#Everything is in caps cause I'm internally screaming!

[fangirling-heart]

So....

I just watched act 2 of Arcane season 2 and.... (don't press keep reading if you haven't watched it)

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

WHAT?!!?!

WHAT?!??!!?

WHAT IN THE NAME OF THE FUCKING EVERLOVING FUCK OF FUCKS?!!?!?!?!??!?!?!

I CAN'T! I CAN'T BE A PERSON NOW! WHAT DID I JUST WATCH?!!?!?!?

HOW CAN SOCIETY EXPECT OF ME TO GO ON NOW?!?!?!

THEY GIVE US AND (most importantly) VI AND JINX VANDER BACK ONLY FOR HIM TO BE GONE AGAIN?!?!?!

AND ISHA?!?!?!? I WAS SEMI-PREPARED FOR THIS TO HAPPEN BUT NOT LIKE THIS!!!!!!!!! WHY LIKE THIS?!?!!?

WHO SAID THIS WAS OKAY?!!?

JAYCE!!!!! WHAT THE FUCK MAN?!?!?!

WHY DID HE DO IT?!!? WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO HIM?!?!!? AND WHERE THE FUCK ARE EKKO AND HEIMERDINGER?!?!!?

EKKO, GET YOUR ASS BACK WITH YOUR REWIND THINGIE AND FIX THIS!!! FIX THIS NOW!!!!

FORTICHE, RIOT, WHOEVER ELSE IS IN CHARGE, YOU'RE PAYING FOR MY THERAPY!!!!!

[captainx-camino]

I got Buggy done yesterday just in time for my local Japanese Festival event today so, here are some highlights:

Starting off small, here's the wig (and scarf, which I didn't make) chilling on my wig head waiting for me to struggle to put it on.

90% of the work I did on this wig is going to be covered the entire time I'm wearing it, but did I let that stop me from hand laying an entire glued hairline? Lmao of course not! That would have been easy, and we don't do easy in this house!

As stated above, I didn't make the cap I just got one online simply because I was having shit luck finding the striped fabrics I would have needed and the idea of having to sew two different stripes together was giving me hives.

Ascot, vest, gloves and glove cuffs~ In other words, 90% of the work of this costume and his accessory friends.

The Ascot was stitched together by my lovely partner via the piss poor instructions I was able to give them on how I wanted it made. Seriously, give them a round of applause for somehow decoding my incoherent babbling. This is beautiful. @kadaverc0splay did a fantastic job.

The gloves are just purchased leather fencing gloves of which I fold under the length and hide it under the cuffs I made, which are simply craft foam, paint, and buckles I had to order online with almost not enough time to get them because, for some reason, craft stores no longer find it necessary to carry and assortment of styles and sizes of buckles. *Internal screaming*

*sharp inhale* Ok. The vest. *Reconsiders every life choice he's ever made* This thing is a BEAST. It was a pain to make, it's a pain to wear, the leather belting that secures the garment closed is held on by glue, prayers, and human sacrifice via my own blood, sweat, and tears. It took me more hours than I care to even think about, let alone admit, to do all the top stitching on this godforsaken goblin of a clown man and that's not even half of the ironic tragedy that gathering the supplies for this disaster was.

Not only did I have to replace more than one of the FIVE DIFFERENT TYPES OF RIBBON AND TRIM THIS BASTARD HAS ON HIS VEST but nowhere had everything I needed in enough yards to complete anything I needed done, so I had to make several trips and buy several different things to finish any part of it. INCLUDING THE BUCKLES, which arrived here Thursday...for an event today. So, that was fun.

Oh, and also, the white ribbon is wired, but the wire refused to be pulled out, so it's just in there now I guess. Lucky me!

(the belts aren't entirely accurate, but I'll save adding the additional headache that will cause for the con I'll be wearing this to next spring. I'm tired.)

Buggy's many belts of despair and loathing...

I swear the cosplay gods are never kind to me, but tricking me into thinking this was going to go well because I was able to get some good sized chunks of real, genuine leather for dirt cheap? Not cool, guys!

The leather was chocolate brown and not black, as I had previously believed it to be upon purchase. So, it had to be painted with latex paint. (Thank you again, pretty boy, I seriously couldn't have done it without you. Seriously.) Actually , another round of applause for all the belts being painted by my partner, because they also painted the foam under belt for me. Because he was smart and got his costume done several days ago.

Not me. I'm not that bright. No. But alas, we trudge forward.

And by trudge...

These boots weren't made for walking, these boots were made for traversing through the dusty floor of the fun house you've built around yourself to forget how salty your rat ex has left you - AND IT SHOWS!

Ignore my poorly made foam buckles. I'm not going to repeat myself about that bs, lest I may sink back into a depressive state equaled only by my ability to pass it off as a joke. These crumpled, sad black asskickers were originally brown! And suede. Don't ask me how I got them to look like old, worn leather. I simply fell into a dissociative state and awoke with black boots and no memory of where I'd been. The belts are foam, and the weird pattern on his tongue is simply a quilting square from Joanne fabrics that I glued on and then mod podged over.

As stated above, the buckles are foam and painted. They look awful, but if anyone is close enough to my feet to say something about it, my foot is going to need to detach to be removed from betwixt their teeth.

The entire costume was also weathered by @kadaverc0splay (including the pants, which are not pictured here because I didn't really do anything to them) while I cried over the wig that you won't see most of so you know what, just send all your praise to them I'm not even here all I did was top stitch and cry.

All in all, and in true Buggy fashion, the build of this costume was entirely, and regrettably, failing upward. Because, hot damn, did it come together. 🔥

See you at Aki Matsuri.

I never want to do this again~!

[askatrigenderlgbt]

Marvel Prompt~~~

Tony and Clint are working in the same space, bouncing ideas of each other and making small talk.

Clint: *notices Tony slouching* You okay, man?

Tony: *jerking up straight* Yeah, yes I'm fine. Just deep in thought...

(Tony is lying. He nearly fell asleep and face planted on the desk.)

Clint:*knows Tony is lying* You tired or something?

Tony:*snorts* sleep is for the weak. *Focusing back on his work*

(Clint can see the bags under Tony's eyes, his body language screaming exhausted, and how his eyes slowly drifted before he forced himself to focus again.)

Clint:*moving to sit next to Tony* Then I am very weak, I kinda want a nap.

Tony:*takes a second to process what Clint said* then take one. No one is stopping you, Clint.

Clint:*puts a arm around Tony* yeah, but I want a buddy to cuddle! So can we...

(Tony couldn't stay awake anymore, his body finally giving in and falling asleep. Tony had fallen asleep and ended up resting against Clint, head on his shoulder.)

Clint:*starring at Tony's face*...*blushes hard* okay, this is fine...

Clint:*internally* Oh my god, why is he so cute! No one should be this cute, how is he this adorable! I just wanna keep him and protect him from everything... Maybe Nat wouldn't mind bringing Tony in. After all, he is a sweetheart.

(Clint's hand unconsciously moves to Tony's waist, rubbing little circles there. Tony sighs in his sleep, content and peaceful.)

Clint:*internally* Yep, I'm keeping him.

(Clint rests his head against Tony's)

???:Clint.

Clint:*eyes widen with panic* H-hey Steve!

Steve:*behind Clint stone faced, seething inside* What are you doing with Tony?

Clint:*Scared and wanting to live* we were working on different things, bouncing ideas off each other and I noticed Tony was tired. I did plan to take Tony to his room, after I tricked him into agreeing. But he feel asleep while I was trying. S-so here I am! I didn't want to move cause I wanted to let him sleep! Ya know?

(Clint is trying not to shake with fear, as not to wake Tony, but can't keep said fear out of his voice.)

Steve:*voice drops an octave* then why is your head on Tony's, Clint?

Clint:*pales* uh...

Steve:*frowns* I see...

(Steve separates the two, careful with Tony. Picking up the sleeping genius Steve walks out heading for his own room, as it's closer. He stops before he leaves, however.)

Steve: Clint?

Clint:*afraid* ...yeah?

Steve: Next time, just carry Tony to his room if he passes out like this. Understood?

Clint: Y-Yep! Understood loud and clear, captain! Carry the leader to his room, can do...

(Steve walks away. Clint finally lets out a shaky breath, the panic easing slightly. He stares longingly at the seat Tony had just been sitting, wanting him to come back and sit with him again.)

Clint:*internally* I swear Cap, you break his heart once, hurt him one time, me and Nat will take him faster than Thor's lightning. I promise you that. He is too cute to be taken by a meanie!

If anyone can make this fanfiction, I will praise your name.

[overdevelopedglasses]

The Simple Things

1507 words

Rating: General Audiences

Relationships: Kiryu Kazuma/Majima Goro

Characters: Kiryu Kazuma, Majima Goro, Sawamura Haruka

Majima is visiting Kiryu and the Morning Glory kiddos. Everything's going well. That is, until Majima comes face to face with a spider.

Chaos ensues.

Inspired by this post!

—-------------------------------

On a peaceful afternoon at the Morning Glory Orphanage in Okinawa, Kiryu sits on the floor of his room, fiddling with some of his old Pocket Circuit cars. The children have shown interest in having a friendly race, and who is Kiryu to not let them indulge? The familiar car designs bring with them a heavy load of nostalgia. While his most prized car, the Cool Striker he customized for his hardest race, was kept safe on a shelf well out of anyone else's reach, his numerous other cars from both the 80s and the 2000s have been disassembled. An assortment of tires, bumpers, gears and motors were strewn all over the floor, as Kiryu rebuilt the cars to be as balanced as possible. The process, while different from building for optimization, brought Kiryu back to simpler days. Times where he didn't have all of this weight on his back.

He's grateful for this time alone, which he was only getting because Majima had come down to Okinawa for a visit. While the kids were initially all intimidated by the man, Haruka especially, they quickly warmed up to him once he showed that he didn't bite. It's a serene kind of alone, one that lets Kiryu lose himself in monotony and peace, and not have to worry about a kid drowning in the ocean. He sets down the newly customized Golem Tiger next to the other finished car, and picks up the frame for the third car, quietly humming a small tune to himself.

A scream pierces the air, and Kiryu's blood runs cold. All of the kids were outside on the beach today, so unless Majima just screamed like a little girl…

Dropping the parts onto the floor, he rushes out into the main room, and sees… well…

Majima is standing on the main dining room table, staring at the closed door of the kitchen.

"Nii-san?"

Majima's head whips over, and Kiryu internally braces himself for an attack.

"KIRYU-CHAN!!!!!"

Majima's shout carries fear, which is very unusual for the Mad Dog. Kiryu is unfazed, but definitely concerned.

"What do you need, Majima-san?"

"I was comin' in to get the kids some of those tiny ass water bottles," Majima explained, no longer yelling but still a bit shaken, "and when I went in the kitchen… Oh god, Kiryu-chan, I almost lost years off ma life! Please, I will owe you for this, but can ya-"

“Is it another bug?"

A silence falls between them.

“.....maybe."

Kiryu sighs.

“What kind?"

Another moment of silence.

“A spider."

Kiryu turns and walks towards the landing of the building.

“DON'T LEAVE ME HERE, KIRYU-CHAN!" Majima cries out, fear reentering his voice.

“I'M GETTING SOMETHING. JUST KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE BUG." Kiryu shouts back as an attempt to calm him down.

“I DON'T WANNA LOOK AT THAT SHIT! ARE YA CRAZY!?"

“NII-SAN!"

“FINE!"

Kiryu opens a cabinet in the landing of Morning Glory, pulling out his trusty can of Multi-Bug Kill Spray, and walks back into the dining room to find the kitchen door open, and Majima pointing at the floor.

“Ya little fucker… yer done! Ya hear me!? Goro Majima wins this one!"

“I wouldn't call this a win, nii-san." Kiryu replies, setting the cap of the spray on the table next to Majima's foot.

“Don't bust my balls in front of the spider!" Majima retorted.

“The spider doesn't care." Kiryu said flatly.

“I care!" Majima's outburst causes Kiryu to chuckle a bit.

“Alright, where's this…. Uh..?" Kiryu trailed off, noticing the spider was no longer where Majima was pointing. In fact, it seems to have disappeared.

Majima's eye went wide.

“Ohgodwheredafuckdiditgo." Majima said, spinning around frantically.

"Are you sure it was real?" Kiryu asks, really hoping he didn't have to deal with a spider infestation.

"My little shits try to prank me with those fake ass spiders ya get with those dumb prank books, so I know when one of those fuckers is fake… that shit was real, Kaz." Majima says with a shaky breath.

"I believe you, Majima-san. We just have to find it now."

Kiryu trepidatiously walks into the kitchen, scanning every surface for the creature. Nothing.

"Do you see it out there?" Kiryu called out.

“No.” Majima replied, his voice now unusually small and coated with fear.

“Come back in here, then.”

Kiryu walks back into the dining room, and Majima meets him there. An idea flashes through Kiryu’s brain that he wishes he didn’t think of, but now he can’t let it go until he checks.

“I hate to say this… but stand still, and spread your arms out just a bit.”

“Haw?”

Majima seems confused, but obliges with Kiryu’s order. As quick as he can, Kiryu looks Majima up and down, trying not to linger in one spot for too long. He even lifts Majima’s jacket at places, ensuring the creepy-crawly wasn’t taking refuge directly on the Mad Dog and Majima hadn’t noticed.

“Ya checkin’ me out, Kiryu-chan?” Majima's slightly less fear-coated voice attempted to tease the dragon.

“Do you want to know what I’m actually doing?” Kiryu replied, repositioning one of Majima’s sleeves.

Majima falls silent as his eye goes wide, his flirtatious remarks falling away as what Kiryu assumes is a newfound fear fills him. He chuckles at Majima’s misfortune, but desperately doesn’t want to give him room to catch him off guard.

“The spider isn’t on you, nii-san.” Kiryu says, trying to feign confidence, and stepping back from him.

“Well.. it could be on you, Kiryu-chan.”

“What?”

Before Kiryu can protest, Majima starts to examine Kiryu up and down, taking noticeably a bit more time than Kiryu did with him. He silently thanks his past self for taking a shower that morning. Silence feels the space, and Kiryu becomes hyper-aware of every movement from Majima, and can almost feel his eye wandering around his body. Kiryu swallows, trying to erase whatever is happening from his own mind.

He feels his shirt lift slightly, as Majima's warm breath hits his lower back, and Kiryu has to fight an oncoming rush of redness to his face. Majima giggles quietly, noticing Kiryu’s fists clenching.

“Ya like that, Kiryu-chan?” Majima says almost against his skin, making the fight even harder for poor Kiryu.

“Now’s not the time, nii-san.” Kiryu says through gritted teeth. He wasn't even sure what was happening, just that it couldn't happen now.

The two then hear a loud stomp, and both men practically jump out of their skin. Kiryu feels the back of his shirt fall into place as he turns towards the entrance to Morning Glory. His heart immediately slows as Haruka enters the space and sees him staring in her vicinity.

"Hey, Uncle Kaz! Are the pocket cars done yet?"

"Hey, Haruka. Uh…. Not quite. There's only a couple more left, but I got a bit distracted by a bug." Kiryu looks behind him, and sees Majima's eye wide, practically pleading with him. Kiryu resists the urge to smirk. "Majima was helping me find the bug, but we seem to have lost it."

Majima's eye goes back to normal, gratitude filling it. Kiryu smiles ever so slightly, and cocks an eyebrow to say 'You're welcome.'

“A bug? You mean the big spider?”

Kiryu sees Majima’s eye go wide again.

“Did you see it, Haruka?” Kiryu asked his daughter, shifting his focus back to her.

She nods, and holds up a shoe that Kiryu only now notices is in her hand. “Don’t worry, I killed it. I have to wash the bottom of my shoe though.”

Kiryu lets out a small laugh as Majima sighs next to him.

“Nice work. Just don’t leave any spider bits in the sink.”

“I won’t.” Haruka then turns to Majima. “Oh, Uncle Goro. Taichi and Mitsuo were asking for you.”

Kiryu sees Majima go through many different emotions at once.

“Oh… uh, I’ll be down there in just a second, Haruka-chan. Just have to… y’know, actually do what I wanted to do up here.”

Majima and Kiryu exchange an awkward glance, as Majima clears his throat and walks into the kitchen.

"Did I say something wrong?"

Kiryu looks down at his daughter.

"No. I think that's the first time he's heard you call him that. Must've got to him."

Haruka nods. "Makes sense. See you in a bit, Uncle Kaz!"

Haruka runs into the kitchen. Kiryu sighs, and chuckles to himself.

How did I get so lucky?

Shaking his head, Kiryu walks back into his room, and decides to pay attention to the voices he can hear through the thin walls of the orphanage.

“You wanna see the spider?” one says.

“HELL NO! Get that shit away from me, Haruka-chan!” the other shouts.

A chorus of female giggles echo into Kiryu’s ears, and he smiles. Sounds like he’ll have to invite Majima back to the orphanage, especially if he’s getting along with Haruka enough for her to tease him.

Though, he makes a note to check for spiders if Majima agrees to come back.

[ghosts-of-love]

SONG ANALYSIS TIME :))) Changing it up a bit here in terms of characters. You're Not Welcome by Naethan Apollo is both Cap and Pat. (still mostly cap tho)

The first fuckin verse is...i mean

I don't start fights but I'll handle you just fine Usually I'm very kind to others But I won't think twice if you step to me or mine You're a slimy little motherfucker

If that ain't Pat punching Damien idfk what is. And yeah ofc the man can get a lil annoyed sometimes but the "Usually i'm very kind to others" is literally Pat. My man out here punching a mf for Cap like the fuckin king he is <3

First half of the chorus was basically everyone at the party towards Damien (although Fanny was the one to kick him out)

Uh oh, don't you know? You're not welcome 'round here I think you should go 'Fore you cause some drama

except of course...he causes drama >:(

Uh oh, don't you know? I'm the one you should fear Talk to me if you've got a problem

Pat once again going to punch Damian. And Fanny chucking him out. (legends <3)

And now we get to Cap :)

I can't believe you used to truly scare me

Ofc this would be after everything's happened and Cap has resolved some internal shit.

You were like a ghost story told to keep me wary But I never listened, no, I slept good 'til morning And when our paths finally crossed I didn't heed the warning

This I guess is more Cap continuing to sleep with the cunt despite the fact that part of him knew Damien didn't care about him. But it's not that same tone like in Honey (BTR).

Then push, push, push, push Yeah, you pushed me to the edge I used to dread the thought of falling quickly

The pushing to edge bit reminds me of Cap finding out Damian was married and also the way he treated Cap in bed when they were "together" just using him and shit. And then the last line, Cap's insecurity about finding someone good and falling for the wrong person. (screaming and crying why do you write such good angst)

But now, I just wish that you'd send me off that ledge So I can finally fucking take you with me

Probably Cap after the party when he leaves. All those emotions and he lashes out at his new friends even tho ofc it's Damien who riled him up. He probably woulda preferred going off at Damian than his friends but when you're in emotional turmoil you can do wack shit. (get this man therapy) And also the fact he didn't wanna cause more of a scene at the party than what was already happening. (the way he comforted kitty while he was literally being choked mygod) (charlie predicted fairy godmother cap)

Anyways yeah, Pat (and Fanny) featured in a song analysis :) God those first two lines are so Pat after punching Damien. As he should. King <3

Thank you for coming to my TEDTalk :)

(also i forget which but one of the 'TEDTalks' i typed out while tipsy at like 2:30am and i would've slept but i knew if i didn't send it then my ADHD ass would just be like...nahhhhh for the next several months. yeah. gonna go figure out which one it was rn)

broooo you KNOW I absolutely love your TEDTalks about song analysis!! everything fits so well with the scenes you're talking about (also I really enjoy the album cover art for the song!!)

I see the specific scenes and characters that you've noticed in Lost then Found but I would also like to raise you: Cap and Pat's early relationship/rivalry/whatever they've got going on in Adored. I just think it's got the right vibe of them driving each other absolutely crazy and also the wildly inaccurate view that they had of each other ("you were like a ghost story told to keep me wary"). It also works for Pat, "I'm usually very kind to others" 👀 because the running idea in Adored that Cap often comes back to is that Pat is So nice to everyone else but not him.

Once again, always love to read your analysis!! Thank you for sending this!! ❤️❤️

[kaiparker-avengerssmut]

Their Doll 12

Home again

B.Barnes x Stark!Reader, S.Rogers x Stark!Reader

series synopsis:  y/n Stark, all records of her non existent, and yet Hydra still find her. When she is kidnapped by a certain super-soldier and no one believes her, she finds herself searching for unexpected familiarity in her not-so-distant past.

Series Warnings: smut, violence, torture, swearing

Chapter Summary: y/n returns home

Warnings: steve almost cries, swearing maybe, kissing, mentions of violence and scars

A/n: The timeline in this has been altered, as there I things I wanted to include but I also wanted this fic to follow the storyline/timeline of Winter Soldier and Civil war.So for purposes of this fanfic, Peter Parker was discovered by Tony at a much younger age - when he was bitten - and has been an intern with him since, almost like a protégée.(For the purposes of this story Peter was bitten much younger too - more like when he was 9 or ten rather than 14/15)

Masterlist | Series Masterlist

Steve was distraught. He sat completely still, head buried in his hands as his mind whirred. I string hand on his shoulder caused the man to look up, blue eyes meeting Tony's brown ones which were filled with sorrow and pity.

"I know you love her, but it's over Steve. They have her there's-" a crack in his voice made the billionaire pause, "there's nothing we can do this time."

"But I left her, Tony!" Steve shouted, standing up abruptly. "I could've saved her, and I didn't!" Steve's face was red, Tony's face taken aback. "She's your daughter and I didn't even save her..."

"Hey, stop." Tony snapped, pulling Steve's attention to him instantly. "I know she's my daughter but I also know that you love her enough that you wouldn't give up on her if you did t have too!" Tony wanted to shout, to scream at his friend.

"He's right, Steve. Well all know you love her." Nat smirked, arms crossed over her chest as she now leant in the doorway.

"How long have you been standing there?" Steve asked and Nat simply quirked a brow. Steve nodded and realised she'd most probably been there the entire time. "And how do you know...?"

"That your in love with y/n?" Nat clarified. Steve nodded. "It's obvious, Capsicle. You literally give her heart eyes whenever she's not looking and you always fidget when you're around her. But my favourite part," Nat pushed off the door frame, walking into the room, "is that you act like you hate her. I new you didn't have great experience with women, but I didn't know it was that bad." She remarked and Steve made to protest but was cut off.

"She's right, y'know. There's no way in hell a girl's gonna ask you out if you critique every last thing about her and give her the evil eyes every time she looks at you." Tony added, making Steve shut his mouth and stare at the ground again.

"B-but it's been weeks." Steve stuttered. "What's if she's... what if they killed her, Tony? I think that's on my. Her blood would be on my hands." He rambled, and Tony was about to reply when Bruce appeared at the door.

"You guys might want to come downstairs." He said quietly, and the three avengers already in the room looked at each other, confused. Steve quickly swiped the threatening tears from his eyes, him and Tony making their way down the stairs as fast as they could.

...

I burst through the doors, immediately met with the sight of Tony pointing to some papers the person next to him was holding and discussing something with them. My face broke out into the biggest smile, the sight of my dad after the hell I'd been through like a shelter from the rain.

I waved frantically, already breaking into a run towards him, his head snapping up at the wild movement and his face morphing into one of shock and relief, his arms held open.

"Lil?" His voice was full of concern as my arms wrapped around his neck when we collided, my legs wrapping around his waist and his hands finding their place on my back. "Oh my god, Lil, you scared us so much, scared me." He whispered into my hair, pulling back enough to cup my face in his hands. "It's you." I smiled.

I nodded my head furiously, burying my wet face into his shoulder, jumping down from the embrace.

"Lily?" The unsure voice from the edge of the room caught my attention, a grin spreading on his lips seeing me. I held back tears looking at him, my smile still wide. He walked towards me, enveloping me in a hug so tight it could crush a normal person. "I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry." He kept saying, his hand tangled in my hair.

I shook my head, sorrow filling my eyes as in stared at the man that had engulfed me with his body. He pulled back, looking sternly into my eyes.

"I know you think I hate you. But, I wouldn't wish what happened to you on anyone, Lily. Not even my worst enemy." Steve whispered, his eyes clouded with pity.

"Well that's new." Tony remarked seeing us hug, confusion lacing his tone. "Hey, kid, what's with the mute?" He pondered as I gave no verbal reply, Steve now looking deeply concerned for me too.

I sighed through my nose, pulling back the collar of the jacket to reveal the long, vermillion scar across my neck.

"You should go see the others, they'll be happy to know you're back." Tony said with a pitiful smile.

...

A million warm embraces later, tears shared and hearty laughs exchanged, I was just about ready to fall asleep and never wake up. I was about to excuse myself when someone tapped my shoulder. I turned to see Steve, a stoic expression on his face.

"Can we talk?" He asked, nodding his head towards the door. I nodded, following him out into the hallway. I laid my shoulder against the wall, observing Steve's constant pacing.

So what's up?

I quickly jotted down, handing the small electronic device Tony had retrieved for me to Steve, raising a brow. He stopped, looking me in the eye. He swallowed thickly, his Adam's apple bobbing.

"I can't tell you how sorry I am, I let him do that to you. It's my fault. I don't even know how to live with myself, I should've come looking for you, or-" I cut him off with a tap on the shoulder as I handed him the pad.

Cap, it's fine. I'm fine.

I stressed, writing in italics. The man read it with furrowed brows. cleared my throat before continuing.

I just don't know how long I can keep pretending to be happy, I just want to die.

I finally confessed, vision blurred and screen obscured with tears. A tear rolled down my cheek.

I don't know how to go on, every tome I close my eyes all I see him, what he did

My gaze averted from his as he read.

"Hey, hey. You're strong, you can do this. Let's go get you cleaned up." Steve suggested, looking at my through his lashes and placing a careful hand on my shoulder, which I flinched away from. I gulped.

Steve, there's a reason he let me go

I wrote down, finally meeting his gaze. His eyes were full of questions he didn't dare ask.

He let me go to send a message. He said that if we interfere with him again what happened to me will be child's play compared to what will happen.

His face dropped.

If a few days of torture is child's play, what does he have planned?

I asked, sobbing now.

"Lily, you were gone for three weeks." Steve added quietly, making me look up from where I'd been starting at the floor to meet his eyes. My eyes widened. Steve grimaced, nodding solemnly.

"Go have a shower, I'll grab you some fresh clothes and a towel. We'll talk more when you're feeling warmer and cleaner." He suggested again, and was met with a nod from me this time.

We reached my room, Steve holding the door opening for me and me giving a tiny smile that said 'thanks' as I walked in. I headed straight for the bathroom, taking my time in peeling the ripped tank top from my body and throwing the muddied shorts on the floor with them. Just then, the door opened, Steve walking in with a towel and some cloths folded on top. His eyes widened and he instantly apologised.

"Sorry, lily, I thought you'd be in the shower by now." But before he could walk out his eyes finally locked on me. His eyes raked over me, his eyes surveying my wrists, which were rubbed red-raw from chains and ropes; my neck, which was red and violently bruised; my bruised upper arms; my waist that was covered with finger-shaped bruises; my thighs, that were also bruised and finally my back that starred at him in the mirror. It was a mess of diagonal cuts, which were not longer bleeding but were still a blood red colour. I looked down at my feet nervously, feeling weird under his gaze.

"He did this to you?" Steve asked, tears in his eyes. I nodded, slowly looking back up at him. Before he could say anything else I cupped his face in my hands, smashing my lips to his in a kiss that conveyed everything I could never say out loud. After a moment, his hands reached for my face, returning the kiss. Our lips welded together, his tongue poking at my lower lip, begging for entrance that I granted. His tongue rolled over mine in languid stroked, soothing. I pulled back first, turning and pulling the shower curtain open. I climbed in, turning on the water and getting lost in the warmth and steam that swallowed me.

...

I walked out the bathroom, clad in one of Steve's T-shirt he grabbed for me, some shorts and fresh underwear. He must've noticed that I liked stealing Tony's shirts and given me one of his instead. Rubbing my hair dry with a towel, I dumped it on a near-by chair when my hair was only damp. Steve instantly stood from where he was sat on the edge of my bed when he saw me, looking at me with an unreadable expression.

I began writing, but before I could finish his lips were on mine and the little device was dropped to the floor. It was less desperate that the last time, more passionate and slow. It expressed everything we needed to say, and that was enough. My arms hooked around his neck, my fingers playing with the hairs at the base of his neck, whilst one of his tangled in my hair, the other resting on my cheek.

"You talk too much." He mumbled against my lips and we both let out a breath meant to be a laugh. "Too soon?" He asked before leaning in for another, our lips locking together. He pulled back and looked in my eyes, his hand running through my dampened hair.

He cleared his throat, stepping back from me, his gaze flitting from the door before landing back on me.

"I should go." He spoke, heading for the door. As he placed his hand on the door knob he froze at when I tapped on his broad back.

Don't.

The little device said. He had a hopeful look in his eyes.

Go. Don't go. Please.

I wrote , looking at him with pleading eyes. He nodded, walking back over to me.

I don't think I can be alone tonight.

I stated before climbing into my bed and patting the spot next to me. Steve hesitantly climes in beside me, laying behind me and draping his arm over my waist, pulling me into his firm chest. His body heat radiated over me and sleep soon took over as I sunk into him, his hand playing with my hair.

...

"Lil? Lily? Lily!" I shot up, panting hard and sweat covering my forehead. I slowly look to the side where Tony sat, a concerned look filling his eyes. My gaze looked at the door, where Steve stood, looking over me with what looked like fear, before going back to Tony. "Hey, kiddo, what happed?" He asked, stoking my hair. I swallowed thickly, breathing calmed down.

"You were restless, moving about in your sleep." Steve clarifies from the door, not wearing what he was before. He must've left after I fell asleep. I motioned for Tony to pass me the device which sat on the bedside table and he handed to to me.

I was back there. He was

I couldn't finish writing, the device falling from my shaking hand onto the duvet as I bit back tears, sinking into the embrace Tony held me in.

[everafterkeiji]

Song: Paper Rings by Taylor Swift

Summary: Hanamaki finally seals your fate by proposing to you- with a crappy ring that is.

Pairings: Takahiro Hanamaki x fem! reader

Word count: 6.9k

Genre: absolute fluff and crack, curse words

A/N: not me screaming when i had this idea, I've never felt more single in my life- brb bawling my eyes out- also let's pretend their in the same classes✋

Well, fate isn't something to be entirely trusted upon and neither should Hanamaki.

"Aw, shit."

He cusses when you bump into him, considering his incredibly tall figure, you were caught off guard on who you even crashed into. A small clink sound lands on the floor as you immediately face the boy who was looking at the ground, quite weirdly searching his pockets.

"Sorry- wait you're Hanamaki right?" You asked him, familiar with his hair color. You've seen him play countless of times due to the support of the school for each of their games yet you've never been this close with him. With his state, you immediately question what's got him so frantic.

He eyes the pen that was dead on the floor and he pouts before crouching down to reach it before he dusts off the dirt on it. He opens the cap of it before mindlessly writing on his hand and frowning even more when the ink didn't held its usual consistency- every stroke of a word had it loosing its pigment.

"Man, 'Kawas gonna kill me." He sighs before putting his hands and pen in his pocket as he looks at you surprised. How can he dismiss that he'd bump into you? He immediately bows in a way to apologize to you, completely forgetting that you were the one to hit him.

You knew he was pertaining to the well known setter but you were solely confused in what he was so worried about. Looking at the pen in his pocket, you saw how the ink was full but there were black spillage in the inside. You raise your eyebrow in confusion.

Did he just drop a new pen?

"I'm sorry I dropped your pen- I can let you borrow mine." You propose to him as he takes the pen in his hands admiring it like a wound in someone's arm. Seeing how you were scrambling in your bag to reach for your pencil case, his eyes sparkled at how it contained numerous pens, highlighters and mechanical pencils.

"Looking at the murder you caused, I'm simply asking for more than one pen then."

You tilt your head in curiosity but instead you opened your pencil case as he digs his hand in there picking three pens making you want to scoff at how he picked the gel pens that were your favorite. He looked at each one, writing on his palm if everything was working. He raises an eyebrow at you making you question if this was a fever dream because of how random it was- he acted like he was in a stationary section and it benefitted him that this particular section was free.

He then takes your hand causing you to internally yelp at his actions. Your eyes trail to what he was writing, you noticed it was his name instead. You look up at him as he smiled. Once he finishes writing, he extends his hand out while with the other hand held a pen ready for you to take.

"What's your name?" He asks processing on your features and asking himself why he's seen you dozens of times yet he's yet to get your name.

"Y/N." You say as he gestures for his hand as if telling you to write it. Somewhat following your instincts, you write your name on his hand. After it, he peeks the spelling of it and then casually shakes your hand as introduction.

"See you around, Y/N! You saved my ass with those pens so I guess I owe you one."

"Those are expensive."

"Now hold on there-"

That was how you met and the universe couldn't even joke about how they put you two together.

Now here you two are, invested in a stare off as Matsukawas sleepy eyes often switch his gaze between you and his best friend.

"Makki, it's in a week."

"I specifically remember it's the week after that."

"You two are hopeless." Issei comments making you laugh as Makki pouts at how you agreed with him. Nevertheless, Matsukawa leans his head on his arm ready to fall asleep at any moment. You return to arranging your notes while Makki twirls a pen in his hands while glancing at you once in a while.

Truth be told, it seems that fate still worked its way to the both of you. Ever since your-rather unique- encounter, a friendship was bound to happen. He surely made an impression on you and how could you miss to not be around him? Soon enough, you were also introduced to his teammates and you disliked how it strengthened your bond with him. There was comfort in his presence and to see him fool around with his teammates always radiated an amazing energy between you and him.

You also wanted to thank Oikawa for being somewhat the reason your conversation led to where you are now.

"What'd the pen do to make you this- scared?" You asked as he puts both hands behind his head, leaning on the seat.

"It's a scary pen when it belongs to Oikawa." You turn to him confused as you rest your chin on the palm of your hand, ears perking up at how interesting it was.

"You're telling me you don't own a single pen and you always borrow Oikawas?" He scoffs with a smile before looking at you.

"Of course I bring pens, it's just better if it was from him." You let out a loud laugh, finding it hard to believe this was the sole reason Oikawa would commit murder on him. Hanamaki smiles at the sound of your laugh before shaking his head, at awe at the situation.

It was a coincidence how Oikawa always found a way to strike a nerve to Hanamaki when you visit them in the gym. He knew that beyond his teammates calm composure was a boy who undoubtedly likes you. Ever since Hanamaki returned the pen to him, he knew it wasn't his and in his mind, he asked himself who could've lent him a pen, more so that he had three brand new ones.

So when he sees you tagging beside him, he's taken his first lead to figure the two of you out. After a few more observations, he's convinced that you two were just blind to the feelings that were lingering around.

He's told Iwaizumi about it but all he got was a lecture on how he should let Hanamaki take it easy with asking you out. Which he also argued since it was taking too long, making Iwaizumi land him a smack to the head.

He had his boundaries, maybe not for himself, but for his friends he was more than willing to wait for this relationship to come together.

-

"So- a date? That's cool right? I mean arcades and shit."

"Makki, you're a loser."

"Arcades are awesome shut up."

"Yeah, for sure. Like Y/N is interested in 'arcades and shit'." Mattsun chuckles as Hanamaki lets out another pout as he sinks in his bed.

"I mean- we've gone on hang outs, she likes them anyway!" He argues making Mattsun shake his head with an amused smirk on his lips.

"So you're telling me you've actually had dates with her then?" Issei asks as Hanamaki shrugs making the other boy groan at the lack of response. Hanamaki raises his head, pursing his lips at the actual thought.

You have actually gone on multiple dates with him. If you could even call it that. To Makki, he thought they were just subtle friendly things but he realizes how he's actually grown some fondness in each place.

"Y/N no I'm telling you- if I were the mastermind, we'd be successful." He argues before taking a sip from his drink. You rolled your eyes as you let your mind ran through the scenarios of having a heist with him and the boys.

You two just finished a heist movie and now you had to endure Makkis fantasies of how it would go down if the characters were him and the rest of the volleyball team. He was so invested in it that you actually had an entire plot and characterization for each teammate.

He argued that he'd be the best mastermind to ever conjure a plan for a heist. A stealthy ninja is what he says he mimics. You tried to argue that Iwaizumi would be good at it, since you noticed how responsible and at control he was but it had Hanamaki listing his reasons.

"No one would ever notice me! Because you know what- their attention would be on Oikawa! Then boom, get in the getaway car with a shit ton of money and thanks to who? Me of course." You let out a laugh making him stop his occupied thoughts to take a look at you. He adores the sound of it too much, especially since he was the usual cause of it. He sees the way you were wiping your eyes with the scenarios he'd told you.

Then your laughter slowly fades when you started to eat again as Makki admires you and how you've effortlessly got his mind to set more dates just to see you this happy.

You look up from your previous position, looking at him with an eyebrow raised.

"Wait, where am I in the heist then?"

He looks at you, almost blurting out the initial idea he had for you in this specific role.

Honestly, I'd spend the money on you. Take you anywhere you wanted to go, Y/N.

That was what he wanted to say but his mouth translated it to a different saying.

"You could die-"

"Makki!" You shouted playfully, ruffling his hair. He laughs but unknowingly, his hand lands on top of yours when you sat back down.

"Excuse you, I can be a good distraction and assistance for action." You commented making him scoff.

"Yeah like you'd be able to hold a gun for a second."

"Please, I had Oikawa beg me to delete a photo of him."

"Okay maybe you are powerful."

You laughed once again, not even feeling how right it was for you to be holding hands like this. It felt comforting yet it brought your heart to speed up like it was in a marathon. You wondered if Makki felt the same, or was this another act of friendliness?

"I wouldn't want you to get hurt though." He whispers, making you smile and blush at the same time. As if it was another point on the score board for how many times he's had your heart go on a frenzy.

"Well, that's what the great mastermind is for right? To keep us safe and succeed?" You say, making him give a gentle squeeze to your hand, as you glanced down on them enjoying the way it looked.

As if I'm gonna let anyone lay a hand on you, Y/N. You're safe with me always.

After a few sly times where he'd hold your hand while you crossed the street or even tugging on your jacket when passing through a huge crowd so he doesn't lose you, he's realized he would absolutely drop the stars for you. He doesn't know whether he should feel terrified because of how he could put your friendship at risk but then he feels- almost relieved that the first person he could ever love is you.

It shouldn't even be difficult to ask you to hang out. You'd usually respond a second after he asks you, it's not even that big of a deal.

Now it's different.

He's finally gotten a clutch on his feelings and he thinks about his next moves. He often just let things happen, loving the way the moments just flowed naturally and perfect in some way but now he's choosing his words since he didn't plan on confessing in such a dorky way- especially when he just says it out loud without proper practice.

"Why don't you ask Oikawa for help then?" Issei suggests making the boy shake his head at the thought already.

"Do you know how much blackmail that idea comes with? He'll never live it down." Hanamaki says as he scrolled through his phone, almost frowning at the thought of humiliation coming from their captain.

"C'mon! He knows a lot of shit about flirting and dates! Maybe even help you in confessing, idiot."

He thinks about that deeply. Each member of the team would have completely diverse answers. As of the mean time, the only proper suggestions he'd get is from Iwaizumi, Oikawa and Mattsun. Though Mattsun has given him plenty of advices, he knew Oikawa was at the top for someone's idea of romance. The man has fangirls, he's obviously heard and experienced many hopeless romantic scenes in his life.

Iwaizumi would've actually been a lot of help knowing the guy is very good at maintaining control and responsibility. He'd give the proper date ideas, the mood to set. He looked like the perfect blueprint for Hanamaki to copy. He also believed that Iwaizumi would think nothing of these advices so it's a win-win if you ask him.

"Right, okay. I got this."

-

"Why me though?" Iwaizumi asks as Hanamaki spikes another ball.

"Look Iwa- I genuinely trust your judgment more. I just need help." Iwaizumi chuckles before collecting another ball.

"Fine fine. Just meet me after practice."

Hanamaki cheers when he hears him, even smiling now that he can figure out a way to show you how much he likes you.

Sure, he's doing it unintentionally sometimes. Tiny signs that should show you how he is absolutely in love with you. He'd show this in various ways as well. It comes as an instinct in some way. He'd hit you with a "let's have lunch" and you'd gladly accept. Mattsun has pointed out that Makki has already made a move on you countless of times but it had Makki questioning the depths of being friendly and going through courting you.

You haven't even made things official yet these so-called dates had your classmates wondering how your relationship started, even if it hasn't. Makki would always lean his head on your shoulder during lunch, to rest his brain from the lessons. For you, it's nothing. Makki has always been like this after you got comfortable with each other. This affectionate side of him even had Mattsun wonder why on Earth would he ask for help when he clearly doesn't need it.

The three of you are now seated in a lecture, boredom crossing your minds but Mattsun's mind was rattled by Hanamaki. After their conversation about asking help from Oikawa, he thought that Makki would actually go through the plan. Looking back on his motives with you, he just doesn't see a reason why he needs assistance from the setter. He can handle this all on his own, so scribbling down on a piece of paper, he throws it to Hanamaki who awakens by the action.

Hanamaki yawns as he opens the crumpled paper, his eyes widening and cheeks heating at the group of words.

'You can literally just confess to her now, even without shittykawa.'

He glares at Mattsun while the other boy shrugs with an expression that says "seriously, it's not that deep." He huffs before grabbing a pen and replying to his previous statement, then throwing it again.

'Try confessing to the girl you like during a lecture, Sherlock.'

Mattsun chuckles as Makki crosses his arms in front of his chest. His eyes land on you, who is fixated on the lecture. He smiles softly at the idea of a date with you, but this faint moment was ruined when Mattsun directly throws the ball of paper to Hanamakis face, earning a chuckle from some of his classmates.

He opens with eyebrows furrowed, annoyed at the shot.

'Not now dumbass, after classes. Just go up to her and say you like her, it's that easy dude.'

Hanamaki turns to him mocking his words while Mattsun rolls his eyes as Makki writes again. As he was about to throw the paper in Mattsuns direction, a student raised their hand hitting the paper and it suddenly landed on the floor beside you instead. The boys had their eyes widen as you saw the paper.

In a flash, Hanamaki picks up the piece of paper before you could grab a hold of it and you let out a gasp when he suddenly appeared in front of you. You blinked at him as he slowly walked away, wide eyed, to avoid conflict with the teacher.

You and Mattsun share a look together as you looked away, utterly speechless at what just happened. When you looked away, Mattsun hides his laughter by stuffing his face in his arm as Makkis cheeks never grew out of its red shade.

Meanwhile, Mattsun finally held a memory that he can never forget.

-

"It's not a big deal. You guys have been friends for so long. I don't think Y/N would mind." Iwaizumi comments making Hanamaki silent.

Can you really feel the same way?

A year of knowing you- should that be enough to fall in this deep? Is there even a requirement before someone can confess? Because in a span of time knowing you, there wasn't a moment where he regretted anything. He could thank the universe for one stupid pen, maybe even Oikawa. Everything that led to where you are now, he's never been more contented in his life.

During movies, your favorite spot was to lean your head on his shoulder. To just sling your arm around his waist on the way home, holding his hand while walking through crowds, it just fits. No matter where you were, what you were doing with him, it seemed like there wasn't an extra space in the puzzle pieces, it all connected.

But you two couldn't figure it out for yourselves.

"Well, does every confession need some sort of grand gesture?" He asks Iwaizumi. The ace bites his lips before kicking a rock on the path he was walking on.

"I don't really know. What does Y/N like anyway?"

"Hopefully me." Hanamaki jokes, but he deeply wanted it to be real. He figures if all of this asking for help was going to guarantee him something good, better yet, a yes from your lips. But first, he had to answer Iwaizumis question.

"She likes simple things- you know how she likes it when I like hold her stuff and all? She also likes those weird food thingys at one date-or hang out we had- you know that scent that reminds you of a romance movie-"

"Makki, you know her this well and you're nervous for nothing. I'm sure that she'll love whatever you do- you're friends for a reason." Iwaizumi says making Hanamaki sigh, hearing those words again.

"Exactly! That's the problem. Fuck- I can't even act like I don't like her. Am I being too obvious or friendly? I don't know where the line ends or starts. I shouldn't get nervous cause it's her- she doesn't care what I do- she's happy with whatever but I just want it to be.. perfect." He rants and ends it with a tired sigh. God, he was getting frustrated. At this point his feelings were overwhelming him, he just needed an outlet for it.

He can't just act like the sight of your smile doesn't make him smile as well, or even just seeing your sleepy state when you walk into class. If his heart didn't flutter whenever you were around, maybe by then you couldn't call it admiration but he just fell and there wasn't a way to stop him.

He didn't wanna stop either.

-

"Mattsun." You say as Mattsun lets out another laugh as you roll your eyes. It was after practice and since Takahiro couldn't walk you home because he told you he had to talk to Iwaizumi about something, Issei was the one to walk you home.

"This is gold." He states making you shove him a bit. He smiles when he sees you pout. This is where he decides. He could literally say how Hanamaki was asking him for advices like you are right now, but a side of him just wants to see what Makki could do. It was all too funny for him, even if hated how oblivious you two were.

If Hanamaki was falling for you with each day, you did the same. It was inescapable. You met him during second year and the fact that he had you tugging on your heart strings, it was something you can't ignore.

"What exactly are you doing?"

"I'm studying, 'Hiro. What's up?" You asked him as he raised an eyebrow at you. You stopped writing to look at him fully.

"We're at a mall." He states like you didn't know. It was bizarre to go to a mall cafe and your purpose was to study when you were with the spontaneous Hanamaki. That's on you for getting distracted on your strict teachers subject.

"Yes, Makki. I know that." He lets out a pft then takes the notebook of yours, closing it. Even putting on the caps of your pens and placing them back in your pen pouch. He also grabs your bag and placing all of those items inside.

You didn't stop him though. You've had enough with 'studying either way'. You'd die if saw how you weren't even taking notes, you were actually writing about how beautiful his eyes were. You were just purely lucky that he didn't care what you were writing because he thought it was about school.

"Happy now?" You asked him as he nods with a childish grin.

"Super. Let's go, cutie." Your eyes widened with his statement so you turn your head away to sling the backpack on your shoulder but he stops you before you could.

He removes his hoodie and hands it to you, making you stare at him.

"What for?"

"It's hot- well duh it's cold, Y/N. C'mon I wanna go to cinema. " He says nonchalantly as you take the hoodie and wear it. What causes you to stop midway was when he pulled down your blouse to prevent it from rising up when you wore his jacket. After placing your arms in, you blushed at minimal gesture.

It made Hanamaki let out a cough, when he did it like a reflex, not even thinking about it.

"Cutie huh?" You teased making him roll his eyes, though he was thankful that you broke the silence.

"Yeah no shut it."

There were many more memories that could list out why you liked him but maybe they just held the same reason.

"Leave him a note then if you can't say it in person." Mattsun suggests, even though he wishes he could've said something else. He doesn't know if that was a good suggestion or not. This could ruin whatever Makki was planning on doing. He should ask him about his plan later on so he can tell you what not to do in order for his best friend to succeed.

You reached the front of your house as you gave Issei a hug, to thank him. He pats your hair as your pull away from him.

"Hey, you've got this. It's you and Makki." He says smiling, assuring you. You nod at him as you sent a wave, him doing the same then walking away.

When you entered your room, your phone rang. Seeing Makkis name light up your room had you answering it in a heartbeat.

"Makki, what's up?"

"Hey, I just called to say I'm sorry I couldn't walk you home today. " He says running his fingers through his hair. He did want to walk with you but he trusted Mattsun. He couldn't waste the time Iwaizumi gave him for advice.

"It's fine, 'Hiro. Mattsun and I are fine." He smiles at what you said, while you left your phone on the nightstand you decided to change out of your uniform. While Makki decides on what to say next.

"Hey Y/N?" He calls for you, once you were done dressing up, you took the phone lying down on your bed.

"Yeah?"

"Wanna go out, for real this time?"

"I'm gonna go sleep." He says, biting his tongue, despising how he couldn't say it. He hears you yawn on the other end of the line.

"That's a lie but night Makki Makki!" You said chuckling as his ears turned red at the nickname. He shakes his head with a smile.

"Goodnight, dumbie."

"Hey! I called you a decent nickname."

"Wow okay then. Goodnight, princess."

Hold up, he said what?

I said that?

He quickly ends the call before you could let out a comment on what he just said. A wave of panic rushes to him not knowing your reaction. You covered your face with the pillows the surrounded you, letting out a frustrated scream.

Fuck.

-

The morning comes and Hanamakis heart was racing like he going to attend a deadly match but in reality he was just going to confess. He's set all the things that he needed for today, mostly the materials but he himself wasn't nearly as ready.

He's going to wear a uniform. How the fuck do you make that look presentable and polished? Should he wear a new hoodie for you to wear afterwards? Just- how?

He's been staring at himself for too long then he hears his parents call for him saying that Mattsukawa was at his front porch. He sighs before grabbing his bag and heading out of his room.

"So you ready?" Issei asks as Hanamaki shrugs. He wanted it to end right away but then again he wants things to slow down while he sees your reaction when does it.

"Fuck no. Iwaizumi helped me with a few things, he said something about gifts so I searched for some." Mattsukawa nods, as he thinks about what you were up to. Can it actually happen now? The two idiots would finally have the guts to confess on the same day?

"Honestly, this will be very entertaining. What time?"

"I was thinking kind of like after school." He says making Mattsukawa agree with him. It benefits the both of you. Never in a rush to admit, it could also give Makki some time to accomplish some of his plans.

"Do you think it'll go ok?" Hanamaki asks, almost nervous for his answer. Mattsukawa only smiles, knowing the possible ending.

"Yeah."

-

Betrayer. Oikawa thinks.

He lets out a pout of annoyance and when he spots you, he immediately walks over to you before Hanamaki could.

"Morning Oikawa! Have you seen-"

"Y/N-chan! I'll walk you to class today!" He says sweetly making you question in what was going on. He sees you peer your head over his shoulder, looking for Hanamaki which made him scoot a bit so your vision was blocked. Realizing that Hanamaki probably hasn't arrived yet, you shrugged.

"Okay, Tooru."

As Oikawa slings his arm around your shoulder, he could feel Takahiros stare as he walked with you. Even Iwaizumi had to double take on what he just saw.

"What's with him?" Hanamaki asks, feeling a slight burn in his heart when he sees you laughing with the pretty setter.

"I don't know, maybe he's just bugging her." Iwaizumi comments, making Makki roll his eyes. Mattsun takes notice of his behavior and lets out a chuckle.

"Aww, seriously. It's Oikawa! He's not going to steal your girl." Hanamaki blushes at his words and the boys eye his reaction, making them laugh at the change. Makki rolls his eyes before letting out a sigh, an act as if to reassure himself that things would go according to plan.

When Makki enters the room and meets your eyes, you already flash him a smile gesturing for him to seat with them. Oikawa sends a glare in his way making Mattsun lazily raise an eyebrow to the setter. Oikawa turns his attention to you once again, his chin on his palm as he stares at you.

"You're so pretty Y/N-chan! Wouldn't want that to go to waste do we?" Your ears couldn't really believe what you just heard. A sea of gasps echoed through the room when the compliment left Oikawas mouth. Murmurs of how luck you were started to spread and Makki was stood frozen.

"Flirting with my best friend isn't cute, shittykawa." Hanamaki comments, a distinct tone in his voice that didn't sound all too jokingly. The word best friend rings in your head as you actually felt a strike to your heart with his words.

How can you confess like this when you're down to rejection?

You felt like Hanamaki gave you a wake up call. Is this really the farthest you could go? Just friends? You let out a sigh, suddenly throwing away your previous plans of admitting your feelings for him. You gripped the pen in your hand as you tried not to be controlled by the pain.

Mattsukawa sees how your hand was trembling, replaying what Makki said, he nudges the boy next to him who was busy giving a cold shoulder to Oikawa. Mattsukawa prays that Hanamaki realizes what he just said.

Hanamaki feels the harsh nudge of his best friend making him look your way, a downcast evident in your features. Before he could ask you what's got you upset, the teacher walks in making Oikawa and Iwaizumi leave. Oikawa passes by Hanamaki making the tension even more noticeable.

Mattsukawa grips Hanamakis arm, to stop his mouth from sending a snarky comment and to hold him back from a glare. Hanamaki sits in his usual place as he ponders on what's gotten you this down. Was it Oikawa? What did he tell you? Could it be something that included him?

He sincerely hopes it doesn't involve him or else his hearts going to keep aching with jealousy.

-

What the fuck?

That was the only question that lingered in Hanamakis head.

Throughout the day, he figured that he'd be able to avoid you without you knowing what he was doing but instead, he found himself getting distracted in the fact that you sat with Oikawa between breaks. He couldn't even focus where to put the gifts in, he's totally forgotten about his locker and the possibility of you finding about it makes him panic.

He just hated how he feels the envy consume him. It took him a while to not give in to it. He had to continue, if he didn't- he would cower away. He wasn't going to waste another chance because of Oikawa, he can promise you that.

"You think Oikawa knew something? Maybe he's actually stalling you." Mattsukawa suggests, to remind Hanamaki that he was sure the setter isn't a barrier to his plans.

"He said something to her- I just know it. She's distant with me." He says tiredly, Iwaizumi leans on his arm to whisper to Hanamaki.

"Maybe he figured out you were going to confess." Iwaizumi says shrugging, Hanamaki shakes his head.

Are you turning him down then if this was real?

A way to softly push him away and tell him that your friendship mattered more?

If this was the case, he's leading his heart to a trap.

And it went like this until Makki had to confront Oikawa, sick of the change in you. It was practice time so he had the setter to himself. He knew you were waiting for him so he decided to take matters into his own hands.

He just wanted to be yours already.

"Oikawa, what did you tell her?" He asks quietly. Even if his heart held its beat because of jealousy, he's sure that the boy he was talking to had no interest in you the same way he has. Oikawa has never shown you signs of love or any affection at all. Sure, it was fun to be around him but he looked at you as a friend, a company he can find comfort in but who's to say Makki doesn't feel nervous?

"I didn't tell her anything what are you talking about?" The boy answers making Makki sigh.

"She's avoiding me. It doesn't make sense then." Oikawa raises an eyebrow at Takahiros expression. He looked so- distraught. It starts to sink in him how the lack of your presence takes a toll on his friend and there was the tiny ounce of regret that hits his mind.

When he sees Hanamaki open his locker to reveal a boquet of flowers, his eyes widen. He then closes them immediately, cursing himself for the misunderstanding.

"Isn't that what you were supposed to give Aika?" He asks, his throat dwelling with nervousness. Hanamaki furrows his eyebrows, evidently confused in how their classmate who he is even close to, got dragged into the situation.

"What-"

"Shit."

"Oikawa!"

-

I hate running.

He says to himself whie doing it, he's never ran this fast before. God, now everything was at rush. He had to pack his things immediately, make sure the sweat didn't cling to him like it did. He even had to rummage through his locker to make sure everything was inside his bag. Mattsukawa was also frantic. Iwaizumi was calm enough to knock some sense into Oikawa after Hanamaki tells the news on what exactly happened.

So here he was running to your neighborhood, flowers and all because he'd be dumb enough to be the guy in Oikawas misunderstood scenario.

"Oikawa!"

"Wait okay fuck I'm sorry- I might have heard something wrong earlier." He says, a hand to the back of his neck. Hanamaki isn't sure if he should feel relieved that Oikawa doesn't have any admiration towards or feel the fucking rage to strangle him for whatever led to this.

"What exactly did you hear anyway?"

"I can't just give the flowers to Aika. I can't act like an admirer of hers, I have to confess to her myself." Hanamaki says sighing as Iwaizumi and Mattsukawa nods.

Oikawa turns his back on the trio as he frowns at the idea of you and Hanamaki not being a couple. It seems that his friendly gestures didn't actually hold anything else, he'd fallen for Aika instead. Though he feels slightly pissed that Hanamaki led you on in some sort of way.

Once he sees you, he immediately goes your way in order for you to not witness the heartbreak that was about to unfold.

"Oikawa, I was planning to confess to Y/N. Mattsukawa suggested that I try to give her the flowers anonymously at first by letting Aika bring it to her but like I said, I didn't wanna look like an unknown loser." Hanamaki lets out a puff of annoyance as Oikawa rests his hand on the boys shoulder, now that tiny ounce of guilt grew and grew.

"I'm really really sorry, Makki." He says sincerely, Hanamaki sighs before nodding at Oikaws, accepting his apology knowing Iwaizumi could lecture the boy after his slip up.

"I need to go to Y/N now." He says but Kindaichi looks at his teammate with a water bottle in hand.

"Y/N-san left hours ago." He says as Hanamaki sends a glare towards Oikawa then he looks at Kunimi just to confirm Kindaichis statement. Kunimi nods before returning back to his unbothered state. Hanamaki lets out a scream of frustration as he dashes towards Mattsukawa and Iwaizumi, Oikawa being dragged along by his shirt.

"Oi, did you two fight?"

"Long-story short he thought I was giving the flowers to Aika. Now please, lecture the damn asshole- I need to find Y/N." He basically hands Oikawa to Iwaizumi who already landed a ball to the captains head as he runs off to his locker to leave immediately.

He could never adore someone else when you remained to stay at the top of his list- since no other name follows it.

He pats down his sweat with a towel before drinking water then spraying his cologne all around him. He was in front of your room door since your parents gladly invited him in while he mentions to be quiet at the sight of the boquet of flowers in hand and now it's finally happening. He was either going to face a prize or a bucket of tears.

Here goes nothing then.

He knocks on the door as you continued to scroll through your phone but you spoke, "It's open!"

He opens it softly, before stepping in your room, closing the door in the process. You look up from your phone only to get the life knocked out of you when you see Hanamaki.

"Hey Makki-"

"Y/N please I just need to tell you something okay."

He takes the vacant spot next to you on your bed as both your hearts pounded loudly with each second. Your mind couldn't stop racing at what he was going to say if it was just flat out rejection, meanwhile Hanamaki doubts what he bought you. He carefully takes your hand with his, caressing it gently while your cheeks were heating at the moment.

"Y/N I-"

You roll your eyes before ending the call, not even caring to know who called. Meanwhile, Makki wanted to stop himself from coughing from the embarrassment.

The phone rings. Oh, fuck me.

"Go on- really sorry." You say with a slight chuckle, as he smiles, thankful you read the room at how nervous he was. Instead, he went to his bag to find a certain box. Once he finds the blue box, he takes your palm and places the object on it.

You smiled at him you opened the box, praying that you don't let out a squeal when you see what's inside.

"Paper rings?" You say chuckling as Hanamakis eyes widen, threatened to pop out of his sockets since he was in full disbelief. You laughed as Hanamaki tried to get the back from you but you ran from your bed to wear the damn thing.

"Y/N!" He yells trying to reach the box from your hands but your laughter echoes through the room.

You're too fucking cute for me. You think to yourself.

"It's a perfect fit on me, Takahiro." You say even holding out your hand with the paper ring as Hanamaki hides his face on a pillow, an attempt to hide the humiliation. He can never bounce back from this. Where was the actual matching rings that he bought? The one with yours and his initials were embedded on? Did he leave it on his desk when he was trying to figure out your ring size? He was truly fucked.

When you tried to reach for him, the ring broke since it was surrounded by tape and it didn't really held strength to it. Realizing that it was folded paper, you opened it seeing scribbles and doodles from Makki.

Y/N's ring size is 6 maybe 7?

Get the flowers that Iwaizumi suggested. Which flower was it again? The ones that symbols love? Fuck it.

Does she prefer me with this perfume or not?

She smells amazing all the time, I hate it.

God, I like her too much it's unbelievable.

I feel like I'm proposing to her but I'm not complaining.

You immediately drop the paper to look at him, switching your gaze between him and the paper. You hid your face in your hands as you wondered if this was actually reality. Hanamaki likes you back? Proposing? It was overwhelmingly cute.

Hanamaki lifts his head from the pillow and he sees you looking like you were embarrassed for him. He immediately goes to you, hands on yours as he tries to lift them off your face.

"Do you want me to kiss it better?" He teases, hopefully it was able to grab your attention, and it did. You slap his chest from how flustered you were as he laughs before taking you in his arms, playing with your hair as your mind goes blank.

"Okay maybe the secret is out but I'm serious, Y/N. I like you- so fucking much it makes me wanna buy all the shit you want if we succeed in a heist- and I never wanna stop feeling this. The ring is crappy but I've got the actual one in my room so" He pulls away from your embrace as he lifts your chin to meet with his face who was intoxicatingly close.

"Do you accept my proposal of being my girlfriend?"

"If I said no?" You teased with a smile as he chuckles before locking his lip with yours, his hand finding its way to your cheek as you immediately kiss back, the pieces finally clicking in its rightful place. He deepens the kiss as your hand finds its way to the nape of his hair, pulling him closer while his own hands make a trip to your waist who he soon finds addicting.

He pulls away, caressing your cheek as your forehead touched, smiles plastered on either faces.

"I gladly accept, 'Hiro."

"Not like I'll take no for an answer, princess."

[just-zodiac]

The Zodiac Signs at a therapist :

Therapist: Cap, Can you tell me How you always look so calm.

Capricorn: Oh, I’m not. People just can’t tell when I’m panicking, because I’m always panicking.

Therapist: Ok, let's talk to Leo. You said that you experienced death?

Leo: yes, I was in a restaurant and I think the waiter poisoned my drink.

Scorpio: No, that was me.

Therapist: wait.. What? Why would you do that?

Scorpio: I’m that kind of person who between two choices always picks the wrong one.

Leo: WHAT was the other choice you had you freak!!

Scorpio: to admit that I actually like you.

Leo: Are you trying to impress me? Because so far you’re doing a great job.

Aquarius: Do we look like we give a fuck?

Therapist: Ok let's hear you Aqua. Why are you here today, what is wrong with you?

Aquarius: Well, that depends on how much time you have. Do you want the short or the long answer?

Libra: she just asked a simple question, don't give her a full lecture.

Aquarius: Maybe you should have thought about that before you dragged me into this then.

Libra: Uh, so we have a problem.

Aquarius: Yeah, it's you and your dumb ideas.

Cancer: calm down guys, Why do we fight over stupid shit?

Capricorn: Because you say stupid shit.

Aries: You know, you are right.

Capricorn: About what, specifically? Because I’m right about a lot of things.

Cancer: shut up Aries and try to Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.

Aries: believe me I can and I can create an exclusive one as well.

Therapist: whoa guys, you two have a lot of intense feelings here, Why don't you just sit down and talk to each other about it?

Aries: Because there's nothing I want to say to Cancer and Virgo other than fuck off.

Virgo: what the hell? If you have a problem with me, you can say it to my face.

Aries: I don't have a problem with you. You are the problem in general.

Virgo: and You're a walking disaster.

Aries: I can't argue with that one.

*Pisces knocks on the door and steps in*

Gemini: What the fuck are you doing here?!

Pisces: Yes, I'm terribly happy to see you too.

Gemini: Idiot.

Pisces: C'mon, stop talking about yourself for once.

Therapist: please, be nice to each other.

Gemini: I am being perfectly fucking civil.

Therapist: Why do you constantly try to piss Gemini off?

Pisces: Because it's so fun and easy.

Sagittarius: so, How long after arriving at someone’s place is it appropriate to ask for the WiFi password?

Therapist: we're here to have a conversation with each other, do you have something you would like to share with us?

Sagittarius: Studies show that I literally did not ask for this, we were forced here by Libra.

Libra: oh for God's sake, I wanted all of you to express your emotions.

Capricorn: I don’t have any.

Gemini: Is “no” an emotion, because I feel it.

Leo: I have many emotions I need to express, Honestly, sometimes you just gotta let me be dramatic. Because I will get over it. But let me be dramatic first!

Scorpio: Hey Leo, If you listen carefully you can hear me whisper “shut the fuck up” at least once every five minutes.

Leo: It’s not my fault that You don’t talk much.

Scorpio: I’m observing your weaknesses since you’re so freely verbalizing everything about yourself.

Therapist: Okay, Okay take a breath everyone, especially you Taurus because you devoured the cupcakes I made for the all of you.

Taurus: Cupcakes are important to my mental health.

Libra: Oh seriously?

Taurus: Would you believe me if I answered ?

Libra: Do I look like an idiot?

Taurus: Do you want me to answer that truthfully?

Libra: you're so full of hate.

Taurus: I don't allow myself to be full of hate, I allow myself to be full of pasta instead.

Aquarius: I am So tired of being human, I want to be an Alien.

Taurus: Excuse me, I have to go and vomit.

Therapist: back to you Cancer, how are you feeling so far?

Cancer: I’m nothing but a constant state of internal screaming at this point.

Therapist: aren't you overreacting?

Cancer: Me? Overreacting? Probably.

Sagittarius: don't worry, If you ever feel stupid, or weak, or powerless, just remember that I, am not.

Libra: Well this social situation isn't going the way It went in my head.

Virgo: That is so not how it went!

Libra: You weren't in my head and you're drunk right now. Quit arguing with me.

Pisces: you brought us here because you imagined us doing this in your head?

Libra: I love you guys.

Capricorn: That's your business not ours *leave*

Taurus: maybe listen to me next time I tell you not to do something stupid. *takes the rest of the cupcakes and leaves*

Cancer: my mental health was working just fine before you brought me here. *leaves*

Gemini: You know, sometimes I think you do dumb shit on purpose just to see how I'll react. *leaves*

Libra: You're not wrong.

*the rest of The Signs leaves*

Leo: Anyways, Do you ever feel like a 4 times divorced 45 year old woman that smokes cigarettes in her fur coats on a grand piano? Cause I do and it’s sad.

Therapist: we're done here, get out.

[kevin--of-desert-bluffs]

WTNV Quick Rundown - 20 - Poetry Week

This episode features contributions from: Trilety Wade, Russel Swenson, Vanessa Irena, Katherine Ciel, Erika Paschold, and Danielle DuBois. They supply the poems~ but as always, you can take any guest contribution as you will. I will not be replicating the poems here, but will give a general jist/summary.

“You’ll be safe here,” says a whisper behind you. Welcome to Night Vale.

It's Poetry Week in NV! Citizens are encouraged during this time to write poems nonstop (During this time, the City Council lifts their bans on writing utensils, thesauruses, and public descriptions of the moon. And they mandate that everybody use their municipally-granted free will to join in on the fun.) The poems are then fed to (chained and caged for our safety) librarians. Cecil remarks that he still thinks this is dangerous, as he remembers the carnage caused by librarians in 1993, but encourages everyone to not dwell on the past.

Trilnity (Trinity) Wade is NV's Poet Laureate delivers an obscure poem about life in NV (with clenched teeth and frightened eyes). She then screamed "It is lies. It is lies!" before becoming minute white particles and fluttering away on a swirling breeze. Cecil remarks that it was like snow and had the same snow smell (fennel and meat). A voice announced over the PA "Everything is perfect in our little town."

Pamela Winchell writes a poem about not allowing anyone to be anyone. The Sheriff writes about...well I'm not sure, but it's very morose. 3rd grade teacher Irena Panchyk writes about Street Cleaning Day. Old Town NV resident Katherine Ciel writes a poem which is also a traffic report.

There is a poem on a paper attached to the gate of the Dog Park talking about something being awakened and mysteriously signed only by 'E'. This turns out to be Erika, one of the angels, all angels are called Erika. City Council therefore goes from being upset about the dog park gates opening for the first time to reveal a black monolith within to welcoming people in to see it. The gates then close and disappear into the smooth onyx walls, trapping everyone who entered inside.

Amongst those inside was Intern Dana (or her double, whoever survived), who Cecil sent to investigate. She did manage to text a picture of a poem inscribed on the monolith before she disappeared however, which was apparently written by former mayor Danielle DuBois in 1954. Cecil tries to text her back, but a crack which oozes blood forms on his phone. He says he will miss her.

Weather: "Get Me Home" by Robin Aigner robinaigner.bandcamp.com

The NV zoo will finally have actual enclosures for the animals. However, they are also dropping a random zoo-goer in the new Sensory Extraction Room for two straight days while zookeepers harvest their scent and teach it to genetically-improved predators. There new logo is: "You go to the zoo so the animals can watch you."

Madeline LaFleur (Exec Director of the NV Tourism Board) sent in a piece of paper which just reads: Tourism is Important, in all caps. Below that is a reddish-brown smudge shaped like an underfed hawk alighting on a mesquite tree. She also scotch-taped what appear to be 3 human molars to the page. Cecil debates whether this is still poetry or more visual art.

Billboards saying that soon everything will be 20% off have appeared. With no brand or store or product associated, the SSP say this could be literal and are wondering if they get to decide what 20% of everything gets taken and where it goes. Scientists say that thermodynamic laws make that impossible. The SSP insists that scientists are comedians and should stick to comedy.

The Greater Night Vale Realty Association is todays sponsor. It's head, Russel Swensen, says “No one has lived here for years. You're one of them. One of the No ones. A woman is a fire and no one is invited. Anyone can watch. No one can help.”

As the old saying goes “Streets swallow their own tails and choke.”

The next show after Cecil's is 'the sound of some helpless thing being eaten. Goodnight, Night Vale, goodnight.'