#I only saw these two and I searched meticulously

[kucho04]

IRL doesn't go here but I had to share with you the happiness of returning with my most desired pvc at the moment ❤️(megahouse statue, and nendoroid) I searched so hard for them, and found both in completely unexpected ways. I believe in destiny 💖💞✨️

I also assisted to the zodiac-pijama event on its releasing day, again, unexpectedly. Very fun experience! Akashi card is on my phone case ❤️ (thank you friend for trading with me)

Me and my inner young self are happy to acquire all the stuff we once couldn't, or didnt existed yet :)

[batsythoughts]

Can I request a plantonic yandere batfamily x innocent female reader.

Summary: Reader is a professional figure skater. The batfamily goes to the skating rink to see one of to see skaters practice skating,that's until they first meet you. Ever since then they started to go to the rink to watch you skate,soon you are getting stalked home every night and then kidnapped.

I am so sorry that it took so long to get to your request, it was a very emotional month. But I did not forget about it. I am trying a mix of the bullet point writing I do on here and the traditional style of writing for when it's dialog heavy.

So without further ado, Yandere! Batfam with Professional Figure Skating Reader!

It had only happened because Cass had won a bet after making the most busts in a week while on patrol, so she got to choose a family activity they would all have to do

She had picked that they go to the ice rink because there was a performance from a national group that was going to be in Gotham for a couple of months that she had seen online

Bruce had even paid to have the rink to the family so they could even try skating themselves before having to go on patrol

Bruce had gotten seats that were within the first few rows so they could get a terrific view without having the glare of the glass messing with the experience

They had gotten there an hour before the show so everyone, including Alfred, could get the seat that they prefered

Dick and Alfred seemed to be the most interested along with Cass while the others patiently wait for the whole ordeal to be over with

When the lights went down and the show finally began, everyone focused on the ice as the performers came to the ice

They all watched in awe as the music played overhead while the skaters meticulously moved across the ice

Bruce occasionally glanced over at Cass to see her grinning as her eyes followed every moment she could

At the part of the show when there was a ballad, two of the performers went to the center while the rest went to the edges

Bruce had felt Cass place a hand on his arm while leaning forward to the edge of her seat

He had fully expected her to be looking at the duo at the center as they did their act

Instead, he watched as she nudge Damian while pointing at the skater that was resting in front of their section

He noticed them both focus solely on her while she and the others did small circles around before stopping in their original spots

He glanced between his children and the performer as he took in the fact his kids were in two separate states of awe

Bruce himself even felt his brow furrow as he watched the girl shift expressions and blink while trying to hold back a smile

He looked over at the others in his group as he made eye contact with most of the boys who were seeing the same thing as him

When the ballad ended, Bruce noticed that Damian and Cass were focusing on the one skater instead of the main performance

Dick and Jason both shared a look before individually making eye contact with Bruce to silently ask what was going on

They only got a shake of the head before turning back to the show

They all applauded when it had finally come to an end and they watched the skaters leave the rink and audience filed out

Bruce and Alfred quickly guided everyone back out to the car to grab their jackets and skates that they had gotten earlier that day

They all made their way back into the empty building as the performers all were walking out after getting out of the costumes they had

Everyone notice Cass and Damian searching the faces to be disappointed when they didn't see the skater from earlier

When they got back into the arena, all eyes went to a lone figure on the ice doing a small routine

As they all got closer, they saw the girl with headphones on while doing a small spinning leap and landing before gliding backwards on one foot with a large smile

Cass let out a gasp as the skater went into a pirouette for a few moments before coming to a full stop while striking a pose

Each of them clapped as they saw her turn towards them

You pulled down the headphones while trying to catch your breath. Gliding over to them and opening the gate and carefully stepping out of the rink.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't think anyone would still be here after the show." A nervous laugh bubbles out of your throat while looking over at each of them.

Most of them were about cut in that nothing was wrong with what you were doing. Damian spoke up before any of the others could open their mouths. "That wasn't in the performance. What were you doing it for?"

Cass lightly pushed him while Jason gave a disappointed groan. But you simply gave a small chuckle while flashing the young boy a smile. "I do that after every performance. It helps me get out the leftover nervous energy."

Dick put a hand on Damian's shoulder while playfully shaking him. "Damian's just straightforward, but he did enjoy the show! Cass was absolutely enamored watching you skate across the ice. She was practically bouncing in her seat through the whole thing!"

You smiled at them all before taking notice of the skates in each of their hands. "Do you all normally skate? I don't remember seeing any of you at all from when I was younger."

Bruce gave small shake of his head while looking at you with a polite grin. "No, we were just doing this for some family time."

A small nod of understanding comes from you while looking at them all again. "I get that. Do you all want some help getting the skates on? I don't mind helping if you all want it."

Cass gave a nod before anyone could politely refuse for you to leave and go rest. They all just quietly watched as you kneeled down to begin tying Cass' skates before moving around to help the others. Damian didn't even complain as he watched you take off his shoes with a practiced grace before tying his skates.

After getting everyone in their skates, you helped get them onto the ice. The grin still on your face with a small clap of your hands. "Alrighty, now onto the fun part! Who wants to get on the ice first?"

Cass and Dick were the first one to get on the ice with you before the other boys followed a couple minutes after with Bruce and Alfred joining in last

Everyone paid attention to each move you made with them, each small trick you helped Cass learn, always grinning at them all the way through

When it was finally time for the family to leave to get ready for their nightly routine, Bruce made sure that you safely made it to your car while everyone waved goodbye

The car ride back was mostly quiet with the occasional comment from Cass and Damian on things that they enjoyed with the show

The night was went by without any major incidents as the family went through the motions until they got back to the manor

The morning was uneventful until Dick went through a few random boxes and found a few old year books

He brought them out for the others to look at in hopes of a couple laughs

It was all going well until Tim flipped to a random page in Dick's senior yearbook

He stared for a second before recognizing the skater from the night before on the page with all the sophomore photos

All the kids took turns looking over the photo before beginning to look for other photos of you

Tim even went searching on social media sites to find out more personal information with Cass and Damian both looking at his phone

Bruce and Alfred watched from the door way as they all searched for information without argument

Bruce took a deep breath as his eyebrows furrowed while he began having a few thoughts that started to concern him

Alfred glanced at Bruce before placing a hand on his shoulder and saying he would get started on any preparations that needed to be made

Bruce was about to tell Alfred not to do anything, but stopped when he realized that this was one of the first times all the kids were fully getting along with one another with a shared interest

From that day forward, everyone had begun getting as much information they could on you to prepare a space specifically to your liking

Every night, two of them made sure that you got home after the nights performance before going on with their regular patrol routes

As the months went by and the living space for you got the finishing touches, Bruce was trying to mentally prepare everyone for what reactions you might have when you got brought there

Dick and Jason had even thought of bringing up the idea of setting up a small ice rink in the cave for you as a way to help with coping due to the sudden change

It was finally the last day of the show and Bruce had gotten tickets for the family to see you preform on the ice again

They sat in the same seats as before as they made sure to watch every part of your routine with smiles on their faces

At the end of the show, they all waited for you to come out to the ice to do your after performance

When you finally got out, they all applauded with a few cheers as well as they took in your surprised expression

A startled laugh escaped your throat as you looked over at all of them. "Wow! I wasn't expecting anyone to look for me here! Everyone was out in the lobby to do the whole curtain call."

Dick placed a comforting hand on Cass's shoulder before flashing a charming smile. "Well, we wanted to give a personal congratulations here for you. And Cass here wanted to give you this bouquet."

Cass took a hesitant step forward before holding out the flowers for you. You took the flowers with a soft coo before look back at her, "These are beautiful! Thank you so much sweetheart." Reaching out, you pull Cass into a small hug.

She eagerly returned the hug before pulling away to look back at her family. "We wanted to get you something to show that you did amazing. Damian helped pick them out with colors that we thought you would like."

You looked over at Damian with a large smile as you adjusted the bouquet. "Well, I absolutely love them! Thank you all so much for coming to watch the show again."

Bruce gave a curt nod as he placed a hand on Jason and Tim to appear show you the care he could show if needed. "We enjoyed it immensely. And we also wanted you to know that if you need it, you have a place to stay with us anytime no matter what."

"Thank you for the offer. I appreciate it, but I have my own apartment," you polite explained while adjusting the light jacket you were wearing. "I am going to be in Gotham for a couple months until I audition for the next show. So we can hang out every now and then if you all want. Sound good?"

Bruce smirked as he gently patted both boys shoulders. "Sounds wonderful. We have to get going now, but we will be seeing you again very soon."

They all said a small goodbye before leaving for the manor to begin the last preparations

Bruce went over the plan again with everyone to insure that everything would go as smoothly as possible

Dick and Tim were in charge of leading you to the agreed upon location due to them being the most personable

Jason was supposed to wait for them all at the waiting point before injecting you with a sleeping agent

Cass and Damian would be helping Bruce to make sure there were no witnesses for the ordeal and made a quick get away

Everyone watched as Jason grabbed the vial with the drug before inserting the syringe

Tim was the closest to him to double check that Jason didn't use too little so you didn't wake up too soon or too much to avoid complications

When the time came, Dick and Tim were waiting for you to come out of the building to get the main plan into motion

Dick had put a nail in one of the cars' tires to make the impression that it was naturally run over and caused a flat and take care of a few things in the trunk

The moment you walked out of the building, both men stood at attention as you went over to the lone car in the parking lot with the bouquet tucked in your arms

You had fumbled to get your keys out of the pocket of your jacket until you stopped and looked at your tire

Dick and Tim shared a nod before walking over as you kneeled down to inspect the damage

"Dang it. This doesn't look good," you mumbled while feeling around the tire. Groaning when your finger grazed the head of the nail that was sticking out. Completely unaware of the presence of the people coming up behind you. "This isn't a great way to end the day."

Dick smiled as he watched you quietly worry over the tire. Waiting a moment to take it in until he gently knocked on the side of the car. "Everything alright over here?"

You startled off balance at the sudden voice behind you. Taking a moment to catch your breath while looking at the two vigilantes standing beside your car. "Oh, uh... yeah. I just have a flat. Just need to put my spare on and then get going."

Tim tilted his head while offering his hand to help you up. "That's a shame indeed. We can help change it for you." Tim lifted you up before wiping off your jacket and resettling the flowers. "It would be dishonorable of us if we left you to do it yourself."

Dick nodded in agreement while kneeling down and pretending to inspect the damage. You looked between the two, completely oblivious of what they were doing. "I couldn't have you do that for me. I have the stuff in my trunk and can do it myself. You both have more important things to do than replacing a tire."

Dick stood up while shaking his head and walking around to the trunk. Opening it up with a wide grin as he spoke reassuringly, "It is not a bit of trouble. We want to help you out as a fellow citizen. Now, where is your jack and tire iron?"

A confused look crossed your face at the question. You quickly went over to look in the trunk before giving a small whine. "Dang it. I know I put them back the last time I used them. Something must have happened since then."

Dick placed a comforting hand on your shoulder as he pulled you closer. "Hey, it's alright. You can call to get a tow truck here in the morning to take it to get the tire fixed. But right now, we can walk you home to make sure you get there."

"I couldn't ask you to do that. My apartment is only 20ish minutes away. I can walk there myself," you tell them with a shrug. Double checking that the car is locked and taking anything that couldn't be left in there overnight.

Dick shook his head while putting a hand on your shoulder as he walked beside you. Tim coming to stand on the other side as he offered taking all the things you took out of the car.

"That is not happening. This city is too dangerous for a lady like you to walk at night alone," Tim cut in before you could say anything else in the matter.

Dick gestured at Tim in agreement as he gave a gentle pat to your shoulder. "He is absolutely right. We would never live with ourselves if we found out that something happened to you while we did nothing. You just tell us were the building is and we will get you there."

The next few minutes were filled with light banter between the three of you. After getting past a corner, a flash of lightning appeared overhead as thunder sounded in the distance.

Dick tightened his grip while looking up at the sky with a small grin. Nodding at the alleyway as he spoke in a calming tone, "We should take a short cut. Don't want you getting a cold from getting rained on."

He began walking down the alley without waiting for a response. Tim walked a few paces ahead and looked around for any signs of life. Nodding when he saw no unwanted onlookers. "You have nothing to worry about anything bad happening to you. We all promise to keep you safe."

A soft laugh sounded from you as you nodded until you slowly stopped. A confused expression coming over you as you looked at the two of them. "What do you mean 'all'?"

Jason moved from the corner he was hidden in and covered your mouth with his hand. Efficiently inserting the needle tip into you neck and injecting the drug into your system. "It's okay. Just relax and everything will be over."

You struggled as the two held you in place to avoid you harming yourself. Their grip was firm even after you began going limp until they were certain you were knocked out. Jason removed his hand and carefully pulled the needle out. "There we go. It's going to be alright. We're going to get you home."

Tim contacted the others immediately after Jason had injected the drug into your system

Bruce pulled the Batmoblie into the alley and got out to open the trunk

Dick and Jason gently maneuvered you into the trunk on the blankets they put into to cushion you while adjusting your head to rest on a pillow

After securing the trunk, Bruce gave a small nod to the boys while getting back into the vehicle and driving back to the manor

He sent a message to Alfred to be ready for them so Bruce could get back to patrol and not raise suspicious if any of the public noticed

Alfred was there waiting when Bruce pulled in and stopped the car

He opened the trunk and lifted you out to begin taking you to your room and placing you on the bed

He removed your jacket and shoes, placed them in their right spots, pulled the covers over you, and placed a kiss to your forehead before leaving the room

This posted by accident so it wasn't as done as I wanted it to be. But I don't want to take it away from you all since I haven't posted in a minute. So I can make a part two if you all want. And I'm fully back now so I should be posting more often than I have.

[ho3smadd]

Don't take it personal...

Parings... Theodore Nott x slytherin!reader

Trope... academic rivals to lovers

Warnings... swearing

Summary... Theodore Nott and Y/n have had rivalry to gain the highest grade in Potions for years but when someone gets hurt maybe it's gone too far...

Y/n L/n prided herself on two things: her impeccable grades and her unflappable demeanor. As a Slytherin, she knew the importance of maintaining a composed and strategic front, and she had mastered it to perfection. Except, of course, when it came to Theodore Nott.

Theodore was an enigma, a quiet presence that somehow always managed to get under her skin. He was brilliant, annoyingly so, and the only one who could rival her in Potions. Professor Slughorn often praised their concoctions, hinting at an unspoken rivalry that everyone in Slytherin House was aware of.

Y/n’s competitive spirit was fueled by Theodore’s relentless determination to outdo her. It wasn’t just about the grades; it was about proving herself, about being the best. Every potion she brewed was meticulously crafted, every essay on potion-making filled with insightful analysis and innovative ideas. Yet, no matter how hard she worked, Theodore was always there, a step ahead or right beside her, matching her effort for effort.

One evening, the common room was unusually quiet. Y/n was hunched over her Potions textbook, quill scratching furiously across the parchment. She hadn’t noticed the hours slipping away, the candles burning lower and lower. She hadn’t even noticed her own body’s protests, the gnawing hunger in her stomach because she just had to skip lunch and dinner and the dizzying exhaustion that clouded her vision as her body practically begged for rest.

It was Theodore who noticed. He had been watching her from a distance, his own books spread out in front of him but his attention clearly divided. He saw the way her hands trembled slightly, the way her head dipped closer to the table with each passing minute.

“Y/n” he called softly, but she didn’t respond. She was too engrossed in her work, too caught up in the need to perfect her latest potion theory.

“Y/n!” His voice was sharper this time, cutting through the haze of her concentration. She looked up, eyes glassy with fatigue.

“What, Nott?” she snapped, the sharpness in her voice a stark contrast to her usual calm demeanor.

“You need to eat something. You’ve been at this for hours,” he said, a note of concern creeping into his voice.

“I’m fine,” she insisted, though her vision swam as she tried to focus on him.

“No, you’re not,” he argued, standing up and crossing the room to her side. “You’re going to make yourself sick if you keep this up.”

She opened her mouth to retort, but the words didn’t come. Instead, the room tilted violently, and before she knew it, she was falling, darkness closing in around her.

The next thing Y/n knew, she was lying on a couch in the common room, a soft blanket draped over her. She blinked, trying to piece together what had happened. The room was dimly lit, and she could make out Theodore’s silhouette sitting nearby, a worried expression etched on his face.

“What happened?” she mumbled, her voice weak.

“You passed out,” Theodore said bluntly. “You haven’t been taking care of yourself, Y/n. This fucked up competition that we have… it’s not worth your health.”

Y/n tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness forced her back down. She closed her eyes, frustration boiling inside her. “I can’t just give up, Theodore. I have to be the best.”

“Why?” he asked, his tone softer now. “Why is it so important to you?”

“Because…” She hesitated, searching for the right words. “Because it’s who I am. It’s all I have. We are both well aware of the customs that purebloods have and the expectations my parents have for me to secure a suitable match. This is for me because nothing ever is.”

Theodore sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Y/n, I never saw you as competition.”

His words took a moment to register. She stared at him, confusion mingling with exhaustion. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, I’ve always admired you, respected you. But I didn’t push myself to outdo you because I saw you as an obstacle. I did it because…” He trailed off, looking almost embarrassed. “Because it was the only way I could get your attention.”

Y/n’s heart skipped a beat. “What?”

“I’ve liked you for a long time, Y/n,” Theodore admitted, his cheeks tinged with color. “But you were always so focused, so distant. Competing with you was the only way I could think of to get you to notice me and prove myself to you.”

She was silent, processing his words. The idea that Theodore had been trying to impress her, to earn her attention, was both shocking and oddly touching. She had always seen their rivalry as a battle, it had never occurred to her that it was his way of reaching out to her.

“Theodore, I…” She paused, uncertain of what to say. “I never knew.”

“Of course not,” he said with a sheepish smile. “I didn’t exactly make it obvious.”

She managed a weak smile in return. “You certainly have a unique way of showing it.”

He chuckled, the tension in the room easing slightly. “I’m sorry if I pushed you too hard. I never wanted to see you hurt. And if it means you’ll take better care of yourself, I’ll back off. I don’t need to compete with you to care about you.”

Y/n felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. For the first time, she saw him not as her rival, but as someone who genuinely cared about her. It was a strange, yet comforting realization.

“You don’t have to back off,” she said softly. “Just… maybe we can find a better way to do this. A way that doesn’t involve me collapsing from exhaustion.”

Theodore’s expression brightened. “I’d like that.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the competitive edge between them replaced by something warmer, something more understanding. Y/n knew it wouldn’t be easy to change the dynamic that had defined their relationship for so long, but she was willing to try. For Theodore, and for herself.

As the days passed, their rivalry transformed into a partnership. They studied together, sharing insights and helping each other improve. Their mutual respect grew, and so did their affection. Theodore’s confession had opened a door that Y/n hadn’t even realized was there, and she was grateful for it.

One evening, as they sat together in the common room, Y/n looked over at Theodore, a smile playing on her lips. “You know, I think we make a pretty good team.”

He smiled back, his eyes warm. “I think so too.”

And in that moment, Y/n realized that she didn’t need to be the best to be happy. She just needed to be with someone who understood her, who cared about her, and who made her feel like she was enough, just as she was. Theodore had given her that, and she was determined to never take it for granted.

A/n... Please let me know what you think because I crave validation 😭

Also requests are openn

[rose24207]

Ooooo I have a request: Mafia Lando who is at his club and one of the bar maids that flirt with him (not that he pays attention) all the time kisses him but reader walks in and gets the wrong impression she dosnt say anything but she dose brake up with him. Lando is confused and a bit angry until he goes over some footage at the club after an incident (unrealted but on the same day) and sees the reader on the day the girl kissed him. He comforts her and reassures her she won't be a problem if you know what I mean

You matter more

Summary: After a misunderstanding involving an unwanted kiss, Lando proves his loyalty to the you by confronting you, clearing up the truth, and eliminating any threat to their relationship

Genre: Mafia!Lando, angst, fluff

TW: Mafia, breakup

A/N: Thank you for the request!! Let me know if you like it! English is not my first language. I hope you enjoy it though! Requests are open and welcome!

Masterlist

Lando Norris didn’t take betrayal lightly. In his world, loyalty was paramount, the foundation of his carefully constructed empire. But when you—his only constant, his sanctuary in a life of chaos—broke up with him out of the blue, it sent his mind spiraling.

You didn’t yell, cry, or accuse. You were eerily calm, like someone making a decision they’d been dreading for days. “This isn’t working, Lando. I’m sorry.”

He had stood there, frozen, his mind racing to piece together the cracks in the foundation of your relationship. “What the hell are you talking about?” His voice was sharp, disbelief cutting through his words.

You shook your head, your gaze avoiding his. “I just... I can’t do this anymore.”

And just like that, you walked away, leaving him confused, angry, and—though he wouldn’t admit it—heartbroken.

The breakup haunted Lando for days. He replayed every moment, every conversation, searching for what had gone wrong. But nothing made sense. You had been fine—at least, he thought you were. He wasn’t the type to miss details, especially when it came to you.

The answers came unexpectedly.

There had been a fight at his club, an unrelated altercation between two of his men that escalated into something violent. Lando, ever the meticulous boss, insisted on reviewing the surveillance footage himself to ensure nothing had been missed.

It was during this review that he saw you.

At first, it was a relief to see your familiar face on the screen, but then his stomach twisted. The timestamp placed you there on the same day one of the barmaids, a persistent flirt named Jasmine, had kissed him.

The footage revealed it all.

You had walked into the club and stopped in your tracks, eyes wide as Jasmine leaned over the bar and pressed her lips against Lando’s. His reaction was immediate—he pulled back sharply, irritation clear on his face as he barked something at her. He hadn’t even touched her, hadn’t leaned into the kiss. But you hadn’t stayed to see any of that.

Instead, the camera captured the heartbreak on your face as you turned and walked out, unnoticed by everyone—including him.

Rage coursed through Lando as he watched Jasmine smirk to herself, clearly satisfied despite his rejection. That woman had cost him something far more important than her job was worth.

That evening, Lando drove to your apartment, his mind made up. He wasn’t one to let misunderstandings fester, and he certainly wasn’t going to let you believe you meant so little to him.

You opened the door reluctantly, looking tired and wary. His sharp green eyes bore into yours, filled with a mix of anger and something softer—something you weren’t ready to face.

“You’re going to tell me why you left,” he said, his tone low and steady, though it carried the weight of a command.

You hesitated, looking down at the floor. “Lando, I already told you—”

“No, you didn’t,” he interrupted, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. “You gave me nothing. So either you tell me now, or I’ll stand here all night until you do.”

You sighed, wrapping your arms around yourself like a shield. “I saw her kiss you. At the club.”

The words hung in the air, heavy and painful.

Lando’s jaw tightened as he ran a hand through his dark hair. “And you didn’t think to stay and see what I did next?”

You glanced at him, confusion and frustration mixing on your face. “I didn’t need to. She kissed you, Lando. And you didn’t even stop her.”

His eyes flashed with something dangerous, but his voice stayed calm. “You’re wrong. I pushed her off the second she leaned in. And I told her if she ever tried anything like that again, she’d regret it.”

You blinked, his words catching you off guard. “What?”

“I don’t know what kind of man you think I am,” he said, stepping closer, his voice dropping lower. “But I’m not the kind to entertain someone like her. Do you think I’d waste my time with anyone else when I have you?”

Your chest tightened, emotions warring inside you. “It didn’t look like that from where I stood.”

His lips pressed into a thin line. “That’s because you left before you could see the whole picture.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, opening the footage he had saved from the club. Without a word, he pressed play and held it out to you.

You watched in silence as the events unfolded. The kiss you had seen. His immediate rejection. The harsh words he spoke to Jasmine as she backed away, looking less triumphant than you had assumed. And then you, walking away unnoticed.

When the video ended, Lando pocketed his phone and fixed his gaze on you. “You saw a moment and made a decision about us. You didn’t trust me enough to believe that I wouldn’t betray you like that.”

Tears stung your eyes, guilt settling heavily in your chest. “I didn’t know what to think, Lando. I was hurt. It looked... it looked bad.”

His expression softened, though his frustration remained. “It only looked bad because you didn’t give me the chance to explain. Do you really think I’d let anyone come between us?”

“I don’t know,” you admitted quietly. “You’re always surrounded by people who want something from you. I didn’t think I mattered enough to stand out.”

Lando’s eyes darkened, his hands cupping your face as he leaned in close. “You matter more than anything. And I don’t care who I have to get rid of to make sure you know that.”

His voice sent a shiver down your spine, a mixture of comfort and menace. You knew what he meant, and you didn’t doubt he’d follow through.

True to his word, Jasmine was gone by the next morning. No one dared ask questions, and Lando didn’t offer explanations.

From that day forward, his attention to you became more deliberate. He didn’t just tell you he cared; he showed it in every way he knew how. And while his methods were sometimes harsh, you couldn’t deny that he was willing to do anything to protect what was his—including you.

Because in Lando’s world, love wasn’t just a feeling. It was a promise, one he intended to keep at any cost.

Thank you for reading!

[xuchiya]

"a special gift" || jeong yunho || one-shot

|genre: non!idol yunho. fluff. girlfriend! reader |mentions: nothing. just fluff.

The cozy living room was bathed in the soft glow of Christmas lights strung along the walls and tree. The faint sound of holiday classics played in the background, blending with the crackling warmth of the fireplace. You sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by rolls of festive wrapping paper, tangled ribbons, and a small mountain of gifts waiting to be adorned.

Across from you, Yunho was meticulously wrapping a box, his brows furrowed in concentration. His large hands fumbled slightly with the delicate paper, but his determination to make each present perfect was endearing.

"You know," you teased, glancing at the uneven edges of his handiwork, "you could always let me help you with the tricky ones."

Yunho shot you a playful glare, his lips quirking up in a smirk. "And miss out on the satisfaction of doing it myself? Never."

A comfortable silence settled between you as the two of you worked side by side, occasionally passing scissors or tape. You’d just finished tying a neat bow when you noticed Yunho had stopped wrapping. Instead, he was staring at you with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“What?” you asked suspiciously, narrowing your gaze at him.

“Nothing,” he replied, his voice too innocent to be believable.

Moments later, you were distracted by a particularly stubborn roll of ribbon. When you looked up again, Yunho had vanished from his spot on the floor.

"Yunho?" you called, glancing around.

Before you could stand to search for him, a deep chuckle came from behind the tree. Your brows furrowed, and then you saw it—him. Your mouth hangs open in surprise as your eyes gaze on the tall man.

Jeong Yunho had wrapped himself in Christmas paper, the shiny red and green material crinkling as he moved into position beneath the tree. He had a red ribbon clamped between his teeth, his grin wide and proud as he stretched out on the floor like a hilariously oversized present. 

"Ta-da!" he announced, wiggling his brows and attempting a mock pose. You blinked, momentarily stunned into silence, before bursting into uncontrollable laughter. “Yunho! What are you doing?”

“Being the best gift you’ll ever get,” he said cheekily, his voice slightly muffled by the ribbon still in his mouth.

Your laughter grew louder as you clutched your stomach, tears pricking at the corners of your eyes. "You’re ridiculous!"

“Ridiculously cute,” he corrected, wagging his brows again.

Shaking your head, you grabbed your phone, snapping a picture of him in all his absurd glory. “This is going in the family album,” you said between giggles.

“Oh, come on,” he groaned, though the amused grin on his face betrayed his protests. "I did this for you, you know."

You moved closer, kneeling beside him as he sat up slightly, the crinkling of the wrapping paper filling the air. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from your face, his gaze softening.

“All jokes aside,” he said, his voice dropping to a tender tone, “being with you is the best part of this Christmas. You’re my favorite person, my favorite everything.”

Your cheeks warmed at his words, your heart swelling. “You’re lucky you’re so sweet,” you murmured, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his lips.

“Does that mean I’m forgiven for being ridiculous?”

You laughed, pulling back to meet his twinkling eyes. “Maybe. But only if you help me finish wrapping these presents."

“Deal,” he said, unwrapping himself from the paper with a dramatic flair. As he joined you again by the pile of gifts, the two of you worked together, your laughter and playful banter filling the room with the kind of warmth that only Christmas could bring.

[nmakii]

omg bachira, isagi, tetchou and dazai with an autistic s/o PLEASE

if you will , make them headcanons ^^ hope you have a wonderhoy day !!

hello, my alien. we’re each other’s mystery

— bachira + isagi + tetchou + dazai x autistic!s/o

so basically all of them x me i see.. i feel like i fucked up on isagi i cant pinpoint his personality ugh. debut into bllk omg im shy hi reentry into bsd too haha if u guys were active in 2022 i think i am familiar. WAIT NOTE AB THE TITLE… LISTEN TO FRIENDS BY BTS IM NOT ABLEIST ITS SUPPOSED TO BE CUTE :(

— bachira meguru

lets be honest he is also a bit autistic…

very hard to be around when you’re overstimmed ngl… he tries to tone it down when he knows you cant handle too much at the moment. but it’s hard for him to just dial the craziness to 50 😞

oh, very good though at getting you out of social situations. he can slip the two of you out of a party like it’s nobody’s business, cause it is nobody’s business :x

hes also a bit of a wild card too if you’re obsessive about having a routine. he’s a free spirit, so having to do things the same way is a bit of a chore.

when you go non-verbal, he brings out a notebook that you two write your conversations on. he doesn’t actually have to write it down. he can communicate just fine, but he likes to write them down as a memento of your relationship.

he alsoooo likes listening to you yap about your special interest! very attentive, you’d think that you’re a professor and he’s your student at how the flow of your conversation is going

“huh— where did bachira and s/o go..?” isagi asked. he turned around, looking for the two of you after the sudden realization that he was abandoned in the middle of the buffet line…

bachira pulled you out, and in an abandoned hall. he noticed you suddenly started plugging your ears.

‘you ok sunshine? :( is the music too loud?’

‘a little bit… i just wanna get away for like 5 min..’

‘hehe, dont worry. ill stay with you （╹◡╹） <3’

‘ty meg :) <3’

bachira smiled as he saw your hand-drawn emoticon. the two of you doodled all over the notebook while he hummed until you were ready to return.

isagi groaned as he saw the two of you reenter. “you guys..! you should’ve told me if you were gonna sneak away!” bachira stuck out his tongue, making a silly expression. “oops! it just slipped my mind!” he snickered.

— isagi yoichi

with the geniuses he has to keep up with, you’re a total walk in the park for him ;p

mega caretaker, he’s super good at protecting you in uncomfortable environments. i feel like he has a weighted blanket somewhere in his room to cover you with, cause he knows it makes you feel safe.

he lowk overprotective sometimes though. he knows his friends like bachira and raichi are a bit more on the raucous side, so he doesn’t hang out with them when he’s with you until like… 2 years into your relationship (they lowk didnt even know he had a partner). in those two years, he only introduced you to his peaceful friends like nagi, hiori, iemon, and kuon

he doesn’t fight you too much about if you have a routine. he has a luck routine and his spacial awareness makes him really meticulous about how things happen, so he’s gets your struggle :x

he tried learning sign language. he really tried… but there was so much signs; for an entire month, his search history was ‘how do i say [thing] in sign language’

he ended up only learning the alphabet, numbers, and basic words like please and hungry. now when you go non-verbal, he simply just opens his notes app for you to type ;p

he, like bachira, loves your yap. its like his personal podcast fr. he likes to let you sit on the kitchen counter and yap, while he washes dishes. he also likes putting on wireless headsets and listen to your voice messages while he practices, or works out at the gym.

“are you absolutely sure you wanna meet them?” isagi asks. “babe, theyre my friends, but theyre also kind of annoying.” he warns you. of course he meant it lovingly… you nod. “yup! they’re your friends, yoi. i wanna meet them..!”

he sighs and nods. “fine… don’t say i didn’t warn you…” he opens the door. you recognize kunigami, he’s talking with chigiri. “isagi! there you areee~!” a boy with a bob-cut hums. “ah, bachira… this is s/o.” isagi points to you. “ooh~! nice to meet you! im bachira meguru. so you’re the one isagi’s been hiding?”

“don’t overwhelm them too much…” isagi sighs, he pulls you away carefully, bringing you in kunigami’s direction. if you settled in with people you were already acquainted with, then you should probably adjust better. that was isagi’s conclusion. “if any of them pester you, just tell me, okay?”

you nod, a bit saddened at your’s and bachira’s conversation’s sudden end. “im not a kid, yoi. you don’t have to worry over me or anything.” isagi frowns. “hnn… i just don’t want my friends overstimulating you. they might be too much for you, babe.” he explains. at that moment, igaguri suddenly yelled out at gagamaru for taking one of his gyozas, making you instinctively cover your ears.

“seeee?” he points out. “okay… point taken… but, i can still deal with it. if im uncomfortable, ill just tell you, okay?” you offer, trying to compromise. isagi looks around, weighing the possibilities before nodding. “finee…”

that day actually went quite well, you were able to keep up with all of them without getting overstimulated. that night, isagi had his face in his pillow, his face being that of death and grief. ‘they dont need me anymore… theyre gonna end up hanging out with my friends more than me…’ he mumbles.

— tetchou suehiro

another lowk might be autistic (but in a diff way)

he isnt too sure about what to do when you’re overstimmed. so, he usually just takes you to a quiet place and sits down with you until you’re calmer.

hes hella conflicted on whether or not he should introduce you to the hunting dogs. his line of work is pretty dangerous after all, and his co-workers aren’t exactly… pacifists 💀

he ends up deciding not to though. worst comes to worst, he just introduces you 5 years in to your relationship— thats what he thinks.

he doesnt mind your routine. he, himself, is pretty eccentric, so you two are just okay with each other’s quirks :x

tetchou doesnt care when you go non-verbal. lol. okay joke, its more like, he’s also very quiet, he doesn’t even actually notice that you two havent talked to each other for 14 hours.

but when the two of you are talking, he is still as quiet as ever. it’s usually you yapping and tetchou asking questions once in a while. never though, does he ever interrupt you when you talk; always waits for you to finish what you’re saying so you dont lose your train of thought 🫡

tetchou spreads some spicy ranch on his pancakes. it was a pretty good combo. he sat at the dining table, as he heard your alarm clock ring.

first thing you do when you wake up, stretch then use the bathroom. tetchou has your routine memorized by now. second, have cereal for breakfast. third, get dressed. fourth, check if your bag has everything you need. he continues his own routine, and you complete yours, until it’s time to head to work.

you’re double, triple, quadruple checking your bag, making sure you didn’t leave anything. tetchou finished lacing up the strings of his boots before he rises back. “ready for work?” he asks, taking his own little peek into your bag.

“uhuh” you nod. tetchou hums, noticing the charger you left on the counter, and slipping it into your bag. “now you are…”. you gasp, “so that’s what i forgot… thank you, chou..” you say. his deep voice vibrates in his throat as he leans in and kisses you, “stay safe. call me if you need anything.” you wrap your arms around his neck.

last part of your routine, hug and kiss tetchou before leaving for work.

— osamu dazai

he lowk adhd u feel?

when youre overstimmed, he lets you lay on his shoulder while he pats your back and brushes your hair. times like this are his personal favorites, it’s when the world is quiet and no one but you and him exists.

defdefdef introduces you to the ADA members. he finds you similar to kyoka, and always encourages you to hang out with her.

adding on that, he sort of sees akutagawa in you… is akutagawa also autistic? hmm… either way, hes a criminal! he cant let his partner interact with a criminal! — the criminal says after diner dashing again.

the routine thing doesnt really work for dazai either… it’s either you break up with him or let him wake up at 4:00 to eat noodles and rearrange the layout of his dorm, bestie… (just leaves his pot in the sink btw, he a bum like that)

actually knows sign language! dont ask me why he knows, bc i dunno either. he just does :x

he also loves to listen to your yap. actual yapper x yapper. you two’s conversations are lowk exhausting though. you both interrupt each other and talk until you’re both breathless. HAHAHAAH

sluuuuuuurp!

you’re waken up by the loud, really gross, squelching sounds of dazai’s saucy noodles as he slurps them up. the sound is uncomfortable— really uncomfortable.

“s—samu… dont… too loud…” you groan, trying to cover your ears. dazai perks up, “ah, did i wake you..? awh, im sorry, dear..!” he apologizes. even though dazai truly meant it, for some reason it just sounded like sarcasm. “uhuh… j…just dont do it again… trying to sleep…” you hum. “got it… go back to sleep, sweets”

for the rest of the night, you sleep well. dazai makes sure to remain veeeery quiet, taking bites of his noodles rather than slurping, carrying his feet, and using all of his hidden muscles to carry his bookshelf. maybe if he keeps doing this, he wont look so lanky anymore.

at around 6:30, you finally wake up again, your surroundings completely different, and you start to panic. “wh—h..huh..?” you look around. dazai’s in the closet, rolling all of his empty beer bottles into it. “hi, baby! just decided to tidy up a bit. you like?” he asks

tidy up? “tidy up, my ass..! all of your stuff is in different places..! i have to relearn my way around your dorm all over again..!” you complain. “hehe… it was for a good cause! you have your own space now in here!” he grins, opening the second to the bottom drawer in his dresser. it was tidied up, and empty.

“for me?” you ask. “mmhm.” he confirms with a hum. even though dazai was quite lazy, stubborn, and annoying, he really put effort into making you happy. just you.

[infamous-light]

You Belong to Me Ch. 10

Alcina Dimitrescu x F! Reader

Ch. 1 Ch. 2 Ch. 3 Ch. 4 Ch. 5 Ch. 6 Ch. 7 Ch. 8 Ch. 9

AO3: You Belong to Me

Summary: Lady Dimitrescu's obsession knows no bounds as she becomes increasingly possessive over you. Will you succumb to her dark embrace, or find a way to break free before it's too late?

Word Count: 3K

Warnings: Yandere, possessive/obsessive behavior

The sharp bark of a dog jolted you awake, the sound cutting through the oppressive stillness of the forest like a blade. For a moment, you remained frozen, your breath caught in your throat. Then, faint voices began to reach your ears, their murmurs growing steadily closer.

Your pulse thundered in your ears as you pushed yourself up from the damp, mossy ground, crawling on trembling hands and knees toward the hollow tree's narrow opening. You peered outside, your heart pounding like a war drum. In the dim moonlight, faint figures moved between the trees, their outlines illuminated by the flickering glow of their torches. Squinting, you strained to count them. Too many. Far too many. They were spread out, meticulously sweeping through the forest.

“I saw her head this way earlier!” A man’s voice rang out, loud and certain, carrying through the trees.

Your heart slammed against your ribs, each beat louder than the last.

They were looking for you.

The realization clawed at your mind, icy and relentless. Had she sent them? Was this Lady Dimitrescu’s doing? The thought alone was terrifying, but as fear pooled in your chest, another possibility surfaced, far more chilling: if she had sent them, she might be out here too – searching for you herself.

Another bark – closer this time.

Your hiding place was no longer safe. If you stayed, they would find you; it was only a matter of when. You needed to move – fast and quietly. Gritting your teeth, you backed away from the opening, carefully gathering your belongings. Crouching low, you crawled out from the tree, the chill of the night brushing against your face. You slipped into the underbrush, moving as silently as possible, taking care with each step to avoid snapping branches or leaving tracks in the fresh snow.

You veered away from the direction the torches were coming from, navigating through the densest areas of the forest, hoping its thick cover would mask your escape. Snow began to fall again, blanketing your footsteps as you moved. Another bark echoed through the trees, sharper, nearer, and a cold dread settled over you – you didn’t have much time before the dog picked up your scent. Desperation clawed at you, urging you to move faster but you had to be careful not to make a sound that could give you away. You tread lightly, carefully maneuvering around brittle twigs and ducking beneath low-hanging branches. Whenever possible, you stepped along exposed roots to avoid leaving footprints in the snow.

In the distance, a small, rocky outcrop caught your eye – a cluster of jagged boulders encircled by a dense tangle of brambles and ivy. It wasn’t much, but it offered enough cover to hide if you could slip inside. Keeping low, you crept toward it, forcing your way through the thorny branches, wincing as it scratched across your cheek, but you pressed on. Finally, you wedged yourself into the narrow gap between the two rocks. Tucking your limbs tightly against your body, you held your breath, willing yourself to be as small and silent as a mouse.

You froze, breath hitching as the crunch of footsteps pressed closer. The dog barked again, its growl more focused, more certain now. You could almost picture it pulling its owner forward, paws scraping against the snow as it dragged them closer to your hidden spot.

A flicker of torchlight emerged through the brambles, and you stilled, watching as a villager stepped into view, gripping the torch firmly in his gloved hands. His breath misted in the frigid air; his face set with tension. He stopped abruptly, squinting into the darkness, and for one horrifying moment, his gaze seemed to settle directly on you.

“Nothing here.” He muttered, his voice low and gravelly.

The torchlight flickered unsteadily as he turned to regroup with the others, but the dog stayed rooted, its nose twitching with sharp, deliberate sniffs. The owner murmured something under his breath and gave the leash a firm tug, but the dog resisted and focused intently on your scent. Its muzzle dug into the snow, pawing furiously at the ground.

You pressed your body as close as possible to the rocks, the icy chill leeching deep into your bones.

“What is it?” The man asked the dog, his voice low as he moved back in your direction.

You held your breath, willing yourself to be invisible. He crouched low, his eyes scanning into the crevice. A heartbeat later, his eyes locked onto yours.

“I found her!” He bellowed as he turned to alert the others.

Panic surged through you, propelling you forward. You continued to force yourself through the narrow gap, leading out to the other side. Adrenaline rushed through you as you bolted out into the open, your feet barely touching the ground as you ran.

“Get her!” The man shouted.

You pushed yourself harder, lungs burning, eyes fixed ahead. The sound of the dog's paws crunching through the snow grew louder behind you, but you refused to slow down. Your legs screamed in protest, yet you willed them to move faster, ignoring the burning ache in your muscles.

Just as your foot struck on uneven ground, the earth beneath you suddenly gave way. You lurched forward, arms flailing in a frantic attempt to catch yourself, but it was too late. You plummeted down the steep edge of a ravine, rocks, and debris tearing at your skin as you fell. Pain shot through your limbs, but you barely registered it as you reached out wildly, fingers grazing the air, searching for anything that might stop your fall but there was nothing.

Finally, you came to a rough stop at the bottom, gasping for air. The pain in your legs was intense, a searing throb that pulsed through your joints, but you couldn’t afford to linger. You forced your head up, your vision clouded, and caught a flicker of light above – torchlight, swaying with each step. A man’s figure appeared; his silhouette was framed by the glow while the dog stood beside him.

You pushed yourself upright, gritting your teeth against the wave of dizziness that threatened to drag you back down. You couldn’t afford to stop – not now. The dog’s barking rang out through the ravine, and with no time to spare, you stumbled forward once more, legs unsteady but fueled by sheer determination.

The ravine seemed to stretch on forever, each step sinking into the thick, cold snow as your breath quickened. The landscape began to change, the trees thinning, and then, you finally stumbled into an open space. The ground here was softer, scattered with patches of green and yellow flowers that seemed to glow faintly under the glare of the moon. The air, oddly warm, wrapped around you, but you couldn’t focus on it. A wave of haziness washed over you, blurring your vision as the world swayed around you. The ground tilted beneath your feet, and your legs buckled, unable to hold you upright any longer.

Your knees hit the earth first and then the rest of your body followed, collapsing onto the soft grass below. You tried to blink, to clear the fog from your vision, but your body refused to respond. Just before you lost consciousness, a shadow flickered at the edge of your vision. Their silhouette sharpened against the glow of the lantern they held and then the darkness swallowed you whole.

***

You slowly stirred awake; your head weighed down by disorientation. However, awareness began to seep in a few moments later. The first thing you registered was the soft creak of the couch beneath you – comforting, yet unfamiliar. With some effort, you eased yourself into a sitting position, your gaze sweeping over your surroundings. It appeared to be a living room.

The warmth in the air was soothing, the kind that wrapped around you like a gentle, comforting blanket. Faded paintings, their edges softened by age, adorned the walls, and the air was thick with a mix of dust and a faintly sweet fragrance, reminiscent of dried flowers. It was peaceful here, yet a subtle unease began to coil at the base of your spine, almost imperceptible, but unmistakable. Something about this place, though inviting, caused a massive amount of discomfort to build deep inside of you.

You frowned as your gaze landed on a feminine-looking doll. She sat perched on a shelf; her porcelain face marred by cracks that twisted her features into an unsettling half-smile. Her dark eyes, unnervingly still, seemed to follow you – too aware, too watchful. Then, as if defying all logic, she moved – her head turning slowly to face you.

“Awake at last.” The doll crooned, her voice surprisingly clear, yet laced with a childlike, taunting edge.

Your heart leaped into your throat, the blood in your veins turning to ice as your mind raced to comprehend the impossible scene before you. No, no, no, you thought, shaking your head in disbelief. This isn’t possible. Panic flooded through you, and you tried to rise from the couch, but your limbs felt like lead. You gripped the edge of the cushions, desperately trying to steady yourself, but your body betrayed you, forcing you back into a slumped position, your breath coming in short, uneven gasps.

The doll’s laugh rang throughout the living room, high and eerie, sending an involuntary shiver creeping down your spine.

“You should see the look on your face!” She exclaimed, delighting in your terror.

Before you could freak out any further, a new, darker presence filled the room. A woman draped in black appeared, her features obscured by a veil. For reasons you couldn't explain, the silence that accompanied her felt oppressively heavy. Without a word, she glided into the living room, and a cold, chilling realization dawned on you just then – this had to be Lady Beneviento. The interior of the house was far more opulent than anything you'd seen in your home village. Plus, the stories whispered about her being a reclusive figure, always hidden behind a veil, never speaking a word. It made sense.

A long pause followed before the doll abruptly straightened, her movements quick and jittery.

“I know you’re wondering how you ended up here,” the doll’s gaze remained fixed on you, those dark eyes never blinking, never shifting. “Our gardener found you unconscious and we had him bring you to us,” then, leaning in closer, a wide grin spread across her face. “We know you’re the one the big lady is looking for.” Her voice took on a singsong quality.

Your lips parted, eyes widening in shock. Before you could question how the doll knew, she cut you off.

“She called us a few hours ago – what a surprise that was. You must be really special if Lady Dimitrescu is willing to go to such lengths for a pet.” The final word was spat out with venom, clearly intended to degrade you.

The doll tilted her head with a soft creak, the grin on her painted face almost stretching wider, as though it might split her porcelain face in two.

“Oh, and guess what?” she cooed, her sickly-sweet voice dripping with mockery. “The big lady is already on her way here. I sent our gardener to go fetch her. She’s been out there looking for you,” she giggled, a high-pitched, grating sound that made your skin crawl. “She’ll be so pleased to see you.” Leaning in again, her unblinking glassy eyes seemed to pierce right through you. “Or maybe not. That depends on how much trouble you’ve caused her, doesn’t it?”

You swallowed hard, your pulse spiking in fear.

“She’s coming?” You whispered, your mouth dry as dust.

The doll laughed again, sharp and unsettling, like shards of glass scraping together. “Oh yes!”

Lady Beneviento remained motionless, but you could feel her gaze on you. The thought of returning to Lady Dimitrescu washed over you like a cold wave of panic.

“No…” You murmured, the word trembling from your lips, barely more than a breath.

You tried to rise from the couch, but your legs buckled beneath you, sending you crashing to the floor. The lingering effects of whatever had been forced into you in that garden still clouded your senses, leaving you weak and dizzy.

“No, I can’t go back to her... I can’t!” You yelled, your breath coming in frantic, shallow bursts. The fear of what she might do to you, what she would do, twisted in your stomach, nearly suffocating you.

The doll let out a cackle. “You’re so silly!”

Lady Beneviento suddenly appeared in your line of sight, bending down to slip her hands beneath your arms. Her touch, unexpectedly gentle, steadied you as she carefully lifted you off the floor and placed you back onto the couch.

“Stay.” Her voice was low and husky, like it hadn’t been used in some time. Yet, it still carried a commanding weight.

You blinked, your heart skipping a beat at the unexpected sound of her voice.

Just as the silence settled, a sharp knock echoed throughout the living room, startling you. Lady Beneviento’s posture stiffened for just a moment, her head snapping toward the door. Wordlessly, she rose and walked toward it. When she opened it, you caught a fleeting glimpse of who you assumed was her gardener – a tall, older man, his face etched with years of labor. He muttered something, but the words were lost to you from where you lay. Lady Beneviento gave a subtle nod in response, her demeanor as stoic and detached as ever.

This time, you definitely heard what the gardener said as his voice lifted just slightly. “She’s in here.”

The instant those words hit your ears; a wave of pure dread shot through your body. Your heart thundered in your chest; each beat fueled by terror. Then, as if summoned by your fear, a long, white fur coat swept into view. You couldn’t believe it. She was actually here.

It wasn’t fair. You had barely escaped Lady Dimitrescu’s grasp, and now, somehow, you found yourself back in her clutches once more.

Tears stung your eyes as you instinctively shrank back, the reality of your situation sinking in. You pressed your lips together, trying to hold back the wave of emotion threatening to break free. You were going back. Back to the castle, to the nightmare you had desperately hoped to leave behind. Lady Dimitrescu ducked under the doorway, then rose to her full, imposing height.

And in that moment, her golden eyes zeroed in on you.

The gaze she fixed upon you was laced with fury, a simmering anger that seethed beneath the surface – but there was more, something deeper, a quiet, unmistakable disappointment. She closed the distance between you in long, purposeful strides, her presence growing until she towered over you.

“You truly thought you could leave me?” Her voice was deceptively calm, though the edge in her words sliced deep. “Did you honestly think I wouldn’t find you, pet?”

You tried to muster something to say – an excuse, a plea – but no words came.

Lady Beneviento lingered in the background, silent and unmoving. You stole a glance at her, and for reasons you couldn't quite grasp, you found yourself hoping for some sort of intervention. But she merely watched, as if she were observing the unfolding scene with the detached calm of someone waiting for an inevitable storm to pass.

Lady Dimitrescu crouched slightly, her long, sharp nails grazing your chin as she guided your face to meet her penetrating gaze. Her eyes narrowed as they locked onto the small cut marring your cheek. A flicker of something dark passed through them, an intensity so fierce it threatened to steal your breath.

“You’re mine,” she whispered, her voice low and rich, vibrating with menace. “And I don’t take kindly to losing what’s mine.”

The tears you had fought so hard to suppress finally slipped free, and she smirked, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. Then, Lady Dimitrescu's strong arms encircled you, lifting you effortlessly as though you weighed nothing at all. You let out a small squeak, struggling weakly against her hold, but it was no use. She cradled you in her arms like a helpless child, your body pressed against hers in a way that was both unnervingly intimate and suffocating. The scent of her – lavender mingling with some sweet orange – clung to you and your stomach churned in protest.

“No... please.” You whimpered.

“Be quiet.” Lady Dimitrescu hissed, her words sharp and cold.

Her grip tightened, her long fingers digging into your back, as though she feared you might vanish again if she loosened her hold even slightly. The sound of her heels clicking against the floor echoed in the tense silence as she turned toward Lady Beneviento, inclining her head in a rare gesture of respect.

“Thank you, Donna. As always, your assistance is greatly appreciated.”

Lady Beneviento didn’t respond but the doll piped up. “You’re welcome!”

Lady Dimitrescu gave a brief nod to the gardener, who stood rigidly by the doorway, his gaze fixed on her with unease. Without sparing him another glance, she turned and ducked through the doorway, her grip on you unwavering as she held you close in her arms.

The cold night air hit your skin as she stepped outside, and you shuddered involuntarily.

“You had me worried sick,” Lady Dimitrescu's voice came, low and tight with frustration, yet tinged with something else, something softer. “I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to you. You’re far too important to me for that.”

Her concern left you disoriented. You had never imagined she was capable of such worry – not for you, at least.

“I –” You started, your voice cracking, but she silenced you with a glare that left no room for argument.

“Don’t,” Lady Dimitrescu interrupted, her tone icy but no longer furious. “You’ve already said enough by running.”

Her hold on you tightened even more.

“I’ll deal with you properly once we return,” Lady Dimitrescu stated flatly. “For now, you will remain silent.”

As she carried you through the forest, you couldn’t help but feel like a prize being returned to its pedestal, trapped once more in the gilded cage you had once fought so desperately to escape from.

[tojiscrack]

𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐃

summary: 7k words — while you’re struggling with the difficult pre-calculus questions, megumi ends up finding out information he wasn’t actively searching for.

notes: woah, sumaya released a chapter a week after the last one and not months later? 😱 what caused this? 🫣 @reinaswrld (aka my wife) got a promotion at her job! 🥳 CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN!!! this chapter is dedicated to you and your success, well done <33 ik it’s not much — one of the shortest chapters so far in the story — but it’s building up a bit of plot, i hope you still enjoy it all the same ❤️‼️

tw: a lot of swearing from a very angry man (you’ll see), gossiping, that’s it tbh :)

i do not own any of the characters of jjk, i only own the character of y/n, her parents, and other oc’s mentioned in the story. the rest belong to gege akutami.

previous chapter :)

next chapter :)

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・

the classroom was organised with a focused, minimalist setup, with rows of sturdy tables that filled most of the space, each paired with two hard-backed chairs that left barely enough room for you to move around without bumping into someone else's desk. you stared up at the whiteboard which took up much of the wall, its surface freshly wiped but faintly marked with smudges from the writing by your favourite teacher in the world — kento nanami — who had made you sit at the front for the sole purpose of doing a one-to-one session on the easier questions that you still somehow struggled with.

a projector hung from the ceiling above, casting crisp, blue-tinted notes and problem sets onto the board. his desk was positioned directly beside the whiteboard, immaculately organised, with a stack of ungraded worksheets, a coffee cup, and a single pen resting beside his computer. you thought satoru could use some tips on how to keep his work space as clean as kento's; you knew he wouldn't listen.

around the room, colourful display boards brightened up the neutral walls, each one crowded with pre-calc formulas, visual aids, and student projects — some crumpled from years of use, others meticulously laminated. none of them were of use to you, not when you found yourself stuck on something as simple as functions and transformations.

"try again," kento — or mr nanami, as he constantly demanded you refer to him as — patiently guided you, sliding a fresh worksheet with extra space for you to do your working out on. the previous one you'd been given had been a complete mess of scribbles, doodles, and working out that made no sense whatsoever.

you spun the pencil through your fingers in a dramatic manner, eyes squinted as you addressed the complicated questions on the sheet.

and gave up the second you saw the graphs.

"i'm failing this class," you decided with a sigh.

kento — mr nanami — shook his head at you, his lips in a straight line as he tapped the sheet.

"you haven't even given it a go," he stated sternly, his cheeks hollowing as he stared down at you. "remember what we went through."

"i already forgot," you admitted, abashed.

kento nanami's gaze was a perfect balance of sternness and patience as he looked down at you, his expression unwavering; his eyes were sharp, fixed intently on you with a hint of exasperation glinting beneath his otherwise calm exterior. it did not look as though he was going to let you give up that easily, no matter how deep your sighs of defeat ran. he tapped the sheet again, and despite it sounding like a couple knocks on the table, it really was a beat that spoke in strong tunes, one that said you're going to try again, whether you like it or not,

so you picked up your pencil, frowning at the size of the eraser attached to its rear end (knowing all too well that it was not going to be enough to keep your paper from becoming a mess of lead by the end of the lesson) and got to work, reading the question, and then re-reading it, trying your hardest to understand it down to a t.

kento had left you to tackle the problems alone as he moved across the room, pausing by other students' desks to offer guidance.

...and then returned to find that your paper was now full of doodles and scribbles. he furrowed his brows and let out a sigh, rubbing his straight brows from where they began, to where they angled downwards, the lines on his forehead more prominent as he tensed.

"i tried," you said, looking sullen.

"i can see that," he replied, and it wasn't just the mess of lead he was talking about; he could see the parts of the paper where you had made an attempt at answering the question, only to give up and then fail miserably.

he leaned against his own desk, peering down at you through his circular glasses. they looked odd to you, specifically the way they stuck onto the skin around his eyes like that. it was almost as peculiar as that weird, spotted tie he always wore.

"how often do you study at home?" he asked you, and the tone of his voice, serious, made you suck in your stomach, an unsettling feeling resting in your tummy.

"every friday," you lied. it wasn't as though he'd know you didn't.

only, he somehow had.

"i know you and your family spend fridays at gojo's," he told you, his brows furrowed.

you paused.

thought of your answer.

and then reconsidered it just in case there were any loopholes he could find.

"yeah," you agreed, nodding, "but i study there too. before dinner."

"no she doesn't."

megumi had approached kento with his notebook and worksheet in hand, his handwriting neat, each letter and number placed with a precision that seemed almost methodical.

you scowled at him as he looked straight at your teacher, barely even regarding you with a simple glance, apparently unbothered by your reaction.

"can you grade my questions?" he asked, only looking down and meeting your gaze with a glare when you kicked him from where you sat.

"you're being rude," you snapped, watching him shake the foot you had kicked.

he looked down at his foot, then at you, then back at his foot, as kento took the notebook out of his hands. "you literally just kicked me," he stated with a deep lour.

"yeah, 'cause you interrupted me when i was talking to kento," you shot back, brows furrowed.

"you mean when you were lying to him," megumi corrected you, an accusatory brow raised.

your cheeks warmed as you averted your gaze, barely managing to suppress a scowl. you crossed your arms, focusing on the scribbled doodles and half-erased notes on your worksheet, ignoring megumi's pointed look as you tapped your pencil against the paper in a futile attempt to appear unaffected, but the stubborn heat on your face betrayed your feigned composure.

"check that last question," said kento, handing megumi his notebook back and pointing at something on his page with the end of his red pen. "otherwise, well done megumi."

megumi nodded, muttering a quiet thanks before sitting back in his seat that was somewhere behind you; you didn't bother checking where after his attitude.

"you," kento began, brows furrowed at you, "need a tutor."

you would have beamed at the idea, if not for already being in a particularly sour mood after megumi's comment. still, you vouched for yourself, even though it meant pushing aside your stubborn pride.

"megumi, he said you have to tutor me," you said, turning around to speak to him — he had been sitting on a table with yuji on his left and nobara on his right. you found yourself seething with envy that you were so unbelievably terrible at math, your friends got to squish themselves on a table for two without you.

"i didn't say that," kento added dismissively. "i said you needed a tutor, not that it'd be megumi."

at that, the both of you peered back up at him, dumbfounded.

"i've done it before," your friend informed your teacher, his brows raised expectantly. "she takes forever, but —"

you narrowed your eyes at him. "was that really necessary?"

kento shook his head regardless.

you frowned, looking back at megumi, and you could have sworn you'd seen his shoulders deflate slightly too, but your teacher remained firm, regarding you with tight lips and furrowed brows.

"you get distracted very easily," he told you, his hands resting in the pockets of his formal pants. he nodded in the direction of where your friends were sitting without you. "specifically with megumi."

"megumi and i work very well together, actually," you corrected, unaware of yuji shaking his head in disagreement behind you. he'd stopped when you turned to see where kento's eyes had slowly drifted, suspicious. "even though he's really rude when he teaches me —"

"— i'm not rude —"

"— and super judgemental when i get something wrong," you continued over him; he was most likely glaring at the back of your head, you didn't need to see him to know that, "i still learn a lot."

"while that might be true, something always happens to go wrong when the two of you work together," said kento, and even though he was gentle with his approach on this topic, it still felt like a harsh kick to the stomach. "you aren't sensible."

"i'm sensible," megumi openly disagreed.

you did not appreciate his obvious jab at you. "wha— so am i!"

and to your dismay, yuji had intervened. "no you're not!" he jumped in, expression fierce as he pointed at you accusingly. "you told mr haibara my art work was made out of a toilet accident!"

"well it looked like a toilet accident," you shot back, your face relaxed, eyes half-lidded.

"he asked for her opinion," said nobara — your sweet nobara — coming to your defence without a second thought. she leaned over megumi to speak to yuji directly. "what did you expect her to do, ignore him?"

"if she's capable of saying my art piece looks like a pile of shit smeared on some paper, she's capable of ignoring someone!"

it was kento's slight groan that had the four of you looking up at him, and when you did, you'd been met with the sight of him pinching the bridge of his nose, his glasses lifted by his fingers as he let out an exasperated sigh. kento did not enjoy it when the four of you would argue: he said it distracted the class despite your peers having discussions, jokes, and even arguments amongst themselves, unaware of the little spats you'd have with each other.

"enough," he voiced coolly, before regarding both you and megumi with a look of finality. "you have proven my exact point."

"i wasn't even—" megumi began, but you cut through him straight away. it wasn't like he was going to vouch for anyone but himself anyway, the selfish bastard.

"we're not like this at home," you argued passionately, brows raised in a desperate attempt to get kento to consider your situation, even if it meant dealing with a very judgemental megumi, who was never gentle when teaching you.

it seemed that your statement had only strengthened kento's decision to assign you a tutor who wasn't megumi, for his brows had drawn into a firm line, his gaze much harsher as he stared you with what seemed like a mix of finality and resolve.

"i saw the two of you at gojo's birthday last year," he'd said calmly. "the piñata was meant for him, not you."

ah.

kento was talking about the incident where you had 'hijacked' (as satoru had eloquently put it) his birthday piñata. you scoffed — he lived to tell the tale, with that goofy look on his face that was apparently meant to make you sympathise with him, but lived nonetheless.

it wasn't as though anybody was harmed in the process.

kento adjusted his glasses and regarded you with narrowed eyes. "it was also meant to be beaten open with a weapon, y/n. not megumi's head."

"arguably, his crazy hair is a danger to us all, and therefore a weapon of mass destruction," you stated, and found yourself internally pleased when you heard both yuji's and nobara's quiet snickering. "the piñata would agree."

you heard yuji and nobara's chuckles sputter into startled groans, abruptly cut off by a telltale thunk that had megumi written all over it. you couldn't help a sly chuckle as you glanced their way, where the pair nursed their sore heads with matching looks of betrayal, nobara muttering something that sounded a lot like a threat on megumi's life.

he, of course, remained unfazed, still glaring at you, looking about as done as kento had seemed, and sensing his icy gaze narrow further, you quickly schooled your face into a mask of innocent defiance.

"i'm not tutoring you," megumi replied bluntly, and you barely had the time to process that and groan before kento had intervened again.

"that settles it," he said, no longer leaning on his desk and now holding a finger up in a silent motion of 'no more' when your lips had parted to speak. "i will search for someone who i think will be best to tutor you —"

"but megumi —"

"— and is willing to do so too," he said, before picking up a folder, searching through it, and handing you a new worksheet with a different set of questions. "have a go at these before i come back, y/n."

he had left to go and approach other students, moving briskly towards those with raised hands, leaving you with only the fresh worksheet in your own hand, and a sigh caught somewhere between your frustration and reluctant determination.

you only hoped your tutor would be someone you could get along with.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・

yuji and megumi walked side by side down the bustling hallway, their steps quick as they wove through clusters of students lingering between classes.

yuji had animatedly recounted an outrageous tale about how choso and todo had finally met, and how it had gone terribly wrong in only a matter of seconds. megumi was silent throughout the story, his mind wandering elsewhere, but he still managed to pay attention and had got the general gist of the story. in fact, megumi was certain that he could summarise it all in one simple sentence, something that yuji had failed to do: yuji's brothers did not like each other and were essentially fighting over him.

yuji squinted his eyes as sunlight streamed in from the tall windows, casting warm beams across their path as they neared the business classroom. megumi raised his arm to shield himself, blinking off the colourful spots in his vision.

"when did all that happen?" he asked, a crease between his brows from the frown he'd been holding up.

"after practice last week tuesday," said yuji, casually, "when i tried catching the early bus, remember?"

"i thought you got the early bus," megumi replied, the two of them taking a right where they'd find their classroom. they'd been stalling for a bit, walking round in circles in different areas of the school, but it was nearly time before the bell rang.

yuji nodded. "i did, but todo insisted on dropping me off. i said no, but — you know him, he doesn't take no for an answer."

megumi knew that quite well. when he first met todo and he'd demanded megumi to tell him his type, no matter how many times he'd refused to, todo remained persistent.

it was annoying.

"and then they met — and then everything was just —"

when the pink-haired boy had stopped speaking so abruptly, megumi glanced over at him.

yuji's gaze drifted into the distance, his eyes widening slightly as he seemed to lose track of his story mid-sentence. megumi furrowed his brows at him, watching his mouth hang open for a beat, the usual spark in his expression dimming as he focused intently on something across the hall. slightly confused, megumi turned to follow yuji's line of sight, the silence between them suddenly weighted, and megumi could only lour at what he'd seen.

"hey," yuji began, voice distant, "isn't that tsumiki?"

across the hallway, kamo stood beside tsumiki, his posture formal yet oddly relaxed, hands resting in his pockets with a quiet attentiveness. tsumiki, in turn, seemed engaged, her expression open and bright, using light hand gestures and motions that she usually did when explaining something.

megumi had seen the same thing in different areas of the school: during study hall, he'd seen tsumiki wave kamo goodbye, just before lunch had ended, he'd seen kamo walking her to her english class, and for the nth time that day, he was watching them interact, watching as tsumiki listened attentively, nodding along with something he was saying.

what the hell was going on? since when did kamo and tsumiki talking to each other become so frequent? was that ever a thing to begin with? megumi couldn't comprehend any of what he was seeing.

but he couldn't blame himself for his lack of understanding here, for everything that had happened in the past week regarding kamo had been odd, especially since that conversation his teammates had had in the locker rooms before practice.

and with a more relaxed, loose expression, megumi realised what that meant; how had this not been the first thought in his mind?

tsumiki was someone that both megumi and yuji knew pretty well. he'd completely ruled out the possibility that kamo would find interest in someone older despite majority of his teammates doing exactly that — they liked older girls.

he just did not believe that any one of them would be interested in his sister.

"yeah," megumi nodded, biting his inner cheek to avoid the natural scowl that he knew was trying to make an appearance. "it is."

"why's she talking to —"

"i don't know," said megumi, now wanting more than ever to enter class early, if only to get rid of the disgusting sight before him. he wished he could also say that he did not care, but he was curious, and he wanted to know what was actually happening between them. "let's go."

"oh, she saw us!" said yuji, raising a hand to wave. "she's saying hi!"

megumi didn't look to see whether this was true or not, but he didn't doubt it, only choosing to ignore his sister entirely and go to his class, half annoyed when he realised that kamo would follow behind him soon since they shared the same one.

"megumi, she's — she's saying hi —" yuji repeated, sounding taken aback by megumi and his cold response of ignoring her entirely.

megumi stepped into the classroom, his expression tight and shoulders tense as he made his way towards his usual seat at the back. the lively hum of conversation around him felt distant, each sound fading as he focused on shaking off the odd irritation from the hallway, and not even a moment later, yuji had trailed behind him, loudly questioning why megumi was ignoring tsumiki, his voice ringing through the quiet room. his obliviousness hung in the air, adding to megumi's quiet frustration as he sank into his seat, mentally urging his friend to just sit down and stop broadcasting his every thought.

to his dismay, yuji did not stop, not even when kamo had entered the room, walking over to his seat parallel to the two.

the rest of the class went by as usual, the only difference being the constant voice at the back of megumi's mind — nagging and pressing — reminding him of what he'd seen throughout the week.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・

megumi stood just outside the theatre hall, his figure casting a long shadow on the tile floor as the late afternoon light filtered in through the high windows. the hallway was quiet now, only the faint sound of distant chatter echoing from a classroom down the hall, while the smell of fresh paint and worn wood from the theatre room seeped faintly into the corridor.

dressed in his football uniform, his hair still damp from practice, he idly scanned the posters pinned on the corkboard outside the door: upcoming plays, rehearsals, and auditions for the semester. there was even a picture of you from one of the plays back in sophomore year, a huge success, according to the school newsletter attached to it. he remembered that one, a re-telling of rosalind and how even through the mess your family had caused behind the scenes, you had remained professional enough to take your role as the lead and make something better of it — it was admirable, not that he'd ever tell you that.

he crossed his arms, leaning back against the wall, his eyes occasionally drifting to the door as he waited, his gaze relaxed. when he heard footsteps at the other end of the corridor, light and unhurried, he turned his head, brow twitching slightly as tsumiki closed the large distance between them, a gentle smile tugging at her lips, holding a file to her chest as he swiped the damp strands of his hair away from his forehead.

she stopped just short of him, glancing down at his feet. he followed her gaze, frowning when she didn't speak.

"what?" he said, defensive.

she pointed at his socks, stained with grass. "you're gonna walk in your house with those?"

megumi shot her a look, half grimacing, half glaring. "no," he snapped, snippy. "i'm gonna take them off at the front door."

she shrugged, holding her pink folder to her chest as she leaned against the same wall he had been leaning against.

"i knew i'd find you here," she said, the fluorescent lights above softening her already-gentle features, casting a warm glow that blended with the late afternoon sunlight filtering through the nearby windows.

megumi grunted in response. it was enough to show that he acknowledged her comment. she understood that well enough.

"what do you need?" he asked her, flinching when a random cymbal crash had sounded from inside the hall. he could bet his two dogs it was because of you. "i'm not doing your stats homework again."

"no, silly," she laughed, nudging his side and relishing in the slight hiss he'd let out — yuji had tackled him hard on the field during practice, driving his weight into megumi's side and slamming him mercilessly against the grass. the impact bit deeper than he'd expected, the sharp sting lingering even an hour later. "i was gonna ask you a question."

"ok."

...

"you're not gonna ask me what it is?"

"you're the one that needs to ask the question here."

"stop acting like aunt maude, megumi," scolded tsumiki, making an attempt to pinch his side. he slapped her hand away, cross and displeased with her playful nature. "anyway," she sighed, apparently having given up on trying to tease him any further than he'd let her, "don't get mad at me when i ask this."

he looked down at her, a feeling that still felt strange. only this past summer had he finally outgrown her, and after spending most of his life looking up to meet her gaze, he still wasn't quite used to the new perspective.

he didn't like the look she was sporting. it was something in between a sensible smile and a mischievous grin.

"don't say anything to make me mad," he shot back, brows furrowed.

tsumiki held her file closer to her chest, like a mother protectively cradling her baby.

"let me say a quick prayer before i ask," she said, meeting his sharp gaze with a small frown. "what? i don't wanna get attacked when i ask."

he scowled. "i'm not gonna atta—"

but she wasn't paying attention, her eyes closed as she cupped her hands and whispered her prayers into it. megumi could have sworn he heard her mutter something along the lines of 'protect me from the evil standing right next to me'. if he hadn't been taught that disrupting a prayer was a form of evil, he would have hit her twice on the head by now, but the last thing he needed to do was prove a point.

once she'd blown into her chest, she faced the wall opposite them with a smile, letting out a small breath.

"that was stupid," he muttered, unimpressed.

"didn't ask," she hummed, before clearing her throat. "are you interested in anyone?"

he was wrong — perhaps she did need that prayer after all.

megumi peered down at her, a brow raised, judging.

his usual sharp composure faltered for a moment as he processed her question. a frown twitched at the edge of his mouth, and his eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to decipher the motive behind her sudden curiosity. this wasn't like her usual teasing — it had an edge of genuine interest that unsettled him in a way he couldn't quite place.

"what the hell?" he demanded, visibly disgusted and audibly confused.

"you're making this bigger than it needs to be," she huffed, bringing a hand up to tuck a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. "it's just as simple as any other question."

"except you've never asked me that before," he retorted, glowering as she shrugged, her eyes tracing the display board, the one with your image on it.

her expression shifted to a thoughtful calm, taking in each photo and flyer pinned neatly on the cork surface, her fingers tapping lightly against the folder she held, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

megumi didn't understand what was so amusing about her question.

it was confusing; it made no sense.

"so?" she prompted, nudging his side for the second time that day; he shrugged her off, annoyed. "is there any girl you like? any girl you think you like?"

"what's it to you?" he interrogated, placing his helmet over his head to block her out of his peripheral vision. maybe if she wasn't being so annoying, he wouldn't have to do that.

she didn't hesitate when she answered him.

"i'm asking because of an event," said tsumiki, and as she spoke, the sound of shuffling had penetrated megumi's thick helmet, entering his ears, prompting him to turn and glance down at her to see what she was doing. from the lines on his helmet, he could see her shuffling through pages in her folder, before eventually pulling out a purple flyer and offering it to him. sceptically and suspiciously, he took it. "'cause i'm organising it, i get vip tickets for friends and family. i wanted to give you one, and if you have anyone in mind, give her one too. but you're being so secretive."

"i'm not being secretive," said megumi, barely reading the flyer's contents. he was sure he wasn't going to go anyway, he never usually did anyway. he handed it back to her, waving it when she wouldn't take it. "i just don't have anyone."

she sniffed, pushing the flyer back towards him. "could've just said that."

"you were being suspicious," he sneered, eyes narrowed as tsumiki shook her head at him, disagreeing. he clicked his tongue, disapproving. "i don't even go to any of the school stuff anyway."

tsumiki raised a brow at him, visibly sceptical.

"what about homecoming?" she suggested, and megumi was thrown back in time to when he'd been struggling to avoid satoru and his 'bonding time' (which was essentially just picking out expensive suits together). "winter formal? spring fling? the spring formal last year?"

he remembered all of those quite well. still, he remained stagnant.

"i only went to those 'cause y/n dragged me to them."

tsumiki reached up and knocked on his helmet. he scowled and harshly moved her hand away, failing once, twice, three times before she finally stopped.

"did y/n hold a gun to your head?" she asked him, watching as he slowly took his helmet off and shook his hair out of his eyes. he was in need of a haircut soon, he thought to himself, reminded of his mom who politely nagged at him every day about it.

"mentally, she did," he commented quietly. he locked gazes with tsumiki and looked away not even a second later. "does."

a flicker of thought crossed megumi's mind. he recalled the multiple times he'd caught glimpses of tsumiki with kamo throughout the day — small moments, brief exchanges, but enough to catch his attention. she'd been smiling, animated even, in a way that felt unusual.

he acted on this prickle of curiosity, brows furrowed.

"are you taking anyone?" he questioned, looking down at the flyer to clarify. "to the... choir?"

tsumiki shook her head, a look of mild frustration pained over her face. "ever since satoru and your dad scared derek off last year, i... i stopped looking."

megumi raised a brow at her, very clearly critical of her hesitant response. "you stopped looking or they stopped approaching you?"

tsumiki's usual warmth seemed dimmed, her kind expression weighed down with a mix of weariness and irritation, brows knitted slightly with a faint line of frustration formed between them as her gaze shifted to the side, avoiding megumi's probing look.

"they stopped approaching me," she admitted with a sigh, but she was smiling, so megumi assumed it wasn't a massive bother.

not when she seemed to be hitting it off with kamo, apparently...

"so why do you keep talking to kamo?" he asked, straightforward and blunt. there was, in his view, no point beating around the bush or sugarcoating it. it would take too long for her to explain and equally longer for him to just get to the point. he did not have the time nor the patience for that.

there was a gentleness in her face, but it looked stretched thin, as if the weight of the question had caught up, stunning her momentarily. her lips parted briefly, like she wanted to explain, but ultimately came to the decision where in the end, she would not.

"wouldn't you like to know?" she settled on saying, her lip curled.

it irritated megumi.

"i don't," he lied, his voice distant and quiet.

"kamo's a nice guy," said tsumiki, as though trying to feed him this information little by little, like a child being monitored with how much candy they consume. "a really nice guy, actually."

megumi did not particularly agree with this, but he was not going to communicate that with tsumiki, not when she seemed so starstruck by him. megumi didn't even think she felt this strongly about derek carter from the basketball team; it rubbed him the wrong way, knowing that he might have to see one of his football teammates — other than yuji — turn up to dinner at satoru's every once in a while on fridays.

even so, he didn't necessarily believe kamo to be a bad guy.

he was decent: megumi respected his ability to never indulge in gossip as well as the company he always chose to keep — except for todo, that was something he silently critiqued.

but kamo and tsumiki...?

odd pairing, he thought to himself.

"he can hold a conversation better than i thought he could," tsumiki added thoughtfully, slightly nodding to herself as she spoke. "and... he's considerate."

megumi averted his gaze back to the display board, now uninterested.

"will i be seeing him around more?" he asked her without actually looking at her properly. he wasn't in support of this odd pairing, but if tsumiki genuinely liked noritoshi kamo, he wasn't going to actively try and prevent them from happening.

that did not, however, mean he couldn't silently judge them in his head.

and perhaps verbally with nobara, too, since she did feel quite strongly about his teammate ("he acts like he doesn't care about anything, with that 'i don't care' attitude, but look at his face! he's trying too hard, so he definitely does!").

"possibly," said tsumiki, smiling gracefully.

as the muffled sound of voices grew louder, both tsumiki and megumi instinctively turned their heads towards the theatre hall doors, where a steady flow of students began spilling into the corridor. the doors swung open, and megumi's gaze sharpened as he and tsumiki lightly searched the crowd, his eyes moving over familiar faces until they landed on you, standing and walking amidst your classmates.

you approached the two with a smile.

"ooh, tsumiki, you walking home with us?" you asked brightly, adjusting the strap of your bag as you shoved your papers inside. judging from the format of the text, megumi assumed it was a script for another play.

"mamaguro invited me over for dinner," she explained casually, "but she said absence isn't an option, so..."

"ugh, i'm jealous," you frowned, gesturing to your bag to clarify what you meant. "i want to come over too but i have a script to memorise by next week, and i need help with the pre-calc homework kento gave us today."

tsumiki's eyes darted between you and megumi, her lips pursed as though she had been missing something significant.

"megumi's... not able to help you with that?" she asked, her voice an octave higher with apparent confusion.

you raised your brows. "no, he can."

megumi aided you. "i just won't."

tsumiki's head tilted ever so slightly, and a faint crease appeared on her forehead, the kind she only got when she was trying to piece together a particularly baffling puzzle. her lips then parted as if to ask something, but she hesitated, scanning megumi's indifferent expression and your casual one with a slow shake of her head.

"i'm not gonna ask," she settled on saying, before you noticed the flyer in megumi's hand.

leaning in closer, you scanned the leaflet's front, eyebrows lifting in genuine surprise. the fact that megumi of all people was holding onto one left you momentarily speechless, lips parted as you took in the big, bold text, still a little stunned.

"what's that?" you asked, barely waiting for an answer before reading it aloud. "'choir day: join us and learn the trombone' ... you're actually going to that?"

"no," hestated, looking down and shaking the flyer at tsumiki as though he'd forgotten that he had been holding it. "i'd even pick your stupid plays over some choir show here."

you nudged him with your foot, not hard enough to hurt him, but enough to remind him of who he was speaking to.

"they're not stupid, they're fun," you corrected him with a scowl, pleased when he stepped away from you and threw you a light, warning glare.

tsumiki clicked her fingers at him, making him turn his head and his attention over to her, attentive, like a dog.

"and you're sure you're not taking anyone?" she'd said, brows raised as she opened her folder and tapped at a sheet of paper in it.

you perked up, nonplussed. "you're taking someone?"

"no," he snapped, turning to tsumiki again with a glare. the three of you had started walking out of the hallway now, making your way to the exit. "i told you, i'm not into any girls."

tsumiki, placed in between the two of you, nodded thoughtfully. "ah, so you swing the other way?"

without hesitation, megumi gave her a firm shove, sending her stumbling sidewards — right into you.

"don't be stupid," he'd said over your loud protests, planting his feet firmly onto the ground as tsumiki stood behind him, regaining her balance.

"no, tsumiki, he likes princess jasmine," you told her over his shoulder, watching her enthusiastically nod in agreement.

"i don't —"

"that's why little you's cheeks turned red when her outer robe fell off —" you teased as you walked right up to him, prepared to attack because of his careless shove against tsumiki. 

but he was one step ahead of you.

just as you moved to strike, he planted the helmet on your head and delivered a solid smack to its top. the sound reverberated around you, ringing in your ears, while a dull ache radiated from the point of impact.

your brain had too much fog to focus on what he was now doing to tsumiki. all you could see, through several hard blinks and the stupid face mask lines, was megumi's back, which meant that he was now towering over tsumiki and launching a range of attacks.

you had an idea:

bending over, his helmet now in line with his behind, you charged forward like an angry bull, your head colliding with his back (a stiff one, you had to mention) repeatedly.

"what the—" you heard him grunt.

you couldn't see it, but he was looking down at you from over his shoulder, confused and inwardly concerned with your choice of attack.

it did hurt though, so he'd have to put a stop to it anyway, and that would've been easy to do if tsumiki wasn't now tugging on his hair and stomping on his foot.

from the far end of the hallway, a teacher spotted the scuffle and rushed forward, his expression quickly shifting from irritation to outright disbelief. apparently, he'd first assumed it was a classic tussle between a group of rowdy boys; the vigorous shoving, stomping, and grunts gave that impression from a distance, but as he got closer, he had blinked in surprise, recognising that the three of you involved were a pair of girls and only one boy.

"right, just... walk home safely, you three," he'd said, eyeing megumi's creased jersey and dishevelled hair with a grimace. when his eyes darted to you, the helmet still on your head, he nodded. "bye... y/n."

"no i'm megumi, can't you tell —"

"let's go," megumi grumbled, gripping onto your elbow and tugging you forward with a little more force than necessary.

you shoved him off and walked beside tsumiki again.

the rest of the journey home was filled with collective bullying, laughter, and a disgruntled megumi who vowed to keep you and tsumiki away from each other at all costs. you were rubbing off on her and he didn't like it.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・

bonus scene:

toji shoved satoru off of him once the door had been kicked shut behind him, his chest puffed out in an attempt to appear more intimidating, but he knew the childish man wouldn't flinch even if he bit at him.

"you touch me again and you're gonna end up in a hospital bed you white haired —"

"shut up," satoru groaned, his words drawn out in apparent exhaustion.

toji did not like this demand, parting his lips to say something — no doubt some sort of threat — but satoru had been quicker: for the first time since toji's known him, he was jumping straight to the point.

"look, i don't like you, and you don't like me —"

"incorrect," said toji, arms folded over his chest, though his fists were still clenched where they rested on each side of his waist.

satoru grimaced.

that look — staring back at him with one side of his upper lip lifted, his brows raised and contorted, his nose scrunched. toji wanted nothing more than to punch it right off, a clean swipe.

however, it seemed that he didn't have to, for his face had shifted into one he recognised even better...

the cocky one.

he hated that one even more.

"see, i'm flattered, fushiguro," he began, grinning as toji's nails cut right into each of his palms, leaving half moon crescent marks behind, "really, i am, but i have a wife —"

toji's nostrils flared dangerously.

"shut-the-fuck-up-before-i-shove-my-fist-in-your-fucking-mouth-you-cocky-fucking-bastard —"

satoru raised his hands in mock surrender.

"woah there buddy —"

"you got it fucking twisted," snapped toji, stepping up to the other male with a menacing glare. "i hate your guts. i wouldn't spit on you if you were on fire — and even now, i wanna squash you where you stand, like a bug. consider yourself lucky my wife likes you —"

"i am not the enemy here!" satoru interrupted him loudly.

without breaking eye contact with the enraged, bulky man before him, he pointed at the door behind him where laughter and chatter sounded from members of the gathering.

"we have a common enemy out there. and just this once... aside from the time the serial-hump-er was out for us men... i offer a truce to get rid of the brat."

derek carter was, by all outward appearances, exactly the kind of guy most people would be thrilled to see with someone like tsumiki. he was relentlessly polite, with a clean-cut look and a warm, ready smile that seemed designed to put parents at ease. always prepared, he carried her books without needing to be asked, laughed at all the right moments, and brought flowers to meet the family — not that toji or satoru could find anything wrong with him, on paper.

and maybe that was the problem.

he was too perfect.

perfectly timed smiles, perfect grades, perfect compliments... to toji and satoru, he seemed like he was performing rather than being genuine, and that subtle insincerity — whether real or perceived — set them both on edge. neither of them bought it, and both of them, despite their very obvious differences, couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't quite what he appeared to be.

toji's defensive posture shifted, shoulders loosening as satoru's offer had started to sink in. his glare had softened, the tension in his clenched fists releasing as he glanced from satoru to the closed door behind him, where derek's too-perfect laughter rang out.

for a moment, toji just scowled at the ground, processing, and satoru had assumed he had lost the deal, that they would not be able to collectively get rid of the perfect brat of a date that tsumiki had brought out. but then, toji looked up again, and gave him a quick, almost reluctant nod.

satoru gave him a toothy grin, which was not returned.

"what did you have in mind?" toji began, his voice gruff with obvious reluctance.

"hate to say it, but i'm gonna have to be the brains behind this," said satoru, sounding all too pleased with himself.

if toji hadn't been so pissed with the sight of that carter kid, he might have actually spent time being suspicious with the white-haired freak. what if he was setting him up again? it certainly wouldn't have been the first time...

"believe me, i'd love to be in on the action too," he continued, still smiling that dopy smile, "but i'm a teacher at the high school. got a rep to keep up. and... i could lose my job, obviously..." he glanced at toji with a small, cheeky grin. "you wouldn't be able to relate —"

"— get to the fucking point —"

"— all right."

the plan had been made, enacted, and even altered slightly during it.

the chaos that followed was a carefully orchestrated disaster. satoru's brilliant plan had required toji to bring back a bothersome personality trait he had put at rest from meeting his wife onwards, turning an already uncomfortable event into a whirlwind.

plates clattered, chairs tipped, and the silverware clinked at the most inopportune moments, all while derek had tried to keep his composure, only to grow more visibly unnerved as the night went on. between satoru's subtle, deadpan remarks that derek barely caught, and toji's unexpected, pointed comments that cut through any remaining calm, derek found himself squirming, second-guessing every word. and when toji made a point of 'accidentally' standing too close, arms crossed, looming like a silent bouncer, that had been the final straw.

tsumiki's date excused himself with a pale face, disappearing through the door as fast as he could without actually running.

in turn, tsumiki had not spoken to either of them again for a whole, entire week.

at least the brat was gone without any legal reinforcements.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・

previous chapter :)

next chapter :)

notes: i hope you enjoyed this chapter (congrats again reinaswrldddd) my wifeee 🎀💓 i hope it pleases you, i hope you become rich and rule the world (gonna need it after trump’s win 😐). you’re the best and ily (did you guys know that she’s my wife? 😱❤️‍🔥)

taglist (send an ask or comment to be added):

@1l-ynn @shaigimo @shuupiu @nappingnai @xbarrjallenx @reinaswrld @anintrovertedechoe @momoewn @polarbvnny @lailuv21 @cherriee-ee @hfuensiekabhsufnd @k0z3me @laughingfcx @jelly-fsh @anonymity-222 @blubearxy @jamypam

© tojiscrack (previously ack4rwoman)

if you enjoyed my writing, i’d really appreciate it if you tipped me — tumblr no longer has the tip function, so maybe here in my tip jar :)

i do not own any of the characters of jjk, i only own the character of y/n and her mother. the other characters belong to gege akutami.

[butterflybuckethat]

Stranger Places ✶ Part II

Part I - 🦋 Masterlist 🦋

Notes: Carmen Berzatto x Fem!Reader; Carmy finds you drunk in the bathroom of The Bear. (1.6k words)

Warnings: Slow burn

You cupped your hands against the glass windows of The Bear. This felt like a never-ending nightmare, as if Dante’s Inferno was set in Chicago, as if the sky had fallen and you were the only one still trapped on Earth. It took all of twenty minutes after you left last night to discover that you had lost your watch, but you couldn’t go back, not when you knew he was still there. You figured now, at 6:30am, was a reasonable time not to run into him.

The restaurant was spotless, no trace of the confetti or glitter you had attempted to dodge on your way out, and completely empty. If you had left literally anything else you owned you probably would have abandoned it but of course it had to be your watch, your most prized possession. So you went around back.

Sleepless nights were not uncommon for Carmy; plagued with recurring nightmares, the exhaustion often felt more tolerable. This was not the reason he didn’t go home last night. He couldn’t get you out of his head. 

He really didn’t know anything about you, not anything he could use to find you. Except for that name, Milly. 

As morally questionable as the White Pages are, they did prove useful. It turned out that there were very few Milly’s in the Chicago area under the age of 80; two, in fact. “Are you still there?” This was one.

“Yeah, yeah. Sorry,” he said, juggling the duct taped landline and his pack of smokes. He had already been stuck in this conversation for fifteen minutes. He didn’t mind listening to her story, he had disrupted her morning after all; that is, until it turned into a pitch for Mary Kay. “I’m not really into makeup.”

“That’s alright sweetie. It has nothing to do with that.”

You froze as you rounded the corner to the back alley, there he was. You watched as he spoke into the phone, lit cigarette in his mouth. Even with the bags under his eyes and mussed hair, he looked great. You could always come back, you supposed, but there was something that pulled you toward him. A sense of familiarity, of attraction.

He nearly dropped the phone when he saw you, barely catching it as his posture straightened. You looked so different from last night in jeans and an oversized sweater. You were beautiful and fresh faced and Carmen felt a strange relief wash over him. You greeted him with a wave and a tight-lipped smile. 

“I didn’t think I would see you again,” he said.

“I lost my watch.” You held up your empty wrist as proof, sleeve pooling at your elbow, and he gestured for you to come inside. “You can finish your phone call.” It took him a second to understand what you meant.

“Oh shit!” A burst of laughter spilled from your lips and it swelled in his chest. “I gotta go,” he spoke into the phone and hung up without waiting for a response.

Carmen ignored the guilt he felt on his hands and knees as he “helped” you search for the watch, acting as if he hadn’t meticulously cleaned every inch of The Bear just a few hours earlier. The watch wasn’t there and he was stalling your journey towards finding it but he just needed more before he could officially let you go. He wanted answers, he told himself, to the convoluted mystery you seemed to be at the center of. That was all.

“I still don’t know your name.”

“Why do you need to know it?” 

His curiosity overrode your curt response, “I figure we’re trauma bonded now.”

“I traumatized you?” 

“Well, you certainly made an impression,” he teased, emboldened by the upward twitch of your lips.

You told him your name and he knew he would never forget it. 

You weren’t sure how he convinced you to stay for breakfast. Somewhere between his goofy smile and a twirl of your hair, you agreed. 

You could hear the steady chop of Carmen’s knife as you went to search the restroom. You hesitated at the threshold, dread flooding your system. 

 “Where did you get the name Milly from?” you asked, honestly just looking for a distraction. 

“It was the name your reservation was under.” You jumped, not realizing he was behind you. He must have noticed your apprehension because he wrapped his hand around the crook of your elbow, leading you away. “Your watch isn’t in there,” he confessed, explaining the nightly cleanings. “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I didn’t tell you sooner…” You analyzed his face, looking for anything malicious or dishonest, but found nothing but open sincerity. “I just- I just didn’t want you to leave yet.” 

Carmy, suddenly feeling very much like an open wound, went to check his quiche. He was almost hoping for a disaster, anything to distract from what a fool he’s been, but it was perfect. “I actually might have found Milly’s number, though!” He couldn’t help himself, grabbing the home phone from where he left it, he peeled up the post-it with the second name, Milly Walker, and began dialing. He could fix this for you. You might not find the watch, but at least he could give you some answers. The phone rang in his ear and he offered you a soft smile, putting it on speaker. 

You were growing increasingly nervous. There was something you weren’t saying. Ring! Ring! It wasn’t that you didn’t trust Carmen because, weirdly enough, you did. It’s just, you left all this behind. Ring! Ring! You could practically hear your therapist's voice asking why you even went out with Mark if that were true. Ring! Ring! Your lips parted. Ring! Ring! “I actually know who she is, Milly.”

“Hello?” You lunged at Carmen, trying to get the phone. You both fell, landline skittering away, batteries popped and rolling in opposite directions. 

“Do you think it hung up?” you whispered. 

“Yeah, I would say so.” His laugh was low and breathy. Butterflies bloomed in your chest at the realization of his proximity. “You’re beautiful,” he said. 

You tentatively touched his chin, trailing your fingers up his jaw. This was all so fast and way too good to be true. “You know nothing about me.”

“I don’t need to.” His voice was hoarse, eyes locked on your lips. You leaned in, prepared to set aside all your hurt and pain for just this one moment, and—

Ring! Ring!

You jumped, startled, away from Carmen and onto the linoleum floor. You stared at the phone, batteries still removed. “It’s alive.”

“We have another one,” Carmen said, amused, helping you stand. You followed him to the second phone, further into the kitchen, next to a bunch a hanging printouts of pastries and movie stills and more. 

You watched Carmen adjust his clothes and his hair as if the person on the other end of the line was going to see him. You giggled, only a little, and he gave you a sheepish smile in return. You didn’t really date anymore, not really, not since Mark. It was just too difficult, the awkward first dates, one night stands that never turned into more, the managing of trust issues… So you decided, no more dating just to date. If you wanted to be with someone then that was who you would be with—that was almost a year and a half ago and no one seemed worthy. But maybe Carmen was. 

Carmy picked up the phone, completely unable to tear his eyes from you. He still couldn’t believe you came back that morning, like that was a sign or something—not that he believed in things like that.

“The Bear. This is Carmen.”

“Ugh, thank god you called back.”

“Is something burning?” You whispered. Carmy furrowed his brows. The quiche!

“I’m sorry, who is this?” He was distracted, rushing to pull his slightly charred quiche Lorraine out of the oven. He covered the receiver, trying to mask your laughter. 

“I spoke to Natalie a couple weeks ago about catering my wedding rehearsal?”

What the hell? Since when did they do  catering? He poked you in the side before running to grab a pen and pad.

“My fiancé loved the pasta course so we were thinking that that could be the main focus, like elevated comfort food.”

“Okay, I made a note of that and will call back to confirm.” He was not going to agree to shit until he talked to Sugar. 

“Oh, don’t you want the date?”

“Uh sure, yeah.”

“It’s in two weeks, on Saturday.”

“And what’s your name?”

“Milly Walker.”

[the-literary-legacy]

can you write about Johnny Mactavish who has a crush on reader, but is a bit shy?

--------------X Marks the Spot--------------

"You're gonna love it," Soap said, his voice filled with excitement as he held out a piece of paper to you. His eyes, a piercing shade of blue, searched yours for any sign of curiosity. "What's this?" you asked, taking the note from his hand. It felt warm as if his anticipation had seeped into the very fibers of the paper.

Unfolding it, you saw a hastily drawn map, the kind you might find in a chilli's treasure hunt. It had squiggly lines that represented paths through the base, leading to a spot marked with a large "X". The edges were slightly crumpled, as if he had handled it a hundred times, trying to perfect the route. "It's a surprise, he said with a boyish grin, his dimples deepening. "But you gotta promise not to tell anyone."

Curiosity piqued, you nodded. "Alright, Soap, you've got my word." He looked relieved, his shoulders dropping slightly as he let out a silent sigh. Little did you know he had been planning this for a while, his shyness making it difficult to approach you directly.

The day of the surprise arrived, and Soap was a bundle of nerves. His hands shook slightly as he handed you the map. "You ready?" he asked, his voice betraying his excitement. The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the military base. You could feel the anticipation in the air, the kind that comes before a mission briefing but is laced with a hint of something more personal.

You nodded, and together you set off on the journey he had meticulously crafted. The paths he had drawn on the map led you through areas of the base that were familiar but seen through a new lens—as if the very air held a secret only the two of you were privy to. You walked side by side, the sound of your boots echoing in rhythm with the pounding of your hearts. Soap pointed out landmarks with a sense of pride, explaining the history behind each one. His passion for the place was palpable, and it was hard not to be drawn in.

As you approached the spot marked with an "X," you began to hear faint music. It grew louder with each step, and by the time you arrived, it was clear that Soap had set up a small, private area. A portable speaker played a playlist of your favorite songs, a picnic basket sat open with food that smelled heavenly, and there was a cozy blanket spread out on the ground. He had thought of everything, down to the small bouquet of wildflowers he had picked from the field outside the base. The sight brought a smile to your lips and a warmth to your chest.

"This is… this is amazing, Johnny," you said, looking around in awe. He blushed when his name slipped from your lips, ducking his head slightly. "It's nothing really, just wanted to do something nice for you."

The picnic was more than just nice; it was a declaration. You felt your heart race as you took in the effort he had put into making this moment perfect. You sat down on the blanket, and he followed, his eyes never leaving yours. He handed you a sandwich, and you took a bite, the flavors exploding in your mouth. "This is delicious," you said, genuinely surprised. "Did you make it?"

Soap nodded, a proud smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I figured if I was going to do this, I had to do it right." You laughed, your eyes sparkling with affection. The conversation flowed easily, the tension between you two slowly dissipating as the music played on. He talked about his childhood in Scotland, the games he used to play, and the first time he held a gun. It was a side of him you hadn't seen before, vulnerable and open.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky with oranges and pinks, Soap took a deep breath. His hand hovered over yours, and he finally spoke the words that had been on his mind. "I know I'm not much to look at, and I'm sure you've got plenty of guys back home, but I just had to tell you… I've had a crush on you for a while now." His voice was soft, almost a whisper, as if the words had been fighting to escape for so long that they had lost their strength.

You felt your cheeks heat up, a mix of surprise and sweetness flooding your chest. You had noticed the way he always made an extra effort when you were around, the lingering glances, and the gentle teasing that was a hallmark of his friendship. But you had never expected this. You took a moment, looking into his eyes, trying to find the right words. "Johnny," you began, "you're more than just a good-looking guy with a knack for sandwiches." You saw his eyes widen slightly, hope flickering. "You're one of the bravest and kindest people I know."

He swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down. "Does that mean… you don't hate me for it?" The vulnerability in his question was palpable, and you reached out to squeeze his hand. "No, I don't hate you. I just…" You paused, trying to gather your thoughts. "I just didn't know."

Soap nodded, his eyes never leaving yours. "I know it's weird, me being all shy about it. But I didn't want to mess up what we have." He took a deep breath, the air around you thick with unspoken emotions. "You're important to me, and I didn't want to risk losing your friendship."

You took a moment to digest his confession, the warmth of his hand still in yours. The sun had set, leaving only the glow of the moon and the twinkle of distant stars to illuminate the quiet spot he had chosen. It was peaceful here, a stark contrast to the chaos of the war zone you both called home. "Johnny," you said softly, "you don't have to worry about that."

He looked up at you, hope etched into the lines of his face. "What do you mean?"

You leaned in, your eyes meeting his. "I mean, Johnny, I think I might have feelings for you too." The confession was as surprising to you as it was to him. His hand tightened around yours, and you felt your heart race faster.

For a moment, there was silence, the only sound the distant hum of the base's machinery and the soft rustle of the wind through the grass. Then, Soap spoke, his voice barely a murmur. "Really?" His eyes searched yours, looking for any sign of doubt or teasing.

You nodded, your pulse racing. "Really." You could see the relief wash over him, his shoulders relaxing as a gentle smile spread across his face. The air between you was charged with something new, a connection that went beyond friendship.

Soap leaned in, his eyes never leaving yours, and kissed you softly. The touch was tentative as if he was afraid that if he pushed too hard, you might vanish like a mirage. But you were real, and you kissed him back, the warmth of his lips sending a jolt of electricity through your body. The world around you faded away, and all that existed were the two of you in that secluded corner of the base.

Thank you for reading this! unfortunately, this will be one of the longer one-shots.

If you have any one-shot suggestions, let me know!

Very short tag list for my boo <3

@butterballspecial

[lightlycareless]

Pussy inspection with Naoya 😫😫😍

Before going to his mission he tells us to not touch ourselves and when he comes back, he makes sure that we listened to him🤭

And if we didn’t…

It’s up to you to decide 🤓

( you don’t have to write it , don’t force yourself please 😭)

Heya anon 😏

well damn now that is something that... yeah wow. I'm not gonna lie and say that isn't something Naoya wouldn't do lol he's 10000% in it. You might encourage him to it too—y'all perverts like that.

Although with what happens after not so much 🤭

warnings: NSFW minors DNI. Smut. Naoya is a pervert, the ask is self explanatory.

Happy reading!

There are no words exchanged between the two when Naoya eventually makes his long-awaited return home, already knowing what he’ll demand of you by simply guiding him to your shared bedroom, laying down onto the futon, legs wide open and void of any underwear, which gave him enough space to fill in.

Once ready, he begins to corroborate if you’ve kept your part of the agreement the two struck before his departure, the same one he kept in his mind throughout the longevity of his tedious mission.

Reunions with him weren’t always like this.

This… meticulous.

If anything, both you and Naoya were far too eager to be back in each other’s presence to bother doing anything else.

But there were moments where your husband simply desired to do something more, perhaps take advantage of your seemingly endless devotion to him and get his fair share of fun with it, make this marriage slightly more exciting, and thankfully for him, that’s exactly what’ll happen—much to your dismay.

Your breath shudders when his fingers finally make way to your slit, thumbs gently pressing at the edges of your lips and spreading them apart, giving him sight of the lovely pink color that has made him mad with pleasure countless times.

Alongside the sensitive bud he’s teased far more times he could bother to remember, diligently pushing you over the edge time after time, yet always leaving you wanting more.

The purpose behind his search was to find any indications that you might’ve gone against his word, the slightest hint that your desire was bigger than self-restraint, unable to keep your hands to yourself while he came back from his mission and tainted it.

But from what he was able to see, you hadn’t. Dutifully keeping your pleasure solely for him as seen in your seemingly untouched cunt; soft, shaved, and well-trimmed, just like he liked it. Alongside the warm tightness of your walls as he pushed his fingers past your dampened rim, scissoring them as if to check there wasn’t anything different, anything wrong he might need to correct.

His cock twitched at the thought of being enveloped in your cozy walls, God knows how much he missed the way you squeezed him.

Yet, you’d be greatly underestimating his attentiveness by believing that appeasing to him through the things he enjoyed was enough to save you, which is what ultimately sentenced your fate, gaining you his rejection in the way he pulls away from you with a dejected face instead of giving you the praise you so desperately craved, the sourest of emotions inundating your chest soon after.

“Naoya—” you whine, quickly reaching out for Naoya, only for him to swat you away. “Naoya, my love—!”

“You think I wouldn’t notice that you went against my word?” he hisses, as if you’d done the greatest transgression yet against him. And to him, it might’ve been.

“I—I didn’t!” you gasp, moving closer to him to the point where he was just mere inches away. “I would never!”

“Don’t lie to me! Not when I know the truth.”

When he uses that tone, alongside the fact that he indeed knew the truth, you quickly understood there was nothing else to fight for, nothing else to do, except…

“How... how did you know?”

Simply because he knows you so well.

He rightfully assumed something was wrong the moment you saw him back at the estate, in the subtle manner you lacked to show the eagerness you always did when receiving him after a week’s long mission.

The absence of your pouty lips and flustered cheeks as you repeatedly told him how much you missed him and making up for all those nights he spent away.

And if that wasn’t evidence enough, the intimate details of your reaction were also there to consider—such as the way your cunt didn’t twitch when spreading it. You didn’t curl your toes, you didn’t hold your breath, your hips didn’t even lean into his touch as he prodded you.

It was plain obvious that your body wasn’t responding to him because those needs were already met, by you nonetheless.

And how endearing it was for you to believe you had fooled him, behaving like an innocent little dove in hopes he’ll oversee your mistakes.

But he knew you; he knew you better than yourself; and thus, it only took him one quick glance to see through your lies and call out the truth.

However, just as he knew you, down to the smallest aspects, you knew him as well, enough to understand that the anger in his eyes and the avoidance of his touch wasn’t real but rather, an act made to further arise a response from you.

Because Naoya would never dream of doing something that might hurt you. You are the love of his life, after all.

That wouldn’t stop him from being cruel from time to time, though.

“I— I didn’t mean to!” you cried, tightly holding onto his arm and pulling him closer to you. “It’s just that I… I missed you so much, I couldn’t help it! What was I supposed to do while you were gone??”

“Wait for me, like the good girl you swore to be.” Naoya darkly murmurs. “But it seems I underestimated your lascivious nature.”

“I am a good girl!” you persist. “Please, I’m sorry, Naoya, I won’t do it again!”

“It’s too late for that, Y/N. I don’t know if I can trust you again…” he smirks. “Unless you prove to me that I can.”

Whether this was the real purpose of his reaction, or something that later came to him that day, it didn’t matter, because you’d neither hesitate to do so, or at least try to— for your commitment to regain his embracing devotion was stronger than any ulterior motive:

From tending to him first thing in the morning by preparing his favorite meals, with the perfect temperature and seasoning, just how he liked it, having his clothes warmed up and pristine, so he’d look good as he always did…

Or if needed, a warm bath to ease his tensions, mind fuzzy and muscles relaxed as your body and the water washed all worries away, keeping him solely focused on you and the pleasures you could provide if only he’d been willing to oblige…

Yet, as much as you did your best, it wasn’t enough for Naoya, who opted to keep you at bay in favor of getting more of your adorable behavior, acting like an eager bunny by giving him those soft, pleading eyes of yours to incite him into rewarding you for your misbehavior.

To receive, if just the slightest brush of his fingertips against your cunt and leave all this behind.

But did you really think that by doing what you were meant to do anyways, you’ll achieve that?

That he’ll be able to look past your neediness, your incapability to not touch yourself, behaving like some kind of insatiable whore that couldn’t look past her own satisfaction, ignoring her husband’s simple request and tossing away a lifetime of pleasure for a mere instance?

No. Of course not.

He’s not going to pass by the opportunity to remind you that as much as he loves you, there are things that must remain undeniably true, such as the fact that every inch of you, every crevice, curve, down to parts you hadn’t even seen yourself—

All belonged to him.

So, you’d do good in continuing to please him, from upkeeping his role as heir to the eyes of others, portraying a sight of duty and respect before the clan— to whore in the calmest hours of the night, where he’d use your body for his own release, marking you with his seed yet cruelly denying you release…

 You were born to be his.

And by the end of his torment, you’d remember well.

Naoya be like: you have to make me cum 3 times and then i'll touch your pussy.

y/n: *does it*

naoya: *asleep*

y/n: DAMMIT

😏 that's kinda hot tho. he won't like it if the tables turn tho hahaha

Anyways, thank you for sending in this ask!! 😏 Naoya has some specific kinks, and I 100% believe this was one of them. Thankfully, I have something written for the bath part... (planned, more likely. I haven't written it lol)

I hope you enjoyed it!!

Thank you so much for your patience, take care, and hope to see you soon!!

[meluiloth]

For @silmarillionepistolary day 7, Remembrance and New Beginnings! Artwork at the bottom.

Night has fallen. The lamps have been turned low, the house cleaned, the bedtime routine completed; all Maglor and Maedhros have left to do is tuck the twins and read them their customary story.

They look so small wrapped in the red wool blankets, like two little birds in a crimson nest. They are quiet, too, waiting patiently for Maglor to ask his routine question: “Now, what story would you like tonight? Or would you rather hear a song?”

“I want the one about the Sun and the Moon!” Elros pipes up, scrunching the blanket in his hands eagerly.

Maglor smiles. “Is that what you want as well, Elrond?”

Elrond, the quieter twin, looks bashfully down before murmuring, “I’d like to see the picture book…”

Maglor shares a confused look with Maedhros. They did not own any picture books. “What do you mean?” Maedhros asks.

Elrond tips his head. “The one in your study,” he says. “It’s got gold string around it and lots of pictures on every page.”

Maedhros frowns. “You know you are forbidden from entering my study,” he reproaches.

Elrond bites his lip. “Yes, I know … I just saw the pictures and thought they were pretty.”

Maglor sees the telltale signs of a lecture in Maedhros’s expression, so he swiftly says, “Perhaps we can excuse it this once, if you promise to ask before you touch our things.”

Both Elrond and Elros nod emphatically, and Maglor leaves the room to search for the ‘picture book’ in his brother’s study, which is packed with volumes, scrolls, and papers. Maglor thinks it will take him forever to find the book Elrond described, if it exists at all, but surprisingly he easily locates it in the first bookshelf: a worn book of red leather, tied with a fading gold ribbon. It is familiar to him, but he cannot recollect why until he brings it back into the twins’ room. Maedhros’s eyes widen when he sees it. “Grandfather’s sketchbook? I thought that was lost ages ago!”

“It was in a box in the back,” Elrond supplies.

Maglor looks down at it, a stab of nostalgia and old grief passing through him. “I thought we never even brought it,” he murmurs.

“Can we read it?” Elros asks, leaning forward curiously.

Maedhros frowns, his reluctance clear. There are many memories neither of them want to relive, the life and death of their grandfather among the most heartbreaking. But many of the memories Finwë recorded in his beloved sketchbook were his happiest, from both his life and the rest of his family’s. And the two young children looking up at Maglor are also Finwë’s family … and he wants to share something of his life that is not just the blood on his hands.

The spine of the book cracks softly as he opens it, and the yellowed paper releases a small puff of dust, but the artwork on the inside is still as lovely and life-filled as the day he penned them.

Maglor explains each piece as he showed it to the twins, and lets them look as long as they like. Even Maedhros sometimes asks him to wait a little longer on certain pages, the heavy, dark look in his eyes brightening when he remembers his childhood in Valinor.

It is well past midnight by the time they reach the last pages, and all of them are surprised to see that they are all in full color, when all the previous pages have been only graphite sketches.

“Who are they?” Elros breathes, tracing his finger delicately over the meticulously painted faces.

Maglor swallows, his throat and his eyes clogged with tears. His brother, too, is at a loss for words.

“It’s them,” Elrond says, looking up at the Fëanorians and then back down at thd drawings. “Maglor and Maedhros are right there … but Maedhros looks different …”

It was true. Maglor and Maedhros, along with all of their brothers - still alive and smiling radiantly - and their parents. On the other pages, their cousins and uncles and aunts, before any of them had suffered the horrors of Morgoth.

“That is us,” Maedhros murmurs. “That was us then. We were so happy..."

“What was it like … then?” Elros ventures.

Maglor smiles. “I will tell you.”

“Tomorrow night,” Maedhros interrupts. “It is very late, and if you are to understand a word we say, you must be well-rested.”

[stolasdearest]

Hello! Just wanted to pop in and say I love you’re writing it’s so amazing! You capture the characters perfectly in every piece of your writing!

Can I also request more of the Rosie x Reader x Alastor? Maybe Reader pops by when they are busy with their overlord duties to check in on them and give them a little gift? If that’s not too much to ask! Hope you have a good day!

Alastor x Reader x Rosie ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥

ׂׂૢ pairing : Alastor x Reader x Rosie

ׂׂૢ cw : not Proofread

ׂׂૢ reader is gender neutral

𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. . .

Pacing around in your own office you Sauntered from side to side; you did everything you needed done the day before so what will you do today? You meticulously planned your week in advance but happened to fall into a working haze last night and finished everything so now you stood around like a wet sock with no clue what to do however the knowledge of your two partners being extremely busy today came into your head as you immediately set out to find them, having known before hand where they'd be most of today.

So you hastily rushed to hurry over to the building; getting quickly stopped by a particular store Alastor and Rosie both had said they enjoyed a few things from but nonetheless complained they had no time to get the items that had caught their wanting eyes so you wandered into the bougie looking store and searched around for the items they had mentioned to you; as you fiddled around with the items you looked at a few colors before picking up what you decided they'd likely enjoy most; you brought the Cashier and owner the deep red bowtie you picked for Alastor and a golden pendant with a beautiful red stone in it. The store owner waved you goodbye as you passed through the city streets to your destination, upon arriving it seemed Alastor and Rosie were already on their way out and your pace instinctively quickened, a small smile creeping it's way to your lips seeing Alastor wave at you and Rosie soon following suit.

Rosie embraced your form into hers before twirling you around as she laughed and squealed about how she missed you and how it's great to see you, she finally put you down and stepped back; clearing her throat and brushing off dust on her dress along with adjusting her hat; your gaze shifted when you saw Alastors sharp claw gently grab your wrist that held the back; recognizing the logo and giving you a look; oh how he hated you spending money on him..now what did you get him? His eyes narrowed at you before straightening back out

"I'd like to assume that's for us, my dear?"

You quickly shook your head and held it out for them, nodding quietly while Rosie started gushing over how sweet you are to get them something while Alastor quickly snagged the back and peaked inside, pulling out what was inside Rosie almost screeched in excitement as she snatched the pendant from the Deerish demon who only blinked at her a few times as she started jumping around you, telling you to put it on her; you sighed and started to clip it around her neck as she shivered and giggled at your freezing hands before turning around and showing you and Alastor very proudly; so as you looked at Alastor he already wore the new bowtie also very proudly puffing out his chest

They seem to love it, almost as much as they love you and now they are dragging you along to spend the rest of the day with them.

Authors note : AAAAAA THIS TOOK SO LONGGGGGGGGGGGGG IM SO SORRRYYYYYYY

Taglist : @k1y0yo @ihavetoomanyfictionalcrushes @anni1600 @d0nutsaur

[glaxelilly]

Nsfw headcannons for welt, loucha and svarog(seperetly) but the fem reader is a inexperienced virgin? Sub reader pls

Maybe it’s their wedding night

I decided to make it a multi😭😭

How they would treat virginfem!reader on their wedding night — Welt, Luocha, Svarog

Welt Yang

You told him from the beginning that you were a virgin not wanting it to be a problem

When you told him he kissed you and said that he wanted to wait until he got to marry you until he got to be with you completely

So that’s what the two of you did

And when he finally gave you his last name and made you the happiest woman ever

That same night he made you his in the only way that was left

Welt was gentle and sweet, making sure you felt comfortable and good the whole time

He almost lost it though when he first slid inside of you, but he quickly came back to himself when you hissed in pain

When you guys were done, he made sure to clean you up with care before himself

And then he would down next to you, pulling you close and asking you questions about it, making sure you liked it

Luocha

You don’t tell him you’re a virgin for awhile

It actually comes out in a panic during a heated make-out session

He asks you why you didn’t tell him earlier and you confess it was because you were nervous about him teasing you

And that is what he teases you about

He tells you that he can wait until you’re ready, that there’s no rush and he just wants you to be comfortable

You smile and tell him how, since you’ve waited this long, you kinda want to wait until your married, do the whole cliche

He tells you if that’s what you want then that’s what you’ll get

And when the two of you get married he keeps his promise

He keeps it well

Luocha shows you all the pleasures you’ve never had, multiple times

He kisses and touches you everywhere, eats you out and fingers you until you can’t take it anymore, and then fucks into you with so much love and care it brings tears to your eyes

You pass out almost immediately when he’s finally done with you, and when you wake up you’re clean and wrapped up in his arms

Right where you belong

Svarog

In the beginning of the relationship he tells you he wants to wait to be with you intimately until the two of you are married

You just happen to be a virgin

He tells you it’s because he saw in his database that it was a human tradition to show your partner that you were serious about being with them

That made you chuckle but you nodded and told him that you could wait till you were married to have sex with him

And you couldn’t help the random blushes that would appear all throughout your wedding day, knowing what was going to happen that night

Svarog used his database, scanning tool, and the sounds you made to guide him through pleasuring you

The robot was meticulous, making you cum over and over again, watching you closely and storing the memories/recordings of your pleasured face away for “future analysis”

He also makes a point to praise you the whole time

Telling you how good you are and how much you’re helping with his research

The last part makes you laugh around another gasp

Before he’s even done he’s searching for aftercare techniques

He quickly cleans you up and then runs you a bath, gently setting you inside the tub, before helping you wash up

You’re once again thankful for his advance technology

I hope you liked it!!! Ngl I was a little nervous because of how new these characters are to me and how little I know about them and their personalities so if they are ooc I’m really sorry😔

[addicted-to-dc]

AK!Jason Todd x Catwoman’s protégé! Reader - Just for tonight, Kitty - Pt 2

I really had to squeeze my brain to get this out, but I cannot wait for maybe part 3 👀? I have some ideas revolving around a fic or two for Gotham Knights! Jason. We shall see.

Link to part 1

Content: mind control, violence (obv), toxic af relationship, lovers to enemies to lovers (again)?

----------

It feels like you’re being puppeteered, every movement meticulously controlled by strings and sticks. It almost feels like last Tuesday. You had infiltrated Star Labs to steal some new tech designs, especially when Batman was distracted by Catwoman.

Security is nothing compared to your skill, even if you’re not completely yourself. It takes a bit longer than you’d prefer, but you finally make it to Stagg’s office.

Adjusting your goggles, you scan the area for anything that could spoil your fun. One by one, you check off your mental list until you clear the room. Most rich CEOs usually hide their deepest darkest secrets, not wanting an inkling of them to be discovered. Not Stagg, though, you know his type.

Walking around the room, your eyes scan over the décor. A man like Stagg likes to be reminded of his accomplishments. The publicity photos, front page Gotham Gazette articles, the whole nostalgic works. Everything seems to stroke his ego one way or another, but then you finally see what you’re looking for. At first, it seems like a piece of trash thrown onto a table. No, it’s the focal point, the center of it all.

You scan over the structure before carefully opening it. A flash drive appears, absolutely begging to be taken away from this place. Readying yourself, you snag the drive and place the top back on.  Just as you’re about to head to the door, you hear footsteps approaching. You immediately head for the window, quickly dismantling the alarm as you pry a panel open.

Closing it just in time, you push yourself up against the exterior of the building. Letting out a breath, you move further away from the window and jump. Falling with the rain, you crack your whip and swing off a flagpole. The momentum sends you buildings away from Stagg Enterprises, finally completing what Jason… what the Arkham Knight ordered you to do.

“It’s done.”

Despite the job being done and over with, you still have no control over yourself. Your body keeps moving, heading deeper and deeper into parts of the city you’ve never even seen. Landing softly in an alleyway, your body heads straight towards the end of it. Even your sensors fail to pick anything out of the ordinary. Why has he brought you here?

You hear him land behind you after a few moments. Turning around, you move to hand him the flash drive. The Knight acknowledges it with a head tilt before taking it from you. It disappears in one of his pockets. As soon as his hands are free, he presses a button on his wrist.

You tear your helmet off as soon as your body catches up with your mind. Rage builds into your chest as you lash out at him. He can’t prevent your claws from screeching along his armor until you finally find skin.

“You just come back from the dead and USE ME?!” you scream, grunting as he grabs your arm and twists it behind your back.

You try to lash out with your free arm, but he quickly dodges the attack. Before you know it, your back is against the cold brick wall of the alleyway. One hand holds yours above your head, the other trails across your cheek to wipe away rogue tears.

“They wanted me to kill you, this was the only option,” Jason reveals, using his spare hand to open the front of his mask. “I-I couldn’t do it.”

“Why are you doing this, Jay?” you beg, sick of the mind games that he’s putting you through.

“Batman.” A wave of cold washes over you at his tone, riddled with a hatred you’ve never seen before. “He left me to die, (Y/N), he deserves to die for what he’s done.”

“Jay, he searched for you. We all did, but when we saw him shoot you, we thought you were dead,” you whisper, flinching as he leans closer to your face.

“You did find me, though, in Venezuela,” he growls, leaning closer until his helm digs into your skin. “Do you know how hard it was to let you leave? I couldn’t believe my girl finally found me.”

“What are you going to do now that you have me?” you ask, staring into his cold blue eyes. “Lock me away as you take over Gotham with your buddies?”

His eyes darkened at the suggestion. “I don’t want to lose you again.”

You shake your head, more tears escaping from your eyes, “I lost you, Jay, really lost you. I just got you back and you’re just going to do it all over again.”

He remains silent, unsure how to respond. Jay slowly leans in, his lips ghosting over yours before lightly kissing you. Your resolve shatters quickly, leaning into the kiss and giving in to your desires. You can’t lose him again.

He releases your hands, abandoning them to grasp your waist and yank you closer. The softness of the kiss disappears, desperation forcing the kiss to become feral. Both of you break away to breathe, taking each other in as you recover.

“Can we pretend, just for tonight, Kitty?” Jason asks, his eyes desperately pleading you to agree. “I can’t stop what’s in motion, but I’ll explain everything.”

Fuck it.

“Just for tonight, Birdy.”

[stopaskinf]

“The body is the law, and I’m only human after all”

Summary: Namjoon loves you a little too much❤️

Genre: Dark fic, Yandere, Dead Dove do not eat?

CW: Yandere Namjoon, he’s wilding in this. Cursing. Descriptions of bodily harm, organs and blood. Shit gets weird

Word Count: 0.5K

A/N: This is pretty different from what I usually write but fuck it we ball. 🫡🫡

Kim Namjoon is meticulous.

He’s a man who needs to search every nook and cranny before he experiences any satisfaction.

Especially, when it comes to you.

Namjoon cannot learn enough about you.

You’ve been together for years, but it still doesn’t feel like he knows enough.

He knows you’ve had a couple of relationships before him. The first was a 2-year relationship that was ended by you because your ex became emotionally unavailable. The second was a year-and-a-half-long relationship that was ended by your ex because they had “found someone else”. What an absolute cunt.

He knows you have a mole on the nape of your neck that you refuse to get rid of because “It’s a good ice breaker”. You have exactly 5 scars littered around your body. A small one on your right forearm, a thin one on your left cheek, a noticeable one on your right knuckles, an incredibly faded one on your left knee, and a more recent one on the back of your right ankle.

The first three come from childhood accidents. The other two happened because, just like him, you’re clumsy.

Speaking of your childhood, Namjoon hates your parents and siblings.

The fact that there are people who have known you more than him categorically? Unacceptable.

He bubbles in rage knowing that they saw you through each phase of your life. That they saw your first steps, your first words. They saw you through your embarrassing phases and comforted you when you were upset about something you laugh about now.

Nothing eats him up more than second-hand information.

Nonetheless, he begrudgingly accepts it.

He’ll make do with your stretch marks, scars, and stories that you tell him about yourself. Still, he can’t help but imagine knowing you even deeper when he lays on your steady chest in the dark of your shared home.

Your usual 78 bpm slows down to 65 bpm. He can imagine your red blood cells flowing to your aterums and thoracic cavity through your tubes. He can somewhat feel the shape of your ribs and picture your lungs behind them. He still needs more.

He needs to vivisect you. To cut you down from your throat to your genitals. He needs to open your ribs and feel your heart thump in his bare hands. To feel your intestines, so that even if he went blind, he’d still retain the shape.

He wants to open your brain. To caress the folds of it and ask you when and where each one developed. To touch your vocal cords and feel the muscles reverberate as you guide him through your organs.

He wants to rest his head on your exposed heart, to feel the blood pool and clot onto his face. He wants the metallic smell of your blood to suffocate his senses. He needs to feel you so deeply that it stains him.

A boy can dream, can’t he?