#I do stay making excuses for both him and Sans like they wouldn't both ruin my life if they got the chance

[the-writing-mobster]

| BABE WAKE UP! NEW BABY FACE CHAPTER JUST DROPPED! |

| Baby Face Chapter 22 is finally out! | Read it HERE!!! on Ao3! | 💖

Chapter Word Count: 5,115

Chapter Excerpt~

———

“Excuse me young lady, do you have a hall pass?” 

Frisk perked up at the harsh voice and she darted a look at the teacher. “Oh, uh—” GREAT! Just my luck to run into a damn hall monitor! 

“—No? You do realize skipping earns you a one-way ticket to after school detention, right?” Frisk gulped and glanced around for some sort of salvation. Fuck! Sans may have rubbed off on her but clearly his skills hadn't!   

“Alright, that's enough. I'm writing you up. What's your name?” 

Frisk stammered over her protests, but her throat swelled with frustration so taut she couldn't muster up with any arguments. Why is this all happening to me? What did I do to deserve this? 

“Whoa, hey!” a familiar voice barked through the hall. Both Frisk and the hall monitor jerked to attention, and Frisk couldn't help the relieved smile that spread across her face when she saw none other than Jonas. 

“And how does this concern you?” grumbled the hall monitor. Jonas laughed and jogged over to them. 

“She's with me, we were delivering some equipment to the computer lab as requested by Mr. Cantella. See? Here's our hall pass, I just… to be honest, I lagged behind to use the bathroom. I told her to just go ahead but… I guess I was a little short sighted,” he rambled with a nervous laugh as he waved the purple slip of paper in the air for the hall monitor to see. 

Just as Jonas had said, there was his name in sharp cursive, and in the same sharp cursive was Frisk's name as well. 

Frisk's eyes sparkled at the thrill of it. They'd done it again. Sans's friends had once again swooped in to save her ass, and she couldn't help but feel impressed. The thought made her blush and she swayed on her heels in order to dispel it.

“Hmm… I guess this is sufficient. Okay. But you better be in class. No loitering, and Jonas! Keep those wheels of yours off the floor!” shouted the hall monitor as he marched down the corridor away from them.

Jonas gave a wide grin and waved him off. “Will do! Have a good day!” 

Before Frisk could comprehend any of his words, Jonas grabbed her shoulder and yanked on her shirt. “Run,”

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💖↓ Chapter 22 ↓💖

[cherry-poppins]

The Things You Do In The Name Of Love (Classic!Sans x Reader)

The Things you do in the name of love, it makes us, it breaks us, but it'll save us. Careful before you say it, as it known with different names and come in different forms.

The atmosphere was filled with the smell of coffee grounds and the screams of freshly steamed milk. Conversations mixing together like sugar put in hot tea as light music played in the background. Eyeing Fresh pastry that winked back, almost begging you to buy them as you go to pay for your lunch.

"Woah there bucko, don't be so fast to pull out your wallet, Lunch is on me today." A grinning skeleton spoke, bringing out his wallet as he handed the cashier the money.

"Sans!!! Not again, seriously this is like the third meal you've bought me this week, you can't keep doing this to me i swear you’re gonna go bankrupted." I sighed before my face heated up as I quickly added. "I mean, It’s not that I'm not grateful or anything!!! Which I am very grateful for, thank you so much but you seriously don't have to."

"What? Is paying for another friend's food is wrong! Are you gonna look at me and tell me that it's wrong?!" He joked, grinning like the complete idiot he was while leaning against the countertop as we both waited for our food.

"Pft. No, it's not that. I just feel like ur spoiling me, not everyone gets this kinda treatment u know" I sighed, leaning next to him.

Sans waved me off. “Eh I know but seeing that look on ur face makes it worth it every time. Besides can’t I treat my best friend to lunch? Is that such a crime” He chuckled before ruffling my head like some child.

“Saaannnss, bugger off.” I whine, smacking his hands away. “It is a crime when someone does it as often as you do”

“Welp then arrest me with hand cuff and call me a criminal because I ain’t stoppin’ anytime soon” He joked, holding out his hands together.

You quickly snap a picture, instantly sending it to your favorite fish lady. “I’m sure Undyne would love a good excuse to shove you in a cell” You giggle, trying to look as though you are being serious…. It fails.

Staring at each other for what felt like 5 minutes we both break character and surrender into a fit of laughter, trying our absolute best to stay quite as to not disturb the people and monsters around us.

Containing the last of my giggles trying to calm myself down. I observe the rest of the café feelings slightly nostalgic. “Stars I swear how did I keep you around this long?” I ask, thinking back to the first time we had met.

-Flashback-

Sans and I have been best friends for nearly a year and a half. It wasn't always this delightful, at first, he hated my entire being, couldn't stand me. We met at this cute café that I loved so much, I'd go there every weekend for a treat or to study. I remember it was a Saturday, midday, I was walking down the street joyfully looking forward to my (f/f) iced frappe while I scrolled through Monstergram, perhaps read a couple of fanfics in Wattpad, or i could've been a complete basic white Girl and had a photo shoot with my frappe. The possibilities are endless!

As I hummed a happy tune, opening the door to the café I bumped straight into- a skeleton?!

"Oh my Stars I'm so sorry, s-sir? I wasn't looking where I was-" I was them interrupted by the strange skeleton man, face full of disgust and spite. "You should really watch were you’re going. You have eyes for a reason, use them" said spat. That one way to ruin someone's day. I took a deep breath trying to regain my calm, not wanting to cause a scene. "As I said before I'm terribly sorry, I meant no harm-" I was interrupted again by his sarcastic tone of voice

"Course ya didn't, humans never mean these kinds of things. Tch just an excuse to abuse us monsters, perhaps provoke us so we might go "feral.” Oh, you'd like that wouldn't ya. Give you a reason to call the police on us because we were trying to "kill" you. Real nice"

Was he for real, was this actually happening? "Look Sir I don't wanna cause any trouble, I'm just a nice citizen of the terrible human race trying to get her daily espresso. So why don't we shake on it and become friends instead?" I held out my hand with a smile on my face.

"Pathetic. As if I'd fall for that dirty human, you really think I'd want to be friends with a greedy, racist creature who drowns her problems with caffeine? You're dumber than ya look" Sans said.

Ok that's it, I've been disrespected before, but this was crossing the line. And how dare he call me out for my semi-coffee addiction. "What’s your problem Mr? I've been extremely kind towards you considering that you're verbally abusing me for no good reason. Like seriously I accidentally bumped into, I'm sorry for getting into your "personal space". What did I ever do to you?! Yeah, I get that us humans are a bunch of assbutts but take this in consideration, not all humans are. And a lil FYI bucko, I attend every monster freedom protest so I can help fight for your rights and equality. So next time you decide to be a prick because someone accidentally bumped into you then maybe instead of opening your judgmental mouth think for two seconds because maybe that person is fighting so you can have a better future!!!" I ranted, my eyes widening at the sight of the skeleton. His eye lights had shrunken and was sweating badly- Wait skeletons can sweat?!

"I-I... I'm sorry for my b-behaviour miss.... uh, I'll be on my way n-now..." he stuttered, a blue hue covering his cheeks. They can blush too!? Before I could question him, he disappeared into thin air.

I blinked a couple of times, my eyes staring at the spot where the strange skeleton once was. So, they can disappear- uh, teleport? Welp my day just got more interesting.

A week went by, and I was back at my fav cafe, sippin' on my latte, listening to music while I studied. I could hear the faint sounds of people chattering, the coffee maker running and the slight jingle of the bell that rings when someone enters. 10 minutes later I hear yet another jingle, ignoring it like always. But then I heard a familiar voice which caught my attention. I tilted my book down slightly, just enough to let me see whom the familiar voice belonged to, and the sight shocked me. It was that strange skeleton I had met last week. Why was he here? Did he come here often? Did he like to come here on weekends for coffee too?

Shaking my head to silence my questions building up inside my head, i watching him from the corner of my eye, hiding myself behind one of my textbooks. Should... should i say hello?? I kinda raged at him last week, wasn't the best first impression. I sigh, slouching in my chair. What’s the worst that could happen. Putting my book down on the table, pausing my music as i take of my headphones. With every bit of confidence that i managed to conjure i got up from my seat and walk over to the skeleton man.

He just finished ordering, well whatever he ordered and was slouching by the pickup counter flipping through his phone. Great now’s my chance. I stood in front of him, wondering if this was a good idea. "Eh, excuse me.... Mr skeleton guy?" I shyly called, thinking that I probably looked like the biggest idiot in the world.

He gaze shifted from his phone to me, his pupils shrinking at the sight of me. yep, he remembered me. Slipping his phone back into his pocket, straightening himself up before cautiously speaking. "Oh, it you. geez, uh look kid i don't want any trouble. What i said before- i just, I’m sorry. It's just that-"

"Oh no, no, no. It's fine really. This isn't the first time i had to deal with this sorta stuff, it happens all the time. Besides, I understand." I cut him off, ensuring him. "I mean what you did wasn't acceptable at all, but everyone deserves a second chance, right?" I smiled at the skeleton who was now bewildered, the same blue hue that he had the other week weakly flushed against his cheekbones. It was kinda cute not gonna lie.

"Heh, I guess people do... hey uh, would you mind if I sat down with you for coffee?" He asked, rubbing the back of his skull, barely making eye contact. Ok but like he was cute. give this dude a hug. "I'd love that! Oh, wait i haven't told you my name! Gosh I’m such a dummy..." i exclaimed, mumbling the last part feeling my cheeks heat up. I confidently hold out my hand, giving him a soft smile. "I-I'm (Y/N)"

The skeletons eye lights widened, looking down at my hand back up to my eyes. He seemed hesitant at first but finally eased up, taking his hand out of his hoodie pocket wrapping his phalanges around my hand. I didn't know what to expect, the skeleton's hand was warm and had the texture kinda like a pebble. It’s like if you left a nice stone outside in the sun on a beautiful day, the stone absorbing the suns warmth.

"The name's Sans, Sans the skeleton"

-Flashback End-

“Cause you couldn’t resist me” Sans “batted” his eyes, sticking his tongue out. “You figured out I was a hilarious, pun filled, skeleton with a lot of money and a cool brother so decided to jump of that bandwagon and now here we are”

You scoffed “Oh yeah that’s definitely how that happened, you figured me out Sherlock Holmes” You mocked sarcastically.

He chuckles at your attempt of humour. “Heh nice, Oooo does that mean you’ll be my Watson??” He asks

“Ha, yeah alright. Well now I know what our costumes are for this Halloween” I reply, thinking who our Moriarty would be.

“Saves me for being a ghost for the third year in a row, and this is why your my favourite human” he grins, a light blue bluish dusting his cheeks.

Pink instantly dusted my cheeks as I feel my face getting warms. Damn that smooth talker, he always knew how to get you flustered. "Favourite human? Come on, I can't be your favourite. There's probably a million other humans you hang out with, not to mention all the pretty girl that'd most likely fawn over you" I teased, smirking at him. "Besides when did ever become yours~"

"Um since you gave me that box filled with 32 bottles of ketchup for Christmas, duh." He joked. "But seriously, kid you're one of the only human girls I actually talk to and that'll talk to me. I mean there's Frisk but their non-binary, so they doesn't count. and yeah, I hang out with some pretty girls but none of them "fawn" over me, Stars above. Well, I guess one pretty girl does" Sans mumbled the last part, looking off into the cafe.

My grin faulted for a second. So, there was another girl? Oh.... I sigh, quickly shaking away the feeling. Come on (Y/N), you're better than this. Hiding my sadness and disappointment with a smile, I ask about this girl. "Sans have you been hiding out on me?! Come on who is she, what's she like?" I let out a giggle as i felt my heart shatter into millions of tiny pieces.

I felt my soul being crushed just like my hopes, it was always a suspension that he was interested in someone. You had just hoped that someone would be you. You two had always joked around, teased, and flirted with each other and gone out together but as friends. It wasn’t like you weren’t giving him hints, it’s like you were holding up a sign with “IM INTERESTED’ printed on it in red.

As long as he's happy, that’s all that matters. You say to yourself, the least you could have is his friendship.

"Meh, not telling." He said with the smuggest of grins. Oh, that bastard, he hasn't got the slightest idea on what he's doing to me...

"What!? Oh, come on that's not fair, you can't just mention this mystery girl and then not say anything about it" I pouted.

"Heh what? You jealous or something kid~?" He chuckled, raising his non-existing eyebrow and he gave me dat grin. Come on we all know what that looks like.

My face heated up instantly, my cheeks dusted red. "Jealous?! Of what, the apparently pretty girl that fawns over you and most likely has a crush on you and you like her back. W-why on earth would I be jealous of that...." I rant basically outing myself as I mentally curse as myself. F*ck... do you think he noticed?!

"Oh my gosh I was kidding (Y/N), no need to get all flustered about it. Though you're right about me having a crush on her" He smiled softly, his gaze sorta in a daze.

"Oh.... is that so" My face dropped slowly. T-this is fine... I've been rejected before.... This....This...is.... fine...

"Yeah, she pretty, real smart, funny too like i swear she could beat me at puns, the student becomes the master. Heh, I’ve known her since forever. Not too long after i came to the surface. Though my problem is that I'm not sure if she likes me back. Got any advice, kid?" He turned his head to me as he waited for an answer.

Was he serious? Was he really that dense? Could he not see the tears that threaten to flow from my eyes, could he not tell that I was breaking, that he was shattering my soul, tearing apart my heart and crushing my hopes and dreams. It hurt so much, and he has the audacity to ask- You know what it doesn't matter anymore, he likes another. Best thing you can do is be there and support him as a.... friend. Because that's all I'll ever be to him. "Y-yeah I can give you some advice, anything for a friend... Umm, well for a start you should tell her how you feel, perhaps through I'm a few hints here and there, look for hints uhm.... Oh, maybe ask someone to causally ask her if she does like you?" I felt the tears about to spill, losing my two-face game- no! Do not break down, not here, not now. I don't want him to see me like this.

"Huh, great advice. Might try a couple of them some time- Uh hey k-kid you alright, you look like you're bout cry ya eyes out... have I upset you?" He turned his full attention to me, leaning up from the countertop. His hand gently held my shoulders, his gaze filled with worry.

Lie.

I sniffed a bit, blinking a bunch to contain my tears "Y-yeah I'm alright *sniff* i have hay fever, damn must be that time of year already" I Chuckled, faking another smile.

He sighed, giving me the classic serious Sans look. "Don't lie to me (Y/N), I know somethings up. We've been friends for what? 3 and a half years now?" "Y-yeah..." My gazes falls, not wanting to look into his eyes.

"And friends don't lie to each other, nor do they keep stuff from each other especially if it leads to the friend about cry their eyes out." He hooked one of his phalanges under my chin, lifting it up so I'd face him. Not gonna lie it was hot, but it sadly wasn't the time for that. "Come on kid, what's wrong?" He asked softly

I can't... "It's just... heh didn't think a lazy bone head like you could get the girls" I nudged him a bit, bursting into laughter.

His face was covered in a blue hue, blushing. He let a chuckle, releasing my chin. "Harsh but fair Kiddo. but come on stop avoiding the topic-"

"Aren't I too old for that nickname now Sans? You've been calling me kid and kiddo for as long as i can remember" I force a giggle, hoping to throw him off.

He gave me a "really" look, shaking his head slightly as he sighed. the it was his turn to plaster on a smile. "What, it suits you~ And you do tend to act like a child from time to time." Sans teased. Oh, I acted like a child from time to time?! You should see him when we run out of ketchup. Toddler 100.

I shook my head, chuckling a bit. "Whatever you say bonehead" Before he could say anything else our names were called out, our meals ready.

-Time Skip-

We ate our meals without bringing up my sudden breakdown. Well near breakdown. We joked about, laughing about the latest memes and stupid videos YouTube provided. After we ate, we wandered through the city. It was late, the stars lighting up the sky mixed with the bright lights of the city. Arm wrapped around my neck and laughter in the air we finally stopped at a small park. It was one of my favourite places in the city, and the best part was at night they lit lanterns which illuminated the whole part. It was truly a sight to see. We sit down on a nearby chair, his arm still around me. Don't flatter yourself (Y/N) ... He likes someone else, remember.

"Hey kid... You know why i would never play hide 'n' seek with you?" Sans asks, his gaze turned towards me.

Now that caught my attention... And left me with like several questions. "W-what? Heh, why?" I replied, generally confused. Was this meant to be one of his famous Sans jokes that has a weird pun mixed in with it??

"Because someone like you is impossible to find..." He softly spoke, his free hand reaching up to cup my face running his thumb along my cheek. A faint blue blush dusted his face.

WHAT?!?!? My face was heated up furiously, blushing red. My heart was beating wildly as it threatened to burst out of my rib cage. Was he flirting?? Gosh it was so cute but cheesy at the same time... But he liked someone else.... R-right? "S-sans, I'm confus-" before i could finished his thumb swiftly found my lips, hushing me. He lingered there for a second, brushing his thumb along my bottom lip. God it was hot.

"Roses are red violets are blue I didn't know what perfect was until I met you" He leant in close his face inches away from mine, his thumb leaving my lips. His blush was more visible now, glowing a soft blue.

I didn't know what to say, how to react, or how to feel. He left me completely speechless and a blushing mess. And he did this with shitty pick-up lines that you'd find on the internet or hear on a tinder date. Damn he was good.

"(Y/N) ..." The arm that was originally around my neck had now shifted so that his hand was cupping the other side of my face, the other hand now at my waist. He then shifted himself so that he was now next to my ear, his breath against my neck. "Your lips look lonely would they like to meet mine?" His whispered softly, his lips.... mouth... teeth?? brushing against my ear.

My face was now lava, my head spinning with millions of questions and even more feelings. before i even had the time to say anything or even react he kissed me. and it was no peck on the lips, he full on kissed me. And how was he so good at it?! He's a damn skeleton?! But i couldn't lie, I enjoyed it. I kissed back, wrapping my hands around his neck. Few seconds later we pull away, his forehead pressed against mine.

"What am i going to do with you" He muttered as he put back a lose strand of hair behind my ear. "The girl was you; it was always you. (Y/N) I’ve loved you for as long as i could remember, you've always been there for me. I'm not so good with expressing my emotions with people... everyone but you."

My eyes widened as my heart swelled with joy. H-he did like me. Holy sh*t was I that dense, Was i the oblivious one?! Stars above. I mentally slapped myself, embarrassed how i pulled a Sans. 

"I understand if you reject me, after what happened earlier... I will admit it was a d*ck move. but I swear I meant no harm; I didn't mean to hurt you." His thumb gently rubbed against my cheek. "I love you"

He wasn't kidding... He wasn't kidding!!! "You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this" I smile brightly, my eyes threatening to cry again. I sniff, wiping my eyes with my sleeve. " I love you too, Sans. And i always will"

The Things you do in the name of love, it makes us, it breaks us, but it'll save us. Careful before you say it, as it known with different names and come in different forms.

The atmosphere was filled with the smell of coffee grounds and the screams of freshly steamed milk. Conversations mixing together like sugar put in hot tea as light music played in the background. Eyeing Fresh pastry that winked back, almost begging you to buy them as you go to pay for your lunch.

"Woah there bucko, don't be so fast to pull out your wallet, Lunch is on me today." A grinning skeleton spoke, bringing out his wallet as he handed the cashier the money.

"Sans!!! Not again, seriously this is like the third meal you've bought me this week, you can't keep doing this to me i swear you’re gonna go bankrupted." I sighed before my face heated up as I quickly added. "I mean, It’s not that I'm not grateful or anything!!! Which I am very grateful for, thank you so much but you seriously don't have to."

"What? Is paying for another friend's food is wrong! Are you gonna look at me and tell me that it's wrong?!" He joked, grinning like the complete idiot he was while leaning against the countertop as we both waited for our food.

"Pft. No, it's not that. I just feel like ur spoiling me, not everyone gets this kinda treatment u know" I sighed, leaning next to him.

Sans waved me off. “Eh I know but seeing that look on ur face makes it worth it every time. Besides can’t I treat my best friend to lunch? Is that such a crime” He chuckled before ruffling my head like some child.

“Saaannnss, bugger off.” I whine, smacking his hands away. “It is a crime when someone does it as often as you do”

“Welp then arrest me with hand cuff and call me a criminal because I ain’t stoppin’ anytime soon” He joked, holding out his hands together.

You quickly snap a picture, instantly sending it to your favorite fish lady. “I’m sure Undyne would love a good excuse to shove you in a cell” You giggle, trying to look as though you are being serious…. It fails.

Staring at each other for what felt like 5 minutes we both break character and surrender into a fit of laughter, trying our absolute best to stay quite as to not disturb the people and monsters around us.

Containing the last of my giggles trying to calm myself down. I observe the rest of the café feelings slightly nostalgic. “Stars I swear how did I keep you around this long?” I ask, thinking back to the first time we had met.

-Flashback-

Sans and I have been best friends for nearly a year and a half. It wasn't always this delightful, at first, he hated my entire being, couldn't stand me. We met at this cute café that I loved so much, I'd go there every weekend for a treat or to study. I remember it was a Saturday, midday, I was walking down the street joyfully looking forward to my (f/f) iced frappe while I scrolled through Monstergram, perhaps read a couple of fanfics in Wattpad, or i could've been a complete basic white Girl and had a photo shoot with my frappe. The possibilities are endless!

As I hummed a happy tune, opening the door to the café I bumped straight into- a skeleton?!

"Oh my Stars I'm so sorry, s-sir? I wasn't looking where I was-" I was them interrupted by the strange skeleton man, face full of disgust and spite. "You should really watch were you’re going. You have eyes for a reason, use them" said spat. That one way to ruin someone's day. I took a deep breath trying to regain my calm, not wanting to cause a scene. "As I said before I'm terribly sorry, I meant no harm-" I was interrupted again by his sarcastic tone of voice

"Course ya didn't, humans never mean these kinds of things. Tch just an excuse to abuse us monsters, perhaps provoke us so we might go "feral.” Oh, you'd like that wouldn't ya. Give you a reason to call the police on us because we were trying to "kill" you. Real nice"

Was he for real, was this actually happening? "Look Sir I don't wanna cause any trouble, I'm just a nice citizen of the terrible human race trying to get her daily espresso. So why don't we shake on it and become friends instead?" I held out my hand with a smile on my face.

"Pathetic. As if I'd fall for that dirty human, you really think I'd want to be friends with a greedy, racist creature who drowns her problems with caffeine? You're dumber than ya look" Sans said.

Ok that's it, I've been disrespected before, but this was crossing the line. And how dare he call me out for my semi-coffee addiction. "What’s your problem Mr? I've been extremely kind towards you considering that you're verbally abusing me for no good reason. Like seriously I accidentally bumped into, I'm sorry for getting into your "personal space". What did I ever do to you?! Yeah, I get that us humans are a bunch of assbutts but take this in consideration, not all humans are. And a lil FYI bucko, I attend every monster freedom protest so I can help fight for your rights and equality. So next time you decide to be a prick because someone accidentally bumped into you then maybe instead of opening your judgmental mouth think for two seconds because maybe that person is fighting so you can have a better future!!!" I ranted, my eyes widening at the sight of the skeleton. His eye lights had shrunken and was sweating badly- Wait skeletons can sweat?!

"I-I... I'm sorry for my b-behaviour miss.... uh, I'll be on my way n-now..." he stuttered, a blue hue covering his cheeks. They can blush too!? Before I could question him, he disappeared into thin air.

I blinked a couple of times, my eyes staring at the spot where the strange skeleton once was. So, they can disappear- uh, teleport? Welp my day just got more interesting.

A week went by, and I was back at my fav cafe, sippin' on my latte, listening to music while I studied. I could hear the faint sounds of people chattering, the coffee maker running and the slight jingle of the bell that rings when someone enters. 10 minutes later I hear yet another jingle, ignoring it like always. But then I heard a familiar voice which caught my attention. I tilted my book down slightly, just enough to let me see whom the familiar voice belonged to, and the sight shocked me. It was that strange skeleton I had met last week. Why was he here? Did he come here often? Did he like to come here on weekends for coffee too?

Shaking my head to silence my questions building up inside my head, i watching him from the corner of my eye, hiding myself behind one of my textbooks. Should... should i say hello?? I kinda raged at him last week, wasn't the best first impression. I sigh, slouching in my chair. What’s the worst that could happen. Putting my book down on the table, pausing my music as i take of my headphones. With every bit of confidence that i managed to conjure i got up from my seat and walk over to the skeleton man.

He just finished ordering, well whatever he ordered and was slouching by the pickup counter flipping through his phone. Great now’s my chance. I stood in front of him, wondering if this was a good idea. "Eh, excuse me.... Mr skeleton guy?" I shyly called, thinking that I probably looked like the biggest idiot in the world.

He gaze shifted from his phone to me, his pupils shrinking at the sight of me. yep, he remembered me. Slipping his phone back into his pocket, straightening himself up before cautiously speaking. "Oh, it you. geez, uh look kid i don't want any trouble. What i said before- i just, I’m sorry. It's just that-"

"Oh no, no, no. It's fine really. This isn't the first time i had to deal with this sorta stuff, it happens all the time. Besides, I understand." I cut him off, ensuring him. "I mean what you did wasn't acceptable at all, but everyone deserves a second chance, right?" I smiled at the skeleton who was now bewildered, the same blue hue that he had the other week weakly flushed against his cheekbones. It was kinda cute not gonna lie.

"Heh, I guess people do... hey uh, would you mind if I sat down with you for coffee?" He asked, rubbing the back of his skull, barely making eye contact. Ok but like he was cute. give this dude a hug. "I'd love that! Oh, wait i haven't told you my name! Gosh I’m such a dummy..." i exclaimed, mumbling the last part feeling my cheeks heat up. I confidently hold out my hand, giving him a soft smile. "I-I'm (Y/N)"

The skeletons eye lights widened, looking down at my hand back up to my eyes. He seemed hesitant at first but finally eased up, taking his hand out of his hoodie pocket wrapping his phalanges around my hand. I didn't know what to expect, the skeleton's hand was warm and had the texture kinda like a pebble. It’s like if you left a nice stone outside in the sun on a beautiful day, the stone absorbing the suns warmth.

"The name's Sans, Sans the skeleton"

-Flashback End-

“Cause you couldn’t resist me” Sans “batted” his eyes, sticking his tongue out. “You figured out I was a hilarious, pun filled, skeleton with a lot of money and a cool brother so decided to jump of that bandwagon and now here we are”

You scoffed “Oh yeah that’s definitely how that happened, you figured me out Sherlock Holmes” You mocked sarcastically.

He chuckles at your attempt of humour. “Heh nice, Oooo does that mean you’ll be my Watson??” He asks

“Ha, yeah alright. Well now I know what our costumes are for this Halloween” I reply, thinking who our Moriarty would be.

“Saves me for being a ghost for the third year in a row, and this is why your my favourite human” he grins, a light blue bluish dusting his cheeks.

Pink instantly dusted my cheeks as I feel my face getting warms. Damn that smooth talker, he always knew how to get you flustered. "Favourite human? Come on, I can't be your favourite. There's probably a million other humans you hang out with, not to mention all the pretty girl that'd most likely fawn over you" I teased, smirking at him. "Besides when did ever become yours~"

"Um since you gave me that box filled with 32 bottles of ketchup for Christmas, duh." He joked. "But seriously, kid you're one of the only human girls I actually talk to and that'll talk to me. I mean there's Frisk but their non-binary, so they doesn't count. and yeah, I hang out with some pretty girls but none of them "fawn" over me, Stars above. Well, I guess one pretty girl does" Sans mumbled the last part, looking off into the cafe.

My grin faulted for a second. So, there was another girl? Oh.... I sigh, quickly shaking away the feeling. Come on (Y/N), you're better than this. Hiding my sadness and disappointment with a smile, I ask about this girl. "Sans have you been hiding out on me?! Come on who is she, what's she like?" I let out a giggle as i felt my heart shatter into millions of tiny pieces.

I felt my soul being crushed just like my hopes, it was always a suspension that he was interested in someone. You had just hoped that someone would be you. You two had always joked around, teased, and flirted with each other and gone out together but as friends. It wasn’t like you weren’t giving him hints, it’s like you were holding up a sign with “IM INTERESTED’ printed on it in red.

As long as he's happy, that’s all that matters. You say to yourself, the least you could have is his friendship.

"Meh, not telling." He said with the smuggest of grins. Oh, that bastard, he hasn't got the slightest idea on what he's doing to me...

"What!? Oh, come on that's not fair, you can't just mention this mystery girl and then not say anything about it" I pouted.

"Heh what? You jealous or something kid~?" He chuckled, raising his non-existing eyebrow and he gave me dat grin. Come on we all know what that looks like.

My face heated up instantly, my cheeks dusted red. "Jealous?! Of what, the apparently pretty girl that fawns over you and most likely has a crush on you and you like her back. W-why on earth would I be jealous of that...." I rant basically outing myself as I mentally curse as myself. F*ck... do you think he noticed?!

"Oh my gosh I was kidding (Y/N), no need to get all flustered about it. Though you're right about me having a crush on her" He smiled softly, his gaze sorta in a daze.

"Oh.... is that so" My face dropped slowly. T-this is fine... I've been rejected before.... This....This...is.... fine...

"Yeah, she pretty, real smart, funny too like i swear she could beat me at puns, the student becomes the master. Heh, I’ve known her since forever. Not too long after i came to the surface. Though my problem is that I'm not sure if she likes me back. Got any advice, kid?" He turned his head to me as he waited for an answer.

Was he serious? Was he really that dense? Could he not see the tears that threaten to flow from my eyes, could he not tell that I was breaking, that he was shattering my soul, tearing apart my heart and crushing my hopes and dreams. It hurt so much, and he has the audacity to ask- You know what it doesn't matter anymore, he likes another. Best thing you can do is be there and support him as a.... friend. Because that's all I'll ever be to him. "Y-yeah I can give you some advice, anything for a friend... Umm, well for a start you should tell her how you feel, perhaps through I'm a few hints here and there, look for hints uhm.... Oh, maybe ask someone to causally ask her if she does like you?" I felt the tears about to spill, losing my two-face game- no! Do not break down, not here, not now. I don't want him to see me like this.

"Huh, great advice. Might try a couple of them some time- Uh hey k-kid you alright, you look like you're bout cry ya eyes out... have I upset you?" He turned his full attention to me, leaning up from the countertop. His hand gently held my shoulders, his gaze filled with worry.

Lie.

I sniffed a bit, blinking a bunch to contain my tears "Y-yeah I'm alright *sniff* i have hay fever, damn must be that time of year already" I Chuckled, faking another smile.

He sighed, giving me the classic serious Sans look. "Don't lie to me (Y/N), I know somethings up. We've been friends for what? 3 and a half years now?" "Y-yeah..." My gazes falls, not wanting to look into his eyes.

"And friends don't lie to each other, nor do they keep stuff from each other especially if it leads to the friend about cry their eyes out." He hooked one of his phalanges under my chin, lifting it up so I'd face him. Not gonna lie it was hot, but it sadly wasn't the time for that. "Come on kid, what's wrong?" He asked softly

I can't... "It's just... heh didn't think a lazy bone head like you could get the girls" I nudged him a bit, bursting into laughter.

His face was covered in a blue hue, blushing. He let a chuckle, releasing my chin. "Harsh but fair Kiddo. but come on stop avoiding the topic-"

"Aren't I too old for that nickname now Sans? You've been calling me kid and kiddo for as long as i can remember" I force a giggle, hoping to throw him off.

He gave me a "really" look, shaking his head slightly as he sighed. the it was his turn to plaster on a smile. "What, it suits you~ And you do tend to act like a child from time to time." Sans teased. Oh, I acted like a child from time to time?! You should see him when we run out of ketchup. Toddler 100.

I shook my head, chuckling a bit. "Whatever you say bonehead" Before he could say anything else our names were called out, our meals ready.

-Time Skip-

We ate our meals without bringing up my sudden breakdown. Well near breakdown. We joked about, laughing about the latest memes and stupid videos YouTube provided. After we ate, we wandered through the city. It was late, the stars lighting up the sky mixed with the bright lights of the city. Arm wrapped around my neck and laughter in the air we finally stopped at a small park. It was one of my favourite places in the city, and the best part was at night they lit lanterns which illuminated the whole part. It was truly a sight to see. We sit down on a nearby chair, his arm still around me. Don't flatter yourself (Y/N) ... He likes someone else, remember.

"Hey kid... You know why i would never play hide 'n' seek with you?" Sans asks, his gaze turned towards me.

Now that caught my attention... And left me with like several questions. "W-what? Heh, why?" I replied, generally confused. Was this meant to be one of his famous Sans jokes that has a weird pun mixed in with it??

"Because someone like you is impossible to find..." He softly spoke, his free hand reaching up to cup my face running his thumb along my cheek. A faint blue blush dusted his face.

WHAT?!?!? My face was heated up furiously, blushing red. My heart was beating wildly as it threatened to burst out of my rib cage. Was he flirting?? Gosh it was so cute but cheesy at the same time... But he liked someone else.... R-right? "S-sans, I'm confus-" before i could finished his thumb swiftly found my lips, hushing me. He lingered there for a second, brushing his thumb along my bottom lip. God it was hot.

"Roses are red violets are blue I didn't know what perfect was until I met you" He leant in close his face inches away from mine, his thumb leaving my lips. His blush was more visible now, glowing a soft blue.

I didn't know what to say, how to react, or how to feel. He left me completely speechless and a blushing mess. And he did this with shitty pick-up lines that you'd find on the internet or hear on a tinder date. Damn he was good.

"(Y/N) ..." The arm that was originally around my neck had now shifted so that his hand was cupping the other side of my face, the other hand now at my waist. He then shifted himself so that he was now next to my ear, his breath against my neck. "Your lips look lonely would they like to meet mine?" His whispered softly, his lips.... mouth... teeth?? brushing against my ear.

My face was now lava, my head spinning with millions of questions and even more feelings. before i even had the time to say anything or even react he kissed me. and it was no peck on the lips, he full on kissed me. And how was he so good at it?! He's a damn skeleton?! But i couldn't lie, I enjoyed it. I kissed back, wrapping my hands around his neck. Few seconds later we pull away, his forehead pressed against mine.

"What am i going to do with you" He muttered as he put back a lose strand of hair behind my ear. "The girl was you; it was always you. (Y/N) I’ve loved you for as long as i could remember, you've always been there for me. I'm not so good with expressing my emotions with people... everyone but you."

My eyes widened as my heart swelled with joy. H-he did like me. Holy sh*t was I that dense, Was i the oblivious one?! Stars above. I mentally slapped myself, embarrassed how i pulled a Sans. 

"I understand if you reject me, after what happened earlier... I will admit it was a d*ck move. but I swear I meant no harm; I didn't mean to hurt you." His thumb gently rubbed against my cheek. "I love you"

He wasn't kidding... He wasn't kidding!!! "You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this" I smile brightly, my eyes threatening to cry again. I sniff, wiping my eyes with my sleeve.

"I love you too, Sans. And i always will"

[songmingisthighs]

Hooked

introduction pt. i | pt. ii | pt. iii

ch. lxiv - cowards

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??? × reader, ateez × reader

A freshman hookup rekindled into something new. With an incentive, of course. But what would happen if your 'relationship' led you somewhere you never thought would happen to you ?

After sending the last text, Mingi and Jongho didn't waste time and immediately rush to (Y/N)'s room. When they arrived, the door was ajar with Seonghwa standing inside. He was staring blankly around, seemingly confused.

"Hyung, have you been here?" Jongho asked, breaking Seonghwa's trance.

"Y-yeah, I did- she left? Just like that ??" Seonghwa asked, still not believing anything that just happened.

Maybe it was Seonghwa's guilt. The fact that his last interaction with you was him accusing you of being a whore didn't sit right with him. There was a lump in his throat and a heavy feeling on his chest. It felt like he was suffocating.

The three of them stood silently, not knowing what to answer.

As they stood silently, the other boys walked in one by one. Wooyoung walked in first with San in tow, they both immediately took note of the silence and just stared at each other with guilt.

One by one everyone else filled the room, staring blankly at the emptiness and letting sorrow and regret fill them.

"S-so that's it? She left us yet AGAIN after having just came back last night?" Hongjoong asked in disbelief. There was no malice in his tone, there were no ill intentions. He was shocked, surprised at the sudden tension.

Mingi turned to look at the eldest with much disdain, "After what happened to her last night, could you really give her blame?"

inking that Hongjoong felt wronged, as he thought his assumption was justified. To be singled out as such was a little bit too much. "Are you trying to be a hero here?" he asked the taller guy. Mingi scoffed at him, "Hero? You think I have some sort of a complex?" "I don't know, do you? I don't think it's a hero complex, but there must be some sort of a messed up complex in you. Because you've been all over the place and overreacting, acting like a mess when you can't find (Y/N) and yet not saying anything when she was here, letting Yeosang ran his mouth at her, driving her off,"

At the mention of his name, Yeosang spoke up from the corner of the room. "I drove her off? Are you fucking serious?" to which San, who was by his side scoffed, "Weren't you the one who verbally attacked her last night? Calling her out on leaving without any explanation was one thing, but to call her a wandering tramp?" "Okay, I was looking out for all of us. YOU especially, San! You don't know how much it affected me seeing you all broken down and you even fell into depression! As your friend, I was fucking worried!" Yeosang defended himself.

Wooyoung chimed in, scoffing at his long-time friend, "Looking out for us? From what? From who? The woman we love? If you wanna go off on her, that's one hundred percent your choice, but don't use us as your excuse. That's just pathetic, man," he told Yeosang whilst glaring at him.

Seonghwa got in between the two, preventing them both from going at it even further. "Okay, enough with you two, you both can't be fighting during this time. Yeosang might've said some... unnecessary things to (Y/N) last night, but things aren't completely his fault," he reasoned.

Surprisingly, Yunho chimed in, smirking at the older man, "You got that right," he muttered. Yunho's voice was intentionally loud enough for everyone to hear, but still low enough for it to seem snarky.

At his chime, Seonghwa furrowed his eyebrows at Yunho, "what's that supposed to mean?" Yunho stepped to Seonghwa while tilting his head as if challenging him, "Don't play dumb, hyung, I heard you last night. Here, you mentioned Yeosang calling (Y/N) names when you basically called her the same thing,"

Whilst the others were left confused, Seonghwa visibly froze. His demeanour changed to a nervous one.

"Yunho, what the fuck are you talking about?" Hongjoong asked.

Yunho looked to the side at Hongjoong casually, "I walked by when I was about to get water last night when I heard yelling from inside her room. Whatever they were talking about, I heard Seonghwa hyung yelling something about (Y/N) staying with guys other than her cousin. The implication was bad, I even heard (Y/N) crying,"

All eyes suddenly shifted to Seonghwa. "Hyung, you made her cry?" San asked, not able to completely believe that Seonghwa was capable of doing that to (Y/N).

Tension rose in the room and suddenly everyone was arguing with each other. All but Jongho who stayed by the sideline, watching the whole thing unfold between his older friends with disappointment in his eyes.

"What happened?" you asked him, appearing by his side out of nowhere.

Jongho sighed before crossing his arms, "They're blaming each other because you left again," he muttered. You frowned and furrowed your eyebrows, "But, I haven't left yet?"

At that, Jongho finally looked at you properly. His eyes widened as wide as they could go, "Oh, hey! You're still here!" He exclaimed loudly, capturing the attention of everyone who was bickering inside.

You stared at them weirdly, "Yeah? Why is that so surprising?"

Mingi stepped out towards you slowly, his hands reached out to grab yours in his softly, "W-we thought you had really left again," he told you, his voice broke from how glad he was.

But that relieved feeling was soon crushed when he heard your answer.

"Well, now I am. I was making sure of something and waiting for Haknyeon to come to pick me up. Since he's here now, I'm... Gonna go," you smiled at them gently. Despite that, there were clear indications that the smile you wore was one of a broken heart.

Seonghwa couldn't help but let his words slip without thinking properly, "You're going back with him and his friends?" to which Yunho immediately nudged him hard on his stomach.

You turn to look at Seonghwa directly. You shook your head at him before answering, "No, I'm not going back to his apartment. Wouldn't be right for me and wouldn't be fair to him. He's just escorting me to my old dorm where I will be staying," you told him. Seonghwa immediately gulped after hearing your answer. He felt bad for jumping to that conclusion, especially after you told him where you were going.

At this point, San had tears brimming in his eyes, blurring his vision, "Wh-why are you going again, (Y/N)? You just got back," he asked as he walked closer to you.

Seeing his tears, you couldn't help but get emotional as well. you let one hand off of Mingi's grasp to cup San's cheek, rubbing it gently with your thumb, "I just have to, Sannie, I'm sorry. I... Just came back up here to tell Mingi and Jongho directly that I'm gonna go now,"

Wooyoung pushed people away to charge directly at you, "Only Mingi and Jongho? That's it? The rest of us didn't even deserve your goodbyes?" there was no resentment in his voice, you noticed. His eyes, however, showed much sorrow.

You sighed and shrugged at him, "With how things went last night, I don't even know if you all wanted to see me again, that's why I tried making my escape as quickly and silently as possible,"

Hongjoong suddenly spoke up, "See, I don't think you wanna leave at all, because if you do, you wouldn't tell us at all and just leave,"

The way he said it set something off in you. Your previous calm demeanour switched within mere milliseconds as you answered Hongjoong bitterly, "of course I don't wanna leave. You think this is easy on me?"

Without realizing it, you slipped your hands off of Mingi's grasp and San's cheek. The others who were in the way moved to the side to let you face Hongjoong directly, slightly afraid of you, "You really think that I came back here just to leave the next day? If so, then not only that you're dead wrong, but you're also an asshole. Every single one of you is acting like I've only been playing around with you all, going back and forth as I please because I don't know what I want. You don't even know why I left. Maybe most of it was because I didn't tell you guys, but part of it was because neither of you even gave me the chance to even explain last night. All of you just turned your backs on me and walked away," you laughed bitterly.

Your words struck them deep. Because they were all true. You might have been the one who started the fight, but they were the ones who delivered the final blow. Not to mention they're male adults who should've been able to communicate and made better decisions. Lastly, there were eight of them and one of you, how was that fair?

The silence and the expression on their faces said a lot, you realized if you were to tell them everything, that was your chance.

So you took a deep breath and spilt everything to them.

You told them about the threat Sunhee gave you, the proof they had, and how they planned on ruining their futures. You told them about how you felt like you didn't have any choice and how you didn't want to make things worse so you just listen to them until you were able to think of something, you wanted to protect them. You also told them how paranoid they made you and how you almost went crazy from worrying over them whilst having to be worried over what those crazy bitches might do.

When you finished talking, you realized that the boys had had tears streaming down their faces. You could see their resolves wilting away and being replaced by regret and shame.

Without even saying anything, Wooyoung pulled you into his arms tightly. He cried, saying how sorry he was for how he acted last night and how he should've trusted you more. Yunho and San wrapped their arms around you too, despite the tears streaming down, they managed to utter how sorry they were for not doing anything. Soon, Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Mingi, and Jongho attached themselves to the growing group hug as well, wordlessly showing their remorse. Despite their lack of words, you understood them just fine.

At that moment, you felt safe, you felt relieved that you were finally able to tell them everything. Things finally seem like they will go back to normal.

Maybe except for one thing.

You lifted your face from where it was nestled in the crook of Wooyoung's neck to meet eyes with the one person who was still rooted in his position.

Yeosang immediately looked away, an attempt you assume was to cover up his own tears.

Though heartbroken that he seemed to still resent you, you took the current win and let yourself bask in the warmth the guys were giving you.

You promised yourself then and there that you wouldn't act so carelessly anymore.

At least not without letting them know.

taglist :

@raysanshine @peachy-maia @xuxiable @90s-belladonna @theclawofaraven @sanraes @sungiehan @felix-kithes @nycol-ie @superstarw99 @skkrtnawrskkrt @viv-atiny @the7thcrow @stfu-xeena @laurademaury @multihoe-net @daisyhwa @scoupshushushu @whyisquill @bikiniholic @yunhorights @exfolitae @simplewonderland @verycooldog2 @perfectlysane24 @hannahdinse8 @tannie13 @aka-minhyuk-kun @phebeedee @em0yunho @marsophilia @donghyuckanti27 @se-onghwa @malewife-supremacy @hyunsukream @elijahbabyb @taejichafe @alliecoady98 @rdiamondbts2727 @hakuna-matata-ya @ohmy-fandoms @ateezminonspace @stray-bi-kids @imaaroy @fashi0nablee @rindomo @violetwinters @nabihwa @linhyyboo12 @mirror-juliet @bestboiericsohn @hwahwaseong

[nekomasmanager]

Azumane Asahi × Reader

Am I going to post my one shots here too? Yes, yes I will. This is a collection of one shots I'm currently writing over on ao3 (if you want to you can check it out there! This is the first chapter). This collection features a female reader that is actually part of the Girls Volleyball Club at the boy in the pairing's High School (that way it makes more sense and it's easier for me to write!), and her multiple encounters with the different Haikyuu!! boys. I hope you like it and don't find it too cringey╰(*°▽°*)╯

So first off it's going to be my Asahi one shot! Hope you like it!

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Pairing: Azumane Asahi & Reader Word Count: 2275 Fandom: Haikyuu!! Original Post Date on ao3: 24/02/2021

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ You lost. You didn't make it past the first preliminary round. You're going home empty handed. It was all your fault. You didn't think you could reach a lower point in your volleyball career, but you just did.

He would be so disappointed in you. After everything he did, this is how you're repaying him for the hours of training you did together. He would be disappointed.

Your team was huddled up outside the gym, crestfallen expressions on your faces. One teammate was even crying thinking it was her fault this happened. She doesn't know that it was all yours. Captain reassures her that it's not, you did whatever you could to try to win, even if you didn't, she was proud of your team. After saying all that, she was called over by your sensei. You noticed some were admiring her strength, but you quickly noticed that she's just strong in front of you. She's just waiting for the moment she's alone, away from your prying eyes, to finally let down all her tears. She shouldn't cry. It wasn't her fault, she tried her best to get you to practice. You were at fault for not telling my teammates to come to practice, for not encouraging them more, for not pushing them more, because, well, it was your job to do so, being vice-captain and all.

You felt terrible. Your mind couldn't focus on anything else but the failure you just witness because of your lack of leadership skills, your lack of volleyball skills. You just had to practice something. You excused yourself, telling your teammates that you're going to look for an empty gym to practice your serves. They looked at you with pity in their eyes, knowing they couldn't stop you, even though they know you're going to exert yourself to the point of exhaustion. You always held the weight of failure on your shoulder, blaming yourself over and over. Being a third year, those tournaments are going to be the last ones you'll be able to compete in while still being on your school's team.

When you finally find an empty gym, you find a few wayward balls. You begin by collecting them in the bin, thinking that maybe this is the space for a team's practice time. After gathering them next to you, you pick up one ball, and try to jump serve it. It gets to the other side, but the power behind that serve is still weak.

You need to get better. You pick up a second one, and start imagine it as one of your failures that you want to get far away from. When you hit it, it had more force behind it. That's it, you thought. That's how you should do it. You keep doing that, thinking of all the terrible things you need to get away from, of the disappointment you issued with your playing, of all the things you could do better, you could've done better if you were a bit more authoritative.

You did not notice tears flowing down your face, until you saw them splashing on the ball between your hands. Not being able to stay up, you crash down on your knees, volleyball forgotten, and start sobbing silently into your hands. You began muttering: "he must be really disappointed in me. I'm such a failure. He'll no longer be my friend. I ruined everything for my team."

You heard some steps outside the gym door, but you don't care who saw you like that, the tears wouldn't stop anyways. The steps are now faster and louder. You hear a bag hitting the floor, and someone running to you. You thought it was one of your teammates checking up on you. "Y/N?" That's a male voice. Looking up, you see Asahi-San with a worried look on his face. Not being able to stop your tears, a sob finally escapes your lips when you see him, and that's all it took him to go down on his knees and hug you.

Before you wrap up your arms around him, you mutter under your breath "I don't deserve such kindness. I'm a failure. I shouldn't be part of this team. They're better off without me." Not wanting to hear you belittling yourself, Azumane holds you at arm's length, and looks at you dead in the eye, "what are saying about yourself? Did someone tell you all this?" You shake your head not wanting to speak. "I heard you before saying 'he'll be disappointed in me', were you referring to me?" You gently nod, looking down at your fingers, fidgeting and averting his kind brown eyes.

He gently grabs your chin, making you look at him, "I will never be disappointed in you, Y/N. Why would you think that of me?" "Because you wasted so much time on training me, and it was useless. I couldn't do anything to help my team win. I could barely keep the ball in the air. How could I be a good teammate when I'm such a burden to others, not letting them work well?" Your eyes were starting to well up with tears again. Azumane let go of your chin, and you buried yourself in his chest, clinging to his jacket.

He engulfed you in his arms, stroking your back and your hair, whispering softly in your ear, "none of the time I spent training with you was a waste. You're a formidable player, and I wouldn't ask someone else to train with me. You shouldn't be too hard on yourself, I'll always be by your side whether it's through victory or failure. I'm always going to be on your team." With those last words, you couldn't help the sobs that racked your chest and escaped your mouth.

You were shaking, but Asahi-San never let go of you. He smoothed your hair, and stroked your back, humming a song to calm you down. When you felt yourself calming down, no longer sobbing, just sniffling, you look up to Azumane, "do you have some tissues please?" "Yeah sure let me check in my bag for a second." He brings his discarded bag next to you, and shuffles through it, until he finds a packet of tissues that he hands to you. You nod your head while accepting the packet, blowing your nose softly and trying to wipe your eyes.

Your finger are pried away from your face and replaced with bigger warmer hands that wipe your tears gently. You noticed you were quite forceful when wiping your tears. You were so grateful for Azumane, that you closed your eyes and just relaxed under his touch, trying to calm your breaths. A few tears still escape your closed eyes, the movement on your face stopped, and you open your eyes. You noticed Azumane's face got closer to yours, but before anything happens you had to ask one question.

"Why are you always so nice to me? I don't deserve it. I'm just me. Plain old Y/N. But you're perfect. You're an amazing athlete, one I can only aspire to be like. You have such a gentle and kind soul. Even if you get nervous or scared of something, with a few encouraging words, you're back to your confident self. Meanwhile I'm here, crying and sobbing cause I'm the reason my entire team failed, I'm supposed to bring them together with my captain, but I couldn't even do that. You don't even deserve me liking you, you deserve someone who's better than me to like you. Someone who can complete you in the best ways possible. Someone who's not me. So why do always stay by my side even when I wouldn't want to be by my own side?"

You started crying again, letting out all of your feelings for Azumane accidentally because of your frustration. Silent tears were rolling down your face, you're looking down at your fingers clutching the tissue packet, not daring to look him in the eyes. "Y/N?" "What?" "Look at me." You gingerly lift your head up, scared of meeting his eyes. But what you face wasn't what you expected.

Azumane's face was a mix of shock and warmth and something you couldn't quite read. He wanted to say something, but was struggling to do so. He ended up engulfing you with one of the biggest hugs you ever received, the kind of hug that puts everything back in its place, the kind of hug you never want it to end. He whispered so low you were afraid you wouldn't be able to hear him, "I like you too Y/N."

You couldn't believe what you just heard. Shocked, you raise your head, tears still prominent on your face, and you're met with the most handsome, warm face you've ever seen in your life. "Why are tearing up Azumane? I'm the one who should be crying!" "I just couldn't handle seeing you this sad and distraught over something that wasn't your fault. I couldn't handle seeing the girl I love belittling herself." While saying that, you noticed that both his hands are on your cheeks, and getting closer with every word he said.

Your breath hitched, but at the same time, you wanted him closer. You stand up on your knees, facing him head on. That's the only sign he needed before closing the gap between the two of you. You never would've thought that you would be kissing Azumane Asahi, but there you are, in his arms, in the arms of the man who loves you. You couldn't have asked for a better way to make you feel better. As you disentangle yourself from him to catch your breath, you notice him being flushed and you couldn't help but rest your hand on his warm cheek. He nuzzles his head into your hand and kisses the inside of it. You melt right there and then.

"Do you really love me? Or did you mean it as friends?" you ask shyly, feeling stupid as the question left your lips. "Well I wouldn't have kissed you if I only loved you as a friend" he says gently as he tucked a loose strand of your hair. You blush and try to cover your warming cheeks, but he catches your hands before you do so. "Can I ask you something Asahi?" "Anything for you Y/N." "Oh stop it." you lightly hit him on his shoulder. "How did you know where to find me? I remember only telling my teammates."

"Oh well you see. Sometime during our second match, your team came to cheer us on. But I didn't notice them until the end. I was looking for you between your teammates, and I guess your captain knew who I was looking for, and told me where to find you, with the notice that you may or may not be blaming the loss of the game on yourself." You shyly look down at your intertwined hands. "So as soon as I could, I came looking for you, worried that you might be exerting yourself, practicing as you usually do when you blame yourself. And when I heard tiny sniffles, a volleyball hitting the floor, and a bunch of mumbled words, I came faster, and I saw you broken down on the floor, silently crying and sobbing into your arms. My heart was wrenching when I saw you. I could only just come and hug you, trying to make you feel better. And well I guess I achieved that." He says cheekily while booping your nose with his finger but never letting go of your hand.

With still warm cheeks, you look at him, wondering one thing. "Wait you said you finished playing your second match. It means you played against..." "Date Tech High, yeah.." "Oh my God. Are you okay? How did it go? Please don't tell me you're going to stop playing volleyball again? I couldn't handle it. I barely managed to hit a ball when you took your break. I felt like a complete failure when you wouldn't show up to our practice meetings. Thinking it was my fault you didn't want to continue on. Please don't tell me you're quitting again!" "Y/N.. breathe" he says, reassuringly squeezing your hands. "I'm not going to stop playing volleyball anytime soon. And just so you know... we won."

Your face literally lights up, and you couldn't contain your happiness. You jump up and down, overly excited for him and his team. You jump into his arms, and he immediately catches you and spin you both around, laughing with glee. You couldn't believe it. They defeated the Iron Wall of Data Tech. Azumane isn't leaving volleyball behind. He finally conquered his fear. When he sets you down, he leaves his hand around your waist, enjoying your expression full of pride and happiness, for him.

You still couldn't believe it. "Asahi! You did it! I'm so proud of you! I knew you could do it! My strong Ace!" "My strong Ace you say?" "I.. umm.. is it okay if I call you that?" you ask, biting your lip cause you're embarrassed you made that slip up. "Of course you can... my little spiker" You blush so profusely, that your entire face and ears are as red as a tomato. You lightly hit his bicep, hiding your face in his chest. He laughs so wholeheartedly while engulfing you with his arms. He kisses the top of your head and whispers: "God I love her so much" With a wide smile hidden from his eyes, you whisper back, "I love you too Asahi"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Well here you have it, that was my very first attempt at a fanfic chapter! I have two more fully ready, a new one shot in the works, and an entire new fanfic idea that is linked to my blog name. I hope you'll stick around until then!

[wonhosbuttflower]

The Quidditch Aftermath

Pairing: Gryffindor San x Slytherin Reader (gender neutral)

Genre: Fluff (with an argument in the middle, though I don't think you could call it angst)

Words: 2.9k

Summary: After a Quidditch match gone wrong, you and San end up arguing about it.

A/N: Okay, so this is my first time writing this kinda of thing, so please bare with me :)

I'm really nervous about actually posting something I've written, but I had so much fun writing this that I just wanted to put it out there and maybe someone else will have fun reading it too ^^

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'I'm glad he's okay.', Jongho lets out in low, dragged voice as the four of you make your way out of the Hospital Wing.

'Heey, c'mon, man. It's not your fault. Even he recognises that.', Wooyoung assures him, putting his arm around his friend.

'Of course he's okay, Jong... The fall wasn't even that bad. Besides, Woo is right, it wasn't your fault.', it's your turn to assure your friend now. You put your own arm over Wooyoung's resting over Jongho's shoulders.

'It's not like you meant to hurt him... You did your job well, Jones was just... kind of dumb... trying to avoid the Bludger.', you add almost in whisper. Wooyoung lets out a loud laugh. Seonghwa gives you a somewhat disapproving look.

'What? I'm sorry but it's true! I mean, I'm not saying he's dumb in general... I'm just saying he made a dumb choice.', you try to defend yourself. Wooyoung laughs harder. You can see a shadow of a smile creeping up on Jongho's face, which makes you happy and a little proud of yourself.

'Fair enough.', Seonghwa says, shrugging his shoulders and smirking. 'I guess it was kind of dumb of him... He could've avoided that ridiculous fall.', he adds.

'You really think so?', Jongho asks him, hopeful.

'Of course, Jong. Y/N/N and Wooyoung are right... This wasn't your fault. Even Jones told you that.', Seonghwa tells him.

'You can't blame yourself for this. You even came here to apologise to him, which is more than most people would do. These accidents happen all the time in Quidditch... You know that better than anyone. Remember when you hit that post and had to stay in the Hospital Wing for like three days?', you let out.

'Outch. Yes, still hurts to think about that.', Jongho says, lost in his thoughts.

'Right, but you didn't blame Adams for it... Even though he was the one who sent that Bludger your way.', you add.

'Well, of course not. I mean, Adams is cool... I know he didn't mean to hurt me, he just had to stop me.', he agrees.

'Exactly!', you and Seonghwa let out at the same time. You punch Jongho's shoulders lightly, in an affectionate way.

'Oh. Yeah, you have a point. And Jones didn't seem too upset about it, honestly... Which is a good sign, I guess.', Jongho says.

'Dude, it was barely even a fall okay? He doesn't even have to spend the night there. I've had worse injuries from classes, Jong. Honestly, don't even worry about it.', Wooyoung says.

'He does have a point... I mean, remember the explosion during Potions?', you ask, making everyone start laughing at the memory.

Of course, you and Wooyoung were in the same class, so you were there to witness the moment. Neither Seonghwa nor Jongho were your classmates though, since the first one was in the year above yours, and the latter in the year below. But the four of you became close friends through being in the Quidditch Team together, so they knew the story all too well. You were all together laughing in the corridor when you notice someone moving your way.

'Oh, there's Choi... Do you think he's too upset about losing?', Wooyoung teases using a low enough volume so that the newcomer can't hear his comment all the way from where he is. They are friends, after all. You and your teammates share a playful smile.

'Y/L/N!', San shouts from his place.

'Oh, he doesn't sound too happy, that's for sure.', Seonghwa comments, giving you a smirk.

'Hey, Choi. Great catch during the game, by the way.', Jongho greets San once he's standing next to your group.

'Yeah, it really was... Shame it didn't really change anything in the end.', Wooyoung says ironically, taunting San. You can't help the smirk that forms on your face. It's nothing new, really... You always tease each other about Quidditch, but you're all still friends despite your differences. But, friends or not, San shoots daggers at Wooyoung after his comment, and then at you, probably noticing your amusement at the remark.

'Don't mind Wooyoung... He's just teasing you.', Seonghwa intervenes. 'You did play really great, Choi, congrats.', he adds, genuinely.

He's not wrong. Gryffindor did loose against you, but it was because the Chasers were rubbish and the Keeper was too easy for you and your friends to beat... But despite that, San really was an amazing Quidditch player. By far the best on his team, and all the games they did win were thanks to him. He was also the best Seeker in school, even better than your own... But Slytherin was lucky enough to have really strong players in the other positions, making yours the best team. No one could argue that. Even though you had had enough points in advance to win today's match, San had still caught the Snitch, and in a spectacular move too.

'At least we don't need to knock other players off to win.', San lets out.

'San!', you cry out his name. You can't believe he said that. He knows Jongho... He knows he didn't do it on purpose and that he must feel bad for it. You can see Jongho looking hurt and you blame San for throwing him back down after you three had just barely gotten him back up. 'Shut up!', you add almost right away.

'I guess that's why you never win, then.', Wooyoung shoots back at San, annoyed at his comment. You can't help but agree with Woo, San had this one coming his way.

'That's enough, Wooyoung.', Seonghwa steps in, warning his friend. 'Hmm, I guess we should go now, before someone says something else they'll regret.', he adds. You also agree with him.

'Fine. We have a victory party to prepare anyway...', Wooyoung lets out in a teasing tone, looking straight into San's eyes with an angry and defiant expression. 'C'mon, Jongho.', he says, pulling his friend along.

'Goodbye, Choi. And I'm sorry for Jones, I really am.', you hear Jongho say as he gets dragged away by Wooyoung. San just stares at them, not saying anything, not reacting. And for some reason that just makes you more mad at him.

'C'mon, Y/N.', Wooyoung calls out for you to follow them.

'You guys go ahead... I'll meet you back at the Common Room. I need to have a word with this one first.', you tell them, gesturing towards San with your head. You don't even bother looking at him.

'Are you sure? We can wait, if you want.', Seonghwa asks you.

'I'm sure... Thanks, Hwa.', you assure him.

'Okay, we'll see you later, then, Y/N.', he says before starting to make his way down the corridor with the other two. You turn to face San, giving him an angry look.

'Now, us. What the hell was that all about? Why would you say that in front of Jongho? You know damn well he didn't do it on purpose! He feels terrible about it and we had just gotten him to see that it wasn't his fault... And you ruined that, you made him feel even worse!', you let out all at once, angrily.

'But it was his fault. He knocked Jones off of his broom!', he lets out.

'No... He sent a Bludger at Jones, and Jones is the one who got all clumsy and flew straight into the Bludger's trajectory!', you set him straight. 'Jongho is a Beater... He was just doing his job. It's not his fault Jones was an idiot.', you add.

'The guy is in the Hospital Wing, for Merlin's beard!', he lets out.

'So what? We've all been there after matches or practices... That's Quidditch for you, it's not exactly an easy, friendly sport, it's fast and it can be quite violent sometimes, that's just how it is. Besides, he wasn't even that hurt... He said so himself. You know, just now when we came to check up on him and Jongho apologised to him for the accident. Which is exactly what it was, an accident.', you tell him.

'Maybe he's not that bad but he could've been seriously hurt!', San lets out impatiently.

'But he wasn't, was he? So why are you going around being a jerk to Jongho for something that could have happened, but didn't?', you accuse him.

'I... I didn't...', he starts but you cut him off.

'Why do you even care anyways? You don't even like Jones that much... You're always going on about annoying he is.', you shoot at him.

'Well, that doesn't really matter, does it? He's still my teammate.'

'Whatever... Are you even actually mad about Jones? Because I think this isn't about that, I think you're just mad because even though you caught the Snitch, you guys still lost to us.', you let him know.

'I don't care about that, Y/N.'

'Okay, now you're just straight up lying. We both know you wanted to win as bad as I did. It's not really your fault the rest of your team sucks.'

'Well, of course I wanted to win... Everybody likes to win but that's not what I meant. I'm not mad that you won, I'm mad at how you won.', he exclaims.

'I don't care why you're mad, San, that's not an excuse... You had no right to speak to Jongho like that. It's one thing to tease playfully, like we always do... It's another thing to be actually mean and hurtful just for the sake of being.', you tell him, still hurt.

'Hey, I wasn't the only one being mean now, was I?', he tries to defend himself.

'And Seonghwa told Wooyoung to shut the hell up, did he not?', you argue. 'But in his defence, you were the one who started it. You came straight up after Jongho and that was a jerk move. You know that. You actually hurt him and he did not deserve that. He's your friend! Hell, he's my friend and I hate seeing him get pushed down.'

'Why are you only defending him, then? You didn't defend me in front of Wooyoung, did you? And I'm your friend too!', he lets out with a hurt look.

'Wooyoung wouldn't have said that if you hadn't attacked Jongho like that. Besides, Jong did nothing wrong to begin with... He only did his job. You would have done the exact same thing if you were in his place... If you were a Beater, you would knock Bludgers at any one of us and you know it.', you tell him.

'I could never do that...', he lets out.

'What?'

'I could never risk doing that to you, Y/N.', he almost whispers.

'Well, I guess that's why Slytherin will always win over Gryffindor then... Because we can separate our personal relationships from what happens on the pitch. It's a game and the fact that your friends are on the opposing team shouldn't stop you from doing what you need to do to win.', you say, maybe a little too coldly.

You didn't mean to attack him, it just came out like that. You can see he looks lost in thoughts and you wonder how to deescalate this whole thing. You have to try to say something to lighten up the mood.

'Well, that and... you know... our team is obviously better.', you add almost instantly in a much softer tone, flashing him a playful smirk.

'I guess I can't really argue with that.', he agrees, smiling slightly. 'I'm sorry... I didn't mean to be a jerk. I'll talk to them later and apologise to Jongho, okay? But I really don't want us to be mad over this.', he adds.

'Good... You should do that.', you tell him. 'And you know I can't actually stay mad at you. Also, I would punch Wooyoung if he ever actually hurt you. Or anyone else for that matter.', you add, smiling.

'I believe you!', he chuckles.

'So... do you want to tell me what this whole thing was really about or what? Because I know you and I'm pretty sure you're not actually mad at Jongho, or Wooyoung, or me.'

'I... I think I was just worried, honestly.'

'Worried? Worried about what, San?, you ask him.

'I don't know... I just don't like seeing you play. I saw Jones falling off his broom and all I could think of was that it could have been you.', he lets out in a low voice, his eyes stuck on the floor under his feet.

'You... were worried about me?', you let out, stepping closer to him to stand right in front of him.

Of course he worries about you, you're one of his good friends. You know that's what he means by that. If only he knew how you always worried about him, thought about him, cared about him. You didn't want him to know how you felt, you didn't want to ruin your friendship.

'Of course I worry about you... I could never stand to see you get hurt. I... I like you, Y/N.', San lets out in almost a whisper, looking up to you only after he finishes talking. You hope to Merlin he doesn't notice the flush of red warming up your cheeks.

'I understand, San... I couldn't see you get hurt either. We're friends so, you know, of course I like you too.', you say with a shy smile, hoping he doesn't see through your expression what you actually mean. 'I would hate to see something like that happening to you. But, you know, we all knew what we were getting ourselves into when we signed up for Quidditch Team, didn't we?', you add.

'What?', he asks, confused. He sighs deeply. 'No, Y/N. You don't get it... I actually like you.', he says. You freeze in your place.

'Wha... What?... What do you mean?', you stutter. He takes a deep breath before stepping forward, his face only a few inches away from yours. One of his hands cups your face, his thumb grazing your chin while his other hand rests on your back, just above your waist. You feel unable to move, holding your breath, your hearts about to beat its way out of your chest.

'This is what I mean.', he simply states before pressing his soft lips against yours. It's a sweet, quick kiss... One that leaves you wanting more. You don't know what to think or say. You just know you've never felt this way before. It's all so new and exciting.

'San...', his name escapes your mouth like a sigh. A good one. He smiles, still holding you tight, your chest against his. You can't help but smile as you notice how his eyes disappear and his cute dimples show up on his cheeks.

'I'll take that smile as a sign that you do get what I mean now. And... I suppose I can try that again...?', he half states, half asks. You nod slightly, agreeing with him.

He kisses you again, this time for longer. It's a more urgent and passionate kiss this time, as if the two of you melt into each other, trying to create something new. You smile into the kiss, as does him.

'Wow... I've been waiting for so damn long to do that.', he simply says when the moment finally stops, still smiling. You can't stop smiling yourself.

'So have I. Wish you had done it sooner.', you let out, making him laugh.

'Well, you could've done it too, no? You didn't have to wait for me to do it.', he jokes.

'Well, last time I checked, you're the Gryffindor, not me... You are supposed to be the brave one here!', you tease back and you both laugh. The hand he had cupping your face lets go of it and he reaches down to take you hand. You intertwine your fingers with his.

'Fair enough.', he agrees. 'Sorry I took so long.', he adds, placing a soft kiss on the back of your hand.

'Hmm... San?'

'Yes, Y/N?'

'You know this doesn't change anything, right?', you question him, looking innocent. He raises his eyebrows at you, worried.

'What do you mean? Do you... not want to be with me?', he asks, genuinely scared that he read the situation wrong.

'No, no, no! That's not it... I do! I want that very much. I... I really, really like you, San.', you quickly assure him, smiling. He sighs slightly, relieved. 'But us... you know... being together... It doesn't change anything. I'll still keep kicking you pretty little ass at Quidditch.', you explain. He lets out the loudest laugh.

'So... You think my ass is pretty, uh?', he teases. You roll your eyes at him, laughing.

'Don't get full of yourself, okay? It's not a bad butt... But I've seen better.', you tease back.

'No, you haven't.', he tightens his grip around you, moving his free hand from your back to your waist.

'Okay, fine... maybe I haven't. But you still won't be able to distract me, Choi. We'll just keep winning.'

'I believe that, Y/L/N.', he says with a smile while his thumb rubs circles on the back of your hand. 'As long as you don't get hurt doing it, I think I don't even mind losing to you that much.', he tells you sweetly.

'Well, that makes winning over you less fun, then.', you pout at him overdramatically.

'Hey, I didn't say I'd go easy on you. I still want to win.', he defends himself with a chuckle.

'Now that's better. Well, I'm a Chaser, so I won't exactly knock you off your broom... But I can't make any promises about Jongho, so you better be careful on the pitch. I'd really hate to have to visit you in the Hospital Wing.', you joke. 'Don't... Oh, please, don't tell him I said that. I was joking. It really was an accident.', you quickly add, making San laugh at your awkwardness.

'Don't worry... It'll be our little secret.', he says, kissing your forehead.

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A/N: As this is my first "work" of this kind, I would really appreciate any thoughts and critiques you would like to share with me because I really wish to improve my stories and writing, so all opinions all more than welcome and my dms are always open ^^

Thank you so much for reading this little story and I honestly really, really hope you enjoyed it :)

[asyeralovelies]

ICARUS - percy jackson x oc (chapter one)

word count: 3,909

trigger warnings: gory description (mrs dodds) , implied physical abuse

a/n: lmao i posted this on wattpad first (@/asyeralovely) so you guys can check it out there too. also on ao3, same user as my wattpad.

"My, my..." Dittany celeste murmured as she looked around Yancy Academy, a private school in upstate new york. Her satyr friend, Grover Underwood, and her mentor at Camp Half-Blood, Chiron, or tío as she liked to call him, had asked for someone to help in picking up a demigod in the school. Apparently, it was so hard to get the half-blood that they needed another one from camp.

Well, Dittany wasn't really "just another one at camp."

The dark haired girl had been left at camp borders when she was a mere one year old, the only information of her mother she had was that the woman's last name was "Celeste."

Honestly, she didn't know what to feel about the woman. Did she leave her there to train early at camp to learn to protect herself? Did her mother simply not want a child and left her there to fend for herself? The daughter of Hephaestus had no clue.

The only other long-timers at a young age in camp was Annabeth Chase, another friend of hers. The daughter of Athena had been there since she was seven.

Dittany snapped her fingers, willing the mist, a veil that covers up the Greek Myths world in mortal eyes, to make her seem like another student in Yancy Academy. She had learned that trick when she was ten, after six years of pestering her tío.

As she walked casually around the halls of the private school, her mind went through notes about the new demigod. His name was Percy Jackson, a boy with black hair and green eyes. He was in sixth grade and seemed to have attracted a very dangerous monster, because Grover had been panicking when he Iris-Messaged her about the situation.

Finally, the girl caught sight of a certain curly haired satyr talking to who she assumed to be Percy Jackson and stalked towards them. She snapped her fingers again, willing the mist to make it seem she was already friends with the two. Well, to Percy. Grover already knew her, without the mist.

The green eyed boy met her own dark eyes and he grinned as if they really did know each other, as if the scars on her face were a natural sight, and Dittany grinned back, acting her role.

"Hey, Perce," she said enthusiastically, using the first nickname that came to mind. She sent a subtle nod to Grover, who gave her a quick thumbs up. "You two having fun without me? After all we've been through!"

Percy rolled his eyes and smiled fondly at her. "Shut up, An. Grover was just saying something about being worried for the field trip tomorrow." He looked at her with a raised eye brow, like he was saying, "can you believe him?"

Dittany was a great actress. "What? You afraid our teacher's gonna turn into a monster and slash us to bits?" she asked Grover, mirth in her eyes. The satyr narrowed his own eyes at her, clearly too worried to laugh in amusement.

"No," he said through gritted teeth. "I'm just.." he couldn't seem to find an excuse for his nerves.

"Just?" said Dittany amusedly.

"Whatever." he grumbled.

Dittany only smiled teasingly at him.

"I'm going to kill her," Percy mumbled. Nancy Bobofit, a red haired girl with kleptomania and freckles that seemed spray painted with crushed Cheetos, had been throwing wads of her sandwich into Grover's curly brown hair.

Dittany knew Percy wouldn't do that, because according to Grover, the demigod was on probation and had been threatened by the headmaster himself with death by in-school suspension if anything remotely strange happened.

See, from what she had gathered with observations in one day, the boy had ADHD and dyslexia, like most demigods. Dittany didn't have dyslexia, meaning she could read perfectly fine, but she could still read Greek. In truth, she didn't know how that worked, but she didn't question it.

"It's okay. I like peanut butter." Grover said. Being thrown at your hair, Dittany mused. Hope you're not serious.

Grover dodged another piece of Nancy's lunch.

"That's it." Percy snapped, standing up, but Dittany pulled him down by his shirt.

"You're already on probation, Mr Jackson," the girl air quoted the last part. "Anything remotely shitty happens and you're out of here." then she smirked. "Wouldn't want to leave your two best friends in the whole world, would you?"

That shut him up.

When Dittany willed the mist, she made it so Percy thought she had been here since day one and only had Grover for a friend. The daughter of the forges had noticed that the only things keeping Percy from straight up leaving was because of his friends who would be all alone without him and his mom who would be disappointed that he just gave up.

Sally Jackson was a nice woman, from last night when Dittany had Iris-Messaged her. She informed the mother that she was also going to keep watch on Percy, since the situation was getting desperate with the really powerful monster. But Dittany had assured her things would be fine when Sally started panicking about the statement.

But today, Dittany's senses were on high alert.

She knew immediately that Mrs Dodds, the other chaperone for the field trip, was their monster. From the way her eyes had widened when she caught sight of Dittany, who had not been there before, and seeing the students just pass by her like she had been there all along. From the way the monster had glared at her, like she was silently asking, "how dare you interfere!?"

She had glared back at the woman. The students saw it as "what're you gonna do about it?" because in their mist memories, the dark haired girl liked to stir trouble. The "what're you gonna do about it?" glare really meant that she was challenging the monster.

Ever since Dittany had left for a quest with Luke Castellan, a son of Hermes and a mutual friend with Annabeth, about two years ago, the twelve years old wasn't so terrified of monsters. Well, she never was, really, but she got to see the real world. She knew what it was like to fight monsters in life or death situations and not just for practice.

She remembered the days very well.

Luke had been offered a quest by his father. Well, not personally, but according to tío, Hermes wanted Luke to go to the garden of the Hesperides and get a golden apple like Heracles had once done.

Luke immediately took it, consulting the oracle.

He had went back down the attic ladder looking confused. He had said the oracle required him to bring only one other person along with him.

The Hermes boy had asked Dittany because she was the most skilled person in combat at camp, partly because of staying the longest there and partly because she trained relentlessly to spite her unknown mother for leaving her at the borders by herself.

They had travelled to San Francisco together, stopping every once and a while for take out food or fighting monsters.

When they were outside the garden, just about to enter, Luke had told her the prophecy.

SEEK THE LAND WHERE THE GREEKS ARE FORBIDDEN,

FOLLOW THE TRAIL OF THE HERO OF TWELVE LABORS,

ENTER THE ONCE SO BEAUTIFUL GARDEN,

FAIL TO PROCEED WHAT SHOULD BE DONE BY SCAR'S FORCE,

TAKE ONE COMPANION OR YOU'RE DOOMED FOR DEATH,

A DISTRACTION, AN ILLUSION, WILL FALL FOR THE THEFT

TAKE A CHANCE WITH FATE IN A HERO'S TRUE END

THE GAMBLE OF HERMES, A GAME OF PRETEND

Unlike Luke, Dittany caught a meaning to it. Well, the first part, at least. The demigods were never allowed in San Francisco unless for a quest because, apparently, it's where they're most likely to get killed off. They were doing one of the labors of Heracles. They were about to enter the garden of the Hesperides.

She didn't understand anything from the second part except that Luke needed one companion or he'd die and Hermes apparently had a gamble going on.

When they entered the garden, at first, Dittany didn't understand why it was only "once beautiful." It was mesmerizing, reminding her of those religious bible stories about the garden of Eden where Adam and Eve used to live before their sin. But the longer they looked around, she felt like a part of the place was missing. Like a song cover with missing lyrics. It could still be beautiful, but it just wasn't right without those missing parts.

Then they approached the hundred headed dragon, Luke warning her to stay put before he called signal so they could both have a role. Luke would distract while Dittany would go for the apple.

The whole time with the ordeal, Dittany felt like she was being watched.

In the end, Luke ended up with a scar running from above his eyebrow down to his jaw. Dittany had to step in the distraction to save him from the dragon's other claws that were going for a second strike and got Dittany's face and shoulder instead. It looked like three knife slashes on her face going diagonally and a scar from her shoulder to the small of her back.

They failed to steal a golden apple, but Dittany felt like they were meant to fail.

They came back with heavy injuries because of going back to camp and facing more monsters while they were already scarred. From then on tío banned quests, not wanting anymore heavy injuries.

Luke had felt like he ruined chances for everyone, but Dittany assured him that he didn't. She told him she should have kept with the plan because Luke could protect himself, but then Luke told her that he would have died without her.

Luke told her he also felt like his father was making fun of him for thinking he could do it, and Dittany silently agreed. But she didn't voice out her thoughts. She just hugged him and told him that one day, someone would clear for the camp and quests would be allowed again. Someday, things would get better.

But both Luke Castellan and Dittany Celeste knew that things only ever get worse for demigods.

Annabeth had taken it to herself to cheer up both of them, saying corny jokes that were so bad they were funny and reading random facts about architecture to distract them.

In the present, Dittany found herself smiling sadly. Luke was better now, and so was she, but sometimes the girl would find the sandy haired boy looking grim and trying to stop the tears.

She knew the boy wanted to make his father proud, prove that he was a hero, but instead he had failed. Dittany would walk up to him, sit on the seat next to him and make his head fall to her lap so that he could cry. She would never ask, because she already knew. She didn't whisper comforting words, because someone's presence and knowing they're there for you was enough.

Sometimes Annabeth would join them and would just tell silly stories where she describes the places in the story.

They would pretend they were a normal mortal family where Luke was their father who was overwhelmed with work and needed comfort and Annabeth would be the one to tell him about her day while Dittany made snacks. A normal, happy mortal family.

Dittany found herself following Mr Brunner— aka Chiron or tío— as he led the museum tour. Tío already knew she was there, and he played his part of acting like she always had been.

He rode up front in his wheelchair, guiding the class through the big echoey galleries, past marble statues and glass cases full of really old black-and-orange pottery.

It blew Dittany's mind that this stuff had survived for two thousand to three thousand years. What, with the gods' tempers and tendencies to destroy things? Wow.

He gathered them around a thirteen-foot-tall stone column with a big sphinx on the top, and started telling them how it was a grave marker, a stele, for a girl about their age. He told them about the carvings on the sides.

Dittany noticed Percy was trying to listen to what he had to say— she didn't really need to now— because it was kind of interesting for him, but everybody around was talking, and every time he told them to shut up, the other teacher chaperone, Mrs Dodds, would give him the evil eye.

Dittany would back him up discreetly by smirking at Mrs Dodds and playing with her sword's hilt that stuck out of her sheath, right at her waist, and was disguised as some chain belt in the mist. But the monster saw right through that mist and only settled for keeping away from her while keeping eyes on her weapon and on Percy.

Tío kept talking about Greek funeral art.

Nancy Bobofit snickered something about the naked guy on the stele, and before Dittany or Grover could stop him, Percy whirled around to face the redhead and said, "Will you shut up?"

Dittany had a feeling he had said that louder than he meant to. She silently watched him in pity as his face reddened from his own realization.

The group of kids laughed, tío stopped his story.

"Mr Jackson," he said, effectively adding more attention to the embarrassed boy, and making Dittany want to face palm at the centaur. "did you have a comment?"

"No, sir." Percy said, looking down to hide his face.

"Perhaps you'll tell us what this picture represents?"

Damn it, tío, Dittany thought, but her lips were pursed.

Percy looked up with a face of recognition. "That's Kronos eating his kids, right?" he said with uncertainty. Dittany looked away and curled her lip in disgust, remembering about reading the "myth."

"Yes," Chiron said, not sounding very impressed. The Celeste girl rolled her eyes. "And he did this because. . ."

"Well, Kronos was the king god and— " Dittany turned to look at him with an eyebrow raised, forgetting that he still didn't know he was a demigod yet and didn't think the Greek Myths were worth the read.

He caught her gaze and cleared his throat. "Titan. Titan.. Lord." he corrected himself.

Dittany nodded, looking away again.

He continued, "And... he didn't trust his kids, who were the gods. So, um, Kronos ate them, right? But his wife hid baby Zeus, and gave Kronos a rock to eat instead. And later, when Zeus grew up, he tricked his dad, Kronos, into barfing up his brothers and sisters—"

"Eww!" said one of the girls behind Percy and Dittany, making the latter roll her eyes and smirk. She, too, was disgusted when she first read the story, but then she joked around about it just to annoy campers.

"—and so there was this big fight between the gods and the Titans," Percy continued, "and the gods won."

Some snickers from the group.

Behind them, Nancy Bobofit mumbled to a friend, "Like we're going to use this in real life. Like it's going to say on our job applications, 'Please explain why Kronos ate his kids.'"

"And why, Mr Jackson," tío said, "to paraphrase Miss Bobofit's excellent question, does this matter in real life?"

"Busted," Grover and Dittany snickered.

"Shut up," Nancy hissed, her face even brighter red than her hair. Grover only smirked and looked away and Dittany stuck her tongue out childishly.

At least Nancy got packed, too. Tío was the only one who ever caught her saying anything wrong. He had radar ears.

Percy thought about his question, and shrugged. "I don't know, sir."

"I see." Chiron looked disappointed. "Well, half credit, Mr Jackson. Zeus did indeed feed Kronos a mixture of mustard and wine, which made him disgorge his other five children, who, of course, being immortal gods, had been living and growing up completely undigested in the Titan's stomach. The gods defeated their father, sliced him to pieces with his own scythe, and scattered his remains in Tartarus, the darkest part of the Underworld. On that happy note, it's time for lunch. Mrs Dodds, would you lead us back outside?"

The class drifted off, the girls holding their stomachs, the guys pushing each other around and acting like doofuses.

Grover, Dittany and Percy were about to follow when Chiron said, "Mr Jackson."

Dittany internally face palmed, having been used to her tío's dramatic tendencies.

Meanwhile, Percy knew that was coming.

Dittany turned to Chiron with an are-you-fucking-serious-right-now look before heading outside with Grover.

When they reached the fountain, they started talking.

"Ten drachmas that tío'll be ominous again and confuse Percy," Dittany immediately said. Grover replied, "Twelve that he actually gives him a clue."

The scarred girl rolled her eyes, muttering with a smirk, "Yeah, right."

They sat in silence after that, waiting for the boy in question to come outside.

Dittany zoned out, staring at the water. She realized she looked like a stereotypical skater girl with a grey sleeved shirt under a black tee. Her ripped denim jeans were just a quick in-the-moment choice that Silena Beauregard, a close friend and her older half-brother's crush, would have not approved of. The sapphire eyed teen would have chosen black jeans to match the "aesthetic" or whatever the hell it was. Dittany just wanted something to wear.

The she caught sight of Percy approaching her and Grover. He sat down between them with a brooding look.

"Detention?" Grover asked.

"Nah," Percy said, but he still looked grim. "Not from Brunner. I just wished he'd lay off me sometimes. I mean— I'm not a genius."

Grover didn't say anything for a while, and when he opened his mouth, Percy thought the boy was going to give some deep philosophical comment to make him feel better, but instead he said, "Can I have your apple?"

The raven haired boy didn't have much of an appetite, so he let him take it.

Dittany saw Percy look to the road with a longing expression, and she did, too. But her reason was the want to get hit by a car, feeling restless at just sitting. At least she'd have a reason to be still. She was hit by a moving vehicle! Of course she can't move right now!

As she mused the thought, Nancy Bobofit was suddenly in front of them, or maybe the Celeste girl just didn't notice the redhead approaching.

The bitch had the audacity to dump her lunch in Grover's lap, and Dittany felt her hands prick and warm up, like a flame about to ignite, but she quickly calmed herself. No one knew about that power. She wasn't going to let the secret out anytime soon.

Percy wasn't so calm.

Dittany swore the fountain's water had suddenly lurched forward, grabbed Nancy, and pulled her in the fountain.

Poseidon, Dittany thought immediately. You three gonna do this in order, she silently asked the three gods, Zeus, Poseidon and Hades. Thunder rumbled and the earth slightly shook beneath her feet. She rolled her eyes.

She was referring to Thalia Grace being the first child of a broken oath, and Percy now being the second. All she had to do was wait for a Hades child and it'd be a complete set. Thunder rumbled again, and the earth shook, but specifically only under her.

How terrifying, she thought sarcastically.

She was splashed by the fountain's water in the back, but her clothes were quickly made dry so Poseidon seemed innocent. She discreetly flipped off the god.

With her interactions with the three gods, she had missed Mrs Dodds taking Percy away and Grover looking at her with an exasperated look, like he knew exactly what she was doing.

When the brunette finally noticed that Percy Jackson, apparently the son of Poseidon, was gone, she looked to Grover with an eyebrow raised. He only shook his head worriedly.

She stood up and ran to her tío who was watching the museum doors worriedly. He took out a pen and looked ready to follow inside when he spotted Dittany.

Chiron handed her the pen and nodded, emphasizing she could get there quicker.

Dittany took it and ran up to the entrance, swinging the doors open and just in time as Mrs Dodds was ready to slash Percy to bits.

A fury!?, she thought furiously, hopefully sending her thoughts to the god of the underworld. How petty can you get, Hades?, she huffed.

"Percy, catch!" she yelled and tossed the pen in the air, the said boy whipping around to meet her dark eyes and catching the pen, watching it turn into a double edged celestial bronze sword.

Dittany would have taken out her own weapon to help, since a fury wasn't usually killed at first try, if Percy hadn't immediately sliced through the monster.

The girl's eyes widened but she didn't stay, immediately running out. She had a feeling Chiron would want Percy to think it was all just an illusion, so she immediately went back to the fountain with Grover, sending a quick thumbs up to her mentor.

She took the face towel Grover offered to dry her sweat, partly from running and partly from seeing the fury.

She sent a look to her tío, silently asking him if she should will the mist again to make up some new teacher, but he shook his head. He had it handled.

A few moments later, Percy came out of the museum looking dazed. It had already started raining, and Dittany was soaking while Grover hogged the only cover.

Percy said something to Nancy, and the girl looked at him like he was mad before scoffing and walking away. Then he walked over to Dittany and Grover.

"An," he immediately looked to Dittany. "Where's Mrs Dodds?" He wanted to know if this was a dream or not.

As was said earlier, Dittany was a great actress.

"Perce," she said slowly, emphasizing that she was trying to see signs if he was going insane. "Who the hell is that?"

Percy looked desperate.

"Mrs Dodds!" he exclaimed. "Our pre-algebra teacher!"

Dittany looked at him in concern. "Percy," she started. "We never had a teacher named Mrs Dodds."

Percy looked to Grover.

The raven haired boy would have believed it was all an illusion if Grover hadn't looked around nervously, like preparing to make an excuse, and said, "She's right, Perce. Are you okay?" in the most unconvincing voice ever.

Dittany mentally face palmed.

Percy looked to Dittany. "But.. You gave me the pen, only it wasn't a pen, it was a sword, and—" he raised his hand, which was holding a normal ball point pen. He looked at it with wide eyes suddenly, like it wasn't a pen the previous moment.

Dittany let her eyes widen, too, but to say, "Hey! That's mine!" in a playfully accusing tone. "Well, I only borrowed it from Mr Brunner.. But still!"

She snatched the pen from him, but the boy was still in shock.

The dark eyed girl ran to Chiron, quickly giving him the pen. She glanced back at Percy who looked to be in a crisis.

"What monster?" her tío silently asked.

"Kindly one." Dittany said simply.

Chiron heaved a breath and the demigod only shrugged.

"Could be worse, honestly."

And... she jinxed it.

tag list: @pallasdira ,

[the-chamomile-tea-co]

2.01 | I Am a TS Reincarnation, but I Have a Kid

2.01 | TS 転生したけど、結婚した by Chitu Bi (赤途碧) Translated by Astira

Spiritually Ordinary

In the lobby of the prestigious hotel where my blind date was to be held, there were over a hundred round desks with white tablecloths, surrounded by a row of gorgeous light blue modern chairs.

And I, who was sitting there just a few minutes ago, was now being held in a princess carry for some reason.

As I looked up, I could see a person with medium-length blonde hair that hung over both ears and yellow eyes with a dusky reddish hue, perhaps a characteristic of being half British and half Japanese.

He was 175 centimeters tall and had a good aura, and his face was also small enough to be a model's with double large eyes and even the outline of his face that was sharp enough to be a model's.

If there were 10 women, wouldn't they all look back at him? He was such a frighteningly beautiful man.

In both ears, there were so many piercings that if he pierced even one more hole, his earlobes would be shredded to pieces. I was really impressed with the way he wore his earrings.

"Haru…"

"So, what're you gonna do?"

"~!! ~!!"

The matchmaker one-sidedly talked to Haru, who was princess carrying me; but come to think of it, what was that person's name?

This blonde dude didn't care at all and continued to ignore them.

(Haa… How did this happen?)

In the glass-walled garden, Saki, the three-year-old child I was raising, was peering at me as if she was stuck to the window.

(I'm all dressed up, and you're going to ruin it!)

Saki was wearing a catsuit with a big white ribbon on it, and her clothes were a pink one-piece, but the skirt, which went below the knee, was soft and fluffy like a dress worn by a princess.

Oh, how cute.

Wait, now's not the time to be fangirling.

Saki-chan's grandfather, Daiki, and her grandmother, Hinata, were also by her side, smiling as they watched our little angel's behavior, who had started to stick to the glass.

Apparently, they didn't intend to come between us.

However, Saki-chan, Daiki-san, and Hinata-san were all drinking tea while happily eating the sweets on the three-tiered cake stand at the table seats in the garden, and they were looking into it. It seemed that she was curious about that now.

"…So, what are you going to do?"

"…This is the only way, right? Then I'll make up my mind."

I replied in the same volume as Haru, who asked with a whisper.

"…You won't regret it?"

"…Come again? It's for raising my lovely daughter, Saki."

After answering Haru's questions, we both nodded and turned to our matchmaker.

They were still making noise, but I wasn't going to have any of that, so excuse me.

I stared at my blind date, who stayed silent as if waiting for my response.

And I took a breath and opened my mouth, as silence took over.

"I'm sorry. But I'm going to marry this man!"

Before my blind date could say anything, he brought his face closer to mine and kissed me on the lips.

(What are you doing out of the blue?!)

No, more importantly, what's this pounding in my chest? Is this what people refer to being pulled out their bodies?

Uh? Since I TSed, isn't this mental BL? Yeah, no.

No, because although Haru is outwardly an 18 year old man, inside, he's a woman. So this isn't BL or GL, rather spiritually normal.

Don't go to into too much detail.

But the world is full of wonders, that the two TSs ended up marrying each other.

So I was thinking, until I heard a cute and innocent voice from the garden.

"They're choo-chooing!"

Saki, please cover your eyes.

A/N (Author's Note) - This took me a long time to post because I was too confused about whether to start with a chapter or an epilogue.

Here's the result.

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