. It made you break a small smile - even if Jeongguk teased you often, he knew how to make you feel even slightly better on stressful days.

“I know, I know, but Jeongguk. You know how much I need the A’s, I can’t risk it… God, this makes me so frustrated, you know? I only want to get good grad-” You were cut off but Jeongguk grapping your hands. You furrowed your brows slightly and lifted your gaze to his chocolate brown orbs. They had a small glimmer in them, the one that makes you feel like time is going to stop.

“Y/N. I, Jeon Jeongguk believe in you. You will get that A from Snape, even if you do not finish the essay tonight, alright? You already overwork yourself enough. Let it go, just for tonight, alright? For me?” He said, and there was something in his voice that you couldn’t get a hold of. Was it admiration? No, that couldn’t be. Jeon Jeongguk wouldn’t fall for a girl like you, not in a million years. You might’ve given a thought to it, but you had pushed it aside. You could not risk getting your heart broken, especially not if you were friends with him.

You answered Jeongguk with a faint and gently squeezed his hand. You then let go and the atmosphere could be described as slightly awkward. Jeon stratched the back of his head and then sighed, closing his book as well.

“Well, Y/N. You know what? We - and I mean us two, forget about Hoseok and Eunjin - are going out. The air in this stupid library is making me sick”, Jeongguk said and stood up. You looked at him with a confused look on your face.

“What do you mean out? We’re not allowed to go there anymore! Anyone could catch us”, you answered with a judging look smothered look on your face. Jeongguk answered back with a smirk and pulled out his bag.

“You know, I’m not as stupid as you might think. In order to be a prankster like me, you need to have a little something in here”, he said while gently knocking his head. He then pulled out a cloak and you let out a silent laugh.

“Invisibility cloak? Seriously? God, you sure know how to keep me entertained.” If it was Eunjin asking you, you would’ve strictly declined. But you seemed to give in to Jeongguk’s silly suggestions more easily than to others. Eunjin saw that as a clear sign of love - you usually just laughed it off. Love is a strong word, ain’t it?

Jeongguk chuckled at your answer and took your hand in his, letting electricity spark all over your body in the process.

“Follow me, m'lady.”

—

The night air was warm during this part of the year. It wasn’t too hot that you would sweat, and it wasn’t too cold that you would freeze. It was warm enough for you to enjoy the night without a trace of uncomfortability. That’s only one of the reasons why you loved spring. You also loved spring because new lives begun. All the death and coldness from winter was stepping aside for the new and beautiful lives. Trees grew their leaves, flowers bloomed. It felt like a new beginning. You loved the bright colours of new-bloomed flowers and the sweet scent of them.

Jeongguk stole a look from you and then returned his sight back to your interwined hands. He felt happy. He was holding your hand and having you close, one of his endless daydreams was real! He smiled to himself and looked around him. Sure, you were under an invisibility cloak and no one could ever know about this, but it was something. The thought of this happening again in broad daylight, with more affection showing filled his mind and Jeongguk had to focus hard to wipe off a stupid grin away from his face. It wouldn’t happen, he thought. It would never happen, and he knew it.

When the two of you climbed up the hill and reached the big oak, Jeongguk looked around to make sure it was secure to take the invisibility cloak off. When the route was clear, he took it off you in a gentle way, laying it under you. He then fell on top of the cloak and you followed his actions, placing yourself rather close to his broad chest. It felt good to be this close to Jeongguk, admiring the stars and breathing in his scent. It smelled like peppermint, newly cut grass with a hint of something sweet that you couldn’t get a hold of. Maybe it was his cologne, you didn’t know. The scent was amazing nevertheless.

While watching the stars, Jeongguk hand somehow slipped in yours. You turned your gaze to him, only to find him already staring. He felt rosy blush colour his cheeks and he gave you a goofy smile. You answered back with a smile - you didn’t mind holding his hand. It felt good, it felt natural. Jeongguk was the first to return his sight back to the shining stars, and you followed. A comfortable silence was set on you. You were the first one to break the silence, after a while. You turned to you side and investigated his face.

“Jeongguk?”

“Y/N.”

“I just wanted to thank you for bringing me here. It’s really pretty here, under all the stars. It makes me feel a little less stressed about Snape”, you said with a faint smile painted on your face. Jeongguk couldn’t turn to face you, but you saw that he had a smile smothered on his face. Jeongguk himself was a nervous wreck. He knew that if he turned to look at you, he could not keep it inside him. He’d press his lips against your soft ones and even if it felt tempting, the back of his mind kept telling him to not to. He would just ruin things, and he’s wasn’t ready to lose you, if by chance you weren’t ready for anyone.

“Don’t mention it. I’m glad you like it, you work so hard. I figured that even a smartie like you could use a break sometimes. Even if this is against the rules”, he said with a grinny look. You giggled back in answer and Jeongguk swore he felt his heart twist in his chest. He finally gathered the courage to turn to look at your laughing face, and a smile was immediately brought to his face. My god, did you look beautiful. Your eyes’ glistening accompanied by the moonlight and your bright smile. That was a killer pairing for Jeongguk, he simply just couldn’t stop his feelings.

“What is it Jeongguk? Cat’s got your tongue?” You blurted out with giggled and Jungkook laughed with you.

“Ain’t nothing. I’m just… I don’t know. It feels great to be here, with you. If I was here with Taehyung-hyung, he probably would’ve already let the whole castle know we’re here and I would get in trouble”, Jeongguk answered laughing, which you joined. Taehyung could be a bit of a troublemaker, everyone knew it. But he was a great friend and a great Quidditch player, you had to give him that.

“Well, be happy that you’re here with me. You know me, even if someone found out we were here, I could talk us both out of it. But that won’t happen, right?”

“No, Y/N. It won’t. We’re safe.”

Jeongguk and you talked about all kinds of stuff during that night. School, Quidditch, and funny stories of Hogwarts and the people living inside there. Your tummy hurt from all the laughing you had done with Jeongguk, along with your cheeks. You had somehow managed to roll really close to Jeongguk and he didn’t seem to mind so you stayed there.

“Jeon Jeongguk… How about we play 20 questions? As we both ask each other 20 questions about anything we want. We have to answer them all? I feel like we could know each other a little more. I only know Eunjin’s secrets, you know”, you suggested with a grin on your lips. Jeongguk raised his left eyebrow and chuckled. He felt a small knot of nervousness becoming tighter on the bottom of his stomach. What if you ask something too personal and he’ll just have to confess? What if he crosses the line with you and you get mad? What if he says something wrong and then you’ll get offended by his silly words. There were so many things on Jeongguk’s mind but he only let you see him grinning at you.

“Everyone knows Eunjin’s secrets.”

“Shut up, not anyone can take alcohol as well as others. She’s a sweet girl.”

“Just saying. But alright. Let’s play the game then. Ladies first, right?”

The game started off pretty smoothly. You asked him a question about Quidditch and he asked you about studying. It wasn’t anything too nervewrecking, but you both knew it would be inevitable to avoid the questions about romantic or sexual stuff. Neither of you just wanted to be the first one to ask.

Finally, after what felt like a million years - in reality it was 5 questions from each - Jeongguk finally sighed and looked deep in your eyes. Your felt your breath hitch in your throat, it felt like oxygen was running out. His eyes were magical, you could stare into them forever and never get bored of them. He had you under his spell, and you were unable to decline.

“Okay, Y/N. Here comes one. Have you ever dated anyone?” He said with a slightly higher tone than usual. You saw him blush slightly, and you blushed as well. You smiled faintly and shook your head in denial.

“No. Someone might say that I don’t want to date anyone because I’m too focused on studying. But the truth is, I can’t seem to find interest in the people I meet. Sure, there are cute boys and girls in this school, but none of them feel special. Nobody but Eunjin knows this, but I’m a hopeless romantic. I want that special someone, someone who makes me break into smile even if the days seem dark. Someone to bright up my day, even if they just say hi to me. Someone to… Wow. I must’ve gone really far with explaining”, you wandered off with a nervous laugh. You looked at Jeongguk’s face and you felt yourself kind of… Strange? He looked like he wasn’t happy with your answer. Had you said something wrong? You felt your smile wear off and you bit your lower lip.

“What about you then, Guk? I know you’ve dated some people, but has someone ever been… Special to you?” You asked with a faint voice. Jeongguk smiled at you and brushed his hands through his hair.

“To be honest with you? No. Don’t get me wrong, I never get into a relationship if I don’t think it would last for more than 6 months, but somehow all the girls I’ve been with haven’t felt right. They’re nice girls, pretty girls. But they don’t have that special spark that you described. I’m looking for a similar spark too. But right now, I don’t think I could handle any kind of an relationship. I… Maybe no one here has that special spark. I guess I’ll just keep looking now”, Jeongguk answered, not facing you. You felt a stab in your heart. Dreams of Jeongguk ever liking you back crumbled like pastries in your hands. He didn’t like you, that was for certain now. He didn’t like anybody, you were simply just a friend to him. You’d knew this all along, but why did it hurt you? You just nodded in response. You closed your eyes and let yourself rest against Jeongguk. His scent, which was so magnificently charming and wonderful in the beginning, suddenly felt like too much.

“Jepngguk?”

“Yeah?”

“I think we should head back. I’m tired, and I have Charms tomorrow morning.”

“O-okay. Alright. I’ll take you back.” He said and got up really quickly. You looked at him and you felt like there was something you needed to say. Something that you wanted to, needed him to know. The words were left in your throat though, and they never came out. You got up yourself and wiped the dirt off your clothing. Jeongguk lifted the invisibility cloak off the ground and put it on top of both of you. You started slowly making your way to the castle, both too frightened to look at each other.

“Jeongguk?” You asked when you reached the Gryffindor Tower.

“Yeah?”

“I really enjoyed tonight with you.”

“Me too.”

“Another time maybe?”

“Yeah, maybe.” With that, you both went in to your dorms and lay on your beds. Slowly, you drifted off to sleep, the only thoughts in your minds being each other.

—

The next few days before the match made you twitch in anticipation. Eunjin kept blabbering about the match, but somehow all your thoughts wandered off to Jeongguk and how he thought about girls. You tried telling yourself that he was talking about all the girls, but it wouldn’t help. It felt like your heart had been picked on with small needles and that it was bleeding every time your stress-filled life continued. You tried to remember that you and Jeongguk weren’t an item - you’d never had anything romantic with each other, but the words still stuck to your brain, as if they were tattooed there. You tried to focus on your studies and somehow it helped you to keep your mind off of Jeongguk and Eunjin’s pointless blabbering about how great his boyfriend Hoseok looks in that red and gold Quidditch outfit. At least someone has a good time with their significant other.

“Y/N? Are you listening to me at all?” was what woke you up from your studying. You looked around you and saw Eunjin’s annoyed face.

“Yes, sorry. You were saying?”

“For God’s sake, this is like the 3rd time that I have to wake you up from your endless daydreams. What’s up with you? Who’s the guy or girl that got you so whipped?” Eunjin asked while tapping her long, painted nails on the wooden surface of the studying table. You let out a frustrated sigh.

“It’s nothing really, all is well.”

“That’s bollocks and you know it yourself. C'mon. I’m your best friend. You can tell me”, Eunjin whined and looked at you in the eyes. God damn those puppy dog eyes. You sighed again and the words started coming out about the night you shared with Jeongguk under the stars. From the tiny details to the things you told each other that have been bothering you ever since. Eunjin listened and it seemed like she actually cared, which made you a little less nervous. After you finished your story, Eunjin took your hand in hers.

“Well well, my friend. It seems like the top student in school, master of all charms and spells has fallen in love. Finally. Took you long enough”, Eunjin said with a smile. You tried to smile back, but it felt twisted and wrong. You couldn’t be in love, you wanted to deny, but you felt defeated and too tired to start saying something against her.

“Now, now. Don’t look so sad. I understand that it may be hard to get over, but why do you think that your feelings are one-sided?” Eunjin asked and you knew she had just said something she definetely should’ve not.

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing. Just stating a casual fact. You know Jeongguk, he says dumb shit at times. Maybe he does have a special someone he likes. But you sure as hell did not hear that from me”, Eunjin says.

“I think I have to use Obliviate on you”, you heard Eunjin mutter to herself as she let go of your hand.

“Promise me, Y/N, that even if you fall in love and admit it to yourself, promise me you won’t forget me? You falling in love is a new thing and I don-”

“I’m not falling in love, Eunjin.”

“I don’t want you to leave me. You’re my best friend, after all. I’d choose you as my best friend today, tomorrow, and in a million years. And that won’t change. Same went for me when I fell for Hoseok. You and I until the world crashes, and even after that?”

“Yes. You and I ‘till the world crashes.”

“Okay. Now, let’s get our smartie Y/N something to eat, I think I have some extra sweets from Honeydukes…”

—

“Good playing today, team. If you play like this in tomorrow’s match, we’ll snatch that golden trophy from the stupid Slytherins. You’re dismissed. Jeongguk, can you wait for a little while, I have something to tell you in private”, Park Jimin, the captain of the team told his teammates, and while others left off to wash themselves, Jeongguk and Jimin stayed on the field.

“Hyung, what is it?”

“Listen, Guk. You’re a great Chaser and all. You do your work well, you might just be the best Chaser I’ve faced during these years. But there’s something off. What is it with you? You play well enough, we’ll win the match but this isn’t your best. You can tell me, I’m your friend”, Jimin said while placing his hand on Jeongguk’s shoulder. Jimin was slightly shorter than Jeongguk (the younger would never stop teasing him about it) so Jeongguk looked down on his friend. Jeongguk shrugged his shoulder.

“Ain’t nothing off. Finals are just stressing me out”, Jeongguk answered, not looking Jimin in the eyes. He couldn’t just lie and look his friend in the eye. He wasn’t that person.

“You know Jeongguk, you’ve always been a bad liar”, Jimin said with a laugh, but anyone could hear that there was no humour added to it.

“C'mon. Tell me. I promise that everything that you tell me here, stays here on the field”, Jimin said while spreading out his arms to make his point even more clear. Jeongguk just sighed in defeat and investigated Jimin’s looks. He was a good guy, Jeongguk knew Jimin keep his secret ‘till the end of time. Jeon tried to find his way out, but realised that Jimin wouldn’t let him go until he spilled out all the problems bothering him. So, the younger sat down on the grass with Jimin and poured his heart out. From the beginning, the first time he saw you and fell for you, to the words he slipped out of his mouth few nights back. The words felt so toxic then and they felt so toxic now. Jimin listened silently, adding a few oh’s and mmhmm’s inbetween. It felt good to let his feelings out, it felt like some sort of a weight was lifted of his heavy heart. After he had finished off his story, Jimin ruffled the younger one’s head and smiled goofily.

“Our silly boy… Completely smitten. Y/N’s a good girl, you chose the target of your love very well”, Jimin smirked and Jeongguk hit his arm playfully, laughing silently. They laughed with each other for a little while, until the laugh drifted off to the quiet night.

“No, but seriously, Jeongguk. I know I may be bad at love, but if you meant every single word you said -”

“I did, hyung, I did.”

“Well then. Who should stop you from telling her? I mean, even if she said that she doesn’t find anyone interesting, how do you know? Maybe she was just shy to admit that she likes you”, Jimin said, saying the latter part quietly. Jeongguk raised his left eyebrow - a habit he didn’t seem to get rid of - and gave Jimin a smirk.

“How come?”

“I didn’t say anything. She might like you, she might not. You’ll never know unless you confess your feelings to her. Now, enough with this sappy thing. You smell awfully like sweat and love, go get a shower. You’ll never charm a girl if you smell like that.”

“Isn’t that the smell of sex?”

“No. You smell like a pathetic Quidditch player who’s foolishly in love.”

“You’re the only pathetic one here”, Jeongguk said while cockily hitting Jimin up with a smirk and getting up the grass, making his way towards the showers.

“Yah, Jeon Jeongguk!”

—

The morning of the match was nervewrecking for every student in Hogwarts. Slytherins were only in it for themselves, but everyone else wanted Gryffindor win. Slytherin had won for the last 2 years in a row, and nobody wanted them to win again. For Jeongguk, this meant the world. He wanted to win, he wanted to show everyone that he can do it. Well, not everyone. Mainly you. He knew that you understood how good he was, but he still wanted to show off. Especially since this was the first time that you would come to any Quidditch match ever. It was tearing his nerves apart.

“Come on, Jeongguk. You need to eat something. Otherwise our amazing Chaser won’t get all the goals”, Hoseok said while putting a piece of toast on Jeongguk’s plate. The Great Hall was filled with anticipation and excitement - it was usual. But this time, it felt way bigger than usual. Everyone was counting on Gryffindor for this one. That didn’t make Jeongguk lose his appetite though. It was the fact that you were there to watch his performance on the field.

“I’m not hungry, hyung”, Jeongguk said and shot a glare at the toast. The toast didn’t do anything wrong, but it seemed like everything was at fault for his nervousness.

“Shut up and eat your toast, punk. Your hyung wanted you to eat it, so you will”, Yoongi said while shooting Jeongguk a death glare. The younger one knew he could beat up Yoongi any time of the day, but something in his tune said that the older one wasn’t kidding, so in the fear or Yoongi, Jeongguk took the toast in his hands and took a bite. It tasted surprisingly good. Or at least better than before.

“You know, Jeongguk. We’re all looking forward to your playing today. You did amazing last time”, Namjoon said while drinking a sip of his orange juice. He spilled a bit of it on his white shirt, and with a sigh and a whisk with his wand, the stain was long gone. Namjoon might’ve been clumsy, but he sure was intelligent and knew any spell from any book. He was almost as good as you. Almost.

“Thanks, hyung. I hope I’ll be able to play”, Jeongguk said with a quiet voice. He heard some random year 4 girls wish him good luck with the game, and he just answered back with a smile. He appreciated the good luck wishes. He really did. But if they weren’t from you, they didn’t have that speciality in them.

After Jimin got up and yelled at the team to go change and get ready, Jeongguk hesitantly got up from his seat. He felt like his legs wouldn’t support him anymore. He walked to the door, when he heard his name being yelled by a very familiar and very much needed voice.

“Jeongguk! Jeongguk, wait!” You yelled and ran down the stairs, your hair prettily framing your face. Jeongguk turned 180 degrees and faced you with a sunny smile on his face. You had remembered him and his important day! You returned his smile with an equally wide and genuine as his.

“Good luck. I believe in you, I really do. You’ve been working so hard for this. You better snatch that trophy and bring it to the tower tonight!” You said with happiness filling his ears. Jeongguk smiled so wide, he feared he might just permanently damage his face muscles.

“Thanks, Y/N. I promise, the trophy will be ours”, Jeongguk answered and he swore that when you let out a giggle he thought his heart might just stop right on that moment.

“Come on now lover boy! We need to get changed, Jimin is gonna do his special speech in a few minutes and we can’t miss it!” Hoseok yelled from the entrance of the castle and you both felt the blush colour your cheeks bright red. You showed Jeongguk one last smile before running off to the Great hall, while Jeongguk ran to his teammates.

“Okay, listen up kids. We have trained so hard for this match, and we sure as hell are going to win. We have me, an alright Keeper”, Jimin said and everyone started yelling something along the lines of ‘What do you mean alright, you’re the best one we could ever ask for.’ Jimin laughed and shot a glare at his teammates.

“We have two _amazing_ Beaters. Three _magnificent_ Chasers”, Jimin continued, giving Jeongguk a glare that gave off the feeling that Jimin really trusted him. He appreciated that.

“And we have a wonderful Seeker, who will win us the golden prize. Alright? Nothing can stop us. Absolutely nothing. Today is Gryffindor’s day, okay? Now, let’s go and win that fucking match. Goddamnit”, Jimin muttered the last part under his breath, standing up, throwing the broom over his shoulder.

“Very emotional, Jiminie.”

“Shut up Hoseok-hyung, you wouldn’t know a thing about emotional speeches.”

—

You made your way towards the field along with Eunjin. Why did you feel nervous? You weren’t even playing! When you found your way to the audience, you were seated next to some Gryffindor boy. He was a year above you. You couldn’t remember his name. Not that it mattered to you - you’ve never speaken to him anyway. Eunjin sparked a conversation between her and you and you were lost in it until you heard the host of the match introduce every player. The Slytherins booed everytime a Gryffindor’s name, but their display of dislike was lost under the cheers of Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. Then Slytherins were introduced and the booing got so loud you had to cover your ears from all the noise. You didn’t join though. You weren’t that petty. The captains then shook hands - it looked like the Slytherin captain was trying to smash Jimin’s tiny fingers - and soon enough, everyone was on their broom and the match had started. You smiled while trying to look for Jeongguk. You easily spotted him - you could recognise that muscular, broad body anywhere, anytime. Jeongguk moved swiftly with his broom and soon, he threw the Quaff in the goal hoop and the cheering was so loud you feared you might pop your eardrum. You cheered along anyway, you felt proud of Jeongguk. The wide smile on his face told that he was proud of himself too. You felt a hand on your thigh and you turned around, only to see the Gryffindor guy sitting next to you holding it. You gave a faint, fake smile, pushing the hand away. You weren’t taken, but you didn’t want him to touch you. The game continued and you almost forgot about the uncomfortable feeling that the unwanted touch left, until you felt the familiar hand, this time on your bum. You turned around and looked at the guy, anger flaming in your eyes.

“Get off me.”

“C'mon now birdie… You seem so lonely. You’re a smart girl, you know what I’m asking for. One time, really quick and I’ll leave you alone…”

“No. I repeat, get off me”, you said, trying to move away from his awful touch, but he held tight. It hurt a bit, and you felt tears coming from your eyes. Not because of the pain, but because of the feeling not safe and humiliated. Eunjin was too into the game, and so was everyone else. Nobody would understand if you screamed, they’d just think it’s a part of the game. You felt defeated.

Jeongguk was eyeing the audience, trying to find you. He found Eunjin’s familiar face and soon enough he found yours. But why were you crying. He moved his eyes a bit and saw the guy groping you. He felt the flame of anger flash and burn his insides. How did he dare to touch something so ethereally gorgeous as you, without your consent? He squeezed his broom harder. Oh, if only glares could kill… He noticed the guy looking back at him. The guy had an mean smirk painting his already average looks. He looked evil. That’s it. Jeongguk is flying up there and dragging you away from this monster, he thought to himself. He was already moving towards the audience, when heard Hoseok yell something at him. He didn’t have enough time to get himself together, when he felt something hit his head hard. So hard, it had him seeing stars. Then everything went pitch black.

—

“A concussion? Only that? Oh, that’s good. I feared for his life.”

All the sounds were hazy and Jeongguk didn’t really understand anything. He thought he heard some cheering, but maybe it was a dream? He wouldn’t know.

“What do you mean we can’t have a party? We won! Jeongguk might’ve passed out but he made like 4 goals!”

“He needs rest. Now off you go, before I make you drink Skele-Gro.”

—

It smelled like flowers. A familiar scent of lavender was filling up the room, and it made him happy. It reminded him of you - the ones he only seems dreams about. Jeongguk tried to open his eyes, but they felt too heavy, so he didn’t bother. He just lay back and enjoyed the sweet scent. He could inhale it in forever and never would it stop making him feel at ease.

“It’s been 3 hours, why isn’t he waking up?” Jeongguk heard a soft female voice, filled with concern. It sounded so familiar, he just couldn’t quite put his finger on it… Nevertheless, it sounded so smooth and wonderful that he didn’t care if he didn’t know who the speaker was.

“Yeah… I guess he’s really sleepy. He was hit really hard, after all”, another familiar voice was heard, this time male. Was it Jimin? Maybe. Maybe not. His eyes felt less heavier now. He sure wanted to know the owner of the sweet, sweet voice which lured him closer…

“Gosh, how could he be so distracted?” The male voice asked and even if Jeongguk was sleeping, he knew that the speaker’s face was filled with multiple emotions. Some of them might’ve not been so positive.

“Anyway. How’s it going with your new boyfriend? Hwiyoung, was it? I heard he got lucky a few hours ago… Naughty”, the male voice continued, and your face turned bright red. Jeongguk felt disappointed. The sweet voice wasn’t free. Somebody else had her. It made Jeongguk’s heart twist into a spiral. He knew the owner of the voice meant something to him, even if he couldn’t remember it.

“Jimin! He’s not my boyfriend. Absolutely not! Who told you that?” You asked. Oh, so it was Jimin, Jeongguk thought. Of course.

“He told me that. And everyone else in the process. But how come you aren’t her girlfriend? Because if you’re not, he has spread some… Questionable rumours about the relationship between you two to the Quidditch team.”

“No, he just groped me and tried to tell me all kinds of things he’d do to me. He has tried to hit on me before, but I’ve always ignored him. He isn’t that amazing, honestly”, you answered, embarassment filling the room.

“Well, shit. I’m gonna tell them to not believe him, okay? No damage has been done yet, my teammates wouldn’t spread things they’re not 100% sure about. Okay? I won’t let the guy destroy you. Especially if he grabbed you without your consent. Because that’s some disgusting bullshit, I’m telling you”, Jimin said with irritation filling his voice. Jeongguk furrowed his brows. How could anyone hurt a girl like that? Especially someone like you, with such a graceful voice. Jeongguk tried to say his opinion, but only a muffled hum would come out.

“Jimin? Did you hear that? He’s gonna wake up! He hummed, I swear he did!” You said with an excitement in your voice that could make anyone break into a wide genuine smile.

Jeongguk fluttered his eyelashes and soon enough, his eyes were opened. The room was white and bright, and Jungkook wanted to close his eyes again immediately. The pounding on his head was too much.

“Well good day to you too, wonder boy. Way to go man, you got knocked out by a damn Bludger”, Jimin said while chuckling. Jeongguk gave him a sheepish smile and turned his gaze to his left, and there you were. With your ever so beautiful smile and face.

“Hey Jeongguk… We won. We won over Slytherin. The party’s still going on, it’s probably gonna end around 2am when the Head of the House is gonna come and yell at us. Madame Pomfrey said you can leave an hour after you wake up, okay?” You said and Jeongguk just nodded. Your voice sounded even more beautiful when he saw you using it.

“Y/N and I are going to the tower, head there when you’re released. We want to congratulate you on our win, you made it possible. Even if you passed out, silly kid”, Jimin said and got up from his seat, and you repeated his actions.

“T-thank you, Y/N. For being here”, Jungkook managed to say with a quiet, crooked voice.

“Yah! I was here too, you little brat”, Jimin said with an annoyed tone.

“Yeah yeah.” Jeongguk whispered, still looking straight into your eyes. You smiled at him and he thought that the whole Hogwarts, maybe even the whole word could hear his heartbeat. If only they could hear his heart beating, just for you.

“Don’t mention it”, you said, imitating Jeongguk’s voice, and with that, you were gone from the room, along with Jimin complaining how much a punk Jeongguk was. But the guilty one didn’t bother to think about Jimin. All he could think about was your smile and the fact that you actually cared enough to watch him wake up. That’s the only thing that mattered to him right now.

—

Madame Pomfrey was hesitant on letting Jeongguk go to the party. Every single person in school knew that parties could go wild, but after Jeongguk kept whining and whining, Madame had no other choice but to let Jeongguk leave. As he made his way through the maze that was also known as Hogwarts, he felt someone push him against the wall. He looked at the man, and recognised him as the man who had groped you. The flame that was lit at the match was lit again.

“You.”

“Me, who else? Now, I know we won and all that. But you putting on a show just because I touched my girl and therefore got me in trouble with it kind of ruined the mood.”

“What do you mean your girl? She’s single, Hwiyoung. So she’s no one’s”, Jeongguk said, anger dripping from his voice. If the guy held him any longer, Jeongguk knew he would snap. He can’t understand people who abuse girls, especially if the girl was someone like you.

“My girl. We started dating a few nights ago. Didn’t you know? Everyone else sure does”, he said, and he sonded like he was serious. Dead serious. Jeongguk face dropped, only slightly. It couldn’t be true, he swore he had heard you denying it. But maybe it was true? He had been dazing off with pain killers when he heard your sweet voice tingle his ears. He could’ve dreamed.

“Oh, so you didn’t know? Would you look at that. Your crush is with me. Heartbreaking, isn’t it? Well, now you know. Maybe now you’ll leave her the fuck alone”, Hwiyoung hissed and pushed Jeongguk against the wall, leaving the scene. And Jeongguk’s inhaling system didn’t work suddenly. He knew you were free - of course he knew. Hwiyoung was good looking, and he sure as hell was not dumb enough to let you walk past, at least not without trying. The same could not be said for Jeongguk though. He was too much of a wimp to actually get around to confess, to let out all the feelings his poor heart held, and now it payed back. And boy, did it hurt.

—  

When Jeongguk finally reached the Gryffindor tower, he could already hear all the cheering. People were having fun, and maybe Jeongguk could blend in, pretend to be happy that Gryffindor had won. Gryffindor’s win didn’t feel important to him anymore though. His heart hurt, and so did his head. But he had to bring on a happy face. For his team, for his house. It was mandatory - of course he had to be happy. Otherwise people would start to question his mood, and he wasn’t ready. Not yet. With that, he said the password and the painting swiftly moved to make room for Jeongguk.

“Love worries, wonder boy?” He heard the painting ask. He chuckled.

“Maybe a bit.”

“Girls will come and go. If she is the one, then the both of you will find each other eventually. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow. But someday.”

The second Jeongguk stepped into the party, he felt someone wrap their arm around his shoulder. Jeongguk greeted them with a smile.

“Hey, Hoseok-hyung.”

“Well hello. You’ve missed some ofthe party. But I guess it’s never too late. Quite a trick you pulled there”, Hoseok said while laughing. It was contagious, it made Jeongguk smile too, even if every single breath he took hurt him.

“Eunjin and Y/N are somewhere. You wanna go see her, right? I swear, she was so scared for you, punk.”

“I don’t really want to see her right now”, Jeongguk said, and he knew he sounded cold. But he couldn’t say it with emotion. The emotions were too much, if he let them out, there would be no turning back. Hoseok, however was a person who could spot emotions very easily.

“Hey. What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“No. I just don’t feel like seeing her, I have to check up on my team mates, and congratulate Taehyung for catching the Snitch. Now, if you excuse me”, Jeongguk bluntly said and got off Hoseok, walking towards the center of the room, where his team was. He was greeted with smiles and pats on his back, and he smiled at them like everything was normal. To them, everything was. But to Jeongguk, his whole world had gone topsy-turvy, his heart along with it.

As the party went on, you continued to look for Jeongguk. It felt like he was avoiding you somehow. You’d see him talking to someone, but everytime you tried to approach him, he’d be gone like a feather in an autumn wind. But why was that? You had made sure Jimin would tell Hwiyoung to piss off and stop spreading lies about you, and you knew Park Jimin would never let you down. Eunjin kept you company though, but at some point during the evening, Hoseok managed to steal her away from you, and you were left alone. You felt lonely even if there were many people surrounding you with their joy and cheerfulness. You needed Jeongguk - but he was nowhere to be found. Damn that boy.

—

It was getting closer to midnight, but the party was still going on. Jeongguk knew he had to get out somehow, but how could he? The team would never let him go to bed at this hour, even if he complained about a headache. There was no chance. While he was leaning against the wall that was right next to the fireplace, he breathed in a very familiar scent. The scent of you. A mixture of lavender and vanilla.

“Jeon Jeongguk. We need to talk”, you said with a hard voice. Jeongguk just hummed in response, seeming so distant. He wanted to look you in the eyes, but he knew it would be too much if he did.

“I’m serious. You’ve been avoiding me all night. We need to talk right now, and there’s way you’ll wiggle your way out of this.”

“Why don’t you go talk to your boyfriend?”

“What boyfriend?”

“Hwiyoung. He sure was eager to let me know how amazing it sure is to date you”, Jeongguk said with a tune that made you inhale very deeply. You wanted to scream at something - anything to let your feelings out. Yet you heard the hurt in his voice, and it made your heart shatter into a million pieces.

“I thought Jimin told you…”

“Told me what, Y/N? That you had started dating and didn’t even bother to let me know? God, you truly are something”, Jeongguk raised his voice at you and you felt a lump in your throat growing.

“Jeongguk, please come to the boys’ dorm with me. Or somewhere else quiet. Me and Hwiyoung are not dating. He has tried hitting on me throughout this year. But I never paid attention to it”, you tried to whimper, and during the last words, your voice broke a little. You faced the ground and tried to silence your sniffs and try your tears. Not that it was effective in any way. And even though Jeongguk was mad at you, hearing the pain in your voice was enough to make him soften up. He didn’t want to hurt you. He took you under his arms.

“Hey, hey, hey. I’ll go somewhere with you, alright? We can talk. Please, just don’t cry”, Jeongguk said with an assuring voice and started dragging you to the boys’ dorm. He knew boys couldn’t get into the girls’ dorms. He also knew that people would look at him weirdly, but he didn’t care. He just wanted to make those salty tears stop streaming down your face.

—

“Here’s my bed. Our room is kind of messy, we don’t usually have visitors”, Jeongguk said and let out a nervous, empty laugh. You thanked him quietly and sat down on his bed, wiping away the leftover tears. Jeongguk sat right next to you, and even if it was slightly awkward, it felt natural to you. It felt good to be next to Jeongguk.

“So, what I wanted to say is…”

“I need to let this out..”

“You’ll go first.”

“No, you’ll go first.” You chuckled and looked yourselves in the eyes. Oh the chocolate brown eyes that you so deeply admired. They looked nervous, but somehow some of the nervousness disappeared when he could look into your beautiful orbs. It calmed him down slightly. Jeongguk took a deep breath and decided to tell you what happened with Hwiyoung. You didn’t answer verbally, just nodded. After he had explained the incident, he started explaining as in why did he avoid you.

“See, it would be so weird, right? Because I genuily believed you two were actually together, but you weren’t. He was just so convincing, you know? It all felt too real. And it broke my heart, because…” Jeongguk couldn’t finish his sentence, the words got stuck in his throat.

“Because what, Jeongguk?” Jeongguk let out a deep sigh. Here goes nothing right? Things were already messed up, he might as well just do it.

“Because I love you. I love you, Y/N, from the bottom of my heart, I do. So foolishly, I have fallen for you that even the thought of someone else ever having you as theirs makes me bitter and sad. And I’ve been too much of a wimp to actually let you know, I’ve always kept my feelings hidden because I’d never think you’d like me back. You probably don’t. I’ve been stacking up my emotions for so long, do you know how it feels? Being forced to only settle down with the fact that we’re friends? Don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved every single moment I’ve had with you, but… Fuck, how do I say this right? I couldn’t tell you, I was afraid I’d ruin whatever us two had, and I couldn’t risk that. I couldn’t risk you”, Jeongguk finished and ruffled his hair in frustration. It felt right to say those three words. It felt good.

“Jeongguk. That’s wrong”, you answered after a while of silence.

“What’s wrong? Me confessing? You know what, we’ll just forget about this, okay? Let’s pretend this never happened, I can blame it on alcohol and we’ll stay friends, right?”

“No, that’s not what’s wrong. The fact that you thought I didn’t love you back is wrong. Because I do”, you said and looked Jeongguk in the eyes. He swore his heart stopped. Everything stopped, the time, the people in the party. The only thing that was happening was you and him, right there.

“What?”

“You heard me. I love you too. I’ve been hiding it and I thought it was so obvious, I felt like everyone knew. But then you said something about not liking anyone and I felt so bad and I just shut myself off, you know? God, do you know how good it feels to let this all out? I love you, I truly do Jeong-” You were cut off by Jeongguk’s lips meeting yours. And you felt like there were fireworks lighting up the sky like it was the 4th of July. You gently moved your lips against his, and it all felt so natural. As if it had happened so many times before. Jeongguk gently stroked your hair and pulled you closer. He was also the first one to pull out, facing your gaze with his own.

“Y/N, I don’t know what to say…”

“Don’t say anything. Just kiss me. We’ll talk later”, you said and then his lips were crashing against yours. It felt indescribably good and you swore you saw stars. The kiss deepened after a few seconds and you felt Jeongguk long finger creep up on your thigh and skirt. You felt yourself stiffen up. My god, did you want his touch. You wanted it more than anything. But you knew better. You placed your hand against his and after a few seconds, the sweet, awaited kiss softened to small pecks.

“Not tonight?”

“Not tonight, Jeongguk. Possibly another time. Not when there’s a chance that Jimin might just pop in”, you pointed out and the both of you laughed. He nodded - he would never disrespect your boundaries. You pressed yourself against Jeongguk chest and for a while the both of you just breathed and listened to each other’s hearbeats.

“Jeongguk?”

“Yeah?”

“Are we official now?” You asked with a quiet voice, a smile already forming on your lips. You felt Jungkook smile too.

“Yeah. If you want to be. God, I sounded really cocky and sarcastic. Of course I want to be official with you, you’re the prettiest girl ever walking on this pla-” you shut him up with a kiss and he didn’t mind at all.

—

The finals came around and somehow all of your friends passed with good grades. You and Namjoon of course got the best ones, but that wasn’t a surprise. When the gang found out about you and Jeongguk, everyone was groaning. It took you this long, they asked. Eunjin kept telling she was going to consult a therapist if Jeongguk and you would’ve not gotten on with it. It made everyone laugh, but you and Jeongguk both knew that it was supposed to be this way.

You and him, walking hand in hand in broad daylight on the school yard. It was meant to be - and neither of you wouldn’t have it any other way.

[hangreenleaf-blog]

6/5

I was an air bender last night. I was located in the aftermathy ruins of a failed futuristic sci fi city. Lots of abandoned technology with giant weeds growing from the battery waste and vines suffocating whatever rusty metal parts they could grab onto. I went to my last year’s summer office job in a strange building at 8 p.m. I was told that my job today was to relay messages across campus. When I arrived, I was the second person there, greeted by my supervisor. I was getting ready to settle into my cubicle, but I caught a dark crimson glance from my supervisor. There had been news of an infectious curse going around, causing people to tend toward entropy and violence. All it took was for an infected person to spit on you after finding out you were afraid of them. I asked to leave to use the restroom, showing as little emotion showing on my face as I could manage. People with this curse will attack you with any sign of a facial twitch or change in breathing. Instead of answering, she just waited. She was likely waiting for me to blink out of line or to breathe funny. She knows how much of an anxious person I am, so it shouldn’t have to be long til I provoked her. She grinned maliciously with her curse enhanced blue teeth and inched toward me slowly without moving her legs, the veins in her neck poking in and out of vision. Jokes on her, I’m constantly monitoring how much I blink and how much I breathe just because I’m an incredibly self conscious person, but I wasn’t nervous here. When it’s life or death by myself, I don’t seem to get nervous. I slid out my rose and violet tinted glass dagger from the sheath that was hidden next to my bra hook. With my hands still behind my back, I cut cracks into the wall behind me, the dagger’s plasma lined edge easily and silently searing through the plaster. Then I swallowed my saliva.

She lunged, and I rolled out of the way. I activated my dagger so that its handle stretched to turn it into something more like a pike. She was quick because of the curse, so I couldn’t afford to be too stupid. Unfortunately, my decision to roll out of the way caused my vision to go black, much like when I stand up too quickly after waking up from a nap. I heard her rushing toward me again so I bunched myself tightly into the fetal position. Somehow this blasted her away from me, causing me to figure out that I was actually an air bender. Gnarly. I blasted the wall that I’ve been slicin’ away at and jumped out of the new window I made. I was only three stories high so I had to figure out how to fly in a few seconds. My pike conveniently grew very elaborate wings that appeared to be made from a disparity of unusually wide flower petals and chitin. Being an air bender with some fresh wings on a stick, I was pleasantly tickled and figured out how to float my way on top of the roof of the building that I had just come out of. There was a pink haze slithering around the building, much like one of those electric balls you put your hands on to attract a current to your fingers, but more foggy. I was thinking, huh, that’s neat, but kinda creepy. But I’m gonna sit here and figure out what’s going on.

Another person flew onto the roof right next to me. I don’t remember who it was or even what their gender was but they had brown hair, and they were wearing one of those flying squirrel-esque suits that the air benders had on in LoK. They told me that Canna (y’know, that really well known villain in this dream world) was about to get her hands on the Avatar orb. Fun fact, I didn’t know Canna was a flower til after I woke up and googled it. This orb contained all of the avatar’s bending powers and all she had to do was suck it all up. When I looked down from the roof I was on again, I saw that I was on the roof of my own apartment complex, and I got the sense that everyone inside was infected. I had to go then, so I started flying to the nearest train station. I have no clue how I knew where it was in this dream world but I was on a mission. Flying was very scary, because I didn’t know how to control my pitch but I seemed to be going steadily in a sine wave pattern. When I got to the train station, everything was either a dark gray, magenta, or gold. The person who told me about Canna on the roof also came along apparently, and we decided to start digging a hole in the cement next to one of the tracks. Then dam, Canna appeared, in her 15 foot tall, dark, masked glory. She’s a thicc one fellas. Her mask looked really similar to Ghost’s face from the Matrix, shades, drawn on facial hair lines and all. Her outfit was very swishy and confusing.

She told us to hand over the orb or else she would have to infect us with something 10 times more potent than what was already plaguing the city. We looked into the hole that we dug, and what do ya know, the orb was there golly gosh! It was translucent, but had a colorless pattern that look similar to how Jupiter looks, and had blue, green, and pink plasma rings surrounding it. My air bender buddy and I responded to this by taking out the straws we happened to have in our pockets and sucking up whatever bendy powers we could. I gained some water bending and my buddy gained some earth bending, but not enough to reach the full avatar bending powers. Canna casually grenaded us out of the way and sucked up the rest of the stuff. She had the full blown fire and air bending powers of an avatar now, as well as some small amount of water and earth. Being evidently displeased that we took some of that power away from her, she made it her point that she wanted to kill both of us. My buddy and I parted ways here, Canna after us in a flurry of threatening element parts. In all of my great wisdom, I air scootered my way into the train station, and done got myself cornered in a tower that looked vaguely like the inside of a giant light house, sans stairs. Fortunately I had air bending so I flew my way up. So did Canna.

Then AAAAYEE my buddy came to the rescue and metal bent some chains with cuffs on them onto each of her limbs and then used some the heat from their own plasma dagger to melt the metal onto her skin. Good lord what is wrong with my brain. Canna was now stuck in mid air in this tower inside this train station, posing like a starfish. I pike-propellered my way out of the station and decided it was time that I headed back to my apartment to deal with the cursed situation there.

One of Canna’s cronies (i knew this because they were wearing her semi-circle marking on their neck) was running amuck near a state park, trying to infect deer. I decided to obtain myself a deer that wasn’t infected, and rode it back to my place, being too confused to fly. I actually acknowledged I my dream that I was far too baffled to fly right then. I must have been brushed by a piece of Canna’s robe, because it was known that anyone who tries to wear her robe would be bewildered out of their mind for the rest of their life. It was about 6 a.m. dream time now, and I had to be more stealthy now that it was light out. I soon found out via dream intuition that I had to kill the deer that I just met to be able to cure people. I couldn’t do that so I walked to the nearest gas station and bought myself a Twix and a hot dog. When I came back to my “apartment complex,” it was actually my workplace again, and my boss was exceptionally disappointed that I had ditched work for at least 10 hours. I started to explain to him what just happened. He nodded very understandingly at everything I was saying but in the middle of the word “puddle,” his eyes turned red. Of course, I was talking to my boss so I was already afraid of him, so he began to attack me immediately once his curse began. This time I wasn’t ready so I was on the defensive. I was using air bending when I could to whisk away his spit. I remembered that I could also do some water bending, so I tried it on his coffee, but accidentally blood bent his hand instead.

Then I woke up to my dog scratching my arm.