#I can literally picture their unashamed grins

[magnoliasforyourmedic]

Gene wanted nothing to do with being a medic after the war. Very few people outside of Easy Company knew he was a medic, let alone served in the war, and he was adamant about keeping it that way. If someone was injured on a job site, he’d usually sit back and let the others handle it, maybe give them some instructions from afar if it’s serious enough.

Unfortunately, the boys of Easy Company never quite got that memo. He’d be sitting at a table at one of their reunions listening to a conversation when he gets that familiar tingle down his spine. Doc locks eyes with them as they make their way across the room, holding a napkin over a cut and clutching their hand to their chest. He stares them down with narrow eyes that scream “don’t you dare”. They smile unapologetically because they know he’ll take care of them anyway. “This is the last time” he’d say loudly, firm and adamant and leaving no room for rebuttal as he fixes them up. The men just smile and nod, knowing fully well that everyone knew that was a lie.

[shitty-marvel-fan732]

Hi! I LOVED your peter x Barnes-Rogers post, I was wondering if you could do one where maybe Peter (being the lovable dummy that he is) feels like the only way he can protect her is to break up with her?

Thank you so much for this ask! I loved writing this. So sorry that this has taken so long, life has been STUPID hard lately. 

So I wrote like 1100 words for this ask, because I have no self-control lmao. So I broke this into two parts, and I’ll post the second part a lil bit later in the week. 

Title: Guilty, Part 1 of 2

Pairing: Peter Parker x Barnes-Rodgers!Reader

Requested: Yes!

Warnings: Peter is a sad boy, slight injuries, and I think that’s it?

Summary: Peter is worried the dangers of being Spiderman’s girlfriend are too much for you. 

Link to Part 2

"Mmmm yeah no I'd definitely fuck Spiderman."

Peter nearly choked on his slice of pizza. Face rapidly turning pink at the mention of his alter ego, he whipped his head around in an attempt to locate the source of the somewhat disturbing statement. It seemingly came from a group of sophomore girls sitting a few tables behind his -- the girls were all furiously giggling at their friend who looked utterly unashamed at her bold declaration. Peter couldn't help the small smile that stretched across his lips. He knew that those girls had no idea who Spiderman really was, and even if they did he was more than happy in his current relationship. Still, the sentiment was a little flattering all the same.

Or disturbing. He couldn't quite tell which.

"Pete?"

Peter's attention was pulled back to his own table, the soft call of his name from you all he really needed to refocus completely. You were gazing up at him from your seat next to him, beautiful features gleaming with a look of amused curiosity as you silently asked what had him so distracted. Sending you a reassuring glance and squeezing your hand that was nestled firmly in his, he shook his head. 

"I'll tell you later," he mouthed.

You quirked an eyebrow and shot him a look that clearly said 'you'd better' before turning your attention back to the conversation you and Ned had previously been having.

Watching the two of you argue childishly over your opinions on what the better Star Wars adaptation was, Peter couldn't help but grin. A wave of affection washed over him and butterflies danced happily in his stomach at the sight of you interacting so naturally with his best friend. He'd known Ned and MJ for much longer than you had, but over the time you two had been dating you'd effortlessly folded yourself into his small group of friends. Even though it's been months now, the simplest of interactions still warmed his heart and filled him with pride.

Despite the interruption, Peter's ears were still trained on the conversation of the group of girls behind him.

"Say what you want, Bucky Barnes is absolutely the hottest avenger," he heard another girl chime in over the dull hum of the other conversations in the busy cafeteria. He wrinkled his nose a little, an involuntary shudder going through him at the mention of your dad in this context.

"Mm, sure but let's be honest dating a superhero would be fucking awful," the first girl grumbled. Peter frowned.

"Are you nuts? It would be amazing!" her friend replied, disbelief lacing her tone.

"Please," the girl scoffed. "I can't even imagine the kind of scary shit you'd have to deal with on a regular basis."

Peter heard her friend hum thoughtfully.

"I guess, but I mean you'd still get to be with a god. Literally in Thor's case," she giggled.

"Whatever. Just seems downright dangerous if you ask me."

The girls moved on to a different topic, but Peter was still thoroughly distracted by what they'd said. He realized abruptly that he'd never really considered the affect his superhero life could have on you. What if those girls had a point? Was he putting you in harm's way just by pure association? Peter felt his stomach flip and lurch at the mere thought of something happening to you, and the idea that it would be his fault settled like a rock in the bottom of his belly. His mind whirred into overdrive as anxious thoughts filled him with an increasing dread and left him feeling paralyzed.

He was so still, in fact, that you took notice of his motionless form. Even though he was the one with the spidey senses, you seemed to have a knack for knowing when he was upset. Thumb rubbing across his knuckles absentmindedly, your gaze turned towards him once more, a frown marring your soft features.

"Petey? What's wrong?" you muttered quietly, voice just loud enough that you knew he'd hear but low enough that it didn't alert anyone else at the table.

He swallowed thickly and looked over at you. Your eyes were locked in on his face with a sparkle of concern playing in the y/e/c irises. Guilt began to mingle with the anxiety in the pit of his stomach as he noted your slight distress. Shoving all of his feelings down as deep as they would go, he managed a smile and kissed your cheek softly in reassurance. 

"Don't worry about it angel, it's nothing," he lied smoothly.

Your eyes narrowed ever so slightly in suspicion, clearly not buying his excuse, but you allowed MJ to pull your attention back to the table's discussion all the same. Peter sighed lightly in relief at the distraction. Though he was turned towards his friends his mind was a million miles away, the girls' words echoing loudly against his skull.

  --------------------

A few hours later Peter was feeling only slightly better.

After lunch he'd managed to make it through the rest of the school day without so much as a second alone with you. While that would ordinarily be a bad thing, he knew that the moment you two were alone that you'd expect an explanation for what happened at lunch. You were incredibly perceptive, and Peter was certain he'd wind up telling you everything. Not 100% sure of his own feelings at the moment and completely terrified of your reaction, he decided to avoid you until he'd processed things. He'd practically ran out the door after the last bell, shouting that he'd meet you at the tower after patrol for your usual study-date and leaving you behind, confused and more than a little suspicious.

Patrol did little to quell his nervousness.

The streets were unusually quiet tonight and the monotony allowed him to picture all kinds of horrible things that could happen to you as a result of being associated with him. He tried to push the thoughts away, but he couldn't help but spiral a little further into his pit of self-doubt. Instead of the distraction he was hoping it'd be, Peter's mind ran wild as he watched the city from above.

Eventually, it came time to meet you, and Peter'd be lying if he didn't admit he was a little relieved. Being separated from you was always difficult, and the withdrawal from your presence felt like it was amplified by his anxious state.

Winding his way through the familiar tower halls, Peter decided he needed to tell you exactly what he was feeling. Though he wasn't much more certain about how he felt, he knew that you would make him feel better. He wasn't used to feeling so disconnected from you, and regardless of his thoughts to the contrary he couldn't quell his desire to be near you. He'd been overwhelmed with the urge to feel your soft skin against his, smell your sweet scent wafting into his nose, and hear your quiet words of reassurance in his ears ever since you'd parted ways earlier in the day. He knew it was selfish, but it felt like he was going to reach his breaking point soon if he didn't get what he needed.

And what he needed was you.

"Oh my god! Y/N, what happened?!" he exclaimed as he finally made his way to the common room and caught sight of you. Caught off guard, you jumped slightly at his bold entrance before grinning widely at him.

"Hiya Petey!"

Ignoring the way you completely evaded the question, he was by your side in an instant. His palms lightly grasped your cheeks as he examined your face gently. You had an angry-looking mark blossoming under your right eye, and your upper lip looked as if it'd only just stopped bleeding. His eyes felt like they were going to pop out of their sockets at the sight of your injuries, and he felt anger bubble up in his chest. For all his over-thinking today Peter never once considered finding you like this.

"Seriously, what the hell happened?" he practically growled, a feeling he could only describe as rage filling him at the thought of someone hurting you. You opened your mouth to speak--

"That's exactly what we were wondering," a voice cut you off before you could reply. Peter turned, surprised to find your dads standing near your desk, arms crossed and expressions furious. He turned back to you only to find you rolling your eyes at the three of them.

"So Y/N, care to explain?" Steve demanded firmly. Peter shuddered a little at the tone of his voice. It was the same one he used in the field --the one you jokingly referred to as his 'Captain-voice' -- that clearly left no room for negotiations.

"I already told you, it's no big deal," you drawled, clearly unfazed by your dads' obvious anger. Peter frowned.

"Are you serious?" he gaped. "You're hurt, of course it's a big deal!"

You rolled your eyes once more, but your face softened just the slightest bit at the evident worry lacing his tone. 

"Doll, just tell us who did this so we can maim them," Bucky practically barked. His hands were clenching and unclenching uncontrollably, and his eyes were alight with a kind of fury that made Peter shiver a little. You, however, either didn't notice his anger or didn't care.

"Oh please, like you all haven't come home from missions with much worse," you snapped. Bucky's jaw twitched in anger, and he opened his mouth to reply.

"We're not talking about us right now," Steve interrupted smoothly. "We're talking about you."

Expression irritated, you opened your mouth --clearly about to spit out a snarky reply-- but Peter cut you off before you had a chance to speak.

"Y/N, please?" he begged quietly. Your eyes snapped over to his face, the irritation fading from your y/e/c irises at his gentle plea. You chewed your lip a little, brows furrowing slightly in contemplation before sighing.

"S'not a big deal," you mumbled. "I just got into a fight with some asshole girls after school today."

"What girls?" Peter asked evenly, fighting the bubble of anger that was threatening to erupt from his body. You just shrugged nonchalantly, evidently unwilling to elaborate further.

"Y/N," Steve said warningly. You sighed, shoulders dropping.

"Just some girls! They were talking shit--," you started, pausing only when Steve shot you a warning glance. "Sorry Pops. Talking trash about dad and Peter, or rather their alter egos I guess. Anyways, I obviously took offense -- you know cause they're morons -- and things just kinda escalated from there."

The effect of your explanation was instant. Steve's hardened expression eased the slightest bit at your story, his eyes flicking to his husband as he cautiously appraised his reaction. To Bucky's credit, if he felt any type of way about what you'd said it didn't show on his face. Bucky remained stoic and he hardly moved a muscle. If it weren't for the fact you knew he had super-hearing you might've thought he hadn't even heard you. Peter, on the other hand…

It was like someone had knocked all the breath out of his body at once. His heart lurched and remorse burned at his insides. His anger quickly gave way to utter guilt, and he felt his face drop despite his best efforts. All the fear and guilt he'd been wrestling with all day felt like nothing compared to now.

You were hurt. And it was his fault.

"Like I said, it's not a big deal," you supplemented quickly as you noted the mens' various reactions. "Seriously, you should see the other girls' faces. I wouldn't be surprised if we get a call from Tiffany H.'s plastic surgeon thanking me for all the money he's about to make."

Peter felt frozen. Normally he would've chuckled at the adorably smug look that'd taken over your features, but he couldn't manage to muster up any feelings outside of his own self-hatred at the moment. Bucky, however, did not seem to share this sentiment. He loudly chuckled at your quip, a proud sparkle gleaming in his eyes and a wide grin plastered across his face. Steve still stood with his arms crossed, expression stern.

"Y/N, you can't just go around getting into fights just because you don't agree with people," he lectured. Bucky snorted.

"Really Stevie?" he chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "I'm getting the most distinct flashbacks of a certain sickly teen who picked fights pretty much wherever he went…"

Steve's face flushed with the slightest twinge of pink at his husband's insinuation. You grinned widely at your dad, clearly delighted with the turn the discussion had taken.

"Again, we're not talking about me," he covered quickly, weakly hiding his embarrassment with a cough. "Y/N, you're grounded. One week, starting now."

Your jaw dropped.

"What?! That's not fair at all!" you spluttered indignantly. "Tell him he's crazy dad!"

Bucky chuckled once more at the sight of your complete and utter shock, his grin only dropping once he caught sight of his husband’s unamused expression. He cleared his throat quickly and crossed his arms once more before shrugging at you.

“Pops is right Y/N, you can’t just go around getting into fights. No matter how good you are at ending them…”

“Oh come on,” you groaned, rubbing a hand across your face in exasperation. “It’s not a big deal, right Pete?”

Peter blinked, pulled only back to the conversation at hand once he heard you call his name. Shaking his head slightly to try and remove the lingering feelings of shock and guilt, he looked blinked slowly as his eyes darted between you and your dads. Opening and closing his mouth wordlessly, he felt utterly at a loss as to how to respond.

"It's a big deal if we say it's a big deal," Steve countered firmly. "So I'm sorry Peter, but you'll have to go now."

You scoffed, arms crossing furiously as your face crumpled into a pout. Ordinarily Peter would've giggled at your childish gesture, but at the moment he could only muster enough attention to nod. 

"Yeah, o-okay. I'll see you later Y/N," he muttered quietly before leaving in a daze.

If he weren't so consumed by his own thoughts he would've seen the look of concern that passed over your face or the confusion spattered across your dads'. But Peter didn't notice either, too busy trying to sort through the torrent of thoughts and feelings currently raging inside his head. He walked out of the tower on autopilot as his mind was wracked with guilt over what'd happened to you. Left with only one possible conclusion, he returned home feeling utterly devastated with what he knew he had to do.

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

Bucky was confused.

He'd noticed a distinct change in his daughter's behavior lately that only seemed to be getting worse. He internally wondered how long this'd gone on, because let's face it, he knew if it gotten to the point that even he'd noticed, then it must've been a while. Bucky used to pride himself on knowing everything about you, but as you'd grown older he found himself knowing less and less. Despite Steve's constant reassurance that it was simply the way things went when kids became teenagers, he still felt that little twinge of guilt in his belly when his seeming ineptitude as a parent was called into focus.

Like now.

You'd become withdrawn and quiet, a far cry from your normally energetic and talkative self. You were spending more and more hours secluded in your bedroom, and he could've sworn he'd caught you looking as if you'd just been crying on more than one occasion. All the signs were pointing towards something bothering you, but Bucky felt utterly lost as to how to determine just what that even was, much less figure out how to help you with it.

Currently, the team was finishing up with their nightly dinner, and your strange behavior was once again on the forefront of his mind. You sat across from him and Steve, looking more like a zombie than anything else. Your normally bright eyes looked dull, the dark bags under each of them looking practically a mile long. The food on your plate looked untouched, and Bucky felt a stab of panic deep in his chest as he realized he couldn't remember the last time he'd seen you actually eat something.

"You okay doll?" he questioned you softly, voice low. You hardly moved, the brief flash of your eyes towards his the only indication that you'd even heard him.

"I'm fine," you muttered, gaze dropping to your dinner and fork moving more of your food around aimlessly as you fell silent once more. Bucky's brows furrowed deeper at your dull response, the lingering fear and discomfort settling deeper into his stomach. Steve eyed the two of you, expression full of concern. His hand gently rested over Bucky's in a show of solidarity with his husband until Bucky's gaze moved towards him.

"Any idea what that's all about?" he muttered quietly. Steve just shrugged, but his clear blue eyes were brimming with the same look of concern and slight confusion as Bucky's.

"Can I be excused now?" you mumbled without so much as a glance upwards. Steve shared a worried glance with Bucky before he cleared his throat.

"You have to eat something Y/N/N," Steve replied quietly. "Can't you just take a couple of bites?"

"S'cold," you protested, voice still devoid of any emotion. A flash of memory invaded his mind of he and Steve cooing and pleading with you as an infant, trying helplessly to get you to eat your food. He fondly remembered the way your chubby arms would cross as you stubbornly refused to eat your pureed food, a picture perfect miniature of Steve. His heart twisted painfully at the stark contrast of that strong-willed little toddler with the shell of a teen he saw now.

"Go into the kitchen and heat it up then," Bucky tried. You didn't move an inch. "Please?"

Sighing, you brought you picked up your plate and trudged away. Bucky let out a sigh of relief, but ran his fingers through his hair nonetheless as confusion and concern continued to rage fitfully in his mind. Steve didn't appear to be fairing much better -- he sat stoically next to him with both hands folded tensely under his chin.

"Seriously Steve, what the hell is going on with her?" Bucky asked exasperatedly. His husband sighed, his own fingers moving to rub against his eyes tiredly.

"Do you two honestly not get what's bothering her?" Natasha interrupted quietly. The supersoldiers glanced over, and she rolled her eyes at them. "Seriously? It's been like 2 weeks."

Now it was Bucky's turn to roll his eyes at her flippant tone.

"So are you gonna tell us what's bothering her, or are you just gonna judge us some more?" he huffed. Nat smiled coyly, relaxing back in her seat and folding her arms across her chest.

"I feel like I can manage both," she quipped good-naturedly. Steve sighed again.

"Come on Nat, just tell us. Please?" he begged, eyes silently pleading with the redhead. Nat seemed to soften a little at this, her green eyes flicking towards the kitchen quickly before she leaned across the table.

"Since I'm certain you'll never figure it out on your own, I'll tell you. But you have to swear you won't let her know that I'm the one who told," she muttered secretively. Bucky nodded dumbly, too eager to figure out what was eating you to care about her somewhat condescending tone. "Haven't you noticed that there's been one less arachnid-themed hero around the tower lately?"

"No. Wait, you mean Parker?" Bucky answered suspiciously. Nat rolled her eyes again before nodding tersely.

"Mhm. Seems like our resident kid-genius broke up with your girl, and now she's completely devastated."

Bucky felt his face furrow into an even deeper frown. Of course Parker had something to do with this.

"So you're saying she and Peter broke up and that's why she's been like this?" Steve interjected, his face a mirror of his husband's. Nat nodded once more, eyes flicking to the kitchen as she heard the beeping of the microwave.

"Yep. Well, to be more accurate he broke up with her, hence her mood," she whispered. Anger began to churn in Bucky's stomach and he felt his fists clench unintentionally at the accusation.

"That little punk," he seethed. "Who does he think he is leaving her like this?"

"I don't know the exact details, and I don't think she really does either," Nat continued. "She said he mentioned something vague about 'not being able to keep her safe' before just cutting off all contact. Poor kid didn't even get a say in it."

"That doesn't make any sen-"

"Hello my little дорогая," she greeted you warmly, voice raising back to a normal volume as you slumped down into the seat next to hers. You managed a half-hearted smile towards the assassin before you began lightly picking at your food. Steve clamped his mouth shut at the sight of you, the grateful smile he shot your way not reaching his eyes. It seemed that the talk with Natasha hadn't made your situation much clearer for him, and he looked utterly confused and perhaps more concerned than he had before.

But Bucky wasn't.

Something Nat said had triggered something for him -- a tiny piece of information that'd seemed inconsequential at the time that now made sense. Grabbing his husband's hand and squeezing it firmly, he gave Steve one last reassuring glance before he left the table. He knew what he had to do.

[emybain]

i’m picking a random number here. 5 for nodrian.

i saiiiid i was going to focus more on young nova in the nova’s family lives AU bUT then i got this ask (Throwing their arms around the other person’s neck, hugging them close before kissing them passionately on the lips) and i couldnt NOT use it. after this though i promise to dive into a younger nova with her family, as that was my original intention for this AU. this is about a month following the last fic i wrote for the AU (after two certain people...keiss) and yes i kind of drew inspiration from the fight with Hawthorne in Archenemies bc im basic. enjoy! feedback is always appreciated, especially if you want to see more of my content:)

ao3

Nova’s first week back on patrol and the fates decided to screw her over. 

Her team had been patrolling from the rooftops of a busy area when she received a message from Sketch, requesting assistance in capturing criminals that had just performed an armed robbery. Of course he knew she was patrolling that day, as she had told him so a few days prior. Many blocks and a scuffle later, Nova found herself being dragged away from the edge of the bridge by Ramona, who was worried about a wound on Nova’s arm where a bullet had grazed her. The fight was over. The criminals escaped on a getaway boat. And Adrian...Adrian had chased after them, despite being told not to by the Council. And then he got himself thrown overboard after putting up a fight on the boat. There was no sign of him in the water, which was beginning to calm from the boat disrupting it. 

They hadn’t even been dating for a month yet, and Adrian had to go and get himself killed. 

“He’ll be fine.” Ramona led Nova over to a healer, who sat Nova down and immediately began addressing the injury, instructing her to unzip the top of her uniform and pull her arm out of the sleeve so they could get a better look. The pain from moving her arm was nothing compared to the fear pounding in her chest. “This is Adrian we’re talking about.”

“Can’t you go searching the water for him?” Nova begged, wincing slightly as the medic began roughly cleaning the wound. “If anyone can find him, it’s you.”

Ramona shook her head. “No can do, babe. Since you’re a dumbass and got yourself shot, I have to go give the briefing to the cleanup crew.” She began to walk away, but looked over her shoulder. “They’re already sending out people to look for him. He’ll show up, like he always does.”

Beside her, Adèle sat down. Benton crouched in front of her and took her free hand. 

“Someone’s upset over her boyfriend, is she not, mon ami?” Adèle shot a playful smile at Benton. Skies, Nova swore the two only got along when it was at her expense. 

“Oui, oui.” Benton grinned at Nova, who only glared back. “Oh, don’t give me that look, pouty pants. Ramona’s right. You’ve known your little boyfriend for years, and you’re trying to tell me that some water is going to take him out?”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” Nova lied, as she had been doing smoothly for the past month. “I’m just...worried about him. As a friend should be. That was a hard fall.” 

“Why so uptight all of a sudden?” Benton frowned. “You’ve never been this upset over him before. You know he always bounces back.”

“Benton is right, Nova.” Adèle laid a hand on Nova’s good arm. It was rare for her to show her affectionate side. Nova must’ve looked as though she was in really bad shape. “What is bothering you?”

Nova sighed and looked down. She knew it was only right to tell them the truth. They were her best friends, after all. But...not yet. Especially when there was a healer still mending Nova’s arm. “I’ll tell you guys later, okay?”

They gave her space after that, assessing their own injuries and getting supplies from the healers. Nova was handed a pair of sweatpants and a loose cotton tank after she was patched up. The injury was already beginning to heal itself with the added prodigy assistance. She ducked behind a curtain set up in the little tent and changed out of her bloodied uniform. Mom wouldn’t be too happy about cleaning this one. 

Why did Adrian have to go and do that? Nova was terrified for him. What if he was still in the water, stuck somehow and drowning? What if the boat hit him when he fell in and knocked him out? Frankly, she was frustrated with him as well. He was always doing shit like that, trying to make himself out as the hero. But, as Simon liked to say, there was no ‘I’ in hero. Adrian had a team, dammit, and she wished he would work with them instead of against them. Nova would never understand that side of him. He wasn’t an attention seeker, not in the slightest, so it wasn’t because he wanted recognition. And besides, his parents were some of the most famous people in the world, debatably. Adrian already got enough attention as it was, and he had expressed many times before how uncomfortable it made him. Nova understood that, of course, having grown up in the spotlight alongside him as Ace Anarchy’s niece. 

When she stepped out onto the street to examine the damage done to the bride, a shriek cut through the air. Her eyes landed on Ruby, who was now in shorts and a tank top, a bandage around her thigh. The girl ran across the bridge and nearly tackled a familiar looking boy that was drenched from head to toe. The rest of his team followed, although at a light jog, embracing their leader. Nova’s mouth fell open, and she suddenly couldn’t help herself. 

Clenching her jaw shut, she stormed up to him. He had the audacity to grin at her, opening his arms for a hug as his teammates stepped back to let her through. Instead, she shoved his chest. He fell back a little, probably more from the shock of her reaction than the impact. 

“You fucking idiot,” she said between her teeth. “What made you think it was smart to do that?”

“Nova,” he reached for her arm, but she stepped back, “I thought I could catch them, but I was wrong, okay?”

“You could’ve died.” Nova didn’t notice that they were starting to get looks from the prodigies and newscasters and journalists. “And for nothing. What if you drowned?”

“I can swim.” He took on a light hearted tone, as though the conversation was a joke. But it quickly dissipated, a softer voice replacing it, meant just for Nova. “Babe, I’m fine, okay? Only a few cuts and bruises.”

“Don’t call me that,” she muttered, getting closer to him again until their shoes were practically touching. Her head craned up to look at him. She sent every atom of her anger in his direction through her piercing eyes. “You’re an idiot, Adrian Everhart. Do that again and...and I’ll-”

“What?” he interrupted, tilting his head to the side. “You’ll do what?”

Damn her emotions. 

She jumped up, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him down to her height. His hands immediately went to her back as she hugged him tightly, burying her face in his neck. “I’m just glad you’re safe. Please don’t scare me like that again.”

He pressed a kiss to her bare shoulder, pulling her closer. “I won’t. I promise.”

Nova wanted to scold him on his stupidity more, and how he left his team behind, but she knew this wasn’t the time or place. She drew back enough to see his face. Her hand trailed over a cut on his cheek, another on his temple. He was dripping with water still. She tilted her head up, inviting his lips to come down onto hers. A warm feeling draped over her, as it always did when they kissed. It didn’t matter that they had done quite a bit of kissing in the month they had been together; every time his lips were on hers, it was like the first time. 

She sighed against him, allowing him to deepen the kiss. Her hand curled at the nape of his neck. She wanted him to know how much he worried her, how much he angered her, and how much she cared for him in this kiss. 

He broke away first, closing his eyes and resting his forehead against hers. For a moment, Nova let herself forget about his impulsiveness and just enjoy being in his arms. And then the moment ended with an awkward cough from her right. 

His team was staring at them with open mouths, along with nearly every person on that bridge. Nova’s cheeks brightened. Well, that was one way to announce they were a couple. She had been so caught up in her emotions and Adrian that she had literally forgotten where she was. Adrian seemed to have forgotten as well, based on the sheepish yet unashamed smile on his face.

“Told you,” Danna muttered, shouldering Oscar. “Pay up.” 

Adrian sighed loudly and took Nova’s hand as he pulled away from their embrace. He squeezed her palm. “This one’s going to be fun to explain, huh?”

Nova could only look around as people began going back to work. The press were only louder now than before, shouting at the two of them and taking pictures. Her team was headed over in their direction, the most stunned looks on their faces. Had the circumstances been different, their expressions would have almost been funny.

“Yeah. Real fun.”

[imagine-organization-xiii]

Do you have any beach headcanons?

Xemnas

Best beach bod winner from 2012-2019. Looks the best in a bathing suit and without his shirt if you can manage to bring him from your hotel or rented beach house and to the beach.

Grumbles a lot but he usually ends up enjoying himself even though he’ll never admit it. Will never take off his sunglasses and doesn’t really go in the water, though he’ll lounge seductively on a towel and tan.

You’d think he’d get hit on by tons of people, but no. No one actually has the courage to approach him and speak to him, so they all prefer to admire from afar.

Xigbar

Does Xigbar want to play pranks at the beach? Obviously. Is it a good idea to pour a bucket of freezing water over Larxene and Marluxia while they tan and doze in the sand? No. Is he going to do it anyway? Absolutely.

Got the shit beat out of him because he secretly bought a fake shark fin to strap to his back. Scared the hell out of Roxas and Xion, who refused to get in the water for the rest of the day, but Lexaeus and Xaldin gave him a black eye when they realized what he was doing. Definitely banned from the water for the rest of the day, so ends up pouting under the umbrella with Vexen.

Xaldin

Loves the beach, but hates seagulls. The little bastards are fearless and always ready to dive-bomb him if he’s carrying food.

Definitely rents a jet ski from a nearby stand and spends most of the day perfecting his jet ski technique. The others get jealous, so he makes sure to give most of them a turn. Xigbar and Demyx are not allowed to borrow the jet ski.

Pulls a small barbecue pit out of nowhere and makes all kinds of food to make sure that the others are eating something other than junk. Also has to make sure that they wait a bit before they get back in the water. Makes a little bit of everything, but the most popular thing happens to be hot dogs (though Axel won’t eat them unless he has it with a hot dog bun and not just regular bread.)

Vexen

Arguably has the worst time out of anyone. So pale - never tans, always burns. Hates the sand because it gets in weird places and you still find it months after leaving the beach. Hates the water because he doesn’t like the fish rubbing up against him and having seaweed rub against his legs.

Will probably spend the entire time under a beach umbrella with a laptop and files so he can do work while everyone else enjoys themselves.

Honestly hates the beach and has made it well known to everyone that it’s not his ideal location for a vacation, but they make him go. But it’s okay because he vows that he’ll be the one to plan the next group vacation.

Lexaeus

I am unashamed to say that I think that Lexaeus has a sexy DILF beach bod. Fight me. Ya boy wears a tank top and his board shorts and is a beefcake with a bod that just won’t quit.

Burns pretty badly but it almost always fades into a tan. Mothers the others about putting on sunscreen, especially the paler ones - like Zexion, Vexen, and Luxord - but almost always forgets to put sunscreen on himself. He’s also the one who packed up snacks and drinks because everyone else definitely would have forgotten.

Prefers to sit out in the sand than actually go out in the water. Will spend some of his time taking a small, relaxing jog in the sand with Xaldin or will sit and nap under the beach umbrella while Vexen reads next to him.

Zexion

Not even gonna lie, Zexion hates the beach. He can deal with the sand and he’ll join in on a volleyball game, and he likes sitting under the beach umbrella or on a towel as he reads a book, but he will not get in the water. He’s terrified of it. He doesn’t like how wide and open it is - it sort of gives him an existential crisis.

He can easily be convinced to make a sandcastle and ends up doing most of the detailed work because he’s a perfectionist.

Saix

Favorite part of beach days is the fact that he doesn’t have to put on sunscreen because he never actually burns. He’ll never admit that he’s looking forward to the same thing as Demyx, but he also likes swimming at night and building a bonfire.

Likes surfing and he will definitely make sure that his surfboard is the first thing he packs into the car. He’s awesome at it, too, and no one can really understand how he can possibly be so patient as to wait for each wave on his board.

Axel

Will fall asleep somewhere at some point. Roxas and Xion will be keeping an eye on when he falls asleep so they can write random words across his body in sunscreen. Axel would never tell him, but he thinks it’s kind of funny. Nap time usually happens after he eats because he tends to get sleepy after he stuffs his face.

Starts an epic game of frisbee that turns way too competitive. Saix is usually the one who wins, but Larxene always gives him a run for his money.

Beach day is a perfect day for ice cream, so he recruits Saix to help him carry a a bunch of cones from the pier and back to the rest of the organization members on the beach.

Demyx

Prefers swimming at night, if only for the novelty. He loves the beach at night, especially if he can convince the rest of the gang to help him build a bonfire. They’ll all sit around the fire chatting, relaxing, and Demyx will play his sitar.

Demyx absolutely loves the water. Doesn’t matter that he can barely see past his own hand when he goes underwater, he’ll grab a snorkel and some goggles and explore the undersea life as much as he can.

Allows the others to bury him under the sand as long as they give him a beautiful mermaid tail. He has a picture of it framed next to his bed with Axel and Roxas dabbing on either side of him.

Luxord

He likes the beach, but his delicate English skin isn’t used to sunny weather. Will spend a lot of time applying and reapplying sunblock before he goes out into the sun.

You’d think that Lexaeus would be the one who’d want to photograph and save the moment, but no. That would be Luxord. He’ll bring a camera and take pictures of everything, whether it’s just an artsy picture of the waves crashing against the shore or Xion tackling Xigbar to the ground. He’ll want to document the moment as best as he can.

Brings a kite because he found out that Xion and Roxas have never flown a kite before and was personally insulted.

Marluxia

Drinks on beach days but it really isn’t his fault. He’ll be sitting under a beach umbrella or tanning on a towel in the sand and he’ll blink and a cocktail will literally just appear next to him. Having a mixed drink has become a thing for him when he goes to the beach.

Talks shit about other beach-goers with Larxene. He’s a judgmental little shit and he doesn’t care about who knows it. Doesn’t talk about the other organization members, though, because he’s the one who helped them pick out all of their swimsuits because he refused to let them pick something that would make them look stupid.

Gathers a few plants that grow near the sand or near the water for experimentation in his own garden.

Larxene

Starts an epic beach volleyball game with some of the members. The others argue about who gets to be on her team because she always wins. She used to play volleyball a lot as a kid, so she still remembers how it felt to play against others.

Likes to relax and tan with Marluxia and makes him put sunscreen on her back because she can’t reach. She always manages to get a perfect tan and no one know how she does it.

Takes some time away from everyone else to go flirt with the nearest lifeguard. Marluxia will turn away for two seconds and she’ll have disappeared to halfway down the beach.

Roxas

“Oh my gosh, the water is too cold!“ Then goes out to the sand. “THE SAND IS TOO HOT“ Goes out to the water. “THE WATER IS TOO COLD AND SOMETHING JUST TOUCHED MY LEG.“ Goes to the sand. This will happen for about three hours until Roxas figures out what he actually wants to do.

Just excited to be there! Will convince the others to play chicken with him at some point. He’ll get on Axel’s shoulders and Xion will get on Demyx’s shoulders and it will just be an all-out knock-down battle. Roxas, more often than not, lets Xion win because he likes seeing the bright grin on her face when she manages to knock him into the water.

His favorite beach thing to do is go to all the awesome stands at the pier. Gets himself a cotton candy and ends up winning himself a giant stuffed animal from one of the supposedly rigged games.

Xion

Has the best time at the beach! Convinces almost everyone to do something with her and no one really has the heart to say no when she asks.

Xaldin and Lexaeus build sandcastles with her. Demyx and Axel allow her to bury them in the sand. She and Roxas stroll up and down the beach looking for a bunch of seashells that she can collect and take back home to the castle.

Definitely passes out in the car on the way home. Lexaeus or Xaldin usually have to carry her to bed because she’s almost always exhausted by the time the day is over.

[rahullkohli]

okay, so, for the headcanon thing and because i'm too lazy to write this myself, BUT, consider: they get dave to the modern timeline through Plot Convenience, and he and Klaus attend pride, which is simply Mindblowing to Dave, this sweet guy coming from such a place of social prejudice and homophobia, who's seeing all this overwhelming positivity and support and love out there in public in all its colours, and is just... shocked. essentially, dave crying from joy & holding klaus' hands a lot

i am so sorry this took me a while to get to, but i think about this scenario a lot, and i have to put this under a cut because it turned into 1.3k words of dave experiencing a whole new world.

okay i know that i am completelyminority here, but i don't feel like klaus is the kind of guy whoneeds to flaunt his sexuality. tbh i don't even think he even thinksabout it. i think he mostly just gets with whoever he is attracted to(or can offer him a warm bed or a couch for some time) regardless ofgender. so to me klaus doesn't go to pride for the community, or forthe social aspect. whenever klaus has gone to pride it has been tofill his needs for alcohol, drugs, sex and because pride is fuckingloud.

but then dave is there in the moderntimeline with him, and even though klaus is like ”this is dave,he's my guy, we're a thing, you shut up” to his siblings, dave isstill closeted. dave has been closeted his whole life because heliterally didn't have a choice. and the changes from his timeline toklaus' are an extreme culture shock. klaus' wardrobe alone is enoughto make him need a stiff drink and a moment to clear his head. davewasn't exactly a hippie back in the sixties, and he never really hadmuch to do with them back then. and it's confusing, and he is havinga really hard time. and klaus isn't the most evolved when it comes totalking about feelings, because who the hell would have taught himthat? old reggie? i think not! he's done it in rehab, and grouptherapy in prison, but he always followed up with sarcastic remarks,and he is not about to do that to dave. so instead klaus sits withhim, tells him he doesn't have to be out until he feels like it'sright, and that it all comes down what dave needs. but he also tellsdave about all the good progress the lgbt community has seen sincethe 60s. and then he tells dave about pride – how we have an entiremonth to raise awareness and remember our history. he tells daveabout how pride is a place where nobody cares, where everyone ishappy, and even closeted people get to be themselves for at least acouple of hours because at pride eveeryone is themselves. and klausshows dave pictures and videos from pride, videos of drag queensperforming, and boys kissing boys, and girls kissing girls. picturesof colorful floats and huge, hairy guys in thongs and colorful boasaround their necks.

so they decide to go. dave hesitant,and klaus promises that they don't have to do anything, they can justwatch from the sidelines. klaus even wears pants and a full lengtht-shirt with sleeves and everything to make dave feel as neutral aspossible as they're on the bus to the nearest big city where thefestivities are going down.

and when they arrive it's big, andpompous, and it's colorful. and it's so happy! the energy is booming,and there are so many smiles. big men are making out, unashamed, inthe middle of the city square. women with buzzcuts are holding handsand looking each other in the eyes like they're seeing the sun forthe first time. drag queens taller than dave are dancing in thehighest heels he has ever seen, and teenagers whose genders davecan't even figure out are laughing so hard they can barely stand.there are so many people, and literally every one of them is lookinghappy, and content, and excited.

the air is exploding with love, and forthe first time in the entire time they have known each other, klausfeels dave carefully lace their fingers together in front of otherpeople. and he can't stop grinning, and he so want a drink right now,but he also wants to keep his head clear in case dave getsoverwhelmed. but as a float marked gay soldiers do it better filledwith ripped guys in army pants passed them, dave inches closer tohim, and when klaus looks at him he sees tears in his boyfriend'seyes. so klaus squeezes his hand and dares to move closer.

”everyone is just so happy. andopen,” dave says, but he can't pull his eyes away, and klaus isn'tabout to be the one to break the spell for him. so instead he juststands there, letting dave digest it all, take it all in as much ashe can handle. klaus never considered himself closeted, and he neverfelt like he had to come out to anyone either. it wasn't like hisfamily even cared whether he was alive or dead, so why should hebother to feel like he owed them that part of himself? but it was abig deal to dave, and klaus was not about to take that away from him.

so they spend the whole day in the citysquare. klaus meets former drinking buddies and people he used to domolly with. he meets at least eight different people he has sleptwith, and dave is overwhelmed by how klaus isn't gay or straight butsomething entirely different. but dave is polite and greets everyone,even if he doesn't like the idea of anyone else having ever touchedklaus the way he gets to. he watches klaus dance with other people,and listens to him have conversations that he knows are in englishbut doesn't make the tiniest bit of sense to him. but he doesn'tmind; dave enjoys seeing klaus having a good time, and he likes to beon the sideline to observe without having to put himself in themiddle of it, and he tries not to blush whenever klaus proudlyintroduces him to whoever comes their way, or whenever other mencalls him cute in front of other men. so he holds klaus' hand, andevery time klaus has been wandering off and comes back, he pullsklaus just a little bit closer than he previously has allowed himselfin public.

and they stay the whole day, over theevening, and even though dave's head is pounding from all the loudmusic and the sun baking down on them for hours, he wouldn't want itany other way. his heart has been feeling like it was going to poundright out of his chest the entire day, and he has been scared todeath since before they even left the house, but now that it's darkand the music is transitioning to slower beats, there's no place davewould rather be.

slowly he gathers up his courage to lethis arms wrap around klaus, even though they are surrounded bystrangers. but everyone seems focused on their own moment, and withcouples dancing around them dave tells himself that this is as good amoment as any, and with klaus' arms softly around him he starts tosway, letting them blend in with the other couples moving to the softtunes. and when klaus rest his cheek on his shoulder, dave's stomachdoes a small jump, but he doesn't fight it, and allows his own torest against klaus' messy curls as they are swaying in place.

it's terrifying, and dave is constantlyexpecting someone to come attack them, but then he watches the othercouples around them, and reminds himself to breathe. so he squeezesklaus tighter and takes his hand, dancing like the slow dances he didwith girls in high school, where he used to close his eyes andimagine it was a cute boy, but he never would have imagined that hewould actually get to have a dance like that with someone thatactually made his heart flutter like klaus does. but here he is;fireworks popping over their heads, and a sweet pop song playing overthe biggest speakers he has seen in his life. and he's with klaus. sonothing else matters.

[k-i-s-m-e-t]

Secret Santa: Part 2

TianShan Xmas Event: Snow (Day 5) Fandom: 19 days Rating: Mature Status: 2/2 Part 1 Warnings: None Pairing: TianShan Words: 2,903

Summary: The conclusion! For pelliwelli who came up with this amazing prompt idea and has graciously allowed me to write it. 

His legs moved on their own accord, running blind, unsure of his destination, and not fully comprehending why he was running to begin with. He shouldered his way through the crowded mall, tripping over shoppers, shoving bags out of the way. He landed at a staircase that lead up to a rooftop exit and doesn’t hesitate, gasped at the air after shoving through double doors. His mind was still wrapping around the reality that Li Jie was He Tian. Out of everyone in the world, why did it have to be He Tian?

He was overreacting, why did he always overreact? There was no need to leave like that, he could have addressed the matter with He Tian after. Stupid. He squatted, buried his head in his arms. Why did things involving He Tian always get him so worked up?

It took a minute but eventually he got to his feet, head foggy, throat thick and no he wasn’t going to cry. But he could already feel the prickling, burning sensation and scrubbed a hand across his face. Finally, he really took in his surroundings. He was on the rooftop of a parking garage; approaching the edge, there was a decent view of the city. Resting his elbows on the ledge, he watched the flow of activity beneath him. Shoppers hurried in and out of their cars, the busy street a Red Sea of headlights. Breath emitted in foggy puffs as he calmed his breathing. He shivered realizing how long he had been out there, coat forgotten in his haste to distance himself. He jumped when a hand landed on his shoulder, spun around arms up in defense, fists at the ready. He sighed in relief to see it was only He Tian, then choked mid-way because, shit, it’s He Tian.

“What do you want,” he ground out, thankful his voice carried some weight, didn’t sound as high and tight as his chest felt. He Tian looked, for lack of a better word, ridiculous. Still clad in the Santa Claus outfit, though he’d removed the stomach, the beard dangled awkwardly in his hand. “I already know you’re a fraud, so I really don’t see what there is to discuss.” He Tian shuffled, tipping his weight to one side, yanked a hand through his hair. “Look, I messed up, what I did was-“ “Evil and sinister but that’s your general character so I can’t say I’m surprised.” There’s a deep rumbling sound and Mo trailed off because He Tian was laughing; laughing at him. “Evil, Guan Shan, really? Dishonest, oh most certainly but sinister? Let’s cut out the middle school dramatics.” It was true but that didn’t mean Mo had to like it, let alone tolerate it. “Your ego literally knows no bounds,” he shot back. “Middle school dramatics? Says the guy running around in disguise. Says the liar.” “This was my job, I didn’t lie.” “No? Li Jie? You’re honestly full of it.” He shoved off the ledge, not back inside just as far away from the other as possible. This time the arm came, not around his neck but a hand around his bicep, tentative. “Mo wait please,” He Tian said, voice strained. The words spilled out in a rush like he was desperate, giving Mo more pause than any force could. He waited. “I’m sorry.” Mo turned, shook off his hand, “what?” “I said I’m sorry, it was stupid and manipulative, but so worth it. For once I could talk to you with ease, laugh, joke, not have to scale all these walls you put up before I can even get a word in.” “I don’t put up walls,” Mo said defensively. He Tian laughed out loud, it sounded hollow as it echoed around the vacant space. “You are so heavily guarded I’m surprised you’re not a recluse.” “But,” he said seeing the deepening of Mo’s frown, “this week you opened up. Hell you actually asked me for my help, my advice, even when you were in serious trouble back then with She Li you didn’t ask for help.” “We weren’t friends, why would I have?” “Guan Shan, what I’m trying to say is I enjoyed the past week and a half, I know you did too. Maybe because it wasn’t me, as far as you knew, but I wish that it could be in the future. I was wrong but I want to make things right. You liked Li Jie right? Can we start over and this time you can get to know me?” Mo opened his mouth, closed it. Had he enjoyed the past week? Yeah. It was not that he’d spent it with He Tian that pissed him off. It was that aspect of forcing his will, belittling his right to make his own decision. Yeah he had walls up but how else could he buffer opposition? As soon as he let someone in they tried to control him. He peered up at He Tian and it was almost laughable how conflicted he looked, one hand gripping his elbow, face etched with concern. “Okay.” “Okay..?” “What you did was shitty and underhand but we can start over” he held up a finger, when He Tian opens his mouth “but on my terms.” “On your terms,” He Tian repeated slowly, turning the words over on his tongue.

They’re quiet for a bit, Mo considering. “I just don’t get why you put so much effort into this, into us,” Mo said, tipping his head back to look at the sky. He Tian followed his gaze, sighed in content. “I don’t know, sometimes you’re just drawn to people.”

The volunteer job thankfully came to a close and Mo was relieved but also wistful, he’d miss taking pictures, the camera, screaming kids however not so much. He let He Tian walk him home that night, heartbeat speeding up every time their hands brushed together, the touches building up like static. “You figure out what you’re gonna get your mom yet?” He Tian said, breaking the silence. “No, at this point I’ll probably get her a gift card or something.” Mo walked on, frustrated and disappointed, ready to chalk this one up as another failed year. It took him a moment to realize He Tian was not with him, and look back. He Tian was stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, head craned back looking at the stars. Brought his head up when Mo called his name, telling him to stop fucking around. His lips are stretched in a grin, mischievous look on his face. “I have an idea.”

Mid-morning sunlight slipping between the cracks in his blinds roused Mo from an otherwise dead sleep. With the pressure of the last few weeks of school before the new year, combined with the hours of his volunteer job, he would have been hard pressed to say this wasn’t one of the best sleeps he has had in ages. He craned his arms over his head, stretching, his joints popped in response, laying back content. Cautiously he peered over the edge of his bed but the futon he’d set up last night was empty. What the hell? He froze, turned slowly to his right, breath catching at the sight. He Tian lay curled in his sheets, far from where he’d left him the night before, arms wrapped over and around a pillow. From this perspective he looked innocent, face loose and tranquil, the sight not upsetting Mo as much as he thought. When he’d found out that He Tian usually spent Christmas alone something had pulled at him, mouth working while his brain tried to catch up. He’d insisted, despite his better judgement, that He Tian spend Christmas Eve and Day with him. He Tian had brightened and smoothly accepted the invitation. Mo’s mom was delighted that the top student in his class had nowhere better to be on Christmas Eve than her house. Thankfully she hadn’t pressed the matter of why He Tian wasn’t with his own family and had simply welcomed him with open arms when he’d showed up on her doorstep, overnight bag slung on his shoulder. Later that night there was a gift under the tree with He Tian’s name on it, making Mo take a moment to marvel at how blessed he was with the mom he had, she thought of everything.

He was still gazing at He Tian, lost in thought. It took him a moment to realize the other is up and returning his gaze. Mo jumped, almost ended up on the futon below, opened his mouth with the obvious question on his lips. His mother’s voice at the door cuts him off, two sets of eyes darting toward it in anticipation, but it remained closed.

Mo exhaled, glanced back at He Tian, unspoken request hanging between them before he drew back the covers and shuffled to the door to answer.

When he closed the door and turned back to his bed He Tian was on the futon.

Mo cleared his throat awkwardly. “Breakfast is ready, we should go eat, mom gets pissed if I wait too long and the food gets cold.”

They got dressed backs turned, facing away from each other, like they were in the locker room at school. Mo would be lying if he said he didn’t linger on the glimpses he caught of He Tian in his dresser mirror. Eyes traced the neat sculpting of his strong back, broad shoulders funneling to a neat waist tucked in boxers.

He Tian caught his eye in the mirror, paused half turned arms lifted, shirt around his neck.

Mo spun, excuses flying. “You’re not supposed to be looking!”

“Says who? And it’s not fair if only you get a show.” He rolled his hips seductively.

It took Mo a few tries to get his own shirt on.

He Tian laughed from the bed where he sat now fully dressed, watching unashamed. “I had no idea you blush with your whole body, it’s cute.” He dodged the book tossed in his direction, laughter increasing.

At breakfast Mo was mostly silent, pushing food around on the plate. Would his mom like the gift he’d picked? He Tian had insisted she would but he couldn’t help the clench of his stomach when she cleared their plates and ushered them into the living room.

“You first,” she said handing He Tian a slim box.

He Tian’s mouth dropped open a bit. “But I didn’t get you anything…”

Mo’s mom waved a hand in dismissal. “Open it, open it!”

He Tian hesitated a second, then he was tearing off the paper to reveal a white department store box. His hands shook slightly as he lifted the lid, parting the tissue paper. The sweater was a deep grey, soft texture, it matched He Tian’s eyes perfectly. He held it up to himself than pulled it on, turned to face them, and.. damn. An excited squeal left his mom’s lips.

“I knew it’d look great on you! Doesn’t he look nice honey?”

“Yeah,” Mo mumbled, eyes trained on He Tian’s shoes.

“Thank you!” He Tian said embracing her, cheeks tinged pink.

“Okay!” She clasped her hands moved to retrieve a few boxes and dumped them in Mo’s lap, “Your turn.”

When he’s unwrapped the last gift and set it aside finally, it’s her turn and Mo moved to pull out his gift out from behind the couch where he’d hidden it, knowing his moms tendency to peak.

“Sneaky,” she smiled as he handed her the wide, flat gift.

“To Mom, love Guan Shan,” she read eyes twinkling.

“Mom…”

“I’m going, I’m going.”

She gently eased open the wrapping paper, each piece folded carefully and placed to the side. Underneath was a large frame that she flips over to reveal a black background lit up with bright white dots, lines connecting some into different shapes of all sizes, all laid within a neat circle. At the top was written “Your Special Day”.

“I- what is this?” She looked up, confused smile on her face.

Mo gripped his elbow. “I-It’s a star map. You can get a snapshot of what the night sky looked like on any day you want. I-I picked the day you and dad got married. You always told me he was your soulmate and I wanted to get you something special… meaningful this year.”

It was quiet for a bit and when she looked up her eyes were wet.

Shit. Crap he’d messed up.

“If you don’t like it, I think I can return it,” he said hurriedly. “I didn’t mean to make you upset!”

“Honey,” she wiped at her eyes. “This is wonderful, thank you.”

“But you’re crying…”

“Not all tears are bad Guan Shan,” she laughed. “This is just unexpected …but so perfect.” She pulled him down next to her on the couch to hug him tight.

“I know we don’t talk about your father a lot and… I’m sorry.” She wiped at her eyes. “Given the situation it’s hard sometimes for me because of the memories it brings up, mostly good but sometimes bad.” She cleared her throat, “but I know you miss him as much as I do. I know he hasn’t been present but that’s not his choice and he loves both of us so much. Until the time when we can have him fully in our lives again I… I don’t want us to forget that fact.

She stroked a hand down the frame, smiled at him.

“I think this will help.”

Later that night Mo walked He Tian home for a change. It was peaceful, the streets quiet with everyone indoors with their family.

They lingered at his apartment door, neither really wanting to leave but unsure of how to ask the other to stay.

“Thanks,” He Tian said “for everything.”

“It was nothing,” Mo mumbled. “If anything I should be thanking you, my mom loved the gift.

“I told you, it’s the meaning behind the gift that matters most.”

“Yea,” Mo said, though he could feel another blush coming on. “Well, I’ll see you,” he waved, moving to leave, but He Tian caught his arm pulling him into a hug.

His body stiffened at first in surprise, then he relaxed, lifting an arm awkwardly to pat He Tian’s back. They stayed like that for a while, his nose buried in the other’s chest. He Tian smelled good, a mix of cologne (one that was a little woodsy, like cedar), and something else he couldn’t place but thought it must be He Tian himself -a scent that clung to his sheets at home.

A hand cupped his chin tipping his head up, scattering his thoughts. He could see lips inching closer to his. This time he let his eyes flutter shut, mouth parting voluntarily, but the lips fall on his cheek, just shy of the corner of his mouth.

He Tian was watching him, eyes dancing when they part, a final farewell before he stepped back into his apartment and Mo’s feet worked enough to get him to the elevator.

Inside he pressed the button for lobby, his hand drifting up, fingertips absently running along where He Tian’s lips had been a moment ago.

There was a commotion in the corridor as the doors were closing and suddenly He Tian was there prying them open, shoving a bag into Mo’s hand without comment, doors sliding shut before Mo can question him. He was so shocked it didn’t occur to him try and hold the elevator until it had begun it’s decent.

The bag he recognized as the same one from that day at the mall when he’d fallen.

The same one he’d thought had been for an admirer of He Tian’s.

In the lobby he sat on one the benches, curiosity driving him. He upturned the bag, catching a slim flat box about the size of the palm of his hand. Lifting the lid he held his breath, unsure what he would find as He Tian was unpredictable.

Nestled inside was a brown velvet drawstring bag. Opening it, he shook an orange bracelet onto his palm. It’s weighty. He fiddled with it trying to unfasten it’s clasps. It opened like a vice once undone and could be locked back into place. It was… extremely nice, it’s design simple, he had to admit He Tian had good taste.

He thought back to the last time he’d been given a gift, how it’d been forced onto him. Resentment had been his first feeling receiving that gift, though he still had the earrings tucked away in a drawer, he couldn’t just throw them away and his gut told him he’d want them later on. This time He Tian had looked nervous, so unlike the untempered confidence he’d had back in middle school.

Replacing the items he found a note wedged into the box’s corner. He pulled it out, slowly unfolding it.

I haven’t seen your bracelet in a while, I thought you’d lost it.

‘A while?’ Mo scoffed, more like years. How did He Tian even remember that? Did he pay that close attention?

He replaced the note, pocketed it as he rose from the bench, and headed home. He’d text He Tian later, tell him thanks.

As he walked he thought back over the past few weeks and recent developments.

The new year looked promising.

If you’re curious you can see the bracelet He Tian got Mo here :)

I’m playing catch up now lol 😅 I have one more fic for day 6.

I’m literally so glad you guys enjoyed part 1 & hope you liked part 2. Seriously, thank you for taking the time to read & comment! Love y’all!

x

[terriblesportsimagines]

hello, can i request headcanons for what kagami, akashi, aomine, kise, himuro and takao would do when their s/o needs them to go out and buy feminine products like tampons/ pads etc because they ran out,, thank you! :)

Sure thing!

Kagami Taiga

Haha, he would give new meaning to the word tomato. Right from the moment you ask him, all the way to the store, while he’s in thestore, and while he’s coming back.  The blush literally never abate, whichof course earns him a lot of strange looks.

He’s uncomfortable, but he’d never say no.  He can’tactually say no to you, no matter how much dread burns in his stomach.

When he gets to the store he’s absolutely dismayed tofind out that there are literally hundreds of kinds of everything and heseriously contemplates just walking out.  Unfortunately, he can’t forgetthe discomfort on your face, to he grits his teeth and calls you, demandingwith impatience born of discomfort what the hell he’s supposed to get out ofthis mess.

Eventually finds the right one, then goes to another aisleand picks up sweets he knows you like and painkillers that state they are for thattime of the month on the side.  Then comes the next challenge: buying.

He can’t look at the cashier, a middle aged woman whodoesn’t even blink at the things he’d buying.  He thinks she’s judgingthough.

He makes it home and you thank him with a kiss and he’sfinally able to relax.

Pretty much, it’s a trial by fire for Kagami.

Akashi Seijuro

Probably notices you’re running low long before you do.

Gives you some time to rectify the situation, but when youdon’t, he just does it for you.

There’s absolutely no embarrassment with this one.  Asfar as he’s concerned, it’s his job to take care of you and this is just one ofthose things.  He memorizes what type of things you use, and the correctbrand, even the specific kind in the brand.  Pretty much, he’s gotit down to the very last detail.

If other guys happen to see him at the store buying thesethings for you and actually laugh… RIP random strangers.

He does think you should take care of your health all thetime, even during the difficult time of the month, however, he goes out of hisway to go to the special bakery you like to splurge at and buys you a fewthings you like, especially if you are having a difficult go of it.

You had no idea where he went so you are shocked whenhe comes back with a bag filled with feminine hygiene products and a box fullof pastries.  You nearly burst out crying at his thoughtfulness.

You have the best boyfriend ever.

You spend the rest of the day curled up in his lap watchingsilly things on tv.  He strokes your hair and talked to you in a low voicethat is incredibly relaxing.

Aomine Daiki

Let’s face it, he’s probably had to do the same thing forSatsuki at some point in his life. 

Of course, he was not kind about it and complainedbitterly, his face a little bit red and scowling.

He’s much nicer with you.  He’s put out, of course, butgives you only minimal complaints and admonishments.  Mostly “Be morecareful would you?  Shit’s embarrassing.”  He nevertheless goesthe second you ask him.

Like Kagami, he’s a little lost once he’s actually at thestore.  Why the hell are there so many different kinds?  What thefuck is the difference?  Goddamn it…

Tries to remember what your shit looks like, but since he’snever really paid much attention, he’s kind of fuzzy.  He’s way tooproud to call you though so he guesses.

Just in case he gets it wrong, he buys a bunch of otherthings you might like, as well as a heating pad because he remember Satsukisaying something about it helping once.

Totally get the wrong kind, but you don’t have the heart totell him because he tried so hard and he did buy your favorite chocolate andthe heating pad is amazing.

He grumbles, but wraps himself around you and neither of youmove for the rest of the day.

Kise Ryouta

He has older sisters, he’s literally been around girls andall their issues his whole life.  It stopped bothering him a longlong time ago.

He Smiles at you when you ask, especially if you’re shyabout it.  He thinks you are the most adorable thing on the planet andjust sort of melts into a puddle of goo.  Cuddles the life out of youbefore you can even explain what you want.

He knows all the different kinds, and so takes severalpictures of the empty box/packaging before he leaves.  This kid isPREPARED.

Thus, he doesn’t spend much time once he’s there.  He’snot rushing, he just knows exactly what he’s looking for.  A group of kidstry laughing at him, but he just puts on his icy-Kise face and stares down atthem.  He’s unashamed, no matter what looks he gets.

Since he remembers his sisters liking certain things whilethey were in pain, he buys some of those too, though he also knows you don’thave a big sweet tooth and prefer other kinds of snacks so he gets those aswell.  Pretty much is carrying like five bags by the time he’s done.

You sigh when you see him, but you can’t help but feel warmand happy too.  “Did you buy the whole store?”

Kise just grins.  “I had to make sure my ___cchi haseverything she needs!”  You could practically see the hearts floating inthe air around him.

Himuro Tatsuya

Has never been asked this sort of things and so finds it alittle embarrassing.  But you are sick on top of it being that time of themonth and you say that the stuff the school has is absolutely awful.

So, he sucks up any discomfort he feels, which admittedly,was not that much, since this sort of things was natural and you couldn’texactly help it, and leaves the school for the nearest store. Murasakibara demands to come along because, of course, snacks.

Once he gets there and realizes what he faces, he askspolitely for you to be specific.  If he’s going to be out heredoing this, he doesn’t want it to be a wasted trip.  You take a picture ofthe right package and send it to him, and he’s very grateful.

Murasakibara is done gathering snacks before he’s done andjoins in him in the aisle.  He just sort of blinks at everything and givesabsolutely no fucks about being a guy in this aisle.  His size and generalthreat keep anyone from so much as snickering.

Because you ask, he picks up some snacks for you, andMurasakibara adds to the pile because he too has sisters and these things havealways made them less mean in the past.

When the two boys show up at your door, you smile at themand thank them profusely.  The giant has lost interest and immediatelyleaves, but Himuro lets you invite him in for some serious cuddle time.

Takao Kazunari

This kid is going to tease you, especially if you forgotto stock up.  He goes a little easier if it’s a situation like you thoughtyou had enough then everything goes wrong and suddenly you don’t. Still teases and laughs though.

His laughter covers nerves.  He’d never let anyone seeit on the outside, but doing this for you was… weird.  Of course he knewyou were a girl and thus dealt with this sort of thing, and he had a littlesister, but it was just so different.

Drags Midorima to the store for moral support, also totorture his best friend, because the green haired boy is bright red the momenthe drags him in to the requisite aisle.  Takao is so busy laughing, hebarely notices any discomfort he feels. 

You were very specific, but Takao still gets the wrong onebecause they all look the same to him and honestly, what’s thedifference?  Luckily, Midorima, though he hates every second, is so analthat he doesn’t let Takao get away with this attitude.  He reads yourtext, takes whatever Takao has picked up and puts it back, grabbing the rightone.  He does not, however, let anyone see him and high tails it out ofthe store the second he fixes the mistake.

Takao has mixed feelings about this at first, at least untilhe gets back to you and you light up and give him a kiss for a job welldone.  Then he’s actually kind of thankful for his tsundere friend.