#I am too lazy to ramble about the ring meanings but know that they are there

[amogusgusgus]

Wallpaper sized versions and a close-up under cut

I have put this drawing on as my wallpaper, hence I decided to also post wallpaper versions here.

[osleeplessflowero]

// this might be one of the most random oneshot ideas i've conjured up. enjoy! - Reader has They/Them pronouns as always! - Soul type is up to interpretation. :] - a..COUNTRY AU?! (don't leave me alone with certain country songs or this happens. i don't even like country that much but- well- some songs are pretty good!!) - this is indeed a crossover AU so the nicknames will be used like usual

A warm breeze blows through the air, hitting your skin. The sky is a bright blue, comforting to see. Barely any clouds are visible. You slide off your jacket, tying it around your waist due to the hot summer heat making it unbearable to keep wearing. You dust off your pants as you walk down a familiar path, your boots covered in mud from working on some personal projects.

There's a small smudge of red paint on your cheek from working on giving an old barn a new paint job, though you don't seem to mind it. You'll worry about that later. Right now? You need a cold drink before you can keep going.

You finally make it into an all-too-familiar small town, waving to some friendly faces as you pass by. Recently there's been a lot of new faces around here, not that you mind. The more company the merrier. Just means things'll be a little more lively.

You walk up to the newest monster-run bar in town, stomping your boots and getting off the mud on the bottom so you won't track it in on the floors. When you don't see anything, you walk inside and wave to the fire monster cleaning off some glasses. He gives you a little wave back as you look over the menu.

"Hey, Grillbz. You got anything new? I could use something good 'n cold. This heat's been crazy."

"..I think I know just what you'd like." He turns around, beginning to get a drink ready for you. You smile at this. You'd gotten pretty close with Grillby, he'd always been so understanding and willing to listen to you ramble about the littlest things. He might not've responded that much, but the fact he was listening was enough for you.

"You know me so well." You grin, resting your arms on the counter.

"..Of course I do. I am an expert at reading people." "Fair enough. ..Plus I've told you a lot-" "..Mhm."

The bar isn't super lively since it's earlier in the day, it usually gets more full around night time. It's a lot more peaceful right now, only a few patrons sitting in some booths and talking about this and that. You have no idea how Grillby could possibly run this place alone. He really needs to hire some more staff..

You hear the little bell over the door ring, slightly turning to see who just walked in.

A tall skeleton makes his way inside, his hat slightly tipped down. He takes a cigarette out of his mouth and puts it out in an ash tray, walking over. His black boots thump against the floor lightly as he does. He rolls up his bright orange sleeves on his button-up shirt and dusts off his grey jeans before sitting down and lifting up his head. You realize you've been staring a little longer than you meant to, looking back towards Grillby's direction.

His eyelights slowly move over to you, his eyes lazy. Since you're the only other person currently sitting at the counter, he may as well say hi, right?

"heya." He greets, a calm tone to his voice that's pleasing to the ears. "Hi," You reply, not having expected him to talk to you. There's a short pause, before you decide to try sparking up some conversation. "You new in town? I don't think I've seen you before. I tend to remember faces."

He chuckles at that. "yeah, me and my friends recently moved in here with the crowd. seems it's not much of a small town now, huh? it was pretty empty when we first got here."

"Oh, yeah, it was pretty empty before. Hardly anyone showed up here. At least the business owners are thriving now with all these new customers. Plus that just means there's way more friendly faces around." You smile, leaning a little on the counter as Grillby slides your drink over to it, you taking a grateful sip and thanking him.

"...I take it you want your usual?" The fire monster asks the skeleton, pushing up his glasses. "you got it, grillbz." He points at him with one hand before he turns to make his drink of choice.

"oh yeah. should probably introduce myself, huh?" He tips his hat to you. "name's stretch. nice to meet'cha."

You politely tell him your name, tipping an invisible hat. "Nice to meet you too."

You both chuckle at this before you take another sip of your drink, letting out a content sigh.

"Stars, you're amazing at this, Grillby. So good..I guess that's why your bar's currently the most popular one. Well, alongside 'The Spider's Web: Bar and Cafe'. I personally like your stuff more-" "...The Muffets are good business partners. I'm not worried about a competition, I just want to sell good food and drinks." "Fair enough, you're too good Grillby." A faint smile appears on his face before it disappears into his flames.

Stretch has an amused smile as he watches the interaction, waiting as Grillby slides over a glass with honey mixed into some other stuff. You raise a brow, smiling a little. "Honey? That's an interesting choice."

"nyeh heh. syrups and condiments have a bit of an alcohol-like effect on some of us skeleton monsters. i like honey, so i asked grillby to mix it into the drinks i get here." He raises his glass, tilting it a little to Grillby before sipping from it.

"Oh, I see. That's pretty interesting, actually. I'd never thought of a concept like that. Then again..I don't think I've met a skeleton monster before today." "so i'm the first one, huh? that's pretty neat." "Yeah.." You finish off your drink, lightly sitting the glass down and grabbing your wallet to pay, sliding the money under it and stand up.

"Well, I'd better get back to paintin'. Barn won't fix up itself." "a barn, huh?" "Yeah, a friend of mine asked me to fix 'er up a bit. Poor thing's been left in bad shape. But with some helping touches from me, she'll be back to how she was before." You smile. "I guess this means I'll be seein' you around, huh?"

"yeah. oh, hold up." You pause as he grabs a pen from his pants pocket, writing something down and sliding it your way. You look at him curiously when he stands, taking a swig of his drink and sitting the glass down to pay in gold. He gives you a short wave before walking out.

You look down at the napkin he wrote on, seeing.. HOLY SHIT HE GAVE YOU HIS NUMBER-

Part 2 Coming Very Soon!

[squish36-writes-and-draws]

16 November: Unraveling

(sorry there wasn't anything yesterday or at a reasonable time today but I simply could not figure out how to make myself write)

Word count: 559

General Taglist (lmk if you want to be added/removed!): @stellar-lune @faggot-friday @kamikothe1and0nly @nyxpixels @florida-preposterously

@poppinspop @uni-seahorse-572 @solreefs @corruption-exe @rusted-phone-calls

@when-wax-wings-melt @good-old-fashioned-lover-boy7 @dexter-dizzknees @abubble125 @hi-imgrapes

@callum-hunt-is-bisexual @callas-pancake-tree @hi-my-name-is-awesome @katniss-elizabeth-chase @sillyguy-supreme

@void-kill @thefoxysnake

Unraveling Project Specific Taglist (lmk if you want to be added/removed/upgraded): @cutebisexualmess @crippling-pages @daizythegreat @sophiefostersno1stan @iggydancebreak

@theleopardstalker @you-will-meet-your-downfall @multi-fandom-lunatic

TW: the usual Swearing and mild Keefe angst

On Ao3 or below the cut!

First (3 November) / Previous / Next

Keefe Sencen's Journal

    Ignore the fact that I haven’t written in this thing recently because I was too lazy to write the past couple of days. Honestly I don’t really know why I bother with it. I mean, it’s not like I’m going to want to go back and relive some of the shit from the past two…? Weeks. Yeah. I think it’s been two weeks now. It feels like it should be more than that. I feel like it would’ve been funny to make a bingo card predicting the wild shit I’d get myself into while I’m here in the Forbidden Cities. 

    It would also be funny if mother dearest found this thing and immediately regretted all of her life decisions after having to experience my thought patterns about Florent. I also want to take the time to mention that I have had many, many more objectively worse thoughts that I have not given the dignity of being written down. You’re welcome. 

    So, what’s happened since the last time I bothered to put effort into recording history for the future generations that would surely be interested in my recordings? Uh, well, I accidentally have a boyfriend now. He’s so fucking hot. I can’t even put it into words. I look at him and my brain juices just evaporate. It’s great. I never needed those brain juices anyway. 

    Ninety percent of our conversation is him infodumping about whatever plant is nearest, and being that I don’t know jack fucking shit about plants so I’m just left grasping for straws with whatever basic facts I have on hand about plants. It turns out, most of those plants do not live in the Forbidden Cities.

    This would be fine, except it means Florent thinks that I’m writing my own Lord of the Rings Part 2: Electric Boogaloo with even more worldbuilding than the original. I don’t think I knew any of the words in the previous sentence last week. This is heavily concerning on many levels. I am concerned. 

    Anyway that means I’ve been drafted to play DnD. I do not know what that implies but apparently I would be good at it. I mean, if it requires making up random bullshit, then maybe I’ve got a chance. I’m very good at spouting nonsense, if I do say so myself. 

    In other news, the real reason why I sat down to write today, Florent snuck up behind me today. That would not normally be a remarkable event, and normally I would just have the shit scared out of me and then move on with my life, but it made me realise something that I do not want to consciously acknowledge. There’s a reason I’ve been rambling about other shit to avoid talking about this. A week ago, I would’ve felt his emotions behind me, even several meters away. I’m sitting here, staring at people across the street, and even when I try, I can barely feel anything.

    I’m going to be real with you, I do not like the implications there. Nerfing my abilities was kind of the whole point, but I’m afraid of being numb. It’s just another way to hurt the people that I care about, and there are already so many ways. I don’t need more, but it’s what has to be done. At least I can still feel for now.

[redpandaramblings]

Like Caramel For Chocolate- An Omega Bakugou x Alpha f!Reader fic. Part 2.

Part 1- Here

Next- Here

Content Warning: Negative headspace, omegaverse, self deprecation, depressive thoughts, pushy parental figures, ambiguous omegaverse reproduction, unhealthy relationships, relationship that could be easily fixed if idiots would use their words and communicate

Where we left off-

You twisted the hem of your shirt, silence growing as you thought. Your mother wasn’t saying anything new. On your lonelier days, like today, the words sounded eerily similar to your own thoughts. If this conversation had happened on any other day, you knew how forceful your ‘No!’ would be. But today was today.

“Okay.” Your whisper seemed more like a shout into the quiet. “I’ll do it. I’ll go.”

“You will? Oh Y/N! How wonderful! Since I already said yes, of course. You’ll need to come home right away, the omiai is the day after tomorrow, and we need to get you a proper outfit!”

“So soon?” Your mind raced. Bakugou was still in heat. What would you do? There was no way… Your thoughts slowed. But there was a way. Plenty of ways. Katsuki had many friends that could look after him. Friends he was actually comfortable letting into his apartment. You knew he’d let Kirishima take care of him. Mina absolutely could convince him to eat and drink, no matter how grumpy he was. There was a pain in your chest as a familiar thought wound through your brain. Katsuki didn’t need you. He never had. As if in a fog, you heard yourself saying, “I’ll need a little bit to take care of some things here; but I can be home tonight. See you soon.” You heard your mother happily continue rambling even as you hung up. You stared at the wall for a few minutes, unseeing. You were really doing this, huh? Pushing yourself up, you rummaged around your kitchen; finding bags and filling them with snacks and drinks. Before you could think better of it, you dialed Kirishima. He answered on the fourth ring. “Hey dude! What’s up?” “Kiri, I need your help. Can you come over now? I’ll explain when you get here.” “Yeah man, I’ll be right over. Hang tight.” A few short minutes later, there was a knock on your door. You opened it to see a tall, concerned looking redhead. You ushered him inside as you went back to the kitchen, continuing to make up care packs. “Hey, now what is it, Y/n? It sounded serious.” “It is and it isn’t,” you say; looking over at him as you shove gatorade into bags. “There’s a… family emergency. I need to go home right away for a few days.” “Ouch, that’s rough man! It’s Bakubro having his heat right now?” “Exactly. That’s why I need your help. Can you bring one of these bags to him each day? Make sure he eats and drinks at least? I know he trusts you.”

Kirishima nodded enthusiastically. “Of course man! Anything to help!” He looked over the supplies, inconspicuously checking what you’d already packed. “You want to scent some stuff for him before you go too?” You shook your head, forcing yourself not to wince as you lied to your friend yet again. “I’d better not. I don’t want to give him a bag of stuff soaked in distressed alpha scent. Besides, I scented some stuff for him this morning; that should be enough.”

Kirishima frowned but nodded. “I guess that makes sense. Have you told him yet?”

You shake your head. “No. No reason to stress him out until I know for sure what I’m dealing with, and call when I have a better idea. Might not even take a full day if I’m lucky.” “Yeah, hopefully. It’s really shit timing, isn’t it.” You nod as you place the last of the bags on the counter, satisfied with your work. “It is. But I trust you to take care of him. You’re a great alpha like that.” Kirishima chuckled and preened at the praise. “I am great, aren’t I? I’ll do my best, but I’m no match for you.” You give a small, tight smile as you walk to your junk drawer, rummaging until you find one of your spare keys. You chuck it at your friend, who catches it easily. “Here. This way you can let yourself in and just grab a bag each day.”

“Can do, Dudette! Anything else?”

You considered as you retrieved a duffle bag, making a mental list of what you’d need to pack. “Not really? I haven’t told anybody else that I’m going yet. Wasn’t sure if I should ask Mina or some of the others to check in too. You know how Bakugou can be with his heats, and I want to make sure he’s comfortable.”

“Oh yeah, that makes sense. I’ll probably wait til tomorrow and see what he wants to do.” Kiri watched you as you paced around. “Need any help packing?”

You nodded with half a smile. “Yeah. Thanks, Kiri.”

In a few short hours you were packed with enough supplies for a few days, and on a train headed home. Your mother had agreed to meet you at the station. The scenery rushed by a window in a blur. Your eyes were unfocused as you watched the view whip by. You were really doing this. For the first time in years, you were leaving your omega… No. You were leaving Katsuki alone for his heat. You were leaving him alone so you could go to a marriage date. To meet an omega theoretically with the intention of bonding. Guilt weighed heavily on you as you exited the train hours later. You saw your mother waving to you from across the station. This was it. No turning back now.

~~~

Bakugou growled as the morning light streamed in his window, smacking him across the eyes. He wished he could just sleep until the whole fucking heat was over. He hated everything about it. He hated the itching of his skin, the hazy fog affecting his brain, the slimy slick that oozed out of him steadily. He hated the burning need to fuck and breed and to have his alpha close. Bakugou snarled to himself. He refused to be a slave to his weak ass biology. He wasn’t some weak, pitiful, flower. He was a top ten hero! He was going to be number one! And the next bastard who told him he should be home tending to his pups and letting an alpha take care of him was going to get an explosion up the ass. As if he needed some knotted headed alpha. Bakugou glanced at his clock, frowning when he saw the time. Usually his alpha would be here by now to drop off his care bag. He scratched at the swollen, irritated scent glands on his neck. It’s not like he fucking cared if Y/N was late. Just, he couldn’t remember the last time she had been. And maybe he was getting antsy because the strength of his heat scent was already starting to overpower the scented blanket he had woven into his nest, close to his pillows.

A knock sounded from the door, and with a relieved huff Bakugou rushed to answer it. He took a deep breath in to calm himself, before flinging the door open.

“About fucking time you showed up, shitty…” He trailed off as his brain registered the tall, red-headed man standing in front of him was very much not his alpha. “What the fuck are you doing here, shitty hair?”

Kirishima rubbed the back of his head, looking sheepish. “Hey man, sorry not to call beforehand, but I told Y/N I wouldn’t.” Confused, Bakugou looks Kirishima up and down again, this time spotting the familiar bag the redhead was holding. “What the fuck are you doing with my stuff? Where’s my shitty alpha?” Kiri frowned and held up the bag. “Don’t call Y/N shitty. She asked me to bring this over. Look, man, can I just come in and explain what’s going on?”

Reluctantly, Bakugou stood aside holding the door open as his friend came in. The blond stuck his head into the hallway, half looking for his alpha. His inner omega growing restless when there was no sign of you. With a grumble, he slammed the door, turning to where his friend had thrown himself onto the sofa. “So what the fuck, Kirishima? Where’s Y/N? Why didn’t she come here herself?”

Kiri tilted his head back, looking at the ceiling. “She had some sort of family emergency and had to go home for a bit. She didn’t want to worry you because she didn’t know how serious it was or how long it would take. She said she’d call and update us when she’s able to.”

Bakugou’s omega whimpered in his chest. His alpha was gone? His alpha had left him alone when he couldn’t follow to make sure they were alright? He knew how much your family stressed you out normally, let alone in an emergency. A traitorous part of his brain whispered to him, asking if this wasn’t exactly what he had wanted? Hadn’t he growled at his mate, wanting to be left alone? Bakugou hadn’t realized there was a plaintive whine escaping his throat until Kirishima wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

“Hey, bro, it’s okay. I know it’s rough, but I’m here. And I can call Mina and Sero if you want company. Been a while since we’ve had a pack get together. Y/N might not be here right now, but she wanted to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.”

Bakugou nodded stiffly as he went to go paw through the bag Kirishima had brought.

Jerky, drinks, chocolate- Bakugou frowned. “Was this the only bag?”

“I mean, there’s a bag for each day for about a week’s worth; so I just grabbed one. Why man, something missing? Need me to go get you something?”

Katsuki shook his head. He wasn’t going to ask Kirishima of all people where his usual bag of scented items was. If Y/N was in a rush, that would explain it. Bakugou hoped that was the case, and he wouldn’t have to actually ask you to scent things for him again. He’d rather be kidnapped by villains again than admit to how much your rich chocolate scent soothed him and helped him sleep peacefully. There was no way the items you had left yesterday would last him through the rest of his heat.

“Actually, shitty hair, could you go get me some Yakult? Been craving it this heat.” Kiri jumped up with a grin. “Sure, bro! No problem! Be right back!” The omega gave a lazy wave as Kiri jogged out the door. As soon as the door shut, he bolted to the bathroom and applied as much scent blocker as he could stand. It wouldn’t hold up long against his heat pheromones, but should work for what he intended to do. Bakugou grabbed his keyring from the hook by the door, rushed down the hallway to the stairway, and started climbing upward; taking the stairs three at a time. In less than a minute, he was standing outside the door to your apartment.

It felt strange, Katsuki thought as he flipped through his keys until he found yours. It was strange that in all your years of dating he had only been inside your apartment a handful of times. He unlocked the door, pushing it open and stepping inside. As the wall of scent that was uniquely you smacked him in the face, he felt the tension in his shoulders ease. Maybe the strangest thing was that you lived three floors apart instead of sharing a space together. Because then he wouldn’t be here, doing this; he thought as he made a beeline to your bedroom. He knew exactly what he was after. Recently scented items lost their smell fairly quickly. But something you used daily, with your scent glands brushing against it every time? That would last him a month, if not longer. Besides. You were his alpha. He wouldn’t have to come in and steal your pillow if you had just scented more stuff for him in the first place. He buried his face in your pillow and inhaled deeply. He whimpered as your rich scent filled his nose, causing his slick to increase. Reluctantly he made his way to the door with his prize, even as every instinct told him to build a nest on the soft bed and wait for his mate to come home to him.

~~~~~

You sighed, adjusting the cuffs of the outfit your mother had picked and shoved you into. Today was the day. The day you met your perspective “bride.” You snorted at the old fashioned ideology. At times like these you felt like you understood Bakugou better. Omegas deserved to be treated as more than just their dynamic. Luckily, most of society agreed nowadays; with omegas able to hold any job and no one being forced to marry. Unluckily, the omiai remained one of the last extremely traditional accepted ceremonies. Your parents were in another room, exchanging your scented handkerchief with one from whoever the poor omega was. According to tradition, if you both went into heat and rut upon scenting each other; you would both be married and mated that same day. What happened more often, you thought cynically, is as long as you didn’t gag at each other’s scent, you’d meet in person to see if you found each other compatible.

You were broken out of your ruminations by the sound of a door opening. Your mother practically skipped toward you, holding out the paper wrapped package with the hanky inside. You tuned out her nattering about how good this match could be as you unwrapped the paper and brought the cloth to your nose. Your brow furrowed. You inhaled deeply, just to make sure. The sharp tang of citrus hit your nose. You knew this scent from somewhere. “Hey mom,” you spoke softly. “I think I’d like to see them now.”

“Oh!” Your mother blinked in surprise. “Of course, of course! This way!”

Your mother led you into an elegant private room. You settled onto a cushion as your parents went to see if the omega had agreed to meet. Glancing about the room, you wondered exactly how many times you’d see the inside of this teahouse if you kept agreeing to these meetings. It didn’t feel right, you thought with a frown. But if you gave up on Bakugou, this was your destiny. Awkward meeting after awkward meeting until you clicked enough with someone to risk settling down.

You glanced up at the sound of the door. In came your parents, then the Yokomadas. You did a double take as the final person, the omega you were here to meet, entered the room. They looked equally as startled as your eyes locked.

“Y/N?”

“Denki?!”

That's it for part 2! Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for part 3! If anyone has any questions regarding the fic or how this particular omegaverse operates, please feel free to shoot me an ask.

Taglist- @yzviea, @not-a-pushover, @thelilypieforever, @kumihayu, @aomi04 Also, please note that @snuggleyourredpandas is my main account, so it you see a message reply from them, that's me!

[mlm-writer]

The Kappa Situation (Ray Palmer x GN!Reader)

Pairing: Ray Palmer (The Atom, LoT ver.) x Gender Neutral Metahuman Reader Rating: Explicit Words: 1915 Summary: You get injured, you get some flashbacks, Ray is a darling angel. Sexy times. Note: Mashed two requests together, then changed some wording to make it gender neutral since gender is sometimes so unnecessary. Uhh reader has the power to manipulate magnetic fields. Oh and a Kappa is a creature from Japanese folklore.  Tags: flashbacks, love confessions, idiots in love, oral sex, and hinted sub!Ray... ok it is kinda there. OH AN NO BETA BECAUSE I AM LAZY 

The ring moved slowly parallel to the metal bar it was around. With brows knitted in concentration, you manipulated the magnetic micro fields around it to move it to the finish without it touching the bar. You just passed your personal record. A smile formed on your lips as you moved it further. That was until the door to your room opened and the sound disturbed your concentration. The edge of the ring touched the bar lightly and a loud buzzer hurt your ears in punishment. 

“Dammit! What do you want?” You turned around to find Ray in the door. He looked at you like a kicked puppy. “Ah Ray… Can this wait? I am in the middle of training.” He frowned. Normally he would have gone already and given you your space. 

“I feel like you’re kind of avoiding me. Did I do something wrong?” He tilted his head. It was so cute. You tore your eyes away from him and grabbed the energy shake off the side table. That puppy look was exactly what you were trying to avoid. Dammit there were fairy godmothers and elves and whatnot wandering the timeline. There was no time for your dumb crush. Lives were at stake. 

“No, not at all, don’t worry about it. I just have been concentrating on improving my microfields. You know that if I refine it I could generate electricity right? That skill will be necessary eventually and I don’t want to be the idiot who did not train enough to get us out of regular Legends shenanigans.” You sat down on your bed and took a good swig from the shake, concealing your face with the bottle. 

“Oh… oh yeah ok,” Ray replied and you thought for a moment that he was going to leave you alone. However, he did not move from his spot. You kept on drinking, side-eyeing him. Your eyes raked over the perfect-fit jeans and the dark red sweater he wore on top of it. Oh how he was a champion of hiding his perfect body. When you came to his head, he had his eyes on you as well. You lowered the bottle and cleared your throat. “Can I uh…” Ray started, “God… I just want the truth. I don’t like people not liking me, especially not if I like them very much.” He ran his hands through his hair during his mini-ramble. The dark brown locks stood up in all directions now. 

“I like you too, Ray. I promise, I am not upset with you.” You chose your words carefully as you rose to your feet. Ray caught on your words. He was used to realising that your ‘better’s never meant ‘good’ and your ‘no lies’ did not mean ‘full truth’ either. You wondered when he had learned your loopholes so quickly. 

He walked inside, the door whooshing close behind him and the situation suddenly felt so intimate. “Not upset then… Perhaps disappointed?” You sighed and shook your head. He kept coming closer. “Then… Sad? Are you sad?” You chuckled and shook your head again. “Furious?” Another shake of the head. Another step closer. He stopped walking when there was half an arm’s length between you. He was talking, but you could not take your eyes off his perfect lips. You were so smitten. Dear Lord, have mercy on your soul. 

Inhibition slipped you as you finally looked up at Ray. Your intense stare shut him right up. “Ray Palmer, I have been avoiding you because I’m super into you. Now please leave me alone or kiss me.” No one could shut up Ray Palmer like you. The boy scout with so many words turned into a gaping fish at your words. Since he was not jumping at the opportunity to kiss you, you pointed towards the exit, but he took a gentle hold of your wrist. 

“No, no, I choose kissing… just… can we wait with that? I am pretty sure my breath still smells and I wouldn’t want our first kiss to be… gross… not that… I mean, ha, I am into you too, super into you, super duper…” 

You did not kiss that day. The memory was cut off with a dull ache in your chest. You opened your eyes, squinting at the ceiling. “Where am I?” You mumbled to yourself. There was shuffling and suddenly your boyfriend was in your vision. He was rambling. How typical. “What happened?” You, very intelligently, inquired, cutting through the words with only two of your own. 

Ray blinked at you. “You saved my life, don’t you remember?” As he stared at you with concern, you frowned, trying to remember. 

The kappa ran between the trees and the bushes. Ray was hot on its tail, his smaller size allowing easy navigation through the highly vegetated area. It was a wonder how Japan from the future had dense forests within the city serving as a park. You moved into position near the park’s entrance. You saw the green creature run right past it and you started running parallel to it. The sidewalk was full, even at this late hour. People yelled at you as you pushed them aside. You were just in time to see Ray change back to his normal size and make a jump to catch the kappa. 

He rolled over the sidewalk and right into the street. You sprinted as you spotted a hover car coming right at him. “Ray! Move!” You exclaimed, totally forgetting about your comm. You stopped in the middle of the crossroads and stretched out your arms. The magnetic field repulsed the hover car, slowing it to a stop right in front of Ray. You let out a sigh of relief, before you found yourself off your feet, right before everything went black. 

“Ah yeah, a car. You’re welcome, by the way.” You held your arm out and Ray took it to help you up. He helped you out of the medbay. Apparently you were all good, just bound to be sore with some minor injuries to your rib that Gideon could not fix for you. “Where are the others?” 

Ray was the perfect gentleman as he guided you to your new, shared room. “Still taking care of that kappa. We took it almost to the waverider, but it got away before the hatch was fully down.” You sighed, making a joke about how they were hopeless without you. Once in your room, Ray pulled you close and let you lean against him as he undressed you. You smiled as you smelled the mixture of his deodorant and grime of a long day. You helped him minimally, letting him undress you like a doll. Once you were down to nothing, he pushed you down onto the bed. “Don’t lie down yet. I’ll clean you up a little so you can sleep comfortably.” 

You hummed and let him take care of you. Ray returned shortly after with a bucket of water and a small towel. He was methodical and careful as he wiped down your skin. You closed your eyes and let your head hang back. The second he was done, you carefully lowered yourself down onto the bed, legs still hanging off the edge. Ray walked over to your dresser to get you some underwear. You whistled at him. He looked over his shoulder at you, an unspoken inquiry on his face. “I am naked on our bed and there is no one on the ship. Don’t you want to make use of that?” You winked at him, making him laugh. 

“As much as I would love to - for the record I really, really want to - I don’t think we should have sex with your injuries.” You pouted at him and trailed a hand down to your sex, rubbing yourself slowly, teasingly. “Uhm, uh…” You smirked when Ray was clearly having doubts about his righteous decisions. You saw his eyes follow the path of your fingers. “Just oral? I can do that, you can just lie there.” You failed at suppressing the grin that spread over your face. As he gestured to your body while suggesting you’d just lie there.

You chuckled and beckoned him over with your fingers. “I’ll take anything from you, but please lose your clothing as well.” Ray pulled his black shirt off in one smooth motion. He then unceremoniously pushed his jeans and underwear down together. Ray dropped to his knees like a man about to worship a god. He put your legs over his shoulders, removed your hand and got to work with his tongue. He lapped over you with languid strokes. Your eyes closed and your head fell back onto the bed. A happy sigh left you as his glorious tongue licked up your taste. 

“I love doing this,” Ray announced between licks as if you were not awfully aware of how happy he could be from just servicing you with his mouth. He teased you with only the tip of his tongue, before going back to those slow, long licks. You sighed and put a hand through his soft hair, pulling a little so he would put his lips around your most sensitive parts. Just one tug was all it took for Ray to drop the teasing and just get to work with sucking and licking and moving his head like he would die from a lack of your pleasure. 

You moaned at the sudden spike of pleasure. Your back naturally arched off the bed and you winced at the pain that stabbed through your ribcage. And just like that, the pleasure stopped and Ray was looking you over with saliva still dripping down his chin. “Are you ok? Are you in pain?”

“Yes and yes… You are so adorable,” you sighed as you shifted. “Sorry, could not help myself from moving. Having you suck on me like that is just very good.” You smiled sheepishly at him. Ray nodded and stroked your cheek with his thumb. He told you to relax as he went down again. He put your legs over his shoulders and you were expecting him to go back to what he was doing before, but instead you felt his tongue circle your hole. “Fuck Ray, please,” you whimpered at the idea of his tongue inside you. 

Your boyfriend was nothing if not obedient. He gently pushed his slick tongue inside, fuckign you with it. The pleasure was just as good, just less intense. While it was previously like bullets of pleasure through your body, this was like a continuous stream of pleasure that would slowly send you overflowing. You removed your hand from his head to touch yourself, your fingers gliding easily over yourself with Ray’s saliva still there. You allowed to let all the soft sounds escape you, being free in your expression of pleasure. 

Ray was a champ, who did not stop until he heard you gasp and then a hand landed on your abdomen to steady you as his tongue slid back up to replace your hand. An exclamation of pleasure left your lips, the feeling overruling the slight ache of your injuries protesting against the muscles tensing from your orgasm. You were panting as much as you could once the pleasure subsided. Ray rubbed your thighs for a hot minute, until he got up again. Your eyes were unfocused staring at the ceiling until they eventually closed, your body giving in to the exhaustion. 

[sourholland]

Ooooh angst “what about us?” “there is no us, there never was.” with tom plssss! Really love ur work 🌸

Last Kiss || Tom Holland

Summary → After a fling you and Tom had started while filming a movie together, he tells you that you two can’t be together anymore. Once you get home, Tom let’s you know that he made a mistake.

AN → This was supposed to come out yesterday, I just got lazy and waited to edit it. I can’t tell if I like how this came out or hate it, either way, I hope you guys like this. Also in honor of the Fearless re-record!!

Pairing(s) → Tom Holland x Fem!Reader

Warnings → Strong Language, Suggestive, Alcohol Use

Prompt(s) → 38

Word Count → 1.9k

The ringing of your phone sounded through your apartment loudly, the sound of the rain pattering loudly against the windows out-looking New York City. You set down the remote, feet padding against the cold hardwood while you looked for your buzzing cellphone.

You didn’t bother glancing at the caller ID, picking it up bringing it to your ear all in one quick motion.

“Hello?” You said, pulling a wine glass down from the cabinet.

“Y/N?” Tom’s voice came through the phone.

Your heart dropped, a breath catching in your throat while you stood in your kitchen. He was across the country, wanting nothing to do with you. He repeated your name through the phone, asking if you were there.

“Yeah, I’m here,” you answered, pouring more wine than you’d originally intended into the glass.

“Isn’t it like one in the morning in England?” You asked, listening to the muffles coming through the speaker.

“Yeah—yeah, it’s late here. I just couldn’t sleep, and I started to think of you. Sorry, I probably shouldn’t have called.”

You sat at one of the barstools, swirling the red contents of the glass around. You wanted to yell at him, or maybe you wanted to tell him how much you loved him. You sat silently for a few moments, bare legs cold from the draft.

“Tom,” you started. “I just don’t get why we have to rehash the past, you know? I came back to New York, just like you told me I should. You’re working on whatever new movie, I’m doing the same. I don’t know—I just think we should leave whatever happened between us alone. You made it very clear that it was me that you didn’t want,” you mumbled, pulling at the sleeves of your sweater.

He audibly sighed, the ruffling of sheets coming through the phone. He was probably in bed, if he wasn’t so far away you’d have asked him if this was a sad attempt at getting you to sleep with him.

“I was fucking stupid, and I’m sorry, Y/N. I’m so fucking sorry, I’ve said that a million times,” his voice was hoarse and tired.

“I’ve already forgiven you, Tom. I just can’t keep doing this—this thing with you.”

You both went quiet for a minute, the only sound being the noise from outside in the bustling streets of the city and the rain. You knew you should hang up, block his number and forget about anything you two ever had. You’d tried a few times, unable to bring yourself to doing it.

“What about us?” He asked lowly, a twinge of hurt in his tired voice.

“There is no us, Tom,” you replied. “I’m not even sure there ever was.”

He didn’t say anything, you wanted to let out the repressed cry and tell him you didn’t mean it. That you were sorry and that you thought about him more than you’d like to admit. Something in you knew if you didn’t do your best to cut it off, you two would continue down the same everlasting cycle.

“Okay,” he said.

“Okay.”

The line went silent for a moment, and then your home screen lit up. The call had been ended. You downed the remainder of your wine, ditching the cup and just going for the bottle. You thought about calling him back, about apologizing and booking a plane ticket like some lovesick teenager.

You opened Instagram and began scrolling through your feed of posts, liking and commenting occasionally. You weren’t anywhere near drunk, merely tipsy and heartbroken. Your finger lingered on the button to go live, wondering if you really wanted thousands of people to see you in this state.

You left the kitchen and instead propped your phone against the couch, taking a seat on the white rug of your living room. You wearily pressed the go live button, raising the bottle to your chapped lips once more. You are pathetic, you thought.

“Hey guys!” You smiled at the camera and outpouring of greetings in the comments. Within a few minutes you’d racked in a few thousand viewers. You grabbed the guitar sitting against your wall and strummed the cords lightly while it sat in your lap.

userone: you are so adorable

usertwo: can you please say hi?!!!??

userthree: it’s my birthday y/n!

“I’m sorry I haven’t been very active on social media, guys. It’s been super crazy traveling back and forth from London to New York and then having to leave again in a few weeks. And now I’m sitting on my living room floor with a bottle of wine,” you laughed. A few familiar people popped into the comments of the live, some you’ve worked with and some you’ve yet to meet in person.

florencepugh: y/n!!!

gracieabrams: might just bust out the wine just for u

“Florence, I can’t wait to see you soon!” You smiled, “Gracie, I swear it’s making everything like a hundred times better.”

userfour: i’m in love with her

userfive: y/n saving 2021???!!!

“I’m not even sure what I’m supposed to be singing,” you flushed. You did sing, before getting into acting you’d post a lot on Instagram and TikTok. It’d always been more of a hobby, something you loved to do, but weren’t good enough to pursue.

“I’ve had a little too much to drink,” you added. “So don’t get upset if I’m a little pitchy, guys.”

usersix: if she’s pitchy i’m not sure what i am

userseven: sing taylor swift!!!

“Okay, okay!” You chuckled, scrolling through the hundreds of comments saying to play Taylor Swift. You’d only just been crying to like three of her albums a few hours before.

“How about the chorus—and maybe the bridge too, yeah, that’ll work,” you mumbled to yourself, fiddling with the strings. “Alright, guys, Last Kiss it is. I won’t bore you all with the whole thing, though. I could never do Taylor justice.”

“And I’ll go sit on the floor, wearing your clothes”

Getting involved with him was singlehandedly the most stupid decision you’ve ever made, you thought. Late nights in his flat after long nights on set, ordering in and just talking, you two would talk as if you’d known each other your whole lives. It was something about the way he’d let you wear his clothes, or the way he’d tuck your hair behind your ear while you told him about whatever insignificant thing that had happened that day.

“All that I know,

I don’t know how to be something you miss”

The car ride to the airport was the worst, it was grey and cold outside. There was makeup running down your face, mascara covering your eyes generously. You’d wrapped filming a week earlier, unable to bring yourself to walk away from him.

You couldn’t tell the driver to turn you around, or could you? Tom had already made it clear that you were both in different places in your career. This wasn’t what he wanted. You weren’t what he wanted.

“I never thought we’d have our last kiss”

He had held you just a little tighter, you ran your fingers through his hair for just a second longer. The taste of each other lingering on the both of your lips. Like you knew it would be the last time he’d hold you without knowing.

His stupid smiled, the way he pulled away and ran his thumb over your swollen bottom lip. You were almost wrapped around his finger, absolutely sickened with desire and infatuation for him.

“I never imagined we’d end like this,

Your name, forever the name on my lips”

The day you’d left to come home to New York started with a huge argument between the two of you. He’d basically just told you that you’d both known from the beginning you wouldn’t last together. It wasn’t a matter of how much you cared for one another, but that it was impossible, as he put it.

His eyes glossed over and bloodshot, you a complete and utter mess. Slamming the door behind you as you left was one of the most painful things you’d ever endured. Even more painful, the fact that he never came after you.

“So I’ll watch your life in pictures like I used to watch you sleep”

“I can feel you staring at me, love,” he murmured against the pillow.

Your face heated, eyes averting to the stream of light through the sheerness of the curtains. He leaned into you a moment later, his lips soft on your own. He was warm, he was always so warm. You cupped the side of his face gently, pulling him in a bit harder.

“And I feel you forget me like I used to feel you breathe”

You dropped your bags, stepping into your apartment after months of being away. It felt quieter than usual, desolate and empty from your being away. It was dark out, the illumination of the bright city lights from your windows.

You glanced down at your phone for a moment, not a missed call, not a text, not even a fucking notification. He’d simply told you to go home, nothing more nothing less.

“I keep up with our old friends just to ask them how you are,

Hope it’s nice where you are”

You’d texted Harrison a few times, regretting it almost immediately after. He was sweet, telling you that Tom would come around eventually and to just be patient. You’d relied on those kind words for some time, eventually deleting them all together.

After Tom’s first text, you’d realized he wasn’t coming around or regretting what he’d said to you. He was lonely, maybe even a bit desperate. For months you had been there to listen to him and hold him, and now you were gone.

You’d fed into it the first few times, sitting on the phone with him for hours at a time. Then you started to feel worse hearing his voice, silent sobs escaping as you’d listen to him ramble. Then your finger would linger over the decline button a little longer than usual when he’d call, until eventually you started to use it.

“And I hope the sun shines and it’s a beautiful day,

And something reminds you,

You wish you had stayed”

Once you started to go out with other guys, Tom’s ‘I miss you’ texts became more infrequent. Paparazzi would snap pictures, and the next morning they’d be plastered all over the internet.

There was no doubt he was seeing you going out with other people, watching article after article about who you were dating surface. Would he be jealous? No, you thought. Tom was probably doing the same thing as you. Hopeless hookups, meaningless blind dates.

“You can plan for a change in the weather and time”

One early morning, you found yourself in a sweatshirt you’d stolen from one of his drawers and forgotten to return. Listening to the morning rush of traffic and hugging yourself, noticing the lingering smell of his cologne.

You wondered if he knew you’d taken it, if he would think you were pathetic wearing it months after you two had broken things off. This only made you clutch yourself a little tighter, closing your eyes and trying to remember.

“But I never planned on you changing your mind”

[olivia-anderson-fanfic]

Into The Unknown, Part 2

First

Interdimensional travel? Awful. Don’t try it at home. It’s a lot like how one would imagine getting sucked up a straw: you get squished and pulled until you come out the other side a goopy mess.

Speaking of goopy messes: Tim keeled over and threw up.

He ignored the yelling right next to him because, honestly, he couldn’t even bring himself to look up at the moment. The bright light of this world -- apparently it was daytime here, ew -- hurt his eyes even through his sunglasses and he really didn’t want to move from where he had curled up in what seemed to be grass.

But, eventually, he did. He pushed himself up onto his knees and squinted over at her.

Ladybug had detransformed at some point and was now wearing an old t-shirt and some sweats… and she was apparently fighting off a baby. Damian kicked, screamed, and wiggled in her hold as she tried her hardest to trap him in the blanket again.

“... how are you losing to a baby?”

She sent a glare at him and then mumbled a curse as a tiny fist connected with her face and Damian wriggled away from her.

“Let me think about that, Red. What could go wrong if I, a meta used to fighting other metas, tried to use force against a human child?”

Okay, yeah. It was probably for the best that she hadn’t tried anything.

Oddly enough, when Tim walked over and replaced Marinette, Damian started behaving immediately.

He frowned, tipping his head to the side confusedly. He picked up his younger brother and stood up. “Why’d he start freaking out?”

She did the exact opposite of standing up, opting to spread out in the grass and glare at the sky. “I don’t know. He just started freaking out when I tried to put the watch around his neck.”

“Weird,” he mumbled.

“Yeah.”

He took the time to look around properly for once. They were in a park but it must have been a weekday because there was hardly anyone around. The only people that had paid them any mind were a group of teenagers -- probably ditching, he thought -- that were staring at them with wide eyes.

Tim glanced at a street sign to make sure the common language was English before sending them a glare. “It’s rude to stare, y’know.”

The teenagers quickly looked down at their phones. Tim knew better than to believe that they were actually paying attention, they had the same posture that a lot of lookouts did, but whatever. No one would believe them, anyways.

He gave her a few more minutes before he adjusted his hold on Damian and offered a hand up.

Ladybug took it with a faint smile and he pulled her to her feet. She grabbed their discarded suitcase and they started walking aimlessly.

“Okay, we’re here… but we still need a cover.”

“Um… you’re the one that’s good at hacking, right?”

He nodded. Damian reached a hand out of the blanket and began touching his hair. He was too busy wondering what to do to really mind.

“Great. How about… we’re the kid’s siblings?”

“We can pass as his parents. I mean, it’d be a teen pregnancy but it wouldn’t be bad,” said Tim. “We still had him at eighteen-ish.”

She shook her head. “He’s darker than both of us, it wouldn’t make sense. Maybe I had him with some… darker guy and now you’re my boyfriend? No, that feels racist for some reason. I’m his half-sister, our parents died, and you’re my boyfriend.”

Tim frowned. “Why am I always the boyfriend? He’s my brother.”

“Well, frankly, you look nothing like him. He and I, at least, have similar noses.”

He scowled. It made sense but it still annoyed him. “Fine. I’m your husband, though. I want to have at least some rights.”

She rolled her eyes. “Sure. Guess that’s good for tax benefits, too. Better get me a cute ring.”

“Okay, but the diamond is going to be fake.”

“Cheapskate.”

“Cheskae,” Damian said, yanking Tim’s hair like the little shit he was.

“See, he agrees,” Ladybug said with a victorious grin.

~

They went up to a hotel (Red Robin had tried to talk her into a five-star one but she managed to bring it down to a two-star when showing him the cost) and tried to reserve a room.

“May I have a name for the reservation?” The nice lady at the front counter said, smiling at them.

Red Robin glanced up from where he was awkwardly bouncing with the baby in his arms to shoot her A Look. It was unfortunate that she had no clue what the look meant. She considered the question for a moment before eventually saying:

“Dupain-Cheng.”

Red Robin relaxed a little so she was pretty sure she had gotten it right.

She hesitantly took the baby from him -- the kid had apparently forgotten about his earlier freakout because he was just as weirdly still as he had been back in Gotham -- so he could pay.

The moment they got into the hotel room she fell back in the bed. The baby squirmed a little on her stomach to get comfortable before joining her in her laziness.

Red Robin sighed and sat next to them, resting his head in his hands. “Okay. We’re going to need supplies for him. Do you want to do a supply run or should I?”

She shrugged a little, much to the baby’s dismay. Have you ever had a baby babble angrily at you? It’s very cute.

“You’re so helpful. Thanks, Ladybug.”

“No problem,” she said as if she couldn’t hear the blatant sarcasm in his tone. Then she pushed herself up to squint at him, the baby sliding down to her lap smoothly. “Wait, are we still going to be using codenames?”

He frowned. “Obviously.”

“... for fifteen years?”

“Obviously.”

She rolled her eyes. “Great, so when we take the kid back we’re going to explain to him that, on top of all the adjustment of moving to a different dimension, he needs to now use a different name for you, and messing up isn’t an option. Also, I feel like people are going to question two random people called ‘Red Robin’ and ‘Ladybug’ at some point.”

Red Robin frowned, clearly thinking hard, and then nodded slightly. He removed his glasses and looked at her with an awkward smile. “This is Damian, I’m Tim.”

She raised her eyebrows because he was looking at her expectantly and she really didn’t know what he wanted from her. “Uh… am I supposed to know you?”

“I mean… kinda?”

She squinted at him for a while before shrugging. “That one guy? Timothy --.”

“Yep!”

“-- Chalamet?”

He looked oddly hurt now. “You think I look like Timothy Chalamet?”

“I mean you both have the same sickly Victorian boy look about you.”

“... for the sake of our fake marriage I’m going to pretend that you didn’t say that. I’m Tim Drake.” She still didn’t show any hint of recognition (probably because she didn’t recognize him) so he groaned and motioned to Damian. “This is Damian Wayne.”

“Wayne? Like Waynetech?”

“There you go,” he said.

She grinned at him. “It’s not my fault you made me guess.”

He huffed a little. “Alright, fine, then who are you, then?”

“Marinette Dupain-Cheng.”

“... who’s that?”

“A nobody. Like secret identities should be,” she said, giving him a smug look.

He rolled his eyes. “I feel like this is going to be a long fifteen years.”

“Shouldn’t have dragged me into your mess, now you gotta deal with the consequences.”

He stuck his tongue out at her. She returned it. So did the baby.

~

It was decided that Marinette should be the one to go on a supply run since Tim needed to start making identities for them.

… it would be a lot easier if there wasn’t a baby crawling all over him. She’d better get a crib while she was out because he didn’t know if he could deal with a baby smashing the keys for much longer.

“Dami -- no, stop, I -- I swear to god -- you’re a baby okay I can literally just drop you and you would -- please stop --,” Tim cut off his irritated rambling when Damian nearly got them on a good few government watchlists by smashing the keys at the wrong time.

Fed up, he grabbed the kid and set him on the ground. It’ll probably be fine. He only needed to do a few quick things, anyways.

He was shocked to find that there was a version of him in this world. The idea of a Tim who didn’t do vigilante-work was foreign to him. He had apparently stayed with his parents and was now working towards a business degree. This dimension’s Tim wasn’t nearly as famous as he was and the three of them had landed in Texas so it was unlikely that he would be recognized but he would prefer not using the name if he didn’t have to. Just to be safe.

Damian didn’t exist, as far as he could tell, but Bruce Wayne did and he was still famous so it wouldn’t be a good idea to use his last name either.

There was a version of Marinette, too, but she was currently in France helping her parents run their bakery. Very little chance of her getting recognized.

So, he decided to use her last name for all of them. Quick and easy. He’d have to tell her that he changed her birthplace to New Jersey when she got back to the hotel but he doubted she’d have much of a problem with that.

… oh. His phone was ringing. Apparently he could tell her now.

He picked up and wedged it between his ear and his shoulder as he worked at finding them a few social security numbers to… ‘borrow’.

“Yeah?”

“How big is the baby?”

Tim blinked a few times. “... baby sized?”

“No. Like… what size diaper do you think he would use?”

He scoffed. “Do I look like I would know the diaper sizes?”

“Do I look like I do? Just… how old do you think he is?”

Tim looked over the edge of the bed to where Damian was currently shaking Kaalki like she was a maraca. Kaalki, for her part, only looked vaguely annoyed as she bounced around in his tiny baby fists.

“I dunno. Like… a year-ish? Just buy one of everything we can see what fits.”

“Fucking hell I forgot you were rich. You said a year? I’m using that.”

He rolled his eyes. “Okay -- OH SHIT DAMIAN NO!”

He tumbled out of bed and raced over to Damian before he could stick his finger in a socket. He didn’t really know if that was enough to get shocked but this was not the way to find out.

Damian was apparently very annoyed about him foiling his attempt at dying because he squirmed around in his grip and yelled incomprehensibly. Tim ignored the baby fists trying to knock his teeth out -- his teeth had faced far worse before -- and scooted across the ground to his phone.

“-- to god, Tim, what happened if you don’t answer I will run over there --.”

“It’s fine. Just get… you know the things that cover electrical sockets? Make sure to get some of those,” he said, tipping his head back to rest against the bed so he could kind of relax despite the ball of anger in his arms.

Marinette groaned. “Fuck, you can’t just scare me like that.”

“Yeah, you were the one that suffered the most during that.”

She scoffed but he swore he could hear a tiny laugh hidden under her mumbled ‘shut up’.

He smiled a little.

She didn’t hang up, probably expecting to ask him something else soon, so he listened in idly as he tried to calm Damian down enough to start working again.

She mumbled to herself while she looked for things. Some of the speech was normal but most of it was pretty much as incomprehensible as Damian’s babbling (admittedly, it probably didn’t help that he was only half paying attention).

“... tty trai… now?... oh... alright… oh, great, does she work here?” She murmured to herself. Then, louder: “Hey, lady --!”

“We’re in Texas,” he reminded her. “People are expected to be more polite down here.”

He was too late. Someone started yelling on Marinette’s end and, if the tiny sigh of annoyance was anything to go off of, it wasn’t her.

The yelling lasted approximately five minutes before someone intervened.

He heard her speak in rapid Spanish to the employee and, to his surprise, he could actually understand every word of them talking shit about the lady who had screamed at her. He didn’t know what to think of this outside of pulling the phone away from his mouth so he could try and roll an r. He was delighted to find that he had gained that ability as well. He continued rolling his tongue.

Damian stopped his squirming and gave Tim a confused look… and then he started to giggle. He twisted around in Tim’s lap and started trying to mimic the sound.

He tried to hide his smile as the two of them kept making r sounds at each other. He didn’t think he’d succeeded at keeping his face relatively neutral, but he didn’t really mind.

~~~~~

Next

@nathleigh @peachmuses @unoriginalmess

[h3art-n-s0ul]

Apologies

Akaashi x Reader

(Please feel free to reblog and comment)

Word Count: 2k

Genre: Fluff

Summary: Keiji is planning on proposing to you, but nothing seems to go to plan.

Content Warnings: Language, minor comedic sexual references

___________________________

Akaashi had been planning to propose to you for two months. Two very long months. Well he knew he was going to marry you about five minutes after meeting you. But technically, he bought the ring two months ago. He had it all perfectly planned out. In two days, he would propose in the place you two first met. He knew it was cliche but, the place you two met was slightly unconventional.

It was the parking lot in front of the local university library. He had actually gone in to talk to the administration and see if he could rent out the parking lot from them. The request was so odd, it took them a bit of time to respond. It actually worked out perfectly since they were closed this Saturday, so they agreed to let him rent it out for his intended purpose. The staff were quite confused as to why he would want that old parking lot until Akaashi explained. They hadn’t gotten enough funding to redo it in years so there were tens of potholes, cracks, and broken pieces of blacktop. The colored lines were fading so most people just guessed where to park. But that very parking lot was responsible for your meeting.

It was early spring, and there was still a chill in the air. Akaashi was running late to one of his classes and was weaving between vehicles in the parking lot to get to his car. You were busy walking towards the library with a book up to your nose. Multitasking you know? Akaashi didn't see you around one of the cars and obviously neither did you, too invested in your book. Like fate brought you together, you crashed into one another. You completely stumbled backwards, less than gracefully, sending your book flying. And fly it did, right into a muddy puddle.

“I am so sorry!” Akaashi bent down to help you up before retrieving your ruined book. He brushed off the cover and noticed the title.

“Shit, sorry I wasn’t looking where I was going.” You apologized and he handed you the novel.

“No, no, it was totally my fault. I was in a rush. I’m so sorry about your book. I have to say you have great taste in fiction though.” Akaashi laughed lightly.

“Oh um thank you. Again, I am so sorry for running into you, well, I mean I'm not, but, uh-that was totally my bad. I’m sure you need to get going…” You turned to leave before he grabbed your wrist while he reached into his bag to pull out his wallet.

“Please allow me to pay for it.”

“No, really it’s fine. You don’t have to do that. Totally my fault. I'm sorry.”

Akaashi opened his wallet and groaned, “Ugh god I am so sorry I only have my card. Here.” He scribbled on the back of a receipt and handed it to you. “This is my phone number, text me your venmo and I’ll pay you back. I’m really in a rush right now, sorry.”

“No it’s fine really! Um what’s your name if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Akaashi.”

“Great. I’m Y/n. Wish we could have met under better circumstances, but I’m glad we’ve met. I’d like to chat about your taste in books sometime.”

“Me too.”

Eventually, you texted him, but it had nothing to do with venmo. Instead you invited him out to coffee and you two just kept meeting. Akaashi felt bad each time that he hadn’t paid you back, but you reassured him it was fine and he could bring money next time. In actuality you were using it as an excuse for you two to keep meeting up. Until finally, neither of you needed an excuse to see each other. One thing led to another and two years passed. Now you and Akaashi were living together in perfect harmony.

Akaashi had contacted Bokuto before he bought the ring. Who better to consult about this than his best friend?

“OH MY GOD YOU’RE GOING TO PROPOSE?!” Bokuto yelled into his receiver. “About fucking time. Okay hear me out, spell the question out in fireworks. She can’t say no!”

Akaashi chuckled. “Well I was thinking of going for something a little more private and personal. And I don’t even know if she’ll say yes yet.”

“Keiji are you kidding? There’s no way she can say no. You two are so perfect for each other!” Bokuto was so excited for his best friend.

“I don’t know about that first part. I just know she’s it for me. I’m just glad I know her pinterest username. I think I’m going to start there.”

“I admire your resourcefulness. Honestly, I bet you could pop the question in a garbage yard and she’d still say yes.”

Then it hit Akaashi and he knew exactly where he wanted to propose to you.

“Hey thanks for the ideas Ko. I have to go right now.”

“But you just called?”

“I have to run to the bookstore right away.”

It was perfect. He would set the open ring box on top of the book when he got down on one knee, finally paying off his debt to you.

All he had to do now was lie in wait. Just two days. He could do it. It took everything in him not to tell you already. He tucked the book into the back corner of his t-shirt drawer along with the ring. It forced a smile on his face every time he got ready in the morning.

“Hey Darling, I’m going to head out real quick to pick up the new air conditioner, okay?” Keiji yelled from the back bedroom.

“Yeah okay sounds good. Oh wait- can you get take-out? I’m kinda too lazy to make dinner.” You laughed and he walked into the living room where you were sitting. A book sat in your lap. Some things just never change.

“Yeah of course. Panda express?” Keiji smiled at you.

“Oh god I’m so in love with you.” You replied. Akaashi scoffed and leaned down to press a quick kiss to your lips.

“Okay I’ll be right back!” You heard the clatter of his keys and the shut of the door. Your eyes cast downward back to your page. About five minutes later you wiped a bead of sweat from your forehead. ‘God it is way too hot.’ You stood up and walked to your shared bedroom to change into something lighter. Unfortunately, your favorite t-shirt resided in Akaashi’s drawer. You pulled the drawer open in search of the thin, white shirt. You fingered through the various fabrics until they touched something hard and smooth.

“What- is..” You pulled the novel out and saw the title. ‘Why would ‘Kashi hide this…Fuck what if this was like a gift for me or something?’ You thought. You already felt bad before your eyes scanned back inside the drawer. A little black velvet box sat in the back right corner. Holy shit. Your hands were shaking as you slowly grabbed the object and opened it. A bright diamond ring stared back at you. Holy shit.

“H-he was going to propose?” Shock filled your body and you backpedaled to sit on the king bed. You couldn’t think.

‘Maybe the ring wasn’t his? What? No that’s stupid. Well maybe it’s not an engagement ring?’ Your eyes glanced back down at the ring.

‘Nope. Definitely an engagement ring. When was he planning on proposing? Sure you guys had talked about getting married before but- he was planning it this whole time? How long?’ And then the worst thought filled your mind. ‘Holy shit. What if he’s angry at me? I totally ruined the surprise! Maybe I can put it back and pretend I didn’t find it? No, I don’t wanna lie to him! Oh my god what if I start off our marriage with lies! He’d never forgive me! And then we’d have to get divorced in our 40’s! Oh god!’ Before you could pull yourself out of your thoughts, the front door opened.

“Hey love, I forgot my phone!” Panic settled in your body and your hands scrambled to shove the ring underneath the blankets.

“Darling?” Akaashi walked into the bedroom and saw you awkwardly sitting on the bed. He chuckled a bit, “Love? What’s going on? Why are you sitting like that?”

“Oh- me? What do you mean? I was just relaxing.” You tried to block his view from the book by sitting upright.

“Did you finish your book? Why are you all sweaty?” Keiji noticed the anxious aura around you.

“Um well you see-” Come on Y/n. Think of an excuse! Come on!

Keiji raised his eyebrow suspiciously and started to lean over to see behind you.

“MASTURBATING!” You squeaked out.

“What?” Keiji started laughing.

“ I was- um masturbating. That’s why I’m all sweaty. Sorry. God this is so embarrassing you should just leave!” You nervously winced. ‘I’m so fucking stupid.’ You internally facepalmed.

“Um okay. I’m sorry I uh I’ll just get going. Sorry babe.” He flushed red and awkwardly started to shuffle out of the room before seeing the open top drawer. Oh fuck. He immediately turned around to you and sighed. He hung his head low and asked, “You found it didn’t you?”

“KEIJI I SWEAR TO GOD I AM SO SORRY I DIDN’T MEAN TO IT WAS JUST SO HOT AND YOU KNOW HOW I LIKE WEARING YOUR T-SHIRTS-” He collapsed into a heap on the floor and put his face in his hands.

“PLEASE ‘KASHI NO I AM SO SO SORRY PLEASE DON’T BE UPSET WITH ME YOUR SHIRTS JUST SMELL SO GOOD AND YOU KNOW WE DON’T HAVE AC! UM WE CAN PRETEND IT NEVER HAPPENED I MEAN I DIDN’T REALLY EVEN SEE MUCH-” You continued rambling before he got up and grabbed your hands. When you looked at his face he had tears in his eyes.

“OH GOD KEI I AM SO-”

“Why would I be upset with you, love?” Keiji smiled bitterly.

“Y-you’re not mad?”

“No, of course not. I’m mad at myself. I should’ve remembered you liked wearing my t-shirts.” He tucked a piece of hair behind your ear. “I guess this just isn’t really how I pictured this going. I’m so sorry.”

“No, Keiji, I'm so sorry. This is all my fault.” You profusely apologized.

“Wow this really brings me back.” He smirked thinking of your first meeting. “So, I take it as a no?”

“What? WHAT? NO NO NO!” You frantically waved your hands in front of yourself. “IT’S A YES! YES! Keiji, I am so in love with you baby!” You grasped his cheeks in your hands and sniffled.

“Really?” His eyes widened.

“‘Kashi are you kidding? Of course I want to spend the rest of my life with you! There’s no one else I want.” You reassured. Slowly he propped his right leg up and looked up at you while holding your hands.

“Darling...I’m so glad to hear that because I will never love anyone more than you. You’re all I want. Forever. Will you marry me?”

“Yes. Yes. Of course!” You buried your face into the crook of his neck and started bawling.

“And just so you know, I wasn’t planning on proposing in our bedroom. I was actually planning on proposing to you in a shitty parking lot.” Both of you laughed.

“Where we met?”

“Of course.”

“No, no, this was perfect too.” You grinned into his neck.

“I rented out the parking lot too.”

“You didn’t!” You shoved his shoulder in disbelief.

“I did. I was going to finally give you your book.”

“You’re such a romantic, Keiji.”

“And now your fiance.” Both of you couldn’t keep the smiles off your faces.

‘I can’t wait to spend forever with you.”

BONUS:

“CONGRATS YOU GUYS!!!” Bokuto hugged both of you. “Akaashi I thought you rented the parking lot for Saturday though?”

“Yeahhhh...about that.” “She found the ring early.”

“Oh shit. Sorry man.” Bokuto rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.

“No Ko, it was actually perfect. I don’t really care anyways. As long as we’re together.” You leaned into your boyfriend, fiance, future hubby.

“What did I tell you, Keiji?” Bokuto cawed.

“Yeah, yeah.”

“So what are you doing with the parking lot then?” Ko asked.

“We’re having a panda express picnic date on Saturday.”

(A/n literally could not sleep. Just this on my brain at 2:30 am)

[elisaphoenix13]

Once Upon A Summer (Ch. 5)

"Well...I did say it would wear off over time." Stephen says as he looks Peter over.

Once Tony got Peter's clean bill of health and assurance that there was nothing to be concerned about, he asked Friday to put in an order for things a two year old would need. Such as bigger clothes, possibly bigger diapers, and oh god...potty training. Was it really worth doing? At the rate Peter was growing back to his teenage body, it was likely Tony would pull his hair out over nothing. He'd much rather change diapers than try the pointless endeavor of getting Peter to use the toilet when he would know what to do when he got bigger. So both he and Stephen decided they wouldn't bother.

"I really hope Pete doesn't live up to the terrible twos I've heard about." Tony sighs.

"I'm surprised you've heard of it." Stephen jests and gets an eye roll from Tony.

"Haha. Very funny. Just for that you get to change his next diaper."

"Daddy up!" Peter says as he holds up his arms.

That was another thing Tony was still trying to wrap his head around. Daddy. It threw him for a loop, but he would be lying if he said he hated it. He actually kind of liked it. Peter was his kid and it made Tony wonder if Toddler Peter was just voicing how Teenage Peter had felt all this time. Did Peter actually see him as a father figure and was too worried Tony might shut him down if he said anything? Knowing him, it was a possibility. Peter was a people pleaser. Almost to a fault. But he was a good kid who always tried to do the right thing, even if sometimes he went about it the wrong way.

That train of thought brought Tony back to his earlier conversation with Stephen. He brushed the sorcerer off when he pointed out the similarities between them, but now he was just as curious. He did say he would take the paternity test to see if there was a match, and maybe now was the best time to do it. Before Peter grew even more and was more aware of what was going on.

"Hey...about that test…" Tony starts and Stephen raises an eyebrow.

"What about it?"

"We should do it now, I think. Get it over with you know? Bruce can do it and I can trust him to keep it to himself." Tony rambles.

"If you'd like. Should we pack up?" Stephen asks.

"No. We'll pop over then come back. I'm sure Peter would enjoy the beach now." Tony says.

Stephen merely nods and leaves the master bedroom after muttering something about a sling ring. Tony then finally gave in to Peter's request to be picked up, made sure his diaper was clean, and waited for the sorcerer to return so they could make a quick trip back to the tower. Tony knew he was always dressed to the nines wherever he went, but at the moment, he didn't feel the need to uphold his image. He was comfortable in his t-shirt and sleep pants and he was on vacation. Sort of.

He was taking a few much needed days off at least. Most people wouldn't even consider that a vacation.

"Are you going like that?" Stephen asks when he returns to the room.

"Are you?" Tony counters, eyeing the similar getup Stephen was wearing.

It was nice to see Stephen could relax in some clothes that didn't require twenty belts. Nineteen of which Tony was positive were just for show...and to keep unwanted hands away. That was a hell of a way to stay abstinent.

"Touché." Stephen chuckles and makes a gateway to the Med-bay in the tower. "I'm too lazy to change. Especially if we're coming back."

"Me too." Tony steps through the gateway, and actually finds himself already face to face with Bruce who looked very confused.

"How did you…?" Bruce starts and then looks past Tony as Stephen follows through the gateway before it closes. "Oh."

Then Bruce's attention was drawn to Peter and the confusion that had gone away just milliseconds ago was back in full force. Tony was pretty sure he could actually hear the cogs turning in his head.

"Who's the kid?"

"Long story short, Pete was hit by a spell that turned him into a baby while he was out on patrol. Strange and I are vacationing until he's back to normal." Tony says.

"I think I prefer this over an actual visit because of an injury." Bruce says. "Especially since you're not coming to me with questions."

"No...just…" Tony hesitates. "Can you do a paternity test?" He finally asks with a mumble.

Bruce's eyebrows shoot up. "What brought this on?"

"A nosey sorcerer."

There was a scoff behind him.

"Sure."

Bruce had Tony sit down and go first in the hopes that when it came to Peter's turn, the toddler wouldn't fuss and make a two second finger prick turn into a five minute ordeal. Peter watched with curious eyes as Bruce drew some blood from the billionaire, and once he got that put away, he turned to the boy standing next to Tony's chair. He waited until Tony got up and helped Peter into the chair, and then held his hand out.

"Can I see your hand Peter?" Bruce asks softly.

Peter looks down at his hands and then offers one of them to Bruce with eyes still filled with curiosity, and watches as the man disinfects it. Everything after that was so quick, Peter didn't even realize Bruce had pricked his finger until he was collecting the blood. To his credit, he didn't scream, but there were certainly tears welling up in his eyes. Tony felt a little bad for putting the kid through this just for the sake of curiosity, but he would make it up to him. Ice cream always makes things better right?

"Sorry Peter. It's already over." Bruce tells him as he wraps a band-aid around his finger.

"Come on kiddo." Tony says as he reaches out for the boy, only to be given a look of utter betrayal.

"No!" Tony blinks in surprise as Peter hops off the chair, pushes by him, and runs over to hug Stephen's leg. "Want Mama! You mean!"

Two things immediately crossed Tony's mind at that moment. One, he felt awful when Peter gave him that look of betrayal. But then the second thought trumped the first and he tried to hold back the laughter that was bubbling in his chest. It wasn't easy when he saw the expression on Stephen's face. A mixture between mortified, exasperated, and maybe some pity for the toddler. What the sorcerer said next broke the dam of Tony's laughter though.

"Why am I Mom?"

"Well you do coo to him in the mornings." Tony says through his cackling and earns a miffed huff.

"I do not!"

"I have video evidence." Tony laughs some more when Stephen sputters. "Come on Doc. We'll head back so you can bury yourself in the sand."

That was all Stephen needed to turn and reopen the gateway back to the Malibu mansion, and he even picked up Peter before walking through. Tony in the meantime took a few moments to calm down and turn back to Bruce.

"You'll call me?"

"Yeah. I should have the results by tonight. Only because I don't have much I'm working on right now." Bruce says.

"I'm assuming I don't need to tell you to keep this between us?" Tony asks and the other man shakes his head. "Thank you."

Tony turns and steps through the gateway that he was a little surprised Stephen left open for him, and once he was through and it closed behind him, he looked around when he didn't see the two right away. It didn't take much looking to find them in the kitchen and discovering that Stephen had the same idea he had. The man was currently scooping out some chocolate ice cream into a small bowl for Peter, who was looking up at him in excitement. Almost like Stephen hung the sun just for him.

"Hey, I was going to give him ice cream!" Tony complains.

"Well I'm clearly the nice parent so I need to live up to my role." Stephen says. "You're the bad parent that has to get his own ice cream."

Tony sighs. "Ouch. I'm supposed to be the favorite."

He walks over to scoop out his own ice cream as Stephen leads Peter over to the table and helps him into a chair. Even the sorcerer had his own bowl of ice cream and managed to eat it while keeping an eye on Peter so the toddler didn't make too much of a mess. After Tony put away the carton of ice cream, he sat across from Stephen with his own bowl and immediately stuck a spoonful of ice cream into his mouth. Even he had to admit it was a nice treat after being poked at.

"You know I don't remember ordering ice cream." Tony says eventually.

"That's because I did." Stephen tells him. "You did say I could get whatever I wanted or needed."

The tone in Stephen's voice made Tony nod immediately. It was like he wasn't sure what Tony had said was genuine or something and Tony didn't want him to think that. He wanted Stephen to be comfortable. Get what he wanted without having to worry about money. To enjoy himself.

That's what part of this getaway was about after all.

"I did...and that's still true. I honestly expected you to ask me if it was okay first. You usually do that."

"I figured you wouldn't notice ice cream on your bill." Stephen says dryly.

"I didn't. If Mom needs his chocolate--hey! Ow!" Tony winces when Stephen kicks his shin under the table. "Come on! It's cute!"

"Only when Peter does it." Stephen huffs. "He calls me that out of care. You call me that to tease me."

"Oh believe me. If I wanted to tease you, I could think of much more adult ways to do it that we would both enjoy."

That got him another kick to his shins but Tony decided it was worth it. Stephen blushed so prettily and it made him wonder if he was actually getting to the doctor. All of Stephen's attention was turned to his own ice cream or at Peter after that, but Tony was content to stare at the blush on the younger's face and had to smile when it took it's time to go away. It probably didn't help that he was staring in the first place. Tony was being obviously blatant about it and, him being him, unashamed.

"All done!" Peter exclaims a few minutes later and holds up his hands as if to prove his point.

Stephen chuckles and grabs a napkin to help him clean his hands. "You sure are. Would you like to go to the beach?"

"Beach?" Peter questions and Tony was thankful the boy didn't mispronounce it. "Yeah."

"Maybe I'll make lunch for us to have while we're there." Stephen says and Peter nods. "What kind of sandwich would you like?"

"Mmm…"

Peter seemed to struggle with deciding so Stephen helped him down from his chair and led him back into the kitchen to look in the fridge. While he listed off the options to the toddler, Tony watched and listened as he absently ate the rest of his ice cream. It was a surprise to see Stephen doing so well with Peter and it was attractive if he was honest. The other Avengers liked Peter well enough, even cared about him, but Stephen took it to a parenting level like Tony did. Peter certainly viewed the younger man in that light.

"Daddy gets tuna." Peter says and Tony chuckles. Teenage Peter was definitely in there somewhere and remembered Tony's favorite kind of sandwich.

Tony gets up with his empty bowl and spoon and takes it to the kitchen to rinse off in the sink so he can put it in the dishwasher. Once that's finished, he turns to look at Peter and Stephen and then crouches in front of the toddler.

"Hey Pete. How about we go get you ready for the beach and leave Mom to make lunch?" He suggests.

Stephen didn't protest "Mom" being used this time. Maybe because Tony was only using it because that was how Peter saw the sorcerer.

"How?" Peter asks.

"Well, for one thing, we gotta get you in some swim trunks. Bet Friday ordered some for you." Tony says.

"I also took the liberty of ordering some sunblock." The AI says and Tony raises an eyebrow at Peter.

"See? Even Friday knows what you need better than I do."

Peter seemed to study Tony and what he did next took the older man by surprise. He wrapped his little arms around Tony's neck and squeezed as hard as he could. Peter was giving him a hug.

Wait. That shouldn't have been surprising at all. Peter was a touchy-feely kind of person and Tony...wasn't. He already denied Peter that hug after coming back from Germany, but he would be damned if he did it again. Maybe it was what Peter said that was surprising to Tony.

"You good daddy." Peter says into his shoulder.

Tony swallows back the lump in his throat. "I thought I was mean."

Peter moves away and pouts at him after holding up his finger. "No more boo-boos."

"No more boo-boos." Tony confirms with a chuckle and even kisses the bandaged finger. "Not because of me."

Stephen snorts. "Now it's just a matter of if he can keep himself from getting boo-boos."

Tony huffs and gets up with Peter in his arms. He really didn't need the reminder that his kid was, in fact, a web slinging vigilante. So he pinched Stephen's ass when he wasn't paying attention as his rebuttal. The sorcerer's jolt and deep blush just before his confused sputtering sent Tony into a laughing fit as he took Peter to the front door where the packages were waiting.

"Stark, I swear on the Vishanti--"

"Don't try to deny that you liked it. Your blush speaks for you. Nice ass by the way." Tony states nonchalantly and gets another fit of sputtering from Stephen.

Peter, having been looking over Tony's shoulder as the engineer walked away, giggles. "Mama red."

[beauvibaby]

love you like I used to - a.beauvillier

requested [] yes [x] no

song: love you like I used to - russell dickerson

Tito stood at the foot of the bed, his suitcase freshly packed, his eyes landed on your finally sleeping figure, your hand hanging over the edge of the bed and into your son's bassinet. He smiled at the sight, moving to place the card he had written for you on the nightstand, right underneath the monitor to your daughters room so he was certain you’d see it. He carefully grabbed your hand, moving it onto the bed, “bye, my love.” Tito whispered, leaving a gentle kiss on your forehead. “It’s time already?” You whispered, peeking your eyes open at him. He nodded softly, pressing a kiss to you pouted lips, “I’ll be back before you know it.” He mumbled, “I love you.” He added, hushed, not wanting to wake Nick, the one month old finally being asleep. “I love you.” You responded sleepily, “don’t forget to say bye to Grace.” You called softly, he rolled his eyes teasingly at you in the doorway, you knew he wouldn’t but all last night Grace kept telling him to say goodbye to her in the morning, even though you both knew she’d sleep through it, you considered yourself lucky to have such a heavy sleeper for a toddler. You watched him walk into her room on the monitor, carefully squatting down beside her toddler bed, he moved her frizzy hair back, kissing her little forehead. “I love you, baby girl.” He mumbled, and just like you thought, she didn’t even budge, he stood to his full height and blew a kiss to the camera knowing you were watching. The second you heard the front door shut behind him, you were back to sleep, knowing you’d need as much of it as you could get.

Finally when Nick woke you up, you spotted the envelope on your nightstand, you furrowed your eyebrows as you reached over to get it, cradling your son to your chest. You pulled it open, sliding the card out and you could already feel the tears building in your eyes just from the cover. “I didn’t forget” printed in bold red letters on the front, you flipped it open,

“happy anniversary, ma chérie, I’m sorry I won’t be there, and no amount of sappy words I could write in here would make up for that. But that doesn’t mean I won’t try! I didn’t think I could love you anymore than I did, but then you agreed to be my wife, and then, when I thought my heart couldn’t grow anymore, you gave me two of the best little blessings. Everyday I love you more than I did the day before, and I’ll continue to love you more everyday for the rest of our lives. Thank you for doing all that you do and being the most amazing wife and mother to our kids, I’ll see you when I get back… I love you.”

You scrambled to grab your phone, praying you’d catch him before the plane took off, you quickly dialed the FaceTime call, you had a rule, once you had Grace and he was nervous something would happen when he was away, you only did a normal call if there was an emergency, otherwise it was FaceTime. He answered almost instantly, “Y/N?” He questioned, concern evident on his face, you never called him this early on in a roadie, let alone with tears in your eyes. “I love you, and the card was perfect.” You spoke, his worries melting away when he realized that’s why you were crying. “You scared me.” He chuckled softly, smiling when you adjusted the phone to show Nick laid in your arm. “We won’t keep you, good luck tonight, we’ll call before the game.” You told him, smiling down at the baby, your bedroom door creaked open, “mommy, I don’t feel good.” Grace called, speaking as well as she could for her young 3 year old self, her little voice trembling, you held in a sigh. “Come here baby.” You waved her in, “did you want to say bye to daddy again?” You questioned, hoping it would distract her for a moment, she nodded eagerly, but still sluggishly climbing into the bed. You allowed her to hold your phone out in front of her face, “daddy!” She grinned, Tito mirrored her face, “hi, princess.” He laughed, Mat popping his head in the frame. “Hi, little lady.” He smiled, Grace squealed in excitement, “mommy, it’s uncle!” She gasped, showing you the phone, you looked up from Nick who was beginning to get fussy. “I see, but they need to go to work, so say goodbye.” You told her with a smile, she went to speak but instead, she threw up, all over you, and Nick. Instantly both of your kids started crying, “oh boy, I’ll let you go, babe, love you.” Tito rushed to get off the phone. “Love you too.” You had to force yourself to laugh under your breath, knowing the four days he would be gone would suddenly be a whole lot longer. “I’m sorry!” Grace cried when you looked at her, “no, baby it’s ok.” You assured her, trying to decide where to start with this mess.

***

“Seems like Y/N is gonna have her hands full.” Mat commented once the plane took off, “don’t remind me, I don’t know how she does it by herself, I can barely do it with her there.” Tito sighed, glaring at his friend, wondering why he’d even make such a comment. “Sorry.” Mat put his hands up in surrender, “I bet, uh, you know what, nevermind.” Mat started to speak but when Tito gave him a warning glance he decided against it. “Isn’t it your anniversary tomorrow?” Mat couldn’t help but blurt out, Tito sighed, leaning back in his seat. “Yes, Mathew, it is.” He grumbled, “I already handled that.” He added, Mat nodded with pursed lips, “you didn’t have to use my full name you know.” Mat muttered, rolling his eyes as he stopped the flight attendant, asking for some waters. Her eyes lingered on Tito for a moment too long, “that’s all.” Tito spoke since Mat decided to go silent in that moment. “Great, I’ll be right back.” She walked, with a definite sway in her hips, Tito rolled his eyes at the sight, making sure he took his water with his left hand, steel ring on full display.

***

You chewed your lip, carefully setting down Nick on his boppy to sleep, Grace curled into your other side, finally having cried herself to sleep after a few more times of being sick, you placed a hand on her forehead, frowning when you could clearly tell she has a fever. “Oh, baby girl.” You sighed, sliding out from under her, replacing your lap with a pillow, she didn’t stir, and you quietly rushed to the kitchen, phone in tow to call Tito while you got a cold rag for her. You propped the phone up on the counter while it rang, “hey, love.” His voice came over the screen, his face popping up a moment later and you sighed in relief, his voice alone calming you down. “Hi.” You sighed, giving him the look, the tired mom look. “How is everything?” He questioned softly, you shook your head, the wave of nausea hitting you like a truck. “She’s thrown up four times, she’s got a fever and I’m fairly certain I’ve caught whatever she has and how am I not going to pass that on to the baby? Tito, oh my god I can’t get the baby sick.” You rambled, words mixing together as you leaned on the counter, “I’m sorry, we’re fine, don’t worry about us.” You added quickly, eyes focusing on the way he was looking at you, “I’m sorry, baby, I’ll be home in three days, and I promise then you’ll get to rest for as long as you want.” He sighed, giving you a lazy smile, “I know, thank you.” And just like clock work, Grace came padding into the kitchen. “Come here, Gracie Lou.” You sighed, holding your hands out for her, she smiled at the nickname, one your father had dubbed on her.

She wrapped her little arms around your neck, legs squeezing your sides. “Hi, baby girl.” Tito mumbled, smiling as she lazily looked at him, “daddy.” She pouted, the tears building in her eyes. “Grace, don’t cry princess, I’ll be home in three days, you won’t even know I’m gone.” He spoke soothingly, you rubbed her back, “I want daddy.” She cried into your shoulder, “I know honey.” You sighed, this trip was starting out terribly, and it wasn’t so much what was happening at home that bothered you, it was how Tito was having bad phone call after bad phone call. “I’ve gotta go.” He sighed, running a hand over his face, as he held up a finger to whoever had just walked into his room. “Grace,” he spoke and she looked at him with a snotty nose and red eyes, “I need you to do something for me baby.” He told her and she nodded suddenly intrigued by having a task. “Can you be a good girl for mommy? And if your extra good, we’ll go for ice cream when I get back.” He smiled, you rolled your eyes but smiled as she happily agreed, already having more spunk in her attitude. “I loooooooooove you.” She spoke, this was their game, she would drag out the word, challenging him to do it longer, and we all know who won every time, but she loved it no matter what. “I loooooooooooooooove you.” Tito responded, smiling in success when she hid back in your shoulder, “and I loooove you too, mama.” He spoke to you, “I love you too.” You smiled, ending the call so he could get back to getting ready for the game.

***

You all but ran down the steps, baby monitor in hand, both of the kids were asleep, which meant you got some glorious time alone with Tito, he was opening the door as you bounded off the last step. “Tito!” You whisper shouted, running over to him, he dropped his bags in record time, arms outstretched as you reached him. “I love you so much, god I’m so happy to be back.” He mumbled into your hair, all but squeezing the life out of you as you cried into his shoulder. “I missed you.” You sniffled out, moving to pull him in for a kiss. “I love you, the card was all I needed, but thank you for the flowers.” You spoke barely pulling away from him. He chuckled against you, kicking the door shut softly behind him, “you deserve way more than flowers, baby.” He assured you, pulling you back in for a hug. “Now let me go see my babies.” He finally leaned away, hearing them rustling on the monitor. “Go, please it’s your turn.” You teased, still following him up the stairs, not wanting to miss the look on Grace’s face when she woke up to him. He tiptoed into her room, kneeling beside her bed, “Grace.” He whispered, tugging the blanket down, she whined stirring, “Grace, hi baby.” He spoke again, resting his hand on her stomach lightly, rubbing her softly. Her eyes fluttered open, she looked around in a sleepy haze, her eyes landing on him, she smiled, and then it hit her, “daddy!” She shouted, shooting up, clinging to him. “Grace!” He mimicked her, lightly tickling her sides, “daddy, no!” She threw her head back in giggles, “I missed you, little lady.” He smiled, peppering her face in kisses, grinning as her laughter continued filling the room. “Come on, let’s go get your brother.” He stood, dramatically groaning when she hung off of him. Anything to make her laugh.

His greeting to Nick was much more subdued, as he cradled the small baby to his chest, “oh, my sweet boy.” He grinned, Nick looking up with wide eyes. The sight in front of you was one you’d never get used to, Grace in his lap, while they sat holding Nick together, her asking a million questions about his trip while he happily answered. Neither of you loved each other like you used to, this, this was just so much better.

Taglist: @softstarkey​ @literarycharleton​ @wtfkie​ @mtkachuk​ @kempe​

[yikesharringrove]

Not sure if you’re still taking prompts but can you maybe write something about Billy and Steve and the 5 love languages please? Thank you!

1. Giving and Receiving Gifts

Steve just stared at the box.

He had found it in his mother’s closet, obviously placed in there by a maid.

His birthday was next week, and his parents were giving him a record player.

The same one they had given him last Christmas.

Steve figures his father’s assistant picked it out. He’s had four since Christmas.

He sighed at the box. Maybe he could sell the record player, maybe he could buy himself something with the money.

He knows he’ll end up giving it to Dustin, or maybe Will.

-

There was a carton of cigarettes on the kitchen table.

Unopened Marlboro reds. Next to a plate of pancakes. Susan’s yearly peace offering.

Billy slid into the table quietly.

“Thank you, Dad.”

Neil just hummed.

2. Physical Touch

Steve sighed as he sank into the crisp sheets.

His parents’ bed was huge, far larger than two people needed.

He had sprayed his mother’s perfume on one of the pillows, curled up in their silk sheets.

If he pretended hard enough, he could imagine being held.

Someone caring for him enough to touch him, run fingers through his hair, pet down his back.

He set up one of the down feather pillows behind him, felt like someone was there.

-

Billy spat into the sink.

His tooth had chipped, but hadn’t come out completely.

His lip was split and he could feel the bruises forming on his back.

He rinsed the blood out of his mouth, cataloging dark fingerprints on his wrist.

He should head to the quarry, be alone for a little bit.

He pushed out of the bathroom, nearly colliding into Max on his way to the door.

She reached for his wrist, the one already marked by another hand.

Billy dodged out of the way, kept going to his car.

3. Acts of Service

“Look, I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t an emergency-”

“Hey, don’t sweat it. You know I never mind driving him.”

Mrs. Henderson sighed in relief.

“Thank you, Sweetheart. You’re a life saver.”

It was true though, he really didn’t mind driving Dustin around. Gave him something to do. Helping felt good, made him forget about things for a little while.

-

He had only been in Max’s room once before.

It had been to yell at her about stealing his Walkman.

It hadn’t changed since then, still just as cluttered, still as California beachy as before.

He placed the skateboard on the unmade bed.

He noticed her wheels were getting torn up on the shitty roads, installed new ones for her.

It was as close to an apology as he could get.

4. Quality time

Steve’s house was empty.

And he hated it.

No matter how loud he turned on the television, no matter how much music he played, or how many lights he turned on, it was still an empty house, with no one but a sad lonely boy rattling away inside.

-

Billy doesn’t like sitting in silence.

He guesses Susan doesn’t either, as she shakily tries to fill the dinner table with a poor anecdote from her day.

Billy smiles where he should, and eats quickly, but not too wuickly, and compliments Susan’s cooking, and only leaves the table when his father dismisses him.

He retreats to his room, listening to music to drown out whatever game Neil’s watching in the next room.

5. Words of Affirmation

“You’re not stupid.”

Billy’s brows were furrowed.

“Yeah, I am. But it’s okay though I’m-”

“No, you’re not.” He said it with an air of finality. “Your mind just works different. But you’re really smart.” Steve smiled weakly. “I mean it. You’ve got this creative brain, always thinking outside the box. You have a knack for detail other people miss. You’re smart”

It was the first time anyone ever told him that.

Fitting, as he’d had a lot of firsts with Billy already.

-

“You’re not a monster.”

Steve’s voice had an air of authority. His eyes were wide.

“Steve, I, I hurt-I killed so many-”

“You weren’t you, though. You were, were possessed. You couldn’t have stood a chance against that thing.”

“I should’ve fought it sooner.”

“It took all your energy to fight it off. And you did, in the end. You saved us all. You’re not a monster. You’re a hero.” Billy’s nose twitched. “You’re selfless, and brave, and a fucking hero.”

4. Quality Time

Steve’s house wasn’t empty.

And he loved it.

Billy seemed to take up every room, fill the space with snide remarks about the decor in Steve’s house, or laugh loudly at family portraits.

He had put music on in the living room, and turned on lights as he looked through his house.

Steve felt warm, and for once, for fucking once, he didn’t feel lonely.

-

Billy likes the quarry, although he would never say that to another human being.

It’s quiet there, and if he closes his eyes, he can pretend the water lapping at the rocky shore is the ocean, that he never left California.

But then he looked to his left, and smiled at the sight.

Steve was always pretty, but something about moonlight made him ethereal.

He was quiet, looking out over the water.

Billy liked that Steve knows when to let the moment sit, when quiet is okay.

3. Acts of Service

“Noticed your breaks were starting to whine, so I changed your break pads. Ended up doing the oil and wiper fluid, too.”

Steve stared at the car.

“You didn’t have to do all that.”

“Good for pt.” Billy’s hands were working much better, he had more articulation these days.

And rebuilding things, fixing things, it made him feel better than any talk session ever had.

It was nice seeing Billy like this, a little closer to his new self.

It made Steve’s stomach flip over.

-

“I finished unpacking your stuff while you were out applying places. I don’t know how you like things organized, so you’ll probably want to redo it I just thought-” Steve was rambling away, all nervous.

“Thanks, Stevie. I appreciate it.” Steve’s face went red.

They had moved into a two-bedroom apartment in the shitty part of town. Billy’s window opened onto a dingy parking lot, while Steve’s showed the gas station below.

“I was just finished, thought I would move your along, too.”

He tamped down the way his gut rolled, the way his heart pounded against his ribs at Steve’s slight flush.

2. Physical Touch

“Do you, uh, do you think I could sleep in here?”

Steve felt like he was going to throw up his heart, hands still shaking from his nightmare.

“‘Course.” Billy’s voice was gruff in the darkness, but he held up the side of his blanket.

Steve slipped underneath it with him.

He was still breathing too fast, stiff as a board on Billy’s bed.

“It’s okay.” And then Billy’s arm was around him, and his back was against a warm, solid chest, and it was all too easy to melt into the touch, maybe let a few tears fall.

Billy was warm, and grounding.

And Steve felt a tiny bit better.

-

Billy tossed himself down onto the couch.

It was two small for how both of them sprawled across it at once, their bodies pressed together.

Steve wiggled his way out from under Billy, leaning against his side, legs tucked up under his hips.

“Long day?”

Billy never replied.

He turned his head to look at Steve, and he was so close, his breath fanning over Billy’s cheeks, dark eyes nearly going cross eyes as they dropped down to look at his lips.

His hair was soft as Billy sank a hand into it, guiding their kiss.

It was a long time coming, the soft brush of their lips.

Steve pressed his body closer to Billy, who let out a desperate whine.

Steve’s hands were soft and warm, one cupping his cheek, one gripping his wrist.

They took shaky breaths after parting, still close enough to feel the other’s breath, neither boy wanting to break their soft little bubble.

They kissed all night.

1. Giving and Receiving Gifts

“Happy birthday, you pain in my ass.”Steve laughed as he accepted the small box from Billy.

“You’re a terror.” He leaned forward to press a kiss to Billy’s cheek.

It was Steve’s first birthday since they moved to California.

He tore open the wrapping paper, tossing the lid of the box onto their bed.

He gasped.

“Bill, this is, thank you.”

It was Billy’s necklace. Steve didn’t even realize he wasn’t wearing it.

“Wanted you to have it. Since you’re my guy, and all that.” His smile was dazzling, lazy and warm.

Steve turned around, placed his palm over the pendant as Billy clasped it for him.

“I love you.” Billy pressed a kiss to the back of his neck, right over the clasp.

“Love you too, Pretty Boy.”

-

“Uh, here.”

Steve’s cheeks were flaming as he pushed the small box into Billy’s hands.

“Happy Birthday.”

Billy just smiled up at him, taking his time with the neat wrapping.

It was a ring, a simple gold band.

“You know, it’s been eight years since we got together. And I know we can’t get married, or whatever, but I thought, we could, we could have this.”

Billy was fucking speechless.

“Sorry, it’s dumb.” Steve reached for the ring, but Billy clutched it to his chest.

“Do you have one too?”

“Yeah. Matching set.”

“Go get it.” Steve looked nervous as he re-entered their living room with a matching gold band.

Billy took it from him. He took his left hand, slowly sliding the ring on his finger.

“With this ring, I thee wed.”

Steve barked a laugh, happy and bright. He slid Billy’s ring onto his finger in the same fashion.

“With this ring, I thee wed.” Billy’s smile was hurting his cheeks.

“Now with the power invested in me, by the great state of California, and the fact that no one can tell us fuck all, I pronounce us, husband and husband. Now gimme a fuckin’ kiss!”

They both laughed into the kiss, the sun setting outside their apartment, dousing the little makeshift wedding in gold.

[enigma-im]

Eleventh day of Christmas...

Trope: Fake Relationship Relationship: Alien x Human Word count: 4,366

No one understands how difficult it is to get a job as an alien. With humans making up the majority of life in space, reproducing like rodents, there isn't much use in lower life like me. To finally get a job is a miracle in itself. Though it's working on some low tier mining station, it's enough for me to settle down. Living in the village that rounds the outskirts of the quarry. It's solitary life but it's enough for me to be content. The humans aren't as rude and mean as I thought. Over the years I learned there was a difference between working-class and upper personalities. Everyone I've interacted with has treated me mostly as an equal, someone who sweats and bleeds for the job just as they do.

Only working on the station for a year I get a notice of eviction. It's a heart retching moment that leaves me in tears. This place has been my home for as long as I've known it. I've made friends and a life here, now they wish to send me away? I try to keep it together but it's hard when everything you cherish is being tossed away with a simple note. As I break down in the middle of mining I'm surrounded by workers, all trying their best. My dearest friend, Vincent, takes me away to the break room to settle down. He has always been kind to me, being ever patient in all our interactions. I couldn't ask for a better friend.

As I calm down enough to inform Vincent of my predicament he does his best to comfort me. I feel like a pest trying to steal his kindness. He tries to placate me, which works for the day but not for the week. The end of the month comes up quickly and I can barely hold my tools to work. He is always there to lend a sweet smile. As the last week comes up Vincent surprises me by coming to my home, offering a solution to my problem.

He offers to marry me.

It's a ridiculous idea that I turn down immediately, though at the time I truly wanted the easy out. He takes most of the night to convince me, explaining that nothing has to change. I have to agree, knowing that life outside of here would be worse than a little lie to the higher-ups. We marry the next day, sending in a request for joint living.

It's been nearly a year since then and life has been smooth sailing. We continue on as friends, putting on a bit of a show for the bosses whenever they show up. A few chaste kisses and lingering hugs are enough for them to nod and turn away. Besides that, we are just good friends, friends who live together in matrimony.

The houses are decorated this time of year for the human holidays. It's nice to see them stick to their roots, enjoying new years and large feasts. Though I can't say I fully understand this upcoming celebration I can still enjoy the fairy lights strewn across the paths.

"Doing anything with Vincent on Christmas," Tori asks as she walks beside me. I smile as I continue to admire the lights.

"Not that I'm aware of," I answer.

"What, no lovey-dovey plans," she asks with a salacious grin. Tori knows of the arrangement Vincent and I have, as does most of the station, but she has some weird romantic ideals for us. I've given up a while ago trying to extinguish this fire.

"None of that, I heard there is going to be another large feast for everyone," I offer instead," we are most likely heading to that."

Tori scoffs," that's no fun. You two can have a lazy morning in and still have time to go to the luncheon."

I shrug, not feeding into her wishes. Vincent and I don't have that kind of relationship. A few short kisses are all we have shared, the strange shows of affection these humans have. My people would gawk in disgust at such displays. I snicker to myself, I was much the same when he first told me of the action.

We head into work, meeting up with the crew before we descend into the dark quarry. Layers and layers of rock pass us, the sight a lackluster one after a few hundred viewings. Though more of those fairy lights decorate some of the open floors. Vincent bumps me from my admiring.

"What floor are you on today," he asks. I look to him, meeting his warm brown eyes. He is an adorable man, though he is far different than people of my kind. His hair for one is strange to me, though soft and fluffy the few times I've touched it. I can understand the appeal but it's still new to me.

"45, I'm with Harland's crew today," I answer.

"Hm," he nods," I'm just the floor below you. Want to get lunch with me today, since we are sharing the same break room?"

"Of course," I smile," I want to know more about this Santa character. It still weirds me out how he suppose to know when children have been good or bad. I understand he isn't real but how are kids comforted by this fake knowledge growing up?"

Vincent chuckles, ready to give a teasing remark before the elevator stops. I head out, waving goodbye to him as I go.

I hear many people complain about the tedious job, some even going as far as ranting on how awful working here is. Though I can't say I share the same sentiment I understand where they are coming from. It seems humans aren't built too well for jobs like this. Vincent for example has come home sore and hurt before. I've catered to him in those situations, acting like their human housewives as I draw him a bath or massage his shoulders. It's not much of a chore though, a small price to pay to say thanks.

The break comes nearly too fast as I truly get into my work. I've found a vein that piques my interest. Everyone heads out leaving me to skip the joint ride up. I finish as much as I can before I have to call it quits less I leave Vincent waiting in the break room.

I head up alone to level 40, absentmindedly walking to the breakroom. The area is large to fit everyone in and it takes me a moment to find Vincent amongst the crowd. I soon spot him off the far corner speaking with another. The human sitting beside him is someone I've not met before, a tall but slim human woman. Vincent seems engaged in the conversation, leaning close to her. The woman is equally interesting, with a great smile on her face. I falter on my way towards him feeling strange the longer I stare. I shake my head and just ignore the rolling feeling in my gut.

"Hey," I greet as I sit across from the two. Vincent startles, leaning away from the woman as he turns to me.

"Hey," he answers less enthused than he was previously.

"Hello," the girl smiles wide. Vincent startles again as if he forgot the woman was there with him. He looks to me then back to the woman, flustered a bit. My stomach rolls again.

"I guess you two haven't met. Nao this is Andrea," he gestures to the woman with a big smile," Andrea this is Nao, my, uh, wife." I don't care for the way he stuttered at the end. The woman's large smile shrinks as she looks between us then at our hands.

"Oh, you're married? You two don't wear your rings," she gestures to our empty fingers. I look at my hand confused, looking to Vincent with a quirked brow.

"Y-yea, it’s a bit harder to wear one while working down here. You will find out soon enough," Vincent jokes with her. Andrea take the answer well enough, scooting away from him a bit to my strange relief. The two still talk amicably while we all eat. My stomach continues to roll the entire time, spoiling the meal.

At the end of the workday, I walk home with Vincent stuck in thought. The interaction has picked at me the entire day, my work suffering a bit as I'd stare off into space. I continue doing that now, looking at the sidewalk with my stomach still twisting. Why am I like this?

Vincent bumps my shoulder," you good?" I stand to attention, flustered.

"Yea, just a bit distracted," I answer casually. I drift off in thought again. They seemed rather friendly today. Was he flirting with her? I've seen a few of the workers casually talk with each other with that same large smile and close proximity. The thought makes me clench my jaw.

"Penny for your thoughts," he asks. My mixed emotions pause at the question.

"What?"

He snorts," what's are you thinking about?"

"Oh," I say, still a bit confused about the question. Penny for your thoughts? I shake my head. "Was thinking about human interactions. Your species is a tad confusing," I answer as casually as I can. No need to sound as distraught as I feel.

Vincent cocks a brow," which ones? Maybe I can lend a hand in understanding." I debate actually asking, some discretion is needed here. I never understood the 'beating around the bush' meaning. Why not say what you mean? Though right now I think I get it.

"Flirting, I think is what it's called," I shrug, trying to seem uninterested. He still stiffens, walking a bit awkward as he reaches back and rubs his neck.

"I, uh," he fumbles," what about it?"

"What is it?"

"Flirting? It's just showing interest in another as a romantic partner," he answers weirdly. I appraise him from the corner of my eye, he is tense. I chew on my cheek, licking at my teeth.

"You never flirted with me," I say, wishing I hadn't immediately after.

"well, our situation was a bit different," he adjusts his bag over his shoulder," do you want me to flirt with you?"

I curl into myself," no-I don't know- it's fine- I'm not… I was just curious about it." he nods, watching me as we walk. I feel scrutinized like a germ under a microscope. Just act casual.

"Anyway, how was your day? Mine was alright, I managed to finish a vein before the whistle," I ramble. He says nothing, prompting me to look at him.

Vincent slows to a stop, me stopping with him confused. He reaches out and pinches my chin softly, tilting his head a bit with a cute twinkle in his eye. I stiffen, awkward, confused, and intrigued. He leans closer, his breath brushing over my cheeks.

"You have the most beautiful eyes, the way the Christmas lights twinkle off them look magical," he purrs. I gulp, looking between his eyes utterly conflicted. Not sure about what to do I bat his hand away with a chuckle.

"Shut up," I snicker," was that flirting?"

He laughs," if you have to ask then I didn't do it well."

We continue walking home but the fluttering in my chest overdoes the rolling in my stomach. I can't stop the smiling curling my lips, passing a glance to Vincent I see a similar grin.

The whole week I'm stuck in a loop of thoughts. Nothing can break the cycle, not even work can distract me. My body feels tense like a loaded spring. I don't know what I'm getting ready for till I'm sitting across from Vincent in the breakroom. The girl has come around for a few days but has backed off as Vincent has nearly ignored her in favor of talking with me. It's when I feel a bit of smug pride do I understand what's going on.

I have feelings for Vincent.

That's a strange thought, I have feelings for my husband, but it's still just as alarming. This annoying rolling in my stomach and taunt pull of my shoulders have been because of this woman encroaching. Have I always seen him as mine? It was never an issue before. I try to think of it strategically before I go more abstract. Was I flustered because if he left me then I'd be evicted? As that idea didn't settle well I humored the idea of actually liking him. It began a string of daydreams of kissing him at home, sharing a bed like other couples. I like the idea of laying against him on the couch, watching television, and sharing a few sweet kisses.

Damn it, I have feelings for my husband.

I seek out Tori on our day off. If anyone can help me with this it's her. A part of me finds it ridiculous to be so afraid of this feeling fluttering around my chest every time I see Vincent now. Once I found out what all this meant I haven't been able to look at him as a friend. I keep seeing pictures of us kissing everywhere. That morning I near pressed a kiss to his cheek and bump my head to his. Now that’s a mix of cultures I'm not ready for.

I pound on Tori's door like mad. She snatches the door open angrily before she acknowledges me.

"Any reasons you're making such a racket at 9 am," she snaps, though a tad amused.

"I think I'm falling for Vincent and I have no idea what to do about it. I don't wanna be fired or have him leave me," I nearly whimper," I need help. Please, tell me what to do."

Tori panic with me, reaching out and dragging me into a hug as I feel like a nervous wreck. So much is sitting on this deal Vincent and I have. Catching feelings can make or break it all. Tori pulls me inside, placing me on the couch. She sits on the coffee table, elbows resting on her knees.

"So you finally admit you love Vincent," she asks, playful but strangely serious.

I scoff," I didn't say I was in love with him, you humans throw that word around too easily. No, I said I was falling for him, great potential but with serious loss."

"What loss?"

I recoil, gesturing wide," Everything! If he doesn't feel the same or isn't ok with me having these emotions then we will split and I'll be sent back to where I came from. I can't scrounge for scraps again, Tori, I rather live this lie than go back."

Tori stares a tad too long before dropping her head with an annoyed shake. I watch, waiting for her words of wisdom.

"You are allowed this one pass as you don't understand humans as well as I do," she sighs as she sits back up," he likes you too!" I scoff, ready to leave till she grabs my arms. "He has liked you since he asked to marry you, you just haven't done anything to suggest you like him back," she explains," I can assure you if you walk over there right now, kiss him senseless and rip off your clothes then he will be over the moon to have you."

My heart flutters at the idea," I-I don't think- it's a bit extreme of an assumption."

She waves me off," shut up, it isn't. Human men are simple, that’s how I know he is completely enamored with you."

I hug my waist," well, he looked enamored with Andrea last week. I'm not as fickle as you all with these sorts of feelings, my kind doesn't just change their minds on partners."

Tori opens her mouth to rant again but just huffs, burying her face in her hands with a quick scream. She straightens with another sigh," I'll explain this one more time. Vincent is in love with you and I need you to stop acting like he isn't. He loves to go on and on about you with everyone at work. It's always 'Nao loves that' or 'Nao did this or that'. I say just tell him so you can get on to the baby-making part."

The conversation going in circles I decided to humor her," fine, how do you suggest I do that?"

"Walk over there and say 'hey, I love you and want to bump crotches with you', something like that," she rests her cheek on her hand," it's honestly that easy."

I scoff," you people lack class and subtlety."

She snorts," Fuck subtlety. But fine, you want a grand romantic gesture or something? Then get him a gift for Christmas that explains everything as easily as words. Like some lingerie or condoms."

Maybe coming to Tori was a bad idea.

Leaving her place quickly I try to dissect her words for some actual help. Maybe a romantic gesture was a good idea. That way if he doesn't like it I can try to flip it around as a misunderstanding, nothing lost. But what something humans want that can promote what I'm trying to say.

I think about this all week, feeling like a deadline is coming up fast. Christmas is just around the corner and I have to think of something. There aren't many places to shop and online is only helpful when you know what you are looking for. It's not till I see an older woman walking by with a ring on her necklace do I get an idea.

I've heard many times from many people about the symbolism of the ring. It's an image of constants and cycles. Placing the wedding ring on one's heart finger is to keep a loved one close. It's nearly perfect. I get looking online, staying up for hours in my room as I try to find the perfect one. The overly gaudy ones don't seem to fit for Vincent, he is a simple man. I find simpler bands that have layers of different metals. I go further and further down this trail till I find one that just clicks. Ordering it quickly I wait with bated breath for Christmas.

The package comes on our day off, the delivery woman handing the package to Vincent before I can try to beat him to it. As he looks it over I try to snatch it from his hands. Quickly he moves it out of reach, looking at me intrigued.

"It's rude to steal things from people's hands," he quirks a brow.

"It's not rude when it's mine," I correct. I reach for it again but he holds it over his head. Trying my luck I jump for it, grabbing at his arm as he chuckles.

"You have been interested now," he takes a step back," what's in this?" I trail after him still reaching for the box as he pretends to try to open it.

"I thoughts humans don't open gifts before Christmas," I shout, trying to hold back a snicker as we continue this little game. He twirls as I lunge, letting me fall on the couch.

"This is a Christmas gift," he perks up," is it for me?"

I twist on my back to look up at him," who else would it be for?"

"You have other friends," he shrugs, staring intently at the little package.

"But I only have one husband."

He snorts, mumbling," you better."

I sit up from the couch using his momentary distraction to grab at the box. He moves it at the last second smirking down at me. Hiding it behind his back he leans down towards me.

"What is it," he asks, nearly bouncing on his heels.

"Don't you have to wait till Christmas to find out," I ask. He pouts, tugging the box from behind him and handing it to me.

"Semantics," he waves his hand," you aren't supposed to keep secrets from your husband."

Holding the package I quirk a brow up at him," even fake husbands?" the playful gleam drops from his eyes, shoulders sagging.

"Yea," he answers," I guess that rules don't have to apply here."

I watch him walk out of the room feeling rather dejected. Looking down at the box I pet at the packaging. I allow myself to picture a day where I can truly call him my husband.

The lead up to Christmas eve is rather tense. Vincent isn't around as much, coming home late after hanging around buddies. It picks at my nerves slowly but surely till I'm waiting anxiously in the living room. I wanted to use the last week to try to endear myself to him, even cooking more often in hopes that he would be pleased with me. Though I'm generally not the one doing the cooking, him being the more proficient cook in this relationship.

Christmas eve day has me antsy. Though it’s a weekday we have it off and that actually makes it worse. A whole day of worrying. I cook breakfast for us, having a casual conversation with him before he agrees to show me some classic films. Sitting far sides of the couch and watching these flicks has me tenser. So close but so far.

I do try my hardest to enjoy the holiday introductions, learning all I can about this strange holiday. Though learning about Krampus has thrown me for a loop I find it all cozy. The day turns to night and we are finishing a film about an angry fellow living on a mountain. I found it funny but a lot of the humor was beyond my understanding.

"Hey, Nao," Vincent breaks the silence as the movie is paused.

"Yes," I ask. Looking over at him I see his fingers fidget against each other. He shyly looks up to me, pacing a quick glance to the tree in the corner.

"My family has a tradition where we open one gift on Christmas eve. I was curious if you wanted to open one before we head off to bed," he suggests. I look to the tree seeing a handful of gifts under the tree.

"There are about six gifts there, you sure you want to open them now," I ask. He fidgets a bit more, kicking his feet off the couch.

"I'm just a bit excited about giving you one of them so please humor me for the night," he shrugs. Before I can answer he is walking over to the tree to grab a small box. Handing it to me from the floor he sits by the coffee table. I fiddle with the little box, glancing over to my gift for him sitting within reach of him. I guess now is a good of a time as any.

"Grab the red one by your hand," I point. He snatches the little gift. With one more glance at each other, we start opening our gifts.

I can hardly think as I peel off the wrapping, trying to focus on him. As I get the gift open I nearly overlook the item inside. My heart stutters at the bright pendant laying at the center of a chain. The little fairy lights catch on the pink gem and twinkles inside the box. I can hardly breathe as I pet at it, remembering my mother wearing a similar piece around her neck. Father would go on and on about how he made it for her as a proposal gift, as have many people before him. Does Vincent understand the significance of this?

Gawking I look up at Vincent the same time he opens the ring box. His eyes widen, startling up to me with a similar look of wonder and surprise as me. A smile creeps up my face, his lips do the same. We both toss aside the boxes and lunge for one another. I fall to my knees on the carpet as he rises onto his. Our mouths meet in a clumsy attempt at a kiss, smiling like fools as we do our best. As we continue to ruin it I nuzzle my head against his, a rumbling in my chest rising with the tender moment.

"Great minds think alike I assume," he chuckles, tugging me close into a hug.

"How did you know about proposal gems," I wrap my arms around his neck, utterly fascinated with the glow of his eyes right now.

"I asked around," he shrugs," how did you know about engagement rings?"

"I ask around," I laugh. He chuckles, leaning over to press a fat kiss to my cheek.

"I was so nervous," he kisses at my neck," I know how serious your kind is about this kind of thing and I honestly didn't think you would want me. I told myself this would be my last try, if it didn't work I was going to have to talk about where to go from here. I've wanted you for so long."

"I didn't know I wanted you till recently but now looking back the feelings have always been there," I pet at his hair," flirting with that woman gave me a reality check." he startles me with a bite to my neck, a purr rolling up my throat shortly after. He licks the spot, soothing the aggravated skin.

"I barely flirted with her," he growls," she is so overly peppy, it got annoying after a while. I'm sorry but I did want to check if anyone could hold a flame to you. Doing that with anyone else felt wrong and dishonest, I only want to shower you in compliments." I tug at his hair, pulling him back.

I meet his warm brown eyes, looking between them before I ask," will you marry me, for real this time?"

His eyes crinkle with his giant smile," I think that's supposed to be my line." I shake my head in amusement before dragging him into another kiss.

We go to bed together, excited about tomorrow and the news we get to share. I wear my necklace and he wears his ring. What a wonderful Christmas.

[boxboysandotherwhump]

The new boy in town.

Tags:  @salamancialilypad  @whumpfigure @albino-whumpee @comfy-whumpee  @ashintheairlikesnow   @haro-whumps   @moose-teeth @vickytokio​ @yet-another-heathen​ @orchidscript

Chapter 2

CW: body-shaming/ insults, discrimination/ dehumanization of mutants, an insect gets hurt, a nearly fistfight ensues

Heat thrummed through Gideon’s bones and throbbed in unison with his building headache. His patience had shriveled up like dried fruit under the torrid summer sun while this horrible lavender scent clung to his hair,  his skin, his clothes, making him dizzy.

It became stronger on the village outskirts, Gideon realized as he hurried after Director Sahin. The man ascended the crooked stone staircase effortlessly, his moss-green robe billowing behind him. His artfully decorated spear swayed with every step he took, not brushing a single leave. The only thing rustling through the underbrush was the wind and the creatures living there.

A twig caught in Gideon’s black curls, while the Director rambled on about the virtues of disciplinary work. How it encouraged the growth of one’s character, or some shit. The twig broke off with a quiet snap, painfully pulling at his scalp. Gideon’s mood dropped even lower. It was going to be a nightmare to fiddle all those shitty branches and leaves out of his hair later on.

He was seconds away from losing his barely-held composure. 

The only thing keeping him from bursting at the seams was the promise he’d whispered into his brother's grave, a last farewell bedded beside a corpse. 

Gideon had come to this godforsaken village to learn how to fight and survive in the forest, not to become some obedient little soldier boy! But in order to do that, he had to get cleared for training again and out of suspension.

If he had to play the director’s errand boy for a day to achieve that, so be it. He had endured worse.  

“Haaah, here we are.” Director Sahin inhaled deeply, arms falling wide. “Finally. My dear friend’s farm. Tell me, young Gideon, is it not simply beautiful?”

Gideon shrugged. “‘S’ okay.”

Granted, the house did look cozy, resting encircled by giant roots with its warm brick walls, but those gigantic snails everywhere sent a shudder down his spine. If he had to touch those slimy monsters he-

The farm’s sliding doors opened before he could utter a protest, and a fine-boned, middle aged woman emerged, followed by a huge man with a greying beard.  A boy, probably his own age but significantly shorter, held the door open for them.

The older woman’s lips curled into a crooked smile as she caught sight of Director Sahin, whose whole face had lit up. Dark eyes shining. 

“Moira. My darling. Please do not tell me you are about to leave? Not when I looked forward to seeing your beautiful face again.”

Gideon suppressed a gag. Moira crossed her arms, smile growing sharper. Her eyes held a warm twinkle as she spoke. “Eric; charming as ever.”

The man behind her stepped closer and huffed:  “M happy ‘ter see ya too, Eric.”

“Oh Ansgar you flatter me. But I must confess, I am not here solely for tea and a chat-“

The Director rattled on and Gideon’s focus wandered to the girl that had stepped out the door behind a blonde woman. A fancy grey blouse hung off her thin shoulders, nearly covering the  lace trim of blue silk short. A stark contrast to the more practical attire favored by most villagers. But that wasn’t what caught Gideon’s attention, no, he had seen all sorts of fancy getups up in Berlin -in the city's upper ring that is- what drew his eyes to her, was her face.

Its left side was oddly deformed, her pale skin uneven like a creased silk sheet, drawing her left eye down and her full lips up. She mouthed something to the boy, smiling, earning a smile from him in turn.

“Ah yes may I introduce: Gideon, my newest student.”

Having lost most of the adults’ conversation Gideon tuned back in just in time, to give them a curt nod.

“I will send him to collect the salve after the feast, then,” Director Sahin announced, please as can be. 

“Wonderful.” Moira clapped her hands. All back to business brusqueness.  “Sahar will appreciate not having to deliver it for once. Right?”

The other boy snapped to attention, green eyes wide and fingers twitching like the hands of a pianist. A grateful smile rose to his face and he nodded.

Oh great, so Gideon had to take the trip up here twice. 

They descended the stairs, lined up one after another on the narrow path. Sahar right in front of him, following the strange girl. He had avoided Gideon’s eyes as he squeezed past him, careful not to touch, probably scared off by his uniform. The school’s emblem, embroidered on his stainless white shirt, proudly declared him a scout in training. Deadly. Fearless. The little farm boy definitely did better not to mess with an insect slayer like him.

The girl came to an abrupt halt, frozen in the woodland’s shadows before it gave way to the dusty hill road. Gideon nearly collided with Sahar, when he heard it.

A primal, bone chilling hiss tore through the hot afternoon air, rattling through his very core. 

Every hair on his body stood, muscles tensing, on edge just like his fraying nerves. 

He knew that sound. 

Even though he’d heard it only once before. On the crusade from last-stand-berlin to the village, where he had seen the beast it belonged to lurk on the riverside, watching them.

He would never forget a spider’s hiss. 

And there one stood, right in front of him, its eight thorny legs towering high above its ugly head. The spider’s giant yaws worked, rubbed against each other in agitation. Its razor sharp fangs glistened in the sun.

A man sat atop its massive, hairy body, scar-faced and clad in a straw cape that was fastened to a beetle’s shell armoring his left shoulder. Shimmering in iridescent hues of blue and green. The man did not smile as he glanced down at them. A silent challenge was edged in the hard lines of his rugged face.

Tense static filled the air, an almost tangible thing that bit at Gideons fingers. It wormed its way into his bones, crawled over his scalp.  

He almost, almost, flinched when Director Sahin shouldered past him, spear drawn and followed by the other man. Both planted themselves right in front of him and the others.

The intruder’s scar stretched with the rise of his eyebrows, eyes slitting in a lazy half-grin.

 “Hey, there. Hold your horses. Before someone does something he regrets later.”

“That a threat?” Ansgar grunted.

Moira ducked past him, face twisted in a furious scowl as she spit. “Oh, something other than entering our village on a damn wolf-spider you mean?!”

The corded muscle in her boney arm flexed as she shook her fist at the man, unveiling a wrath behind her primly dressed form that no one would have wanted to fall victim to.

He, however, just leaned closer, smile stretching into a shark-tooth grin. “Gutsy, are we? I like that.”

Director Sahim stepped up beside her, spear held in a steady grip. “How could you make it past our InD-Units with this monstrosity?! God show you mercy if you did something to-”

“What do you think I am?!” the intruder drawled, hands raised in mock offense. “A monster?! Only reason I got past your insect defenses was this baby here.”

Gideon had to stand on his tiptoes to catch a glance of the small round device that sat embedded into the spider’s head, partly hidden by the man’s straw cape. A little red light blinked in a steady rhythm above three buttons, which the man was careful not to touch as he rapped his knuckles against it. 

“Renders her absolutely obedient. All natural instinct turned off. See?”

He unsheathed a knife from a holster strapped around his leg and its steel blade shimmered in the sun before he rammed it in one of the spider’s eyes, plopping it out with a nauseating plitch. The spider endured its master’s violation in utter stillness, only its yaws twitched, creating this awful hiss in their never ceasing movement.

 “She’s docile as a lamb.”

“And how exactly is that supposed to work?” the girl inquired, meeting the man’s stare with a calculated cold composure. She ignored the incredulous look the blonde woman gave her, as she mouthed: “Charlotte, what are you doing?”

The intruder's mouth twitched.

“Man, what do I know, Missy?! I’m a mutant hunter not a scientist.” He leaned closer, eyes narrowed, fixed on the girl's deformed face. Venom spiked his words, dripped from his tongue like acid. “My expertise lies in chasing down freaks.”

The condescendingly cruel way in which he spoke, wielding words like a weapon meant to pierce and twist where it hurt most, reminded Gideon oddly of his father. Anger welled up in his chest, buzzed down his legs and made them move. He planted himself right between the girl and the intruder.

How dare he compare someone to mutant scum?!

“Tsk. Mutant hunter?! You’ve ever even seen one? Or are you just talk? Threatening girls?!”

“Gideon.”, Director Sahim hissed, squeezing Gideon’s shoulder in warning as he tried to pull him back. 

The man gave them a wry smile. “No no. Let’s hear him out. Have you ever seen one boy?”

“Yes.” Gideon spat, unable to reign his emotions back in. “They’re hideous monstrosities.  And I’m going to find and kill every single one of them.”

The man burst into violent laughter, shoulders shaking and head thrown back, nearly losing his balance under the force of it.

“You do have guts, I give you that. But also lots to learn. Do you really think a girl can’t be a mutant? Monster’s come in all shapes and sizes, boy.” His eyes wandered back to Charlotte.  “Just ugly, that’s the whole lot of them.`` 

The blonde woman gasped, searching for words to shoot back, but falling silent as she noticed Charlotte’s expression. 

Red blotches burned on her face, rage twisting it into a vicious scowl. The afternoon sun set her copper curls on fire. Ready to spew fury and flames, she opened her mouth but Sahar was faster, his small voice piping up.

“Char- Charlotte is… is no- no mutant and and and she’s neither ugly nor weak. And and and people who talk about, talk about killing others for no- no, no reason are… They’re the- the real monsters.”  

His fingers fiddled with his shorts, tapping and twisting in the dark, worn linen as he stumbled over his words. His big green eyes jumped from the rocky street to the spider’s fangs, lingered on the intruder’s face before landing on Gideon. They narrowed as he all but spat the last words in Gideon’s face.  

“The hell you just said?!” Gideon’s nostrils flared. How dare this little runt run his mouth about things he didn’t know shit about!

Crossing his arms, Sahar forced himself to hold his ground against Gideon’s furious, wide eyed stare.  “You you, you heard me.”

Gideon heart hammered in his throat, pumping liquefied fire through his veins. His hands twitched.

“I give you one chance to take. That. Back.”

The boy’s trembling fingers dug into his forearms, knuckles whitening as he lifted his chin.

 “Never.”

A roar tore from Gideon’s throat as he leapt forward. Rage burned through him like a wildfire, ready to ignite everything his fist would come in contact with.

Beating the selfritousnes out of that stupid stammering farmboy was the only thing that mattered now. Everything else blurred to background noise. Even the stranger on his shitty spider. 

In that frozen second between charge and impact, Sahar’s  feet moved. His body tilted to the side. Dodged Gideon’s blow. Effortlessly. He bounced back. Landed on the first stone step and uncrossed his arms. Ready to defend himself. His fingers had stopped twitching.

That little runt had nerves! 

Gideon broke into a sprint.

“You sure are good at dodging!” He swung his arm back. “Try to handle this!”

Muscles flexing Gideon readied for impact, only for his arm to be janked back. A  large hand had wrapped around his wrist. Stopped him mid punch.  Craning his neck, Gideon stared up into Ansgar’s stern face.

Fuck he’s fast?! 

“Looks like ya still got lots t’ learn about respect ‘n self-discipline, young man.”

Director Sahin sighed, eyes still locked on the intruder, who watched the spectacle with a lazy kind of interest.

Ansgar released Gideon’s hand and turned to Sahar. His grey eyes glistened like ice shards. “Same goes for you. Ya disappointed me, Sahar.”

Sahar blinked up at the man, eyes round and full of disbelief.

“Wh-what- what, what do you, do do do do- what do you  mean?”

“I haven’t trained ya to run off ‘n start mindless fights. I tried to teach ya discipline ‘n how to survive these woods.” Ansgar’s voice did not waver and every word made Sahar shrink into himself. His fingers tapped a hectic distorted rhythm over his leg

The intruder snickered, “someone’s a stuck up,” earning Moira’s venomous glare. 

“But- but I didn’t- he he he he he was, he was the one who-“

“Enough,” Ansgar thundered. “Don’t argue with me. If ya want a beatin’ so bad I’ll give ya one later. And now back t’ the farm. Ya grounded for the week. No fest. No nothin’!”

Sahar crumbled under the man’s anger, head ducked between his shoulders as the first teardrop fell. It trickled down his trembling jaw, painting a glistening path on his warm skin.

Voice reduced to a shaky exhale Sahar nodded,  “yes, sir.”, and stormed up the stairs.

He had just vanished between the thick bushes, when the intruder broke out into a new laughing fit.

[miyaniacs]

Mafia AU - Bokuto x fem!reader

Chapter 8 - I love you’s and lies

Chapter 7- take you home ; Index ; masterlist

warnings: slight NSFW and FLUFF

a/n: this is kind of long upss - also sorry for typos, I looked through it and corrected everything but then posted it and everything was gone except the headline, so I had to edit everything again but was too lazy too really correct everything again ( two times ) 

Thursday, 9am

The sun shines on your face.

You groan and hide your face in the sheets. Your head hurts. You extend your arm and reach for your phone.

9:48 am.

Well your class already started so there’s no need to get up now.

You’re about to put your phone away when a message pops up.

From: Bokuto

9:48am

Hey there sunshine!  I hoped you slept well! I’m sorry for not texting you before, I was busy with .. work… and well yeah- don’t worry tho I’m fine!

9:48am

I miss you..

9:49am

Do you want to hang out today?

You feel something shift behind you, immediately you’re pulled back against a strong chest, as small kisses are planted all over your shoulders.

Forgetting about the messages you’ve just read, you turn around and look up at beautiful olive eyes. “Good morning my love.” He says in his even deeper morning voice.

“Hey baby.” You beam back, pressing kisses all over his face.

“How’d you sleep?” He laughs softly.

“Perfect! Your bed is so comfy - I can’t believe you hid it from me all the time.” You playfully pout.

Ushijima laughs softly and rolls on his back, pulling you with him.

“That’s not funny.” You pout and he laughs even more. “Wait until you see the rest of it - and wait until you get a taste of the amazing coffee I make.” He smirks and kisses your forehead.

“Oh? An amazing coffee made by my amazing boyfriend?” You joke around until you realise what you just called him. Your whole body stiffens and you start ramble: “I - I that’s not what I meant I know we -“ but Ushijima interrupts you.

“Baby, baby, stop. There is no need to apologise. I’d love it when you call me your boyfriend.” He smiles at you lovingly.

You look up at him with big eyes, a blush on your face and a big smile.

“Does that mean … that you’ll call me your girlfriend? That you introduce myself as your girlfriend when we’re with others?”

“Yes baby. That’s what I mean. I would love to make things even more official, so everyone knew you’re mine and that they better not mess with you… but I can’t  You still got your job to do.” He frowns.

Ah yes, the job.

Bokuto.

You sigh at the thought of his face, his golden eyes.. his smile.

“But love, don’t worry. I trust you. I know that you’ll always come back to me at the end of the day. That your heart belongs to me. I uhm… I’m sorry if I come off too jealous … I just.. I wasn’t sure if you’d feel the same.. and..” You shut him off by placing your lips on his.

“You big stupid idiot. Of course I feel the same.” You chuckle.

“Say it.” He looks into your eyes.

“I love you Toshi.” You say softly and blush.

Ushijimas face breaks his usual neural mask and he smiles.

He smiles such a beautiful and heartwarming simile, you have never seen him smile like this before.

“I love you too Y/N.” He leans upwards and kisses you passionately, rolling over you, deepening the kiss. “ I love you so so much.” He mutters over and over again. It feels as if a wall broke done between the two of you.

Your hands roam over his broad shoulders and you begin to kiss his neck when you hear your phone ring.

Ushijima rolls to his side and groans.

Grabbing your phone you look at the caller ID and suck in your breath.

“It’s him right?” He rolls his eyes when he sees you nod, “Then go get it.”

“Hey?” You shyly say.

“HEYY Y/N! Sorry did I wake you up?” Bokuto beams and you feel Ushijima shift beside you.

“No noo, you didn’t ! What’s up Kou?” Your smile quickly drops as soon as you see Ushijima sitting in-between your legs, evilly smirking. You mouth a “NO” and try to crawl away, but he simply grabs your legs with his big hands holding you in place - and then he begins his magic.

“Oh nothing much…, I uhm… I just missed you..” Bokuto stutters. You let out a surprised squeal when you feel two fingers inside of you.

“Oh.. uhm I’m sorry I shouldn't have called you.” Bokuto begins. “No noooo I’m sorry I was just surprised. Uhm… do you want to meet up?” You ask, trying your best to ignore Ushijima.

“YES! I- uhm I mean Yes, sure.” You can practically see Bokuto scratching his head through the phone and you smile to yourself.

“So… tonight at uhmmm.. 8pm?” You suggest.

“Yes! Perfect- I’ll pick you up at yours and we can go shopping and then head to mine?” He asks now shy again.

“That sounds perfect Kou.” You smile.

“Okay - I - uhm need to go now. Boss is calling.” He laughs, “ See you tonight!” And he hangs up.

Immediately you throw your phone on the other side of the bed and your hands grab Ushijimas hair. You scream when he bites your clit. “TOSHI OMG!”

“So … tonight?” He mumbles against you, “What do you two do?”

“I… ughhhhh fuckkkk - we chill at his… and — AHHHG!” Arching your back you groan and grab the pillow.

“Ahh… so you and him alone… in his flat.. late at night…” his fingers move faster and faster while his tongue circles around your sensitive knot.

“No.. Toshi.. this.. OMG TOSH I’M GONNA COME!”

“Yes babygirl, scream my name.” He demands.

“USHIJIMA !!!!” You scream and lift up your body.

Thursday, 11am

“Andddd here’s your special coffee!” Ushijima places the coffee mug in front of you on the table.

Taking a sip you frown.

“Wow. I can’t believe you’ve hid, an amazing bed, this beautiful view, this whole beautiful place, AND that you’re practically a barista. Ushijima? Who are you? OH also are you a florist? How do you keep all those plants alive?” You shake your head and he laughs loudly.

“I’m sorry love, I promise you form this day on, you’ll get to see all of me.” He smiles and looks at you with love filled eyes.  You grab his face and kiss him passionately.  His hands wander down your body and he grabs your waist, lifting you up. Your legs wrap around his torso, your hands find their way to his hair. His arms move upwards to your back, pulling you closer to him.

Pulling away, Ushijima looks into your eyes. His eyes are soft, so incredibly soft, you feel your heart getting heavier with each second you look into them.  Then your stomach grumbles, ruining this perfect moment.

“Well… I’ll better make something to eat.” He laughs.

Thursday, 7:50pm

You came home just a few minutes ago. You and Ushijima spent the day at his, watching movies talking, cuddling and eating. Today felt as if you finally got to know him. From now on you can say that you know the infamous Ushijima Wakatoshi, that you truly know him.

As for now, you stand in front of your mirror, you’re wearing some tight black highwaisted sports leggings, an oversized dark grey cropped hoody and some black platform Doc Martens. Pulling up the hood, you grab your phone and head towards the front door. Bokuto should be there in a few minutes and you definitely need some fresh air to clear your mind and get into your role.

You hear the sound of the black Bugatti and in a matter of seconds it’s parked right in front of you.

Taking a deep breath you put on a fake smile and open the door. The second you see Bokutos face though, your fake smile switched into a real smile. He’s dresses as casual as you are. Grey sweatpants, black oversized T-Shirt and a black and yellow Nike Jordans cap, which he has on backwards.

“Hey there!” He smiles as you sit down and close the door.

“So… shopping now?” You wiggle your brows and smirk.

“You bet!” He says sheepishly and speeds down the road.

“How was your day?” You ask casually.

“Well… the usual…” He scratches his head, “Some business to deal with, but everything worked out just fine.” He smiles and quickly looks over at you.

“Ohh - well I’m glad.” You smile and look out of the window. Bokuto turns on the music and ironically “Gangsta’s Paradise” starts playing. You look over at him with an are you serious - look, but Bokuto just smirks and starts sining along on the top of his lungs while turning up the volume.

“Tell me why are we so blind to see That the ones we hurt are you and me?" He sings and you just had to join him.

“Been spendin' most their lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise Been spendin' most their lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise Keep spendin' most our lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise Keep spendin' most our lives livin' in the gangsta's paradise" you two sing on the top of your lungs

He stops the car on the parking lot of the grocery store and looks at you. For a second it’s silent then you two burst out in laughter.

“Okay okay, let’s get out.” You menage to say while trying to catch your breath.

You walk over to get a shopping cart and walk back to Bokuto, who’s already waiting for you with an evil smirk on his face.

“Kou - what are you planning now?” You ask and stop in front of him, a worried expression on your face.

“This.” He says and jumps in the cart, “TO THE SNACKS” he yells and extends his arm as if he’s some general on a horse, telling his soldiers to march forward.

“Omg why am I doing this to myself?” You fake whine and gather all your strength to move the cart.

“You do it for the SNACKS!” He laughs.

About an hour later, you got all the chips, chocolates, ice cream, sweets, drinks, alcohol and a watermelon, which Bokuto - still sitting in the cart - holds proudly. You move to the check- out, Bokuto lifts all the stuff out of the cart and pays - still in the cart. All the people around you two look as if you’re the craziest thing they have ever seen. The best looks you two get are the ones when you move the cart to the black Bugatti, that everyone on the parking lot is starring at.

Winking at you, Bokuto revs up the engine drives off to his apartment.

Friday 1:20am

All the snacks are open, the water melon exploded in the kitchen, the bottle of tequila almost empty and you and Bokuto have a dane off to “Hollaback Girl”.  Sadly you have to admit that he is winning, simply and only to the fact that he can throw it back like a pro.

The song switches to “No Diggity” and Bokuto walks up behind you wrapping his arms around you, pressing his body against yours while you start moving your hips to the beat.

His lips find the soft skin right behind your ear.

You arch your back at the sudden contact, pressing your lower back even tighter against him.

“You’ve been with him this morning, haven’t you?” He purrs into your ear. You bite your lips and shake your head. “Don’t lie to me. I know what he’s done while I called you.” He growls in such a deep voice, your whole body shivers. “Kou.. I’m sorry I-“ you begin but quickly stop talking as you feel him biting down on your skin. “I know you’re not sorry, love. You enjoy all of this right? Having two dangerous man fighting over you?” He starts sucking on your neck, leaving marks that’ll be hard to cover up. You lean your head back against his shoulder, giving him more space to work with. One of his hands move under your hoody, fingers gazing over your skin. “I can’t blame you, love, yet I can promise that I’ll fight for you.”

Your heart arches at his words. Bokuto is so honest with his emotions and you start to feel a warm feeling filling up your heart. You can’t let this happen, you’ve just told Ushijima that you loved him, have you been lying? No. You do love him, but what is this feeling now? What is this warm feeling that fills you up?

Bokuto moves you around in his arms finally looking down at your beautiful face. With big eyes you look up to him, how could he hold back now? His lips crash with yours in a hungry kiss that leaves you breathless afterwards.

“Kouu..” You moan against his lips, but he pulls away.

“No. Not now.” he turns away. You open your eyes and the second his hands left your body you feel cold and empty.

“What.. Bokuto .. I’m sorry .. “ you stutter confused.

“No, it has nothing to do with you. I just.. I want to be sure that you really want me and that it’s not the alcohol speaking.” He says shyly and looks at the ground. At this moment, he looks more like a 16 years old that has to ask his mother to leave the house and not like a gang member.

“Thank you for being so respectful.” You smile warmly at him and walk towards him.

He looks over to you, “ You don’t think I’m weak for being that way?”

“What?! NO! How could I?” You ask confused.

“I - It’s just - I feel like I have to act a certain way since I’m in a gang… and that I don’t really fulfil those expectations.” He looks at you with big eyes. Gently you place your hands on either side of his face forcing him to look at you.

“Bokuto, there’s nothing wrong with it. You’re still dangerous and whoever messes with you has some serious death wishes. Also I believe you don’t show this side to everyone.” You smile at him and kiss his nose.

“No.. only to the ones I trust.” He mumbles embarrassed, “Have I trusted you too early, y/n?” He asks innocently and your heart breaks.

Yes yes, he did. He certainly did, but he’s not one to blame. You’ve been too open and carefree around him. You didn't act, they’ve all been your true emotions and feeling. Who is he to blame for trusting you?

“Yes Kou you did, but it’s fine. I won’t betray you.” You say and his eyes lit up.

“Thank you. It’s so hard for me to find someone to trust and who accepts me outside the gang.” He kisses your cheek and grabs your hand, “NOW we haven’t decided who won the dace off!” He laughs and starts looking for the right song.

You feel your phone vibrating.

From Tosh:

Are you okay?

Yes I am.

Okay good. Please, remember that you’re just playing a role…

I know Toshi.

Good, sorry.. I’m just worried. I’m with the boss rn and he asked where you are and I just- got worried...

I know- but you don’t have to, I’m all yours love.

I love you.

Shaking your head, you brush off the feeling of guilt and put your phone away.

Bokuto looks at you with sharp eyes.

“Hm?” you ask and look at him confused.

“Does he know you're with me?” he asks.

How. How is he able to read you so easily?

“Yes he does.” you honestly reply.

“Good.” he smirks, “I hope it bother his as much as it bothers me knowing you’re with him.” You roll your eyes and grab his phone. “You take too long to find a song.” you comment and scroll though his playlist. He hugs you from behind and he rests his chin on your shoulder. “How about we end the night with some movies?” he kisses your shoulder. “Sounds like a plan.” you smile and add “Movies and cuddles?”

“Baby, by deciding to have me as friend you signed up for a lifelong subscription for cuddles.” he laughs.

Friday, 4:40 am

Bokuto wakes up by his phone ringing.

“Yes?” he answers still sleepy.

“Bokuto? Where are you?” Sakusa asks from the other line.

“Home. Why?”

“Come to the club now. We got some business to take care of?”

“What kind of business?”

“We found someone who works for the Adlers and we need our best man to make sure we get all the needed information out of him.”

“Coming.”

Bokuto sighs and hangs up. He looks down at your sleeping form. Gently he frees himself out off your grip and lifts you up, carrying you to his bed.  He stays for a few more seconds, gently running his fingers through your hair. The he kisses you goodbye and leaves.

Taglist (open) : @kageyamasbraincell , @tendouthighs ,  @lilacshouko @softhourswithseb @theperksofcoffee @cuddlesslut  @shhhlikeme​, @kynyta @yammmers  @asahi-is-jesus-periodt @hxnni-bxnni @theduvetpirate @chromaticstudio​ @gywjd0131​

[allthingsfangirl101]

More Than Friends–Dylan O’Brien

Requested by AnsleyRose

"Oh!" Tyler yelled, making us all jump. I looked over and laughed when I saw he was already wasted. "I almost forgot. Before he left, Dylan gave me his present for you."

My heart sank when he reminded me that my best friend wasn't even at my birthday party. When Dylan called to tell me he was stuck in Virginia filming American Assassin and couldn't get away, I tried to act like it didn't bother me, but it did.

I cleared my throat as I took the present out of Tyler's hand and slowly opened it. I sucked in a breath when I tossed the wrapping paper aside to see a blue velvet box. I hesitated before slowly opening it. When I did, my heart jumped into my throat.

"Oh my gosh," I said under my breath, my eyes watering.

"What is it?" Holland asked eagerly.

"It's a locket," I said, my voice getting caught in my throat.

"A locket?" Shelley asked softly.

"I can't believe. . . We saw this at a table at the farmer's market three months ago. When I saw it I. . . I told him that my grandmother used to have one just like it until it was stolen. I can't believe he went back and bought it."

"Wow," Tyler Hoechlin said under his breath.

"That's crazy," Dylan Spraberry said as he chuckled.

"Not that crazy," Posey scoffed. Everyone looked at him with wide eyes.

"What do you mean?" I stuttered, looking around at everyone's nervous faces.

"Come on," Tyler P. laughed. "Does it really surprise you that he did something so extreme? For you?"

"I don't. . ." I stuttered.

"I mean, we all know that he's been in lo. . ."

Before he could finish his sentence, Hoechlin elbowed him hard in his side. "What?" Posey said through his teeth. His eyes widened when he saw the way everyone was looking at him. He slowly looked at me, his eyes just getting bigger. "Oh shit."

"Wait, Dylan's. . ." I stuttered, not able to finish my thought.

"No," Hoechlin jumped in. "He's drunk. You know what Posey's like when he gets drunk. He says things without thinking."

"Things that are usually true," I said under my breath. I looked down at the locket, my eyes filling with tears. "Dylan loves me?" I said too soft for anyone else to hear.

"Hey, Y/N?" I looked up to see Holland watching me closely. "Random question for you," she said, clearing her throat, "do you have feelings for Dylan?"

That question bounced around my brain as I thought about mine and Dylan's relationship.

Dylan and I have always been close. We've been best friends since before he was famous. When he moved to LA, I came with him. I went to hair school while Dylan started filming Teen Wolf. In season 2, he got me a job doing the hair and make up for the entire cast.

Ever since I moved to LA, things have changed. Over the seasons, I've noticed Dylan doesn't go out on the weekends as much. Instead, he stays at home with me. We order a pizza and stay up late watching whatever show we were binging on Netflix.

I asked him why he wasn't going out with the Teen Wolf cast or Maze Runner boys and he laughed.

"I love the guys," he laughed after the tenth time of him spending a weekend with me and not the guys. "But they can be a group of assholes. And sometimes I just want a lazy Saturday night with my best friend."

The night he said that I started to really think about our relationship since I moved to LA with him. We were living together, we spent any free time we had together, and we were closer than before.

"Yes," I finally said. "I think I am."

                       * * * * *

I sat on my bed, nervously bouncing my leg as I looked down at my phone. I wasn't entirely sure what I was waiting for, but I waited. I sighed when I noticed my hands starting to shake. I tossed my phone onto my bed and stood up, starting to nervously pace across my room. I jumped when my phone started ringing. I hesitated before answering it.

"Hey," I said, trying not to sound as nervous as I was.

"Hey, you. How was your birthday? Sorry I couldn't call you yesterday on your actual birthday. We went and filmed one of the scenes in the cabin and we didn't have any service. I would've called you. I swear."

"I trust you," I laughed. I cleared my throat as I reached up and started to fiddle with the locket he gave me.

"Did Tyler give you my present?" He asked. Before I could give him an answer he started rambling. "Maybe I should've given the present to someone who wasn't guilty of always getting drunk at every party. Like Holland. She would've been the better choice. Shit, I should've given it to her."

"Dylan," I cut him off. "Don't worry. Even in his drunken state, Tyler remembered to give me your present."

"Good," he said, letting out a sigh of relief and a soft laugh.

"Dyl," I said, my voice getting caught in my throat as tears formed.

"Y/N? Are you okay? I didn't mean to make you cry. I thought. . ."

"No," I said quickly with a small giggle. "I love it! I mean. . . I can't believe you went back and bought this for me. Dylan, I can't believe you would do something like this for me."

"Really?" He asked, sounding a little weird. "Well," he cleared his throat, "of course I would do something like this for you, Y/N. You're. . . You're my best friend."

"I know," I stuttered. "It's just. . . No one has ever done something like this for me."

"Well," Dylan said, clearing his throat again. "You deserve it."

Silence fell between the two of us, a newfound awkward tension now part of our relationship. And I hated it.

"I gotta go," Dylan said, his voice soft. "We're filming another scene and I have to get down to the costume trailer and. . . I'll call you later."

"Dylan, wait."

My heart dropped into my stomach when he hung up. I slowly pulled my phone away from my ear, tears streaming down my cheeks. I sat on the end of my bed, a sob getting stuck in my throat.

The next few days were hell. Dylan didn't call me like usual. He wouldn't even text me back. Something was going on but I had no idea what it was. There was this tension between the two of us and I didn't know how to get rid of it.

I reorganized the makeup counter for the fifth time today. I didn't acknowledge it when the trailer door opened.

"You okay?"

I looked up at the mirror to see Holland standing in the doorway. I sighed as I turned around and leaned against the counter.

"This whole "Dylan and I not talking" thing is killing me," I said, my voice breaking. She sighed as she walked into the trailer and closed the door.

"This is just temporary," she said gently. "You guys will get passed it once he is no longer all the way in Virginia."

"I don't think the distance is what's going on with us," I sighed as I leaned back against the counter. "We've been apart before. It's just this time. . ."

"Honey," she sighed. "What if there isn't anything going on with you two? I mean, all of this started to happen after Tyler let it slip how Dylan feels about you. And when you realized that you might. . ."

"I do have feelings for Dylan," I cut her off. Her eyes widened when my words hit her.

"Really?" She said excitedly.

"We've been friends since we were kids. He's always been there for me, willing to rush to my side whenever I needed him. Why did it take me so long to realize that every time he stayed up late talking to me, every time he ditched the guys to be with me, every time he sat and held me after a breakup, meant so much more?"

Holland laughed as she wrapped her arms around me. "Y/N, sometimes people don't realize these things."

I broke the hug and immediately wrapped my arms around myself. "What if. . . What if something happens and I lose him?"

"You're not going to lose him, Y/N," she sighed. Just then there was a knock at the trailer door. We turned around to see Tyler standing in the doorway.

"Dylan's back."

We followed him out of the trailer but the second I saw Dylan, my heart dropped. He was standing there, introducing a beautiful woman to the cast. I ignored the looks from Tyler and Holland as I turned on my heel and walked quickly back to the makeup trailer.

                       * * * * *

All day I waited in the makeup trailer for Dylan to come see me but he never did. The longer I waited, the more my heart sank into my stomach.

I looked down and started fiddling with the locket. I sucked in a breath when I just now noticed that the locket opens. I quickly took it off and opened it. When I saw the picture inside the locket, a sob got stuck in my throat.

"Let me guess, you didn't know it opened."

I turned around to see Dylan standing in the doorway with a soft smile on his face. He looked down at the locket in my hand before looking back up at me. Another sob got stuck in my throat as I ran over to him, instantly jumping into his arms. He laughed as he caught me, wrapping his arms around me.

The picture in the locket was the picture our parents took the very first day we met. I was riding my bike when I fell. Dylan's parents unpacked their truck while he played with a basketball. When he saw me fall, he ran across the street and helped me up. He made sure I was okay and hugged me while I cried.

My parents rushed to me and his parents ran across the street. As he calmed me down, our parents talked. My mom invited them over for dinner and before dessert, Dylan and I took that picture.

"That's my favorite picture we've ever taken," he whispered, his arms still wrapped around me. "Whenever I'm away and I start to miss you, I find this picture and it always makes me smile."

I pulled out of the hug, tears still slowly streaming down my cheeks. Before I could think it through, I grabbed his face and pressed my lips to his. I quickly pulled away from him before he could start to kiss me back.

"I'm sorry," I stuttered, slowly letting go of his face. "I shouldn't have. . . I was just. . . Tyler told me. . . Well, he thinks. . . At least everyone else thinks. . . I have terrible timing. You are dating a new girl and I just. . ."

Dylan cut me off by pulling me into his chest and pressing his lips to mine. I moaned into the kiss as I started moving my lips in sync with his.

When we finally broke the kiss, both of us were out of breath. He leaned back, a smile on his face.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," I said with a small chuckle. His smile widened as he pulled me into him and pressed his lips back to mine.

"Wait," I said, breaking the kiss. "I thought you were with that woman I saw you with earlier. . ."

Dylan laughed as he shook his head. "That woman is Shiva. She plays Annika. She's visiting her boyfriend who's filming a few stages over."

"Oh," I said, my cheeks burning. I looked down at our feet, trying to hide my blush.

"Were you jealous?" He teased as he used his finger to make me look up at him.

"Maybe," I said under my breath.

He smirked as he slowly leaned towards me, his lips hovering next to mine and his breath hitting my face.

"Good."

[if-found-return-to-gusu]

New Years with Lan Zhan

The following week leading up to New Years was… tense. But not in the way it had been before. This tension…. It was.. Well it was certainly potent. 

I was just… I was AWARE of him. I’d decided to hope and hoping ment I had to re-examine how I saw him. How I saw how he saw me, rather. Reading into his actions and words with a romantic lens is…. Well… The kind of tension it creates is not exactly kid-friendly, let’s just say.

…..

I wanted to jump him, okay? Jump his bones. 

Constantly. 

I wanted to kiss him. To hold him. To touch him. In every place. In every way.

Ya boi was thirsty okay. (Still am but whoo-boi that was a TENSE week.)

We kinda danced around each other. I was very aware of the fact that we had kissed on Christmas under the mistletoe and that I had almost kissed him again two other times since.  

Whenever we were close… the urge was so strong. Remembering the taste of his lips makes me just want to lick mine as if I can find traces of it still there. And every time I do I KNOW his eyes follow the movement. 

Does that mean he wants me to? Is he thinking about it too? Or is he just tracking movement like human eyes just do?

We agreed that our first kiss was a disaster and didn’t mean anything.

Was it possible… that he feels the same way I do about that? Because it didn’t mean nothing. It meant everything. 

Even if I tried to make it mean nothing. Even if I tried to convince myself it was just a mistake. Not to be repeated. Heat of the moment. Wrong. Manipulative. Bad. 

And it was.

But at the same time

Oh… 

Even if I never should have done it. That kiss…. 

When did I get to be this selfish? 

But maybe…. Selfish is okay.

Because Lan Zhan returned that kiss. And maybe it wasn’t just out of pity. 

I mean I’ll never know. I’ll never be ABLE to know regarding that kiss. But that doesn’t mean I can’t know for… well…. Future kisses. If he wants them even half as much as I do.

Even if it’s just a casual attraction. I can deal with that. If he wants me in ANY capacity beyond friendship….  I mean I can work with that.

Right???

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

It all came to a head on New Years Eve. Or… Well I guess just New Years. We’d decided to spend the holiday together at home.  

All in all there isn’t much to say about the day leading up to ringing in the new year together. We decided to order in and have something delivered so we could be lazy and stay in our sweatpants all day. (Well I stayed in his sweatpants. I have a modest selection of clothes again now but nothing is more comfortable than stealing his. ((Also on that note, I’m still really kinda sad that I lost my sexy jeans. I haven’t been able to find anything that hugs my ass quite so well as those did. Shame.)))

We spent most of the day just sitting together on the couch and watching stuff. Streaming movies and trying out some episodes of new TV shows. We ate when we were hungry and munched when we weren’t. 

We even found some of the left over face masks to wear while he started our nightly routine of rubbing ointment into my hands (which by then had already almost completely healed due to his care and attention). My hands are completely healed now he still rubs in the lotion every night. It’s something neither of us seem willing to end. 

And… well… okay so… somehow. Don’t ask me how. But all day long I happened to find myself more often than not sitting er… in his lap.

Okay so it was on purpose. I sat on him as a ‘joke’ but then he slid his arms around my waist to hold me there and so… Well, I just stayed. 

I tried to get off at one point saying his legs were probably getting numb but he just pulled me back on and told me to stay.

So what was I supposed to do? His arms stayed around me most of the night. And when his arms weren't around me, his hands were on my hips or arms instead. Always touching me somewhere. Sometimes when I’d laugh at something on the TV his grip would tighten. Other times, when I was relaxed against him, he’d let me nuzzle his neck and breathe him in. I couldn’t help myself. In those moments he’d stroke my back, tracing patterns into my skin over my shirt. 

When it started to turn towards the evening I did finally get up. He let me after I promised I’d be back in just a moment. I hopped off to the kitchen. I’d bought a store of very low-alcohol content beverages. Lan Zhan and I had briefly talked at some point about trying this - seeing if we could find alcohol content low enough that he could enjoy getting tipsy without blacking out entirely. There were just things like Mikes Hard Lemonade or wine coolers and such. Very low content stuff. I tried to pick out things I thought he’d enjoy the flavor of. 

He looked confused when I returned with arms-full of different drinks, but still came up to help me take some.I reminded him of our talk of experimenting and said how I thought this was the perfect opportunity to try. 

“It’s okay if you don’t want to. If you’d rather not I’ll just drink these myself. But I thought it would be nice. Since you said you wanted to try to drink with me and these are very mild.”

He cut off my rambling with a hand to my cheek and a smile to my heart. He placed the bottles on the coffee table and selected something to start with. I grinned at him and opened up a bottle of my own Emperor’s Smile (always in supply gratitude of the ever-attentive Lan Zhan. Poor liquor store is gonna think he’s an alcoholic with how often he buys it. ….

Am I an alcoholic? I mean I don’t have a problem going long periods of time without drinking. I honestly just like the taste. And I don’t usually drink enough to get even a little buzzed… so like… that’s fine right???

┌( ಠ_ಠ)┘

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah well I’ll talk to Wen Qing about that later…..))))))

I resumed my rightful place on his lap when he literally picked me up and placed me there. I laughed which made him smile and together we started to drink. He sipped at first, carefully testing out the flavor, but soon apparently decided that it wasn’t bad and drank with more confidence. 

We took it slow at first, seeing how he reacted. By the end of the first bottle he was feeling it a little but only just, he said. Which was a good sign!!

We thought about doing a drinking game but I thought that might be pushing it for our first time doing this together and we decided that depending on how this went maybe we would try that next time. If there was a next time.

The ‘Game’ idea stuck though and we both suddenly remembered the Switch that SangSang had left him all that time ago. We still don’t really have many games for it but that’s okay. 

Long story short

Tipsy Mario Kart is hilarious. We kept drinking through the night and both got a nice buzz going. I don’t know how to drive anyway but whatever. It helps you if you fall off the track and there are no turn signals or anything to worry about. But like okay here’s the thing.

As Lan Zhan got tipsier, he started to drive slower and MORE carefully. Like There’s this section on one of the maps where if you take a riskier jump it works as a shortcut. Like one of those high-risk/high-reward things. 

But like… I stopped one time to watch him. He very carefully steered his car so that he was lined up on the ramp and tried to like back up so he’d have a runway. It took him a good 20 or 30 seconds to just get his car straight. And then he punched it. 

Except there wasn’t any momentum. Because he went from dead-stopped. So he got to the top of the ramp

And just flopped over upside down on the track below. He was so frustrated!! It was adorable!

He came in dead last that time. (Though I was second to laugh because I kept flying off the edge as a result of laughing so hard while pressing the ‘go’ button. Oh my god. It really was hilarious. He was SO frustrated. I mean he’d tried SO hard!!). 

And don’t even get me started on Rainbow Road. I wish I’d recorded it somehow to show you guys. Just. Damn.  There was this one time that I flew off the road, yeah? And like normally the little guy carries you back on with the fishing line right?

Except I managed to fall ONTO the track below. Like going the wrong way and way further behind but like it was impressive!

Well I thought so anyway. 

Still managed to lap Mr. Careful though because Lan Zhan was DETERMINED not to fall off the road after the botched ramp incident. 

In the end we were so into the game that we both lost track of time completely. Fortunately sober Lan Zhan foresaw this problem which meant that at 11:45 the two of us were scared out of our skin by the sound of his phone’s alarm going off. 

“Oh! Oh yeah!! The fireworks!!!” I yelped in a moment of panicked clarity. (Nevermind that 15 minutes was more than enough time for even tipsy us to get our asses up to the roof like we’d planned.)

We gathered up some blankets and made the hot chocolate we’d planned for to keep us warm and both of us tromped up the little-used ladder that led to the roof. 

I’d always wanted to do this specific cliche. Sitting on a roof with the person I loved to ring in the new year together under the light of the celebratory fire-works. We were close enough to see them pretty well from there, Lan Zhan had promised. Even though he’d never done it himself. 

I trusted him. As I do with all things.

We managed to get our blankets set up. We’d planned on using chairs but instead decided on just some cushions instead so that we could stay closer to each other. 

“For warmth” I claimed. 

I remember waiting on that roof with him, half on his lap again as our misting breath mingled with the curling steam from the hot mugs of chocolate held in our hands. 

There was just enough snow around to make everything a little muffled. Quiet and calm. 

Between the liquor and the hot chocolate and Lan Zhan’s body pressed so close to mine, cold wasn’t even a whisper in my mind. I could have stayed like that forever.

I keep saying that don’t I? I guess it’s not so bad to have so many forevers, huh? Just means I’m happy with him, doesn’t it? And I am. I really am. As much as I want these moments to last forever… As long as I can have a forever with him… what more in this world could I possibly ask for? That’s what I want. I want a forever with him. I don’t care how or where. Just… as long as it’s with him.

My thoughts were swimming lazily in that direction when the first of the fireworks shimmered in the distance. We were far enough away that we could hear the boom without feeling the rumbling that accompanied it. I shimmied the rest of the way onto Lan Zhan’s lap when the display started and he put both of our mostly empty mugs aside so that he could slide his arms around me. 

The air shimmered. Pinks and golds and silvers and greens. Reds and blues  and oranges and purples. Sometimes in patterns. Sometimes just in a spray of glittering color.

I’ve always loved fireworks. The sound and the sight and the feel of them. The way they color the world for even a moment. I was always fascinated how different they are in person than they are with even the highest quality camera. It’s just… you have to see them live. Film just doesn’t do them justice.

Kinda like Lan Zhan. Beautiful on paper but in person just.. Stunning. 

The finale was timed perfectly for Midnight. “Happy New Year, Wei Ying,” Lan Zhan said softly in my ear, making me shiver for the first time since coming outside. And not from cold. 

I turned in his lap to look at him. “Happy New Year,” I replied in a whisper. He was so close. So so close.

This time… this time we both moved. I hadn’t been cold but the press of his lips against mine almost burned anyway. The kiss… it wasn’t the passion of our first kiss, or the awkward chastity of our second. This one lingered just a moment. Just enough that we could be sure that it was reciprocated on both sides. And when we parted a moment later we still stayed together. Lan Zhan pressed his forehead against mine, staring into my eyes and smiling that sweet smile that’s just for me. 

I remember laughing a little and nuzzling my nose against him, scrunching it in an attempt to be cute. It must have worked because he chuckled too. 

I don’t know how long we stayed like that, but despite the warmth of the moment, eventually we did start to feel the chill of the midnight air. It was with great reluctance that I untangled myself from him. We gathered everything up and took each other’s hand as we made our way back inside to the warmth of the apartment. 

We let go to start cleaning up a bit before bed. I knew it was late for Lan Zhan but I also know that he’d prefer going to bed with the place relatively tidy and that we’d thank ourselves in the morning. 

He went off to the kitchen to at least clean up some of the dishes and I set to putting the living room to rights. 

My task was the easier one so I finished pretty quickly. Unwilling to be separated from Lan Zhan any longer than I had to, though, I went to the kitchen to see if he needed some help. But then….

Well you all know I’m a little goblin, right?  

He was just… his back was turned to me at the sink. And his sides were exposed. Just begging to be tickled. 

And well, I wasn’t DRUNK, (at least off alcohol) but I was definitely tipsy and so I crept in like the goblin man I am, slinked up behind him and went in for the tickle. He SQUEALED and started laughing like a mad-man. All the dishes he was holding crashed into the sink and he held onto the counter for dear life. His leg seemed to give out on him for a moment as he gasped for breath between more peals of laughter. It wasn’t until the pig snorts started that he really tried to fight me. His ears were so RED as he twisted in my grip, snorting all the way like little (or not so little) laugh hiccups. Oh Oh I never thought that a pig snort could sound so wonderful. Hah. It was ridiculous.

Eventually he managed to twist around and wrap his arms around me, effectively pinning my arms to my sides so he could catch his breath. His head was resting on my shoulder as we both let our laughter die down some. 

It was all a ruse!

 A RUSE!!!

All of a sudden while I was pinned there completely defenseless I felt

Hands

On

My 

Ass!!!!

Apparently tipsy Lan Zhan decided that copping a feel was the only reasonable path for revenge.

Except… I don’t know how he knew. Or maybe it was just luck.

I am not ticklish anywhere on my body. Not even my feet.

Except for one place.

Nie Huaisang if I find out you’re the one who told him this I will skin you alive. 

My butt… I don’t know why and honestly it is a very well guarded secret except that SangSang found out by chance once. But my ass is SO ticklish. 

Lan Zhan grabbed a chunk (And there is a nice chunk to grab if I do say so myself) and just… 

I collapsed instantly. 

And now he knows.

Forever.

That if you tickle my ass

I bray like a damn donkey. 

Like I laugh THAT hard. That I can’t breath. And when I gasp for air it sounds like a fucking donkey.

Which of course got his pig snorts happening again. 

Thank GOD no one was near us wondering if we were expanding the bunny cafe into a full on fucking petting zoo. 

Jesus. 

And 

Just to make matters WORSE.

Okay so I’m a weak man. 

And I was trying to squirm away from him and he was trying to keep tickling my ass

And in order to keep tickling my ass and keep me from running his arms were still around me

Which means that we were pressed very close to each other

And I was squirming to get away and laughing and

Well….

You can guess what happened.

Let’s just say we were really feelin’ each other. 

⚆_⚆

And if you DON’T understand what I mean. Good for you. Keep your innocence. I will not tarnish. 

SO I mean clearly he was disgusted with me and made me sleep in the guest room and avoided ever touching me again, right? Except he wasn’t and he didn’t.

It was… well it was definitely awkward but…. We didn’t let go. 

I mean we didn’t do anything else either. Maybe we could blame the alcohol or the fact that it was late or the just natural reaction of rubbing up against someone else. All of which may be true. 

I mean we did talk a little. It is a natural reaction right? And… well… 

I could still feel that kiss from the rooftop. I’d been trying NOT to linger on it too much, deciding it was something for my more sober brain to process in the morning. But I mean… We had just kissed. Under the moonlight. On the rooftop. In some new cheesy cliche 80’s romcom moment that I’ll treasure forever. 

And then

We…

Ugh…

We both decided in the end that that was something to be dealt with when we were sober and that it was either way a natural reaction that just happened sometimes and that we could talk about it later if needed. 

And after we.. em… caught our breath… we did eventually finish cleaning up and went to bed. As we normally do. Which means he was holding me. (Though I did pointedly avoid hip contact just in case ( ఠ ͟ʖ ఠ). )

We did NOT actually mention it again. I don’t know for sure that he remembers it and there’s no way in fuck I’m gonna bring it up if I don’t have to. At least not right now. We’ve got… other things to sort out in our relationship first. 

Like… like the kisses. 

First one doesn’t count (even though it does count.) because of circumstance

Second one still doesn’t really count because peer pressure and circumstance

But third one…..

It could have been the alcohol. And well, yes. The alcohol absolutely played a part. I know it gave me courage but I don’t know how it was influencing him. So STILL iffy on that circumstance and all that. (Alcohol =/= consent guys. Legit.) but like with how we’d been acting since Christmas and just… 

It’s given me a lot to think about. 

And we haven’t really talked about it but we aren’t like… avoiding it either. We’re just… I think we’re both testing the water. 

And I’m starting to really really… It’s more than hope now. 

His birthday is like in a week. And I’ve made my choice. I wanted to wait until my situation was much more settled before I even thought about trying to move our relationship in any direction. 

And Now….

I’m in a much better place. I’m emotionally much more stable. And if needed I can find a new place to stay now so I’m not so dependent on him anymore.

So I think… I think at his birthday on Saturday… Maybe after the actual shindig… when we’re home alone together…. 

I’m going to get him a gift just like he got me and…. And I’m going to tell him. I’m going to tell him everything. Tell him how I feel. I’ll confess and then… well… Whatever he decides then… well I’ll respect it. 

But I’m tired of this in between. I want one or the other. I want to know. I want to take my chance. Shoot my shot. I want to throw the ball into his court.

I just… I just hope he picks it up. 

Fuck. This is gonna be hard.