#Enjoy it getting dark at 8PM while it lasts..........

[skeletondoggy]

They should make a SHMUP where you play as the submarine that goes inside your sick teacher's body to fight the disease

[rizsu]

ㅤᡣ𐭩ㅤ◟ the infamous instagram live. . . ! ── gojo satoru ﹕ jujutsu kaisen.

﹙ rookie mistake ﹚ ⊹ being a new-gen actor had its perks. it's easy to gain a fanbase, gain recognition, and easy for your show to go viral. what's not easy, however, is privacy. someone's bound to expose..

love, ‘su › the comments are typed out like “@cuntcarti: heyyy” for authenticity bc i am not recreating a real ig live in smau format #lazy

“hey guys! what's up?” satoru's oddly close to the camera. his nose being the most prominent feature in everyone's screen.

he's been on tour for jujutsu kaisen's new movie and it's been far too hectic. if it weren't for the luxurious hotel's service, he would've died in between schedule. the hours the crew were allowed to slumber slowly decreased: from eight to five to three to twenty-five minutes — just unnecessarily busy.

aside from experiencing the dark side to being an actor, he enjoys the fame. the attention that comes with it is nothing compared to the lightheaded feelings he feels everytime it's 8pm. being a crazed attention seeker is the main reason why he's live when he really, really should be asleep.

@satonuts: tilt the phone down lets see whats there

@daily-jjk: back up a little..

@nanamiroleplay: how's it been?

@tojiggle: drop the pants

“god forbid a man gets close to his screen,” he jokingly grumbles, shifting his position to laying down on his pillow.

now the view's better: his arm's stretched upwards to allow half of his upper body to be in frame. of course, he's shirtless. what's an attention seeker without being half naked? nothing! there's a small-sized silver chain around his neck; dare the fandom admit, it adds a special flavour... perhaps this shall be their new lockscreen.

@daily-jjk: my fault king

@itasaki: i love you <3 i told my father about us <3

@tojiggle: drop the pants

@crazygetofan: is geto around?

reading the last comment, satoru does the lick -lips-and-bite-lower-lip combination.

“yeah, but he's in the shower—” he pauses and furrows his eyebrows, “no, i'm not gonna show you butt-naked suguru.”

@crazygetofan: worth a shot bye

@stsgshipper25: its bc he's hiding his bf!!

@fushigurosbitch: @stsgshipper25 wym im right here ??

@tojiggle: drop the pants

he doesn't respond to any comments, nor does he make any stupid comment himself. he's silently admiring himself while going through a bunch of saved filters. while satoru was too immersed in loving himself, he failed to notice suguru entering the room.

it's a win-lose situation that'll occur here. the win is obviously suguru making his entry which would mean that he'd join in satoru's live. the lose here is that he has a big mouth. suguru's mouth talks before his mind analyzes the outcome of what he'll say.

suguru walks over to the space in between his bed and satoru's, fiddling with the items on the bedside table until his hands fall on satoru's wallet. like a moth to a flame, he mindlessly opens it, counting the bills and how much it totals up to.

“damn, satoru, you only have ninety dollars?”

“don't out me like that, bro,” a sigh leaves satoru, “there's a reason i have a card.”

“alright bro.”

@crazygetofan: show me my man

@jjkhateropbetter: nah dawg u broke

@tojiggle: drop the pants

@satonuts: @tojiggle QUIT IT

“anyway guys,” satoru stands up, “let's have a mukbang.”

walking towards the television stand, satoru slams his hand on the chips, gripping it like it's the last time he'll ever have a meal. once he acquired his meal, he goes back to the bed, propping the phone with stacked pillows so he's in frame when he sits.

suguru can be seen in the background, pacing around the room in a white robe that's loosely tied. this was more than enough for the geto suguru fans that joined satoru's live for that purpose.

“wait bro,” suguru calls out to satoru but doesn't turn to him. he's occupied with rubbing moisturiser into his cheeks vigorously.

satoru hums, acknowledging his roomate. he, too, doesn't look at suguru.

“did you get the thing for (y/n)? you've been talking about that all day.”

satoru's silent. this time he's not falling in love with himself. the chip that's halfway into his mouth falls. can he consider this to be doxxing? no way suguru just did him like that.

“...oh come on, bro.” his shoulders drop. a clear indication of disappointment.

as suguru's still has his back turned to satoru, he's unaware of his expression and thinks that his comment was meant for him to shut up about the gift/souvenir. after all, suguru has been teasing satoru about it.

“seriously? you still haven't figured out what to get your girlfriend? lame ass.”

“can you say it any louder?!”

“YOUR GIRL— what the fuck?”

satoru forces him silent by throwing the air conditioner's remote at him. it worked, kind of. if only it had an effect on his rapidly beating heart. he's now anxious and a tad bit afraid to look at the comments.

slowly, his eyes glance at the comments. they sure are coming in fast!

@itasaki: killing myself <3

@fuckgojo_wasdailyjjk: cant have shit on earth

@jjkhateropbetter: nah dawg u gonna get jumped

@tojiggle: don't drop the pants

@miadollypie: check out twitter link in bio for spicy stuff

@chosoballs: couldnt be my man!

@kystoru: @chosoballs thats why yo bitch dying next season

@chosoballs: ?

@fwkuna: love seeing ppl i hate miserable

@fushigurosbitch: they gonna break up next two weeks

@satonuts: guys rmbr we do not know satoru irl, be nice

@fwkuna: @satonuts ykdw ur crying on the inside

@satonuts: @fwkuna DIE

the comments are overflowing in such a speed that it overwhelms even satoru. he swallows hard, switching his eyes to suguru.

suguru's back to busying himself with his skincare routine, unaware of the damages he's done.

‘fuck,’ he curses in his mind, nervously laughing before he speaks up.

“oh boy, would you look at the time!” he says ever-so enthusiastically. “i'll see you guys later, sleep well, ‘kay?”

“huh? why'd you end it?” the damager dealer questions, turning around to finally face satoru with a charcoal facemask on. it's good for whiteheads!

“ask one more fucking questions and i'm killing us both.”

the aggressive comments makes suguru recoil. he didn't expect that — he's also confident that he did nothing of the sort to result in such violence.

“damn, did she block you or something? i get it, i get it. i'd be mad too.” he nods, showing satoru that he understands and feels for his friend.

satoru's face twists in annoyance. the man gifts suguru a middle finger before he moves the chips onto the bedside table.

he's tired now. not in the sleepy way, though. in the ‘what am i gonna do now’ way. nothing good comes up in mind to lessen the damage on the internet, so he falls back on the bed.

with his phone face down and an arm over his eyes, he tries his best to sleep.

[deans-angel67]

Bruises and Surprises

Summary: When Eddie is acting off and then comes home late Evan and Y/N start to worry. But when they find out why he's been acting off, it causes some problems.

Pairing: Eddie Diaz x fem!reader x Evan Buckley

Wordcount: 2.5k

Warnings: angst, fluff, swearing possibly, mentions of violence and injuries

A/N: This was inspired by @megalony Late Night Fights. I hope you guys enjoy this, thank you for the support.

____

The four of them sat at Eddie's kitchen table that morning. Both Evan and Y/N had the day off, Chris was going over to a friends house for a sleepover today. And Eddie decided to pick up an extra shift at the fire house.

"You know you didn't have to take that shift Eddie." Y/N says as he pours coffee into a turmos mug. It was rare that the three of them had a day off at the same time. So naturally she was a little disappointed when Eddie said he chose to do an extra 12 hours.

"I didn't realize you were off today, I'm sorry mi amour." He says dropping a kiss on the top of her head.

"You got all your stuff ready Chris?" Chris nods at Eddie's question and then gets up to go grab his things.

"You know there's no harm in taking a day off right. I mean you've been working a lot lately." Evan pitches in concern evident in his voice. As he puts his mug down on the table.

"You should be taking better care of yourself Eds." She said putting a hand on her stomach, masking a slight discomfort that made it's appearance.

"You two are blowing this way out of proportion." Eddie had been acting off lately. He was shorter tempered and he had been picking up a lot of extra hours. He was tired and overall frustrated often. They were both a little worried. Y/N hadn't seen him act this way for a long time. She was getting really worried.

The last time Eddie had acted this way she ended up getting a call say that he needed to be bailed out of jail. But she hadn't seen any bruises or marks on him, maybe she was over reacting.

"Why don't you call in sick?" Evan proposed, only to receive a scoff from Eddie.

"I said I'd be there, Buck. Come on, Chris!" Eddie gave them both a quick kiss before his son finally entered the room. Y/N and Evan said goodbye to Chris and just like that the house became quiet.

"He's acting strange right?" She asked Buck, her hands wrapped around the mug as she stared at the dark liquid before glancing at him.

"Yeah, he is." Evan confirmed.

~~~

Y/N stood in the kitchen cutting vegetables for supper. Two hands made their way to her waist and then her front. Buck leaned his chin on her shoulder as she hummed along to the song playing.

"Why don't you go sit?"

"Babe, I'm fine." She told him pausing to look up at him, kissing him on the cheeks.

"You were sick all morning." He presses. She put the knife down and turned in his arms so she was facing him. Her hands came up to cup his jaw.

"I promis, I feel fine. Good even." She spoke softly giving him her full attention. He let out a sigh searching for something unusual in her features only to find nothing.

"You promis? And if you start to feel even a little off you'll go sit?"

"Yes baby, I promise." She gave him a sweet smile and a kiss on the cheek.

"Well, then let me help. What can I do?" Evan asked going over to the sink to wash his hands.

"You can take over cutting while I get started on the sauce." She took a pot out and placed it beside the one with water. They didn't get to cook together often. It was often Buck or Y/N never Eddie. They were scared they wouldn't have a kitchen by the end of it, or taste buds.

By the time everything was ready it was 8pm. Late compared to 'normal' hours but their schedule was so weird that they got used to eating at odd hours.

"Shouldn't Eddie be home by now?" Y/N asked looking up at Evan with worry.

"His call must have run late. It happens all the time." He reassured her wrapping a hand around her waist and hugging her, his head going down to her neck.

"We should wait for him."

They ended up eating an hour and a half later. Without Eddie.

It was 11pm when Y/N wanted to go to bed but was to busy paissing their living room.

"This can't just be a call Evan."

"Sweetheart-"

"Theres no way he has been on a call for over 3 hours!" He was also getting worried, he just didn't want to show it. It wasn't impossible, but another unit would have gotten there and they would have been able to go back to the station, and back home.

"Baby stop, please." He gently grabbed her arms stopping her movements.

"How about you go to bed-" she shook her head and open her mouth to protest but Evan stopped her.

"How about you go to bed and try to sleep, and I'll go down to the station and see what's going on." She let out a sigh, hesitating.

"Your exhausted and you have work in the morning, Sweetheart. I wasn't really asking." Evan made himself more clear. Her hands went to his biceps and his to her waist.

"Fine."

~~~

It was dark in the house when he came home. Using his hands to make sure he didn't run into anything.  When he reached the kitchen he turned the light over the sink on. He grabbed the first aid kit from the top of the fridge groaning from the pain it caused.

He took his shirt off letting it fall to the ground, he looked down spotting the dark bruises painting the various parts of his body. He took out some rubbing alcohol and cream setting them on the counter.

"Eddie?"

He turned around to find Y/N standing in the doorway of the kitchen. She was just about to fall asleep when she heard the front door.

"Baby where have you been? Why didn't you answer your phone?" She rushed forward only for her to stop a few feet away from him. A small gasp left her when she actually took the time to look at him.

"A call ran late, I'm sorry." He explained. She approached him gently running her fingure tips over a bruise on his stomach to which he winced.

"Eddie..." His name was spoken so softly he barely caught it.

"It was a rough one. It looks worse than it is, mi amour." He said, he put a hand on her arm trying to comfort her. But then she caught sight of his bloody and bruised knuckles. She took in a sharp breath standing up straighter. It all clicked in her head.

"You've been fighting again, haven't you?" She looked at him disappointment flooding her eyes.

"What? No, of course not." The slight hesitant in his voice told her otherwise.

"Edmundo, do not lie to me." She said angerly, tears welling up in her eyes despite her attempts to stop them. He took a deep breath closing his eyes and tilting his head slightly up.

He wasn't planning to do it again but a few weeks back an old buddy from back when he did illegal fighting contacted him. Said then needed someone because some guy left last minute. It was supposed to be a one time thing. But one turned to two, and two to three until it got out of hand.

"Baby-"

"Why!? Why would you possibly do that again?!" She was livid, rightfully so. She took a step back until she hit the kitchen island.

"It's complicated." He said looking back at her. Letting out a sigh, he didn't want to explain.

"Complicated? How could it be Complicated? This was in the past, we left it there, with the lawsuit, and the heartache and- and jail. We talked about this." 

"It's not the same. I'm careful I know what I'm doing." He tries to explain, but it wasn't good enough.

"You also knew what you where doing when you broke that guys nose!" She yelled, not hearing the front door over their arguing.

"That's not fair."

"Look at yourself!" He swallowed hard. He was littered with cuts and bruises. He knew he shouldn't come home looking like this.

"Eddie?" Evan stood at the other end of the kitchen, his voice caused them both to look over at him.

Y/N kept a concern look on her face but a weight on her shoulders was lifted knowing that Buck was home and okay, it was one less thing to worry about. Eddie seemed surprised, he though Evan was sleeping.

"Thank God, your okay. I've been looking everywhere for you." Evan drops his keys on the counter and rushed to hug his boyfriend. Y/N letting out a sigh and ran a hand through her hair.

Eddie inhaled sharply as Buck hugged him and winced. He returned the affection and then pulled away a little.

"Buck." It was strained and said through gritted teeth because of the pain. When he finally pulled away he got a good look at Eddie.

"What the hell happened?" He said anger in his tone. When no one answered he turned to his girlfriend for help.

"You don't talk about fight club right?" She said sarcasticly causing Eddie to roll his eyes.

"What?" Bucks face filled with confusing looking between the two.

"He's fighting again." She explained moving to the other side of the island to create space between her and the boys.

"What!? Why?" He turns to Eddie brows furrowed, he wasn't there when he did the fights in the past. Y/N was. He had heard of some of them from her, like the one where he broke a guy's nose so bad he choked on a piece of cartilage.

"Can we please not have this conversation again." Eddie felt like they were going around in circles, and it didn't help when his girlfriend just pick up the conversation where they left off when Evan arrived.

"They know what there doing as much as you do. How do you know how it's going to end? Next time it could be you, and they won't stay to help you, they'll leave you there." She didn't want to fight with her boys tonight, not with all the stress that she was under. Today was supposed to be a good day, and it only seemed to take a turn for the worst.

"Y/N-"

"She's right, I thought you were donne with it Eddie." Evan cuts in, concern and confusion evident on his face and in his voice.

"Apparently not." She muttered her hand rubbing her temple

"Do you know how much you scared us tonight?" Evan tried to make him understand. Y/N started to feel a slight discomfort, but she was unsure from what.

"I'm sorry." He really did feel bad, he knew he was extremely late. The missed phone calls and texts were unlike him.

He fished his phone from his pocket and set it on the counter. The screen was shattered and the back metal panel was missing a few pieces falling out of the phone as he sets it down.

"Eddie you can't start doing this again, I wasn't there when you did it before but Y/N told me it got pretty brutal." Evan explained his concern about his past, scared that it might repeat.

"Look it's just a few fights, and they help. I come home and I'm not angry or impatient." Eddie tried to reassure them but it wasn't working. He ran a hand through his hair.

"No, you come home bloody and bruised. Like thats any better." Y/N pitched back in sarcasm lassed in her voice. A hand going to her stomach now understanding where the discomfort came from

"Eddie you can't keep doing this, not after tonight." Evan almost pleaded.

"You don't get it!" He argued back, getting more frustrated by the minute. Y/N winced gripping the counter with her free hand.

"Then explain." Evan continued to try and reason with him but nothing seemed to work.

"I can't!" Eddie shouted, the two boys to engrossed in their argument to see the clear pain their girl was in.

"This isn't healthy, I though you talked about it with your therapist." Buck continued to try and understand.

"Evan-" He was cut off by Y/N.

"Uhh! Will you two stop!" She was hunched over, one hand still on the counter for support the other on her stomach. A pained look on her face.

"Y/N?" Eddie turned to her and took a few steps in her direction.

"Baby, what's wrong?" Evan was extremely concerned. He rounded the island and stood beside her placing a hand on her hip.

"You two are stressing me."

"Mi amour, that can't be stress." Eddie gently rubs circles into her back.

"Since when does stress cause you pain?" Evan asked, she stood back up straight.

"Since I've been pregnant."

They both look at each other, wanting to have confirmation they heard the same thing.

"Pregnant?"

"Baby, are you sure?"

"I was hoping for a little more excitement boys." She remarked.

"Okay, how about we get you to the couch?" Eddie spoke looking at Evan.

Once she was seated on the couch the boys sat on either side of her.

"How long have you known?" She looked over at Buck and took a deep inhale.

"A week." She leaned back until her back hit the couch and looked between the boy. Trying to see both their reactions.

"Why didn't you tell us?"

"I was going to, but you both have such a hectic work schedule that I was trying to find the right time. And then Eddie decided to work today so... This isn't how I wanted to tell you." She looked down at her hands in her lap.

She had spent so much time trying to plan the perfect moment. Tonight was gonna be it over some dinner the three of them. So they could figure out how to tell Chris together. But everything went wrong, it usually did with them. The execution was terrible, but the result was always good. Buck set a hand on her shoulder squeezing slightly to give her a little comfort.

"Where does it hurt?" Eddie asked concern painted on his face.

She looked over at him and set her hand on her lower stomach to show him. He reached over lifting her shirt a little and pressing a hand in different areas. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

"I'm sorry baby." He apologized glancing between her and Evan. He hated that he had cause this. The stress and pain. He never wanted this to happen.

"It's just you two are constantly risking your life at work. I don't-"

"Hey, I get. I won't go to the fights anymore, I swear." Eddie stopped her to explain. He understood how much this meant to her to both of them. She gave him a small smile before it turned to a frown when she spotted Evan leaning down to be slightly above her stomach

"Now, you gotta stop giving trouble to your mom little guy." She let out a giggle running her hand in his hair only to lift his face and give him a kiss

"I don't think thats how it works Buck."

[abbyslvrrr]

Fade into you.

Boxer!sevika x topside!reader

a/n - I really hope you all enjoy this fic! English is also not my first language so I’m very sorry for any mistakes! Anyway I love sevika so much I want her so bad.

Wc: 1258

It was just another day for you, you had just finished up classes and were on your way home from college. Being a nursing student was definitely not easy. You got home and greeted your mother and fed your cats, ladybug, and Leo. You head up to your room and set your stuff up so you can start studying and doing assignments when you get a message from your friend Sam.

Sam <3: be ready at 8pm tonight, we're going out with the others. Wear something cute ;).

You wanted to decline the offer, but you knew how stubborn Sam was, so you just sighed and agreed. You study for the next couple of hours before you decide to get ready to go. You really had no clue as to where you guys were going, you just hoped it wasn't anywhere dangerous. Walking to your vanity, you start applying your makeup, deciding to go for a natural look. After all that, you decide to put on some flare jeans and a black tank top, deciding to just leave your hair as it is. After getting ready, you get a text from Sam letting you know that she and the others are here. You weren't really close with Sam's other friends, but it was fine. You sneak out of your bedroom and walk over to the meet-up spot. You spot Sam and run over to her.

“Hey Sam! Where are we going exactly?” You were curious. Sam was never the kind of person to tell you where you were going until the last second. Her answer surprised you.

“We miss goody two shoes are going to zaun aka the under city to watch an underground fight!” Sam said very enthusiastically. You gave Sam a look that said ‘what the fuck?’ but she just ignored it before dragging you and the others down with her. Was this really a good idea? Probably not, but you don't want to look like a loser in front of everyone or Sam, so you didn't say anything. After a little bit, you guys arrive in the undercity. Everything was different here. The people, the buildings, the atmosphere, everything. Staying close to Sam while she's taking you to your destination.

“Sam, is this safe at all?” “Oh absolutely not. We're here though!”

Looking at your surroundings, you notice how there is a boxing ring dead in the center. Did she just take you to see an illegal boxing ring? You notice that there's a bar and dance floor off to the left. God, could this night get crazier? Taking hold of your arm, she takes you guys closer to the boxing ring. People started piling in and crowding around you all, you saw people placing bets and getting drinks. Maybe you should have declined Sam's offer.

You can't hold that though for long before the announcer starts hyping the crowd up. You see one big man enter the ring, but you don't even focus on him because you see a woman enter the ring and shake off her dark magenta-coloured robe. She must've been 6’3 at least, her short brown hair tied up in a bun. Her muscular body looked like it had been sculpted by the gods themselves, her scars made her look intimidating, but in a perfect way. The announcer introduces the man to the crowd, but you don't care, being too focused on the big muscular woman standing in the ring, finally he calls her name.

“AND TO MY LEFT IS THE ONE AND ONLY SEVIKA FROM THE UNDERCITY!!!”. After that, the crowd went absolutely insane. She must be very popular here then. He then tells them it's time to fight. Before the man can get any hits on Sevika, he gets knocked out. 45 seconds, 45 fucking seconds.

The crowd goes absolutely crazy, crazier than before. The announcer announces her as the winner and after that some people leave, some stay and go to the bar. You let Sam know that you are going to the bathroom and that you'll be back soon. You were so unfamiliar with this place, so you kinda assumed where the bathroom was. You find a red door and a similar one beside it, so you assume these are the bathrooms. You push the door open, now seeing Sevika was not on your list for tonight. There she was in her shorts and tank top, her hair now down a cigarette in her mouth. She's looking you up and down, yep, and that is how you get beat up and die!

“I'm so sorry I thought this was the bathroom! I'll leave right away!” she had to understand, right? It was just a mistake, yeah, an honest mistake.

“Relax dove, you look like you're about to pass out or something.” What? Did you just freak out for no reason at all? She's just chilling with this? Feeling relieved, you let out a breath you didn't even know you were holding. Sevika just continued to look at you, she couldn't lie seeing you in that crowd made her feel a sort of protectiveness for you. It was weird because everyone knew that Sevika never had relationships, she was a person who fucks and leaves. Sevika knew you and your buddies were not from around here, she'd never seen you before. Your friends have come here before on multiple occasions. It almost made her mad to see you here. You shouldn't be here.

“Name’s Sevika. You probably know that though, Dove. What's your name?” Oh, she wanted to know who you were.

“My name is Y/n. Yeah, I saw you knock that guy out in 45 seconds! That's actually insane.” she lets out a little chuckle and getting up, she walks over to her. She noticed the confused look in her eyes. She really shouldn't feel this way towards you. Why does she feel like she wants to know absolutely everything about you? How your days are spent or how you like your coffee. God. She needs to snap out of it. Love means weakness, Something Sevika can't have. She's only ever known violence in her life and she's never really questioned it. You felt her lean down a bit. She tucks a strand of your hair behind your ear.

“I should go now, Sevika, my friends are probably waiting for me.” you fidget with your fingers, feeling a little nervous under her eyes. She backs up after a bit, giving you space. You really wanted to see her again, not wanting this to be the last time you two met.

“Come see me next week, Dove, I'm up again.” you nod and leave her room. God, what did you just get yourself into? Is this finally your way of rebelling against everyone in your life? Why did you feel this way towards Sevika? She's from the undercity, and she's a fighter, and you were the complete opposite. It'll pass. I mean it has, so you can't fall for someone who's from the undercity, can you?

You spot Sam and the others and practically beg for her to take you home. You felt tired and a bit overstimulated. you got to your house, and climbed the tree that's by your window and sneaked into your room. If your parents ever found out you were out this late they'd probably ground you for life. You hop into your bedroom and change your clothes before hopping into bed. The last thing on your mind before you drift off is sevika.

[tywrites]

mine | the lost boys [marko x reader]

a/n: hi!! apparently i have a lot of inspo for marko rn >.< i hope you all enjoy this! i haven't written smut in soso long, especially fem smut, so any feedback at all is super super appreciated! i'm also obsessed with the hc that marko is italian (@two-red-lungs) so that's also included hehe :)

summary: some guys try to mess with you and marko's not having it >;)

pairing: marko x gn!afab!reader (no gendered pronouns used, howe reader is afab and there's heavy mentions of female anatomy <3)

word count: 3.7k

warnings: creepy guys stalking reader, one of them grabs her, cursing, fighting, heavy smut: female anatomy, oral (f receiving), penetrative sex, no protection used + creampie, protective marko

-

You watched as the sunset slipped down slowly below the ocean horizon, bathing the boardwalk in a soft orange glow. You leant leisurely against the iron fence, hands in your jacket pockets while you waited. You were waiting for your boyfriend, but of course the vampirism was kind of an issue. It made meeting up pretty inconvenient. The sun started setting in Santa Carla at around 8pm which meant that your schedule had started to lean more towards being a night owl. It was the only way you’d ever be able to spend time with Marko.

He got pretty needy when you weren’t around, wanting to spend as much time with you as possible. He wasn’t the best with boundaries. He knew you needed rest at night since you had a busy schedule during the day (and simply the fact that you were a human) but it was so difficult for him to accept. He wanted to spend the whole night with you; messing around on the boardwalk, going for bike rides in the moonlight, getting on David’s last nerve. Instead, he had to settle for the few hours the two of you had together. You didn’t mind the lack of sleep too much though. You could hardly bare to be apart from him too.

You breathed in the salty ocean air. You knew they’d be here soon. It was getting dark now, the neon lights from the boardwalk bursting into life and glinting in the moonlight. You looked up, gazing into the night sky – the moon was especially bright tonight. You couldn’t quite see the stars under the glare of the vivid lights around you, but it was a nice, clear night. You smiled to yourself, imagining the evening ahead of you. You’d probably go for a ride with the boys first (riding with Marko of course), maybe venture into the fairground or arcade with Laddie and Star. All before heading back to the cave after the boys had fed. But who really knew? No two nights were the same with them.

You glanced at your watch. 8:30pm. So they were a little late. No biggie. They’d probably decided to grab a snack before heading your way, they’d done that before. And you decided to do the same. You started heading towards your favourite take-out place, strolling along the boardwalk. It was pretty empty, which was unusual. By now the boardwalk was normally teeming with people mulling about their business. Though it was a Monday, so an early night was probably on a lot of people’s minds. There were a few people strewn about: a couple sharing a milkshake, a family playing whack-a-mole, a couple of shopkeepers setting up their stalls, and a group of 4 surf Nazis up ahead. Heavily tattooed and sturdily built, they stared you down as you approached, a sick look in their eyes.

Please don’t.

You inhaled deeply, trying to stabilise your heartbeat. It would be okay. They wouldn’t try anything. Living in the murder capital of the world, there were a lot of shady characters around. However, it was common knowledge on the boardwalk that you and the boys were tight so people didn’t want to mess with you. But these guys looked drunk. Very drunk. Two of them held nearly empty bottles of beer and were clearly swaying in place. The other two were standing by a crate of cans. Empty beer bottles were scattered around their feet. They’d clearly been having a good time. You felt your legs shake as you walked, stopping in place when one of them staggered towards you.

“Hey there, good looking… Why don’t you give us a smile?” One of them hollered, smirking at you.

You bit your lip, quickly turning around and walking briskly away. Fuck, fuck, fuck. You just wanted some food, man. Your breathing quickened when you heard them start to follow you, their footsteps thundering behind you. You broke out into a sprint, looking around desperately for anyone to help. The couple and family from earlier were nowhere to be found, the shopkeepers seemingly turning a blind eye. You were alone on the boardwalk. The thud of heavy footfalls got closer and closer until you felt a rough hand on your shoulder yank you backwards harshly, wrapping an arm around your stomach and pulling you into his chest. The potent stench of alcohol invaded your nose and the jeers of the surf Nazis made you want to sink down into the sand beneath the wooden planks.

“Why you running, sweetheart?”

“Yeah, we just wanna show you a good time!”

His grip was hard, you couldn’t break yourself free. And all around, you saw their taunting faces. You screamed and yelled for anyone to help, thrashing around in his grip, desperate tears streaming down your face. You didn’t stand a chance.

Sudden deafening roars of motorbike engines startled you, blinding headlights cascading down the wooden planks. Four bikes began to circle until they were surrounding you, boxing your captors in. Before you could even process what was happening, Marko had jumped off his bike and threw himself at the man holding you, ripping you from his grip before gently pushing you towards Dwayne. You saw the pure fury in his narrowed eyes, a mixture of revulsion and rage plastered to his face. You fell into Dwayne’s chest, burying your head into his open jacket – he wrapped a protective arm around you and nodded to Marko.

The relentless noise of skin against skin reached your ears, cracking of bone and flesh grinding against the wooden floor. You heard shouts of terror from the men who’d stalked you, pleading and begging hopelessly. Their words were slurred and incoherent as each blow rendered them closer and closer to unconsciousness. A sadistic laugh that you could recognise anywhere was the only answer to their begging. Thud after blunt thud accompanied by loud cursing (some in Italian, some not) finally had you take a peek at the havoc. You took in the sight of both Marko and Paul striking and viciously kicking the four men, who were now completely unrecognisable. Their faces were bloody messes, beaten to a pulp. Their bodies mangled. Your boys were pretty much unscathed, a couple of nicks and light bruises littered their visible skin. Marko picked one of them up by their jacket collar, lifting him high up into the air. The one who’d dared to lay a hand on you. He brought him close to his face, looking wildly into his eyes. David sent him a warning look.

“You touch ‘em again… You touch ‘em again and I will fucking end you,” he breathed menacingly, his chest heaving. He spat in his face before dropping him to the ground. The man landed in a messy heap, clawing weakly at the floor to get away.

Slowly, Marko turned to look at you, holding out a shaking hand. You immediately went to him, taking his hand without a second thought. It was wet, the leather slimy with dark red blood. You looked up at him, reaching out your hand to gently wipe the spots of red from his face.

“You okay, doll?” He asked seriously, holding your hand against his cheek, his large hand engulfing your own.

You smiled gratefully at him. “I am now… Perfect timing, by the way,” you joked half-heartedly, hoping to make him laugh. He cracked a smile but you could tell that this had shaken him. He glanced back at the boys, meeting David’s eyes.

“You guys go on ahead, we’re gonna go back to the cave for a bit,” he said, holding your hand tightly as he lead you over to his bike. David nodded and motioned for the boys to get going.

“We’ll meet you back later then,” he replied before they drove off into the night.

Marko helped you up onto the back of his bike before getting on himself. He made sure your arms were wrapped tightly around him before he sped off. You could tell that he was thinking intensely about something by how tensed he was under your touch. His muscles were hard and taut, his jaw set in place. You sighed quietly and leaned your forehead against his back as he drove.

You reached the cave quickly, Marko hopping off and helping you down. He didn’t let go of your hand until you’d made it into the cave, even then only loosening his grip slightly. You faced him, looking up into his sage green eyes. You noticed the concern, the fear – emotions you rarely saw in Marko’s eyes. What does a vampire have to fear?

“They were gonna hurt you,” he mumbled quietly. “I would’ve killed them if it wasn’t so public, if David wasn’t there, I swear..”

“I know, I know...” You assured him, your hands coming up to rest on his shoulders. His face was still littered with flecks of dried blood, a small cut on his chin. “You’re not hurt, are you?” You said worriedly, your hand reaching out to trace the cut.

“’M fine, babe. I’ll heal. But you-”

“They didn’t hurt me, I promise. I’m okay,”

“But they could’ve if we didn’t show up. If I wasn’t quick enough. It’s my fault-”

“What?” You looked at him incredulously. “It’s not your fault, Marko. They were just some drunk pricks and you put them in their place. That’s what matters,”

Marko knew you were right. But all he could think about was what might have happened if he hadn’t gotten to you in time. He didn’t scare easy. But losing you would make his undead heart stop again.

He looked at you now, sweet and innocent, trying so hard to reassure him. And he kissed you. He pulled you in, holding the back of your head tenderly as his lips moved in sync against yours. You hummed into the kiss, looping your arms around his neck and pressing yourself against him.

“You make me feel so safe,” you whispered against his lips.

He exhaled deeply, pulling you even closer. Nothing could part the two of you, not even the will of God, the Devil, or the Earth.

His hand gently caressed your sides, first on top of your t-shirt before carefully slipping under. His fingers ghosted over your skin, dancing below your shirt. Your lips moved in unison with his own, deepening the kiss when his hand reached below your breast. You gasped against his lips when he took hold of it, slowly massaging as he moved his other hand down to your waist. Before you could react, he lifted the hem of your shirt, disconnecting the kiss briefly to pull it over your head. He hummed approvingly at your lack of bra, his eyes surveying your body for any bruising, cuts, anything.

Finding nothing, Marko pulled you forward once again but before connecting your lips, he told you to jump. You obliged, his calloused hands catching your thighs and holding you up against his body. You could feel his erection against you, causing you to let out a moan of want. He smirked against your lips. Walking forwards, he navigated the both of you to his nest, all the while pressing sloppy kisses down your neck and chest. He eased you down steadily onto the mass of blankets and pillows, trailing hickies across your chest. You were breathing heavily, still unable to think straight. You knew the bites would be visible tomorrow, you knew you’d have to explain them to your friends, to your co-workers – but truthfully, you couldn’t bring yourself to care. You let him mark you, claiming what was his.

His tongue sliding across your breast jolted you from your thoughts. He captured your nipple in his mouth, swirling his tongue around the bud. Your hand gripped his blonde curls as a whine escaped your lips, your thighs clenching together in order to get some sort of release.

“Ma- Marko, fuck-” you moaned. “Please-”

“Please what, dove?” He mumbled against you.

“Please… more,” you said quietly, meeting his eyes below. He smiled at you sweetly, his hands making quick work of your shorts. He pulled them off and took his time sliding your panties down your legs. Your face burned as he drank you in, his eyes raking across your body like a starved man.

“You’re so fucking beautiful, doll,” he whispered, tracing his fingers down your thighs and leading kisses down your legs. “And you’re all mine.”

He possessively pulled your thighs so that you were hovering over his mouth, a surprised shriek escaping your throat. He grinned before teasingly licking his way up the inside of your thigh, stopping just before he got to your aching pussy. He waited until he heard the frustrated huff you let out before diving in. He licked a long stripe right up the centre of your core, attaching his lips to your clit and swirling figure eights around it. You couldn’t help but gasp, your thighs involuntarily closing around his head as your hands flew to his curls, pushing him further down. He had your legs shaking in seconds, his pace never faltering as he devoured you.

You couldn’t think, you couldn’t breathe – your chest heaved and you couldn’t stop the high whines and moans that you were making. He was relentless. Each noise you made just encouraged him to give you your high. His leather clad hands were so tight around your thighs, you knew they’d leave marks behind afterwards. He traced your sensitive lips with his tongue, moaning at the taste. He paid special attention to your clit and when he felt you getting closer to snapping, he sucked it hard. You came on his tongue in minutes, chanting his name as he coaxed you through it.

Marko really was in ecstasy, groaning as he tasted you on his tongue. Your body was writhing on the blankets, sweat glistening on your skin. You were glowing. He pulled himself back up to your mouth to place a sweet kiss. You panted, impatiently pulling at his jacket and belt. He chuckled at your restlessness, nuzzling into you.

“So impatient, dove. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you,” he said teasingly but so softly. He straightened up, shrugging off his jacket and discarding his crop top onto the floor. Your eyes shamelessly explored his body, tracing the outline of his muscles and landing pointedly on his crotch. He smirked down at you, finally unbuckling his belt and removing his jeans. His bulge was even more prominent now, his boxers doing nothing to help hide it. You reached out, hooking your fingers into the waistband of them and pulled them down swiftly. His cock sprung out and up, deliciously hard and thick. He kicked his jeans off fully and looked back to you, gazing into your eyes intensely. There was an emotion you couldn’t quite describe in his eyes. Lust? Possessiveness?

You attempted to move forwards to take his dick into your mouth, desperate to return the favour. Instead, he pushed you back and took your hands, intertwining them with his own. He manoeuvred you down so that you were lying on the bed, perfectly spread out for him. He hovered over you, not once breaking eye contact. His eyes were almost glowing, drinking you in in this position. So helpless, so revealing – yet with complete and utter trust in him.

“You’re mine. And if anyone ever tries anything like that again, I’ll kill ‘em where they stand, they won’t get off so easy, I swear,” he said seriously. Hot. You weren’t going to lie, seeing him get so territorial really made you hot and bothered. His protective side wasn’t something you saw often, but when you did, you knew you were in for a hell of a night.

You could feel the head of his dick pressing against your heat, whimpering pathetically at the touch. But Marko stayed still, looking down at you expectantly. He was waiting for a reply.

“I know you would, baby. Now please-”

“Say it.”

You blinked. “Say what?”

He leaned in close and whispered into your ear, his hot breath fanning over your neck. “Say you’re mine.”

Your breath hitched and you felt a shiver run up your spine. Goosebumps popped up all over your body from the tone of his voice, from the feeling of his hot breath against you, tickling your neck. You leaned forward slightly, so you could reach his ear. You took the lobe into your mouth, biting softly to force a hiss from Marko. You smirked against his skin before replying alluringly.

“I’m yours.”

It was like a switch had been pulled inside him. He growled lowly, gripping your waist tightly and before you could properly prepare yourself, he pushed himself into you. You gasped at the intrusion, wrapping your arms around his neck and your legs around his waist. His size wasn’t anything to laugh at and you were glad that he’d taken the time to lube you up properly beforehand. Your previous orgasm made slipping inside easy and soon he was balls deep inside you, your pussy sucking him in. He held your waist tightly, anchoring you before thrusting into your tight heat. His pace was truly inhuman, fucking in and out of your waiting hole until all you could scream was his name. As he took you, he continued muttering the same sentence, the same word.

You’re mine, you’re mine, you’re mine… Mine, mine… Mine.

Your sweaty bodies moved in sync, fitting together like the most perfect puzzle pieces. The scent of sex hung in the air in a thick haze. You felt so incredible around him and he made sure you knew that. His groans mixed in with his words (more often than not hushed Italian cursing) were like music to your ears, deep and low from his chest. The sound of skin slapping against skin, the heavy feeling of him inside you; it was all too much.

Marko leaned forwards, capturing your lips in a sloppy kiss. You were breathless. His hands moved up from your waist, taking your hands in his as he fucked you. There was one thing on your mind as you felt yourself getting closer and closer to your second orgasm of the night; you had to say it.

“Marko...” you stuttered out, tapping his shoulder weakly as your body shot up and down on the blanketed surface.

“Yeah, doll?” he replied, never ceasing his thrusts.

“I love you,” you whispered, looking deeply into his eyes as the knot in your stomach got tighter still. “I love you so much and I’m so glad you’re mine,”

He moaned loudly at your words, his eyes glazing over. He suddenly moved his hands to your thighs, picking you up and leaning backwards on his knees. He held you against him as he aggressively pumped up into you. The new angle only made you feel him deeper and harder, a high pitched whine ripping from your throat. You hung onto him, letting him use your body.

“Love you so much, make me feel so safe when I’m with you, know no one will hurt me when I’ve got you-” you babbled into his ear, filling his ego even more than he thought was possible.

“Fuckk, I love you too, mia colomba- love you so fucking much,” he grunted into your ear, his hips moving harder and faster against you. “All fucking mine, taking me so fucking well fuck-”

You could tell that he was close. His hips were stuttering against you, ramming his dick into you as hard as he possibly could. His groans were getting louder and more frequent, completely lost in your pussy. And you weren’t far off either. As you got closer to your orgasm, you pulled him in and kissed him deeply, all tongue and teeth, tangling your fingers into his sweaty blonde curls. One of his hands moved from your thighs up to your ass, pulling you tightly against him.

“I’m so close doll, fuck,” he panted, laying his forehead against yours.

“Me too, baby, you’re fucking me so, so good, gonna make me come so hard-,” you whimpered. You didn’t think he could fuck you harder than he already was but you were quickly proven wrong. His hips slapped against the back of your thighs rapidly, forcing high pitched screams of pleasure from you. His whole body tensed as he desperately tried to get you to finish before himself, holding onto his orgasm no matter how much he wanted to bury himself inside your aching heat and let go. He didn’t need to try very hard.

Within seconds, you were coming around his cock, collapsing against his chest; a moaning mess. Your eyes went blurry from the pure pleasure, Marko hitting the perfect spot over and over again as you came, overstimulating you oh so deliciously. Your pussy tightened as you came hard, convulsing on his cock. Marko cursed as you contracted around him, almost as if your pussy was begging for him to come inside.

“Fuck, you’re mine. Mine, mine, mine, fuck- ‘M gonna come baby, ‘m gonna come inside, shit-” he muttered incoherently, his hip movements starting to get sloppy with the fast pace he’d set. You clung to him, thighs shaking as he shot his hot load inside you, groaning while he pulled you down onto his cock harshly, forcing you to take every last drop. The feeling of him shooting inside you, claiming you, was one of your favourite feelings.

You both stayed there for a moment, basking in the afterglow. You felt as though you could hardly move, your hips aching from even the slightest movement. Sex with Marko always ended like this, you usually needed at least a day or two to recuperate. Once Marko had regained his senses, he gently lifted you off of his cock, causing a quiet wince to leave you. Carefully, he laid you down onto the pile of blankets, wrapping you up in his arms and tugging you against his chest. He listened to the soft rise and fall of your breath, the slight shaking of your limbs. The fucked out expression on your face.

“Mine.”

[sku11kidz]

Come, my child.

Fandom: Biohazard: Village, Resident Evil 8, Resident Evil: Village

Character Tags: Ethan Winters, Reader, Rosemary Winters (mention), Mother Miranda, Alicia Dimitrescu, Salvador Moreau, Karl Heisenberg,

Tags: Lord Ethan winters AU, Haha Ethan is an old 1950s dad, soft, Alternate canon, father is fathering, Child!Reader, children, horror tags, Ethan isn’t a good person, no matter how he wants to convince himself he is :(, reader is no older than 12, ???, writer is a teenager/slow updates

All is platonic in this fic.

Please do not tag as otherwise

The air is sharp and cold. It feels like you’ve been lost from the village for hours. Your parents told you not to go too far out into the village yet you did out of feeling curious and brave.

You were hungry and weak as the snow bit and ripped your body apart without even touching you. Despite this, your own ego prevented you from going back.

Blinded, you looked up to see a small home in the woods. The home has a simple and modest exterior, with a simple white paint job and a small front porch.

The windows were warm and inviting as the voice calls out to you. “Child. Dear child. Come here. Let me comfort you.” The voice called out. “Come home to me.” This voice was masculine and soft.

As you wake up, you feel the warmth of a cozy bed. The bedroom you’re in is soft and homey. The room is filled with various stuffed animals and kids toys. The thing was, who brought you in here?

You open the door and begin to creep downstairs. The bright walls of the hallway compliment the dark wooden floors. Small roses and carnations are painted the walls, it reminds you of a hospital in a way.

Whoever lived here really enjoyed plants. Specifically, roses and carnations. The base floor wasn’t much different. Same floral print as before, the walls were just green this time. This whole situation had you thinking.

Who brought you in? Was in the same person who spoke to you before? Just as you think this, you’re hit with the smell of mashed potatoes and roast chicken.

The aroma was intoxicating and mouth watering. You felt your own stomach growl, it had been a while since you had eaten. Last time you ate was when your mom sent you out to the forest this morning. By the look of the windows, it was after 8pm.

Beginning to think with your stomach, you follow the smell. As you get closer, you hear soft humming. It sounds like the song *Be Cruel/Hound Dog* by Elvis.

Coming closer, the smell gets stronger. You peek in the kitchen and see a tall man, Ethan. He hums softly and pulls the roast chicken out of the oven. It looked as tasty as it smelt. The chicken is a golden brown, covered in crispy skin and dripping with juices. A small hint of garlic and lemon can be seen along the lines of the chicken.

Just as you observe the chicken and get lost in the daydream of eating, you hear Ethan let out a small gasp of shock. You somehow startled him. He chuckles and puts the chicken down on the stove. “You’re awake.” He coos, bending down to your level. A bit scared, you back away. Ethan frowns and raises his hands. “Listen—! Listen,” he chuckles “I’m friendly, see?” Feeling his generosity, you slightly let your guard down.

Ethan sighs and smiled. “I was just about to wake you up. You’ve been sleep for hours and it’s almost dinner time, sweetheart.” He stands up and and picks the roast chicken up, placing it on the table. “Here, take a seat. Dinner will be ready soon.” He ruffles your hair while you sit at the table.

The dining room walls have small antique photos of Ethan and what looks like his wife and daughter. You can’t even register the whole picture before you’re distracted by the Mashed Potatoes, Biscuits, and cherry pie on the table.

Just as you observe the chicken and get lost in the daydream of eating, you hear Ethan let out a small gasp of shock. You somehow startled him. He chuckles and puts the chicken down on the stove. “You’re awake.” He coos, bending down to your level. A bit scared, you back away. Ethan frowns and raises his hands. “Listen—! Listen,” he chuckles, “I’m friendly, see?” Feeling his generosity, you slightly let your guard down.

Ethan sighs and smiles. “I was just about to wake you up. You’ve been sleeping for hours and it’s almost dinner time, sweetheart.” He stands up and picks the roast chicken up, placing it on the table. “Here, take a seat. Dinner will be ready soon.” He ruffles your hair while you sit at the table.

The dining room walls have small antique photos of Ethan and what looks like his wife and daughter. You can’t even register the whole picture before you’re distracted by the Mashed Potatoes, Biscuits, and cherry pie on the table. “Poor kid, you’re just skin and bones.” He begins to set his plate. “Come on now, dig in. A growing child like you needs your nutrition and what better nutrition than a home cooked meal?” He begins to eat.

One bite of the greens and you’re in heaven. They were seasoned and cooked to perfection. You completely devoured at least three plates and Ethan was glad to feed you. “It’s late you know,” his voice is calm and safe, “why don’t you stay here? It’s dangerous to leave at night.” You were about to object but you remembered just how unnerving the woods got in the winter. Reluctantly, you agree. Ethan looks more than glad. He smiles and gently holds your hand. “Where did you come from?” He asked. You explain how you came from the village and Ethan frowns. “That village? It’s dangerous over there. Mother Miranda isn’t the kind woman you think she is.” You didn’t understand what he was saying. Mother Miranda hasn’t done anything bad

…

Right?

Of course not. This old man was just out of it. Ethan sighs and gently lets go of your hand. “How about this? I’ll walk you back home to the village tomorrow. We can leave after breakfast. Sound good with you?” He asked as if you had a choice.

Later that evening, Ethan tucks you into bed. “There we go.” He whispers to himself, ruffling your hair. “If you need anything, you can cry out to me and I’ll be there as soon as possible.” Hearing this makes you feel warm. Your parents back at home never reassured you at times like this. Normally, they’d send you off to bed without a story or a kiss but this wasn’t the case. Ethan was better to you in his few hours of knowing you than your parents who knew you all your life. He looks down at you with his soft eyes, almost looking glum. “Goodnight, Rosema–” He cuts himself off. “Do you have a name or a nickname I can call you?” The name you choose to go by leaves your lips. “What a sweet name. I’m Lord Winters but I really just wish people would call me Ethan.” He chuckles and sighs. “Sleep well. I won’t let any monsters get you.” He stands up and turns off the lights, leaving the room for you to get some rest.

As you lay in bed, you can’t help but fully look around your surroundings. While Mr. Winters’ home was inviting, why was it welcome for you to sleep in? You couldn’t think too hard before your eyes got heavy. The cold pillows and soft blankets kiss you goodnight as you drift off to bed.

Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day. You’ll see your mom and dad and they’ll welcome you with open arms.

[creativepawsworld]

Everything But You

Pairing = Cillian Murphy x OC

Summary = Brianna is a young 19 year old getting ready to start her first year at Cork University to study Law. On her night out to celebrate she meets a man who will change her life in the best possible way. 

Warnings = Language, Grammar, Implied cheating - however no cheating. 

Word Count = 2265

Note = This idea has been rattling in my brain for the past week and I have heard to get it out. This will be a mini series of 90s Cillian. So he is in his band and getting ready to attend College. There will be smutty smut further on, I don’t expect it to be any longer than ten parts. :) 

Enjoy. 

Today had been a bittersweet morning for me. On one side, the happy side, I was accepted to study law in the University of Cork.  A dream of mine since I was a little girl. Becoming a lawyer and following in the footsteps of my father and his father before him, my grandfather. I was carrying on the tradition and was excited to do so.

The bad news was I was rejected again by Riverdance, there was still no open spots. Performing in Riverdance was another dream of mine, not a lifelong dream like becoming a lawyer. But god did I love to dance.

I had developed a love of it at such a young age thanks to my mother. She was an Irish dancer herself and she taught me everything I needed to know. She was my number one fan, always at the meets, the competitions, the practices. Always supporting me.

With her help I became World Irish Dancer Champion twice, Ireland’s Champion four times and European Champion six times and that was only my major accomplishments.

When I turned sixteen however, I lost her to cancer. She was only 46.

Putting the rejection out of my mind for now, I finished the last touches of my makeup. Pumping myself up for a night out with the girls to celebrate my acceptance into College.

I had invited my boyfriend of two years Andrew tonight but he hadn’t responded to my request, instead he just changed the subject if I brought it up. So I doubted very much that I would see him.

“Enjoy your night love” My father, Seamus smiled, shaking his wet hands into the sink in the kitchen.

“Thank you dad, don’t wait up” I kissed the side of his cheek before bounding out of the kitchen and out into the taxi where my best friend Aoife was waiting, our other friends already at the club.

Arriving at the Hawaiian club just before 8pm, the place was already picking up with partygoers, looking to drink and dance away their stresses from the week. Weaving our way through the crowd we found our friends at a table towards the back, right next to the toilets.

“There she is, Miss Law” Billy raised his rum and coke at us as soon as we arrived. Marion and Aoife letting out wild coyote screams in excitement for me.

“Thank you” I grinned accepting a one arms hug from Marion before sitting down while Aoife got the drinks in.

*****

Feeling the buzz of the alcohol, I was dancing in my seat, swaying my upper body side to side when I glanced towards the bathroom, just as a young man no older than myself emerged from behind the white door.

His hair was long, reaching just past his ears. He was wearing a black shirt with some dark jeans but what captured my attention the most was the majestic blue eyes that seemed to scan the room before resting on my own.

I felt my mouth drop and go dry as he passed a table, sending a wink in my direction. He was probably one of the most attractive men I had seen in my life, celebrities sex icons included.

“Ohfft he was fit.” Aoife barked in my ear noticing the mysterious blue eyed man as well. Turning to face her, she had a mischievous smirk on her face and was biting her bottom lip. “You should go talk to him.”

“No way” I blushed looking down at the drink my lap. Lifting it to my mouth I decided to chew on the plastic straw, trying to hide my embarrassment.  

“I won’t tell if you won’t.”

“I’m not like that Aoife” I shook my head, placing the tall glass on the table. My mind instantly went to Andrew. He was nice, our relationship was nice.

He just didn’t have time for me, not right now anyway. Medical school was becoming hectic, he had to study hard to earn his license. At least, this was what I would tell myself whenever I felt alone in the relationship.

“That boy is a waste of your time Brie.” Aoife spoke with a deep scowl on her face, she never liked Andrew. She claimed she could sense an aura around him. She couldn’t describe it but it wasn’t a good one.

Whereas our friend Marion believed he felt like he was better than everyone around him and it was only recently I had saw what she meant. Lately it had seemed like, I wasn’t worth his time nor effort.

“Like where is he? Where is he tonight? He is off, don’t try and tell me otherwise.” Aoife continued, pointing her finger in my direction for emphasis, little did she know her tone of voice was all she truly needed.

“How do you know he is off?” I asked, watching Marion return with a tray full of shots. My eyes going wide at the thought of having to take one, shots were never my thing.

“Remember Calvin, his hot ass friend from the other night.” She wiggled her eyebrows at me, accepting a shot glass from Marion and knocking it back in one.

“Aoife, they were for a toast. God sake, control yourself.” Marion scolded stomping her heeled foot in annoyance before giving her another, this time with a warning look to wait.

“Don’t be a downer…It’s a celebration Mar.” Aoife yelled, sticking her tongue out at the brunette who simply rolled her eyes. “I slept with him, have him in the palm of me hand. Got him to send me their work schedule.”

“Why?” I asked, taking the shot Marion was offering me, nodding my head in thanks.

“To prove to you he is a worthless piece of shit who can’t even make the effort to come see his girlfriend on the day she starts her dream.” Aoife voice was raised as she spoke, catching the attention of Billy and Marion.

“We talking about Andrew?” Marion commented with a raised eyebrow of her own. “You can do so much better girly, you need a man who actually wants to spend time with you and puts in the time.”

“I get it none of you like Andrew” I sighed, bringing the shot glass to my lips and taking the tiniest sip of the Lemon Drop shot.  

“I don’t mind him, honey.” Billy raised his hand with the shot into the air. “He is nice to look at, but you can do so much better.” He pouted his lips before taking the shot.

“Why are you only telling me this now? I could have saved a whole year of my life not being with him if you think he treats me so badly.” I huffed, taking a large sip of the shot, grimacing at its taste.

“He was your first college boo we wanted you to see it through but you are heading to law school now girl. Raise your standards like they raise the bar…” Aoife cackled looking around the group with a wide smile. “Did you get my lawyer joke?”

“Hilarious” I glared with a cheeky smile. Looking down at my drink noticing I needed a refill. Asking the other’s for their drink requests I made my way to the bar and stood at the side waiting patiently to be served.

“I’m Cillian.” The handsome man from the bathroom appeared next to me. His hand outstretched ready for me to shake.

Up close he was incredibly handsome. Light brown freckles dusted across his face, he had the plumpest lips I had ever seen and those eyes, oh my god those eyes, up this close. I could feel myself getting lost.

“Brianna, my friends call me Brie though.” I smiled, taking his hand in mine.

I expected him to shake it but instead, he raised it to his lips placing a tender kiss along each of my knuckles. His eyes never leaving mine as he did, a blush slowly creeping it’s way onto my cheeks.

“Brianna, beautiful name.” He nodded taking my hand from his lips but not quite letting it go, instead opting to hold it close to his chest. “I don’t want to be friends with you but can I call you Brie?” He smirked, mischief dancing in his eyes.

“You may call me Brie but friends is all you are going to get. I’m seeing someone.”

“Ahh, no” He acted, throwing his free hand over his chest, face contorting into fake pain at my words. “I’m not surprised though, beautiful girl like you.” He returned, with a smile.

“You should be an actor, your skills are on point.” I laughed shaking my head, turning to see where the barman was but he had yet to make his way over to me, serving the other end of the bar first.  

“You think?” He asked, taking a sip of his Guinness that I hadn’t noticed was sitting on the bar edge on till now. “I’ll just quit my band now and go into acting then because you said so.”

“Oh my god no, don’t take my word for it.” I blushed looking down at the grimy worktop. I heard Cillian chuckle next to me, his hand coming into my vision sliding along the countertop, fingers tapping against the sticky wood. “So your in a band?”

“Indeed you should come watch us play sometime.” He nodded, taking his eyes from me and looking down at the bar. “We are called The Sons of Mr. Green Genes.”

“Such a strange name.” I mused bringing his attention back towards mine, his blue eyes felt like they were staring through to my soul. For some reason, I felt naked under his gaze. “For a band I mean.”

“What? You don’t like it?” He asked feigning hurt again.

“I didn’t say that now did I?” I challenged back with an eyebrow of my own raised.

“Touché.” Cillian laughed, dropping his chin towards his chest before turning towards me, forearm resting on the edge of the worktop. “Where is this lucky man of yours then?”

“He… I honestly do not know.” I shake my head, something inside of me deciding not to defend Andrew. “Hi, can I get two rums and cokes, one pint of Harp and a vodka coke. Do you want anything?” I ordered turning to Cillian when the barman eventually made his way towards me.

“Um no I’m good thanks” Cillian shook his head. “I don’t know why I was expecting at least one of those drink orders to be a fruity cocktail, you surprised me.”

“How do you know one of those drinks are mine? I could just be waiting for you to leave before ordering the cocktail.”

“That is true.” Cillian nodded, leaning towards me that little bit closer so his forearm brushed up against my own. “Except there is only four of you at your table and you ordered four drinks. Simple maths.”  

“Your rather observant.”

“It’s’ a skill I have obtained for the longest time. Helps keep me out of trouble.”

“Do you get in trouble a lot?”

“Ah, you’ll have to give me your number to find that out” He winked, a cocky grin returning to his face.

Drawing my bottom lip between my teeth, I watched his eyes drop down to my lips and back towards my eyes, his action deepening the blush in my cheeks. No man has ever made me blush or feel as giddy as this man right here in front of me.

“I told you…”

“You have a guy, I know. I wouldn’t put you in a uncomfortable position but I do like you. We can be friends. Come on, what’s the worst that could happen?” He asked, the cheeky glint never leaving his eyes.

“I thought you weren’t interested in becoming friends.”

“Arghh you remembered.” He exaggerated throwing his head back. I could help but laugh as I watched his soft, deep brown hair floating back. “Alright fine, no number. This time, but come to the Taphouse, Saturday night for 8pm. My band is playing, you’ll enjoy it.”

“How do you know what I enjoy Cillian?”

“It’s like a sixth sense” He mused with a squint in his eyes. Hands moving up to draw circles around his temples. “I’ll see you Saturday?” He questioned finishing his Guinness and slamming the now empty glass on the counter.

“See you Saturday Cillian.” I nodded, a huge grin making its way onto my face as he pumped his arms in the air before weaving his way through the crowd to head towards the exit.

A group of his friends stood waiting for him, some older, some younger but all smirking and nudging their friend with their arms as soon as he reached them. Before he left, Cillian took one last look in my direction, sending another wink my way. Then he was gone.

“Miss” A voice broke me from my trance like state, glancing over my shoulder I noticed the barman had placed all my drinks on a tray in front of me, his hands outstretched for a payment.

Handing over a £10 note, I grabbed the tray, ignoring my change as I made my way back to my table, my friends wondering what had taken so long but I just smiled, shaking my head at them as my mind wondered to Cillian.

How was it possible to feel so wanted after a ten minute conversation with a complete stranger when I had been with Andrew for two years and felt nothing as  close as this.

[miss-v-is-fine]

It came on very suddenly. It was about 6th or 7th period (out of 9) when I began to feel an unpleasant sensation in my throat. I drank my water and continued the lesson.

By 9th period, it felt like I had been screaming all day, but I was pretty sure I had not screamed all week. My head began to hurt. I drank more water.

The kids went home and I headed to our faculty meeting, feeling a bit dizzy. We usually meet in the library, but the book fair is set up, so we squeezed into the cafeteria. My plan was to sit away from people, but it wasn't an option, and a friend gestured for me to sit with them. We both groaned, as we are lactose intolerant, when admin announced they were giving us pizza to hold us through back to school night (6-8pm).

I don't have time to go home and rest due to my long commute. A work friend offers me extra strength tylenol. I accept graciously and refill my water bottle again.

The pizza arrives. I deliberate, but give in and eat the pizza. My throat is feeling so scratchy by now that I do not enjoy it. I become gassy.

It is 5:50 and we are allowing people into the building. I am actively coughing. I do a Dab when I cough because I am polite.

Only one family shows up for my advisory class. I let my advisory buddy handle it while I check the hallways and refill my water bottle.

Advisory period ends. I go to my classroom and log in to zoom for my grad class. I drink water and fart around until another family arrives, 40 minutes later. The Tylenol is wearing off, but I drink water and give my presentation.

The session ends, the family leaves, and I refill my water bottle. I am unwell. There is another hour left.

The next parent arrives. We have a good conversation. She can't tell I'm sick. I've mastered the art of deception. As soon as she's gone, I prep sub instructions for the next day. It is the easiest feeling in the world to call out.

One last family. I give a presentation. I talk about supports for their hyperactive child. A bell rings, signifying the end of back to school night, but they don't leave. I give several hints. Eventually, blissfully, they exit.

I print some things for the sub and leave by 8:20. The drive home is dark, rainy, and scary. I keep my eyes peeled for deer. It is past 9pm when I arrive home and go straight to bed.

I used to deliberate over taking a sick day, but I'm annoyed about the pizza and the late night demand, and a great many other things. I recall that I encouraged my mentee to call out when she is unwell and focus on getting better. I am no hypocrite. When the doctor tells me she will write a note for both Thursday and Friday, I accept and send it to my admin.

Bliss.

[deepperplexity]

Prompt: 16. A Folly Holiday

Pairing: Student!Snape x Student!Reader (in a dress)

POV: Third, Snape

Setting: A Yule Ball, Hogwarts

A/N: I am exhausted. Tomorrow kicks off the first Christmas celebration and I have managed to write today's fic, tomorrow's fic AND half of Sunday's fic. My brain is fried, my fingers hurt and I want to take a nap even though it's almost 8pm 😂 Either way I hope you'll enjoy this fic as we are changing it up a little bit again with a young Snape this time around 🥰👏

Tags/TW’s: Confessions, Longing, Self-doubt, 

Abbr.: Y/N - Your Name

Word Count: 1.9k+

Masterlist page // Masterlist post // AO3 // LINK TREE

He was going to do it. If only he could find something to bloody wear! He dragged his hands through his hair, racking through his brain as he glared at his all-black and dark purple wardrobe. There was nothing in there appropriate for the Yule Ball — for getting you to finally notice him as something more.

It was his last chance perhaps, and he wished with all his heart he could just have plucked up the courage to ask you to the dance weeks ago but he never dared, not even when you studied with him or walked to class together while you talked his ear off about the whole ordeal.

There was only one set of attire left for him to wear, hidden away in his trunk. He’d never imagined he’d ever wear it when Lucius had gifted it to him. Then he had imagined himself dressed in it for the first ever date with you, that he never dared ask for.

After all, what would you think if the misfit with an abnormally large nose and usually greasy hair asked someone like you out on a date? Yet he had dreamt of it many times, wondering what it would feel like to be with you. It made his stomach clench with nervous knots. But I’m going to do it. Tomorrow I am going to go to that infernal ball even if I do not have a bloody date and I am going to ask you to dance with me. I really am going to do it. And then they’ll all laugh at me… Won’t they?

≪⁕≫

His hands were shaking while adjusting the black bow tie around his neck. He could hear the chatter from the Great Hall but had yet to gather enough courage to go in, he’d be forced to soon or the doors would close and it would all start without him. He needed to sneak in undetected and hide away in the back until the dancing had started.

He smoothed his hands over the emerald green fabric of his tuxedo one more time and tugged on the lapels a bit even if they laid perfectly. Here goes, he thought and began to sneak towards the Great Hall.

Somehow he managed to get in undetected as everyone was busy looking at the spectacular decorations and the array of girls dressed up in beautiful dresses. Severus only had eyes for one girl though, dressed in a billowing purple dress with no other adornments — it took no focus away from your beautiful face but rather enhanced everything about you. He almost lost the capability of breathing when he spotted you in the middle of the crowd on Carmichael Vance’s arm, one of the popular boys with a charismatic smile and perfectly proportionate features only elevated further by his tanned skin and short, tightly curly hair.

You were smiling widely while he spoke with you and Severus could only watch, hidden at the edge of the room. That it hurt so badly within him to see you laugh and chat happily with the handsome boy he could do nothing about. Of course he’d ask you… The handsome Gryffindor boy going with the pretties, kindest… I had no chance at you anyway.

Headmaster Dumbledore stepped up on stage and spewed out some happy speech about friendship and ‘good fun’ while Severus focused only on the back of your head. His eyes never left you despite the growing sense of what a fool he was for dressing up, for coming to the ball, for daring to even think of asking you for a dance. He was most likely some charity case for you, because you’re too kind…

The music kicked off and the four leading couples, two students from each house mixed together, lead the first dance. You and Mr Vance were of course one of those couples and there was no denying the two of you danced splendidly together. Both of you from wealthier families, undoubtedly having been taught proper dance from a young age and so you appeared to easily fall into a steady pace with each other.

You were too beautiful while smiling widely, as you seemed to always do whenever he spotted you around the school. Less so when you’re with me…

He watched, from afar, while the dance floor filled with students of all ages — dancing, smiling, laughing people that he shared nothing with. So, as the music grew louder and the time ran forward he slowly removed himself, edging towards the doors while still watching you laugh and smile so brightly it nearly hurt his heart. You never smiled like that when you were with him. And he still did not understand why you sought him out for study hours, or late dinners.

“This was a stupid idea,” he whispered to himself as Mr Vance twirled you around. He turned his back on the Great Hall and the Christmas-like decorations all in silver and white while his shoulders slumped and he glanced down at the expensive clothes he’d adorned in some foolish hope he’d finally be brave enough to step up. That perhaps, with his hair washed and tied up in a ponytail with string — just a few errant strands framing his face — and the costly clothes he’d be something more worthy of your attention. That for one night he could have been someone else, anyone but the pour half-blood that had absolutely no business even looking in your direction.

The music faded as he stepped out on the courtyard, dragging out his winter cloak from the little bag with an undetectable extension charm to it tied to one of the belt loops of his pants. The wind was gentle but cold, the sparkling snow crunching beneath his shoes as he walked towards the bridge where he knew he’d be alone.

At least the other gits were too occupied with the ball to torment me. And, I got to see you dance… He sighed and stopped at the middle of the bridge, watching out from one of the many arches. He felt more alone in the world than ever before.

“Severus!” He jolted, the sound of your voice coming from far away. I’m delusional too. Fantastic.

But, the sound of thudding steps in a run reached him a second later. “Severus!” you called again and he turned to see a flurry of purple fabric moving towards him before his eyes got snagged by yours. “Y/n?” he asked, his breath fogging over and your smile shifted. The wide, sparkling smile that was beyond beaming turned small and your features turned more lax. “What are you doing out here?” “Nothing,” he said as you stopped right before him. Your cheeks were rosy, and your bared shoulders and arms were covered with goosebumps.

“Why did you leave?” you asked while reaching up to hug yourself. “Why would I not?” “I was waiting for you,” you said and he arched his brow at you, not knowing what to think of that. “Why didn’t you ask me to dance?” you continued and his cheeks heated. “Why would I? I wouldn’t want to ruin your night.” “Ruin my night?” “You looked happy, when you are with me you never smile like that so why would I—” “Are you a complete idiot or playing the fool?” you interrupted and he jolted at your harsh words spoken in a light voice.

You stepped closer, shivering and trembling in the cold and he could not stand it. “You’re freezing,” he muttered and removed his cloak only to drape it over your shoulders. “So warm,” you hummed and pulled it tighter, he could have sworn he heard you inhale a little bit deeper before sighing. He could not help but adore the view of you in his cloak. “But honestly, are you so dense?” you continued while looking up at him. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” “I even wore your colours,” you murmured, as if you were nervous and he couldn’t understand why your voice shifted in such a manner. “What do you mean, my colours?” “Well, look at me…”

He had done so all evening already so there really was no need but he did as you asked and looked you over while you held open the coat. “You’re very pretty,” he said. “But you always are.” “Ugh, Severus!” you said and stomped your foot while rolling your eyes. “What?” “You really are such a thick-head sometimes!”

He blanched at the comment, not the kind he usually got thrown at him. “With you, I don’t have to smile like that, there’s no need for me to pretend and be someone I’m not,” you said and his back straightened at the severity in your voice. “I don’t have to constantly laugh and smile, you know my cheeks hurt every evening from that!” “Y/n, what are you on about?” “Ugh, Severus! I like you! I don’t know how much clearer I can make it? I feel like a bloodhound! Always hunting you down, always forcing my company on you, always trying to talk to you and get you to just notice me! It’s like, the one guy I have always fancied doesn’t even acknowledge my existence. And there I was—” you yelled while pointing towards the castle “—seeing you at the edge all the time, watching me constantly and you never even bothered to talk to me.”

He didn’t know what to say. You weren’t wrong. He always struggled to talk with you, always found it hard to look at you as his heart would go rampant and he wouldn’t be able to focus on whatever the two of you were talking about. “Severus, don’t you like me? At all?” you asked quietly and he had to look at you when you sounded so hurt. “I like you…” he whispered, barely able to get the words out. “I-, I got all dressed up like an idiot too, thinking if I could just look like someone else, someone worth your time for just an evening you’d-, I don’t know, something.” “Sev…” you whispered while smiling softly up at him. “I don’t want any of this,” you continued while reaching up to tug the string from his hair, allowing it to fall freely in its usual black curtains.

“There’s no need to dress up, just because of some folly holiday. I just want you, the everyday you. Not this yule ball version of you.” “You think Christmas a folly holiday?” he asked while his hands clenched, in an effort to stave off the shaking from how close you were. “I love Christmas, but I think it’s folly to change who you are for something momentary. Like kids being good the last week before Christmas in hopes of receiving more gifts when one should be kind all year round. And you’re a wonderful grump dressed in black and purple all year round,” you giggled out as a small smile tugged on his lips. Something warm slipped inside of him.

“Sev, please, won’t you give me a chance?” you asked and his heart did a somersault. “You mean-, as a-, a—” “As a couple, Sev. I like you, I really, really do. And I’m tired of having to pretend that I’m fine when I’m not with you…” The honesty in your voice made his hands reach out instinctively, taking you into a tight embrace despite the fear blaring in him that there was no way beautiful you could be willing to be with someone like him. “I’d like that, Y/n.” “Severus,” you said against his chest and reached around to hold him just as tightly.

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A/N: This was short and sweet, a little on the simpler side of things but still, so cute 🤭🥰�� I hope you're having a fantastic Friday (or whatever day when you read this) and that you remember to treat yourself with kindness ❤

Taglist: @lizlil @snapefiction @darkthought15 @monstreviolet @flowerdementia @marvelschriss @once-upon-an-imagine @ravennight41 @caseydoodles98 @slytherinprincess03 @theconsultingdetectiveswife @grimmyhild @monster-energies @myobscureimaginarium @snowblossomreads @eternal-silvertongued-prince @cherryglossie @setsuna-meiou31 @helena211 @a-queen-and-her-throne @justsaturn0 @turvi @imwithyoutiltheendofthelinebucky  @sunnylikesfrogs @mamawolfsmith16 @dianilaws @morphineisouthoney @meteoritewolf69 @bionic-otp @elizabeth-baelish @romanceandsarcasm @severuslovebot @leah1243 @glowstar826 @rickmandowneyjr @yellowbadgermole @snapesangel @a-queen-and-her-throne @impulse-anchor @commodoreseverus  @writewithmarites @alisongurl13 @yan-senna @writewithmarites @reinekefoxart @nixislight @snowblossomreads @leah1243 @reiketsunomizunomegami @lokisbjchn

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[Dec:2022]

[rain-in-the-clouds]

After Dark

Chapter 3: Stressed Out

Warnings: Fluff & Angst (none)

Word count: 8,963

Saturday night, Y/n was laying on her couch absentmindedly scrolling through her phone, her body was sore beyond belief. Every movement felt like she was living on Neptune. When the afternoon came around she was greeted with three texts from Yuji and two from Sukuna. Yuji’s responses were a mix of enjoyment and slight dissapointment. None of the three were happy about the state of their schedules and how little they get to see each other. Sukuna’s was simple, he was happy to have spent time with her, but understood, oddly convenient, he also had to work that day. Y/n didn’t respond after that, never one to be the best texter, or one to hold a conversation via text; but she knew it wouldn’t faze them. However she’d spent most of the morning texting with Choso on and off, the last was about the current tattoo he was working on. A whole body trible design. And similarly she didn’t respond, feeling the conversation met its natural end, she decide to turn something on on her laptop and lazy around on her phone for the rest of the day. Around 8pm she finally got up and braved the pain to waddle to the kitchen and make herself some dinner, she ended up eating in there too. Folded over the small counter, still on her phone, but she was distracted enough that she actually enjoyed her slapped together meal. She was deep into a YouTube analysis video, completely endorsed, was suprised into dropping her phone when a text came in.

She groaned at herself for the jumpyness, but she quickly grabbed up her phone, it was from Choso. It read, “Hey, so I know we made plans for tomorrow, but Idk what time I should show up. If you’re still up to hang out.” Y/n was excited by his message, her heart thumping against her chest; but she wasn’t sure why. She took a moment to forcefully calm herself, she didn’t want to be attracted to him, didn’t want to have these continues secret interactions; but she did want it. She just didn’t want to hurt the twins. She was getting stuck in a loop again, when another text came in. “It’s cool if you want me to just drop off the sketches, I get that you’ve been hella busy and you need your rest.” Choso was back stepping, for whatever reason. Y/n didn’t know if she was grateful or disheartened.

“I still wanna hang out, but I do wanna sleep in, how does 12:30pm sound? There’s a cafe just around the corner, we could meet up there?” Y/n went against and with her conflicting feelings. Sending the text with little to no hesitation. Choso’s response was almost immediate.

“Yeah that’s perfect. I sleep in on sundays too lol. I’ll see you there.” Choso ended his text with a smiling emoji. It was a little odd, he seemed to use them sparingly, and at odd times. Something about this though made Y/n feel those little butterfly’s starting in her stomach. It wasn’t late, but it was past 10pm and she was tired, but her mind was also running wild. For a good hour she paced around her small living room. When it was past midnight her mindless walking took her to her bedroom, where she found her own sketch pad. She smoothly slipped it up and sat on her bed. In the dim lamp light sprawled out on her bed, Y/n sketched several pages of Choso’s face, Sukuna and Yuji’s.

Yuji’s were soft, his bright smiling face, some were purely from childhood memory. They brought a warmth and joy that exists only in the past. She was in a way having a conversation with him while she but pen to paper. But it was completely one sided, she couldn’t bring herself to image what he’d say.

Sukuna was something else, similarly to his actual personality. His pages grew dark as she worked. His backgrounds working best being blacked out, forcing him to stand out. The angels she made were sharp and sculpted. He was stoic, she tried to capture the same blaze in his eyes, but she was never satisfied with it, not entirely at least.

Y/n paused when she flipped to the next black page. Her shoulders slumped forward as a deep sigh left her. She took a few calming breaths, rubbing her eyes, neck and back, but the tension in her didn’t let go, so she decided to step out to her balcony. As she lit her cigarette she thought it gracious too the architect to call it a balcony, barley able to fit one person; a glorified fire escape. The thought made her laugh, loud enough that she had to clap her hand over her mouth. She was tired and erratic. The ritual brought her no comfort, if anything it made her weary and wanting.

Back in her bedroom she staired at her sketch pad still open on her bed, images of Choso played through her mind, so starkly different from most anyone she’d every drawn. It felt like something from a fantasy. That’s when an idea came to Y/n, she quickly grabbed her phone and found the playlist from the party, she slipped her headphones on and blasted the section of songs from when she met Choso to when they parted. The memory’s of him were soft and ethereal, despite his hard features. Y/n slipped into a rythem, she drew severl headshots, mostly from that night, his hair down, so dark it made even the page show his pale complexion. She stopped when her charcoal crumbled beneath her fingers. Taking it as a sign she stacked up the sketches and placed them back on her desk. Y/n flopped onto the bed, sleep finally taking her, she peacefully drifted away.

——

Choso was sleeping in his oversized bed, the morning sunrays beamed through his windows, warming him into waking up. He was reluctant, burying his face deeper into his pillows. His mind was waking faster then he wanted, he haphazardly pawed for his phone, forgetting where it ended up last night; that’s what ultimately got him out of bed. He paded around his home half prepping for his day out, half avoiding the unrelenting conflicting thoughts. Choso ended up standing in front of his closet, several articles of clothing were scattered around his room and bed. He was only wearing slack grey sweats, staring like the clothes will magically appear before him. This was an odd situation he found himself in, not only the feeling of betrayel and guilt lingering within him, he was nervous. Choso had partners in the past, Sukuna was right in one aspect, he acttraced people without trying, in the past it annoyed him, fueled him to be reserved. But this situation had him rethinking some of his philosophy’s. He ended up sitting cross legged on the floor still staring into his closet, he snapped a decision out of self spite. Settling on tight black jeans, a loose red tee and an oversized black hoodie. Simple but workable. He’d packaged Y/n’s sketches the night before, not before stealing a picture of his favorite one. A side profile, in that same angelic light.

When noon came around he left his apartment in a rush, but in the car he took the longest way possible, shooting a text to Y/n when he was close. She didn’t respond, he assumed that he was still early. But he couldn’t wonder around forever, so he parked in between he arpartment and the cafe, settaling in a small seat just inside, the tube that holds the sketches clutched between his leg; he was jittery.

——

Y/n was right in that she would sleep in. Not waking up till just past 11am. She was groggy and felt grimie. Her bed was a mess, she’d had a rousing dream by the looks of things. She ignored it, moving to go about her normal routine, her mind far form thinking about the night before, the twins and Choso. She was in the midst of downing a breakfast of coffe, eggo and a smoke on the not balcony when her phone buzzed in her pokect. A text from Choso. That’s when she saw the time, that’s when everything rushed back like a tsunami. Y/n half read the text, back in her room in a flash, tearing through her bathroom and closet in record time. Y/n slapped together an outfit, grey leggings, black tee and red hoodie. By 12:20pm she was out the door and near running to the cafe. Cursing that her apartment complex, was complex. When she rounded the corner to the cafe she stumbled out of her run into a ‘normal’ walk, though she was somewhat breathless. But she soon saw Choso through the cafe’s large front windows sitting inside. Y/n picked up her pace, pushing her way through the heavy door, she couldn’t help the smile that overtook her when Choso saw her. He quickly stood up, he almost waved, but the distance between them didn’t warent it so he about slapped his hands against his thighs.

Choso was also smiling, he’d spotted Y/n just before she walked in, that bubbling enegery had him shooting out of his seat when their eyes met. But as fast as he stood the two were sitting back down. “Hey Y/n.” He greeted, unsure of how to begin any conversation, a clear sign to his nerves, that he chose to vheamitlly ignore. Y/n smiled at him, bright and cheerful.

“Heya.” As for Y/n she was half burnt out, half fixated on the moment, she also couldn’t think of what to say next. Luckily for the two a waitress appeared to hand out and fill up cups. This gave Y/n a chance to take in Choso, his hair was up in a full pony, the hoodie he wore was tight around his arms but loose around his body, it highlited his toned figure. She didn’t think she was staining but when he caught her eyes raking over him, her cheeks flushed and gaze averted quckily. Choso devilishly smirked at her, something that had those butterflys flapping like mad.

“Did you have a good night Y/n?” He asked coolie, the charm oozing off him. He even caught himself off guard with how he can shift from the nervous mess to swave was beyond him, but he didn’t question it in the moment. Y/n’s blush had calmed but was still present, she’d chose to push past it despite the look Choso was giving her.

“Somewhat, long, but ya know, normal I suppose?” She questioned back, her nerves were on fire; she felt ridiculous, having spent a decent amount of time with Choso already, she was flustered that this meet up was having such an effect on her. SHe felt fidgety, fiddling with the hem of her hoodie, or by twisting her hair between two fingers. “Had a hard time falling asleep, drew some to pass the time.” She said honestly, a little defeated by the lack of rest. Choso had dropped the charm, his expression turning to soft concern.

“Oh.” Slipped form him first. “I’m sorry. Honestly I can’t imagen how exhausted you must be after everything.” He was being sympathetic, understanding all too well the late nights of work and school, the juggling of everything in your life. “We don’t gotta be out long. Lucky that your place is so close.” He spoke warmly to her. Y/n was as little saddened by his suggestion, though it would be the smarter decision. Her expression must have said as much because Choso began to backtrack. “I mean we could still hang out, I just don’t see why we gotta, I dunno, be active?” He was spitballing ideas that didn’t make the best sense. It made Y/n giggle, her nerves calmed by that aura that Choso gives off around her.

“It’s okay. Yeah I’m a little tired, but it’s nothing bad.” Y/n smiled, it was half hearted. “But we don’t gotta cut this short or anything. I wanna be here.” Y/n was showing her nerves through her words, but she was ernest. Feeling dower about the current conversation she quickly changed it to a lighter one. Pointing to tube carrier Choso was clutching onto. “Are those the sketches?” She asked innocently.

Choso’s eyes went wide for a micro second, darting to the parcel between his legs. “Oh! Yeah it is.” Choso was struck with a wave of nervousness again, his hands felt shaky and clammy. But he stilled them enough to pass off the sketches to Y/n. HIs finger’s grazing over her’s as he pressed it into her hands. She gladly accepted them, mimicking Choso by holding between her legs.

“Thank you. I’ll look at them later.” Y/n thought about the ones she drew herself of Choso, but remembered to late as they were still back at her apartment. Choso must have saw her thinking, or the thoughtly expression she wore.

“Something on your mind?” He wasn’t sure what she could’ve been thinking about but it was serious enough to distract her from the moment. Y/n’s attention was brought back, but she was debating on whether or not to tell him. She chose the later and came up with a little fib.

“Oh I was thinking about the contest. Aren’t they going to announce the winners soon? At the expo or somethin’?” She questioned, she knew the answer, knew when it was going to happen. Escaping that information, especially in her position was near impossible. But she faned ignorance all the same; though she wasn’t the best actor. The question coming out too confidant. Choso blinked a few times, scraping at his brain for the information.

“Yeah that’s when. Few days time we’ll know who the top three are.” Choso sounded dissapointed, like he’d already lost. “Contestants got an email about it. Mandatory attendance or disqualification.” He was speaking from personal knowledge. “Got the email this morning.” He informed bitterly. Y/n chuckled at that. He gave an expression of ‘What?’ in response.

Y/n had to force herself not to laugh harder. “I’m guessing you were hoping to skip that part huh?” Y/n questioned while shooting him a flirtatious smile.

“Yes I was.” He said in a deadpan manner, making Y/n laugh again, her blush had returned, she had to suppress her giddy behavior by slugging back her coffee. He in turn laughed at her, gaining the reaction he was hoping for. When that died down they switched topics again, talking about everything from school, work, art and music. Choso even had all of his playlist he wanted to share ready. Y/n fumbled to find hers on her phone, none of the titles made the best sense. But she was still happy to share. The two were practically huddled over the small table, scrolling through their phones together, when Y/n landed on a decades old playlist, one she’d made back in junior high with the twins. The title card was even a picture of them, the three of them and the rest of their tightknit group, mostly consisting of Y/n’s cousins. Choso raised a brow at the image.

“What’s that one about?” He asked while clicking on the playlist. It was a lot of songs from the early 2000s, all the way till 2009. Y/n’s expression turned solem, starring at the picture brought back meny memories. She smiled warmly however, the burn of tears sat behind her eyes, but she wouldn’t allow them to come forward.

“It’s one we all made together. Songs we’d sing, dance and goof off too. So meny of them were our favorites back then. Stopped adding to it after the move.” She paused, the memory of the last time they were all tougher listening to these songs. It was a good day, warm and bright. “Hurt a little too much.” She spoke rather bitterly. Choso simply nodded along, listening and watching closely. He saw the weight of the past on her shoulders in that moment, things he knew nothing about, but she always had them right with her; in her smile and eyes. A thought came to mind then.

“You could update it now. Couldn’t you?” It came out as a question rather then a suggestion. Y/n blinked a few times, whether blinking back tears or having a reveling thought, Choso wasn’t sure. But the smile that grew told him it was a positive idea.

“Yeah we could. Little by little.” She said warmly, thinking about what the boys could add now, the thought made her smile grow. Choso smiled with her, elated that he was able to brighten her mood, even if only a little.

“Who’s the other three with you? I don’t think either of those two mentioned anyone else besides you.” He said in a vague way that had Y/n curious.

“My cousins. Odd they’d never say anything about them. We were all pretty close. The one in the far back is the oldest of the group, Tanji.” The boy in question had fiery red hair and matching eyes, and he clearly towered over everyone. “Behind Yuji is Junpei, and behind Sukuna is Uraume.” Choso squinted at the image on Y/n’s phone then back and Y/n.

“You guys don’t….” He let his sentence fall flat, feeling as if his question was inappropriate. But now Y/n was looking at him confused.

“Don’t what?” Y/n parroted back, she was wear a devilish smile now. “Look a like?” She questioned sarcastically. Choso looked like a deer in headlights, caught in his curiousity. “We get that a lot actually.” Y/n laughed, causing Choso to relax some. “Tanji’s adopted, he’s Junpei’s older brother, their my from my mom’s side. Uraume is from my dad’s side.” Y/n explained, the fondness in her voice faltered slightly at the end however. “They were the ones who helped me get over the boys moving. We called every day for a while too. It was always so chaotic.” She laughed thinking about the chaos the group still lives in, it had both of them laughing.

“When did it change?” Choso questioned while flipping though his phone, searching for the earliest pictures of him and the twins. Not thinking about the obvious answer.

“Near the end of junior high, around the time your parents got together.” She said matter of factly. but their was no malice there either. “I don’t think high school helped any either.” She shook her head though, “But it never really changed. I never stopped thinking about them or talking to them.” Y/n then was hit with a guilt she’d been carrying for years, her expression showed as much. But Choso didn’t pry, he did note the accruance however. “Did you know they called me during the wedding?” She asked, cutting the string of thoughts that was unraveling in her mind. Choso was suprised by the new information.

“No I did not.” He said still a little stunned. “That would explain thier absence during the reception.” He spoke fondly of the memory, but there was still that hint of annoyance in his tone.

“Yeah I told them as much then too. But they were giddy, if you can imagine.” Choso was unsuccessful in finding anything, but he made a mental note to search the next time he was at his parent’s house. He’d pocketed his phone when Y/n did, both seeing no reason to still have them out.

“How long have you guys known each other exactly? I’ve asked them in the past, but they would never say.” Choso poked a little, letting his ceriousity lead him. Y/n wasn’t looking at him when he asked, but he saw the expression change, the very aura about her change as she slipped back into a memory. She was smiling, warm but there was sarow there.

When Y/n began she still wasn’t looking at him, clearly gazing inwardly. “We were around six. They’d just moved in across the street, middle of winter too. I can still see them clutching onto their mom. Looking back now, she was frail even then.” Choso remembered when his dad told them about the twins mom, they rarely spoke of her. “I was outside when they showed up. They ran from me that first time, it was so funny.” Choso let out a laugh that was loud, he clapped a hand over his mouth, cheeks turning a tint more red from embaressment.

“Now that I can’t picture.” He said once he was calm enough.

“It’s true!” She rebuttled. “But it didn’t stay that way for long.” Choso cocked a brow at her, urging her to elaborate. “It was the next day at school. We were in the same class, they sat behind me. It wasn’t till recess that I actually got to talk to them though.” Y/n finally met Choso’s eyes, looking to him as if he could picture what she was talking about. “They were off by themselves, sitting under a tree. They looked so sad.” Y/n had a far off look in her eye, rembering how much she hated them looking like that, the urge she felt to make them not sad. “I just went up and started talking to them. They did not like me at first. Didn’t say a thing that whole time.” She laughed. “At the end of the day when our parents were supposed to pick us up, no one came for me. At the time my cousins didn’t live there yet, and my parents were working late.” Her smile grew as she continued. “They walked me home. I don’t know what changed their minds, but they just did.” Y/n began to drift back to that moment.

A six year old Y/n stood outside an old primary school, thick snow was all over the ground, heavy and wet. She stood just outside the schools gate, patiently waiting, watching other kids being picked up or walked home by their parents. The cold was starting to burn her face, and she felt hot tears start to form in her eyes as she was soon the only one left standing alone. She wanted to curl in on herself and was about to, but was hastfully stopped by a hand grabbing her own accompanied by a small but cheerful voice.

“Don’t cry.” It shocked Y/n, she stood straight up, staring at the boy next to her holding her hand. It was Yuji. Before she knew it the other twin, better known as Sukuna, was holding her other hand.

“We can walk you home.” He stated simply, not looking at her, but holding her hand firmly. Y/n was confused and happy all at once.

“Yeah!” She shouted, the tears had stopped, and she held their hands a little tighter as the three started home.

Choso couldn’t help but see the light that practically radiates from her, the softness of her expression to the glow in her eyes, he was more then captivated by her. “That sound like them.” He spoke softly, mostly to himself, but Y/n heard him. She nodded in response.

“Yeah they really haven’t changed.” That far off look was fading as her mind fully retuned to the present. Feeling as though she’d been talking for way to long, she flipped the situation and started asking Choso questions. “I wanna know more about you. Yuji’s only told me a little bit and that was forever ago. What was your life before the Itadori’s?” She asked finally though cheerfully. Choso was a little suprised by the question, and the answer was one he didn’t have to think hard about. That time painful and still clear in his mind.

“It….” Choso was looking deep in Y/n’s eyes, looking for something in them, though he didn’t know what. Y/n was shocked when she saw the clear look of fear hidden in Choso’s eyes. In return Choso saw only understanding, only warmth , something that had him feeling vulnerable. “It was a bad time.” He spoke finally, the words leaving him in a way similar to someone confessing. Y/n didn’t move, didn’t change, just continued to pay attention. “I have two other brothers. I haven’t seen them in 15 years.” He couldn’t hold Y/n’s gaze, the thought of them forcing his head to bow. “My….when my mom left she took me, tired to take them too, but he won that fight.” Was all he could muster, his voice was low, in the back of his mind he was in recoil at what could be Y/n’s reaction. She suprised him again with a simple action, gently laying her hand atop his still bowed head. Softly stroking his loose black locks, feather light but warm and comforting. It took everything in him not to cry, something about the small comfort he was offered, something about it made a cord snap in his mind. He leaned into her touch and reveled in the feeling, but it had to end and it did, too soon for him.

“I’m sorry.” Y/n’s voice was small, regretfilled and mournful. It had Choso snapping his head up to meet her eyes once again. She was clearly distraught, but she kept it behind a thin vale. “I didn’t mean to…” She wasn’t sure how to continue feeling like she’d already said too much. Choso returned the comforting gesture, literally. His large hand settaling a top her head, gently petting her hair back. Her eyes were on him in less the a second, the gesture brought much comfort, but his expression, a glowing smile, also brought on other emotions.

“It’s alright. Can’t change the past.” His smile never faltered, and his touch was warm. When he retracted his hand she missed the contact immediately, almost moving with his hand. Choso pretended he didn’t notice, his smile hiding his delight. But that telltale awkwardness began to swallow them, they both felt it. Felt that wash of pause as the electricity between began to spark. They were sitting a little too close together, Y/n felt it whenever their arms brushed together or when Choso spoke just quiet enough that she had to lean a little further in.

It was growing late in the afternoon when the too finally called it a day. They both had been sitting too long without moving, legs feeling like jelly. It made both laugh. Choso offered to walk Y/n the short distance home, and she saw no reason to reject the offer, seeing as an opportunity to further their time together, even if just a little. They’d just past the gate when Y/n brought up an idea she’d been thinking about.

“How does a house warming sound?” She asked out of the blue, gazing raking up her tall apartment ask she thought about the idea more. Choso however was a little confused.

“Like for your place? I mean, why not right? But isn’t it a little late?” He counter questioned, but his positivity was more then what Y/n was hoping for.

“Well yeah, but we’ve just been busy. I think if I plan right everyone would be able to make it.” She surmised.

“Yeah I think you could. And knowing those two they’d jump at the idea.” Choso let out a breathy laugh. “They’d probably force everyone else to go.” The thought had Y/n joining in the laughter, believing full well they’d do that.

“I’ll probably shoot for after the expo. I’ve got my own stuff to prep for too, and I know Yuji’s test is coming up. I’m hoping it can be sortta like a congrats party for all of us and not just a regular house party.” Y/n explained while pantomiming unnecessarally. Choso was nodding along, picturing the event and the delight it would bring. When Choso and Y/n reached her apartment she absentmindedly walked in, Choso following behind, neither questioning the familiarity nor casualness of these simple actions and what it could mean. Y/n placed the tube in her room, snatching up the pages she’d did of him the night before and storing them away in her desk before returning to Choso. Who was still by the front door.

“Thanks for walking me back.” She said with a soft smile. “I had a great time today. I haven’t gotten to relax like that in a while. It was really nice.” She spoke so fondly, so much so Choso found himself leaning towards her, his mind stopping him before she could notice or question it.

“It’s no problem. I had fun today too. I hope we can do it again sometime.” He didn’t catch himself in time with his words however. Caught in the moment, not realizing he just did the thing he’d been telling himself not to do. But he was also relieved to have let some of his feelings out. Y/n returned his offer with a brighter smile, and a giggle she had to stifle.

“That’s be great. But I think I gotta plan the party first.” She giggled out. Excited at the prospect of more ime with him, totally forgetting her own internal conflicts. Choso nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, you should probably tell Yuji and Sukuna though, they’d wanna help.” He admitted, being able to clearly picture their reaction otherwise. “Oh and I’ll help too. Whatever you need, ya know.” He added in a semi rush. Y/n giggled again while patting him on the shoulder.

“Yeah. I’ll let you know.” With that Choso left and Y/n resigned to her room, he was giddy and exhausted, having gone through an array of emotions in one afternoon, the drive home his mind raced with meny thoughts and questions. Ones of conflict and ones of joy. Y/n was wrapped up in the warm feeling blooming in her chest and the flapping in her stomach, it wasn’t until later that night when she sent the party plan to Yuji and Sukuna that she thought about the day and herself in a different light. The rest of that night Y/n spent lock in deep thought on the situation as well as her own feelings.

——

The day of the expo came faster then anyone was prepaired for, the contestants the most. Y/n had been in a chaotic rush since Monday morning, helping the arts department set up. She didn’t get to see where her art was being displayed until the official start, a stipulation of her work contract. But she got to be apart of the group who hung and displayed the contestants works, though she and the others didn’t get to see that art either, all of them being covered by thick canvas. The crew that got the expo up and running finished just in time. It was a late afternoon on a Friday, at first people came little by little, but by 6pm the school was filled with people. The expo had been set up around the entirety of the multi school campus, allowing for each department to show off the best of the best in their own spaces; however the contests and the winners were hung in the main building. This insures everyone could see them clearly without having to travel to the individual departments that were holding scholarships contests. The crew got to leave a few hours prior to the expo starting.

Y/n had planned to meet up with the twins but she’d lost track of time, sending a text to Yuji, along the lines of ‘go on ahead, I’ll meet you there.’ She ended up taking an overpriced Uber back to the school, that was swarming with people, everyone from students and their family’s, factually, and perspectives. Y/n wasn’t paying attention to where she was going, trying to get ahold of either twin, she stumbled into the main building. Fumbaling further when her eyes landed on the 1st place winner of the arts contest, struck by its beauty and dumbfounded by the creator; Choso Kamo. The sketch, that hung below the painting, was ethereal; the use of charcoal paired with white and blue pastels made the peice pop off the page in a way Y/n hadn’t seen before. The oil painting accompanying it was equally stunning, the use of dark oranges and reds for the backlight, the near blinding glow of the halo, to the delicate gold fabric; it about made Y/n cry. If she didn’t know better, she wouldn’t have thought she was the model behind the painting. Without thought she treked forward until she was a few feet from it, needing to see more detail. She was already captivated by Choso’s art, the sketches he gave her captured her whole heart, but this was something else, he’d put his all and then some into this piece.

—

Choso had been on edge the days leading up to the expo, filled with so meny thoughts and worries. The night prior he’s gotten stuck in a loop, the dreaded ‘what ifs?’ All the ways it could all go wrong. This led to him pushing his time, not showing up till 5:50pm. But to his chagrin the art wasn’t unveiled until time was up and contestants accounted for. Choso was grouped together with the 15 contestants in no particular order, trotted out in front of everyone who chose to congregate in the main hall for the announcement. He was by far the most shocked to see his results, while the group around him, especially the four guys who’d chummed up to him in the weeks leading up, celebrated his and the other two’s success. He was mortified. This had him obligated to stay in the main hall, forced to go through motions of ceremony, hoping all the while something would happen so that his family, and Y/n, don’t see. But he knew that wasn’t in the cards. He’d been walking around the main hall with the other two winners, talking to the winners of the other contest, faculty wishing them congratulations for some time before he split off and sneak out for a much needed brake.

He was outside taking long drags from a cigarette, it brought no comfort in that moment. But he continued, in no rush to return to the fray inside, until he saw Y/n. She was outside the main building, phone up to her ear, speeding walking through the crowd while her eyes darted around in search. Choso acted a step too slow, entering the main building behind her, but even then he was too late, she was already standing in front of his work, examminging it intensely. He felt the blood drain from his face as he watched her. From behind he couldn’t see what her reaction is, but by how still she became he could assume it suprised her; goor or bad he wasn’t sure. He wasn’t going to wait around to find out, instead barreling forward until he was just beside Y/n. She didn’t notice him, but he saw her, her reaction and how in awe she was. It had him swelling with pride.

“I take it you like it?” He asked suddenly, braking the silence that was quickly sruonding him, effectively startaling Y/n in the process. Y/n about jumped out of her skin, side stepping away from the voice to only step back when she realized who it was.

“Choso.” She said while letting out a deep realiving sigh. His name on her lips forced the blood back in his cheeks, and a goofy smile to overtake his expression. “Why do you guys do that.” She said, exacerbating her tone and gestures. When Y/n calmed herself, she smiled to Choso, realizing what he’d asked. “Yes I do. I…I think it’s beautiful.” She spoke ernestly, getting lost again in the images before them. Her words caught Choso off guard, the way her voice caught in her chest, to the way her eyes glowed, he felt more then just gratitude.

“Thank you.” His voice came out low and breathy, the butterfly’s in Y/n were going mad at that. “I’m glad you like it.” He chuckled nervously, his eyes looking anywhere else but the painting and sketch. But each time his eyes drifted over Y/n he felt that alluring pull once again.

“I do, it’s amazing Choso.” She leaned in to speak to him, though unnecessary, till their arms were pressed together. Feeling that spark between them flow through a light touch. Y/n’s sweet words, soft eyes and warm touch had a blush bloom across Choso’s cheeks, highlighting his strip tattoo. A beat fell between them, neither said a word nor moved to separate, they simply enjoyed the art before them. For a bit they walked up and down the line of contestant art, half analyzing the differences between all of them and half joking about that day of the contest. They’d made a full circle around the main building, Y/n all but forgetting the group she was supposed to meet up with, completely arnamored with her company. The two were back at Choso’s painting, both with flushed faces and tired face muscles, Choso was about to make a suggestion when they were interrupted.

A loud and aggressive, “What the fuck!” Came from behind them, a voice both clearly recognized. It was followed by glares, gawks and gasps. Choso and Y/n froze, not turning to face the enraged Sukuna, but they didn’t get a choice, he was behind both of them in an instant, hands clapped around Choso’s shoulder, shoving himself between the two of them. Yuji was on Y/n’s opposite side, staying silent while his eyes were locked onto the artwork. The others huddled around them, the indirectly of thier friend circle. Choso was flooded with every emotion under the sun, embaresment being the strongest one. Megumi chimed in at the best moment, roughly elbowing Sukuna in the side until he let go of his older brother.

“Stop making an ass of yourself.” He said in a harsh voice, filled with gravel and annoyance. “You act like this is some big shock.” He scoffed. Yuta, who was on Choso’s other side hummed in agreement.

“Gumi’s right. No use getting mad at good art after all.” In his own way he slipped a complaint to Choso. There was a ghost of a smile on his lips, but it vanished too fast to be seen.

“I knew you’d win.” Yuji spoke up, his eyes were still on the painting, but his voice was as bright as ever. Choso couldn’t help the eye roll towards his brother. Who turned his attention to Choso to shoot him a smart as look.

“Is now really the time for, ‘I told you so’s’?” Choso asked scarcasticlly. Earning a reaction of laughed and chuckles from the group, except for Sukuna, who was still scowling at the painting. Unbeknownst to the group, except for Yuji, he was holding onto Y/n’s hand talking to her thought touch. This was another thing the three of them do, something they started when they were still little. They’d hold each others hands and in thier own language have full conversations in complete silence. The secret language consisted of their fingers rubbing together in a spasific patterns, squeezing the whole of thier hands, or tracing symbols into thier palms.

Their hidden conversations always alluded the people around them, even now with their closest friends packed together. Sukuna was speeding though his words, Y/n never forgot the language, but she was having a hard time keeping up.

“You never said Choso was in that class. Did anything happen? Are you okay? Why didn’t you say anything?” He was firing one question after another, Y/n having little time to keep up, while still holding attention to the rest of the current situation. And it didn’t help when from her other side Yuji started in on his own thoughts.

“You never said anything about modeling, was something going on? Why couldn’t you tell us?” Yuji was going much slower then his twin, his words felt heavy in Y/n’s hand. She was becoming overwhelmed, feeling like this moment was being overshadowed by the boy’s concern. But in truth the group was busy conversing amongst themselves, asking Choso questions about the process and what have you, the only ones noticing the silence from the three were Yuta and Megumi; Choso didn’t have a chance to notice with the attention being on him.

Becoming too overwhelmed Y/n harshly pulled her hands from the boys hold, throwing them up in fron of her, exclaiming aloud, “That’s enough!” She was so caught up in what the twins were saying to her she didn’t realize she shouted out until she felt all eyes pointed at her. She blinked a few time, her gaze forced to the ground, “I need some air.” Was all she got out before rushing away, speeding through the crowed until she was outside some ways away from the build. Y/n was breathy raggedly, her heart pounding in her chest, the sting of tears in her eyes. “Stupid, stupid.” She said to herself. SHe felt too meny things, was being over run with a train of thoughts. It was happening again, she wanted to curl in on hersel till there was nothing left. Y/n found herself on a stone bench, willing herself to keep the tears at bay, she’d smoked though several cigarettes while sitting alone, unsure and uncaring about how long she was gone from everyone.

In the main hall everyone watched Y/n leave, the grater crowed totally unconcerned by her, but her friends were all a mix of bewildered and worried. Nobara and Maki immediately turned to the twins for answers, but they only resived shocked expressions and weary shugs in reply. Choso looked like he was going to be sick, not dissimilar to the twins. He and the boys were about to run after her, but were quickly stopped by everyone else. Yuta and Panda ushering them to give Y/n space. Megumi and Inumaki attempted to distract by walking to a connected hall, the group going along and following the two. However Choso still couldn’t leave the main hall, so he waited till they were just far enough away to grab the twins and pull them to him. They were about to go into fight mode, but saw thier brother with a panic look brought them to their senses.

“What’re you doing?” Sukuna asked in a gravely voice. Yuji was equally confused.

“Go make sure she’s okay. I don’t know what happened, but I know you two are the only ones she has here. So go now.” Choso was the most serious the boys had seen him, next to years ago back in high school, but they didn’t need to be reminded of that fact, nodded in agreement. The boys rush out of the hall themselves, until they were in the courtyard. They searched the area, but when they couldn’t fined her they began to argue about splitting up. Neither able to agree with the other, a sign they were both panicking. But they didn’t have to search for much longer, spotting Y/n sitting alone away from everyone. They treded forward with haste, uncertain how she was going to react.

Y/n noticed them before they saw her, it was hard not to, they were being very loud in thier searching. She took some calming breaths as they made their way over. Sukuna sat down first, growing to anxious with the slow moving, Yuji sat on the opposite side. They sat in silence for some time, Sukuna was watching Y/n’s hands that she had resting on her knees, his face in a scowl; but it was somehow soft. Yuji was staring at the ground, in the hopes the answers to this situation would be written in the dirt. Y/n broke the weighing silence first.

“I’m sor-“ But she was abruptly cut off by Sukuna, he’d wrapped an arm around Y/n’s back, nearly touching Yuji’s.

“No. Don’t.” He said first, his voice was gentle, but his eyes wer still heard and overbearing. Yuji followed suit and wrapped his arm around Y/n too. THe twins were in the best way they could think of, wer giving Y/n a comforting hug, but still giving her the space to leave. She didn’t though. Instead Y/n slipped her arms back to wrap each around the boys pulling them into her, completing the embrace. The comfort the two gave her caused the tears to flow again. The boys hugged her tighter, Yuji softly hummed to her, a song from their shared childhood, Sukuna began to stroke her hair, whispering “It’s okay.”

Y/n felt weak, from so meny things, she felt like falling into their arms and drifting away. She did drop her arms however, sucking them back against her body, the boys turned awkwardly in order to wrap their other arms around Y/n. From an outside perspective it looked like the boys were creepily caging her in, but it was the furthest thing from.

They didn’t press her for answers just comforted her until she was calm. They weren’t sure how long they were gone, but when they separated the main hall was much emptier then before and much of the whole campous was empty. Yuji left to see where the group was, only finding Maki, Toga and Panda, who didn’t know wher ethe others were. Sukuna left next, thoug he was weary of it, Y/n reassuring him she was okay. Sukuna and Yuji, at the same time found Megumi and Yuta who were leaving the science building.

“What are you two worked up about now?” Megumi asks, still in suspison of them being the cause of Y/n’s brakedown. Yuta elbowed him in the arm.

“Stop.” He said simply but firmly. Megumi rolled his eyes but said no more. Yuji in a rush explained what happened, or at least a vague version that didn’t revel too much or that they don’t fully know themselves what happened. However both Yuta and Megumi could see the distress the twins were feeling. Megumi explained what was happening with Choso, and that he should be done by now. Yuta relayed information from Choso about meeting him back at the main hall, with that in mind the twins left their friends again to find Choso or Y/n.

——

Choso was immediately caught by his admin the moment the twins were out of the building. He was ushered around one last time, but this time the faculty was showing he and his work off to doners and benefactors. He despised every minuet of it, everything in him was telling him to leave, his very nerves of fire. But he held back, behaved and followed along until it was over. He was shocked however when he herd he wouldn’t be getting his painting or sketch back for another two years. It being the winner ment it would be paraded around as an example for others. Choso said no word of complaint, but he made a note of it mentally. When he was finally done and free he quickly made work of leaving the main building for the courtyard.

People were starting to file out of the school in wads of shifting crowds, it made it near impossible to navigate. He reluctantly held back near the entrance of the building, several times he attempted to call Yuji and Sukuna, but the reception was awful; rendering the phone fairly useless. When he could,t get a hole of anyone he started to aimlessly walk around, the crowd had thinned out some, so he started in that direction.

His gaze was to the sky, night had stalled, but the stars were hidden by light pollution, yet the air felt clear adn refreshing to Choso. He felt far enough away from everyone that he was a able to have a smoke, secluding himself against a larger tree. He felt his shoulders and neck start to relax as the nicotine worked through his system, feeling a little lightheaded he leaned his head back and let out a deep sigh; unaware of the person sitting not five feet from him.

“Can I bum one of those?” The voice was quiet and a little horse, but recognized it instantly.

“Y/n.” Choso was suprised he rushed to sit next to her, she was still on that same stone bench, having lost all track of time. “I-Are you okay?” He wasn’t sure what to say, unsure what happened at all.

“Yeah, I’m okay.” Y/n answered in that pseudo confidence one has after hours of crying. Choso didn’t really believe it, but didn’t feel right in pushing her to open up in that moment. “I was serious though, I don’t have anymore.” Y/n stated before Choso could ask anything. She was eyeing his cigarette then motioned to the trash can ashtray; it was empty aside from the meny Y/n went through during her time alone. Choso eye’s went side, he knitted his brows together at Y/n.

“Stress smoker? Wouldn’t have pegged that about you.” He observed still eyeing Y/n, he held the cigarette between his lips, only half hiding a teasing smirk. He got the response he’d hoped for, Y/n blushing while averting her eyes, mumbaling about him being a know-it-all. “I think you should cool it a little.” He started, Y/n snapped her gaze back to him, prepaired to pout, but Choso stopped her. “But- well- here.” He stuttered, handing her his cigarette, “Just smoke that and call it good. Okay?” Y/n gladly accepted the compromise. After a moment of silence Choso asked, “Did the boys come find you?”

Y/n nodded, “Yeah they did. They’re looking for the others, and I’m guessing you too.” Y/n glanced behind them, seeing the close to empty school grounds sprawling out.

Choso sighed out, “Yeah probably. Doesn’t help that the cell service sucks ass here.” Y/n laughed at his remark, it made Choso smile, knwoing he could make her smile even in the dower moments. Y/n smothered the cigarette in the sand while she stood from the bench, both her knees uncomfortably popped, Choso winced at the loudness of it. “Haven’t stood in a while huh?” He asked jokingly. Y/n stuck her tongue out at him in response.

—

The two started to walk towards the parking lot, both had their phones out waiting for any bars to appear. But they didn’t need it, running into Megumi and Yuta who wee on the phone with Yuji and Sukuna.

“Well I just spotted them.” Yuta spoke plainly as the two walked up to them. Choso furrowed his brows at the lanky brunette, Yuta held up a finger, sarcastically telling them to hold on with a single gesture.

From the other side of the call everyone could hear Yuji shout, “Where? Can you stop them!?” His voice was shrill.

Yuta deadpan turned to Choso and Y/n with his hand still up said, “Wait, no, stop.” His voice perfectly monotoned. It caused Y/n to giggle, Choso rolled his eyes and Megumi let out a dry chuckle. Yuji and most likely Sukuna did not find it amusing.

“Where are you?” Sukuna’s voice came through the phone next. Yuta was about to answer but was abruptly stopped by Y/n, she gestured to hand his phone over. He did so without question.

“Will you two calm down?” Y/n asked first dramatically, her tone showing no sign of the stress she felt earlier. “We’re at the parking lot.” She stated matter-of-factly. The three boys couldn’t hear the other side of the conversation anymore, only able to mentally guess what the twins were saying. “Yeah we’ll wait.” Y/n glanced to her side at the three, who were making the facile expression equivalent of a sigh. “Okay. Yeah. Alright. Bye.” Y/n gave Yuta his phone back afte rending the call. “They’re on their way.”

It didn’t take long for the twins to meet up with the small group. They both had been running around, obvious by their disheveled attire and ragged breathing. Yuta couldn’t help but comment.

“I thought you’re a firemen, where’s that stamina?” He asked jokingly at Yuji. He smiled despite his heavy breaths.

“Shut it Okkotsu.” Yuji shot back. The group laughed at he small exchange. They were all started to head towards their cars, Y/n assumed she’d ride with the twins so she she shift to walk between them.

“So…” Megumi began, gaining everyone’s attention. “Not a house warming party?” He asked, looking at Y/n from his peripheral.

“That’s right.” Yuta said, replying as if everyone present has been apart of their separate past conversation.

Y/n answered first by nodding, she assumed Yuji has told them about it. “Yeah, but not really a house warming, but defiantly a party. But ya know just close friends.” Y/n attempted to explain her idea better, but it came out more vague then anything.

Sukuna laughed, “It’ll be great.” He said while wrapping his arm around Y/n’s shoulder.

The group split up after that, the twins taking Y/n back to her apartment, saying meny apologise before finally parting ways, though Y/n reassured them. It didn’t take her long to get ready and into bed, she was laying there for a bit thought, thinking about the day, school and her hopeful party; when her phone vibrated on her nightstand.

It was a text from Choso. “I’m sorry about today, I don’t know what happened, but I hope you’re okay. I hope you get some rest tongight. Goodnight Y/n.” Not seconds later while Y/n was reading, another text came in, this time a picture, a meme. A classic that made her laugh.

Smiling to herself Y/n responded. “Thank you. Sweet dreams Choso.” Y/n tucked her phone under her pillow, cuddled up under her blanket and fell a sleep with a small smile on her lips.

[contemporarybardess]

Severed || Elora Solo

Parties: @contemporarybardess

Timing: July 25th, 8pm

Location: A bus headed towards Wicked's Rest

Trigger Warnings: Unsanitary tw, medical blood tw

Summary: Elora boards a bus headed towards Wicked's Rest, but meets an unusual man along the way.

It had been raining the entire night and Elora had been soaked from the what little time she had already spent outside. She had hitchhiked for a few minutes before somebody pulled over. She had "persuaded" the man to drive her to her destination rather than killing her. She didn't think he had any intent to do her harm, but she wasn't one to take chances anymore. She finally had the man drop her off near the entrance of the bus station, and then finally, dropped the spell she had on the man, who was now very confused as to where he was and how he got there. 

She waved goodbye to him as she hurriedly made her way through the doors of the bus station. She wiped off her black army style boots on the mat before venturing further inside. It was fairly late, almost 8pm, and the depot itself was almost empty. She was hoping to catch the last bus out towards Wicked's Rest.

She had already had such a long journey getting from Charleston to Bangor, she really should have slept and taken an early bus the next morning. But Elora was the type to just finish what she started when she was so close to being done. Once she knew that her journey was at an end, she could rest at an inn as soon as she got to town. She purchased her ticket and took a seat. 

"Wicked's Rest, eh?" she heard a gruff male voice say across from her. Funny, she didn't remember somebody sitting there just a moment ago. "You know the rumors about that place, right?"

Elora, frankly, had no idea what to make of this stranger. His general demeanor was very off-putting, and he must have listened in on her conversation at the ticket office to know where she was going.

"I'm quite aware of the rumors, yes. Isn't that just how things are in New England? Every other town seems to be haunted or have some sort of devilish creature running around. That is, if you believe the stories." She gave the man a disapproving look, as if he were childish for taking rumors of the supernatural seriously. "I think it's a nice, cozy, seaside town. And if any vampires come out and get me, well, I guess that's just the risk people up here have to take to enjoy some scenery." 

Suddenly she saw that her bus was ready to board. She shrugged her shoulders, and bid the man a good night, noting that he kept his eyes fixed on her until she had to turn her head back around to navigate her way to the bus. She would have to keep an eye on him, one whisper could send him far away from here so he couldn't be a threat. She would use it only if she had to. 

As she stepped out into the rain to board the bus, she noted there was no company name on the side of the bus like there usually is. Instead, just an unmarked burgundy colored vehicle which seemed to have the occasional rust spots near the wheel wells. She didn’t linger too long in the downpour to examine the bus much closer. She wasn’t in need of a luxury ride or even a Greyhound, just something to get her from point A to point B. 

The driver of the bus was unusual to say the least. Very dark, leathery skin. They wore a face mask, dark sunglasses, and a hat that obscured pretty much all of their facial features. Wordlessly, they extended out a bony hand, palm facing up. Elora nodded, and promptly handed over her bus ticket. Wasn’t there an age limit on this kind of job? The driver seeming to be ancient was bad enough, but they also insisted on wearing sunglasses in spite of it being the dead of night. She figured if she could make it to Wicked’s Rest without crashing it would be a miracle.

She placed her backpack, stuffed as full as possible, on the seat next to the window while she took the aisle seat. The bus doors closed and it seemed as if the bus was ready to depart. She took a look around and realized she was the only person on the bus. Elora smiled softly, looking forward to a quiet and relaxing ride over. That was when he came on board. 

The man from the bus station who completely gave her the heebie jeebies. He stepped on at the last minute and quickly handed his bus pass over to the driver, seeming quite unphased by the driver’s appearance. He didn’t make eye contact with her and simply took a seat across the aisle from her, but one row behind. Did he intend to keep an eye on her during the trip? Or possibly ambush her while she wasn’t looking? It certainly wasn’t as if the driver would notice. 

Elora glanced back at the man and offered a friendly smile. The man looked at her for a few seconds, then flashed a quick smile of his own before dropping it and returning to a neutral expression. His gaze ventured out the bus window, and it seemed as if it was going to be a peaceful ride after all. Elora sat with one hand resting on her backpack, stealing glances backwards towards the man occasionally. Was he wearing headphones? Well of course he was, it was perfectly normal to listen to music on the bus.

The man just sat there, never making any sort of move, not even looking in her direction. Maybe she was being paranoid after all. She almost started to feel bad about wanting to enthrall the man without needing to. The man who picked her up was one thing, it was a very confined space and he was in control of where they were going. That was a reasonable precaution to take, she figured. But this man was just another passenger, just like her. She silently chided herself for being so quick to try and use her magic.

The rest of the trip passed by without incident, and before she knew it, she was in Wicked’s Rest city limits. The bus creaked to a stop, and the doors of the bus opened. The driver finally spoke, for the first time the whole trip. Pointing a skeletal finger towards the doors, they weakly hissed out “exiiiit”. She looked back, hoping the man sitting behind her would get up first, but he made a gesture for her to go first. Not wanting to make a scene, Elora grabbed her backpack and quickly exited the bus. She heard the footsteps of the man not too far behind her. 

She heard the bus pull away, and quickly set her sights for the nearest hotel or inn. She remarked how lively the town seemed to be in spite of it being the dead of night. A good amount of bars, restaurants and clubs were still lit up and she heard the faint hum of music in the distance. If she wasn’t so exhausted, she’d be tempted to join them. After all, it had been too long since she’d gone partying. But as for right now, she just needed a place to lay her head for the night. 

Suddenly, she felt a hard tug on her backpack and she found herself on her back, laying on the cold wet ground. She looked up, and saw the man from the bus. She should have known. Why had he followed her here? 

“You put up a good disguise. But not good enough to fool me. There were tips of a lone siren heading north towards a town called Wicked’s Rest.” The man then grabbed Elora by her shirt collar and lifted her up. “A safe haven for the supernatural, that’s what the rumors say.”

She was now the closest she had been to the man for the entire brief time she knew him. He seemed relatively young, late 20s-early 30s. She tried enthralling the man, hoping her voice would be even more effective now that she was in such close proximity to the man. She needed to get this man away from her until she could get somewhere safe. There would be safety in numbers, and that would give her time to figure out a way to get him away from her for good. To her dismay, she was met with only a faint smirk. 

“Not gonna work on me, but I admire the effort.” The man then produced a blade from a leather holster on his waist. A long, curved blade. This wasn’t just some random psycho, this was a ranger. How long had he been following her? And why target her of all people? She didn’t have much time to think, as he quickly grabbed the knife and attempted to swing it downward into Elora’s face. She blocked the blow by putting her left arm across her face, but was met with the familiar sting as the knife sunk into her arm. The man pulled the knife out in a way that made a large gash that damaged a significant portion of the inside of her arm. He had almost certainly nicked a vein, or even an artery given how much blood she was losing now. It wouldn’t be long until she was completely out of commission, and she needed to make that time count. 

She kicked herself free of the man, using his momentary distraction to gain some distance between them. Elora noticed as she tried to ball her left hand up into a fist that she was unable to do so. She could only flex her ring finger and pinky, while the other three remained completely immobile.

“What the fuck?” she muttered to herself, horrified. This man had done real damage to her. Her last run in with a ranger happened on the fateful day that she lost her home, she took a blade straight to the chest and lived. She had no permanent damage from that day, although she did almost die from blood loss. She had no time to assess the damage any further however, as the man was approaching her once again. 

Thinking quickly, she used her right hand to swing the backpack off of her shoulders and hit the man square in the face. She had worked up a good bit of momentum, and she had an abundance of clothes, books, and her laptop rattling around in that backpack. Suffice to say, it certainly had a lot of weight to it. The man went down to the ground, dropping his knife. Elora pounced on it, reaching for the handle. 

The man also scrambled to reach for the knife, and both grabbed it at the same time. A scuffle ensued, and Elora ended up on top of the man, blade pointed straight at his chest. She threw her entire body weight onto the knife, hoping that she would win against an opponent who clearly had her beat in physical strength. The ranger pushed back as much as he could, but gravity combined with the weight of Elora’s entire body was not on his side. His elbows buckled before finally giving out, the blade sinking deep into the man’s ribs. 

Blood began to come out of the man’s mouth, which ran down and mixed with Elora’s blood which had gotten on the man’s chest during the struggle. She had to have hit his heart, and it was only a matter of minutes until the man would be dead. Maybe less. She pulled the blade out and watched as more blood poured from the wound. The man reached up and attempted to get to a sitting position, but all too quickly lost his strength and laid back on the ground. After an extremely tense 2 minutes of watching the man, she finally saw his chest cease its movements.

She finally rummaged through her bag and made a makeshift tourniquet out of one of her shirts. It wasn’t easy, especially given her now very limited use of her left hand. Thankfully, the bleeding had already begun to slow down, and the tourniquet helped stabilize things further. He may not have opened up an artery after all, Elora thought, grateful that her life was no longer in danger. She took out some towels she was intending to use for bathing and held pressure over the wound before securing them on as a makeshift dressing. It would have to do until she could get some proper first aid supplies. She didn’t feel safe enough in this town yet to be seen at a hospital. 

She dragged the man’s body into the woods where he would hopefully be devoured by the local wildlife. She took the time to relieve him of anything he had on his person that wasn’t easily digestible. After all, she didn’t want to hurt any of the local animals just because some human decided he wanted to be a dick to her. 

She took the time to assess her left hand and noted that she still had no movement in two of her fingers at all. How would she go about life without use of both of her hands? How would her music career take off? She needed those fingers for audio software editing and for playing instruments to use in the background. While her life would be spared, her run in with this man didn’t come without a cost. And now she could only hope that she would find a way around this setback. 

For now, however, she would set out for a local inn, and take a much needed rest. She had hoped whoever was at the front desk wouldn’t be too alarmed by her wound and her makeshift dressing. If the rumors of this town were true, it wouldn’t even come close to the weirdest thing they’ve probably seen around here.

[khihi]

List 5 things that make you happy, then put this in the askbox for the last ten people who reblogged something from you! Get to know your mutuals & followers!! <3

aww, thank you, this is lovely!!

being complimented on my cooking and/or baking (i made a cake recently and i got so many compliments for it, i felt like an excitable dog getting head pats)

long journeys (car or train) where i can stick my headphones in and zone out for a few hours

when it's still bright outside at like 8pm!!! i love the summer, i know everyone on this site enjoys being cold and in the dark for some reason but i feel so much more alive and human in the summer!!!

when you're not in a rush to get anywhere so you can say hello to as many cats and dogs as you want while you're out <3

the night sky; always found how small it makes me feel kind of comforting (also it's cool to occasionally be able to recognize certain constellations)

also there's this silly sexy finnish rap artist and a shagadellic slovenian boyband that also make me pretty happy, but they're pretty underground, you've probably never heard of them 😌

[daydreamgoddess14]

Media Relations pt. 1

MASTERLIST

Rebecca's interview with a high profile magazine has consequences.

Chapter 1

Rebecca Welton has emerged from the darkness. Following her divorce from Rupert Manion she has taken the reins at Richmond and transformed the club. We talk to her about her journey so far, and her dreams for the future. 

"Let’s be clear, I didn't want to be the owner of a football club. I was damaged and hurting following the divorce and I childishly wanted to make Rupert suffer. That was the original reason for hiring Coach Lasso." She shrugged at the admission. "But I've come along way since then. Ted Lasso actually saved me from destroying everything. He's such a positive force - he's made the team and the whole club better both together and individually and he's such an inspiring figure at the club. The players have really leaned into his leadership style. We play with our hearts, we'd prefer not to bully the players." An arched eyebrow is the only hint of this dig at her former husband's team and ownership style. 

Keeley sat back in her chair wide eyed. The advanced copy of Rebecca's Vogue UK interview had just landed. The photoshoot was planned for later that day and Keeley had wanted to reassure Rebecca that the interview had gone well. She forwarded the email with a quick "Hi babe, fuckin smashed it! ❤️" and got back to work. 

Across town, Rebecca settled down with a cup of tea and the last of the pink box biscuits from that morning. Keeley's email was open on her screen. She hadn't realised just how effusive she'd been in her praise of Ted. He'd come up multiple times in the interview. The interviewer had even said "Once again, Rebecca glows at the mention of her head coach" Shit. She really needed to have a conversation with him before the interview was released. But first, the photoshoot called. She was ready to be primped and preened. 

"Hey there boss!" Ted called cheerfully through her open door. Rebecca slammed the laptop shut. 

"Ted. I'm just off out actually. It's the photoshoot for the interview I did last week."

"Oooh, time to get your gladrags on! I should get Keeley to book me in with GQ or some other fancy publication." He held up her coat before she'd even reached for it. 

"Anything to get you out of those bloody khakis, Ted" Rebecca laughed. His hand stuttered whilst straightening her collar and brushed against the side of her neck. She shivered, internally cursing both her ill thought out comment and her reaction to his interpretation. Getting a hold of herself, she took a step closer to the door and away from Ted.

"I'll have you know that these are the height of fashion." He said with a smirk she certainly hasn't expected. "You have a good time. You deserve to get away from here for a few hours."

"Was there something you needed?"

"Nothing that can't wait. Go enjoy yourself."

*******

She'd practically been poured into the golden Dolce and Gabbana gown. The heavy material clung to her like a second skin.

"You look amazing Rebecca, could you take another step up and then look to your right please?" the photographer directed the shoot, assistants scrambled around to arrange the train of the dress. "Lift one leg to the next step?" she dutifully obliged. "That's it, that's the money shot right there. Fantastic, next outfit please team." The photographer snapped a final photo on her phone as well, "I'll text you that one!" The dresses were incredible, each outfit change boosted her confidence and the all female team was so much fun, it hardly felt like work. She pinged the staircase photo to Keeley and stepped into a pair of lack platform shoes while the team helped her into a lime green Carolina Herrera skirt. By 8pm, she was exhausted and starving. Keeley had sent a million messages - mostly about how turned on she was. 

**********

At the Crown and Anchor, Beard peered over his pint. 

"Did you see the picture of the boss that Keeley was showing around?" 

"I did not." Ted didn't look up from the newspaper where images of Rupert and New Rebecca were plastered celebrating their baby's birthday/christening/existence. He wasn't sure which. Beard stayed silent until Ted met his eyes and then responded with a long whistle. 

"You're going to be in trouble."

"How so my hirsute friend?"

"Because while I'd admit that you're doing admirably so far in pushing down any feelings you're feeling, you will not be able to stop your face from doing that thing it does when you see this picture. And I daresay the rest if this one is anything to go by."

"Numero uno, I don't know what you're talking about. Numero duo. Dos? Two. My face does not do a thing."

"It does a thing. Kinda like the heart eyes emoji."

"Thanks for the concern but I personally think my eyes are more like the star eyes emoji where the boss is concerned. As in, she's a cool cucumber."

"And you dig it."

"And I dig it." Ted agreed looking back down at the paper, "you're a jerk. I didn't mean that."

"Uhuh. Tell that to your face. Think you could grow a full beard to hide it by tomorrow? It hides a multitude of sins."

"Except the eyes."

"You do have beautiful eyes Coach." Beard downed the remaining pint.

"Thanks Coach."

********

[lennon-notlemon]

ꕀ ᐝ 𖠳   riley keough, cis woman ,she/her 𖠳 ᐝ ꕀ ‷ heads up ; if you hear GOLD DUST WOMAN by FLEETWOOD MAC blaring, it’s most likely LENNON TYLER making their way down the shore ! they’re 31 years old and celebrate their birthday on 12/08 - i knew they were a SAGITTARIUS ! especially since they’re very CREATIVE and FLIGHTY. they are from CAPE MAY, staying in DOWNTOWN and are currently working as a BARTENDER AND PART TIME MUSICIAN AT BOILER ROOM , here at the cape. they always did remind me of messy hair that always somehow looked perfect, dancing around barefoot listening to an old record, the golden hour shining through your window .‷

hi friends:) I’m mads, I’m going to be playing this sweet little angel Lennon. She’s just a bright ray of sunshine, looking forward to plotting with you all :)

&. BASICS

Full Name: Lennon Christine Tyler

Nicknames: Lenny, Lemon((not her favorite)

Age: thirty

Sexuality: bisexual

Date of Birth: 12th May 1992

Place of Birth: Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America

Current Location: Cape May, NJ

Character Inspiration: Stevie Nicks, Daisy from Daisy Jones in the six, and Peyton Swayer from One Tree Hill

&. BIOGRAPHY

tw: car accident, death, substance abuse

-Lennon isn’t for everyone that’s for sure.  To compare it to something-she’s that bitter taste  you get when you lick a lemon and while you pucker either decide you enjoy it or that it’s not for you. Lennon was born to two loving parents who not only had a love for their daughter but of musicians. Being named after two it was kind of fate that she end up with a love for music. Since she could remember she’s been singing and performing. From doing one woman shows in front of all her aunts and uncles at holiday to the school plays to performing in local coffee shops.

But like all artist, there is a turning point.  A point where if Netflix was making a documentary about her life Lennon would say- yep that’s the point it all changed. When Lennon was set to perform for the Boston center of the arts new talent where schools like Juliard had front row seats reserved she waited in the wings anxiously. Her phone was getting closer to 8pm the time she was set to go on and do the song she’d been rehearsing. This could be the moment it all changed- simultaiosly as she stepped foot onto the stage taking a deep breath and bracing herself with a smile, her parents were taking their last. The winter storm had iced the road on their way to the venue which unfortunately they never made it to. 

Lennon was seventeen when her parents died. An only child she had no one, no where to go, she was lost. 

At seventeen she was put into a foster care system and sent to live with a family in Cape May. It was there she lived with her Foster dads and ended up getting adopted. Only a year later to be legally free, Lennon stayed around. Thankful that her dads were the people they were and helped her even when she pushed so hard back at them. It wasn’t a long time she lived there but long enough to finally start letting some light back into her life. She picked up a guitar again for the first time since her parents died when she was 27. Her adopted father Rafel got it for her on her 18th birthday but it sat collecting dust in the corner of her room. When she was 23 she moved out into her own place, just to feel more independence and let it collect more dust in the corner of her one bedroom place. But on her 27th birthday on the 10 year anniversary of her parents death.. she let her fingers strum a single cord. The vibrations sending chills down her spine. It felt like it was meant to be. 

Gradually, Lennon has gotten back into music, playing small gigs here to there to curb her appetite for the spotlight. In the meantime she serves at the boiler room to make ends meet and tries to still let the light in when she dances barefoot in her apartment. Through all the darkness she still find a light. However, with light there is still dark. In fact, pitch black. Lennon deals with a substance abuse issue- her crutch of sort. She feels like a cliche but it’s the only thing that drowns out the pain some nights. Never letting anyone close enough to risk losing them again- keeping a steady flow of have high have sane. Sometimes you never know which Lennon you’re gonna get. 

&. WANTED CONNECTIONS

best friend

childhood friends

socialite friends

neighbor

exes

new fling

protective friends

cousin

older brother

enemies

someone who is only friends with her because they know her secret

sister

these are just some ideas. but you can find more on his musing blog here and my connections page with all taken connections here.

[the-good-projxct]

March 28th, 2024

8:50pm. Listening to beauty in the dark by Isley brothers and Mos Def sitting in Munene’s living room. I have not written for a few days because I am applying for a job at Braeburn school and it is consuming my writing. I am also drawing which is DOPE. It feels a bit weird applying for a job again. I have not done that in a while. It also feels like applying for grants, that was a wild ride. I learnt the greatest lesson through those challenges though. What is for me is for me. I know that if this job is for me, I will get it. I think it is insane that I might be an Art teacher at the school I did kindergarten at. I am praying because that would be lit. But again, if it's for me, it will happen. If not, it was not meant for me. PeriodT. I got amazing references from Sobia, Mark and Brian. I am so grateful to the pals and community I built in PEI because I truly Love them and they come in clutch for me. As I worked on my resume, it dawned on me how much work and effort I have put in over the last five years. When I got sober in 2019, my resume was sparse and full of short term, incomplete things. Getting a reference was hard because I had burnt bridges at jobs via addiction. It is so different now. My resume is POPPIN’. I got incredible references very easily because I nurtured my relationships with the folx I worked with. I am just so content with the life I am leading, the choices I am making and who I am becoming. I am genuinely enjoying this little life of mine. It is spectacular and complex. I started writing today's daily writing at 8pm, it is 2am when I am writing. We ordered pizza, I got my letters of recommendation, we went to the shops, I took a shower, we made dawa’s, watched music videos and talked for hours. Then I remembered the daily writing. At least I came and did it though. I had a lovely day, I woke up kinda late, people were making noise outside, we made a yummy breakfast of eggs, tomatoes and bread. Munene made coffee. We chilled as the power was out, we sat outside and just talked kinda like an old couple. He had his fleece sweater and I had my deera with a hoodie. We came in and went to get laundry from the line, checked out the swimming pool then sorted the clothes. I now have space in his closet. Anyway, it was a very simple, slow, spending time together kind of day. I sometimes struggle with the idea of forever but like AA taught me, one day at a time. Be present. And whenever I focus on one day at a time, forever feels doable. So yeah, I love this life. I know my life is on a very unique trajectory. As everyones is but I feel the Universe rewarding me for taking Gøod risks. I Love that Munene and I’s conversations revolve around the Universe, a lot. I showed him my prayer today and he understood it because it is in KiMeru. We talked about prayer, faith and the Universe. He believes in the Universe as well. That alignment is peak. Earlier in the day I was missing Karen. I was missing the fam and the version of slow days over there. There are slow days and more people but it is a very spacey place so I can disappear from folx for hours at a time. I know I like certain amounts of solitude, it recharges me and it feels Gøod. I know over time we will need more space while together, not necessarily a bigger home type of thing but more space to have solitude even in proximity of one another. We don’t live together yet..but I see it coming. Anyway, Life is Gøod. I am Gøod. Love is Gøod. Ase. Ase. Ase.

[rhonddaandallaneuro]

The drive to the airport saw us drive past numerous roadside traders, all just trying to make a living. The Victoria Falls airport itself

Is quiet modern however someone forgot to turn the water and air-conditioning on. When using the bathroom an attendant waits at the exit to pour water over your hands after you have soaped them up good and proper. The air-conditioning is another thing. Basically I do not think they have any. Could just be because of the load sharing that all Africa endures.

The flight was smooth and we were picked up at the airport by staff who whisked us away to a huge motel where we quickly unpacked and headed to the Irish pub within. Now no air-conditioning is one thing but an Irish bar without Guinness and for that matter sells only one type of beer is hard to accept, but we did. The drop they offered was not to bad so one led to two and on it went until we decided to order some tea. Seeing the pride of the menu was the Guinness pie we ordered such only to be told sold out. Not to worry we tried Irish stew only to be told that they no longer sold Irish stew.

Moving on we ordered a steak and lamb but it was so tough basically went to bed hungry but happy. Hahah

We had to be at the airport on Saturday morning at 6am and like good little tourists did so only to find the tour did not start until 8:30am. Not happy but eventually on our way stopping half way to do a local market where you could barter and barter. Love bartering knowing I really will not buy unless I get my price.

Arrived at the resort, Ivory Tree” which is located in the middle of a National park. This place is beautiful and everything you could ask for. Our bed is bigger then our room at home with the shower outdoors and a balcony that allows total privacy while you watch the locals bird life and monkeys. The monkeys are really friendly but you can not leave anything unattended. The welcome meal was full of flavours and treats and became heaven when for dessert you are offered an ice-cream in a cone.

Our first safari saw us drive for kilometres where we saw warthogs, giraffes, zebra, impala, hippos and water bucks along with an amazing selection of bird life. The guide tells us that because the grass is so high we could not see the cats that roam the grounds. Hopefully as we do the other tracks we will see other animals.

Back at base around 8pm they threw a boma (barbecue with huge fires for everyone with the food styles huge. As the oldies we are however we retreated to our bed around 9pm to dream of what we had seen and enjoyed over the last few days.

“What the hell is that” as we were called at 5am to again head out on our second safari. Very dark to start but as the light appeared we came across the standard zebras and impalas prior to seeing our first elephants. Sadly they were high up on a hillside hiding within the tress. Moving on we came across a “ conspiracy” of giraffes and spent nearly half an hour sitting around while they ate. At no time are you allowed to use your car when so close to any wild animal. Happy to sit and take photos.

Back at our camp we were late for breakfast after which we both had a nanny nap. Hopefully in tonight’s safari we will see some lions and cheetahs.