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p-artsypants · 10 days ago

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Flight of the Valkyrie (6) Something Something All Dressed in White

As usual with my wedding chapters, this is not historically accurate. Vikings have a LOT of wedding traditions, and I decided to pick and choose the ones that I liked for the story.

Ao3

—

Now Hiccup’s sleep schedule was all sorts of messed up. When he woke up, it was dark out and the village was quiet.

That was perfect, because he needed to make sure Toothless was well cared for and would survive just fine while he was busy getting married.

Ideally, he’d be able to slip away again in the coming days, but he just didn’t know.

In the cover of darkness, Hiccup snuck down to the docks to see if there were any hauls that were not only fresh, but still alive. He caught a break as he spied a basket roped to the docks in the shallows. A heavy burden, but worth it for Toothless!

He managed to put the basket into a cart and then very carefully and quietly wheeled it out of the village and into the woods.

Toothless looked excited but confused by his arrival.

“I know, I don’t usually come at night. That’s probably going to change.” He hauled the basket into the cove and laid out several portions for Toothless and dumped the rest into the pond.

Toothless looked insulted at the waste.

“I know, I know! But for the next few days, I’m going to have so many eyes on me that I won’t really be able to sneak away. This way, I hope you can catch something.”

Toothless still looked offended, as if to say, ‘you crippled me, and now you expect me to feed myself? Have you no shame?’

“I’m sorry! I promise that I’m trying to come up with a way to get you to fly again. I’ve got some sketches, but nothing solid enough to start drafting.”

“Wrrrr…” Toothless grumpily ate some of the offered fish.

Hiccup sat and leaned against his side, catching his breath after his long hike.

Briefly, he day dreamed about sneaking Toothless into the Great Hall and hiding him up in the rafters so he’d be a part of the ceremony, but that plan would probably get both of them killed.

So he’d have to tear himself away from Toothless for a while, and make sure no one would suspect anything.

That could be hard with a new wife.

—

The hours proceeding the ceremony were a whirlwind. Hiccup felt like he was being ripped in half in all the different directions he was being pulled. He had to talk to this person, and go see so and so for a fitting, and make sure what’s-his-face was bringing the cabbage, and say hello to this random guest he’d never met before.

He was exceedingly lucky that he wasn’t there when the Berserkers arrived. He was supposed to be greeting his guests when they docked, but his father had sent him on a trivial errand when they appeared.

Hiccup chose to believe it was on purpose and it was one instance when his father actually listened to him.

But like some sort of divine magic, even at the other end of the village, Hiccup knew Dagur was on Berk. The scar the older boy inflicted on his forearm started itching, and Hiccup knew that his worst bully was near.

He just had to stay low until the ceremony, and then Astrid would hopefully be able to protect him.

And stay low he did. He crept around the village, still completing his father’s to-do list, but out of sight of anyone that wasn’t necessary.

The rehearsal came and went. The Great Hall was full of people, and most of them talked over each other. It wasn’t so much a mock run through of the ceremony, as it was a brief list of events.

He got his cues, he was told where to stand. He was told what happened when, and then it was dinner time. Just like that, everything was set for the next day, and Hiccup was ill prepared.

He didn’t even get to practice kissing Astrid.

“Hey,” Astrid continued to hold his hand even after everything was concluded. “I didn’t see you this morning.”

“Oh! Gosh, I’m sorry Astrid. My sleep schedule is all messed up, and as soon as I was awake, dad had me all over the island. Honestly, half the stuff I was doing probably wasn’t necessary.”

“I understand. That was my day too. Just missed you this morning.”

His heart somersaulted. “Really? You missed me?”

“Sure! Besides the whole betrothal thing, you are my friend, aren’t you?”

“I think so?”

She chuckled. “Then let’s get some dinner and you can tell me all about your day.”

Hiccup swallowed, spotting the doors opened to the public. It wouldn’t be safe here.

He faked a yawn. “Oh, I’d love to eat with you, but I’m exhausted, and it’s a big day tomorrow! I still have a lot I have to do!”

A hard, deranged laugh echoed in the room. Hiccup didn’t look, but he knew Dagur was here.

Astrid looked disappointed, and frowned. “Oh…I see.”

He had to work quickly and reassure her, but he really didn’t want to reveal that he was afraid of someone in the hall. He didn’t want Astrid to protect him. It was her last night as a free woman after all. He took her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.

“I’m excited for tomorrow.”

A pretty blush overtook her cheeks as she smiled genuinely. “Me too. I’ll see you later, Hiccup.”

“‘Night!” He chirped. Then he darted away, taking the long route out of the Hall. As he crossed through the doors, he heard Dagur spot him.

“Hiccup! Brother!”

He didn’t stop. As if his blood was on fire, he ran and ran and ran until he was safely home and could barricade the doors.

His heart was pounding. The door bars hadn’t always stopped Dagur. The boy could be brutal and ruthless when he wanted.

So Hiccup barricaded the front door and lit a candle to look like he was home, then he snuck out the back and took the long route to the forge.

Again, he barricaded the door. Even if he had to spend the rest of the night here, at least he was safe for now. There were no windows in this room, so the small candlelight wouldn’t give him away. No one would know. No one but Gobber and maybe his father, but they knew why he’d be hiding.

Gobber had helped bandage his arm the last time after all.

Confident in his sanctuary, Hiccup sat at his workbench. It was still a few hours before bed. Might as well make the most of it.

He took a fresh piece of paper, and started sketching.

—-

Wham wham wham!

“Oi, you back there, lad? No sleepin’ in on your wedding day!”

Hiccup’s eyes shot open. He’d set up a small hammock when sleep finally came for him, but that was at some ungodly hour…probably only an hour or two ago.

He rocked his bed, losing his balance and flipping over to spill on the floor. “Ugh, I’m up.”

“Chose a lousy hiding place to try to get out of the weddin’. You seemed to be gettin’ along real well with the lass. What got you cold feet?”

Hiccup finally untangled himself from the heap on the floor and opened the door. “I don’t have cold feet. I was hiding from Dagur.”

“Ah, ‘course. Should have known.”

“Is dad mad?”

“Him? No. He figured you were here if you weren’t at home. He would have been mad if you had absconded into the woods, though!”

“Well, call off the search party.” Hiccup patted the dust from his clothes.

“Gobber, party of one. Let’s get you cleaned up. And don’t worry, I’ll have your back until the ceremony. Though I suspect Dagur’s aware that you’re going to be watched today.”

Hiccup gnawed on his tongue as they ascended the hill. It was very early morning, just after dawn. It was a lovely day to get married! The sky was a soft pink with a few dustings of clouds. Romantic, warm, and joyful.

He was too anxious to enjoy it.

“What about Snotlout and the Twins?”

“What about ‘em?”

“I just know that one of them is going to ruin the wedding! There’s going to be some sort of prank and even if I have nothing to do with it, somehow, they’ll make me look bad. L-like booby trapping my chair so mud gets flung on me and Astrid–or on Chief Hofferson! What if they put something in the food and everyone gets food poisoning? What if—?!”

Gobber spun around and grabbed him firmly by the shoulder. “Now you listen to me, boy.”

Hiccup gulped.

“This isn’t just your wedding, this is a union of two tribes. The wedding of two children of chieftains. Interfering with this is a grave offense, not only to both tribes, but to the gods themselves.”

Hiccup blinked several times.

“So Snotlout will have gotten this same lecture from Spitelout, and the Twins have been excused from attending. I heard they’re tending to the livestock.”

Hiccup’s shoulders eased slightly. “You sure it’s going to go smoothly?”

Gobber shrugged. “Nothing is ever guaranteed, lad. But you’ll be fine. You’re not making any grand gestures are you?”

Hiccup immediately thought about the harness and the plan to kiss Astrid, but they had practiced so it would be fine, right? “...no?”

“Then, you’ll be in the clear!” He slapped him on the back, making him stagger.

“Gee, thanks.”

“No time for your sarcasm, boy-o. Let’s get you dressed!”

The wedding was at noon. The earlier in the day, the more sober the crowd, and then earlier people could start drinking.

Hiccup was just glad he wouldn’t have to wait too long.

His stomach was in knots. He hadn’t eaten dinner and he was nauseous thinking about any kind of breakfast. Gobber had to poke and prod him into getting dressed as he was too distracted by his thoughts to do it himself.

He wore a white, long-sleeved tunic that had a gold trim, belt, and cuffs. He even had cream colored pants and nice leather boots.

“Wait!” Hiccup called, snapping back to reality as he laced his pants.

“Now what?” Gobber asked, holding up his cape and ceremonial crown.

Hiccup undressed again and grabbed the harness he’d made.

“What in the blue-blazes is that, lad?”

“...a harness?” He swallowed nervously. “It’s so I can hold Astrid and dip her in a kiss so she doesn’t have to bend down. I told you.”

“Aye! But I didn’t think you’d go through with it!”

Hiccup blushed. “It-it works! We tested it!”

“Hiccup…”

“Please don’t say anything Gobber! If I have to go tip-toe, and she has to bend all the way over to kiss, it’s going to be all anyone will talk about for the rest of my life.”

“I think you’re exaggerating.”

“Am not! I know you might think I’m freaking out because I get teased about everything, but weddings are on a different level! Ingmar tripped while carrying his bride at his wedding and people teased him about it even at her funeral!”

“...you may have a point.”

“And I know Snotlout and the twins are going to start teasing Astrid because of me and I’m trying to mitigate it! So please Gobber, this is really important to me!”

“Okay okay!” Gobber chuckled. “I won’t say anything…just put some pants on, I can’t take you seriously.”

Grateful, Hiccup began to get redressed, making sure the harness was completely hidden under his clothes.

“You know if you drop her, people are going to make even more fun of you,” Gobber reminded. “They’ll wonder why you thought you could do that.”

“That’s why we practiced.”

“Does your father know that she’s enabling you?”

“Enabling?! Wh-what!? Astrid j-just gets me! You know? She understands where I’m coming from.”

“I doubt anyone can truly understand you, Hiccup. You’re…not as simple as the rest of us.”

“I really don’t know if that was an insult or not.”

“I just hope you know what you’re doing. I know you don’t, but I hope you do.”

Hiccup rolled his eyes and tried not to let it get to him. Even as his closest supporter and friend, Gobber had a tendency to get under his skin. Hiccup knew he meant well, he just didn’t always have good execution.

Gobber helped pin the gold pauldrons onto the fur cloak. The cloak was tiny on anyone else, the pelt of a goat instead of a bear. But he’d wear it for ceremony. All of this was for ceremony. Once the wedding was done with, ‘Hiccup Haddock’ would be a name synonymous with ‘useless’ once again.

The juniper crown on his head felt heavy and awkward. The pauldrons kept sliding around. The boots creaked when he walked. The harness chaffed against his sweaty bare skin.

Finally, Stoick arrived at the house. He gave Hiccup a once over, and a pleased nod. Then he beckoned him to follow to the Great Hall.

“The rings?” Hiccup squeaked.

Stoick held up the small velvet pouch.

“Th-the swords?”

“Waitin’ for us.”

“The axe! The morning gift!”

“It’s at the forge. We’ll bring it with us in the morning.”

Hiccup felt like he was missing something. So many things, actually. It felt like everything was going too fast and he was spinning out of control and he—

He couldn’t breathe.

“D-dad,” Hiccup choked. He attempted to take in air but all he was doing was just making a horrible gasping sound.

“He’s panicking,” Gobber said astutely. “Poor thing hasn’t eaten or drank anything all day.”

“Aye,” Stoick steered his son over to a bench and had him sit. Then he gently forced his head down to rest between his legs. “Alright son, just breathe. It’s alright.”

Hiccup sobbed as he felt the world tilt underneath him.

Why him? Why now? This was just too much pressure. If anything went wrong—and it would! It was! It was already going wrong! Because of him!

“Everything alright?” He heard Hulga call.

“Just havin’ a wee bit of a panic,” Stoick said, almost casually.

“You know how men get before weddin’s!” Gobber laughed. “I think I remember Spitelout actually passing out!”

“I’ll get some water,” Hulga said, mercifully.

It was easier to breathe when they were talking and making jokes. That let him pretend for a moment that this was a normal day, and not a huge change. But when they fell silent, and Stoick rested a hand on his shoulder, it all started spiraling again.

“I-I’m sorry!” Hiccup sobbed.

“None of that, now,” Stoick said, not unkindly. “This is very normal.”

Normal? Having a breakdown sob fest was normal?

He was doing something normal?

Perish the thought!

“Here we are,” Hulga arrived with a bucket from the well and a ladle. “Nice and cool.”

“Lad’s got a case of the weddin’ jitters?” Spitelout asked, arriving with his wife. “At least he’s gettin’ it out now. Looks like a bad one.”

“‘s my fault,” said Gobber. “He was worried about the other kids teasing him and I told him that this was no ordinary wedding. I think I put too much on him.”

Spitelout laughed. “Aww the wee thing’s right to be worried! I caught Snotlout fillin’ sacks up with paint, no doubt to throw.”

Hiccup cringed, choking on his spit.

“Ah course I confiscated it,” he reassured Stoick. “Gave him a nice warning about what’s at stake. He shouldn’t be a problem.”

Hulga was rubbing Hiccup’s back and holding the ladle up for him. “Here boy, have some water. It’ll help.”

Hiccup reached out with a shaky hand and took the ladle. He carefully sipped it down, trying not to drip onto his tunic.

“That’s a good lad. Have another.”

Hiccup did as he was instructed, thankful that his family was being helpful for once. Perhaps he was special today. Perhaps he’d get some scraps of kindness where it was usually lacking. Some mercy where there was usually wrath.

Maybe today was his lucky day.

Hulga fixed his hair when he was finally able to sit upright and breathe.

He swallowed with a blush, his eyes still red from crying. “Um…sorry you had to see that.”

“I’d be more concerned if I didn’t,” Hulga snipped, her sternness returning. “Now I know you’re taking this seriously.”

“Of course, ma’am.” Hiccup whispered.

“Puttin’ everything into it!” Stoick said proudly. “Look at the rings he made!”

Hiccup breathed a sigh of relief as Hulga and Spitelout both looked over the rings with vocal approval. Yes, today he was in the green.

Once he could stand steadily, Hiccup and Stoick headed for the Great Hall. Most of the guests were there, sitting and waiting for the ceremony to start.

“Did I delay anything?” Hiccup fretted.

“The ceremony starts when the bride and groom are ready. The guests will wait.”

Hiccup swallowed, but nodded.

They waited in the back for Gobber and the Jorgensons to take their seats, then slowly started up the aisle together.

And what a good thing that was, as Snotlout was sitting at the edge and stuck his foot out at the last second.

Hiccup tripped, letting out a small yelp, before Stoick caught the back of his shirt and righted him.

Snotlout groaned and then grunted, seemingly cuffed by a parent.

“Come on,” Stoick said softly. “It’s fine.”

Hiccup swallowed and nodded, before walking with purpose down to the altar. There, the swords of the two families waited to be traded, as well as a bowl of blood for the anointing.

Now all that was left was to wait.

It didn’t take long. Astrid and her family arrived, her arm linked with her father’s and a bouquet of daisies and bachelor buttons in the other.

Tears bit at his eyes as the sight of her. She was lovely, breathtaking, the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. He thought she was radiant before in her armor, but now? Forget Valkyrie, Astrid was a Goddess, Freya incarnate, here to grace the mere mortals with her presence.

He almost fell to the floor and proclaimed, ‘I am not worthy!’

Instead, all he did was stand there like a guppy with his mouth open.

She arrived before him, smiling with a glimmer in her eye.

“I, Chief Axel Hofferson, do hereby give my daughter, Astrid Hofferson, to Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third to wed.”

Stoick answered, “On behalf of my son Hiccup, the Haddock family welcomes Astrid; not only into our family, but our tribe.”

“Yeah we do!” Someone shouted from the audience.

That made Hiccup jolt, and Astrid chuckle.

Axel kissed Astrid on the forehead, and then guided her up to stand beside Hiccup.

“Wow,” he squeaked.

“You’re not so bad yourself,” she grinned.

He melted. She was so lovely, so sweet, so kind. And she was looking at him with adoration.

He blinked a few times as her hands took his, just like they had in the woods the other night. Stoick was talking, making proclamations about honor and glory, of gratitude to the Shivering Shores, and the blessings of the gods.

Hiccup was lost staring at his bride. His bride! Her hair was down, golden strands draped over her shoulders like luxury curtains. She wore a crown of wildflowers, which included bachelor buttons and larkspur that complimented her icy blue eyes.

Her delicate lips flushed pink, and he suddenly felt a strong urge to kiss her. To kiss her in front of everyone.

She was the only one that treated him with any kind of dignity, and she deserved to know how much that meant to him.

But he’d hold onto that feeling, and wait for the okay.

“This sword represents the honor of the Haddock family. With it, we proclaim our promise to protect Astrid.” Stoick gave the sword to Hiccup.

Robotically, Hiccup held the sword up and made his own promise. “With this sword, I promise to love and cherish you, as my wife. This is my offering to you, a symbol of my devotion and my strength.”

Astrid took the sword and bowed her head, before setting it aside.

Chief Axel took the other one. “This sword represents the honor of House Hofferson. With it, we promise to respect Hiccup.” And he passed the sword to Astrid.

She held hers up, just as he did. “With this sword, I pledge my life to you. To serve and protect you all of my life. To cherish and love you, in darkness and in joy, until the end of our days. This is my offering to you, as a symbol of my family’s faith in your pledge.”

Hiccup took the sword with a bow of the head and placed it back on the altar.

So far, so good! He remembered the thing he was supposed to say!

Next was the exchange of the rings. He didn’t have to say anything, as Stoick walked them through it…with some ceremonial fluff about circles.

Next, Chief Axel sat down and Stoick stood back. Gothi stood between them and began to wrap their hands in the unity cloth. Then she smeared blood on both of their foreheads before beginning her chants. This was to invoke the blessings of the gods, arguably the most important part of the wedding. If the gods showed any sort of refusal, the union would not take place.

Hiccup held his breath, waiting for a call of lightning to shake the Great Hall on protest, or something equally outlandish.

Instead, he heard a murmur in the crowd and felt something brush against his leg.

He whipped his head down, not expecting a touch.

It was a cat. A tabby cat, rubbing its body against him. Then it went over and rubbed against Astrid.

Everyone was still and watched in awe.

The cat then flopped down and laid between the two aisles, watching them, seemingly unbothered.

“Is that good?” Hiccup whispered, terrified.

Gothi smiled and nodded, then raised her hand to the ceiling.

Stoick returned then, his own wide smile in place. “Ye, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, Son of Stoick the Vast, dost taketh Astrid Hofferson, daughter of Freyja, to be his betrothed?”

“Aye.” Hiccup nodded.

“And Astrid Hofferson, dost thou taketh Hiccup Haddock to be her betrothed?”

“Aye.” She grinned.

“Then, by utterance of these words, this union may only be broken in the Halls of Valhalla. You may kiss your bride.”

This was it. All that was left to do was kiss Astrid, and they’d be married. She met his gaze with a knowing look.

Pretending he was out in the woods, Hiccup untangled his hands from the cloth and reached around her to find the loop on the harness. Then, despite the shocked gasps and muted protests, he swung her around and dipped her, just like they practiced.

Then he kissed her. Not a peck, but a kiss to silence any doubts anyone had about how good of a husband he could be.

Astrid’s fingers curled in his hair as she released a pleased hum, which he could barely hear over the din of cheers and wolf-whistles.

Before his strength gave out, he righted her on her feet, taking a moment to make sure her hair and crown were in place.

She beamed at him, her cheeks a lovely flushed pink.

“Hiccup and Astrid Haddock,” Stoick presented, hands on their shoulders.

It was done. He’d done his duty to the utmost of his ability, and showed everyone he was capable of doing good by the village.

How long would the positive feelings last though? A week? Until his next screw up?

Until Toothless was discovered?

Astrid took his hand and squeezed it. “Come on!”

In his distracted daze, he’d missed the announcement that it was time for the sword plunging ceremony.

Right. The official wedding ceremony was over and a success, but there were plenty of other traditions to ‘pull a Hiccup’ on.

Astrid pulled him along to where the post was. Of the few weddings he’d been allowed to attend, this part of the tradition had been done with a post of the Great Hall. However, their post was new, braced against the wall in the corner. It only took a moment to realize that it was a support beam for their new house that it clicked. This was the old, literal version of the tradition.

That made it feel heavier.

As he raked his eyes over the target, he spotted the tiniest chalk arrow that pointed at a groove, Astrid’s mark.

Hiccup picked up the sword that sat on a podium nearby. It was lighter than their combat swords, but wickedly sharp.

“I-I-I forgot to ask earlier, but how am I supposed to do this?” He asked his father. “Do I throw it?”

Stoick thankfully just patiently smiled. “Just do what feels right. I’ll be happy if it sticks at all.”

So the bar was low. Great!

Hiccup lifted the tip of the blade and pointed it at the little crack Astrid had made. Holding his breath to keep the blade from shaking, he thrust forward, sinking the blade into the wood, and making it go all the way through.

More cheers and wolf-whistles, and Hiccup began to feel light-headed. He had not expected this wedding to go as smoothly as it had.

Stoick’s hand was on his shoulder as he led them to sit at the head table, perched on a step to look out over the crowd.

A hammer sat at the plate setting of Astrid’s seat.

Right, one last chance to embarrass his bride by dropping a heavy-ass hammer on her.

With a sigh, he and Astrid took their seats as did the rest of the crowd. Stoick stood behind them, resting his hand on Hiccup’s shoulder.

“You’re almost done,” he comforted.

Once the rest of the audience sat, Hiccup hesitantly grabbed the hammer, tensed his arms and lifted—-

It was not that heavy. Not at all!

It looked like the ceremonial replica of Mjolnor he’d seen, but there was a large seam in the back.

He scanned the crowd, spotting Gobber who gave him a thumbs up.

This was a fake, most likely hollow.

He was elated and relieved.

With enthusiasm, Hiccup blessed his bride with the hammer, swooping it over her lap in three points, as he’d seen a dozen times or so.

“Let the feast commence!” Stoick shouted.

Relief flowed out of Hiccup so quickly he almost dropped the hammer. He was done. They’d done it! They’d executed the wedding ceremony with no hitches.

Even Freyja was apparently pleased.

Astrid held his wrist and guided the hammer back down to the front of the table.

“Why is it so light?” She chuckled.

“So I didn’t clonk you with it.”

“Not very practical if we come under attack and I have to protect you.”

He looked at her incredulously. “Well…let’s hope we don’t get attacked?”

She wrapped an arm around him and leaned her head on his shoulder. “Yeah, that would put a real downer on this lovely day.”

He’d known her for about three days now. There was still plenty he didn’t know, plenty she didn’t know about him. They were practically strangers.

But as he rested his head against hers, he pretended that they had known each other all their lives. That this was a wedding he’d looked forward to for years.

He pretended that she loved him.

The physical affection was wonderful, and the scent of her perfume and the warmth of her touch sent a very peaceful calm through him. A calm he’d really only felt around Toothless.

He would make mistakes as always, but maybe Astrid wouldn’t mind. Maybe a clean start with her without the lingering stigma could work. Maybe they’d be okay.

Plates of food arrived, and they ate in silence. At first, it was that unhurried, comfortable, companionable silence. They both drank in the people around them, the decorations, the music, and just basked in the glory of a job well done.

But then Hiccup started to worry that he should say something. She was his wife now, after all. They should be able to hold a normal conversation, right? He twirled his fork in hand, thinking of what to say.

As usual, Astrid beat him to it. “Hey.”

He turned to her, only to find a fork full of food being held up for him.

He went bright red. Spouses feeding each other, washing each other’s hair, wives shaving their husbands; these were all incredibly intimate acts that when done publicly, basically screamed ‘we’re so in love! Hey everyone! Look at how in love we are!’

Feeding each other at a wedding was unheard of for arranged marriages.

Hiccup swallowed and nodded slightly. Then he opened his mouth and allowed her to feed him.

Once he swallowed his bite, he got some food on his fork and returned the action.

That’s how they had their meal. They took turns offering food and drink to the other. Somewhere in the middle, Astrid started giggling. Then she swooped the fork around. “Here comes the Gronkle! Pppffffftttt!”

Hiccup attempted to give her a flat look and suppress the smile on his lips. “Oh really? And what does that make me? A cave?”

“A very handsome…sassy cave.”

He lunged forward and chomped the bite off the fork. “This cave has teeth!”

“Ah! It’s alive!” She chuckled.

“And I’m still hungry!” He growled.

Astrid laughed. Not necessarily because it was funny, but because of how silly it was. She looked relaxed, at ease, and comfortable.

He supposed that she would be. If everything in life had prepared her for this day to be miserable, she was thrilled that her match wasn’t a brutal warlord or a perverted old man.

Just an awkward kid that sometimes didn’t know when to stop talking.

After the meal, they were expected to greet their guests. This time, they’d do it as a married couple. This time, he’d meet the guests that Astrid had greeted at the docks and be introduced, likewise, he’d have to introduce those his father had greeted the day before.

And now he realized why he had to be there.

But he needn’t worry too much. These guests seemed happy enough to introduce themselves with enthusiasm and unnecessarily braggadocious titles.

Astrid seemed to follow along quickly, figuring out who was a friend, ally, or tribesmen. She had a natural charisma to hold conversation and fluff egos.

Hiccup was almost jealous at how effortless it appeared to be for her.

At their usual table, the teens of the village sat together. Hiccup sighed as he approached, bracing for the inevitable.

“I didn’t know you had that in you, Haddock,” said Ruffnut. “Kinda hot.”

Hiccup shuttered.

“Hey yeah, nice job not dropping your bride!” Said Snotlout. “Would have been really funny if you had, though.”

Hiccup rolled his eyes and ignored the comments. “Astrid, these are our peers. You’ve met Snotlout.”

“We’re well acquainted,” she punched her hand, prompting him to cower.

“These are the twins, Tuffnut and Ruffnut Thorston.”

“Hey,” said Tuff.

“Nice arms,” said Ruff.

“And last, but not least, Fishlegs, the decent one at the table.”

“Hey!” Protested the other three.

“Aw, thanks Hiccup.”

“Oh!” Astrid grinned. “You’re Fishlegs? My sisters said you showed them around the island!”

“Naturally. I’m something of an expert on the history and traditions of Berk. If you have any questions, I’m always happy to help.”

“Suck up,” Snotlout chided.

“Well, moving on—“ Hiccup attempted to leave them in the dust.

“Hey wait!” Said Fishlegs. “We’re all starting dragon training soon. Are you going to join?”

Astrid frowned, and then asked, “is that the Rite of Passage? I don’t know.”

“It’s training on how to kill dragons,” Fishlegs elaborated. “You ought to think about it. It’ll help!”

She looked to Hiccup, but he couldn’t in good conscience encourage her. Not after knowing Toothless.

“Useless isn’t joining, if that's what you're thinking,” Snotlout declared. “He’s a hazard. He’s not even allowed to be in the water brigade.”

“Because I’m busy in the forge,” Hiccup protested, his face turning red.

“Yeah, busy making messes,” Ruffnut chuckled. “What was that thing you said in the last raid? ‘Oh dad, I hit a Nightfury! And I really did it this time, not like the last dozen times where I just said I did so you wouldn’t whoop me for blowing something up!’”

Hiccup hissed a breath through his teeth.

“Your dad still whooped you later, right? I thought I saw you hobbling around,” said Tuff.

“No stupid, this was the last straw. Chief got him a babysitter.”

Tuff stared at the couple before shouting, “A babysitter?! That’s what this was?! I wondered why Hiccup Fishbone Haddock got a hot wife!”

Without saying anything else, Hiccup moved onto the next table, plastering a fake smile onto his face. “Hey everyone, thanks for coming! How is everything? Got enough mead?”

“Hiccup…” Astrid began.

He took her hand and squeezed. “Let’s not talk about that tonight, okay?” He continued to smile, but he knew his eyes were watering.

Astrid pressed a kiss to his cheek. “You got it, babe.” Then she turned to the table he had greeted. “Sorry about that! Hi, I’m Astrid!”

When they reached the table where the Hofferson family was sitting, a loud squeal overcame the group and one of the sisters lunged from the table and into Astrid’s arms.

“Brynhild!” Astrid shouted, embracing the girl. “I didn’t know if you were going to make it!”

“We got here this morning, just in time!”

Hiccup fondly observed the reunion, giving them a respectable distance. Sigurd, Ingrid, Phlegma, and Chief Axel watched too, smiling.

But there was another presence at the table. A large, beefy man, easily 300 pounds of muscle, clad in black fur and a gnarled helmet. Instead of pauldrons, he had a matching pair of bear heads, complete with snarling teeth. He was war-forged, what skin was visible under his massive black beard was covered in scars and pock-marks. One eye had a gruesome scar over it and was hazy, likely blind.

Hiccup remembered then that Astrid’s oldest sister had been married off to a Gaul, with only a few minutes' warning. This was likely that man.

In an effort to be cordial and advance his father’s dreams of rekindling an alliance with the Gauls, Hiccup approached the man. “Hello, y-you must be Astrid’s brother-in-law, I suppose my brother-in-law too, ha! Uh…I didn’t catch your name.”

The man glared at him, a frown pulling at his face. “Birger,” the man bit. His voice was deep and gargling.

“B-Birger! Nice to meet you, I’m Hiccup!” He chirped, and held out his hand.

The man took it and gave a faint squeeze. “Aye.”

“So…you came all the way from the Island of Night, right? Must have been quite the trip!”

“Aye,” the man said again, sharply. And that was all. He assessed Hiccup with a shrewd eye, and apparently didn’t like what he saw.

Hiccup gulped in fear.

“Oh, Birgy’s not one for small talk,” Brynhild said, sweetly. She hugged Hiccup, giving him a fond squeeze. “Welcome to the family! What a wonderful ceremony! You know, you Hooligans have a little bit of a different tradition than on the Shivering Shores—“ and she was off. Talking a mile a minute, barely pausing to breathe.

She was very similar to the other Hofferson sisters. Delicate, beautiful, blonde hair and blue eyes. It was really remarkable. The three older sisters were almost duplicates of Phlegma, and then the youngest came out with the physique of a lumberjack.

Not that he minded! Not at all!

Quite the opposite.

Eventually, Astrid intervened. “Alright Bryn, you’re talking his ear off.”

“Oh!” Brynhild blushed. “I’m sorry, I talk a lot when I meet new people.”

“And people you’ve known forever,” said Sigurd.

“It’s alright,” Hiccup smiled. “I liked chatting with you. But we have to greet the rest of the guests too.” Though he rather not.

“Ah yes,” Bryn nodded. “Very important! Well, Birgy and I will be staying for a few days, so we’ll catch up, right?”

“Absolutely!” Astrid hugged her sister. “I miss you so much.”

“I miss you too!”

Astrid pulled away begrudgingly, and Brynhild went to sit back down.

Remarkably, Hiccup watched Birger stand and push her chair in for her before sitting down again. Of course, it was the polite thing to do, Hiccup just hadn’t expected it from this living weapon.

They were almost done. Just one more table and—-

Ah. Right. The guest he had been dreading.

Dagur stood, knocking his chair back into the guest behind him. “Hiccup! My little buddy!”

Hiccup cringed out a smile as a whine came from the back of his throat. “Daaaaaagur…hiiiii….”

Dagur approached with wide arms and a sinister smile.

Hiccup tensed before he was lifted off the ground in a crushing hug.

“Look at you! All grown up and getting married to Astrid Hofferson of all people! What a…fortunate match!” He didn’t hide the displeasure in his tone.

“Thanks,” Hiccup wheezed.

“Alright son, that’s enough,” Oswald mercifully intervened. “You can play with Hiccup later, we’ll be here for a few days.”

Great. Hiccup thought.

Dagur set him down and straightened his cloak for him, though there was a dangerous look in his eyes, like he was plotting something. “Yeah, we’ll catch up later. Not a problem.”

To everyone else, it probably sounded so innocent, so friendly, but to Hiccup, there was a clear threat in those words.

—

Once greetings were done, Hiccup sighed in relief. How much more was expected of him? Of course he’d be in the spotlight for the rest of the evening, and slipping away to take a breath was probably not in the cards.

But he was pretty certain the next traditional thing he had to do was be escorted to his house by an entourage. But that was a few hours away. For now, he just had to smile and be happy.

And honestly, he was. Astrid was so wonderful. She was kind, calm, and patient. And most importantly, she was accepting him so far.

And kissing her was awesome!

“Wanna dance?” She asked.

Hiccup’s eyebrows raised into his hairline. “D-dance? I’m not sure…”

“Only if you want to,” she smiled. “I thought it could be fun.”

“I…I want to, but I have two left feet.”

“That’s okay! Everyone is getting drunk anyway!”

He laughed at that and took her extended hand. “Okay, I’ll give it a try!”

She pulled him to the open floor, where the band was already playing. He grew nervous as he noticed how many people were watching, but Astrid was here. Astrid was here and he was okay.

She led him through the steps, showing him where to put his foot, how to hold her arms, when to twirl. None of it was in time with the music, but once he got the hang of it, then the beat started to encourage him. Then he stepped in time. He realized he was placed in the woman’s position, being the one to twirl under her arm, or the move where he was hugged from behind as they crossed arms. He just hoped that anyone that would make fun of him for it would be too drunk to notice. But honestly, it was easier and smoother this way. If he tried to twirl her, she’d have to duck and crouch and it’d throw everything off.

And he didn’t really mind, as long as he was dancing with Astrid.

After a few songs, he needed a break. He got a pint of mead while Astrid continued dancing, either with her sisters or her father. It was obvious she had more endurance than he did.

He just sat off to the side and watched, content to observe. She smiled and laughed, clasping hands with her sister Brynhild.

Suddenly, Hiccup felt a large presence beside him. The table shook as someone sat down.

He glanced to the side, apprehensive, but tried to play it cool.

It was Birger, a pint of mead in his hand. He was watching the two girls dance as well.

Hiccup remembered what Brynhild said about small talk and elected not to say anything. If Birger wanted to say something, he’d give him the chance when he was ready.

Surely the man wouldn’t hurt him here and now, right? In front of everyone? On his wedding day? Surely not!

“We’re lucky,” Birger finally said.

Hiccup turned towards him, showing he was listening, but not interrupting.

“Our wives, the two prettiest girls in the room.”

“Yeah,” Hiccup nodded. “All the Hofferson sisters are really pretty.”

“True. But we got the best ones.” He took a sip of his drink. “Bryn says Ingrid and Sigurd love to gossip and tease. Astrid, however, is the one that always worked the hardest and did her best. It shows.”

Hiccup nodded again. “She’s made quite the name for herself.”

“Bryn’s happy for her. Look at those smiles. They’re genuine.”

Hiccup saw exactly what he meant. Brynhild and Astrid were chatting as they danced, and their faces were flushed pink with joy and their smiles and laughter were unrestrained and easy.

Then he looked at Birger. Despite the harsh exterior and the hard lines of a life of war, his gaze was soft and affectionate.

“Women bring change to your life,” he explained. “They come with their own baggage, their own problems, but ultimately, they make your life better. They turn houses into homes. Silent nights by the fire are comforting instead of lonely. They make days go by faster.”

Hiccup smiled at him. “That sounds nice.”

“Might take time to get used to, but you’ll see for yourself.”

Astrid switched to dance with Ingrid, and Brynhild was left without a partner. She scanned the room, and when she found Birger, she started waving at him to join.

Birger sighed and set down his pint. “At times, you’ll find yourself doing things you never thought you’d do. And you’ll be happy about it.” He stood. “As long as you’re open to it all.” Then, without another word, he went to dance with his wife.

The man stuck out like a sore thumb among the half-drunken troupe. He was slow and stilted, not really dancing, but he was following Brynhild’s movements and matching what mattered.

Hiccup would have kept watching, but nature called. He set his pint to the side and made his way out of the Great Hall and down to the outhouses in the square.

The evening was lovely. The sun hadn’t set yet, but it was close. The sky was a cloudless gradient of oranges, reds, and pinks.

Hiccup thought briefly about Toothless. Was he okay? Was he lonely? Was there time to go check on him? Probably not. If he was gone too long, people would come looking.

Of course, that hadn’t always been the case, but only now, when he really needed the time to hide away, would he be sought out.

This timing sucked!

Hiccup did his business, but as he exited the outhouse, an arm wrapped around his neck and yanked him off his feet. Another arm pinned both of his behind his back. Then they were walking, away from the Great Hall. Away from the party.

Away from Astrid.

“Finally! Quality time with my best bud!” Dagur cackled in his ear.

“Let me go!” Hiccup hissed, the most he could manage in his headlock.

“Oh don’t be such a killjoy, Hiccup! I have a bunch of fun activities for us! You remember the classic game ‘Don’t Scream’ right?” He dug his nails into the scar on Hiccup’s forearm. “I’ve got a barrel of pig’s blood with your name on it!”

Hiccup kicked and thrashed, but Dagur only tightened his hold on his neck, making it hard to breathe.

Then Dagur halted abruptly, staggering on his feet.

He whirled around. “Who dares interrupt my quality time with my little brother!?”

Birger, of all people, stood there, that impassive glare on his face. “You ought put down my little brother.”

“Your brother!?”

“Married to my sister, so yes.”

Dagur scoffed. “You’ve got it all wrong! We’re just having fun! Right Hiccup? Tell the man!”

Even if Hiccup wanted to, he couldn’t say anything. Dagur’s headlock was too tight, and he couldn’t speak. He opened his mouth and a choking gasp came out.

That was enough for Birger, apparently, as he charged Dagur. He pried his arms off Hiccup, letting him fall to the ground and catch his breath.

A fight then broke out between Dagur and Birger. Dagur was ruthless and well trained. All of his punches and kicks were devastating, as Hiccup knew personally. But Birger took them all, with barely a flinch.

Finally, Birger was able to grapple Dagur and lifted him off his feet.

“Put me down! Put me down this instant, you brain-dead oaf! Do you know who my father is?!”

“No. Don’t care.”

Hiccup scrambled to his feet and followed as Birger carried Dagur down through town, down to the ramps, and then tossed him into the sea.

It wasn’t far enough of a drop to kill him, but definitely enough to scare him. It’d take a little while to get back up into the village too.

“Jerk,” Birger scoffed. He turned to Hiccup. “You good?”

Hiccup nodded, rubbing his throat. “Th-thank you.”

“Sure. Better get back.”

They walked a little ways in silence before Hiccup asked, “could you…not mention this to anyone?”

“Why? He should be punished.”

“I know, I just…the whole reason Astrid and I got married is because I obviously can’t protect myself. I’d feel awful if it got out that…” He trailed off, hoping that Birger understood what he meant.

“I see,” said the man. “What’s that boy got against you?”

Hiccup shrugged. “I don’t know. I think he’s just crazy. He’s Dagur the Deranged.”

“Oh, I’ve heard of him. Didn’t know that was him.”

“I hope I didn’t just cause a whole heap of trouble for you. If he finds out who you are, he might come after the Island of Night and—”

“Hiccup.”

Hiccup snapped his mouth shut, fearing he’d said too much.

Birger just rested a heavy hand on his shoulder, sort of how his father did. “We’re family now, and family sticks together. If anything more comes out of this, Dagur is the one that started it. Not you.”

“Still…”

“We can handle it. Berk’s got its own problems. Lookin’ forward to gettin’ a dragon pelt before I leave.”

“Heh. Good luck with that.”

—--

Ignore that the Gauls were from the area of modern day France and Germany. I’ve used them as a name of a viking tribe for years and only recently did the research. So….these aren’t the historical Gauls. These are independent of them. Thanks!

#fanfiction #httyd #how to train your dragon #astrid hofferson #hiccup haddock #hiccstrid #flight of the valkyrie #arranged marriage #AU

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lemoncrushh · 1 year ago

Text

Tattooed Heart - Part VI

SUMMARY: You are a cocktail waitress at a swanky lounge. Harry comes in one night, and you instantly dislike him. But another encounter eventually changes your opinion.

PAIRING: Waitress Y/N x Artist/Tattoo Artist Harry

TROPES: Enemies to Lovers

MUST BE 18+ TO READ

WORD COUNT: 8.9k

STORY PAGE

“Hey, gorgeous! How are you? I’ve been so worried about you!” John exclaimed enthusiastically into the phone.

“I’m pretty good, actually. How are things at Zelda’s?” While you didn’t necessarily want to know the answer, you’d always considered John a friend and knew he had your back. Which was why you decided to give him a call.

“Oh girl, things have changed dramatically since you left!”

“Really?”

“Yes! We got a new manager. His name is Rafael, but we’re allowed to call him Rafi. He’s a dish and a half, let me tell you! Not like that last asshole.”

You chuckled. “Good, I’m glad for you.”

“Yeah, sucks for you though! If only you could have stayed. Hey, want me to put a good in for you with Rafi?”

“Um…no, that’s okay, John. I’m kind of happy where I am.”

“Seriously? Where’s that?”

You told your friend about working at the cafe. Then proceeded to tell him how Harry got you the job.

“To make a long story short,” you said, trying to do just that, “he’s not the jerk he appeared to be. And…well…now we’re dating.”

“Hold up! Stop right there. Rewind! I need to hear everything, Y/N! EVERYTHING!”

You laughed at the way John enunciated every syllable. And you’d expected as much. For the next hour, you went into every detail with him like he requested (at least as much as you were willing to divulge), and by the time you finished, it was time to get ready for your date with Harry.

“Oh my God, girl, that’s so crazy!” squealed John. “But I’m happy for you. If you’re happy.”

“I am.”

“Good. Just don’t forget about me, okay? Pop in some time, maybe with Handsome.”

“I will,” you promised.

After pulling on a pair of jeans and a stylish top, you brushed your hair and touched up your makeup. You were meeting Harry at his place, where he was making you dinner again, and then you were going to a movie. It seemed to be the first Saturday you were both off since you’d met. And you were looking forward to having a normal, mundane date night.

The last couple weeks had been both hectic and amazing. Since that evening at the gallery, Harry had been extremely busy finishing up his moon series paintings. Donovan McNulty had still been showing interest in Harry’s art, and specifically voiced that he wanted to know the minute his newest pieces would be available. And you’d been picking up extra shifts at the diner to make a little extra money. But any moment you were both free had been spent together. You took turns, rotating your visits at each others’ apartments. You enjoyed leaning against his kitchen counter while you watched him cook, and Harry enjoyed teasing Shae when she was around, and nibbling on the soft spot behind your ear as you watched TV when she wasn’t there - and sometimes when she was.

Your feelings for him were growing daily, and while you told yourself it was still too soon to have such feelings, you used your free time away from him to write them down. You expressed every emotion from the way your heart skipped when you’d see him sitting in his usual chair at the cafe, to the way your body ached for him as you laid in your bed staring at the ceiling. You even included the way it had felt when you’d seen Nicolette at the cafe and at the gallery, even though Harry assured you tenfold that he had broken off all contact with her. You didn’t want to be jealous of his ex. You knew deep down that it would not bode well if you were going to take this relationship to the next level. And you definitely wanted to.

Harry greeted you with a smile as he opened the door, a glass of wine already in his hand waiting for you. When you stepped inside, you gave him a quick kiss before accepting the glass and taking a sip.

“Mmm, something smells yummy!,” you commented, turning for the kitchen.

“Chicken Piccata with roasted radicchio and sweet potatoes,” Harry announced proudly as he followed you. “It’s almost ready.”

“Chef Styles, when are you opening your own restaurant? This is way too impressive for just me.”

“You’re the only one I care to impress,” he said, pushing your hair from your neck to softly brush his lips across your tender flesh.

You reached behind you for his hands, bringing his arms around your waist. He hummed against your skin as he gave you a squeeze. The timer on the oven sounded then with a friendly chime, and Harry hesitantly released you in order to remove its contents. Watching him serve up the meal, you joined him at the table with your wine.

“I have some news,” he announced after you’d taken your first bite and raved about its deliciousness.

“Oh? What is it?” you asked enthusiastically.

“I’m having another gallery showing. For the moon series.” Harry stabbed his fork into his chicken before lifting his eyes to you.

“Are you kidding? That was quick!”

“Well, yeah,” he grinned. “I brought them yesterday for Sherrod to see. Apparently he phoned McNulty, gave him some rubbish about how brilliant they are, and he’s flying down Thursday to see for himself.”

Quickly dismissing the fact that he’d degraded his own art, because you knew he didn’t really think it was rubbish, you focused on the positive.

“Oh my God, Harry! That’s wonderful! I’m really proud of you.”

“I know, babe. And I appreciate all the support you’ve given me. You'll never know how much.”

“I have an idea,” you jested. “You spoil me with this delicious food.”

“That’s just because I can,” he winked. “And because I want to. It’s not a payment.”

“Good to know,” you said before popping a bite of sweet potato in your mouth.

“I would like your help with something, though.”

“Sure, anything.”

“Could you help spread the word about the exhibit?” Harry requested. “Maybe invite some friends? The more the better. The cocktail party was nice, but I’d like it to be a massive event.”

“Ooh, yes! I’d love to!”

Rising from your chair, you reached over the table to plant a kiss on Harry’s lips, to which he happily accepted.

“When would you like to get your tattoo?” Harry asked as you laid twisted in the sheets, his bare thigh crossed over yours, his fingertips tracing nonexistent lines down your arm.

You turned your head to the side to look at him. If it was possible, he appeared even more beautiful than ever, his eyelids heavy, his pillowy lips swollen, his scruffy jaw threatening to produce more facial hair now that the morning was nigh. The evening of lovemaking had been blissful, Harry having brought you to orgasm not once, not twice…but three times. And while you worried you’d never walk again, the man beside you looked completely fucked.

You couldn’t help but be elated by the knowledge that you’d made that happen.

“I’m not sure yet,” you whispered, reaching for his stubbly chin. “Soon, I guess.”

You felt Harry breathe out of his nose, and while he tried to hide it, you could detect the frown on his lips.

“Do you not want it?” he inquired after a beat.

“I…no, I do,” you nodded.

“‘Cause you don’t have to get it,” Harry added. “The one I designed, or any other one. If you don’t want a tattoo, it’s fine. I’ll understand.”

“No, I want one.”

Harry continued to draw his finger down your arm. You could tell the conversation wasn’t over, but you were unsure what else to say. So you let Harry gather his thoughts instead. Finally he sighed, his gaze returning to your face.

“I’m sorry, baby.”

“What for?” you asked.

“If I made you uncomfortable. It just dawned on me that I might have been a bit presumptuous with the tattoo. I know they can be very personal, and I…I should have just let you pick what you want.”

Blinking, you rolled over onto your side to face him. “Harry, no. That’s not it at all. I love the one you designed. I told you I loved that painting.”

“Then what is it?” Harry lifted a hand to brush your hair from your face, twisting the end of the strands between his fingers. “Any time I bring it up, you kind of hesitate or change the subject.”

“I…I didn’t realize,” you looked down at his chest. “I apologize.”

“Baby, look at me,” he insisted, urging your chin up. “Talk to me. Are you af-”

You stopped him mid-sentence with your finger on his lips. As you shook your head, Harry chuckled. Then tugging on your wrist, he released your hand from his mouth.

“You don’t even know what I was gonna say,” he remarked.

“Just don’t use that word.”

“Alright,” he softened his expression, returning his fingers to your hair. “Am I moving too fast for you? Is that it?”

You gulped and sucked in your lips. Then you let out a nervous chuckle of your own. “It seems ridiculous to admit that after what we just did.”

“Not really,” Harry shook his head. “Sex can be separate from feelings. Although…I’m going to confess right now…for me…it’s not. Not with you.”

“Harry…” you breathed.

“Babe…” he murmured, pulling you closer. “I reckon I’ve conveyed my feelings for you already…at least a little bit. But if you need me to back off…I will.”

You stared at him, this gorgeous man. You couldn’t believe in just a few weeks you’d gone from hating him to…whatever this was.

“No,” you argued. “I don’t want you to.”

“No?”

“No, because…I’m feeling…things too.”

Harry’s voluptuous mouth curved into a sexy grin. You felt his hand on your back, his fingers dancing up your flesh.

“I’m just…a little hesitant, I guess,” you added, “about getting the tattoo…because it’s such an intimate thing to do, you know? To get ink on my skin of something you gave me, art you designed for me. And it’s…forever.”

Harry blinked slowly with a nod. “I completely understand, love. I didn’t mean to pressure you.”

“You didn’t. It’s just me. Like you said, it’s personal. And I would feel horrible if something happened between us, and-”

“Shh, baby…” Harry interrupted you this time. “It’s okay. I get it. Take all the time you need.”

You gave him a gentle smile before he pulled you into a deep kiss. Your eyelids heavy, and sleep threatening to take over, you tugged on the sheets. Getting the hint, Harry grinned, situating the covers over you before reaching for the lamp.

“Goodnight, baby,” he whispered. “Sweet dreams.”

You hummed in agreement as he held you against his warm body, and before you could even think any more about tattoos, you were sound asleep in his arms.

The rest of Sunday and most of Monday was spent making phone calls. You promised Harry a grand party, and you were determined to deliver. After telling Shae your plan, she was more than happy to come through by offering to tell her coworkers as well as some of your mutual friends. You called John to let him know as well, and he said he was already going to ask for the night off, and maybe even bring Rafi with him…if he was available, as he put it. You also called the gallery Monday morning, unbeknownst to Harry, to speak with Sherrod yourself. He told you how excited he was for Harry’s new exhibit, which put your mind at ease a bit.

“I really want this to be special for him,” you explained. “Is there anything I can do to help? To get the word out? More advertising? Do I need to hire a caterer or something?”

“Don’t you worry about a thing, darling,” assured Sherrod. “I’m already having my secretary making contacts as we speak. And I personally phoned my caterer on Friday.”

“Oh, fantastic,” you said. “The more people we can get to come, the better. There’s just one thing…”

“Don’t worry about that either, my pet. You have my word Miss Waters will not get an invite.”

“Ohh. For some reason I thought…” you chuckled nervously. “I don’t know how art galleries work, forgive me.”

Sherrod laughed heartily through the phone, catching you off guard. “Nothing to forgive, darling. Harry and I have already spoken about this as well.”

You breathed through your nose. Of course they had.

“Thank you, Sherrod. I appreciate everything.”

“It’s going to be a splendid night, you can be sure!”

Hanging up, you felt a heavy weight lift off your chest. It was quickly replaced with a glittery excitement. You couldn’t wait.

When you arrived for your mid-day shift at the cafe, you made a beeline for Jill who was making a cold brew for a customer. The look on her face when you told her the news about Harry’s exhibit was priceless.

“Of course I’ll be there!” she squealed. “Are you kidding me?”

“Bring some friends too, okay? I want to show him all the support we can give.”

That night, you sat in front of the TV writing in your journal. You soon found yourself mindlessly doodling in the corners of the page. Harry was at work, and you didn’t want to bother him. Yet you couldn’t stop thinking about him. He truly had been the only thing on your mind all day.

“Pppfff, more like for the last month,” you admitted out loud.

Tossing your notebook to the side, you leaned back on the couch and ran your fingers through your hair, letting out an exasperated sigh.

“Jesus Christ, what am I doing?”

Getting up from the sofa, you slipped on your shoes, not bothering to change out of your lounge-at-home outfit - a dark green tunic and black leggings. The only effort you made was to brush your teeth and touch up your lip gloss before heading out the door.

The neon sign in the window seemed to glow brighter than you remembered, an enticing greeting to lure you in. Not that you hadn’t already planned to go inside.

Swinging the door open, you noticed an empty waiting area and counter. Smooth, instrumental jazz played through the speakers as you peeked your head through the doorway to scan the tattoo stations, but still saw no one. You were just about to walk through the shop to Harry’s office when you saw Kyle emerge.

“Oh, hey,” he grinned. “You’re Y/N, right?”

“Yes,” you nodded, happy that he knew. Surely he didn’t remember you from the last time he’d seen you in the shop, but perhaps Harry had told him about you and he put two and two together. The idea made you blush a little.

“Harry’s in the back. I’ll go get him for you.”

Before you could retort, Kyle disappeared through the doorway from which he’d just appeared. And within seconds, your handsome, cheery boyfriend replaced him.

“Hi, babe!” he beamed. “What are you doing here?”

You shrugged, shyly. “Came to get my tattoo.”

His eyes widening, Harry stepped closer to you. “Really? Are you sure?”

Licking your lips, you nodded. “Positive.”

His dimples on full display, Harry pulled you into an embrace. You could feel his heart beating in his chest as he whispered in your ear. “I’m so happy.”

Then stepping back, Harry gestured toward his station. “Go ahead and have a seat. I’ll get everything ready and tell Kyle he can go home.”

“Oh!” you mouthed, surprised. Harry disappeared into the back room again before you could argue.

Situating yourself in Harry’s chair, you gazed at the art on display around his station as well as photos of various clients’ tats. While a few pieces looked to be fairly common, most of them were exquisite, no doubt one-of-a-kind works of art. You were staring at a large dragon piece on someone’s back when you heard a voice behind you.

“Bye, Y/N,” Kyle called. “Have a nice night.”

“Oh, thanks. Same to you,” you waved just as Harry walked up.

“You didn’t have to make him leave,” you said under your breath. “You’re not closed yet, are you?”

“I am now,” Harry wiggled his brows before walking to the front door and locking it, turning the OPEN sign to the CLOSED side.

With pursed lips, you tried to hold back a smirk as Harry returned, his own smirk tugging on his mouth.

“Slow night?” you inquired when he sat down on his stool.

“You would not believe. That’s why we were in my office. Kyle helps me with my website.”

You hummed in acknowledgement as you watched Harry get his tray ready just like he had the day you’d brought Shae. That already felt like a lifetime ago.

“You always surprise me with your music choices,” you commented as you listened to the soft jazz.

Harry chuckled with a nod. “This is my focus, slash wind-down music. Since it was slow, I switched it from grunge whilst we worked on the website.”

“I like it,” you grinned.

Harry gazed up at you from under his lashes before his eyes roamed down your body. You felt a tingle as his gaze made its way back up to your face.

“What?” you couldn’t help but ask.

“Was just recalling the last time you were sat in this chair.”

“Oh my God, Harry,” you blushed. “Please tell me you sanitized it!”

His eyes squinting as he giggled, Harry scooted closer to you. “You’re too much, babe.”

“Why, because I like cleanliness?”

“No, because that’s your first thought. It certainly wasn’t mine.”

You stared into his jade eyes that were now inches from your face, the irises appearing to have a dark line around them.

“That was…um, some kind of night,” you murmured softly.

“Indeed, it was.” Harry’s hand landed just above your knee then before he slid it slowly up your thigh.

“Hmm,” you nodded. “Are you trying to seduce me again?”

Harry puffed out a chuckle. “No. Don’t reckon I had to try then either.”

Dragging your tongue across your teeth, you focused on his mouth and the way his hand felt on your leg. “Fair enough. What do you remember most about that night?”

“How sweet your pussy tasted on my tongue,” he quickly replied, as if he’d had his answer ready before you’d even asked the question. “And how you tugged on my hair and your thighs trembled as you called my name.”

“Harry…”

“Oh, it was much louder than that.”

You blushed again, but this time you didn’t bother hiding it. Leaning towards you, Harry placed a soft kiss on your lips. Followed by a second, and a third. By the fourth, your fingers were in his hair, his tongue in your mouth. You reveled in the sensation, urging him with your own. When a gentle moan escaped your chest, Harry’s hand that had been on your thigh made its way between your legs. You began to grind against him in your seat, knowing your leggings and panties were already soaked through. His other hand traveled underneath your t-shirt, and when his fingers met your bare skin, you gasped.

“Are you…,” you gulped, “planning to eat me out again on this chair?”

“No,” Harry shook his head, a devilish smirk on his face.

“Oh.”

“I have other things in mind,” he added, echoing the exact words he’d said to you that night before taking you home.

“Oh…”

Harry sat back on his stool and raised a brow. “I thought you wanted a tattoo, love.”

“Harry Styles! Are you teasing me?” you exclaimed.

Giggling with glee, you noticed his eyes dancing. “Maybe.”

“Rude!” you frowned, tugging your shirt down. Your pussy still throbbing from his hand, you pouted.

“I’m sorry, baby. It’s my fault. Seeing you in this chair…it turned me on, and I got carried away. I do want to play. But I think we should get started on this tattoo, don’t you? It’s gonna take a bit.”

You nodded with a sigh. “Okay.”

Harry gave you a peck on the nose and one on the lips. “Now, did you decide where you want it? The ink, I mean,” he smirked.

“So, I had considered getting it on my side, like down my hip. There’s plenty of room to make it big. But then I changed my mind.”

“Too much?” Harry asked.

“Nope. Not enough.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nobody’s gonna see it there. Except you. And while the idea is sexy, I’d rather have the art my boyfriend designed to be in a spot everyone could see.”

“Baby…” Harry breathed, his hand over his heart.

“I know, I’ve been hesitant about this,” you explained. “About us. But I have no clue why. We’ve spent all this time together. You’ve shown me time again that you’re interested in more than just…a fling. Every time I’m with you, I feel butterflies and moonbeams and…all the cheesy things.” You let out a nervous sigh as you looked down at your hands, then back up to his gorgeous face. “The truth is…I’m crazy about you, Harry.”

“Sweetheart,” he cried, pulling you into another kiss. Then leaning his forehead against yours he murmured, “You make me so happy.”

“Good,” you grinned, your right hand on his cheek as you held out your left. “That’s why I think we should put it right here, below my elbow, down the inside of my arm.”

“I think that would be lovely,” he agreed, misty-eyed. Then he kissed the inside of your wrist before rising from his stool. “Let me go get the stencil, and I’ll be right back.”

When he stepped away, you suddenly felt butterflies in your tummy, and not just from the notion of getting a tattoo. You’d almost told him more than you’d planned. The truth was, you weren’t just crazy about him. You were falling for him. Hard. Perhaps you had been falling bit by bit every day. And you were finally willing to admit it to yourself. But you weren’t quite sure yet if you were ready to say it to him. It still felt too soon. But you loved the look on his face when you’d revealed what you had. His delight gave you hope that perhaps he felt the same.

Harry returned with a big smile on his face. Placing the stencil next to him, he pulled on his gloves. Then reaching for the rubbing alcohol and a cotton pad, he eyed you.

“Still wanna do this?” he asked.

“Definitely,” you beamed.

Taking your arm, he gently rubbed the soaked cotton pad down your arm, from the elbow to your wrist. Then he took a new disposable razor and gently shaved the area, just like you’d seen him do on Shae, back when you still hated him. The idea brought a sour taste to your mouth.

“You okay?” he asked again.

“Yeah, sorry. Was just…thinking.”

“About?” Harry raised a brow.

“How far we’ve come in just a short time.”

Harry’s face softened. “I think about that a lot.”

“You do?”

“I thank my lucky stars every fucking day that you forgave me. That you were able to see the real me and change your mind. I only wish…”

“What?” you asked.

His gaze seemed to burn into you as he looked deep into your eyes. “I wish we had met some other way. Like some random day at the cafe, or maybe here when you’d come with Shae. Or maybe even at Zelda’s on a night I was alone. Some other way that you could have met the real me instead of that prick I pretended to be.”

You sat in silence as you absorbed Harry’s words and watched him place the thermal paper on your arm with the stencil. When he peeled it off was when you spoke.

“What would you have said?”

“When?”

“If we had met in a different situation. What would you have said to me?”

“In which scenario?” he smirked.

“Let’s go with the first one. Obviously I wouldn’t be working at the cafe. But let’s say I came in one day that you were sitting there working on your iPad.”

Harry chuckled loudly, catching you off guard. “Well, I can’t really say for sure, can I? There are other factors involved.”

“Alright,” you agreed. “But you said you’ve thought about it. What happens in your…wish?”

You swore you caught a tiny bit of color in his cheeks as Harry pulled his tray closer to him. “We have to get serious now, babe. I’m about to stick a needle in your arm.”

You puffed out a breath in humor, then sat up straight in your chair. “Fine. Mark me.”

Harry’s nostrils flared as he chuckled at your joke. Then he made a few adjustments to his tattoo gun before getting to work. Surprisingly, it didn’t hurt as bad as you thought it would. You watched as Harry traced the stencil, starting with the dripping moon at the top. After every stroke, he would wipe your skin. He seemed so focused, so gentle. You stared at his face for a little while, and every time he’d bite his lower lip, it sent your heart all aflutter. When he finished the outline, he looked up at you.

“Still doing okay?”

“Mmhmm,” you nodded.

He gave you a smile before returning his focus to your arm. You were both quiet for a moment until he spoke again.

“I probably would have stared at you for a bit.”

“Huh?”

“At the cafe. If you had been sat near me at a table by yourself. I would have kept sneaking glances at you, but making sure you didn’t notice.”

“Well then, how am I supposed-”

“At first,” he interrupted. “Then I would have wanted you to notice. When we finally made eye contact, I’d have smiled at you.”

Lifting his head, Harry gave you just the smile he was referring to. And your insides ignited.

“I would say that’s very cheesy and cliche, but it’s not. I like it.”

“So what would you have done if I’d come over to your table and asked you your name?”

“I would have told you, and hoped to God you’d ask me for my number too.”

“Alright then,” Harry snickered. “That’s one scenario. But it didn’t happen.”

“It’s fine, Harry,” you said. “Something else happened instead. And we’re here anyway.”

“Yes, we are.”

You watched Harry continue on the tattoo, the moon starting to look realistic with the shading. As always you were in awe of him and his talent. Just like when you would watch him work at the cafe, you found yourself completely mesmerized. It was utterly sexy to you, from the way he focused on his project at hand, to the curls that framed his face and neck, and even down to the way his own tattooed arms flexed as he worked. As you studied him you let out a deep breath, feeling the wetness pooling in your panties again.

“Still okay?” Harry suddenly asked with a tiny smirk, as if he’d noticed.

“I’m wonderful,” you answered dreamily.

“You need to move your elbow a little?”

“Oh. Yeah, sure,” you nodded as Harry sat back to let you. Your arm had been in one position for a while, and you were starting to feel the effects.

“Okay, I’m good,” you commented as you reached your arm out again. “Tell me about your next project. What are you working on?”

“Just a second,” Harry muttered. As he scooted closer again, you wondered what he was doing until he beckoned you with his gloved hand. “Kiss me.”

You grinned widely before you happily obliged, giving him a few more kisses than he’d asked for just for good measure.

“Mmm, thanks babe. It’s hard to be around you for this long without touching your lips.”

“You’re welcome. And you’re the sweetest.”

With a wink, Harry returned to his task, this time moving onto the shading of the heart. “I actually haven’t started anything new yet,” he replied to your previous inquiry. “With the moon series now at the gallery, I’ve kind of been trying to finish up some older pieces.”

“Oh? I didn’t know you had anything that was incomplete.”

“Yeah. You saw the citiscape one, right?”

“Yes, that was gorgeous! That wasn’t finished?”

“Not yet. I keep feeling like there’s something missing, but…I dunno. I’m also not sure if I want it to be a series or a stand alone piece.”

“Well, whatever you decide, I know it’ll be amazing. As always,” you offered emphatically.

“Thanks, babe. This is why…” he left his thought unfinished as his tattoo gun rounded the edges of the heart.

“Why what?”

Harry lifted his head, giving you an easy grin. “Why you’re a wonderful lady.”

You watched Harry finish the heart on the tat while you thought your own heart could burst. You thought he was going to say it for a second, but you understood why he hadn’t. It seemed like such a mundane moment to express those three words.

Changing the subject, Harry chatted with you lightly about the upcoming exhibit, about the cafe, about food. You told him about your pal John, and how he was planning to come as well as Jill and Shae.

“Thanks again for doing this for me, babe,” he grinned. “I truly appreciate you.”

“Of course, Harry. I honestly think I’d do just about anything for you.”

Raising his eyebrows, Harry gave you a sexy look before quickly looking back down at your arm. “I think we’re done, babe.”

“Oh. Oh!” You tore your eyes from his to gaze down at your new tattoo. It was extraordinary to say the least.

“It’s…so beautiful, Harry,” you choked. “I love it!”

“It’s yours,” he commented. “And only yours.”

Your eyes began to well up with tears, making your vision too blurry to even see it. But you knew he was right. You had a one-of-a-kind Harry Styles work of art on your arm. And you couldn’t be more proud.

“C’mere, you can look in the mirror,” Harry beckoned, gesturing to the mirror behind him on the wall.

Standing in front of it, you wiped your eyes with your fingers until Harry handed you a tissue.

“Don’t cry, love,” he cooed. “You’ll make me think you made a mistake.”

“Of course not, silly man.” You stretched your arm down to look at the full length of the ink on your skin. “No mistakes here.”

“I’m glad,” he sighed, wrapping his arms around you and resting his chest on your shoulder as you took in the image of you both in the mirror. Grabbing his phone, Harry then took a couple of quick photos of your arm. “Let’s go ahead and put a covering on that so it won’t get infected.”

“Oh, how long do I have to do that? I wanna be able to show it off this weekend.”

Harry smirked at your pout. “Just a few days. You should be okay by then.”

Once again, you sat in his chair while he applied the dressing and bandage. Then he explained to you the aftercare, which made you giddy. You knew it was his job, but you enjoyed seeing him being professional.

“I’ll give you some information to take home with you as well,” he added as he removed his gloves, “but right now, I really need to touch you.”

You opened your mouth, but before you could make a syllable, Harry slid his hands under your jaw and pulled you into a warm kiss. He soon deepened it, his tongue invading your mouth as his hands traveled around your neck to your hair. When he finally released you enough to take a breath, you gasped.

“Wow.”

“Uh huh,” he voiced so low that you barely heard it. Then he licked his lips before sliding his hand up your thigh like before. “Exactly.”

You stared at Harry, his eyes darkening as he fingers began to tease you between your legs.

“So, what…mmm,” you swallowed at the sensation, “what other things did you have in mind?”

“Oh, you really wanna know?” he quirked a brow.

“Mmhmm. Yes, please.”

“Hmm, you ask so politely. But I might wanna keep teasing you like this. Make your legs tremble until you can’t stand it anymore. Until you’re begging for me to make you come.”

“Mmm,” you moaned again as he applied more pressure with his thumb, his hand cupping you, still over your clothes. “I don’t think I would be opposed to that.”

“No? You like being teased?”

“I like the way you tease,” you replied, breathy.

A low chuckle rose from his throat, and you felt the vibration as his face was just inches from yours. Then he surprised you by rising from his chair, his hand leaving your throbbing core to tug on the bottom of your t-shirt.

“Off, sweetheart,” he demanded.

You lifted your arms for him to remove your top, careful of your freshly tattooed area. You nearly came unglued at the sight of him biting his bottom lip.

“Sorry I don’t have on fancy undies,” you said, looking down at your cotton bralette.

“Are you kidding?” he snorted before he helped you remove that garment as well, his hands quickly palming your bare breasts.

You closed your eyes, reveling in the pleasure of his calloused thumbs skimming across your perky buds. He was so light and gentle with his touch, that you almost pouted, but you knew this was his intention. To drive you crazy.

He kissed you again, his hands still on you until he backed away suddenly. You opened your eyes to see him removing his own shirt, his tattooed torso on display. Your mouth watered instantly, an automatic reaction now.

You and Harry had good sex. There was no denying it. Not that you liked to compare, but Harry was the best in bed. He already knew what you liked, what buttons to press and which ones not to (not that there were many). But the best thing about the sexual part of your relationship was that it was never boring. Even when it was just quick fucking, it was amazing. Even when it was sweet, sleepy sex, you were left satisfied.

So Harry implying - albeit obviously - that he wanted to fuck you on that tattoo chair was no surprise. But the thrill was still as strong as ever. Everything he did excited you. Jesus, just looking at him sent a bolt of electricity down to your cunt, making you squeeze your muscles together.

Letting out a breath, you reached for his belt, pulling it from the loop and releasing it. He gave you another smirk as you tugged on his jeans with your non-tattooed arm, frustrated when the button wouldn’t come loose.

“Let me help, baby,” he growled, keeping your hand in position as he covered it with his own hand and helped you pull. The button popped open, the zipper separating along with it as your tug was determined. Then Harry assisted you further, his hand guiding yours down the front of his pants.

“As if you had to help me with that,” you scoffed with a grin.

“Maybe I wanted some help,” Harry eyed you.

“I don’t think that’s necessary either, big boy.”

His sexy low chuckle vibrated through your hand while you found you were a hundred percent correct. Standing from the chair, you pulled him from the confines of his jeans, the pink, bulbous head of his hard cock greeting you.

“Mmm,” you sounded. “Maybe I could help a little.”

You released his erection for just a moment to run your hands down his chest, your fingernails raking over his pecs and the light dusting of chest hair around his nipples. But it didn’t take long for Harry to reach for your tits again, squeezing them in his hands.

“Wait…I thought I was supposed to be teasing you,” he groaned.

“So you don’t want your cock in my mouth?” you teased back.

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. “Fuck, babe, I don’t know anymore. You’re so hot. I’m so turned on.”

“I can see that,” you grinned, wrapping your palm around his cock again. Before he could protest, you fell to your knees.

“Babe…” you heard as you barely licked the tip.

“Just let me, Harry. Please? I’m begging,” you looked up at him with puppy dog eyes, batting your lashes.

Letting out a breathy chuckle, Harry gave you permission with a nod and heavy eyelids. You took your time, wetting the head first, then slowly dragging your tongue underneath his length, from the base to the tip. Then licking your lips, you wrapped them around his hard cock, giving a generous amount of suction.

You heard his heavy breathing get louder and faster as you steadied yourself with your other hand on his hip. His own hands were everywhere at first, starting in your hair, then trying to paw at your breasts, then finally settling back on your head, gently urging and guiding you.

“Fuck, baby, you’re so good at this.”

You’d never considered yourself a pro at giving head. You couldn’t even take all of him, for fear of choking. But he didn’t seem to mind. Your mouth and tongue along with your hand seemed to do the trick. After a few more swirls of your tongue, you allowed your other hand to reach underneath, grabbing his balls. He moaned loudly, another expletive rising from his chest.

“Baby. Baby, baby, stop. I don’t wanna come yet.”

Popping off of him, you smiled up at him, saliva dripping from your chin. You enjoyed pleasuring him, but you were excited to move on to phase two. With another low groan, Harry ran his thumb across your chin, guiding you back up to your feet.

“Y/N. I need to be inside you. Now.”

“Aw, you mean I don’t have to beg?”

Harry didn’t bother replying with words. Instead, he pulled down your leggings with fervor, your panties clinging to them so they slipped down together, pooling around your ankles just like Harry’s jeans.

“Turn around, sweetheart,” he patted your hip while wiggling his brows.

More electricity surging through you, you happily did as you were told, bending over the tattoo chair. You felt Harry run his hands down your ass before grabbing your hip and situating himself at your entrance. He slid in slowly at first, like he always did in order to get adjusted. But as soon as he let out a gasp that echoed your own, you knew it wouldn’t be long before he started to move faster.

Harder. His fingers dug into your flesh as he pounded into you. You bit your lip at first, then thought it silly since you were alone. As you began to moan, so did Harry. The sounds intertwined with the sexy, slow jazz were intoxicating. And when Harry bent over to grab your hair and talk in your ear, you thought you might come.

“Pussy’s so good, baby. Been thinking about it all day. Always so wet for me.”

“Mmmm,” was all you could manage.

“You like me fucking you like this?”

“Yes!”

“You like my hard cock pounding into you, my balls slamming against your wet pussy?”

“God, yes!”

“Yeah. It’s mine, innit? Your gorgeous cunt is all mine.”

“Mmhm.”

“Tell me.”

“It’s all yours, Harry. I’m all yours.”

Moaning in your ear, Harry slowed down. You wondered for a moment what was happening as you knew he hadn’t come yet. Then you felt a chill on your back as he stood up, his hands at your hips.

“Let’s get these off the rest of the way,” he said with heavy breaths, indicating your pants.

Blinking, you wiped your eyes and toed off your shoes, stepping out of the leggings as you watched Harry do the same with his jeans.

“Sorry, babe, for the interlude,” his voice cracked. “I wanna try something else.”

“Okay.”

You watched as he readjusted the chair to lay flat. Then he laid down on it.

“C’mere, babe,” he beckoned. “Climb on top of me.”

You shifted your eyes nervously. “Are you sure we won’t break it?”

“Only one way to find out,” he smirked.

Sucking in your lips, you climbed on with Harry’s assistance. You giggled at the awkwardness of it all as you straddled him.

“Just a second, honey,” he said when you were about to aim his cock. “Let me look at you.”

You glared at him, once again wondering what was going through his head. He acted as if he’d never looked at you before. But as you smiled down at him, his own lips grew into his dimpled grin, making you warm all over. He brushed your hair from your face, his thumb grazing across your cheek.

“You’re like an angel,” he murmured. “You take my breath away.”

“Harry…” you exhaled.

“I’m all yours too, honey.”

You beamed at him, knowing it was a reply to your previous admission. Then lifting yourself onto your knees, you looked into his eyes as you sank down onto his cock. You hissed as he closed his eyes, both of you already sensitive.

You rode him with determination, needing to chase the release. After bouncing on him a few times, Harry took your left hand and held it to his chest, making sure you didn’t put too much pressure on that arm. You giggled awkwardly as you tried to keep your balance, but your boyfriend was good at helping.

As you started to reach your high, the burn imminent both in your thighs and your core, you began to cry out.

“Harry….it’s so good, baby…oh, God…Harryyyyy.”

Bucking his hips against you, his hands both now on your own hips, he stared you in the eyes.

“I know, honey. Tell me.”

“Mmmmm…I’m all yours, Harry,” you bit your lip, throwing your head back.

“Y/N. Look at me.”

Blinking, you gazed down at him, his gorgeous face flushed. He groaned in pleasure before wrapping his arms around you.

“Tell me, baby. I wanna hear you say it.”

“What?”

“Tell me you love me.”

Your eyes widening, you stared at him in…no, not disbelief. Because you absolutely believed it.

“I know you feel it, baby. Just like I do. Tell me. Please.”

You’d slowed down your hips, Harry having paused his thrusts. But as you began to resume, moving faster, his gorgeous mouth hanging open, you nodded.

“I love you, Harry.”

His lips twitched before he licked them, then pulled you to him for a kiss.

“I love you, too, Y/N.”

A tiny giggle escaped your throat as realization kicked in. You were in love. And all his.

You rode Harry to the finish, reaching orgasm just before he cried out those three words again. He kissed you deeply, his tongue letting you know how pleased he was. His head falling back, his eyes closed in complete bliss, the biggest, dopiest grin on his face.

“Say it again, babe.”

You kissed his salty chest and neck, then gnawed on his stubbly chin.

“I love you,” you sang softly before kissing his lips.

“And I love you,” he echoed while your face hovered over his, your hair surrounding you both like a secret garden. “So much.”

Chatter filled the room and your ears as you suddenly heard the clink of a fork against glass.

"Ladies and gentlemen! A toast! To our man of the evening!" announced Sherrod. Harry turned to him with a bashful grin. "It has been my utmost pleasure to host this soiree for such an incredible artist. He is a viable part of this community, and I know you all join me in congratulating him at completing another remarkable series. To Harry Styles!"

As everyone clapped and cheered, raising their glasses, you heard Stan shout, "Hear, hear!"

Smiling at your boss, whom you had been thrilled to see arrive with his wife, you watched him make a taste of his own.

"Harry, my son, I've watched you sit at that same table in my cafe for over a year, doodling on your notepads and…thingamajig…" he gestured, making the guests chuckle. "To be honest, I didn't understand why my coffee shop, or why that table…or why only flat white lattes…" more laughs erupted as he patted Harry on the shoulder. "But I knew you had talent. And ambition. I'm proud of you, son. And I'm proud to say I knew you when."

"Hear, hear!" Sherrod and others cheered, raising their glasses again.

"Thank you, Stan. Thank you Sherrod," Harry choked. "This whole night means more to me than you'll ever know. All of you. I'm so humbled that each of you came tonight. This truly was special. I'll never forget it."

Harry's eyes met yours during his final words. Then as the chatter resumed, he stepped forward and pulled you into a long kiss.

"Alright you two," said Jill behind you. "Don't go find a room just yet. I need to take pictures."

You giggled as your friend held her phone up and you posed for several photos with Harry, including one where you were kissing him on the cheek. Satisfied with her shots, Jill squealed with joy and announced she had to take some more with her other friends next to Harry’s art.

A waiter came by then with more champagne, and you gladly took another glass, handing him your empty one.

“I’m so happy to see you having a good time,” beamed Harry, his arm still around you.

“I may have had a few too many of these,” you snickered, covering your mouth with your hand.

“No matter. We have that limo, thanks to you.”

“You can actually thank Shae. It was her idea.”

“Where is Shae, by the way?” Harry turned his head to search for your roommate. He spotted her next to the shrimp, talking to Kyle. His chest shook with laughter as he turned back to you.

“What?” you asked. “Kyle’s a nice guy, right?”

“Yeah. Too nice. She’s probably giving him an earful, and I’ll have to hear about it later.”

You playfully slapped his arm in your friend’s defense, though you knew he was right.

“Good idea, by the way, showing off your tattoo right away. I already have some clients lined up.”

“That’s awesome!” you cheered. You figured one of them was the nice lady you were talking to last time, since you saw her again soon after you’d arrived.

“Harry, my good man, congratulations!” another voice sounded. You both swiveled to see Carlo, his arm already stretched to give Harry a hug.

“Thank you so much for coming, Carlo.”

“Anything for you, my friend! Y/N, I don’t believe you’ve met my beautiful wife, Jossalyn.” Carlo gestured to the stunning tattooed brunette to his right.

You both gave each other salutations before Harry pulled her into a hug as well. Then they announced their exit and said their goodbyes.

“You have a lot of friends and admirers, Harry,” you commented.

He nodded. “Seems that way. I need to remember to count my blessings.”

You lifted your hand to his handsome face, and he covered it with his own, gently shutting his eyes.

“Y/N! We have to be going, guys!” John shouted, breaking your reverie.

“John, thank you so much for coming!” you told him as you squeezed him. “And for bringing Rafi.”

“Told you he’s a dish,” he whispered in your ear.

You nodded as you watched his partner shake hands with Harry, then you did the same. As soon as they left, Harry leaned into you.

“Rafael is interested in my art.”

“Your art, or something else?” you quirked a brow. “I saw how he looked at you earlier.”

Harry cackled. “I promise it was strictly a professional conversation. But if it makes you feel any better, I’ll remind him I’m taken.”

As he slid his arm back around your waist, you shook your head as you smiled up at him. “I was teasing you. I wouldn’t blame anyone in this room for wanting a piece of you…professionally or otherwise. But I appreciate the sentiment. Also, I trust you.”

“Yeah? I’m glad, baby.”

Harry brought his hand up to slide under your jaw, and he was just about to kiss you when the other man of the hour interrupted.

“Harry, lad, I have an early flight in the morning, so I must bid farewell,” said Donovan McNulty. This evening he wore a black suit with a red bowtie. You smiled at him, holding out your hand.

“Mr. Nulty, thank you so much for coming. You’ve made Harry so happy.”

Donovan leaned in and kissed your cheek, then the other. “My dear, I reckon it’s the other way around. Besides, it looks like he’s found his happiness right here, with his muse.”

He gave you a wink as he squeezed your tattooed arm before shaking Harry’s hand and waving goodbye.

The party continued for another hour or so. You and Harry both gave a lot more thank yous and farewells. Then when no other guests remained (Harry insisted on seeing everyone out to show his appreciation), Sherrod finally shooed you out to the limo.

“Thanks for helping with everything, sweetheart,” cooed Harry as he necked you in the back of the car.

“I didn’t do much,” you conveyed. “Sherrod set up most of it.”

“No, you did more than you know. I love and appreciate you.”

“Same here, handsome,” you grinned before caressing his soft lips. “By the way, I have something to show you when we get to your place.”

“Yeah? Is it under your dress?”

You giggled as his hand wandered under the flimsy fabric of the new dress you’d purchased just for this occasion.

“No,” you playfully tugged at his wrist. “It’s something I left there while we were getting ready. It’s in your nightstand.”

“Handcuffs?”

“No! Harry Styles, I’m trying to be romantic and open, and you’re being naughty.”

“Oh. I’m sorry, babe. I can’t help it. It’s just where my mind went.”

“It’s okay,” you tutted.

“What is it?”

“You’ll see.”

Harry held your hand as he walked you to his apartment. The glow of the moon shone through the balcony doors, punctuating the end of the moon-themed evening like a full stop. Although you weren’t ready for it to end just yet.

You laid your clutch bag on the counter next to his keys and wallet before he pulled you in for yet another kiss. Throwing your arms around his neck, you let his tongue tangle with yours, tasting the champagne you’d both consumed. Then he lifted you up, wrapping your legs around his waist as he carried you into the bedroom.

“Are you gonna show me now?” he asked between kisses after he laid you down.

You simply nodded, then reached for the bedside table, opening the top drawer. You retrieved a small notebook, the one you’d been writing in. Opening it, you flipped to the page you wanted to show him. When you handed it to him, he looked at you inquisitively.

“What’s this?” he asked.

“Remember when you asked me if I had a hobby, something that I was passionate about? And I mentioned I used to write?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“You inspired me.”

With an easy grin, Harry sat back on the pillows, crossing his ankles. You sat next to him, your legs tucked underneath you as you bit your bottom lip nervously.

Brilliant, blazing, glistening, glittering

The celestial satellite shines by the light reflected from the sun

Its beautiful mystery soothingly captivates us

All aglow, seemingly from within

Feminine energy that affects the rise and fall of the tides

A big balloon, luminous and serene

These are words used to describe the moon

But they are also words to describe my heart

For my heart is now a big balloon

All aglow and alight from within

From the light of your heart, the sun

Brilliant, blazing, beautiful

Wondrous and astral, my heart is now home

Lowering the notebook after reading your poem, Harry looked at you.

“It’s kinda short,” you offered with a hesitant chuckle. “But it took me forever.”

“Baby,” he said, scooting closer to you and reaching for you. “This is beautiful.”

“Really?” you crinkled your nose, still not completely confident.

“Yes, baby, really. I love it. I love you.”

Your expression softened, easing into a smile. Harry pulled you to his chest, brushing your hair back from your face.

“Thank you for writing it, but even more, for sharing it with me.”

“I figured I should, since you share so much with me.”

“That’s what I mean, love. Not only did you share your heart with me, but you put it into words on paper. It’s stunning. I’m…”

His hands still in your hair, he paused his words.

“What?” you asked as you saw a tiny tear escape from the corner of his eye and down his cheek. “Harry…”

“Can’t help it, baby,” he choked as you wiped the tear. “I’ve fallen so hard for you.”

“Me too,” you whispered.

“Tell me again, Y/N.”

“I love you…” you said, his lips capturing yours once again before you could say his name.

You didn’t mind that he asked you to say those words. In fact, you liked it. You would tattoo it on your heart if you could.

THE END

And there we have it :). Please like, comment and consider following me if you enjoyed it! Feedback is love x.

124 notes · View notes

woneuntonzz · 11 months ago

Text

greatest comedian ≈ s.es, o.str

popularguy!eunseok x afab!reader x bestfriend!shotaro

“god must be the greatest comedian I know.”

contains: angst, fluff, comfort, cursing, pining (ig), mentions of alcohol, slightly suggestive jokes, humor (lmao)

wordcount: 10.8k

a/n: i'm back :0 (kinda) i'm gonna try and get to my asks soon pls wait for me :<

songfic inspired by:

“You’re funny!”

He’s heard it countless times. And he truly was. Truly, he was a delight to be around. He reveled in the laughter and amusement of others. Your image of him was no different from everyone else’s. You’ve always thought he was funny. But somehow he’s never made you laugh. Well, all he’s ever done is bring your self-doubts to afloat, and served a great part in creating this big barricade in your academic life that you’ve been trying to get through for over a year now.

“You still like that guy? For real?” you breathe out a chuckle to your friend’s query, in harmony with the sounds of the keyboard’s clicks as you make yourself busy.

“Yes, Natty.” your voice was soft as you replied and as you did you felt Natty’s hand landing calmly on your shoulder.

“Ever thought of confessing?” —I have, I do all the time— you say to yourself. “I mean, who knows, he might like you too.”

You almost guffawed, but Natty would only lay her head on your shoulder and she’d snap her head up at you when you answered, “On another universe, maybe. I don’t exist in his little theater show.”

“What a way to refer to someone’s blooming social life.” you darted your eyes at Natty’s poking, turning the both of you into a bundle of laughter.

If only he could hear the melody that sounded from your lips. “Why’d you say it like I don’t have a social life?”

“Miss Y/n, I did not say that at all. You’re delusional!” your friend gave you a light push, your arms crossing on top of one another on your chest.

“I am not delusional!” you kept the kid in your tone whilst appearing offended.

In fact, you truly weren’t. While as a youngin you’d hope every coincidence bore meanings, you grew up to face reality, though not accepting it entirely. A part of you hoped there was a small spark that went off every time you met his gaze, that he was just as withdrawn with you as you were with him because he was shy, that he only pretended to not care about you because he liked you too. But a view of him from afar —how his life was a movie in itself— told you you’d be nothing more but a mere extra in the extravagance of his daily proceedings.

So when prom came around, while everyone else scurried around to find their dates, you just stood still —more accurately, sat and waited for anything interesting to happen in your life— and watched the pretty girls being picked out by men of all kinds like flowers on a nice green field. You just hated that by the end of prom night, this nice field of tamed green grass will turn into a rowdy, muddy mess stepped on by those men —if you could even call them that. The view wasn’t as sweet to you like how everyone else saw it, but perhaps it was because you were bitter.

“Aren’t you excited for prom night? I heard Jacob will DJ this year, I bet it’s gonna be awesome.” you shrugged at your friend, unsure if you were even gonna go to prom.

“I bet you’ll have loads of fun.” your friend was quick to pick up on your masked expression, much to your surprise.

“Hmm, is this about…” he looks you right in the eyes,“Bingo! code Eun—”

“Shh!” you bit your lip after shushing him, containing the laugh that threatened to escape from you. “Keep it down!”

“Oh, sorry.” a jesting evil chuckle was evoked from him making your face scrunch up. He laughs at you and motions like he’s about to pinch your face. “But, hear me out. Why don’t you ask him out?”

You sighed as an array of reasons popped up in your head. “Even if I had the courage to do that did you really think he’d say yes? To me?” your friend snorted at your tone, and again, looks you right in the eyes.

“Why not?” you raised your brows as a way of asking him if he was being serious, “Look, just being for real here, you’re pretty enough to overthrow those ‘popular girls’, your cute, your talented, your actually interesting —I mean what’s there not to like?”

You gave yourself a second to think and your eyes followed the lines separating each tile on the floor, and from the distance you saw him. You were in the cafeteria, and for some reason not with Natty. Some guy named Eric had asked her to meet him in some classroom, you’ve heard from some of his friends that he was asking Natty out to prom and planned a surprise. Meanwhile your dream date was sat five tables away from where you were. Laughter filled the table he and his friends occupied. He must be so funny then.

“Y/n?” Your friend’s voice was all it took for you to avert your eyes from Eunseok. “It’s kinda rude to just stare at your crush and daydream mid conversation, just so you know.”

You can’t help but laugh, at your friend’s jovial banter and at yourself for being so pathetic. “Sorry, Sho.”

“I was kidding, it’s totally fine Miss scared-of-confrontations.” you playfully rolled your eyes at him.

“I’m not scared of confrontations.” but his words took you a step back and you thought maybe you truly were scared of confrontations.

“Yeah? prove it! prove it! prove it!” and he kept repeating it like a kid and you had to shush him again. “Ask him out!”

“Shotaro, I've never wanted to punch someone this bad in my life before, just stop.” and he just laughs at you again. You look to your side, and coincidentally right into his eyes. It would’ve been the highlight for your day, the best day of your week —your life even— if not for the flowers he held in his hand. And no, they weren’t for you. You thought they could never be for you. He held them in his hands whilst he wore that grin that drew everybody in his presence. You looked away, not wanting to see the events waiting to unfold before you.

“Let’s go, Sho.” you took hold of Shotaro’s wrist, dragging him out of the cafeteria with you. Once you were out of the bustling atmosphere, you started sprinting, still not letting go of your friend.

“Where are we going?” and then suddenly you stopped.

You could see Natty holding hands with Eric from the other end of the hallway, and some of Eric’s friends tagging along from behind.

“Oh, so that’s where Natty’s been. No wonder.” you hear Shotaro utter quietly from behind you.

“Yeah. No wonder.” your lips spread to a small smile, seeing how happy Natty actually is. You just hope Eric isn’t just another guy.

“Hey, Y/n, why’d you pull me out of the cafeteria? I was trying to skin the fried tofu with my tee—”

“Sorry, I just didn’t want to see it —them, I mean.” your friend just stared at you, confused, and it showed on his face. A soft, but bitter laugh came out of your mouth. You figured Shotaro might’ve not seen what you saw, or maybe he didn’t care. “‘You-know-who’ was gonna ask some lucky girl to prom.”

“Really? Lucky?” he promptly shakes his head, and now you’re confused. “I don’t even know why I asked —anyways, I saw Mr.’Funny-Guy’ holding a bouquet. You know, for a second I thought you became Flash and just gave him those and asked him out to prom at ten times speed.” you laugh, and in all honesty just wanting to look past everything you saw, and everything that might’ve or did happen after the two of you ran off.

“Yeah. Very lucky.” Shotaro shook his head again, keeping his eyes on the smile that he could recognize from all the times you have found yourself on a disappointing stand.

“I’m sorry to say this, but, Eunseok isn’t all that. You can have fun without him. You have Natty —or maybe not her because she’s probably gonna spend time with that guy— me! you have me! and Minji, though I’ve heard someone had asked her out, that's probably why she’s not around right now…”

With pursed lips and crossed arms, you searched for the sense in his words, and when you had found it he was already looking back at you. Tilting your head to the side, you hum, a nod following shortly after. Shotaro was once again confused.

“Shotaro, how do you feel about going to prom with me?” you almost guffawed when he shrugged.

“Well, my plan was to just stick by you the whole night so we could have fun, so, technically…” he was suddenly stuck. “We’re best friends and all…”

“Yeah, but like, I’m actually asking you to be my date. Since we’re best friends and all.” you mimicked the tone that displaced his playful one when he spoke earlier. He scrunches his nose at you as some sort of counter-attack.

“Okay. That’s great.” he mirrors your pose and crosses his arms as well, and you both tilt your head at the same time —and it was soon followed by laughter.

Osaki Shotaro is probably the third funniest person I know, or, should he be second? —you jot down on your notes app. You now lay on your bed, just a few nights away from prom. Your notes app became a little get away for you as it was easier to type than to write things down. You swear that the world will burn once someone has seen the things you’ve very diligently typed in the app. It was your safe space, locked away from everyone. Even from Natty. Even from Shotaro. I wonder what I should wear. I wonder what he’s gonna wear, what his date would wear. She for sure said yes. Who wouldn’t? I would, a hundred percent. I’m gonna have to make sure we don’t wear the same dress, not even the same color. What’s a rare color? —your thoughts were a river with no end. It just flowed, especially when you lay alone in your room paying mind to nothing with being in such a secluded and quiet place. You were there, the cold air against your exposed skin, but you would feel nothing of it. You were deep within the depths of your perception. You itched to know. Who was the girl? —and if you were being honest, you missed any signs of him being infatuated with someone else. Who am I kidding? It couldn’t be me.

For the days that followed, you kept your mind on what to wear. Of course, not without crossing paths with Song Eunseok. He seemed his usual self —if not happier. You refuse to see it that way, to accept that whoever she might be, she’s making him twice the smiley guy he is. You’d reunite with Natty and Minji eventually. They asked if you were attending prom night because they’ve heard of the news. It had seemed as if everyone saw it coming. Maybe they are a match. Maybe they just look that good together. Maybe they’re made for each other.

“Maybe he just asked out a friend, you know, for a friendly date of sorts. Like you and Taro!” as sweet as Natty could be, you just truly wanted to avoid conversations regarding you-know-who. You’d just smile, not sparing her a look.

It was your way of telling people to stop talking about something that upset you, and Shotaro noticed right away even though you were late to catch up on your sides pressed against each other when he scoots closer. “Natty’s right.” he was regretful of that reply, so he’d quickly avert from the topic of you-know-who. “By the way Y/n, what are you gonna wear? the color and stuff, we can match.” your head snaps up, being reminded you should’ve been getting ideas for your outfit instead of being dazed over a boy that has never even bothered to acknowledge your presence.

“I don’t know yet. I don’t have ideas right now. Do you?” you finally look over to Shotaro, and for a second you’d jolt seeing the tip of your nose and his only a little over an inch from touching.

He backed away almost instantly with a swift reply of, “I don’t have any either. I mean, it’d be fine by me to take charge if we didn’t have to follow an attire.”

Smack. Timely, you both gasped hearing such a loud sound coming from one of your friend —Minji, who was looking a little more enthusiastic than usual. “I have an idea. Let’s all shop together. Natty and I can work on both of you.”

Natty’s beam infected you when you looked over at her because you knew they got your backs. And that was one thing off your checklist of worries. Only a few hundred more to tick.

“My mom said she wanted to help you get ready for prom night.” —and with a few flips of a textbook you were already off and walking back home with Shotaro, like usual.

“Really? I mean, I suppose it’d be easier if I was there, then you wouldn’t have to pick me up.” you reply with a slight pout, giving his offer —or rather his mother’s— serious consideration.

“I mean, it could be that or you join us for dinner tonight. I kind of figured Auntie would prefer it if she was the one who helped you, you’re her daughter after all, aren’t you?” your hand came to catch the laughter from your lips as he spoke. A laugh, and a sneeze, to which Shotaro responds with, “Ew.”

“Don’t ‘ew’ me!” his giggles slid through your ears, filling it up with his sweet melody. “Ew.” and of course you had to bite back.

“What? 'ew' what?” and he kept giggling.

You could only chuckle to yourself, biting down on your bottom lip. “Nothing” you breathe out.

It couldn’t be just nothing. Or at least he hoped. And so like every rational and mature man, he snatched the hairpin that held your poorly cut bangs from your face and ran. He was lucky it sled off easily. You chased him whilst calling out for his name, threatening him with actions you would never do. You could never. All while he giggled to himself like a little boy.

♪ ♪ ♪

[A week ago…]

Everyone tends to only consider what’s on the surface of the water, unknowing of the storm that lies underneath the seas.

“What about Shotaro?” “Forget him.”

No apparent aggression, but betrayal could be sensed with the constant fall of his intonation as he continued to speak, “He chose her over us.” and his breath falls along with his hands that got done with smoothing out the wrinkles on his uniform.

“I mean, you would too. Isn’t that why you two got into a fight?” he shrugged at his friend.

And then laughed.

“What’s so funny?” The friend had furrowed eyebrows as he inspected the demeanor of the man before him.

“He’s talking to her everyday now. Me on the other hand?” he looks to his left, the body-length mirror of his room. “I’m so close, yet so far. I don’t even think I amuse her.”

“Why not? you’re Song Eunseok, the funny —and insanely hot guy, come on now.”

“Yeah. That’s the problem. Funny, insanely… hot?”

The two laughed in chorus.

“What’s the point of being so admired by so many people if the one I’ve been admiring doesn’t even give a flying fuck?” Eunseok shook his head as he spoke, facing his mirror and checking his reflection. “If anything she probably hates —no, not hate, but she doesn’t like me. For sure.” he straightens the collar of his shirt.

“The popular guy stigma.” he laughs at his friend’s sigh, and he replies,

“It’s true for some people. I could see why she might think I’m like them.” he smiled but his movements would be a complete contrast to it as he kept fixing nothing and dusting off nothing on his uniform. “Say we weren’t friends, and you’re a transferee, how would you see me?” he turns around to face his friend who was flummoxed with his sudden question.

“Well, I’m an extrovert myself, so I’d probably ask you to hang out first and foremost. You’re fine as hell, you’re quite the character.” Eunseok’s eyes traveled to the ground after hearing his friend’s response. He couldn’t quite tell if it was genuine or was just a guise to amuse him. This friend was not like the ones he once had in his life. Not like Shotaro. Not like you.

“Character?” Eunseok chuckled to himself. “I wonder if this… character was why we grew apart.”

“You and Shotaro?”

“Yes, and no.” Eunseok’s heavy sigh almost startled the other boy. “I’m talking about the girl.” a silent ‘oh’ was exuded from the boy’s mouth as he watched the other who moved to take a seat next to him. “I don’t get how moving schools cut our ties. Shotaro and I were still friends after I moved. I mean, we were neighbors. But still. Did she really not care about me?”

“Probably. Girls do that, don’t they?” Eunseok laughed again, with knitted brows this time.

“No. We’ll never know.” he says, running his tongue over his top lip before he continued, “We’re a bunch of dicks. How would we know?”

And they guffawed.

“Just ask her out to prom. Before Shotaro does.” Eunseok nods at his friend. “I bet you fifty bucks you can get her to say yes empty handed.”

“Dude, it’s not in me to not give her anything.”

[Present Day]

If I can make you laugh, you’re going to prom with me.

It would’ve been raining diamonds if he was able to carry out his plan. He would make her laugh then she’s all his for prom night, and hopefully for the days that follow.

But now he stood —oddly quiet— with his friends in a corner shop near school buying whatever shit they had to buy. “Hey nice guy! What's up? Is your mouth glued shut? stapled?”

One of his friends had laid their arm over his shoulders, tightening his hold when Eunseok didn’t answer immediately. “I’m fine. I think the store ran out of condoms.” the other snorts at his answer, a poor attempt at a joke.

“Do virgins eat condoms?” a loud ‘tsk’ would follow after, “If you’re getting fucked it’s by something up there in your cranium. Tell me.”

Eunseok sighed as he mustered up the guts to tell. “I didn’t get the girl.”

Surprised, and quite perplexed, his friend removed his arm from him to look him in the eyes saying, “What do you mean? I thought Gaeul said yes?”

“It was never Gaeul.”

“Then who?”

“You.” Eunseok grabs his friend's face, pretending to pull him in for a kiss. His friend —like every straight man— would counteract his actions.

“Ew dude, I’m not fucking gay, for the last time!”

“It’s always been you.”

Eunseok would let go of his friend hearing another one of their friends approaching as she laughed. “Hi nice guy!”

“And hi to you too, Miss Korea.” the girl giggles at Eunseok’s reply.

“Is it true? You and Heeseung have been sleeping together?” Eunseok smirked, hearing the girl’s jesting.

“What?” Before Heeseung could speak again, Eunseok butts in with a quip.

“Oh, yes! But he hides it, he must be ashamed of me —ashamed of loving me!” dramatic, and exaggerated, still it was one for the titters.

“I hate you, Yuna. Have a nice fucking day.” and Heeseung walks out whilst the two continue laughing amongst themselves.

The cackles died down once the two were left alone as their friends continued to roam the shop.

“Hey, not to be nosy or anything, but did you seriously not mean to ask Gaeul? sorry I just heard —I promise I wasn’t actively listening in.” Yuna even waved her hands in front of her face to dismiss any misinterpretations.

And with a small smile, Eunseok breathes in to reply to her. “It’s okay. We weren’t exactly being discreet about it at all.” his eyes shifted along the shelves that sandwiched the two of them. “But yeah. I asked Gaeul because, I don’t know, why not?”

Yuna nods at a broken pace for a couple of seconds as she tries to understand, getting caught up in some holes as she went through what he told her one more time before asking, “So, then, who were you meant to ask?”

“Doesn’t matter. She’s got a date already anyways. I got a date, she got a date, you got a date, everyone gets a date. It’s gonna be fun.” he displays a wide smile, but it was almost robotic in a way that made Yuna huff trying to get over how ridiculous he looked at the moment. “Do you mind me asking about your date Miss Korea?”

“Well, I was hoping this guy would ask me. But I don’t think he had me in mind at all. But yeah, I’m going with Sungchan, you're going with Gaeul, we all have dates. Let’s be happy.” Eunseok chuckled at the way her voice imitated his in some way.

“Yeah. Let’s be happy.”

♪ ♪ ♪

It’s been an hour or two of Natty and Minji flitting around the boutique to find you and Shotaro some nice outfits for prom night. The theme? “Retro romance.”

“It’s fun but I feel like there could be better themes. There’d be dozens of polkadot skirts, I can already see it.” Natty mumbles in between picking out a few dresses for you to try on. She holds out a shirt dress, yellow with hints of white in a gingham pattern. “This is pretty retro, right? we could pair it with a belt and a skimmer hat with a purple ribbon.” Natty scans the piece of clothing, moving closer to you and holding it out next to your figure.

Your head snaps instantly when you hear an utterance next to you, “It looks cute.” Shotaro was a bit taken aback with how all three of you stopped just to look at him just because of his short little comment.

Minji approached, coming from a section of the boutique just a little farther from where the three of you were. She came walking with a few items at hand. It was a plain long sleeve shirt, white, a plaid suit vest —in the same color as the dress Natty held—, and some flared trousers in a darker shade of yellow, just a little muted.

“Oh my god, oh my god, you guys need to get into the fitting rooms right now!” you giggled at the way Natty gushed and rushed to get you and Shotaro on your feet.

Her giggles were all it took for you and Shotaro to speed to the fitting rooms. Once the dress went over your head and the skirt settled against your bare legs, your hands traced the shape of your waist seeing how perfectly the dress fits and hugs your body. You loved how the color complemented your skin. Like a perfect painting, freshly polished. You walked out of the fitting room, eyes glued to the flow of the skirt. Once your feet have crossed the line that separated the fitting room from the rest of the boutique, your eyes land on the floor. Your lone feet were now joined by another pair dressed in white Nike air force 1s.

Looking up to your right, smiling eyes greet your own. “Sho, you look dapper!” your exclaim lifted the corners of his mouth to their highest point.

“Wait till I get my hair done.” he says with his chest up and then playfully biting his lower lip.

You laugh at his face, slightly shoving him from where he stood with a light push. He —very gently— bumps his shoulder onto yours, causing you to tilt a tad. With a little chortle, you tell him, “You don’t really need to get it done. It looks good the way it is.” as you ruffle his hair.

He lets out a giggle, so soft and gleeful. “Whatever you say, pretty.”

Walking back to your friends, from a distance, their eyes welcomed the two of you. Their compliments almost fell from the end of their tongues. A gasp leaped over Natty’s words, her hand rushing to catch her breath. “You look cute together!” and you almost gagged from all the cooing. As opposed to you, Shotaro just smiled, his eyes were smiling too. Smiling at you. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary —you’d convince yourself. But your cognition went offbeat when you met his eyes, and yours would hastily look around for something, anything to subside the feeling that was simmering from within you.

You were thankful that Minji made her comment before anyone noticed. “You look like twin bananas.” your face would scrunch up, and she’d slightly repel, speaking again, “I was trying to say the colors looked cute!” you hear Shotaro’s giggle again. Instinctively, you peered at him. Your best friend.

He used to be your best friend too.

“Y/n?”

You shook your head, your lips forming the best smile you could pull out of your blues. You raised your brows at your best friend who had called you out of your thoughts. “I like these outfits. Let’s get them, yeah?”

“Yeah. I like them too.” he nods along with his words. “Told you you’d look great in anything!” he gently nudges at you when he spews the acclaim.

Just days before he assured you that finding a decent outfit would be no problem, emphasizing that “you already look good with just our school uniform on.” —you’d dispense a hearty cackle, though, you knew he must’ve been sincere with it all, you only intended to humor the situation. All for the sake of not having to foster thoughts about everything he’s said to and done for you for the past two weeks after the ‘you-know-who incident’.

All the while ‘you-know-who’ feigned folly. It was the only way he could ever allow himself to overlook the facts that unfolded from across the street in front of him. The fact that her happiness radiated in high magnitudes. The fact that she laughed with someone else, wore stupid banana-colored matching outfits with someone else —that she laughed with that guy as if he was the greatest comedian she knew. It was the fact that she was happier without him, and that he could never make her laugh like whilst she held on her tummy as her face formed creases of joy. She was only on her way out when he saw her. It’s the happiest he’s ever seen her. No matter how much he loathed the cause of your glee, seeing her smile, grin and giggle made him float to the skies. He daydreamed about what it could sound like, her laughter. Must be delightful with how tightly the other guy had clutched onto her hand. Eunseok looked away before he could fall any deeper. He crossed the road, and her too. He caught a whiff of her almond saffron perfume, and he fished for her gaze only to be met with the eyes he despised the most. “Osaki Shotaro pisses me off.”

Eunseok was now in a cafe to meet up with Gaeul for the first time ever since asking her out to prom —impulsively. She was yet to arrive, so he got on the phone with his dear friend Yeonjun. “We know, we know. But if you’re that competitive why don’t you make moves huh?” Eunseok breathes out a scoff after hearing Yeonjun’s taunting.

“If you knew me at all, you know i’m all but competitive.” Eunseok kept his gaze on the bell above the door, any moment from then it could sound Gaeul’s arrival, not that it was enough for him to pay mind to.

“Yeah, you’re all that, aren’t you?” Yeonjun tittered from the other line. He calmed himself down at an instant when he realized that Eunseok was shut quiet. “You know, Sungchan told me something about his sister, Y/n.” Eunseok had parted his lips, but was unable to utter his next words —those which he had trouble finding— so Yeonjun spoke again, “He said she liked one of her best friends back then. It could be you or Shotaro, but what if it’s been you all along?”

Foot tapping at a pained tempo, Eunseok almost choked holding back a guffaw. “Me? Was I the one she’s been hanging out with? was I the one by her side when her dog died? or when she received such a shitty exchange gift when she had spent loads of time and money for her gift?” Eunseok swore he could see Yeonjun with pursed lips.

The bell sounded just as Yeonjun replied, “It’s not entirely impossible—” *phone beeps* Eunseok ends the phone when Gaeul greets him with heart eyes. Like every girl would.

It didn’t make sense to Eunseok. Every other girl liked him, stared at him for too long sometimes. You were —in his world— every girl. You were the girl that laughed at him when he skinned his knee while he raced against the wind with his bicycle. You were the girl that gave him your frosted animal crackers when he left his lunch box at home. You were the girl that hid her face when she cried after he had told her that he was moving away with his family. You were the girl that pretended not to recognize him at the themepark when he came around to visit again. You were the girl who continued to shun him everyday now that you were in the same highschool. You were all that —and more— to him. You were every girl in his life, in his story, in the little sit-com he lived in.

“So, what do you plan on taking for college?” he stared at the girl who queried him, though it was not clear to her —nor to himself what exactly he was staring for, or at rather.

Eunseok clears his throat, digging around in his mind for the answer, “I plan to take a b-a —uh, public relations.” he chuckled seeing how she fought the grimace from spreading throughout her face. “Sorry if i’m not the computer science or architecture typa guy.”

Gaeul quickly wards off any misunderstandings by hastily shaking her head as she utters, “Sorry, I just haven’t heard that from anyone before. In fact, I'm quite unfamiliar with it.” he leisurely nods, his teeth subtly digging into his bottom lip at the last rise of his head. “Would you mind explaining it to me? your career path and all.”

He raised his brows, a low chuckle, barely audible, was trapped behind his pressed lips. “No, not at all.” maybe, just maybe, he could get his head out of the past, the memories of you. You. Maybe after he’s gotten to know this girl that actually acknowledged his presence and seemed to be genuinely curious to seek for what’s beyond his social persona. The talk was definitely long enough for their lava-hot coffee cups to run cold. And surprisingly for him, there was more gained than said.

♪ ♪ ♪

Prom night came around, but before it did you made sure to avoid crossing paths with him, or taking turns at the wrong corners and run into him and Gaeul —again. You were never able to be verbal with how grateful you were that Shotaro had been sticking to you ever since you’ve gone to the boutique. His puns and your exchanged banters drew your attention away from Eunseok.

At prom night, Shotaro picked you up with his dad’s car. You scrambled around looking for your purse when you saw him from outside your living room window. He leaned his back against the driver’s seat door, waiting and anxiously fiddling with his fingers. You released a deep exhale once you were faced with your front door. Shotaro stared at the door mat, and when he saw that bright yellow skirt flowing with the cold wind of the night, he gazed up. His eyes lit up as if they had sparklers in them. He had seen you in this dress before —at the boutique, but somehow the atmosphere and the anticipation of taking your hand in his and dancing with you on the dance floor all night made him feel like it was his first time ever trying to catch your eyes behind that beige skimmer hat you wore.

With only a few five steps distancing the two of you, you greet him. “Hi.”

“Hello.” after a minute of —unnecessary— loud silence, you both burst out laughing. “I’m Shotaro, and this pretty girl’s name would be?...”

Your hands settled on your waist, tilting your head —and finally locking your eyes with his. Your lips would curve into a small smile, giving into his little roleplay. “The name's Y/n.” you hold your hand out for a handshake, and you receive it in no time.

“Well, good eve Miss Y/n. It’s my first time seeing you around here, perhaps you’re from out of town?” you suppress your giggle, lips pursed as you composed yourself.

“I could say the same about you.” he chuckles at you, eyes all smiley, like always.

“It doesn’t have to matter pretty, would you dance with me tonight?” he asks with raised brows, and a voice silk like whiskey.

Though his voice caused a short stagnation with your breathing, you cleared your throat, hoping that would ease the one-sided tension. Then suddenly, you gasped, “And for you to expect me to go out with a stranger? how bold!” and very dramatically too.

His eyes dilated, again, laughing against his lips. He gradually pulled his occupied hands from behind his back at the same pace at which he spoke. “Maybe, a little gift would change your mind?” and by then, a bouquet of chocolates —your favorite kind— was being waved, just slightly, right in front of you.

“What? I thought you were saving up? those are expensive!” a hefty load of air went through your nose, taking in the sweet scents of cocoa and sugar.

“Not really expensive, just pricey—”

“Same thing!” Shotaro’s chest was struck by your gentle hand, and he’d hold it there. Your palm was pressed against his heartbeat. You kept your eyes on your hand as you felt for the thumps on his chest. It was paced and certainly not calm. “Sho… you okay?”

With your gaze up at him and a flick of your lashes, his hand found its way on top of yours. And for a while, he’d clasp onto your hand, his grip growing tighter with every count of a second. He gently guides your hand off his chest, lowering it on level with your waist. “I’m taking that as a yes, pretty.” he utters softly as he guides you to the passenger seat of the car.

Once you were seated, you stared straight ahead, not minding Shotaro who went around again to get into the driver’s seat. You anxiously fiddled with the fabric of your skirt, and once you heard the driver’s seat door close, you patted down the cloth and smoothened it with your hands.

“Are you okay Y/n?” the boy beside you asks, and you —obviously— had thoughts running in your head by the looks of your eyes alone.

“Yeah, it’s just…” you were quite embarrassed to admit, “I don’t get why I’m like this either, but…” but it’s nothing Shotaro hadn’t heard from you, right? “I don’t know if I’ll enjoy it if I saw him there with another girl. I’m sorry, Sho.”

You watched as Shotaro’s hands took grasp of the wheel, his thumb grazing against the leather ever so slightly. “Prom is not about Song Eunseok. We can very much enjoy it without seeing him at all. How about we just pretend he doesn’t exist for the night? how’s that sound?” He was calm, and so sweet sounding. He held out his hand with his palm facing the sky, offering to ease your worries.

You took this offer, just for the sake of feeling better and getting your mind off of who wasn’t there for you, and who hasn’t been for eight years. “Thank you, Sho.”

Now his thumb grazed over the skin of your hand. “Anytime. You know I love you, right?”

“I know, you’ve been telling me that since we were kids.” you giggled at each other, before the engine started and you were both off to prom night.

♪ ♪ ♪

For most of the night, you stuck by Shotaro —as promised— and you two danced, even though you were quite the dancer yourself, he urged you to join him. It was fun, even more so for him. He was so kind to you tonight, so gentle. Well, he’s Shotaro, and he’s made you smile, giggle, titter with his little jokes, his compliments, his smile.

“Thank you for tonight.” you were sitting at an empty table. You had laid your head on your date’s shoulder as your eyes wandered around the scattered bunch of attendees dancing the night away.

Prom king and queen were to be announced after the current song, you heard from one of the other attendees. “Thanks to you too. I had loads of fun.” the back of his hand gently bumps against yours. You caught the signal, placing your hand on top of his palm. He closes in on your hand, and opens it again, then closes, and opens again, “Look, it’s an alligator.” he giggles right into your ear, continuing the closing and opening motion as he brings your entwined hands to your face.

“Sho!” you breathe out as a laugh follows shortly. “Hate to break it to you, but that’s not what an alligator looks like.”

“Oh, okay then.” he removed his hand from underneath yours, and soon your palms touched each other. You very carefully lift your head from his shoulder, and your eyes land on his face, observing the way his nose scrunched up when he started playing with your hands. “How about this?” he lifts your hands to your face again, showing the little alligator he had created with your joint hands.

And then your eyes meet. Your smile was so soft, as well as your eyes. He thought he was going to melt into a puddle. He just hoped nothing would ruin this serene view. You’re so delicate and beautiful. The night went exactly like how he planned —for the most part. You two were all smiles and laughs when your sides were pressed against each other or when your hands were connected. But one instance of you separating to get drinks for both you and him, he wasn’t expecting you to come back with tears brimming at the corners of your eyes. It was his instinct to always be there for you, and so he rushed to take you in his arms. It hurt him that you weakly tried to fight off his embrace, but then you broke into a sob and meekly laid your weight onto him. His hand encloses yours as he takes you back to the car. He thought about driving you home, so you can rest and feel better. But he took a turn away from where you lived.

“Where are we going, Sho?” your dainty voice pricked his heart.

“Just, somewhere.”

He didn't let go of your hand till he took you home, but until then, you both sat by the riverside with juice boxes and convenience store sandwiches.

“What’s wrong with me? he doesn’t even care about me, or you —at least not anymore.” you munched on the cold sandwich salted with your own tears as you spoke.

“Well, at least he doesn’t hate us, right? and look, I’m pretty sure if you asked him for help, or a favor or something, he won’t refuse.” Shotaro had his eyes on you only, even if he had asked you to take a breather and watch the river flow. He sighs softly, seeing your gloomy eyes blinked continuously to fight off the tears. “Friends grow apart, it really isn’t his fault he found friends he enjoyed being around with more than—”

“More than us. Yeah, I get it.” a bitter laugh escaped your lips, and you gulped as a single tear trickled down to the side of your face.

Shotaro was quick to not let it run down to your neck, wiping it off with a gentle touch to your face. You took a hold of his wrist, calmy removing his hand from your face and moving it to let it settle on his lap, but before you could let go of him, he brought your hand back in his with one swift motion. Your eyes grew wider than before, blinking a few more times as you held eye contact.

“Can I ask for a favor?” you blinked one more time at his question.

“Yes Sho.”

“I know you like Eunseok —still, and I know you don’t have it in you to just forget him, especially when we used to be the best of friends.”

You took a stuttered breath, eyeing Shotaro’s fingers as he drew shapes on your hand.

“But please, forget him.” and another stuttered breath. “It doesn’t have to be now —what I’m trying to say is, if he managed to stop looking out for you, I won’t. No matter what happens.” your eyes soften, keeping it locked with his. “Even if you say no to my favor.”

You raised your brows, visibly confused. “Isn’t the favor to forget about him?”

You felt his grip on your hand tighten, and you could see the movement in his throat as he gulped.

“Y/n, can I court you?”

♪ ♪ ♪

[Earlier that night…]

“And now, for prom king…”

It was undoubtedly,

“Song Eunseok!”

Great. Just great. Eunseok badly wanted to just drown in the crowds of people, but instead he allowed himself to be pushed onstage by his friends. And there he stood, next to the prom queen —thankfully, it was Yuna, and not just some other girl. The girl seemed to be ecstatic, giving Eunseok a high-five. Still, after being crowned and a brief photoshoot session, he hurried back to his date who wore rosey cheeks and a shy smile.

“Hi prom king.” She greets him as he gets closer.

Once he was right in front of her, she wrapped her arms around her neck. He wasn’t surprised, not until she got on her tiptoes to place her lips on his. Just for a short while.

“I like you, Eunseok.” he blinked once, biting onto his bottom lip.

He couldn’t quite figure out what it was, but suddenly his head was brought up —just above Gaeul’s head— where from a distance, he spotted you. Looking so sweet, so flawless in that yellow shirt dress. He loved how you just walked around with that smile he’d always daydream about. In those five seconds of him marveling in the sight of you, he never realized you were looking right at him, then at the shorter girl in front of him. And with a blink of an eye, you were gone.

“Eunseok?” he cleared his throat, finally looking back at Gaeul.

He ponders for a while, and he looks up again. Then he meets another pair of eyes. It belonged to the arms that held you that night as you sobbed.

“I like you too.”

It was all too late, wasn’t it? There was no way Shotaro hadn’t already planned to ask you out after tonight. Right?

[Two weeks later…]

“How’s it with Gaeul?” Eunseok shook his head at his friend’s query, almost laughing at the tone of his question.

“We’re fine, Chenle.” he replies with a slight sigh, which only drove his friend to question him more.

“Yeah, yeah. But, are you really over… you know.” Chenle brought his eyes to the side.

Eunseok knew better than to look at where his friend’s eyes laid on, instead he’d just answer him, “I’m not. But it wouldn’t hurt to try. Besides, doesn’t she look happier?”

“She does.” he almost broke into a pit of laughter with how fast Chenle responded to his words.

“She really does.” Eunseok would repeat to himself, only very subtly looking over at your direction.

So close, yet so far. And now, completely out of reach. He watched from the other end of the hallway as you unload your locker, and right next to you was Shotaro who held everything you took out of it, filling his hands. After closing your locker, you’d take half of what he held. Then you laughed. To this day Eunseok was still curious. Did your laugh sound any different after eight years?

“Bro, don’t you think you’ve been looking for too long?”

Eunseok finally parts his eyes from your sight, looking back at his friend with the smile he always wore around school, the one that no one could ever really tell whether it’s superficial or genuine.

“What do you mean? It’s only been eight minutes.”

And eight years.

♪ ♪ ♪

Highschool went by like a fly, so irritating that it lingered for a while. But you were happy that even though you’ve taken a dozen bites, you were still able to be the luckiest of the lucky. Especially with him by your side. Maybe it was too early to speak on things, but you are in your second year of college now, and he’s never stopped looking out for you. So you did the same for him.

“Hey Sho?” you spoke into your phone after the ringing stopped.

“Hi Y/n! sorry I can’t join you for lunch, but for dinner we’ll definitely—” he was cut off by your soft chuckle, finding himself freezing up for a second.

“I know Sho, you told me last night. So that’s why—” you took the steps up to his department’s building, stopping by the glass doors. “I’m here to drop off your lunch.”

“Lunch? Wait, I’m running down right now!”

“Entrance two.”

“Entrance two, got it —what did you get?”

“I cooked!”

“You cooked? holy shit, okay.”

You purse your lips as you suppress your laughter, and within under a minute, you see him running from the inside towards the transparent doors. He rushed out of the doors, greeting you with a hug. You were both giggling against each other.

“Sho!” you almost dropped the lunch bag when he spun you once.

His eyes smiled at you —like always— once he’s let go of you. You wore a wide smile, biting your lip as you extended your arm to give him the lunch bag. “This is way better than take out.”

You chortle and shake your head. “How would you know? you haven’t even tasted it yet!”

“I’ve tasted your ramen!”

“Instant ramen doesn’t count!”

You wished you could just bask in each other’s little banters and laughs, but eventually he had to go back to finish what he was working on.

“Natty will join us for dinner, she and Eric had another fight.” you tell him as you fixed his collar a bit.

“Again? What's going on with Eric?” you shrugged at him, finally smoothing out his shirt.

“Nobody knows.”

You understood why people fought, that sometimes, even the smallest things on the surface could indeed be plunged deeper than the depths of the oceans. Now all you could hope is for the couple to reconcile. You knew them both well enough by now to tell that both of them mean well at the end of the day and in some way are just trying to protect each other.

That’s why at dinner, you were all eyes and ears for Natty as she went on with the details of how everything went down, and you held her hand seeing that it was difficult for her to let it all out. By the end of the day, she’d thank you and Shotaro, and the two of you would be left in the confines of your apartment complex. The talk lasted for longer than what you’d expect —not that you mind— and when you looked out the window, the sky was black and blank. The street lamps were all lit, coloring the streets amidst the darkness. You breathe in once, turning around, only to be met with Shotaro who was getting ready to go home. From what you can recall, he wasn’t gonna be busy for a while.

“Sho?” his head snaps up from his shoelaces that he was only getting started to tie back up. He hummed you a reply, smiling so dearly and letting his eyebrows rise a tad. “Can I ask you a favor?”

He was a bit taken aback at your question, but he could never say no. “Yeah, of course! "What is it, pretty?”

That feeling you felt back at that old boutique was coming back to you, and in its fullest form. No longer something you would ward off and ignore, but something you wanted to accept and embrace. You thought maybe you were somewhat a bit standoffish, not being able to see through your best friend’s compliments and cute little nicknames —not to mention everything he’s done for you. You thought it was kind of funny. Then, it only took you eight seconds to spot Eunseok within a crowd, but it took you eight years to realize that your bestest friend of all saw you more than a best friend. Funny how you’ve kept Eunseok name at the top of your ‘funniest people I know’ list when no one had ever made you laugh as much as Shotaro did. You made a mental note to yourself to edit that later on, but for now,

“Stay for tonight. It’s quite late.” you glanced over to your wall clock. “A quarter till twelve.”

His eyes shifted around for a while, like he was looking for his answer around the space of your home. “If it’s fine with you, I would —but really, I can go home just fine. I can call you while I walk home.”

You chuckled, taking in his wide open eyes and slightly parted lips. You subtly chew on your bottom lip for a second before telling him, “I want you to stay, Sho.”

He was a frozen stick of butter by the time those words left your mouth. And he’d let himself melt when you came close to remove his scarf off of him. He removes his shoes, then his coat. And for a while you both stood in front of your door, just staring at each other before laughing at each other's faces —with no particular reason. He takes both of your hands, keeping them warm with his own.

“Now, about the favor…” your eyes shy away from him as he tilts his head.

He fishes for your eyes, asking, “Wasn’t this the favor?” a soft giggle escapes his mouth just as he finishes speaking.

You can’t help but giggle too. This time you look him right in the eyes. “Sho, we’ve been best friends for fourteen years.” he gulped at your words, feeling a little nervous with the way you spoke. “And you’ve been courting me for two years.”

“And a half.” he sheepishly adds.

You breathe out a laugh, “And a half.” you mumble as you intertwine your fingers with his. “I think we should stop being best friends.”

You can’t help but laugh at the way his face contorts at what you said. “Wait, what?” “Wait, what I’m trying to say is…” you both utter at the same time, still being mindful of your volume —you had neighbors after all.

“Can I be your girlfriend already?”

You were smothered with a hug, tiny pecks and his sweet giggles. The next thing you know, you were laying on your bed, all cuddled up against each other. He caresses your hair, something he’s always wanted to do.

“You know we can be together and be best friends at the same time, right?” he whispered to your ear, holding you closer to him.

You only hummed a reply to him, feeling too tired to open your eyes or speak up. You’d hear one last giggle and feel strands of your hair being moved out from your face before you drifted to sleep.

♪ ♪ ♪

[Eight months later…]

It was a busy day. You were lined up to seize an opportunity of a lifetime, and you haven’t even graduated college. You were hopeful that they might consider your talents. A wise man by the name of Shotaro once said, “Fashion design is your thing, you can do it! I bet twenty.” you really hope you’d lose that twenty bucks.

“Y/n?” you were spooked for a second, it’s a familiar voice. “Hi!” and a very familiar face.

“Gaeul?” your eyes dilated at the sight of her.

She’s just as pretty as the last time you saw her. “Long time no see!” she opened her arms, inviting you in for a small hug, which you accepted gleefully. “How have you been?”

That single question brought you to lunch with her, and of course you had to bring Shotaro along.

“I’ve always thought you two looked cute together, I’m glad to see the both of you happy.” she gives both of you a soft smile.

“Thanks, well, how about you? still with Eunseok?” you quietly gasp, stilling yourself in your seat but still knitting your brows at your boyfriend.

You felt that neither of you were really in the place to ask about her love life. “No, it’s okay!” Gaeul’s assurance helped calm your nerves. “I’m single.”

The two of you just nod, and you found that it was best to not pay much mind to it anymore. You engaged in constant conversation throughout your whole time eating, it was all very wholesome, and you were happy that Gaeul was making steps to achieving her dreams just like you were. The talk about relationships seemed to have sinked, well, not until Shotaro had to excuse himself in the bathroom.

“We were never together —at least it didn’t feel like it.” Gaeul’s utterance caught you off guard. You fell silent all of a sudden, and she noticed. “It never felt real. I cut ties with him after three weeks. And then he told me that—” she flicked her tongue over her top lip for a short while, “He liked you.”

You took a second to take a sip of water, gulping like you were drinking thick sand.

Despite parting with smiley farewells, her words dropped a heavy load on you. You carried it till you got back to your apartment and got settled on your bed. It was so heavy that you dropped it all on him, at a seemingly random moment.

“She said he had a picture of me from our 8th grade yearbook in his pocket.”

What you had shared with Shotaro struck him like livid thunder. He didn’t expect that Eunseok’s feelings for you would persist. He just wondered if it’s still there. But he could only hope for the best. Even after the whole conflict of two best friends liking the same girl —who also happened to be their best friend too— Shotaro still cared for Eunseok, even if he seemed entirely indifferent to him.

But it didn’t have to matter anymore. You chose him. He’s the one in your home, on your bed, always by your side, never to leave you.

♪ ♪ ♪

[Eight years later…]

What was once a small, dull colored room with faulty curtains and ugly flooring became a shared bedroom, in your shared house with the love of your life. Where the sunshine seeps at dawn, and the moon peeks at your dreaming bodies at night. It felt wonderful. Love felt so wonderful. Shortly after moving in together, you adopted a dog. You didn’t get that opportunity with that one clothing line back then, but now, you owned a line of your own. Your life couldn’t be anymore complete.

Even if it wasn’t perfect. The flaws only proved your happiness to be real. After a night of too much alcohol at your highschool reunion, Shotaro would tell you exactly why he stopped talking to Eunseok. He cried about it all, saying that he knew all along that you two liked each other. But you were all over it now, and it was Shotaro who’s been by your side. Not everyone was able to attend that reunion —because apparently they were too successful to be there.

Yuna, you knew she was a friend of Eunseok. She approached the two of you at your table, greeting the both of you with a warm smile. “My boyfriend’s having a stand-up show this saturday, I was hoping the two of you could come. In fact, he wanted me to invite you guys.” then you were given two tickets for the venue.

There weren’t any other details, the ticket was white, with not much but the title of the show.

The next morning, you’d discuss it with Shotaro on the dinner table. You were sitting next to each other, his arm wrapped around your waist and his head resting on top of yours. “The time is pretty tricky, I have work scheduled at that time.” he plants a kiss on your temple before continuing to speak, “You should definitely go though! I’ll pick you up after, then —remember that dog cafe I told you about? we have to visit it after.”

You giggled, looking up at him. He couldn’t resist by then, and would lower himself a bit to kiss you. And it wasn't a short one, more like a twenty-minute film. Nonetheless, it was beautiful, and you’ve never felt so loved.

That Saturday, you went to the venue alone, but not without having the sweetest breakfast of your life with your lover. Pancakes with chocolate syrup, whipped cream and a few berries, and of course, a cup of coffee before proceeding to your own schedules for the day.

You took the bus on the way there since Shotaro had to leave earlier. The show was a little later in the afternoon.

When you got there, you looked for any familiar faces, but it was only when you got seated that Yuna came and sat down next to you. You two greet each other with inviting smiles, and a few minutes before the show starts, you’d converse and catch up a bit, after all, it’s been eight years.

“Gentlemen.” a voice echoed throughout the room.

When you looked up at the stadium, “Gentlemen, may I have your attention —and ladies, I know I already got you.”

What a surprise. And it was a pleasant one at that. He fits this line of profession. He seemed to enjoy being up there, talking and joking about whatever. It was just like meeting him all over again. He’s just being himself up there. Your best friend from childhood, that sadly didn’t even make it till middle school. Now, you were finally able to laugh at his jests, sometimes stopping for a while to process what he was saying. Still, the atmosphere was light and fun. The audience was truly alive, and so were you.

At one point, he started talking about his girlfriend. Not quite hard for you to figure out since you remember Yuna mentioning at your reunion party that you were being invited to this show by her boyfriend, Song Eunseok.

“So, I finally decided to do something about it. I bought one of those electric blankets. Problem solved, right? Wrong. Now, our bed is divided like the Korean Demilitarized Zone. She’s over there toasty warm, and I’m on my side sweating like a marathon runner in a sauna. But you know what? I wouldn't trade her for anything. Because at the end of the day, it just gives me another reason to hold her close and keep her warm. And that, my friends, is how you win brownie points with your girlfriend.”

You can’t help but share a laugh with Yuna, letting her hold on to your shoulder as she titters.

Eunseok saw you, how could he not when you were sitting next to his girlfriend. He was only a bit curious about Shotaro’s absence.

You’d explain it to him at the end of the show, “Sho’s got work, but he’s coming to pick me up.” you both stood just outside the venue, at the side of the building with a little less people going around.

“Sho? What happened to Taro?” Eunseok raised a single brow, and you’d chuckle.

“Because you used to call him Taro.” you reply with a slight smile.

“Right.” he nods, his pace decreasing gradually as he tries to reach for something at the back of his tongue, “I’m just curious, did you actually hate me back then? like, when I moved and stuff.”

You chuckle a little louder, leaving him puzzled. “I liked you. I just avoided you. I just thought you didn’t care anymore.” you answer so simply, shrugging towards the end of your sentence.

“I thought you hated me, that’s why I wasn’t talking to you.” you took a sharp breath through your nose when he finished speaking.

Then suddenly you both snort at the whole thing.

“It’s funny.”

“It really is.”

As your laughter died down, he’d clear his throat to ask you, “So, are you and Taro married?” you could see his eyes locked on the ring on your finger.

“Engaged.” you nod, and he imitates your action.

“Wow. I should propose to Yuna right now.” your eyes widened an inch, he could be joking, but you wouldn’t be surprised if he actually did. Besides, you could tell how much he loved his girlfriend just by that one ment he did earlier at the show.

“So suddenly?”

“Yeah, so then we’d be even!”

It reminded you of a time in your childhood where you’d share your food with him because he forgot his lunchbox. You usually gave him more food, just cause you could, but then he’d give some back to you and he’d say, “Now we’re even.” it pulled on your heartstrings, but now you kinda wish you gave him just a piece or two of your animal crackers —and maybe two sips of your apple juice when the weather’s nice.

“I’m afraid I'd scare her off and she’d say no.”

“Really?” —you truly were a bit shocked that he was worried about being rejected. “Well, I believe she’ll say yes.”

“Really?” he imitates you again —the tone of your voice, “What makes you think that?”

You gave yourself a few seconds to think about what you were gonna answer to him. Suddenly you remember what you’ve written in your notes app. The funniest people I know. 1. Osaki Shotaro, 2. My dad, 3. Natty… he was off the list, but now, maybe it was for good reason. He was always known for being funny, now he has built a career out of it. Maybe, he was the greatest comedian of all.

“You might just be the greatest comedian I know.”

He laughs at your declaration of his greatness with his hands in his pocket, “I’m probably the only comedian you know.” —and more laughter.

He appreciated that you thought he was the greatest comedian. But as he looked back on the past, a past that was once painful, full of regret and missed opportunities, where you missed each other and realized only later in life. That period of your life would still prove to be pivotal. Right person, wrong time? maybe, but what else could it be other than silly memories when you find yourselves laughing about it. You’ve already settled for a love that you both deserve, a love that mended your hearts. It was all for the better, no matter how downcast all of it may seem. Worth a laugh, and a good story.

The story started with oblivion, and a bouquet of flowers you never received, but it ends with two pairs of engagement rings, and two pairs of smiling hearts. That’s four people —in case you missed it.

God did a great job writing their fate. And to Eunseok, God is the greatest comedian of all.

End.

cheers to a hundred peeps!! :3

#riize #briize #riize fanfic #riize au #riize x reader #riize fluff #riize angst #riize shotaro #shotaro #osaki shotaro #riize eunseok #song eunseok #eunseok

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bri-cheeses · 11 months ago

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Letters and Pens - Part 2

| Rosekiller microfic | Word count: 549 | A follow up to this microfic |

The next morning, Evan awoke to an empty dorm. Reg, he assumed, hadn’t even slept in his bed, most likely having stayed with James somewhere.

Barty had no such excuse.

Memories from last night plagued Evan as he reluctantly got ready and went to breakfast, praying that no letters from Barty Crouch Sr. would be waiting for him or Barty at the table.

He realized he needn’t have worried about it, though, as soon as he walked into the Great Hall. Barty wasn’t here, and it was too early for the post to have arrived. Which meant Barty hadn’t received anything yet, and that Evan could probably intercept a letter if one did end up arriving. Things would be fine.

Probably.

Evan really hoped that Barty didn’t remember last night. He needed him to not have remembered last night—Barty having practically thrown himself at Evan, Evan having extracted himself from the situation in order to salvage their relationship, Barty having proceeded to flirt with everyone else there…

Evan really shouldn’t have been thinking about that. It was way too early for these kinds of self-deprecating thoughts. His toast was still warm, for goodness sake.

It was best if he just pretended like it didn’t happen.

A sudden clatter opposite him caused Evan to look up, toast halfway to his mouth. Dorcas now sat across from him, looking harried as if she had run to breakfast.

Evan put his toast down.

“You okay?” he asked.

She looked up.

“Huh? Oh,” she said, looking down like she had just now realized her rushed appearance. “Yeah. I—overslept. And I was worried about being really late. Although, it doesn’t appear as if I’m the only one who’s tardy today.”

She looked around the table as if the rest of their friends would suddenly materialize. Evan just shrugged.

“I’m assuming Reg is with James somewhere. Barty…” he trailed off, clearing his throat. “Uh, I don’t know where he is. You got any idea?”

Dorcas suddenly looked way too uncomfortable for Evan’s peace of mind.

She shifted, looking anywhere but Evan’s eyes and she responded, “I saw him with some Hufflepuff girl last night?”

It came out as a question, and she also winced as the words came out, but Evan could tell she meant what she said.

He looked down as his toast, lying lonely on his plate. He blinked.

Well. Had he really been expecting any different?

Yes, a small voice whispered. Evan immediately shut it down. He didn’t need that right now.

He cleared his throat again. “Okay. I guess I should’ve guessed that.”

He laughed somewhat bitterly, avoiding Dorcas’s gaze.

“Evan,” Dorcas said softly.

And nope. Still too early for this.

“Hey, do you know what we’re doing in potions today?” Evan asked, cutting her off.

Dorcas looked taken aback at the abrupt change in topic, but mercifully, she went along with it, rambling on about the complexities of some new potion Slughorn wanted them to try.

From there, breakfast progressed as usual as it could without Barty, Regulus having arrived halfway through. But despite the absence of Barty, they managed just fine, talking and smiling and laughing with each other like it was any other random Wednesday morning. Even if Evan wasn’t doing much of any of those things, really.

(Part 3)

#rosekiller #evan rosier #barty crouch jr #slytherin skittles #marauders era #dorcas meadowes #rosekiller microfic #my microfics

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elisysd · 1 year ago

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6. How can I move on when I'm still in love wih you?

Masterlist - Previous - Next

Chapter soundtrack: The Man Who Can’t Be Moved - The Script

Landing in New York brought a sense of joy, excitement and thrill. It had been so long since you had been there. You missed the city, you missed the people, and missed the busy atmosphere. However, you had not missed the airport and the labyrinth it was. Deactivating your airplane mode you immediately noticed the strange notification that popped up on your screen. Charles had started to follow you on Instagram. He had even sent you a DM. You had to admit, the guy was persistent.

Hey. I forgot to ask for your number, I hope that’s okay. I’m in New York and it’s my first time there. I was wondering if you had any recommendations of if you were willing to organize a group tour with my friends and my brothers? You told me you were willing to help me learn a thing or two about baseball but I was wondering if it could apply for New York itself? If you don't, that's fine.

You bit your lips. There were a few things that were making you overjoyed in this world and showing New York around to people was one of them. You didn’t think twice and quickly replied that you would love to. You would just have to ask your friend first to make sure he wouldn’t mind. Once your suitcase was retrieved, you rushed to the arrivals terminal, searching for your friend. You were quick to notice him, his Yankees baseball cap on his head, letting his blonde curls appear and falling on his blue eyes. You didn’t hesitate to run to him, throwing your arms over his shoulders as his hands found your waist to hold you closer.

“Oh gosh, Stan, how I missed you.” you mumbled.

“I missed you too, butterfly. A whole lot. Life here is not the same without you.”

“I’m sure you managed.”

Stan took your suitcases and you made your way towards the exit to his car. You started to tell him all about your work and your daily life and he did the same. You had so many things to catch up on that the ride home went smoothly and fast. Once at his place, you went to the bathroom for a quick shower and when you came back he had put a few snacks on plates.

“So… I was thinking. Do you remember that karaoke bar we were always going to when we were students?”

“How could I forget?” you replied, drinking your orange juice in one gulp.

“Wanna go there? For old times sake?”

You happily nodded before your mind drifted off to Charles. Maybe he would like to come? It was in a trendy area of Manhattan and it was your favorite spot in the city, you would love for him to discover it.

“I have a… colleague who is also in New York. With friends. Would you mind if they were joining us?” you asked.

“No, of course not. I would love to meet them!” Stan smiled.

You took your phone quickly to send Charles a text with the name and address of the bar as well as the hour you would be there. You reassured him, saying it’s lowkey and no one would bother him there.

I’m in a meeting right now and I don’t know if I’ll be able to make it on time. I’ll try my best though.

You wondered why you felt a pinch in your heart while reading his text. It was not as if you absolutely wanted him to be there, it was just a meaningless proposition. You shook your head, hoping to make the strange thoughts go away. Charles was nothing to you. And yet, if it was really the case you wouldn’t have to remind yourself of it. So, to distract yourself you proceeded to dress up for the evening and have fun with Stan. Maybe then, you wouldn’t think of Charles too much.

The neons were as bright as what you remembered and the sushis were still to die for. The karaoke singers were a mix of mindblowing talent and whales dying, but you didn’t care. Stan was making you laugh, telling you anecdotes about your classmates and keeping you updated on his whereabouts. But you couldn’t help yourself but to watch the front door, secretly hoping a certain someone would show up. It was starting to get late, you were there for two hours already but had no intentions of seeing the night end that soon.

“You know, I really missed you, Y/N.” Stan said over the noise.

“I know, you’ve already told me at least three times since I arrived.” you laughed.

“No, I mean. I really missed you. I missed us.” he repeated, putting a hand on yours to squeeze it. And suddenly, it was all so clear to you.

“Stan…”

“No, listen to me. We had something going on, you know it, I do too. It was good. We were good. I was good to you. We were a perfect match, everyone could see it. And then I made the mistake of letting you take that fucking plane back home… there is not a day that I don’t regret it.”

You sighed. You didn't want to have the same conversation as last year.

“You know why it had to end. I had just gotten my dream job and with the constant traveling required, long distance wouldn’t have worked out. It was nice, I’m not denying it, but it’s over.” you tried to explain.

“I know that. I know what it implies but I swear, we can work it out. I’m ready to make it work out, just give me a chance.”

“I don’t want a relationship.” you stated and as he was about to reply, the door opened revealing Charles followed by Andrea, Joris, Arthur, Antoine and Lorenzo. You let out a sigh of relief that Stan caught. Following your gaze, his jaw clenched when he noticed the group coming in your directions.

“I’m sorry, I’ve been caught in my meeting and then Andrea and Joris managed to get lost in New York and came back late but we’re here.” he smiled, taking a seat naturally next to you.

He introduced you to everyone before trying to get to know Stan. He noticed easily how cold he is towards him and didn’t fail to see how he was acting towards you, making sure to make Charles understand that he knew you very well. He saw how his eyes were glued to you as you were talking to Joris and Andrea, even laughing with them.

Stan suddenly got up to go to the bar and came back a few minutes later, two drinks in his hand. A beer for him and a cosmo for you.

“Your favorite, butterfly.” he commented, letting his hand linger on your shoulder. Charles heard you thanking him with a smile and he couldn’t help but feel a rise of competitiveness in him. It was a warm feeling, something he had not felt in a long time. Was he jealous? Why would he? You were nothing to him.

He didn’t really have time to focus on it as he felt you standing up to go to the stage. He stared at you maybe a little bit too long as he felt Stan getting closer to him.

“She is gorgeous, I know. And I know exactly what you are thinking about but just to make it clear, she is mine and I’m hers. She doesn’t realize it yet but she will eventually. We have history, we belong together. You will never compete.” he told him with a smug look on his face.

Charles was about to answer when the first notes of Abba’s Dancing Queen started and soon he felt captivated by your presence on stage and forgot about Stan. He wasn't worth his breath. Especially when he was not sure about what he was feeling for you. It would be stupid to start something he was not sure he would finish and to ruin your night. You were kind to invite him, he didn’t want you to regret it.

Though, Stan was right, you were gorgeous. Absolutely breathtaking. For the first time he was seeing you so carefree, so far from the image you had built of yourself in the paddock. You looked younger. And it didn’t matter how off key you sometimes were, he was enthralled by you, like a sailor attracted to a siren’s call.

When you came back, you were smiling so much that your cheeks were hurting. You went to Charles who was still speechless and flustered.

“When are you showcasing your singing talent?” you asked him.

“Never. I’m down to show you my piano skills whenever you want but singing is not something I’m good at.”

“Come on, not even for fun?” you tried to persuade him.

“Well, if singing is not your thing, it’s mine.” Stan interrupted you both and went to the stage.

You didn't understand why Stan was so harsh towards Charles but you hated the look he gave him and the wink he sent you made you feel ill-at-ease. And when the first notes of The Man Who Can’t Be Moved by The Script started to play, you gulped. This song bore a lot of meaning for both of you. It was the first song you had sung together here, a song that reminded you of your relationship with Stan. You started to fidget on your seat and when the first chorus began you couldn’t hold it anymore. You got up, took your bag and left under the wide eyes of Charles and his friends. The Monegasque didn’t wait for his friends as he did the same as you, following you outside.

You were hailing a taxi that didn’t bother to stop, making you swear, and when he got closer he heard you crying.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

You glared at him.

“I’m peachy, just crying for fun. Have you ever tried?”

He ignored your sarcastic tone and got closer.

“I just want to leave this place. Why is it so hard to find a taxi?” you were starting to get angrier by the second.

“Hey, Y/N… calm down, okay. We are going to find a taxi and I’m taking you back to where you stay. I’m not letting you alone when you look like a mess.”

“I don’t want to go back there…” you started to admit, a lump in your throat. “I’m staying at Stan’s and I don’t want to go back to him. I don’t expect you to understand…”

“I won’t ask you to explain. Let’s go back to my hotel room. You can stay there if you want. I will give you the bed.”

“It’s not a good idea…”

“I insist. Don’t worry about a single thing. You need somewhere to stay, away from your friend, let me help you. Let me be a good friend.”

You ended up accepting.

“I don’t have anything… everything is at Stan’s. Would you mind going with me so I can retrieve my things and leave his keys?”

“You don’t even need to ask.”

There, you quickly packed up, giving your suitcases to Charles before writing a note quickly to tell Stan that it was not a good idea to be there and that you preferred to leave. As you walked out, you left the spare key under the rug and followed Charles outside.

The ride to his hotel was made in silence. But for once, it’s a nice one, it’s peaceful, it’s comfortable. You didn’t want to jump out of the car and you felt the emotions of the day washing off. You yawned and snuggled further into the backseat. When you arrived, you followed Charles closely until he revealed the room he was staying in. You shouldn’t be surprised to see how big and luxurious it was, but here you were. It was so foreign for you. He let you take your time to change in the bathroom while he put a few pillows and blankets on the huge sofa. When you got out, seeing him struggling to find a good position to sleep made you feel bad.

“I should be the one sleeping there. It’s your room, I’m just an intruder… and you need to sleep well. It’s important for athletes.”

“Shut up, will you? I’m good, don’t worry about me.”

Still, you felt guilty. You looked at the bed. It's big enough for four people at least. And you didn’t know what went through your mind, but when you heard your voice speaking, you knew there was no coming back and that you were about to play a dangerous game.

“It’s a big bed, both of us will fit easily in it. I don’t mind… as long as this stays between us. No one can know.” you said.

Author's note: A little jealous Charles just for you heheheh

Don't hesitate to leave a comment or an ask, as well as reblogging and leaving a like. Besides the fact that I absolutely love to read you, it helps a lot for the story to find its audience. I also have a taglist for this story, so if you want to be added so you never miss a chapter, let me know.

If you wanna be part of the taglist, let me know.

Taglist: @itsjustkhaos @thirstylion @cmleitora @charizznorizz @sltwins @boherahpsody @herondalism @roseamongthorns13 @aundercover

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taintedevesayori · 23 days ago

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Sayo's Route: Dark Fate - After Story

Sayo's Route Masterlist

(Quick note: This is being posted before the Vampire Ending because it follows the Brute Ending)

-Kou peeks into the room Sayo has been using in Karlheinz’s castle. She is sleeping, Yui sleeping in bed beside her. He sighs before gently closing the door, turning back to Ayato, Laito, and Ruki

Kou: They’re sleeping…

Ayato: Chichinashi hardly leaves her side…

Ruki: It can’t be helped. We don’t know what they went through.

Laito: Well…we can take a guess, can’t we? From what we saw of Sayo-chan’s state at least…nfu~

Kou: Shut up…! Don’t even mention that…!

Ruki: Kou.

Kou: Ngh…Yeah, I know…

Ruki: It hasn’t been very long since we’ve brought them back with us. We just need to give it time.

Kou: I’m sick of waiting…! I just want Sayo back…

Ruki: Nothing good will come of you being impatient. You want her to get better, don’t you?

Kou: Of course…!

Ruki: Then let her. She’ll come to you when she’s ready. For now, Yui is clearly the one she trusts and needs.

Kou: Fine…

-Kou walks off

Ruki: Haah…

Laito: Fufu…He’s such a handful~ I’ll never understand why Sayo-chan chose him over me.

Ayato: You act like you aren’t a handful yourself…

Ruki: Let’s leave. We shouldn’t be talking right outside her door.

-The three leave. Inside the room, Sayo slowly opens her eyes. The sound of Kou opening the door had woken her up, and she had proceeded to listen to the conversation that had followed

Sayo: …

-She glances over at Yui, who is still sleeping soundly beside her

(I’ve been solely clinging to Yui all this time…thinking she’s the only one who can help me…who understands. Just like before…I’m shutting everyone out. The people who care about me…)

Sayo: Haah…

-She closes her eyes, deciding to go back to sleep

*Timeskip*

-The next day, Sayo and Yui are together in Sayo’s room

Yui: It might be good to get some fresh air. What do you think about going out to the garden-?!

-The door is suddenly thrown open

Ayato: Oi! You’ve hogged Chichinashi long enough, Sayo!

Yui: A-Ayato-kun…! I’ve told you…Sayo really needs me right now…

Ayato: Since when do you need someone glued to your side every minute of the day, Sayo? Hah?!

Sayo: …Ayato is right, Yui.

Yui and Ayato: Eh…?

Sayo: I’ll be fine. You have a life to live too. I can’t keep you with me all day like this…

Yui: But…I really don’t mind…

Ayato: You heard her! Now get your ass over here, Chichinashi! It’s time to give Ore-sama some attention hehe…

-He snatches Yui’s wrist, dragging her out of the room

Yui: A-Ayato-kun, that hurts…! You don’t have to pull me like this…!

-The door shuts, leaving Sayo alone

Sayo: Maybe handing her off to Ayato wasn’t the best way to tell her I don’t need her by my side all the time anymore…Haah…Oh well…

-She stands, deciding to leave the room as well

(It’s about time I start doing something…Wandering around the castle is a start. I might get lost, but that’s fine. Eventually I’ll come across someone who can help if I do, I’m sure…)

-She wanders around the castle for some time. Eventually, she hears footsteps behind her. She turns to see Kou. He appears shocked to see her

Sayo: Kou…

Kou: Sayo…You left your room…and you don’t have Yui with you…?

Sayo: Yeah…I decided…it was about time to start doing things on my own again…

-He rushes up to her, pulling her close. She flinches but doesn’t pull away

Kou: I’ve been so worried about you…! But Yui wouldn’t let me see you…It’s been driving me crazy…!

Sayo: …I heard your meltdowns could be on par with Subaru’s.

-She gave a small, teasing smile, but did feel bad for putting him through that

Kou: It isn’t funny, Sayo…Don’t you understand how much it’s hurt…knowing you’re right here…but don’t want to see me…? Don’t you understand how much I've missed you?! How much I love you?!

-To her surprise, Kou’s eyes teared up before those tears flowed freely

Kou: I’ve tried to go hunt down that bastard who took you so many times, but Ruki won’t let me. Which pisses me off even more…! How am I supposed to sit here peacefully after what he’s done to you?!

-She hesitantly reaches up, placing a hand on his cheek

Sayo: I don’t want you to go after Shin, Kou…

Kou: Why not?! He deserves to die for what he’s done! All the things he did to you…! Destroying our life together…! Destroying…y-your love for me…!

-Her eyes tear up as well. She leans up to place a kiss on his lips as her tears fall

Sayo: I-It hasn’t been destroyed…It won’t be the same…but it’s not all gone…I’m sorry, Kou…I’m sorry for refusing to see you…I didn’t…didn’t know how to face you…

-He freezes, staring down at her in shock for a moment before wrapping his arms tightly around her

Kou: I love you, Sayo…I love you so much…!

Sayo: I…I love you too, Kou…

(Even if I tried to force myself to forget my feelings for him and everyone else…they were still there deep down…It isn’t so easy to stop loving someone…)

Kou: I know you’ve been through so much…but I’m here. I’ll protect you from that bastard. You’re right, our life won’t be the same as before…I’ll make sure it’ll be ten times better.

-She can’t help the weak smile that lifts her lips

Sayo: Fufu…I’ll hold you to that, then…

-He leans down to kiss her

Kou: Thank you, Sayo…

Sayo: For…?

Kou: For letting me back in…I was so scared…that you never would.

Sayo: I see…

-She smiles, taking his hand in hers

Sayo: Hey…I’m completely lost. Show me how to get to the garden?

Kou: Fufu…Sure, let’s go.

#diabolik lovers oc #diabolik lovers #sayori makina #kou mukami #sayo's route #laito sakamaki #yui komori #ayato sakamaki #ruki mukami

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sandwicz · 2 years ago

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Mermay!!!

My contributions to mermay

Mermaid!kazuha x gn!reader

Cw: mentions of death, drowning, thriller-ish?, not proof-read, fluff

You've always been so curious about mermaids, yet will this one trip to the sea late at night satisfy your curiosity? Or will it make you regret ever coming at all and make you meet your doom?

Cw: mentions of death, drowning, thriller-ish?, not proof-read, fluff

I found no pics of mermaid kazuha so have this fanart of him i made instead

✧-------------------------------✧

You’re neither a fisherman nor a sailor, you're just someone whose home is near the ocean. Your house stood on a dock. It was relatively large for you and your family to live together. Your house is not far from civilization. Only a few distances apart, a distance that’s just a walk away.

As someone who grew up near the sea, you had a fascination with the ocean and its creatures. Especially about mermaids, who are said to live in the ocean. You had heard locals’ stories of the mermaid’s malicious intentions—how they would seduce sailors or fishermen and drag them down into the bottom of the sea to devour them in the end. This led to your curiosity growing even more. How do they look? What made them so seductive in a way that would lead people to their demise? How do their songs sound? Was it so beautiful that people could get hypnotized by it? The more people warn you about the ill-will of the mermaids, the more you long to see them, or at least catch a glimpse of them.

“Have you heard?” one of the older people said while you were spending time helping them with tasks, “Poor Hanaki’s dad went out to sea a few days ago for fishing and never returned.”

“Oh really?” Another elder said, “It must be because of those mermaids. Aiya, you should not fish at night these days. It’s too dangerous.” The elder proceeded to face you.

“(Name), please remember, do not go out to the sea at night, mermaids are wicked. Don’t fall for their charms… The next thing you know…you’ll…you’ll”

“Don’t worry, grannie,” you interrupted, eyes full of fondness, smiling at how much they care about you.

“I won’t.” You swallowed a bitter lie. You knew they cared a lot about you, and would be very sorrowful if you were to be gone, yet the feeling of curiosity ate you up inside. You’d rather meet your end than not know anything or see a mermaid at all.

You planned on sneaking out at night quietly and going to the sea to hopefully see the mermaid. You’ve rented a boat, which you’ll use to go to sea during nightfall. You waited a few days after that conversation, a little bitterness still remaining in your mouth.

You thought of tying yourself to the boat you’ve rented during your quest, in such a case that the mermaid will drag you down to the sea, the buoyancy of the boat might be able to help you stay afloat unconsciously, while you’re in a daze. Hopefully.

The night you’ve waited for finally arrived, and you quickly snuck out through your bedroom window while all your family members were still deep in their slumber. You brought your notebook with you, so you could at least take note of what happened or try to draw what the mermaids looked like. All the mermaids in the books you’ve read have no definite appearance—one looked like a half-human half-fish, the other looked like a sea cow, and many other various illustrations in the book left you even more confused. For once, if you can actually see them, you’re lucky, there might be a huge possibility that you won’t see a mermaid at all.

Out of excitement and a tint of fear, you warily got on the boat, tied your wrist tightly to it using a rope, and paddled your way out into the sea with two oars. A little lamp illuminated your boat and the ocean blue surrounding you.

You kept on rowing and rowing until you were far from the shore.

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

This is it. You've arrived, your plan to sneak out finally worked. You are now floating on the boat in the middle of the sea. The waves are calm. You are finally here! Congratulations!

...

Now what.

You pondered on the boat, you've only planned this far. Will you just sit idly? Will you just wait for a few minutes and then return? Should you go back after a few hours? Or should you go back when the sun has risen?

While in your pondering state, you suddenly caught a glimpse of something moving in the waves. White scales reflecting the moonlight—only a little part of it is shown over the surface, however, before quickly disappearing back into the water.

You swore you saw something in the water; it couldn't be your eyes playing tricks on you, right? That might be the mermaid you were seeking.

You look out of your boat to see a quick shadow underneath it; it's as if something had swum under it. Your heart beat out of your chest, and you couldn't contain your excitement. Finally, after all that anticipation, you might be able to see it.

You stuck your hand out of the boat into the water, hoping that the creature you saw just now would appear again. You let your hand rest idly until your hand suddenly touched something smooth in a glimpse. It must be it; you're so sure of it. This must be a mermaid.

You then got up from sitting down and perched yourself on the edge of the boat, ducking down near the water so you could see the mermaid. You looked down under the water, letting your head get closer to the surface of the water. When you did so, you suddenly saw eyes looking back at you.

You got so taken aback that you suddenly sat back on the boat out of instinct. After calming yourself down for a few seconds, you perch half your body on the edge of the boat again. There you see it—those eyes that spooked you. You stare at those eyes for a long time; how can you not?

Those eyes—those beautiful scarlet eyes—those radiant and stunning eyes. Those eyes reminded you of the sunset—a view from the mountains. The red sun that affected the clouds in such a way made the skies behind it beautiful gradients of red, orange, and yellow, with pink too. Eyes that you can simply drown in.

“H-Hello,” you whispered. You finally understood how some sailors could get hypnotized easily. They were so ethereal, after all.

The mermaid rose from its position to reveal its head above the surface of the water. You rose back and ended up with your knees on the boat and your hands on the edge of the ship instead of bowing down.

You finally got to see it—a mermaid’s feature. You noticed the mermaid’s platinum blonde hair with a red streak on it.

“H-hi,” you spoke again, still unable to process the fact that you just saw a mermaid,”c-can you understand me?”

The mermaid nodded. It held out its hand, expecting you to take it.

“U-uh, I can’t…”

The mermaid perked up and tilted its head sideways.

“I.. I can’t just go with you,” you continued, “I… I can’t. I’m sorry, I should return now.”

The mermaid stared at you.

“Thank you for this, but I should return now,” you said to the mermaid, hoping it would understand and let you go.

Unexpectedly, the mermaid closed its eyes and nodded. It returned to the waters and swam away, disappearing into the darkness.

You watched as the mermaid swam away…

What. was. that.

You saw it. You actually saw a mermaid and interacted with it. Now what. Do you just return home? Just like that? Tell everyone? Keep it a secret? You don’t know.

Oh, how you wish you could see it again.

You paddled your way back to the shore. It seemed like the skies were still dark. All of a sudden, something tilted your boat; luckily, you held on to it out of instinct. However, whatever tilted your boat knew how resilient you are, and tilted it again with full force, flipping the boat upside down.

Crap. The light in the boat was gone. You didn’t manage to see whatever tilted your boat. You are now alone in the darkness, with whatever is lurking in the water preying on your defenseless self. It is only a matter of a few seconds before it might strike you and end your life.

You quickly tried to tilt the boat again, pushing as hard as you could while anxiety was in your spine, urging you to be faster in whatever you were doing. Fear strikes you like lightning. You panicked. You tried to calm down, but it's hard to do so in your state. At this point, you just hoped that whatever was in the water would end you in a quick, painless way.

In your attempt to get above the surface of the water to be able to breathe while also trying to tilt your boat, something held a firm grasp on your ankle and tried to pull you down all of a sudden. You panicked even more. You tried to shake your ankle to be able to get yourself free, but whatever pulled your leg was strong and pulled you further. The only thing saving you was the rope you tied yourself to your boat with, which kept you from being pulled down easily. However, that wasn’t enough. The rope tied to the boat did keep you from being pulled down, but it couldn’t keep your body, or at least your head, above the water, which made you unable to breathe at all.

You thought of how this would not have happened if it weren’t for your dumb curiosity. You would be sleeping comfortably in your bed right now. You would’ve still been surrounded by the warmth of not only your family but also your community. You gave up and let your life end this way—drowned in the cold, dark sea. With no one witnessing your death and no one knowing where you went off, there was no one to hold you in your last moments.

You were about to close your eyes, accepting your tragic fate, when something suddenly carried you in a bridal-style manner. You were shocked; you were suddenly being carried by something, while water seemed to flow past your face in a quick manner. You also realized that the rope you attached to the boat was cut. Probably by this savior of yours. You tried to look at whoever saved you, but the water that flowed past your face blinded your vision; you could only see glimpses of shining white before closing your eyes to protect your eyes from the sea water.

Before you knew it, you were placed on a rock in the middle of the sea. You gasped, internally very relieved that you got to breathe air again. You coughed out the water from your lungs. You took quick breaths in and out until you finally calmed down.

After a few minutes, you finally looked at the thing that saved you, a little relieved that it still stayed after a few minutes. It may be dark, but luckily the sky was clear enough to be able to at least illuminate your savior, even if it was just a little.

You managed to make out its features as it sat on the same rock as you. Platinum blonde hair with a red streak. Scarlet-red eyes. And a white tail with red fins that reflected off the moonlight in a very ethereal way.

“You were that mermaid!” you gasped. You were shocked that your savior was the mermaid you met moments ago. You couldn’t believe it. Mermaids, who were known as evil, were known to kill fishermen, vicious predators. A mermaid… just saved you?

The mermaid looked at you curiously.

“T-thank you,” you said, “thank you so much for saving me back then. I would've—you know—died if you weren’t there to save me.”

The mermaid smiled back. It offered you something that seemed like something wrapped in kelp, urging you to eat it.

You looked at it, then you looked at the mermaid.

“You want me to eat… this?”

The mermaid nodded.

You were hesitant, obviously, but you’ve gained a little trust after this mermaid just saved your life. You took the pebble-sized thing wrapped in kelp and proceeded to eat it. It tasted salty and bitter, but you could endure it.

You looked at the mermaid again, giving it a questioning look about why it wanted you to eat the kelp-covered thing. It opened its mouth and spoke in a calming voice. You were shocked. It can talk? And you could understand it??

“That thing you just ate. It allows you to be able to understand me,” the mermaid said. “Are you okay? Are you feeling better now?” The mermaid questioned, raising his webbed hands and rested it upon your shoulder.

You’re a bit flustered by its gesture but covered it by nodding.

“Good,” he smiled, his eyes filled with softness and relief. He moved his hand up and rested his hand on your face, caressing your cheeks softly. After a few seconds, he finally retracted his hands slowly and spoke, a smile still etched on his face.

“We need to return you back home; the sea is not a safe place.”

“A-ah, right…”

“Is there something wrong?”

“Nope. Nothing at all.” (But there IS something wrong, you thought, ‘I don’t want to part from you…” You internally frowned. Being the mature person you are, you internally sighed and emotionally prepared yourself for departing with him.)

“However,” you continued, “do you happen to know what those things that dragged me down were?”

“Oh? Those things were actually… Mermaids too…” The mermaid sighed, “You cannot just think of mermaids as having one personality, as there are many different types of them. There are some who think of humans as prey too, or some who are hostile to other creatures, especially humans. Or some who are just fine with them, who wanted to help them, who are… curious about them, and who wanted to know them better.

“Ah… So, it’s the same as humans too, then,” you smiled.

“Same like… humans?”

“Yea! You can’t just assume all humans are evil, or all humans are kind, as there are many humans with different personalities and attitudes and different points of view on different things. I understand your kind’s hostility toward humans, though. We can be… terrible jerks.”

The mermaid chuckled (and how adorable the sound was), “I am sorry on behalf of my kind too. Who knew humans and mermaids could be so similar?”

“Haha yeah...” you replied, “Oh! I forgot! I never caught your name!”

“Kazuha. I go by many names yet, Kazuha... is what you can call me,” Kazuha smiled, “Pray tell, what name do they bestow upon this beautiful soul right in front of me?”

“(N-name).”

“Hmm. A beautiful name for a beautiful person, indeed.”

“You have a beautiful name yourself too, fitting for a charming person like you.”

Kazuha chuckled, if the night wasn’t so dark you would’ve seen the pink tint on his cheeks.

“We- You should go back. Like I said, the sea is not safe after all, especially at this time of the day.”

“Right…How am I supposed to go home? I think we lost my boat.”

Kazuha sighed, “True… We couldn’t return, however, as the tides were too strong for me to handle…”

There was a moment of silence between you two as you both pondered what to do.

“I can carry you again… We can wait until the tides have calmed down a bit and quickly swim to the shore.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to trouble you even further.”

Kazuha chuckled, “Of course not. You didn’t inconvenience me at all, darling.”

(AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA THIS MAN WILL BE THE END OF MEEEEE)

“O-oh, then I’m fine with that idea,” you replied, feeling flustered, “What if I held on to you from behind instead?”

“Hm.. Alright. But please hang on tight. I would never want you to fall, my dear.”

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

Both of you waited until the tides had calmed down. While waiting, both of you conversed in conversations about several topics to pass the time. It started from questions regarding humans and mermaids, to personal topics about both of you.

You learned that he longed to become a human, to be able to see the wonders of the world he heard from other mermaids or humans he’s eavesdropped on. He wanted to wander the world, see its beautiful sights and views, and experience the thrills of the world. You could only smile at his dreams.

After a while, the tides had finally started to reduce their temper, and you started to get ready to go to the shore. Kazuha swam back towards the surface with you behind him, arms wrapped around his neck, careful not to choke or harm him. You could only try so hard to hide the rapid beating of your heart at being this close to him.

After a long while, you finally managed to return to the shore. Kazuha placed you on a dock. It was already dawn at that time, so you could already see Kazuha nicely in the dim lighting.

You laid on the edge of the dock, looking down, as Kazuha was looking up at you from the water.

You both smiled at each other. After a few seconds, you finally decided to leave, something inside you urged to quickly return to your home, not wanting your parents to notice you were gone.

A thought popped up in your head. You moved forward, reached your head down closer to Kazuha, and quickly pecked his forehead. You quickly stood up, very flustered and shouted,

“Thank you, Kazuha… Till we meet again! Love you!”

You ran back to your home and sneaked back into your room.

Meanwhile, Kazuha just froze on that spot, feeling very flustered as well.

His cheeks heated up at your actions. There was a warm spot on his forehead where your lips were, he touched his forehead and rested his hand there, smiling softly like an idiot.

“Till we meet again… (name)...”

A/n: Thank you so much for reading until the end! Hope you enjoyed it :) I'm working on my writing skills so if you have any criticisms, feel free to comment it.

again, thank you so much have a nice day/night :DDD

#genshin impact #kaedehara kazuha #genshin x reader #kazuha x reader #genshin #genshin fluff #genshin scenarios #kazuha genshin impact #kaedeharakazuha #kaedehara x you #kaedehara x reader #mermay #mermay 2023

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enchantingjacarandas · 2 years ago

Text

Clumsy

Pairing: Lee Know | Minho / Han | Han Jisung

Tags: High School AU, Mutual Pining, Love Confessions, Getting Together, Accident Prone Jisung

Other Sites to Read on: Ao3 or Wattpad

Words: 3,759

A/N: I hope you enjoy the photos. I was losing my mind on finding pictures that fit the story while also making an aesthetically appealing collage.

Scissors made the only noise in the room, as the students continued working hard. Jeongin and Jisung were staying after class to help their math teacher decorate and prepare materials for her room. She had just gotten halfway through the multitude of stacked tests on her desk.

“Okay guys, I’m gonna run to the restroom real quick, I’ll be back in a little bit.” She proceeded to swiftly exit the room.

Jisung turned to Jeongin. “Do you really think she’ll give us extra credit for helping her?”

“I sure hope so,” Jeongin sighed, “I haven’t gotten a one hundred on any math tests this year, so I kinda need it.” He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly at his failure.

“True you definitely do need it,” Jisung joked.

Jeongin clicked his tongue and went back to cutting out the laminated papers. Jisung placed down his finished cutouts. Having nothing else to do, Jisung’s mind started to wander. He recently had his eyes on someone he saw Seungmin talking to in the hallway. Jisung was pretty sure his name was Minho, and Minho appeared to be close to Seungmin. The sight of Minho laughing at something Seungmin said replayed in his head.

Jeongin rolled his eyes. “Hey! Don’t just stare off into space!”

Jisung blinked away his thoughts. “Oh sorry Innie, I didn’t even realize.”

Jeongin slightly shook his head at the nickname. “Staple this border she wanted on the wall.” Jeongin pointed towards the wall the teacher spoke about earlier.

Jisung grabbed the border saying, “This thing?” He then glanced up at the wall. “But you’re taller. Why don’t you do it?”

“It's your punishment for zoning out,” Jeongin narrowed his eyes.

Jisung knew he was mad so decided not to argue more. “Fine.” Looking around for a way to reach the top part of the wall Jisung said, “Hmmmm I guess I can use this chair.”

Jeongin looked at the chair in question. “It looks a little unstable, are you sure? You know how accident prone you are.”

Jisung stared at the chair once again. “It will be fine.” He got up on the chair, slowly standing up. “Look, I’m already on it.” He pulled a superhero pose on the chair in question, in order to further prove his point.

Jeongin sighed, “I guess”.

Minho was pissed, how could the teacher sign him up for something so stupid? He stormed through the school hallways heading for the underclassmen wing. Finally finding her classroom, he abruptly opened the door getting ready to yell at the teacher. Instead, he only saw two underclassmen.

A startled Jisung screamed as he fell from the chair to the floor, landing on his butt. He angrily thought, “who the hell barges in here like-'' but his thoughts were cut off when he looked in the doorway seeing Minho. He just stood there in the doorway, and Jisung couldn’t figure out how to look away. He studied him making sure not to forget a single detail of Minho. The guy he had been desperately trying to get a better view of through his memories.

Minho was alarmed at the scene in front of him. He moved forward to help the fallen boy, stopping when the boy’s head tilted up to look at him. All of his thoughts vanished as his eyes locked onto Jisung’s. His anger dissipated. Minho was pulled back to reality when Jeongin cleared his throat.

He moved to help Jisung up while apologizing. “I shouldn’t have been so aggressive-” He dragged out the last word at the sight before him. Jisung had quickly scrambled to get up off the floor as Minho got closer. Minho was confused by the strong reaction. Had he really scared this boy that much? Fearing that that might be the case, Minho decided it was maybe time for him to leave.

“I just came here to talk to the teacher, but I’ll go wait outside for her.” Minho gave a slight nod to the underclassmen as he left the room.

Jisung thought to himself, “His even more handsome close up”.

Jeongin rolled his eyes. “I know what that look means.”

Jisung tried to rebut saying, “Well, it’s just nice to have someone who seems warm. Instead of you always being annoyed and cold with me.” He stuck his tongue out at Jeongin.

Jeongin smirked, “If you think I can be cold you should see Minho”.

“I’m telling you, he definitely was looking at you.” Chan said, smiling at Jisung. Jisung was walking in between Changbin and Chan as they headed to their next classes.

“As much as I would like to believe that, in times like this we must be realistic.” Jisung had stated with a sad frown. He truly did want to believe it, he just simply couldn’t.

Every time Jisung spotted Minho it’s not like he’d give Minho much of a chance to convince him otherwise. He mainly spent his time running away from Minho. He was way too nervous of doing the wrong thing. So, rather than doing something wrong, his solution was to just run away from the situation entirely. It wasn’t the best way to go about things, but it seemed like the best way to avoid getting hurt for Jisung.

“You know he is in mine and Chan’s grade level.” Changbin turned to Jisung. “I could always put in a good word for you.” Changbin raised his eyebrows up and down suggestively while getting closer to Jisung.

Jisung’s eyes widened. “Don’t you dare do anything!”

Chan being the mediator he was, he decided to try to make a compromise for both sides. “I have several classes with him, if you ever want to know anything just ask.” Chan leaned closer to Jisung. Being in between the two boys Jisung started getting squished.

Jisung smiled. “Okay I’ll let you know.” It felt nice to know his friends only wanted the best for him.

Jisung had been walking his whole life, and yet he somehow failed to succeed in walking just then. He was attempting to put his back foot forward when, because of his friends almost crushing him, his back foot hooked on his other foot. Making him fall forward when his legs had become one.

Changbin laughed at his friend toppling over. For it was quite amusing how sudden and fast Jisung had made contact with the floor. Suddenly, Chan cut him off seeing that the fall had been in front of the very man they were discussing earlier.

Jisung looked up at the man. As he registered Minho was in front of him his eyes soon grew wide. Jisung fumed inside his head. “Why does this happen every time?”

Minho attempted to start a conversation. “Umm hey,” Minho awkwardly gave a smile trying to appear less scary.

“Hey,” Jisung softly spoke, before quickly sprinting down the hall.

The group left behind could faintly hear a teacher yell. “No running in the halls!”

Minho stood still in place. He tried not to let himself get too down, acknowledging the progress made. “Well at least he said a word to you.” A small smile spread across his face at that thought. Even if it was just microscopic progress, they were still moving forward.

The group stood there a few more seconds processing the situation, before Chan cleared his throat. “Well Minho, you wanna walk to our next class together?”

Minho, still looking in the direction where Jisung disappeared, slowly replied, “yes”.

After they had walked to class and sat in their normal seats Minho decided to ask the question that was burning on his mind. “So who was that guy?”

Chan was puzzled for a moment, then it hit him. “You mean the guy that fell for you?” Chan mentally kicked himself at his slip up. “I mean, the guy that fell in front of you.”

Minho tilted his head. “Yeah, him…”

Chan gave a nervous chuckle, “That’s just Jisung”.

Inquisitiveness quickly infected Minho. “Are you guys close?”

“Yeah, me and Changbin hang out with him quite often. He helps us with producing music.” Chan paused. “You normally aren’t too interested in people, unless…” He trailed off making the last word seem more like a question.

“I mean he does seem quite interesting,” Minho then glanced away as he finished his statement. “and cute.” Chan gave a suggestive look. This was too good.

Minho decided to tell Chan what he was really worried about. “He always seems to run away when I’m around though. I think he might think I’m scary.”

Chan could’ve said the real reason why Jisung always runs, but he decided to just tip toe around the truth.“I think he might be a little intimidated, but you tend to have that effect on people.” Chan hoped to lighten the mood by saying the last part in a joking manner.

Minho let out his frustrations with a sigh. “I know.”

Chan put on a teasing smile. “Oooh you know?”

“Don’t start that.” Minho hoped that he had the wrong idea and Chan was just talking about something else. Still Chan continued.

Leaning closer to Minho at said, “We know”.

Minho rolled his eyes.

“Lee Know,” Chan said, while his arm went outwards towards Minho, and his hands shaking like jazz hands.

“Do you really have to bring that old rap up? This is why I don’t hang out with you and Changbin anymore.”

Chan put his hand over his heart and pretended to be hurt. “Cold, but fare. In all seriousness, if you’re worried about coming across as scary, maybe you should stop using words like that.” Minho thought about Chan’s advice, maybe he did need to choose better language.

“You came!” Felix hugged Minho. “I’m so excited!”

Minho accepted the hug and chucked at Felix’s enthusiasm. “Hey, I would never miss your birthday party, come on!”

Felix pulled away from the hug and looked at Minho giving a slight frown. “Still I heard that you’ve been under the weather.”

“huh?”

Felix explained himself, while being a little confused as to why Minho didn’t know what he was talking about. “Changbin said you caught some sort of disease, and something about not taking his advice for a cure.”

Minho closed his eyes out of frustration. “It’s just a weird joke we have.” Minho tried to give a convincing smile. Thinking about how to get revenge, he asked Felix a seemingly innocent question. “Speaking of your boyfriend, where is he exactly?”

“Oh he's already here along with a few others, we are just waiting for Hyunjin.” Felix motioned towards the living room.

Minho smiled, handing him the bag in his hand. “Here is your gift as well.”

Felix accepted the gift and held it close. “Hyung! You didn’t have to get me anything.”

“I couldn’t not get you anything for your birthday.”

Felix smiled big as he spoke. “Still I really appreciate this gift. I'll go put it with the others, see you later.” He waved as left the room. Minho was happy his gift was being appreciated, but didn’t think it was that big of a deal.

“Bye” Minho waved back. Then when Felix turned around he cracked his knuckles. He was ready to greet Changbin with an evil grin plastered on his face. Entering the living room Minho glared at Changbin while he spoke through his teeth. “Why did you tell Felix I have a disease?”

Changbin’s face lit up as he laughed saying, “You do! You are love sick”.

“And why is that Felix’s concern?”

Changbin decided to clear up Minho’s worries. “Listen, it accidentally slipped out. I had to try to cover it up.” He then leaned closer to Minho hoping to prevent anyone from overhearing. “Also you normally don’t take long, letting people know how you feel. I thought you would already have it all figured out by now.”

Minho clicked his tongue. “Well, I haven’t gotten alone time with him yet.” In fact he hadn’t gotten any time with Jisung. Just the occasional bump in the hall or a quick wave. Jisung normally sprinted in the other direction before, much progress could be made. Minho instead got to know Jisung through little observations, times when Jisung wasn’t aware of his presence. Most of it made Minho more lonely. He seemed to talk so freely to others, while with Minho they were moving at a snail's pace, if that.

Changbin consulted him, patting his shoulder. “Are you gonna do anything today then?”

“Today?”

“Don’t you know Jisung is here, at this party?” He greeted Felix with a smile as he entered the room with Hyunjin. “Him and Felix are good friends.”

Minho blinked at the new information. Seeing his boyfriend was now free, Changbin headed towards him. Hyunjin acknowledged Chan with a nod and started to quietly talk about some sort of surprise for Felix.

Jisung was talking with Jeongin when he noticed Minho.

Panic spread through him as he whispered yelled at Jeongin. “Shit! Why didn’t you tell me Minho would be here! I’ve got to figure out how to avoid him.”

Jeongin raised his eyebrows. “Why is that?”

“Because, I always do something embarrassing in front of him. Remember when I fell off the chair.” Jisung was bouncing his leg out of nervousness.

Jeongin smiled at the memory of his friend getting startled. “Yeah, but it was kinda funny seeing you all panicked and flustered.” He poked Jisung’s side trying to get the man to loosen up. Jisung narrowed his eyes at Jeongin’s lame attempts to ease his pain. “Listen Huyng, it’s probably not as bad as you think.”

Jisung glanced up once again at the boy they were talking about. He froze upon seeing Minho’s eyes lock directly onto his. Jisung decided to try to hide behind Jeongin. Knowing it was pointless to resist, Jeongin let him hide.

Minho, seeing that Jisung was still avoiding him, decided maybe he should just give him space. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Seungmin pulled him away from his thoughts.

“I heard that someone's got a crush.” Minho sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. If Seungmin knew that meant he had been super obvious.

“Oh. That means I’m right.” Seungmin looked around the room. “Alright, where is he? Let’s have a conversation with him.” Minho giggled, he knew Seungmin would never actually cross the line.

Jisung saw how close Minho and Seungmin were. His mind wondered if the two of them had something going on. Had he been delusional this whole time? He had known that the two boys were always close, but Minho was smiling while also acting somewhat embarrassed. It looked like the same way Jisung felt when he saw Minho, yet Minho wasn’t looking at him, he was looking at Seungmin.

Jisung’s attention was soon grabbed by Hyunjin as he gripped his shoulder. “Alright, I set everything up. Changbin is currently distracting him. When Seungmin hits the lights, you come in with the cake.”

At the mention of Seungmin, Jisung decided to glance up where Minho used to be. Not seeing either guy he looked around a bit more. Spotting Minho talking to Chan, he felt relief wash over himself.

Hyunjin nudged him, “Hey Seungmin is by the light switch, so hurry up and go.”

Jisung quickly disappeared from the room heading for the kitchen. When the lights went out and the living room was dark, he entered. Jisung beamed as he carried the candle lit cake towards Felix. The light flickered all around the group as everyone huddled close.

Minho scanned everyone wondering if anyone else saw a problem with this. The fact that all his interactions with Jisung resulted in the boy toppling over, he started to worry. Seeing no one around him was on alert he decided to just brush it off. He shook off the thoughts, as he put himself back in the moment.

After everyone sang happy birthday to Felix. He closed his eyes and he blew out the candles making a wish. Seungmin went towards the lights, turning them back on. Changbin cupped Felix’s face in his hands and leaned in to kiss him.

“Yuck!” Hyunjin pulled out his classic disturbed face at the PDA in front of him. He tried to back away from the romantic situation. When he ended up accidentally bumping into Jeongin. Who was not expecting to get hit with anything, completely fell over heading straight for Jisung. Causing Jisung to think of a quick action in order to save the cake. He was too fast with his movements and the cake quickly left his hands and went to the air as he toppled over.

The cake, flying up in the air and had everyone entranced wondering where it would land. It started heading straight for Minho. Possibly out of shock or just pure lack of care he stayed completely still. He just simply closed his eyes as the cake landed straight on his face. The cake then crumbled the rest of it sliding to his shoulders and the floor around him. Minho’s face was covered in frosting and chunks of cake.

His hands went to his eyes, as he wiped off the gunk so he could open them. Gazing around towards the rest of the group it seemed like most of them were waiting for him to react. Minho was not the type to make a big deal out of an accident.

He tried to quelch their concerns. “No need to panic, it's just a cake.”

A small pout appeared on Felix’s lips as he stared at the cake. It’s unlikely that anyone walking into the room would call it a cake though, they would likely just call it a mess. Seeing the pout on his boyfriend’s face, Changbin quickly pulled him into a hug.

Changbin patted Felix’s head as he tried to comfort him. “It will be fine, it's only a cake I will get you a better one.”

As they continued to hug, Hyunjin suggested an alternative. “Let’s go all out for ice cream!” Jeongin lit up, enthusiastically nodding at the idea.

Seungmin gestured towards the mess. “But first Minho should get cleaned up.”

Chan took the lead of clean up duty. “Let’s also clean up the floor, I’ll go get towels from the kitchen.”

Jisung’s face slowly turned more and more red, staring in shock at Minho covered in the mess he made. “Minho, I'm so sorry!” Minho took a few seconds to process the situation. He just stood there frozen. When Jisung touched his face with a napkin Minho unfroze.

He calmly spoke. “Don’t worry, I’ll go get cleaned up in the bathroom.” Then abruptly disappeared towards the restroom.

Changbin saw the perfect set up. “Jisung, you should help him clean up.”

Jisung crunched the napkin in his hand. Would it really be okay to follow Minho? Would it just be weird if he helped? Although, he did make the mess in the first place. Jisung’s eyes panned around the room hoping to find an answer. Chan entered the room and filling in the blanks he nodded at Jisung. He was assured that the right thing was to follow Minho.

He stood outside of the bathroom, took a deep breath and then opened the door. At the sight before him his breath spilled back out into the open. Minho was without a shirt on. The cake was still covering his face, but that only drew more attention to his exposed upper body. Compared to his face in the mirror his back was so spotless. It looked so clean, smooth, and inviting.

Minho, seeing Jisung through the mirror, questioned his intentions. “Are you here to help?” Minho put his attention back to the mirror pulling cake out of his hair.

Jisung lightly shook his head to get rid of the nasty thoughts. “Yeah,” he grabbed the hand towel sitting on the edge of the sink counter. “Here, lean over the sink and I’ll help you.”

Minho softly smiled as Jisung wet the rag and pieces of cake fell into the sink. Maybe Jisung wasn’t scared of him. Minho looked at Jisung’s eye as they forced on getting the cake off his face. Even if this moment was temporary, Minho felt lucky for just being a part of it. Jisung was also in bliss, but tried to focus on the task in front of him. He wondered if he should go slow with cleaning Minho’s face, that way this moment would last just a little bit longer.

Minho decided to speak up in hopes a conversation would make Jisung take longer. He scanned around the room and saw his shirt on the counter. “Do you think you could ask Seungmin to get me an extra shirt when you're done here?”

Jisung sank a little, “Yeah.” he paused then asked the burning question on his mind. “Are you two together?”

“Ew no,” Minho made a face like he had just eaten the sourest lemon on planet earth.

“Ah that’s good.” Jisung couldn’t hide his smile at the news. He looked up, seeing Minho’s blank face he attempted to remedy the situation. “I mean…” In the end Jisung couldn’t figure out how to save himself. The words only served to grow Minho’s confidence. They were alone together so, now was as good of a time as any.

“Listen Jisung, I have something important to tell you.” Minho bit his lip. No matter how many times someone asks out someone they really like, it never gets easier. “I was wondering if after tonight’s party you’d wanna hang out. Just the two of us. Like a date or something?”

Jisung’s lit up, smiling at Minho. “I’d love that!” He then looked down as he confessed what had been bothering him. “If I’m being honest, I thought I was utterly embarrassing myself in front of you, cause I’m such a clutz.”

Minho laughed at the honesty, just another thing to love. “I thought it was really cute.” Minho smiled, remembering how adorable and flustered Jisung would be when he fell. Thinking more Minho tilted his head. “Although, is that why you ran away every time? I thought you were scared of me or something.”

Jisung sheepishly smiled. “Well, I was kind of scared.” Jisung couldn’t look at Minho anymore as he said the next words. “But it’s because I really like you.”

Minho smiled, he hoped that this dork would stay in his life forever. “I really like you too.”

➤ Masterlist ❀ Ao3 ❀ Wattpad

A/N: It seems like minsung has won once again. Thank you for everyone who voted in the poll I really appreciate the help. Going to end up posting them in order from most votes to least votes. Thank you so much for reading and supporting me!

16 notes · View notes

the-peddito-and-doise-show · 1 year ago

Note

HURRY UP I DONT KNOW IF DOISE CAN FIGHT FAKE PEDDITO BY HIMSELF (even tho i love him lots)

Also, i hope gusto and peddito are able to make up 💔💔

“Look, Gusto… I’m-a sorry for-a leaving you and the others behind, I really am. If-a we could, we would’ve done it already, but it’s-a just that… uhh…” Gusto: “Okay, I’ve heard enough. This is what you come up for an apology? I may-a be a dumb sack of potatoes (as Meister Stiff said), but at-a least I know that I’m-a DONE with this-a nonsense! I’m-a DONE! You and Doise abandoned us here when we were at our-a worst point yet! Even your… your… came back here, and-a he couldn’t come up with anything as well! One thing STAYED consistent—and THAT was your awful APOLOGIES!”

Gusto: “I hoped. I hoped, even though it-a seemed impossible, that-a you would come back someday when you first left. I really did. With each day passing, I started losing more and more faith… until it-a just�� was gone. Do you know what-a that-a feels like, Peddito?” “…” Gusto: “I didn’t think so.” Both sat in silence for a moment, as a deep look of regret formed on Peddito’s face. He truly regretted what he did, all those several decades ago. He really did. For a moment, he couldn’t find the words to fix their long broken relationship… until something clicked in his head. “Gusto?” Gusto: “…What?” Peddito took a deep breath, as he made eye contact with Gusto, letting him know that he did have to say something in particular. “We—I couldn’t get to you, Gusto. When we found-a the portal that-a just-a appeared out of nowhere one day, the first thing I planned to do after going in to check the strange surroundings inside there was to get-a you and the others. But-a the portal was-a closing in fast when we looked back. We desperately ran as fast as we could towards the portal… we just kept running, and running, and running—yet, we never made it. We never did. You’re-a not the only one who spent eternity stranded in an otherworldly dimension, trying to keep ourselves alive. Each time I slept, I thought of you and the others. Lost. Frightened. Confused. Each time, I woke up, with heavy amounts of-a regrets chained to me. With each day passing, I started losing faith, until it-a just… was gone. Do you know what-a that-a feels like, Gusto?” Once again, both were in silence. Gusto: “…” “…” “…I’m-a sorry, Gusto. I hope that you can forgive me.” Gusto: “…” Gusto: “…I’m-a sorry too.”

For a moment, they looked at each other for the third time in a row—as they weirdly started to laugh about the whole thing, laughing on and on… before hugging each other, crying out waterfalls. Both of them had never been this both happy and sad at the same time.

This time, they finally understood each other, even after everything they’ve gone through.

—————————————————————

Meanwhile, the gang was busily traveling through the depths of the white void—wanting to both save Doise and an entire dimension at hand.

“WAIT! STOP EVERYTHING!”

Then, everyone stopped in their tracks, as they all looked towards Pizzamancer in annoyance, hesitance, confusion… you get the idea.

“Do we even know where we’re going? And plus, GET THIS RAT OFF MY BACK!”

He shook furiously, as Cement (who thought he was getting a casual free ride) desperately hanged on for his life.

“I don’t know, maybe you should’ve thought of that BEFORE we wasted several minutes of our time running into pretty much towards nowhere, jackass!”

Several agreements came and went after Doisette’s sentiment.

Meister Stiff: “Maybe that portal up there should solve our dilemma!”

Meister Stiff then proceeded to point upwards, due to the propeller hat allowing him to be way up in the air and to be able to notice things that most people wouldn’t notice.

There was, indeed, a portal up above them.

“How did we miss that?” Both Doise Chan and Peeperman exclaimed.

Eigilante: “They don’t pay me enough for this…”

Meister Stiff: “Nobody pays you—you just like to beat up people.”

Eigilante: “Oh, right.”

“WHATEVER! Let’s go in there immediately; we’re wasting time!”

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circusgoth-dotcom · 2 years ago

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Arturo Diamond

Ship: Jack Torrance x Keaton Diamond (Childhood Friends AU)

Word Count: 668

Summary: An introduction to Keaton's older brother in this AU, Arturo. Keaton needs a ride to his first date and Arturo is happy to oblige, even if he doesn't know that's what he's doing... or does he? Arturo is in his second year of college, Jack and Keaton are in their middle-to-late years of high school. CWs for brief mentions of food, smoking, and suggestions of violence- Jack feels threatened by Arturo's appearence.

Tag List: @canongf @futurewife

Keaton Diamond was going to have his first date. Trouble was, he needed a ride, and his father would be working late that night. Still, luck could possibly be in his favour, for his older brother, Arturo, was visiting for a few days during his college break.

“So, do you think you’ll be able to make it?” Jack asked from the other end of the call. Keaton twisted the cord of their landline phone absently.

“God, I hope so… I-I haven’t talked to Arty in such a long time, and you know he’s really only visiting to see his friends…”

“Well, Keats, if he’s as cool as you said he is, he should be more than happy to drive you over to the Horseshoes Shack tonight.”

“What about picking me up afterwards? How late do you intend for this date to go?”

“We’ll figure it out! C’mon, my paycheck at the hardware store has been treating me real nicely, I want to pay it forward to my… best pal.”

Keaton could hear the smirk and the wink in Jack’s voice and blushed. “It’s not like I don’t want to go--”

At that moment, Arturo entered the kitchen, passing by his little brother to open the fridge.

“I’ll call you back, he just walked in, bye-bye,” Keaton spoke quickly and hung up the phone, turning toward Arturo with a nervous smile. “Hey, Arty. How’s the skateboard coming along?”

“S’alright, cub. Who’sat on the phone?” Arty shot back as he took a pitcher of lemonade from the fridge and sat it on the counter. Keaton retrieved a glass for him, stalling for time.

“My friend, Jack, he lives just down the street. He’s getting paid pretty well, working at the hardware store, and he wants to celebrate with dinner.”

“That’s cool.”

“Yeah, it is! I’m proud of him… but er… Arty, could I ask you a teensy-weensy favour?”

Arturo arched his brow but said nothing, prompting Keaton to take a breath, squeezing his eyes shut in fear of rejection. “You don’t think you could drive me over to the Horseshoes Shack in an hour, could you?”

Finally, Keaton handed Arturo the glass so he could pour his lemonade, which he proceeded to do in silence. Keaton opened his eyes, watching his impassive expression and tapping anxiously on his leg. He sucked in a breath as Arturo sipped the lemonade.

“You make this yourself, cub?”

And immediately exhaled, bewildered. “Ye-yeah… what does that have to do with…?”

“You better be ready in an hour.”

Keaton blinked. “Huh-wha-OH! Yes, of course! I will! Be ready!” He bounced on his heels, grinning before clapping Arturo on the shoulder. “Thank you, Arty, you’re the best.”

“Don’t mention it.” Arturo smiled back.

~~~

An hour and a half later, Arturo pulled his pick-up truck into the lot of Horseshoes Shack, a local burger place themed to a horse ranch. Keaton spotted Jack, standing on the curb, from the passenger seat.

“Thank you again, Arty, really, you don’t know how much this means to me.” He wished he could be more honest with his brother…

“You kids have fun…” Arturo nodded as he lit a cigarette and Keaton got out of the truck. He rushed over to Jack and awkwardly shook his hand before Jack waved shortly to Arturo. The two shared a lengthy gaze that made Jack falter slightly before Arturo waved back and pulled out of the parking lot. As soon as he was out of sight, Keaton giggled in a relieved manner and pulled a tin of lip balm from his pocket.

“Alright, Jack, I’m starving,” he hummed as he applied his berries-and-cream-flavoured balm. Jack shook himself and went to hold open the door for his boyfriend.

“Right, yes, just through here my fine gentleman… y’know, Keaton, when you said your brother was cool, I was expecting a nice ‘rod and a suave attitude, not a cat who looks like he’ll curb-stomp my ass if I so much as breathe funny in his presence.”

#self shipping #self shipping community #self insert #self insert x canon #self x canon #self insert oc #oc x canon #self ship au #circus scripts #🪓Darling - Light of My Life🪓#🌳🥃.s/i [Childhood Friends AU]

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lowlylux · 2 years ago

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I am a Sinner (You are a Saint)

Chapter Ten | For The Hope Of It All

Ship: HeiKazuScara

Rating: E

Status: In Progress

Word Count: 3.1k

Description:

“You shall be cast out of the heavenly realm indefinitely.”

Kunikuzushi feels arms grab his own as he is forced to his feet. He struggles, keeping his eyes on his mother only. “Mother! Don’t let them do this!” The guards continue to drag him away, even if it is a struggle. “Mother!” He knows the gate to the human realm is growing closer to him. The more time passes, the less chance he has to escape. But the divine never back out of their decisions…never. He looks to his mother one last time, hoping that she at least looks at him. But her gaze refuses to meet his own.

When he is finally cast out, the air rushing past his entire body, he could only visualize his mother’s pained expression.

He has never felt so alone…

ao3 link

Scaramouche hasn’t really interacted with Heizou in a few days. Yes, he has talked to him, but any moment he is potentially alone with him for more than a few minutes. Perhaps it is due to him being terrified of the possibilities of a conversation, but he really doesn’t want to think about it. If Scaramouche could, he would forget certain aspects of the day he saved Heizou. But, that does prove to be difficult.

Heizou seems to make it his personal mission to catch Scaramouche alone, much to the angel’s dismay. And considering the fact that Heizou has been given a month off due to the whole situation (to Kazuha’s protests, as he thought it should have been longer), Heizou has far too many chances to get Scaramouche alone.

But, since Kazuha wanted Heizou to be as comfortable as possible, at least he has decided to take some time off as well. So at least Scaramouche doesn’t have to deal with avoiding Heizou for hours at a time.

The angel curls up on an armchair, scrolling through random articles on Kazuha’s laptop, glancing at the couple every once in a while. Heizou is in Kazuha’s arms as they watch some bad horror movie, the two laughing every once in a while to make fun of the ridiculousness of the movie. He looks away when Kazuha meets his eye.

“What are you looking at now?” Kazuha asks.

“It’s some article about an anime…it looks cool but I’m already spoiled so I doubt I’ll watch it.”

“That sucks.” Kazuha mutters, resting his chin on Heizou’s shoulder. “Heizou?”

“Hmm?”

“I was thinking about something…”

Heizou shifts slightly, obviously trying to make sure Kazuha is still comfortable, but also just wanting to look at him. “Oh?”

“Well,” Kazuha starts as his grip tightens a bit as he holds Heizou close to him. He moves his head, proceeding to kiss Heizou’s neck sweetly in a manner that makes Scaramouche blush at the sight. “We haven’t gone on a date in so long….”

“We went on a date….uh…”

“The week before Scara appeared,” Kazuha mutters, once again resting his chin on Heizou’s shoulder once more. The blond looks toward Scaramouche, smiling a bit, “and that’s not a terrible thing. We just haven’t thought about it.”

Scaramouche almost jumps at the fact that Kazuha is talking to him, squirming at the fact that he is being stared down. “Well that’s…good.” He still feels terrible, even if Kazuha is insisting he shouldn’t be. He really doesn’t want those two to have issues, especially if he potentially does something that could hurt their relationship.

“So, I was thinking…do you want to go to Kiminami tonight?”

Heizou beams, unable to face Kazuha but still seemingly attempting to anyway. He’s practically bouncing at this point, evidently extremely excited over the idea. “That actually sounds like a good idea.”

“That’s why I suggested it,” Kazuha hums, going back to the movie he’s watching. “We can get going after the movie.”

“But the movie isn’t even very good…”

Scaramouche barely even notices it at first, but when he does it almost makes him blush at the thought. Kazuha is softly tapping Heizou’s thigh, which happens to be bare since he is wearing shorts. The action in itself isn’t anything important. But, the fact that Heizou straightens his back, immediately stopping his protests, is definitely indicative of hidden meanings within the actions.

“We’ll get ready after the movie,” Kazuha mutters, eyes trained on the television.

“Okay…”

●•·•●

Kazuha likes going on dates, mostly because he can spoil the other person. It’s honestly a good thing he’s pretty well off, because if he was broke he would rather go without eating for a week then let his date go home without something. He’s always been a gift giver, mostly due to the fact that it makes the person receiving the gift happy. That’s partly why he loved taking Scaramouche shopping, seeing the angel’s face light up made his day.

But it’s…difficult with Heizou. He can’t shower the man with gifts, because Heizou is well off as well. So, he has to get creative. While Heizou can afford to go to fancy restaurants, he likes the cheaper options. So, Kazuha makes sure to take his boyfriend to places he knows Heizou likes. That, paired with anything that Kazuha can think of, and he successfully makes sure Heizou has a good time. And, if Heizou is having a good time, Kazuha is enjoying himself too.

It really didn’t take that long to get ready, not that Kazuha thought it would. Yes, both Heizou and him dressed nice, but neither of them are entirely dressed as if they were going somewhere fancy. Heizou is quite literally wearing a leather jacket, so no one would really classify it as fancy anyways.

But the two still find themselves in Kazuha’s car, some music softly playing through the speakers. The road to the city is smooth, an easy drive for anyone who decides to take the time to do it. Kazuha has always liked the road late at night, the tranquility around him far too divine to logistically ignore.

Kazuha’s grip tightens a tad on the steering wheel as he drives, his gaze looking to the road. “Hey Heizou?”

“Hmm?” Heizou hums, seemingly excited about the date as he is looking out the window as if he has never seen this road before, even though this is the same road he drives to work. Now that Kazuha thinks about it, perhaps Heizou is excited to finally be out of the house. He hasn’t really left for a while after all.

“What is going on between you and Scara?”

Kazuha doesn’t have to see Heizou to know that he has paused, most likely looking at Kazuha in shock. “What do you mean?”

“Well…” Kazuha trails off, still not dropping his gaze on the road. “Ever since you two came back from…the incident,” Kazuha starts, still refusing to vocalize what happened, “Scara has quite literally refused to be alone with you. So what happened?”

“…”

The silence is deafening, and Kazuha doesn’t like that. Mostly, he dislikes Heizou hiding things from him, but he also dislikes the multiple possibilities running through his mind. “Heizou, tell me.”

“…”

“Heizou-“

“I kissed Scaramouche.”

The car swerves before Kazuha even realizes that he did so. For the first time in the car ride, Kazuha tears his eyes from the road, instead deciding to park the car and stare at Heizou. “Tell me everything.”

Heizou shifts uncomfortably, refusing to meet Kazuha’s gaze. “When he was telling me that I needed to run back when Dottore got me…I didn’t know if he’d live. I didn’t even know if I’d live…” Heizou trails off, seemingly attempting to figure out how he is going to phrase things. “So I kind of just…kissed him?”

Kazuha can’t help it, he starts to burst out laughing. “Were you cheesy too? What exactly did you say when you did it?”

“…I told him that he needed to live.”

Kazuha laughs harder, resting his forehead on the steering wheel. His shoulders shake due to his laughter, and while he is well aware of the fact that Heizou is not laughing at all, he can’t help but still find the scenario funny. Not the details that led to the scene, obviously, but just the idea of such an action reminds Kazuha of those cheesy romance movies.

“I thought you’d be mad.”

“Why the hell would I be mad?” Kazuha questions, his brows furrowed at the idea. “We both said that as long as we communicate, going out with other people is fine. You communicated, albeit reluctantly, so I have no reason to be mad.” Kazuha sends a look to Heizou that isn’t particularly meant to be taken seriously at all. “If you would’ve lied about it, then I would’ve been pissed.”

“So you’re not jealous?”

“Dude, we’re both poly…non-monogamy is kind of our thing. Would you be jealous if I kissed Scaramouche?”

Kazuha doesn’t want to think about the fact that Heizou’s pupils visibly dilate at the idea. But, since Heizou clears his throat, clearly wishing to distract from the idea, Kazuha doesn’t dwell. “I wouldn’t be jealous, no.”

“I’m just pissed because you did it first.”

“…what?”

Kazuha runs a hand through his hair, chuckling at Heizou’s reaction. “Did you not realize that I’ve liked him? Thought I was pretty obvious.”

“Ah…” Heizou mutters, unbuckling his seatbelt so that he can rest his head on Kazuha’s shoulder. “So we like the same guy?”

“I think so.”

“And does he even like either of us?”

“I’m not sure.”

“We are screwed aren’t we?”

“Kinda.”

Both Heizou and Kazuha burst out laughing together, resting on the other. They don’t laugh for a long time, their chuckles dying down within a minute, morphing into a comfortable silence between the two. Kazuha looks toward Heizou, staring at him for a moment before saying, “what are we going to do?”

“Confess to him?”

Kazuha lifts his head, going back to sitting up so that Heizou and him can look at eachother. “But would that be okay? I don’t want to make him uncomfortable.”

But Heizou just shrugs, clearly not knowing the best course of action either. “Pretty sure I already did.” His smile drops at the idea, an expression that represents a grimace showing up on his face. “If he doesn’t even like me like that I’m fucked.”

“Why wouldn’t he?” Kazuha asks, even though the thought has crossed his mind. If Scaramouche doesn’t actually like him in that way, it could genuinely ruin the dynamic all three of them have. “Heizou, you’re perfect.”

“…you’re a really bad liar.”

“It’s not a lie,” Kazuha casually says, not really moving. But, an idea comes to mind, one that he cannot ignore. “Wait, do we even know if he’s gay?”

Both of them sit up, staring at each other in shock, mostly due to the fact that neither of them thought of that before. “He…wait do you think he might be homophobic?” Heizou asks.

“Excuse me?”

“Well think about it, he’s from heaven! What if they talk about how being gay is wrong?” Heizou questions, shaking Kazuha’s shoulders a little as he talks.

And Kazuha can only stare at him in shock. For someone who is supposed to be possibly one of the smartest people in the country…Kazuha’s boyfriend is an idiot sometimes. “Heizou…if he was homophobic he would’ve said something months ago.”

“…I didn’t think about that.”

Kazuha rolls his eyes, pushing Heizou away playfully. “I think we should get going, don’t want Kiminami to be overcrowded.”

“We’re still going to Kiminami?”

Kazuha raises a brow, staring at Heizou for a moment. “Obviously we’re going to Kiminami.”

“But what about Scara?”

Kazuha glances at Heizou, offering him an unsure smile. “We’ll figure it out once we get home.”

●•·•●

When Scaramouche notices the two humans return home, he can’t help but feel happy for them. Both of them look happy, holding hands as they enter the house. Clearly, they had a good time, which is great. He likes the smiles on their faces. He likes the small touches shared between the two that are obviously an attempt to be covert.

Both of them collapse onto the couch, leaning on each other immediately in a way that is far too sickly sweet for Scaramouche to even be able to stand. But, Scaramouche pushes those thoughts away, instead forcing himself to talk to them. “How was the date?”

“It was actually pretty nice,” Kazuha says, eyes scanning Scaramouche’s expression as if he is searching for something. “Did you eat tonight?” Scaramouche attempts to avoid eye contact, mostly due to the fact that he still really doesn’t know how to cook. He shouldn’t be embarrassed, mostly due to the fact that he was never taught, but it’s still embarrassing in his mind. “Scara…”

“…no.”

Kazuha doesn’t frown, he doesn’t grumble, and he doesn’t even look annoyed with Scaramouche. In fact, he seems more concerned than anything. Kazuha and Heizou share a look before Kazuha stands, grabbing Scaramouche’s wrist lightly so he can tug him toward the kitchen.

“Do you not know how to cook?” Kazuha asks, already grabbing a few items that can make a quick meal. He doesn’t sound like he is judging Scaramouche when he asks, sounding more curious than anything. “It’s okay if you don’t, I can teach you. Beidou and Ningguang taught me so I’m actually pretty good.”

“Angels never really needed to know how to cook…”

“Well, you’re leaning now so put on an apron,” Kazuha says with a smile, already slipping on his own apron. Scaramouche hesitantly grabs for the extra one, which he assumes to be Heizou’s, and slips it on. That action easily brings a smile to Kazuha’s face, causing a small bit of blush to settle on Scaramouche’s face as he thinks about the fact that he made Kazuha smile.

Scaramouche cannot help but stare as Kazuha starts cutting vegetables. His shirt sleeves are pulled up, so Scaramouche has a full view of Kazuha’s arms. Honestly, just a small bit of visible skin and veins becoming visible for a few seconds at a time should not distract Scaramouche, but it unfortunately does. And Kazuha looks like he’s in his element completely, knowing exactly what to do in every moment.

Kazuha is humming as he scoops up vegetables and puts them in a pot. Scaramouche almost jumps in shock when the flame on the stove erupts, quickly starting to heat up the food. “Let this simmer for a few minutes, and you’ll be all set,” Kazuha says, placing a lid on the pot and taking off his apron. He looks at Scaramouche, seemingly thinking about something before intently staring at him. “Scara, Heizou told me something that I want to talk to you about.”

Scaramouche freezes at those words, nervously staring at Kazuha. “Kazuha, I-“

“Are you okay?” Kazuha immediately asks, stepping closer to Scaramouche as he talks. The human looks sincere, looking directly into Scaramouche’s eyes. “Heizou meant well, but he should’ve asked.”

“I…” Scaramouche tails off, quite distracted if he’s being honest with himself. “It wasn’t terrible. I mean…I didn’t mind it…particularly.”

Kazuha grins at such a statement, which surprises Scaramouche. He assumed the human would be mad…not happy. “So you like Heizou?”

“No!” Scaramouche exclaims, raising his hands in protest on instinct but immediately regretting it due to the action accentuating just how close he is to Kazuha.

“Scara…” Kazuha mutters, grabbing Scaramouche’s hand. The action makes him look away, a bit too embarrassed to really face him. “Not all humans are monogamous. Heizou and I have already discussed that if either of us were to become attracted to someone else, it wouldn’t change anything.” Scaramouche feels a hand on his chin before he is urged to look up, greeted with Kazuha being extremely close. “So if you like Heizou, that’s okay.”

Scaramouche’s eyes widen at the idea, his mind wandering for a second before he banished those thoughts. No, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea. Although, he really can’t help it when he stares at Kazuha, the reality of Kazuha being so close that he can touch the other without even extending his hand out.

And Kazuha, being observant, seems to notice this as well. “Can I try something?”

“What would that be?”

“I want to kiss you,” Kazuha says in a straightforward way, his face a few inches from Scaramouche’s. “But if you don’t want to, I understand.”

Scaramouche really can’t think at this moment. It’s like multiple thoughts fight to take over, leaving his entire mind a mess. And he doesn’t feel pressured into answering any sort of way, which makes it easier. “Why?”

And Kazuha genuinely smiles at this question, his eyes crinkling a bit. “I like you. That’s actually pretty much it.” His nose scrunches up immediately after saying those words. “Why the hell are these types of things so cheesy? I don’t even know how I could phrase that differently.”

“Yeah…that was pretty cheesy,” Scaramouche says while chuckling, not ignoring the fact that Kazuha’s expression turns hopeful for a moment. His eyes involuntarily glance at Kazuha’s lips for a moment before he can even think, causing him to blush a bit. “But it’s okay.”

“Yeah?” Kazuha asks, getting a bit closer.

Scaramouche just pauses for a moment, his thoughts short circuiting. “Yeah, it’s okay.” Kazuha leans a bit closer, obviously searching Scaramouche’s eyes for anything that will say he’s uncomfortable with the situation. And, while Scaramouche still isn’t quite convinced that he deserves anything like this, he also isn’t against it. So he can only nod at Kazuha.

Kazuha takes this as the confirmation he needs, pressing his lips onto Scaramouche’s. At first, Scaramouche doesn’t really know what to think…at first he really can’t think. But when he is able to think, he cannot help but feel awkward over the fact that he doesn’t know what to do with himself. Kazuha is holding his hand still, but the way he is doing so makes it where Scaramouche can pull away at any time. He finds his heart rate increasing, especially as he starts enjoying it.

But that is not to last.

Kazuha pulls away, making sure to look at Scaramouche in a kind manner. “Are you okay?” Scaramouche just kind of nods, words stuck in his throat. It’s not common for him to be speechless, but here he is. So Kazuha just presses a soft kiss onto Scaramouche’s forehead, almost humming in content. “Good.”

“That was so sweet…” Both of them look startled as they turn toward the new voice, who just so happens to be Heizou. Heizou just waves, knowing fully well that he ruined any sort of moment they were having. “Absolutely nauseating too.”

“You’re just mad because I talked to him about it before you could,” Kazuha retorts, stepping away from Scaramouche so that he can check the soup. “Well, the soup is done, so that’s something.”

But Scaramouche just kind of stands there, kind of confused. “Don’t we need to talk?”

“Hmm?” Kazuha looks at Scaramouche, a soft smile on his face. “If you want to, we can. Or we can eat and talk later.”

“But this is…”

“Are you attracted to Heizou?” Kazuha questions, still holding the pot of soup. Scaramouche nods, making Heizou practically beam in happiness. “And are you attracted to me?” Once again, Scaramouche nods in response. “Then we can talk later, but you need to eat.”

And, even if their conversation took a while to actually happen, Scaramouche does have to admit that the soup was really good.

masterlist

09<< >>11

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maruflix · 11 months ago

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“DO YOU THINK TENDOU PLAYS BETTER THAN ME?” #oneshot #ushijimawakatoshi #f!reader

The Super Ace of Shiratorizawa overheard a conversation between his teammates and his crush… and he did not like it.

feat. Ushijima Wakatoshi x f!reader　　⎯⎯　wc. 2.0k

The first time Ushijima Wakatoshi met you was when you went to the gym to return Tendou Satori’s book.

Apparently, the two of you had gotten your books mixed up. After profusely apologizing, Tendou had asked the stoic captain to accompany you while he ran to the locker room to get your book from his bag.

Awkwardly, Ushijima carried out his mission, making small talk with you (the small talk was asking for your name and class, then proceeding to stay silent).

His first impression of you was that you’re quite shy and polite. He felt pleasantly surprised when you didn’t show an ounce of awkwardness even when the two of you stood silently. His teammates would always say that he’s bad at socializing and can often seem intimidating because of his quietness, but the silence that engulfed the two of you was comfortable and natural.

So imagine his surprise when Tendou returned and a switch in you immediately flips: there are not a lot of people who can match Tendou’s energy, but you easily adjusted yourself to his quirkiness, laughing along with his jokes.

You waved to Tendou casually before turning to him and bowing slightly, bidding him goodbye with a “Well, see you around, Ushijima-kun.”

As time goes by, he starts to notice how you seem to appear more often. Sometimes you accompanied Tendou to the gym before going somewhere else, other times you arrived after the team finished practice, walking off with Tendou. The Shiratorizawa team has also gotten to know you as ‘(Name), Tendou’s friend’, as you’re really the only person they have seen Tendou hang out with.

To say that he is curious is an understatement. He can’t deny that he really wants to know who you are. Since when did Tendou have such a pretty friend? Why didn’t he ever tell him about you, when he would yap about anything and everything? Were you dating?

“Oh, she’s my seatmate. She’s a really cool kid, so we kinda vibe.” Was Tendou’s answer when he asked more about you. Truthfully, he wasn’t satisfied with that answer. But he kept quiet because he felt weird asking questions about his friend’s friend.

And then, that thing happened.

It was just another afternoon. The team just finished practice, everyone was chatting amongst themselves, and you were there again to pick up Tendou. Lately Goshiki and Ohira had also joined your conversations with Tendou, and the four of you were chatting away happily.

Ushijima pretended to drop his towel near the four of you and took his sweet time to pick it from the ground, shamelessly eavesdropping on your conversation.

“So, you’ve watched our matches, right? Do you think we did just as well as when we practice?” Goshiki asked curiously.

You hummed, “I don’t know much about volleyball, but… I think so, yeah! It’s always fun watching you guys play.”

“Then…” Ohira looked at you, “who do you think plays the best?” He asked, half jokingly.

“That’s an easy question, senpai,” Goshiki interjected, “Of course it’s gotta be our ace, right?”

“Yeah, that’s not fair! You should’ve asked for second best.” Tendou begrudgingly agreed.

Ushijima’s ears perked up as he pretended to wipe his forehead, turning around to look the other way with his feet still rooted to the ground. His heart started beating a bit faster at the thought of you complimenting him. ‘Logically speaking, I usually score the most points, so it can be said that I play the best, right?’

“Actually,” You grinned, “I have a different opinion.”

“Ehhh?? Really?? No way!!” Goshiki exclaimed excitedly, “Senpai, you think I’m better than our team’s ace?!”

“Hey now, she didn’t say that…”

“Maybe soon, Goshiki-kun. But now, I think… Tori-kun plays the best!” You cheered as the three boys cried out in surprise.

“Tendou?! Really?! Umm, no offense to you, Tendou..”

“Well, I have to admit, the Guess Monster is terrifying when he gets all pumped up…”

“Ehhh, (Name)-chan, you’re making me blush!”

Ushijima’s skin crawled.

“I’m not lying! The way your hand suddenly changes directions and BOOM! Blocked! I’m like, how the heck does he do that?!”

“Damn, Tendou, it must be nice to have a friend who hypes you up like (Name)-san.”

“Oh, but you’re really cool too, Reon-kun! I mean, that’s not even up for debate! And you too, Goshiki-kun! I think one of these days you can become the new ace!”

“Ehhhh!??! Senpai, I like you!”

“Don’t feed into his delusions.”

Ushijima knew that you were a kind person, and maybe you weren’t that familiar with volleyball, or you were just trying to make your friends happy, but…

He gripped his towel.

Hard.

BAM!

The ball went flying through Tendou’s outstretched arms at such a speed that he thought it would blow his head off with it.

Tendou was used to Ushiwaka’s spikes. He was the Super Ace’s teammate, after all, but… He looked up, his heart nearly stopping when he saw the expression on Ushijima’s face.

Like he was going to swallow him whole.

“Don’t mind, Tori-kun!!”

Upon hearing your cheer, Tendou raised an eyebrow at how his captain’s expression twisted even more. He put on a wronged face as Ushijima gave him a glare and turned away.

‘What did I do?!’

Next to him, Ohira Reon was gasping for breath. He had been running around, digging balls and sending spikes, trying to win the 2v2 against Ushijima Wakatoshi and Semi Eita. But it was just not working. Of course it wasn’t working, the game was rigged! Whoever got Ushiwaka on his team is playing with cheats!

On the other side of the net, Semi glanced at Ushijima in hesitation. Ushijima had played like a cannon, receiving the ball perfectly for him to set and missing no beat in jumping and spiking the ball, sometimes right into the hands of his teammates on the other side, only for the ball to immediately bounce away. He could’ve aimed it elsewhere, but… to aim it towards Tendou and Ohira’s hands was like highlighting that even if the ball made contact with their hands, they couldn’t receive it anyway.

Well, it wasn’t that hard to guess where Ushijima would spike the ball. To be able to receive those spikes, though… now that was a skill on its own. Especially when he was playing like he’s trying to impress an Olympics coach.

To no one’s surprise, the practice ended with Ushijima-Semi’s win. Well, it was more like Ushijima’s win, with more than half of the points being his service aces. On any other day, their opponents would put up more of a fight, however Tendou had said earlier that he was feeling a bit under the weather.

Pretending like he didn’t hear anything, Ushijima insisted on playing against Tendou and Ohira, choosing not to cut Tendou any slack, spiking balls to his direction like he was trying to hit him on purpose. Ohira was no better, getting almost no chance to spike since receiving Ushijima’s unusually harder-than-ever spike serves was a real struggle in itself.

Tendou and Ohira regrouped with Semi and exchanged glances with the rest of the team, wondering what on earth caused their captain’s horrible mood. Ignoring their stares, Ushijima walked towards the person he had been focusing on.

“(Name).” Towering above you with a height of 189cm, Ushijima addressed you stoically, causing you to gasp in surprise.

You looked up at him. “Y.. yes, Ushijima-kun?”

“Did I do well?”

Flabbergasted, your mouth hangs open. “W-well, I..” Your eyes flitted at your friends but they only returned your glance with their own shocked silent stare.

“Well? Do you still think that Tendou plays better than me?”

You did a double take, your breath caught in your throat, the conversation you had with Tendou, Ohira and Goshiki a few days ago replaying in your head. “W-well, Ushijima-kun, it’s just that… Tori-kun is my friend, and-”

He bent down, gazing down at you in curiosity. “Do you think he plays better than me?”

“I-is there a wrong answer?” You breathed out at the close proximity between you two. Ushijima held his gaze, his eyes shining in amusement. You blushed at Ushijima’s confidence and obliviousness, thankful that Coach Washijo wasn’t in the room. “I-I-I think you play better than Tori-kun, sorry Tori-kun!” You yelled out, flustered.

Your friend could only give you a thumbs up, his mouth still hanging open.

“What about Ohira? Do you think he plays better than me?”

Gaping at him in shock, you stuttered out a “N-no, Ushijima-kun..”

Ushijima hummed, “And Goshiki?”

“No, you… you’re the best..” Horrifically embarrassed and confused, you finally gave him the answer he was looking for.

The entire Shiratorizawa team gaped at this hilarious interaction.

“I thought so as well.” Ushijima nodded, “But it still feels nice to hear it from you.” Satisfied, he rose up to his full height and turned to look at his team. “Why are you just standing there? Do you want to go for another round?”

Quickly, the team dispersed, no one wanting to be the victim of Ushiwaka’s spikes, all the while muttering about what the HECK just happened between Ushijima Wakatoshi and Tendou’s friend.

You sat, frozen in shock, not expecting that your crush would ask you a string of shocking questions while keeping his face so close to yours, as if challenging you to give him the wrong answers. Of course you thought he was the best, but you couldn’t admit that in front of your friends and his teammates!

Your cheeks still continued to burn even after Tendou plopped down next to you in confusion. “Well… that was something. My hand hurts.”

“Tori-kun, did I.. did I offend him somehow?!” You whispered to him in a panic.

“Honestly, that guy is a mystery. He usually doesn’t care about these things, though.” Your friend replied with a knowing look in his eyes, “But just to be sure, talk to him, I guess?”

After the practice, the rest of the team headed outside while Ushijima busied himself with his bag, as if waiting for you to talk to him. After saying goodbye to your friends, you took determined steps towards the tall male, your heart beating out of your chest.

“Ushijima-kun!” You called out as he instantly turned to look at you, “I-I’m sorry if I offended you! I don’t know much about volleyball and aces and stuff, so I was just yapping about Goshiki being the new ace and-”

“Oh, I don’t really care about that.” Ushijima cut you off, staring blankly at you.

“H-huh?”

“That won’t ever happen, at least not while I’m still on the team.” He stated as-a-matter-of-factly, “I am the country’s top three aces, after all.”

You had to admit, his confidence was hella attractive. “But then… why were you angry earlier, Ushijima-kun?”

“Wakatoshi.”

Your heart jumped out of your chest once more.

Ushijima didn’t seem to notice your flustered state. “Call me Wakatoshi.”

“Well, then.. Wakatoshi-kun, why did you..”

“I’m not angry.” He cut you off again, before placing a hand on your shoulder. “Did I scare you? I apologize.”

“No, you didn’t scare me! But… it’s more like… well, your face was so close, and I…”

Tilting his head, he leaned down to gaze at you, his face dangerously close. “Like this?”

“W-Wakatoshi-kun!”

He hummed, looking away. “What to do, I’m still not satisfied.” You blinked up at him owlishly, waiting for him to continue, “You always call Tendou so intimately. I wonder why, but I’m not satisfied with you just calling me by my first name.” He stated like it was the most obvious thing in the world, catching you off guard.

For a second you wondered if Ushijima Wakatoshi was flirting with you, but the way he said those words so stoically made you unsure. “Then!” Gathering all your courage, you bravely met his gaze, “Is Toshi-kun… okay?” You offered shyly, feeling your ears start to burn.

Ushijima tilted his head to the other side, his eyes widening slightly. “Say that again?”

“Toshi-kun?”

“We’ll go with that.” He placed a hand on your head, a smile ghosting his lips as you hide your face behind your hands.

And that day was the start of your friendship(?) with Ushijima Wakatoshi.

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