#I want to share so many of the beautiful encounters with strangers that happened this year

[suhyla]

rabat / casa / ١٤٤٦

[actuallysaiyan]

Une Belle Histoire I(Mafia!Toshinori Yagi x Fem!Reader)

warnings: smoking, mafia AU, abusive/neglectful parents, fluff, reader is a bit sheltered, kissing, cuddling word count: 2k pairings: Mafia!Toshinori Yagi x Fem!Reader summary: you saw him as he smoked on the balcony that was across the way from your own. the way he smiled at you actually made you have butterflies in your tummy...yes, he may be the eldest son of the Yagi clan, but you want to fall in love with him regardless. a/n: the art of Toshi in the banner is from this lovely artist(who gives permission of use) freesilverwind// this is part of the already established series "To Have and To Hold" by the lovely @kentocalls consider this just a little AU.

dividers: @adornedwithlight

taglist: @thissaintjessi.  @cherryblossombankai, @sunflowers-heart,  @erebus-et-eigengrau. @pixelcafe-network

You remember the first time you saw him. He was sitting on the balcony in the building across from yours, smoking a cigarette. Your mind was swirling with so many questions. Who was he? Does he know this is supposed to be a nice neighborhood where people don’t smoke? Does he know that your father hates the sound of his motorcycle?

Despite all this, you found yourself incredibly attracted to the blond and buff stranger across the way. When he looked at you the first time, he smiled. It was a flirty smile; not something you were a stranger to but the way his smile made your heart flutter, that was something you were a stranger to.

“Hi there,” he calls out to you, and you blush.

“Hello.” You’re polite, just like your nanny and many teachers taught you to be.

“Nice night, hm?” He’s just making small talk.

“It’s beautiful. The stars are gorgeous.”

He laughs softly, but no he isn’t laughing at you. No no, he’s laughing at the way you make him feel so young and carefree. You have no idea who you’re talking to and it’s so obvious to him. You cock your head to the side innocently, and he smiles once more. This one is a bit more genuine.

“Yes, they make your eyes pop.”

You gasp softly at his flirting and this makes him chuckle again. He waves at you, going inside his apartment. You stand there on your balcony for a few moments, wondering what just happened. The man you just met was none other than the eldest son of the biggest Mafia family around, but you didn’t know that and you wouldn’t find out for a long time.

When you go inside your own apartment, you’re thinking about his sweet words. How could someone who looks so dangerous have such sweet words to share with a simple, plain Jane girl like you? You hold them close to your heart as you get into bed.

The thought of him makes your little heart race. He’s buff, blond, has a gorgeous smile and those blue eyes seem to hold so many mysteries and emotions behind them. You want to uncover all the enigmas of the man who flirted with you tonight.

Sadly, you wouldn’t see him for a long time after that first encounter. You count down the days, waking up every day and waiting on your balcony for a chance encounter. You figure that maybe the timing was off every time. Maybe he was avoiding you. You were riddled with anxiety the entire time.

Eventually, you found other ways to occupy your time. You read books, but the love stories only make you long for the man next door. You listen to your records, but that makes you long for him even more. You just stick to mundane tasks around the house, but you daydream of him.

It would be a few weeks later that you would end up bumping into the man you met earlier…

The man who stole your heart from that first glance.

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You were returning from visiting a friend one evening when you saw him leaning against his motorcycle. Your heart thumps hard in your chest and you try to act nonchalant, but it’s fucking hard. He’s so gorgeous like this; tall, buff and smoking his cigarette. When he spots you, he waves at you and you’re quick to make your way over to him.

He smells like smoke, a little bit like gasoline and something else that you can’t put your finger on. His smile is so charming. His eyes are so, so blue. 

“How have you been, kitten?” He asks you between drags of his cigarette.

“I’ve been alright.” You bite back the question of ‘where the hell have you been?’. “How have you been?” The way he called you kitten makes you feel way too good.

He smirks. “Been alright. Missed seeing your pretty face though.”

This has you swooning uncontrollably. You try to look away to hide your blush, but his big hand cups your chin and he guides you to look into his eyes. He looks at you like you’re the most precious jewel in the world—no, he looks at you like you’re the only person in this world who could ever understand him.

“Didn’t I just say I miss seeing your pretty face? Don’t hide it from me, doll.”

You giggle shyly and nod, fluttering your eyelashes as best as you can. You’re so inexperienced, so shy about everything. It wasn’t your fault you have lived a sheltered life. You were desperate to get to know more about life.

“How about you take a ride with me sometime?” He asks, breaking you out of your thoughts.

You gasp and smile. “R-really? I don’t know if my dad would allow—”

“He doesn’t need to know, doll. Just me, you and the open road.”

You think about it, realizing just how much it would be so much fun. And your father isn’t always home, though he does hate the sound of this man’s motorcycle. What your father doesn’t know won’t hurt him…

“What’s your name?” You inquire, leaning in just a little closer to get a whiff of his scent.

“Yagi.” He answers. “Call me Toshinori, or just Toshi. Whatever makes you comfortable, doll.”

This makes your cheeks burn even more. You say his name, just to get the feel of it on your tongue. You begin to imagine how good it would be to say that name as much as possible. You want to write it all over the pages of your journal. Then you smile and introduce yourself.

“What a gorgeous name for such a beauty,” Toshinori says as he lights up another cigarette. “So about that bike ride…”

You’re about to say something when your father opens the door to your apartment and he calls your name. His eyes narrow when he sees you with Yagi. Yagi watches as you basically begin shrinking under your father’s glance, and he realizes he absolutely hates this.

“Come in, you’re late!”

Without saying goodbye, you enter your home. You longfully look out the window at Yagi. How you wish you could live such a beautiful and carefree life like him! You could have it all if you were able to just let go of the customs in your family.

“Do you have any idea who that is?!” Your father fumes. “That is the eldest son of the Yagi family! You do realize how dangerous it is to be seen with him? Haven’t I taught you better than this?!”

You feel tears stinging your eyes. You feel like you could crumble under just his glare alone, but the words hurt your heart. So far, Toshinori has been so kind to you. You knew he wasn’t from the same upbringing as you, but that didn’t bother you one bit.

“Listen to me, you will not see him again, got it? I don’t want you getting any ideas.”

And that was the end of your budding relationship with Toshinori Yagi.

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It all started with a little knock on your window. It was very late at night, though you couldn’t sleep. You tossed and turned in your bed, thinking about Yagi. He was so charming, so different from all the other guys you had ever met. Finally you had met someone that really made you feel so many emotions.

Another knock has you getting out of bed, and going to see who was at your balcony door. You tiptoe after throwing on your dressing gown. When you open the door, Toshinori is standing there with a smirk on his face.

“Hey doll, miss me?” He asks, coming into your bedroom.

You don’t even know what to say. Having him towering over you in your bedroom like this felt so much more intimate than anything else you’ve ever done. He chuckles when he notices how you’re so speechless right now.

“I’m going to take this as a yes.” He leans in closer and you can smell the smoke and cologne on him. It’s deep, rich and so inviting.

“Y-yes…I missed you.”

You wrap your arms around him, pulling him close. He doesn’t remember the last time someone actually hugged him, and he can feel his own heart racing in his chest. It feels so nice to have someone like you care about him.

“Missed you too, kitten.” He whispers in your ear, rubbing your back. “I couldn’t be apart from you for too long.”

“I feel the same. I apologize for the way my father behaved—”

“Don’t. Don’t apologize. It wasn’t your fault.”

He cups your face in his hands, caressing your cheekbones. You are swooning more than you ever have. When your eyes lock, you know this is the man you’d give your heart to. The way he looks at you, you know he sees you as an actual person and not some object to be given.

“You’re a good girl,” he says before kissing you.

His lips are pressed against yours, and it feels like the world stops turning. You’ve never been kissed…no, not until now. You hold onto him, pulling him closer. You never want to be kissed by anyone but Yagi.

When he pulls away, he tucks some hair behind your ear. He kisses you over and over, chastely but still with so much affection. He can’t stop himself, if he’s being honest. He’s just so in love with you. There’s something about the way you’ve treated him that has made him feel so drawn to you.

“Want to stay here for tonight?” You ask softly.

His eyes widen, “Well, are you sure about that, kitten?”

You shrug. “Why not? Let’s snuggle.”

You get on the bed, tossing the sheets back. There’s a click and then a soft glow of your bedside light illuminates the space. Yagi realizes how much he enjoys seeing you in this intimate kind of lighting. He kicks off his boots, then he takes off his jacket. In an effort to show good manners, he tidies up his clothes and places them in a pile on your desk.

With him only wearing his boxers and t-shirt, Yagi slides into bed with you. Immediately, you notice just how warm he is. You cling to him, pressing a kiss to his cheek. He smells so good, and the way he tenderly rubs your back and sides has you feeling so comfortable.

“I never thought you’d be here with me.” You whisper.

He chuckles, “Same here, doll. But I’m glad you want me here.”

A silence falls on the two of you as he just caresses your sides and your back. You rest against his chest, humming softly whenever he rubs a tender spot on your body. You could definitely get used to this kind of treatment. You don’t even have to hear him say anything to know how he feels about you. Yagi is grateful for the fact that he doesn’t have to use fanciful words to inspire or impress you.

“How about that bike ride?” You ask, and he smirks.

“That’s my girl. I knew you’d want to. We’ll have to be secretive about it.”

You nod, frowning just a bit. He kisses you again, making you smile. With soft words, he promises you that it won’t always have to be this way. You try to smile, but you feel a little sad at the fact that you can’t be with him the way you want to be.

“Listen to me, kitten.” He says as he cups your face. “You’ve already captured my heart. Your father is just some obstacle for me, and you are worth every obstacle that stands between me and you.”

This time, you grip his shirt and you kiss him so deeply. Your tongue slides into his mouth, surprising even him. He holds you close, kissing you back with equal passion. Then when you pull away, he rests his forehead to yours.

“I’m yours,” he whispers sweetly. 

“And I’m yours.” You tell him.

The silence falls back on you and him. Toshinori gently rubs your back and this is what lulls you to sleep. When you wake up the next day, you find yourself alone in your bed. On the desk is a handwritten note from him.

One week. Our bike ride. I’ll meet you here.

Xxx

Toshinori

reblogs and comments always appreciated!

©actuallysaiyan 2025– do not repost on other platforms, copy, translate or edit my works!

[joshym]

Le Morte d'Arthur: Chapter 6 (teaser)

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here it is, folks. the long-awaited perspective from Jake. this will give us a few hints as to where his head has been since this story began. it's only a glimpse of what's to come, but i hope you enjoy. ♡

*recollection of sexual encounters, jealousy, hurt feelings, brief mention of disordered eating

“I assumed she’d be like every other girl I’d known, but the moment I held her for the first time, I realized just how profoundly wrong I was. From the first touch, the first taste..."

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Jake’s point of view;

I waited far too long. 

I had every intention of telling her—the plan was already in place. 

All I needed was to wait for the perfect moment to ask her to come with me. I knew she wouldn’t say yes right away, so I had to take the time to craft the right words, to convey the way her very essence softened my hardened heart. 

Goddammit. This wasn’t supposed to happen. None of what has transpired with her over the last few months was meant to happen. 

But fate would have it otherwise. And I knew mine was sealed when she chose the seat next to mine on the first day of class. I thought I’d never have to see her bewitching face again after I so callously bumped into her in the hallway. But when that very same, beautiful stranger walked in late through the doors of Movack’s lecture hall, I knew I had to take every measure possible to fend off any infatuations that I felt could arise. 

But, as though it were predestined, we were paired on a project she was just as passionate about — if not more — than I was. 

I suppose I thought the film would be the best way to keep my distance from her while also keeping true to our commitments to the project. I surmised the addition of my family would keep us from having to be alone, having any real conversations to get to know one another. 

I didn’t want to get to know her. Not because of her, because of me. I gathered immediately that she was far too wonderful for the likes of me, far too easy to fall for. Her beauty and complexity, the most exquisite and intrusive storm to my hardened heart. 

She truly was too good for me…still is; utter perfection encompassed in the ethos of her femininity. 

That fact was all but confirmed on that first day of class. When she checked my ego over a question I should’ve known the answer to, I knew I was utterly fucked. Intelligent, full of the wit necessary to challenge me. I was a fucking dick to her from the outset. But I had to keep my own feelings in balance. 

Jesus — who the fuck am I kidding? 

I didn’t ask her to help with the film to keep her away — I wanted her to play opposite me. I wanted her to play my fucking wife. I wanted the chance to act on the feelings that were already amassed, without the risk of her thinking they were anything more than for the sake of the film.

But Josh fucked it all up for me. The script wasn’t what we agreed on, no matter how much he’s fought me on that fact. His idea to shift the focus on infidelity, specifically her infidelity with fucking Lancelot was unadulterated bullshit. And when I had to watch her share so many scenes with Sam, scenes that should’ve been with me, the fire it ignited under my crawling skin told me that my attempts at keeping my composure about her were failing. Miserably failing. 

Stacy was my escape. She had wanted me for years, and I knew she would be the perfect distraction from my growing feelings for Y/n — and from the agony of watching my brother touch her in ways I could only dream of.

But, fate wouldn’t hear of it. It didn’t fucking work. Stacy doesn’t hold a candle to Y/n; she’s nothing more than a flicker next to Y/n’s radiance. Wasting my energy with someone as dull-witted and mindless as Stacy only made me yearn for Y/n all the more. 

Y/n’s mystique, her grace, the very aura she strides with…she’s the most captivating woman I’ve ever set my eyes upon. It took only a few weeks to memorize every minute detail of her face. Her sweet nose that crinkles when she laughs, her glittering eyes that hold the weight of a thousand beautiful lifetimes, her eyelashes that are as dark and full as a ravens wings, her crooked smile, succulent lips…she’s more elegant than any painting the most adept artist could ever render. As though her outward beauty wasn’t enough to lure me in, her endearing accent, the one that instantly told me she was miles away from her birthplace, charmed me even further. 

I hadn’t found a single reason to stay here, a reason that made London feel like a poor decision until she infiltrated my existence, when her earthy, vanilla aroma inundated me with lust and desire. 

And though she tried to hide it, I could tell she was looking at me with the very same eyes I saw her through. 

The only thing I could do at that point was push her away, and keep pushing her until she despised her every thought of me. I couldn’t risk what I was afraid it could turn into. 

It felt like knives tore through the inside of my throat when I said some of the most revolting words I could think of to her in class. I felt like the biggest piece of shit when her incredible eyes became glassed over with tears, when her round, rose lips downturned at what I had said…and I didn’t mean any of it. Not a single word of it. She didn’t deserve to hear such horrid things. 

I fucking hurt her. And that was what my thoughtless self wanted. 

I wanted it so I wouldn’t get attached, so she wouldn’t get attached. I’ve needed to get out of this fucking city — this goddamn country — since nearly every person I’ve ever loved died in the places I’ve called home. Other than my brothers, there’s been nothing to keep me here after my time at the U of M is up. And I swore there’d be no way in fucking hell I’d let some girl change that. 

But what my imprudent ass couldn’t accept was that Y/n has never been just some girl. I’ve always known it, and I’ve been utterly terrified by it since I let myself watch her — observe her. All it took was one class period for the horror to sink in that she is different from any other woman I’ve ever beheld. She even surmounts every woman in fucking literature. 

She’s magic.

And she’s broken me. She’s torn down every wall I’ve built since the death of my parents, then proceeded to destroy the ones that came up after I lost my grandparents. No one that isn’t my own twin brother has been able to see me the way she does. 

I mean, Christ, I played guitar for her. Only her. I practically gave her my vulnerability, placed it in the palm of her open hand and closed her delicate fingers over it. I’ve shown her parts of myself, piece by tiny fucking piece, that a mere handful of people have borne witness to. 

I assumed she’d be like every other girl I’d known, but the moment I held her for the first time, I realized just how profoundly wrong I was. From the first touch, the first taste, the first time I fucked her... 

I can’t explain what she does to me, or how she does it. But she brings forth an animalistic side of myself, engulfed with pure desire for everything that she is. 

I knew she was beautiful from the moment I laid my eyes on her, but when I discovered what she was hiding beneath her oversized attire, I felt longing anew. It was a cruel irony for Josh to make my room her dressing quarters. If I knew my brother at all — which I do, better than anyone — the little shit did that on purpose. 

He knew of the risks. I knew them — what might happen if I were to open my bedroom door. And it did happen — the day she was trying on her costumes, and though I knew what I’d possibly be walking in on… I wasn’t the least bit prepared for the sight my eyes would behold. 

As if Josh hadn’t fucked me over enough with the entire ordeal, Malachi added to my misery by choosing costumes for her that only served to enhance her allure that already held me captive. 

That black lace number she was in when I opened my door left my knees weak — my face, numb. I could see every outline of her form, every beautiful part of herself that she’d hidden in my short time of knowing her. The buds of her perfectly shaped breasts were peeking through the embroidered netting, the curve of her exquisite ass was just visible beyond the exaggerated slit of the gown. And her skin, glowing in the dim light, freckled and pristine. 

I stood completely still — in awe of her. I wanted to fall to her feet at that very moment, and I suppose I would’ve if it wasn’t for Natalia. I knew it was wrong to stare at her, but no living mortal would’ve been able to avert their eyes from such an ethereal vision. 

How fitting that she wore that very gown when I at last got to feel her, glide my tongue over every goddamn inch of her sweet skin, mark her so my brother knew who she really wanted…

I’ll surely never forget the way she melted under my touch that night, the way her skin became littered with goosebumps in the wake of my fingers. And when I discovered her little secret, the sexy scarlet colored ink beneath her breast, it left me stunned at first. Yet somehow, it didn't entirely surprise me. It suits her enchantment, her mystery. And it’s enormously tantalizing. 

I simply became intoxicated by her. I needed more, and my futile attempts at withholding my true desires, of delving headfirst into something I knew I’d never be capable of coming back from, would inevitably fail. 

Fuck. She made it so difficult. And it didn’t help when I realized how badly she needed it as well. How could I continue to deny her any further when I myself could no longer resist what we both wanted? 

I chose to tread slowly, to take the time to learn her body and the ways in which she longs to be pleasured. I knew she was losing patience with me, but I had to wait until the perfect occasion. 

I nearly gave in the night she wrapped her gorgeous, velvet mouth around my cock as I drove. I discovered the limitless desires she had been harboring, giving me all she had, keeping her promise of taking care of herself to the thought of me. 

The birthday party felt like the opportune time to at last allow ourselves a true taste of one another, but when I discovered her little lie about the tattoo, my adoration for her burst out of my body like ten foot waves slamming against the oceanside. 

I was angry. But more than that, more than anything, I just wanted her. And I didn’t want to give her a single reason more that she should find herself choosing the affections of Sam over me. 

Fucking her for the first time… nothing in the world could come remotely close to the feeling. And when she’d told me she wished I’d do it — wished I’d fuck her — my heart had catapulted to a place it had never ventured before. Knowing she wanted it so badly… there had been no stopping that shit.

The feeling of her body… No other woman could ever compare — will ever compare. No matter where I venture in the world, there will never be another like her. She's the everlasting dream. My dream. 

Every curve of her body — each time her gorgeous cunt would clench around my dick, her falling apart so gloriously at my touch… I found myself transcending space and time as I knew it.

That night was the one of the most glorious experiences I’ve yet to share with another living being, second only to last night. 

And when I had her in the library…

Jesus Christ. I just need her. In every way that I possibly can. 

And I hate how much I fucking need her. This is a new realm for me. I’ve always been my own unit, seeking the company of others only when it felt necessary. I’ve never known someone who could turn my lonely world upside down and inside out in the ways she has. 

But it wasn’t until Natalia confirmed my fears that Y/n hadn’t been taking proper care of herself that I truly realized the possible breadth of my care for her. Something wholly new to me.

I felt the longing threads of my heart rip to tattered shreds. How could a woman of her magnitudinous beauty be so blind to it? How could she ever doubt the effect she has on unsuspecting souls by simply gracing a room with her charm? It shattered me inexplicably when I learned of the way she views herself. And that—that  was when I truly realized the depths of my affections for her. 

God, the depths… deeper than the vast expanse of the ocean. 

I then sought out ways in which to help her, and the one thing I was certain would bring her peace was having her lend me a hand in preparing a home cooked meal. I had to suppress the rising flood of tears when I watched her eat it, seeming to have no more doubts in her mind as she did so. I saw the very same thing at The Whitney; Not a single burden behind her eyes as she nurtured her beautiful body. 

God. She’s evoked feelings from me that I never thought could be mine to feel.

But I just can’t stay here. I can’t bear it any longer, and she has to understand that. It’s what she did herself when she chose to move here, to say a final farewell to the town that bore her own pain. 

It isn’t her damn job to have to carry my pain, though. By every measure, I’m a failure. In the truest sense of the word. 

I fell for her when I swore to myself I wouldn’t allow for it. I’ve hurt her repeatedly with my pure bullshit. The worthless tries at denying my heart.

And I’ve hurt her yet again by dragging my feet, letting her find out in the most careless of ways by leaving the evidence in her fucking book. And in turn, I’ve hurt my own goddamn self. 

God knows how hard I tried to talk to her this morning, but she had already decided to hell with me. I can’t reproach her for it. I just wish she’d listen to me, I need her to hear me. There’s no reason she wouldn’t be accepted to Oxford. Fuck — her mind, so wondrous and brilliant. I want her there with me. I’ve suddenly found myself unable to take this trek across the sea without her. But I fear my time to present that to her is nearly up. 

And it’s all my fault. Every bit of it. 

But this morning…she chose to twist the metaphoric dagger in my already bleeding chest.

She went to Sam. Immediately chose him, as though no second thought was needed. As soon as I’d betrayed her trust, she’d gone to Sam. She could’ve at least asked Josh to take her home, though her and I both knew that Sam was the more obvious choice. The choice she knew would hurt me just as much as I had hurt her. 

But what she doesn’t know is how much I’m already fucking hurting. By my own hand, no less. I never intended for this, and yet, here I am, feeling things I’ve yet to allow myself to feel over a woman, a woman that walked into my life only months ago. 

And now, thanks to me, she’s held in the arms of my younger brother, shedding her tears into his chest right outside of my bedroom window. 

Is she wearing his fucking slippers? Jesus Christ. 

I could wring his goddamn neck for this. It’s not his fucking place. His bed wasn’t where she laid last night. His body wasn’t the one taking care of hers. 

Though, I suppose I can’t fault him — I wouldn’t be able to gather the strength to turn her away, either. Not ever again, if the truth should be told. 

I just…I’ve wanted so much more with her than this. So much more. But I must now accept the chance that I’ve fucked it all up. Perhaps I fucked it up from the very start; The fact that she ever wanted anything to do with me after the way I treated her is a remarkable wonder. 

My nerves are engulfed in flames as I have to witness her getting into Sam’s car now. Him, shutting the door behind her, racing around to the driver's side so she’s not alone for too long, wiping the last of her tears with the cuff of her sleeve. 

Tears that I fucking caused.

I’ve been through immense pain in my life, the kind of pain that feels like shards of glass slicing at my skin at the reminder. But this kind of pain, watching him drive her away because she couldn’t bear the thought of me doing it, it’s brand new to me.

I’m crossing over into untouched realms of misery, of torment. 

I can’t let things with her end in this way. I won’t stand for it. As much as I wasn’t prepared for this to begin with her in the way it did, I’m not equipped to accept it ending like this. 

I cannot leave for London knowing I was never given the chance to properly fight for her.  

But if she won’t listen to me, I fear the choice will no longer be mine to make.

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a/n: do we think he'll be able to talk her into going with him? or, do we think she'll to stay for other reasons? & what do we think will happen with Sam? 🫣

the rest of the chapter will be yours very soon. 🤍

as always, i owe a massive thank you to @jakeyt for being my favorite editor, second set of eyes, & the best advice/idea giver. love you so so so much.

Le Morte d’Arthur Masterlist

taglist:

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[volostogekiss]

five moments when he realized how much he’s in love with you:

Warnings: Mention of suicide/death, very depressed Volo (with bad thoughts), suggested/mild violence.

GN!reader, strong reader ngl, hurt/comfort, the whole thing with Volo.. y’know. This got away from me (it’s long), and I really can’t say much about this besides I wanted to see what Volo was thinking when it came to the one he loves. :’)

1 | when you showed him the new plates you’d gathered

To put it mildly, you were fond of Volo.

To put it truthfully… you were terribly captivated by him.

It couldn’t be helped, you tried persuading yourself, since he was a rather lovely man. He’d been kind to you during all of your encounters, or perhaps it was that the majority of other villagers and Hisuian people had made it easy for you to commend any decently sympathetic behavior, really.

Either way, it was hard to repress your growing feelings for the beautiful, bright, silly little merchant.

You didn’t believe that he was just a trader, not with his ability to appear without warning like a swift spring downpour, drenching you before you had a chance to locate shelter. That was quite like him too, in how he could flood you with knowledge of all the history Hisui had to share, and yet, you still felt as if he knew something you didn’t.

Unfortunately, that only fascinated you even more.

He wasn’t like anyone else in Hisui who you knew.

True, you didn’t know many people here, but there was just something about him which complicated forgetting about him like all the rest.

Maybe it was because Volo treated you gently—like a friend, that dreamy mess of your mind suggested—and after months of being downtrodden and judged without reprieve, that was what you needed to feel alive again.

To feel cared for, to feel loved.

The beginning of your budding attraction had sprouted from his understanding advice, his surely unfounded concern for a stranger like you, and admittedly—although somewhat exaggerated in your opinion—his startling praise.

You liked to think the two of you were friends. To be fair, you knew a bit about him, that he enjoyed exploring ruins and historical sites and poring over ancient artifacts and manuscripts. When you decided on finding him for once, rather than the other way around, you told yourself as much.

You told yourself as much, so that you wouldn’t have to concede that there was another reason, concealed by your practical need for a translator, behind wanting to find him.

The past few weeks, you’d been searching for him between survey tasks to no avail, and you’d had a feeling that perhaps the man was just unwilling to be found.

If only you had known how true that had been, and that Volo enjoyed being the one to seek, rather than be sought.

On your way back to the village after a grueling expedition, it had crossed your mind that he might be craftier than you’d first suspected, and that the certain guile about him wasn’t just for wheedling a customer into buying his guild’s latest stock.

And of course, while you were pondering him, that was when he had found you.

Of course, it was when you weren’t out looking for him any longer, did he show up.

Though despite that, and despite how tired you were… you still felt yourself perking up when you saw him.

Volo was the same as always, carrying that massive pack and meandering about without a care in the world. And as he crested one of the slopes leading up to Aspiration Hill, he chirped your name, waved with a flourish like he typically did, and caused your heart to thud a bit more loudly in your chest.

You were glad to see him.

Yet you were oblivious to how painfully glad he was to see you.

He looked forward to finding you whenever he could, and he wasn’t sure when exactly it had happened. Maybe it was because you were the one who fell from the sky, maybe it was because you humored him, or maybe it was because you had a habit of keenly listening to his theories for hours. Cogita didn’t appreciate how he often prattled on—actually, he wasn’t sure anyone else did—but you…

You’d said you liked his voice, and Volo had paused, unable to say anything until you laughed.

From then on, Volo couldn’t fathom it, but every time he saw you, he had found it more and more difficult to lock away those feelings.

They welled up in his chest when he called your name again.

However, instead of returning his greeting, the first thing you did was to charge right over the hill and yell at him.

“HEY!”

At your unwarranted outburst, Volo was caught between utter shock and hiding his blatant amusement at how ruffled you were, a sight he didn’t often witness. As though confirming that you’d really been addressing him though, he merely aimed an index finger at himself.

“Yeah, you! Why are you so hard to find!?”

The merchant swore that you’d mumbled something else underneath your breath, but he was too absorbed in the fact that you’d been searching for him. Ah. A knowing grin was already curling onto his lips.

Despite how busy you were, you were looking for him. What did that say about what you thought of him?

Never one to miss an opportunity to tease you, Volo cocked his head to the side with a mischievous chuckle. “If I had known you were looking for me, my dearest friend, I would’ve surely shown up sooner!”

You did your best to remain unfazed by his pleasant words; with righteous indignation, you crossed your arms, attempting to keep up the act. Stupid, pretty merchant, too damn handsome for his own good.

…This was bad, and you needed to wake up.

“Might I know why you were so diligently looking for me?”

Volo now wiggled that pointer finger at you, and even as you fought against the urge, you wondered what it would be like to hold his hand in yours.

Warm, probably.

You pushed aside the thought, however, and averted your eyes to your satchel. You needed to compose yourself.

“Well, I remembered you’d wanted to see the plate I’d gotten from Lord Kleavor.” Fumbling in your bag for all the others you’d obtained since last running into Volo, you leveled your breathing and collected yourself. “You told me how excited you were about them, and that you were searching for a few yourself in the coastlands.”

You risked a sideways glance at him.

He hadn’t said anything, but his grin had widened, the dimple deepening beside the right of lips.

It was as if he’d been prompting you to go on, that he was interested, that he was raptly hanging onto each of your words.

So, even with your wobbling, smitten heart, you took a breath to ground yourself, then went on, “I figured since you really liked taking a look at them before, and I’m curious about them, why not show you the new ones I found so far…?”

While you withdrew a first pair of pink and brown plates from your bag, you trailed off, thankfully, for Volo was astounded, if only for a second.

You… remembered that about him. You’d come to him because you’d remembered he’d liked them.

When was the last time someone else had done that?

Almost instinctively, he was wading through a familiar melancholy at the realization, but it receded quickly when he saw how eager you appeared, how you really wanted to be around him.

“Oh, how generous of you!” laughed Volo, his tone lively as he tried to distract you from his temporary shock. “It seems you already know me, don’t you?”

He wasn’t prepared for your response, however.

You simply smiled at him.

But this smile was different than any of yours he’d seen before.

This one…

This one reached your eyes.

It brought a distinct joy to your face that was never present when you were around anyone else, almost private in how you’d guarded such an expression so vigilantly, and he suddenly, irrationally wished he could keep it for himself. He wished you would always turn to him with that smile, instead of wearing that unreadable, neutral look you’d been coerced into adopting everywhere you went in Hisui.

Oh. Against his prudent sense for what he would one day need to accomplish, Volo’s heart trembled at the thought, and that smile seemed to seal his fate.

It was then that he knew that things wouldn’t be as easy as he’d thought they’d be.

“Well, apparently not well enough to find you when I’ve been trying for weeks,” you confessed with a cheeky hum, “but that just means I’ll have to get to know you really well now, doesn’t it Volo?”

He blinked once, twice.

“You were looking for me for weeks?”

“Of course, I was!” That smile was still on your face. “You’re the only one who I could talk to about these things!”

When he’d taken in your words and seen your beaming face, all just for him, a blooming sensation of warmth and contentment flooded his heart—his poor, stony heart, having spent an eternity in isolation.

Volo wouldn’t let you know that, however, as he tipped the lid of his hat toward you and announced cheerily, “Then, the pleasure is all mine.”

You laughed, handed him the two plates, and winked at him.

“I think it’s all mine, actually.”

And Volo was sure, at that moment, even though he really should have tried to stop himself,

he loved you more than he should have. 

2 | when you appeared out of snow and ice

Volo knew that you were strong.

While that should’ve posed a problem for him and his future plans, the ridiculous empathy—yes, just empathy, he told himself—he had for you was overriding every clear thought he had about marching off across the snowy expanse and ignoring you.

It wasn’t as though you were fighting a colossus of ice, capable of ending your very life with just a snort of his glacial breath or a toss of his enormous head, rigid and unable to be tempered by anything other than brutal nature itself.

It wasn’t as though his heart jolted and splintered just a bit more every time he heard the thundering echo of the noble’s roar, felt its sinister tremor quaking beneath the earth.

He was as worried as anyone else was, he told himself again. That was why he was waiting like the others, albeit from a more distant and secure vantage.

Although, Volo supposed he wouldn’t be very safe if you were defeated and Lord Avalugg’s rampage turned deadly, so he thought it best you subdue it.

Yes, that was all.

He stamped his feet once, rubbed at his arms with his frozen fingers, and sighed again, a great puff of chalky mist rising into the frosty air.

…

But still, his heart betrayed his true feelings.

Regardless of how he tried to tint it, it was that ingratiating worry which gradually began to chill him more than the arctic weather, and he probably wouldn’t be able to hide how cold it had made him for long.

You were strong.

So why couldn’t he stop worrying?

No, Volo couldn’t cease his pitiful worrying. He couldn’t at all when with a somber cry, the icelands then fell silent, the snow once more lying in innocent clouds, and everything dulled to its lifeless shade of pale gray.

Despite his inability to see into the mire of white settling above him, his heart was brimming with hope before he could dampen it. He didn’t know how long it’d been since you’d gone to fight. Though with every minute he’d spent pacing tiny circles at the base of the mountain and imagining what could’ve gone horrendously wrong, he knew he couldn’t convince himself there was nothing personal about the way he was concerned for you.

No, he couldn’t. And he couldn’t hide his worry, melting away into unbridled relief, when finally, finally you emerged from the haze of snow and ice that had been leisurely walking its way down the slope, committed to concealing you from him for far too long.

Volo wasn’t sure when he had started running. He had heard the starchy snow crunching beneath his boots, but then he heard nothing else when you cried his name.

“Volo!”

“…!”

And then he was smiling. He was shouting your name. He was still running toward you.

The way you lit up and hobbled toward him as quickly as you could, despite how you were bruised and winded and exhausted, made the worry all worth it.

Volo knew everything was worth it, for you. 

3 | when no one else wanted you—

He saw you.

He saw you, crouching atop the grassy stones high above the fieldlands waterfall.

Every muscle in his body commanded him to rush forward, but he didn’t want to frighten you. It was a first, considering how often he liked to see you jump and whirl around to face him. You didn’t this time though, your hunched figure instead sluggishly rocking back and forth as your Decidueye huddled against you.

…because you were hurt.

Volo had seen you smattered with cuts, he had seen you worn from your battles, and he had seen you doubt yourself when you thought no one else was looking.

However, he had never seen you like this before.

You were devastated.

They had really hurt you more than they ever had before.

Volo almost wanted to curse aloud. Why would they do this to you? You had done nothing to them to warrant this—if he thought about it, he was the one to be indirectly guilty—and yet…!

…Was he really any better than them, though? He wasn’t supposed to love you, but here he was, his allegiances like dead branches clinging miserably to the tree, swaying whichever direction the wind decided it fancied, and waiting for the day they inevitably fell to uselessness.

Shaking his head, Volo dismissed the thought. No, he was better than those villagers, those people from the clans. He didn’t betray you like they had.

Yet, hissed that infernal voice in his head.

Volo didn’t want to think about it.

And he didn’t have to then, for Decidueye had straightened immediately, poised for an attack.

It was to be expected, wasn’t it? He hadn’t thought you the careless type to forgo cautiousness, especially after everything you’d just gone through, so it didn’t surprise him to see you abruptly still when your Pokémon growled.

Justifiably, your partner was wary of any more humans who might approach you.

Lifting his hands to show that he wanted no trouble, Volo held Decidueye’s gaze for a long, scrutinizing second.

It took another few before the Pokémon eventually dropped his wings to his sides.

Still, Decidueye seemed to be warning him as his sharp eyes flicked from Volo to the water racing under the ledge they were perched upon: I will not hesitate to remove you if you bring more harm to us.

Volo knew better than to antagonize your Pokémon. Silently, he nodded in acknowledgement, which appeared to satisfy Decidueye, and he then lowered his arms.

He looked at you again.

You still hadn’t moved, but you definitely knew he was there.

…He should say something, shouldn’t he?

His voice was hushed when he finally found something to say to you—not what he truly wished to say, but what he could manage from everything you knew of him.

Something that wouldn’t sound odd, coming from him. Something that would reassure you that he was still the same, even if everyone else you knew had changed. Even as Volo had thought it, he wasn’t sure he believed it, but he wasn’t about to question himself now.

You needed him to be the person you’d always known him as—the merchant, the historian, the friend you could rely on.

And so he would be.

“Strange events seem to follow you wherever you go, don’t they?”

You said nothing, but Volo didn’t press you. He knew you had heard him over the churning water.

Slowly, instead, he found his place beside you. He moved tentatively under Decidueye’s apprehensive supervision, reminding him of what would happen if he faltered.

Nonetheless, it was promising that you hadn’t pushed him away.

You permitted him to come closer, in fact, and as he shifted slightly so that his shoulder was practically touching yours, he swore you almost leaned into him.

He could feel how warm you were, even as a light breeze streaked past, but he remained where he was.

He would wait for as long as you needed.

While Volo had trekked up the cliffside, the ominous, crimson sun had been burning lowly, descending toward the charred horizon. Now, as he squinted at the warped and discolored sky, he could see it was nearly touching the mountains.

He didn’t mind that you hadn’t said anything, though it was worrying you had probably sequestered yourself here for quite a while. Volo knew when you had been banished—the miscreants hadn’t even allowed you to wake with the stretch of unnatural dawn—and given the supposed time of day now, it was certainly alarming.

“I think I should still be mad.”

Your voice was so muffled and tired and unlike anything Volo had ever known from you, that even as the noise of the surging waterfall rang in the air, he only heard you.

He was fixated only on you.

“Shouldn’t I be mad?” Your hands were curling over your arms; thankfully, Volo noticed no injuries on them. “I did everything—I fucking did everything for them, and then they threw me away when it was convenient for them.”

You sighed, flattened a leg against the ground, and slapped a hand down in frustration.

“If I stayed angry, it would help me forget about everything else, wouldn’t it? I could be so lost in how angry I was that I wouldn’t even know what I should be mad at anymore… But now I just feel empty. I don’t even know where I should go. Where I can go.”

Something stirred in Volo’s heart. He understood what that hollowness, that void felt like, but he didn’t want to imagine your suffering, screaming at nothing, tearing at yourself.

How pathetic that they couldn’t appreciate you.

They didn’t deserve you.

“If you’ll trust me,” Volo offered, and he was then aware of how you had finally raised your head, “I know of somewhere safe for you.”

You were staring at him now, though Volo had turned away from you.

He had asked you to trust him, but a shard of guilt was steadily wedging itself into the cracks of his heart.

Maybe he didn’t deserve you either.

“Volo…”

But when his name fell from your lips so reverently, he forgot that guilt. It was too easy to forget when it came to you, until it wasn’t. He needed to be here for you, and what that meant for his future, he would deal with then.

“I trust you.”

He turned back to you, saw your face for the first time since he’d arrived, and then he was pulling you close.

He wouldn’t ever forget that look upon your face.

“I will always appreciate you, even if they won’t.”

“…Thank you. It means a lot that you decided to look for me, even if that would put you in danger of their judgment, too.”

Their judgment means nothing when I will always love you.

He only tugged you closer.

You were fully leaning into him now, languishing for comfort in your vulnerable state, and Volo would give you exactly that.

It seemed you thought the same, for when Volo covered your hand with his, he finally felt you relax against him, enough so that you could speak again.

“You said that strange events seem to follow me wherever I go.”

“Yes.”

“But I think even stranger people seem to follow me, you know,” you said meaningfully, your fingers curling between his, “people who want me for who I am, unlike all the others.”

His heart fluttered. He squeezed your hand in his own answer.

Oh, you had no idea how much Volo wanted you, and no one else wanted you like he did. 

4 | the fated day on mount coronet

He wanted to apologize for being the reason you had such a look on your face. He was the one who had hurt you. He wanted to tell you that he had never meant it, but in some malevolent fold of his mind he had. He couldn’t stand it. He wanted to forget about everything. He wanted to start over, and if you had just let him—given him exactly what he wanted (but what had he truly wanted?)—then you could’ve begun again together, in a new world.

So he could have told you honestly that he loved you.

But he couldn’t.

Volo didn’t know what he could say, as you trapped him beneath you, your hands shackles around his wrists. Painted with fiery wrath as the setting sun outlined you in vivid gold, you were truly a sight to behold when you snarled his name and demanded why he had done this.

There had to be something else wrong in his mind for him to still think you were stunning amid your ire.

“Tell me.”

Your knees dug into his sides, the flexing of your hips on his distracting him for a disgraceful moment. He had let his guard down after Giratina had fled, and then here he was, pinned and at the mercy of your questioning. It was ironic he had intended to subject Arceus to the same, to wring answers from it as you were with him. He laughed. He laughed again when your grip tightened and your nails pinched his skin. Though as the creator always remained silent, he would say nothing you wanted to hear. Volo was sure his violent sneer said plenty, but when he forced himself to say something—anything, anything to pretend this had all been a farce—he knew he shouldn’t have said it.

“I hate you.”

He shouldn’t have said it. Not when your expression had then broken like a sheet of river ice, shattered by the unfortunate soul of his words that meant to drown your heart in the frigid water below. Yes, I should have. Volo wanted to convince himself that he was right to have said it. After all, you were the Chosen One, weren’t you?

You had stolen everything from him—his place before Arceus, his dreams, his world. And in it all, as foolish as he had known it was, for you were never once truly his, you had stolen even yourself from him.

It was unsurprising how much he had wanted you, and yet, he should have known how absurd those feelings were.

You should have stayed far from him; he should have made sure of it. But throughout the time you had spent with one another, months after months, you had somehow become a part of that everything he had worked for, yearned for, and so impossibly devoted himself to.

And then, you had almost become his everything too—his reason, his muse, threatening to change his mind about the plan he had set in motion long before your arrival in Hisui.

Why couldn’t you have just agreed with him?

He had shoved you off himself in your weakness, watched you fall back before springing to your feet and shouting words he told himself he couldn’t hear.

You could’ve made this easy, but you… Volo had snapped again. You just had to get in my way, with your infuriating heroism, your disgusting perseverance, your impeccable talent in battle, your delightful smile, your heart so full of love for—!

Perhaps that was why he had said he hated you. To blame you, even though Volo knew the fault was only in himself. Because he had allowed you to get in his way. Because he loved you too much to just let you go without hurting you, because he had known that you would never acquiesce to his ambitions, because he had been too stubborn to stop himself when the plates were so close, and you were so close.

But he had forced you away with his fury, tossed the final plate to you, and wished he would never see you again.

Volo had told you that too, when he abandoned you on the temple summit. Because I hate you. Because I’ve failed. Because I’m ashamed. Because I don’t deserve you. Because I—

…if he really hated you, why, then, as his feet took him farther and farther from you with every step, did his heart wish to wrench from his chest just to be with you?

No, it never could’ve been easy.

He knew why.

Because I love you.

And he always would, no matter how many times he lied to himself.

5 | when you’d found one another again, after everything

Volo should’ve known that despite his vicious words, spiked with poison and disdain and bitterness, you wouldn’t give up on him.

After all, your tenacity was one of the things he loved about you. He just hadn’t expected you to waste the entirety of it on him, so that you could cut away the thorns protecting his heart.

They were ugly spires of tarred anger and hatred, meant to seal the cracks in his heart, but never meant to heal the wounds inflicted upon him from all the awful things he could not easily let go.

All this time, he had hardly been living, fueled only by his warped sense of selfishness and selflessness between which he could no longer differentiate.

But every day, you snipped at another barb. Some days, you wrestled it off harshly. Other days, he tolerated your gentleness in prying it free. Even when you allowed those thorns to snag at you with no concern for your own safety, when you still stayed despite how he pushed you away, Volo didn’t want to admit that you were giving life back to him, one breath at a time.

If he did, he knew he would break.

And there would be no turning back for him.

“You just wish to see me break,” he’d spat at you, “so that it can be your retribution.”

Volo knew it wasn’t true. I was the one who wanted to see you break. You knew as well. He didn’t want to say that he was only lashing out, but you knew anyway.

On those days when you had to fight to twist the thorns from his heart, he would insist on wielding his insults, once more build his inadequate defenses in a futile effort to weather your assault of compassion, and scoff at how you wouldn’t just let him be.

“I forgive you, you know.”

That was always your response. If he offended you, you never said anything about it. You would only smile at him afterwards.

But the smile never reached your eyes.

And it was his fault.

He sometimes wished you would be angry with him instead, as you had been on Mount Coronet.

It had been months since his betrayal, or at least, that was how long Volo had thought it had been. Certain there were people hunting him for what he’d done, he had been wandering ever since, with no place to go but wherever his body next gave up on him. He knew he was disappointing his Pokémon. He had resorted to leaving them in their capsules, for he couldn’t bear to see their sorrow and claim responsibility for it. Every day had seemed too long for him. He had no purpose anymore, and he wouldn’t deny that he often considered if it would’ve been better for him to dwindle away without a trace.

He wouldn’t be missed, anyway.

…So why was he here?

Volo wasn’t sure if it had been weeks he’d spent in your secluded alcove, a series of rising caves carved over centuries by the highest tides of new moons. He didn’t ask when you had learned of this place, beyond the flats and by the West Sea, but you knew he was curious. It was obvious to you; most people knew he was curious about many things.

He was surprised you indulged him still: You told him that Wyrdeer had wanted to take you here when you’d called upon him after your exile.

You didn’t say why you hadn’t been able to reach the caves, though.

Volo knew why. Having seen you that day above the waterfall, he needed no more explanation. He didn’t deserve an explanation either, not when he had hurt you the same way.

No, he had hurt you more than they had.

So why hadn’t he left you yet?

He could’ve left whenever he had threatened to do so. When he had initially declared it with such vehemence, you had just agreed, shrugged, and moved on with your chores.

Somehow, your passive reply had only encouraged him to remain where he was. It was another challenge from you, wasn’t it?

…

Volo knew it wasn’t a challenge from you, but one from his own heart—to test himself, to tempt himself into deserting you again.

Even when he said he would, he never could leave.

He often watched you go, however. If he was awake when you departed, his eyes would follow you until he could see you no longer. It had been mortifying for him to realize that they would seek your figure the second you returned, too.

“You can leave if you’d like,” you had proposed plainly, assuming his fleeting glances were indicative of a wish for freedom. “I didn’t tell everybody about you. None of them are looking for you.”

He hadn’t been able to ask why.

Skeptical of your claim, Volo hadn’t understood why you had spared him from their judgment, until he saw the harrowing question on your face.

“Why would I want you banished like I had been?”

You ripped a handful of thorns out of his heart that day.

Despite that, sometimes he thought that eventually you would have enough of him, you would be the one to leave, and you wouldn’t come back. He never said it aloud, but he was grateful you were here. When you had disappeared for the first time, he had panicked, even with your note of courtesy—courtesy his behavior hadn’t merited—describing where you were traveling. He couldn’t help it. Volo feared losing you again. Even if he never told you, he looked forward to your return; he felt his heart leap against his ribs when he spotted your straw hat in the broad grassland below, when he heard your sandals scuff the cave floor with that familiar shuffle.

He had grown too used to your presence.

Or was it that he was giving in, reminded by how things had once been between you two?

He liked to think you cared, for why else would you still visit the caves, even after you had been toiling away without him? You didn’t need him, but he didn’t want to believe it was only haughty optimism inspiring such a vain question.

Then why had you bothered to take him in after discovering him, sprawled out in the mirelands, unconscious in a pool of mud, and on the precipice of crumbling to nothing? You hadn’t even informed the villagers or the clans about his foiled plot, grandiose in its failure, and about the danger that he could pose.

Because of you, he was free to wander. He never went far though, only down to the beach or to the grove ideal for his Pokémon’s sunlit naps, but he had one less worry because of you.  

Perhaps you felt you had a favor to repay, when he had done the same for you. You just didn’t want any debts to him.

Of course, then, it had to be when he was at his lowest that you found him for the first time, when he had always been the one to find you.

Of course, out of all people, you had to be the one who found him, too.

Arceus was a cruel god.

…Then why did its Chosen save him?

No. Volo knew it was wrong to think of you that way. Why did you save him?

It was shame that kept him from asking anything of you, rather than the abyssal rage that had for too long seeped into every fracture in his heart.

Volo didn’t know when he’d let that brand of his anger die out. Maybe it was the moment you had found him again. Maybe it was when you’d brushed the tangles from his hair, and he had let you, because it made him feel like this was how things should have been. Maybe it was with each barb you removed, a thread of his anger went, too.

In place of the fury that had devastated his heart, shame mourned every one of his mistakes instead, and he couldn’t bear to expel it, not when he really should regret how he’d treated you.

He was tired of it, too. He was tired of trying to convince himself that he hated you. He was tired of being alone, but he couldn’t find it in himself to admit that to you. His Pokémon enjoyed your company along with your companions’, and for that, he was glad, but even when they tried to urge him into accepting the happiness he could find with you, he couldn’t.

Why did he deserve your forgiveness?

Volo watched you sweep the dust from the cave, a laugh bubbling from you when your Hippowdon snorted in her sleep and sent the debris straight back inside.

His throat clenched.

He didn’t deserve it.

Whether you’d misconstrued his shame for the spite he’d harbored for you upon the Temple of Sinnoh or not, you revealed nothing to him. If not for the way you were more subdued, your words more measured than he’d remembered, he would’ve thought you were acting as if nothing was wrong.

Volo wasn’t sure he preferred it that way.

He knew, however, that things were indeed wrong, and it was up to him to mend, rather than destroy.

Though even as he knew so, another three days had passed before he gathered the courage necessary to broach the subject.

Like most other nights, as Togekiss slept in her nest beside him, Volo observed you dabbling in arranging flowers or inking notes into your journal before heading off to rest in a lower cavern. Tonight, under the moonlight, you were preening an assortment of pink wildflowers, white Oran blossoms, and yellow King’s Leaves in a stout clay pot when he finally spoke up.

“Why are you doing this?”

From the opposite side of the small cave, he thought he saw you flinch. Strange, that it was no insult he had hurled at you so far that elicited such a reaction from you.

“You must have other tasks to see to than to waste your time on me.”

You were plucking at the golden leaves now, adjusting them this way and that, but still, you were silent.

“So why… why are you still doing this?”

Volo wasn’t sure why he was talking so much.

Maybe it was that he really was healing, and his curiosity had returned, or that he didn’t want you to think he still hated you.

Your hands stopped moving. The stalks of the flowers sagged.

He saw you take a breath, then turn to him.

And for the first time since you had brought him here, your eyes met, and he couldn’t look away.

“I may have been a core member of the Galaxy Team, but I have my own life to live. And even if I lived how the villagers wanted me to, it would never be enough for them, would it?”

The implication of your question, one that neither of you had any predilection for answering, caused Volo to tense.

He didn’t miss the way that you stiffened as well.

“And,” you continued, your eyes never once leaving his, “if I decide that I want you in my life, I think that’s up to me, and up to you, but no one else.”

Why would you?

Volo couldn’t move.

He could only watch as you stood, the pearly moonlight dappling your figure with an array of stars, gleaming with every step you took toward him.

Before he could protest at how close you were, you had seated yourself before him, and Volo was humiliated by the pain in your eyes.

That was his fault.

He was shaking. He had thought he could do this. He still could, couldn’t he? He had to.

And then, before he had a chance to run, the words escaped him.

“How can you forgive me?”

A thousand ways Volo had envisioned asking you what had weighed on his conscience ever since you’d found him, and a thousand ways he’d imagined your response. He would ask you, shouting or crying or pleading, but even in his better dreams, you would only nod. You would nod, tell him you understood, and then you would leave before you could say you’d always truly meant that you’d forgiven him. He didn’t like to think of the nightmares, when you boasted that he’d fallen for your lie, and then you would echo his own words back to him: “I wish to see you suffer and agonize as I do.”

But here you were, smiling at him.

“I remember you once said something to me.”

How many sleepless nights did you have?

He didn’t know what he had told you that had kept you so at peace in front of him, but he couldn’t believe the words of a traitor had provided you the wisdom to forgive him.

Folding your hands across your lap, you stared off toward where the moonlight filtered in. He may have thought you were calm, but inside, you were struggling to continue.

I had many. Too many, without you.

“It was only a few months after I had met you,” you started quietly, “and I had helped return the Wall Fragment to Warden Calaba.”

Still, he wasn’t sure where you were going with this.

“You spoke of her faults that people often mentioned, that she was too stubborn, too old-fashioned.”

The cave was silent, save for the distant melodies of the retreating waves. Volo waited for them to return, heard their soaring notes as they rolled in, and his anticipation for what you would say next swelled along with them.

“But you didn’t think she really hated the Diamond Clan or the Galaxy Team—rather, you thought she simply loved the Pearl Clan very, very much.”

You turned back to him, and Volo saw only grief in your eyes.

He looked away.

“I think that you’re the same, in a way. You simply love what’s important to you very, very much.”

His breath caught in his throat.

“You love history, the ruins, myths, and the questions no one else could answer but you. You love your Pokémon. I know you love many things in Hisui. And when you love something, I think it’s natural you want to protect it.”

Volo felt your fingers on his. He was still looking away.

Nothing you were saying was like that of his dreams or his nightmares. He had a feeling you had been preparing for this very moment longer than he had.

“When I thought of that, I couldn’t hate you.”

His heart was quivering, just as his hand was in yours. Your palm was warm. He realized how cold he was then. You were warm. Your words were everything he needed to hear.

You were everything he needed.

“I couldn’t stay angry with you.”

Volo couldn’t hold on anymore. Was he hanging on, about to tumble into the chasm of his own folly, or was he waiting to finally be pulled to safety by his hope, by your salvation?

The lull of your comfort was too inviting to disregard. You were breathing into him that last breath he needed—

“I could forgive you, Volo, because I knew how much you could love, and how much you still love.”

—and then he let you pull him in.

He cried as you took him in your arms, embraced him like he meant the world to you, and pressed a kiss to the top of his head.

The guilt, the sorrow, the days he thought of ending it all—

he didn’t know if he could forget them, but with you, he wanted to try.

“I’m sorry.”

His apology was unending, perhaps worthless with how he repeated it as if you hadn’t heard him.

But you had. He knew you had, but he couldn’t stop the doubt.

“I know,” you said faintly.

“I didn’t hate you. I didn’t. I’m sorry. I didn’t want to hurt you.”

“I know. I forgive you.”

“I’m sorry.”

Volo wasn’t sure he could stop.

Were hours passing as you held him, let his tears wet your clothes, and listened without judgment?

You were too good for him.

He didn’t know when he’d finally fallen silent, but he felt you tilt his head back, and then your lips were smoothing the wrinkle between his brows.

They touched his cheeks, his nose. His lashes fluttered over his eyes. His heart was reaching for yours, and he couldn’t fight it. He didn’t want to fight it anymore.

I love you.

You kissed his forehead, brought your warm fingers to his cheeks. Your hands smelled of flowers.

He shuddered.

“I love you, Volo,” you whispered against his lips.

And then, he knew nothing else but you.

He said your name like a word of immaculate praise, and you replied with his, a faithful murmur on the sea breeze.

I love you.

He felt your breath hitch—were you as nervous as he was?

Volo knew he was. He couldn’t go back anymore. You were his fate from the day he’d met you, and as if he had been searching his whole life for this moment, he kissed you.

A torrent of emotions crashed over him when his lips met yours completely; affection and pleasure and bliss coursed through him in wonderful harmony. It had been so long since Volo had last succumbed to such feelings that he was nearly overwhelmed. And they were because of you. You, you, you. Your lips were soft, perfect. How many times had he dreamed of kissing them? He didn’t know. His mind was fuzzy with desire, and he didn’t think he could let you go. Not when an aching heat fanned at his heart, and a pleasing tension knotted inside him, craving your touch.

I love you.

He didn’t know when his hands had found your waist, but when you gasped as he drew you closer, he was almost viscerally aware of how gravely he wanted you, needed you.

You were the same, however. Grasping fingers tugged at his hair, at his clothes. As if you couldn’t contain yourself any longer, you were pushing against him, your hips sinking into his, and when his tongue traced your lips, you moaned so splendidly.

It sent a wash of giddy ecstasy careening over him, and Volo knew he had already been hopelessly swept away by you.

Roaming across his jaw, his arms, his chest, your touch was a welcome caress, defying his qualms for as long as he held you. Subconsciously, Volo mirrored you, desperate to feel all of you against him. He tucked a leg around your waist, angled himself away for an inconvenient moment of respite, but then he dove in again, nipping at your lips between kisses, sweeping a hand over your chest—

and then he felt it.

He stopped. He drew back from you to stare at your flushed face, your brilliant eyes, as if to tell himself that yes, it was you.

Beneath his fingertips, your frantic pulse thrummed just like the intense pounding of his own heart.

Your heart. You were alive. You were here with him now.

You had shown it all to him, allowed your heart to sit in his hands, and he was blessed to feel its beat rippling with a sweet warmth through him.

And as your heart sang only for him, his heart would only ever sing for you, the one who would never let him go.

You were smiling at him, and this time, that smile reached your eyes.

He would never let you go again.

Volo would never let you go again, so that he could show you how much he still loved, without a doubt in his heart at all.

He leaned in. His lips found yours as he smiled, and finally, he could honestly tell you,

“I love you.”

[end.]

❥

[extra]

Sometime much later…

“You know, Volo, I don’t know if it was lucky or not that I found you when I did.”

“And why is that?”

“Because while it was good to at least find you, if I found you any earlier, I might have punched you.”

“…What?”

“I was really mad at you, you know.”

“…I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not angry with you now, and if I was, I’d still be more inclined to do this.”

You laughed, pulled him close, and kissed him.

Grinning, Volo deepened the kiss. He was sure he could live with this instead.

[anyamaris]

Serendipity

Summary-A chance encounter with an object left behind turns into something special.

Pairing- Artist!Yeosang x F!reader

Genre-Short story/romance/fluff

Word count-1400

Warnings-None

Strangers to lovers

Art Description : Watercolor Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree by JessicaIllustration (https://cwallpapersgallery.blogspot.com/2016/01/cherry-blossom-tree-drawing.html)

You walk up to the beautiful cherry blossom tree, finally blooming. It was early spring and you came up this hill often, to admire the magnificent tree, as well as to have some peace and quiet.

But lately, you came for another reason. It had started about a month ago, you'd made your way to the solitude of the tree to relax from another grueling day of work, relationships (or lack thereof) and family problems. This was the one place you came to be by yourself.

But that day, you'd noticed something different about the tree. Underneath, near one of the roots of the tree, was a sketch book. Hm, someone must have left it here, you think, bending down to pick it up.

Looking around, there is noone in sight. Just the normal quiet of the park, and the low hum of the city far off in the distance. Someone else must come here to get away, you ponder, as you flip open the first page to see if it has a name.

Inside the cover, there are only the initials K.Y. but you can't help but be in awe of the drawing on the first page. It's the cherry blossom, but it's not flowering yet. It was an oddly sad and solemn drawing and it made you feel melancholy. Suddenly feeling as if you are being intrusive, you berate yourself. Much like your writing, this was something personal for someone else.

Pulling out your notebook, you find your little nook that you liked to sit in. You scribble out a small note to leave in the sketch book and then place it inside, returning the object to where you'd found it.

Surely someone would be back for it eventually.

The next day, you return to the tree again, finding some inspiration the day prior for your current writing project. Strangely, you notice that the sketch book is there again, but it's not where you'd left it.

Weird, you think, walking over to it. There was a piece of paper sticking out of it. Curiosity getting the better of you, you pluck the paper out and stare in shock as it's the same note you'd left the person, but they'd replied to you.

"Hi, I came across your sketch book here and happened to take a glance inside, hoping to find a name to return it to before I realized I was being rude. I hope you reclaim it. Also...I hope it's not presumptuous of me, but I saw your first drawing and it was beautiful. I apologize for looking at something so personal, so please forgive me." You'd written and underneath was an unfamiliar scrawl.

"Hello, please do not apologize for looking inside. I appreciate you thinking of returning it to me. I'd forgotten it yesterday and when I came back, I saw your note. Thank you for the lovely compliment. I've left the sketch book for you to look through. I am touched that you apologized for intruding but I assure you, your words were very kind and I am happy to share my art with you. Are you an artist too?"

Mouth dropping open, you plop down into your normal spot and smile. How interesting, and how sweet to want to share their drawings with you. Excited more than you can believe and with a big smile, you proceed to slowly open the sketch book as if it was the most precious thing in the world. And to your delight, you find that with each page turn, you're feeling the emotions of the artist.

A woman walking a dog, a small leaf on the ground fallen from a tree. A sunrise, the roots of the tree you're currently sitting on. And many of the tree around you. Some were done in color, others just pencil. But all of them were done by someone with skill.

Taking your time to browse the art once, twice, three times more, you finally settle back and close your eyes. Taking in the cool spring breeze, listening to the beautiful sounds around you. Then you open your eyes and write another note below the ongoing messages.

"Thank you so much for sharing something so personal with me. You're truly very talented and I am honored to be able to look through this. I do not know that I would call myself an artist, but I come here to write. Do you do all of your drawings here?"

You put the note back inside and place the book in the place you'd first found it the day previous, so they would know that you'd left another note. Smiling, feeling as if you've started a new, secret friendship with this unknown artist, you go back to your writing.

The notes had gone back and forth like that, both of you finding a special spot to leave the sketch book in to let the other know that they'd been there. And then you'd left your notebook, with your poetry in it for them to read.

You'd exchanged some basic information, such as that they were a 'he', that he was a student at the local university and that he came here to get away from the stress and to draw, his hobby. You'd shared some information about yourself as well. You'd yet to exchange names but the small bits of information seemed like a fun game and you didn't want to give up too much too fast.

At some point, instead of coming here to write, you found yourself coming to the cherry blossom to 'speak' to him. And today was no different. After a month of exchanging notes, you smiled as the beautiful flowers fluttered in the breeze around you, and you could smell the faint fragrance.

Picking up the sketch book, you tuck your hair behind your ear. Smiling in anticipation, you open it up to the expected note.

"I wanted to share something special with you today." Is all the note says and you frown, turning it over. Is that all? you think and then you look at the page the note was holding open. It takes you a moment to comprehend what you are seeing, but your shock fades to a feeling of elation.

On the page before you, there is another drawing of the cherry blossom fully bloomed, just like today. But underneath the tree, in the spot you liked to sit, was you. A side profile and very vague but definitely you.

He'd seen you. He was here when I was. Suddenly your heart is fluttering and you feel a tear slip from your eye. The picture he'd drawn of you was beautiful.

"Do I really look like that?" You say out loud and stare down at it. And then suddenly, a low voice is speaking behind you.

"You look like that to me."

Spinning around, startled, your gaze is met with a pair of dark, beautiful, intense eyes. His hair is dark, and longish, curling around his ears. He has a beautiful birthmark on the left side of his cheek and you can't help but want to reach out and caress it. He's beautiful.

Swallowing, you can't even think of what to say. "Hello." you manage and then feel your cheeks flush. He smiles back at you and walks up to you, tucking your hair behind your ear. "Hello." he says back and your breath seems to stick in your throat.

"My name is Yeosang." He says, trying to catch your eyes, since you'd looked away, wary of staring at him too long. You didn't want him to read your thoughts. "Hi, Yeosang, my name is Y/n." You manage and he smiles.

Cupping your face, you look back up at him. "There's one more picture." He says and you stare at him a moment longer before you look down again, flipping the page.

The sketch is the tree, blooming with you underneath, but in addition there is another figure. He's standing in front of you, reaching out his hand.

"I'm not very good with words, Y/n, but....can we get to know one another more, together under the cherry blossoms?" he says softly and you smile, elated, as you nod and laugh.

Now, every year, the two of you return to the cherry tree, to see the blossoms and to celebrate the fate that brought you together.

@cultofdionysusnet

[universellie]

Would you be interested in writing Headcanons or maybe a short story about Steven dating the reader after the events of future and the gems not knowing? So like one day he goes to visit and his partner is just kinda there with him? How would that go? If you're not interested or if this is too long that's fine. Have a beautiful day <3

Oh my goodness I’d love to do it!! I’m going to do it in a story style from the readers pov, so i hope that’s okay <3 I’m going to make the reader female, if that isn’t what you’d like let me know and I’ll switch it around really quick for you :)

(Steven Universe x f!Reader)

Special ★Secret★

You understood why it was kept secret, your relationship, that is. He was on a mission, a mission to find himself. He had briefly explained his family situation and even though he loved them dearly, they could be slightly overbearing when it came to relationships. You understood he wanted them to meet you in person first.

Steven had met you in a beat up diner in Electric city. You had just finished your job at the cafe around the corner, still wearing your apron you had sat down in the diner that was about ready to close. Ordering a basket of fries and eating them alone, staring out the window at a living breathing city. So many lives and so many people who had some sort of an inclination as to what they wanted to do with their lives. Continuing to munch on the rectangular fried golden delights, a man rushed in. He seemed to be in his early twenties, not much older than you. He had a head of thick, curly hair. Broad shoulders, chunky with muscle. A perfect dad-bod with the strength to knock over a bull. You felt yourself staring longer than you were comfortable with and averted your eyes back outside, watching a man and woman hold hands as they walked down the street.

You couldn’t help it but overhear the man talking to the waiter. “Can I get fries and a burger please?” He sounded very polite but definitely not from the city.

“Sorry man, we’re about to close after that lady over there leaves. Chef is gone home so no more cooking.” You could feel their gaze on you, now you felt bad for making the waiter have to literally wait on you to eat, and for giving this guy false hope. The man said his thanks and turned to leave. You felt an urge to speak to him, you felt drawn to him in some inexplicable way.

“Hey! I’m sorry I’m just leaving.” You stood up, hurriedly grabbing your bag, coat and scarf including the basket of what was fries. Grimacing you handed the basket to him. “I apologise, it’s only fry bits but there isn’t anywhere left open at this hour.” You smiled, while inside you cringed. ‘Give a stranger you’re half-eaten food, what a lovely gesture.’

He smiled, his eyes lighting up. “I love fry bits! Thank you so much. Want to share the rest?” His voice was so inviting, so welcoming. You didn’t have anything else happening that evening, plus it was raining outside. A little chat with a friendly stranger couldn’t hurt. So you agreed, sitting back down in the booth much to the waiters dismay. You talked, watching as he scoffed down the bits. You spoke about your families, your home, what you do and where you were going.

“To be honest Y/N, I have zero idea where my life is headed. I got in the car and just drove. I’ve been in nineteen states so far and interestingly enough, I haven’t had an encounter such as this before.” He chuckled, looking up at you from the basket. He had thick eyebrows, his eyes were also some shade of brown, almost black. To be this intrigued by a stranger- it made you slightly uneasy.

“I’m glad I could be the one to change that then, Steven.” He smiled, a charming, handsome smile. You could feel a blush rising up your neck, trying to avoid his eye contact.

“Where are you going next?”

“No clue. I don’t have any plans to be honest with you. If anything, I’ll just keep driving until I find something worth going back home for.” He stared longingly out the bistro window. “So, tell me Y/N, why stay in the city if you hate it so much?”You paused, contemplating his question. It was apparent really, lack of money inhibits you from doing much. You weren’t about to admit your poverty to him though, “I’m not sure what else to do.” The answer was short, but true. Just not the full truth. “What’s stopping you?” Steven questioned. His eyes boring into your own, he sat back in his seat, arms folded across his chest, a small grin plastered on his face. “My job, my rent. And the simple fact of where would I even go?” Once again, another half-truth. Steven hummed to himself. “Anywhere. You can go wherever you want.”

“No I can’t, Steven. ” You answered, half laughing at how incredulous and unrealistic his statement was.

“Sure you can! I’ve been talking to you for, what, nearly an hour? I can easily say you would be a great explorer Ms. Y/N.” His smile was so infectious, the pair of you sat in silence for a moment before he looked at you, a twinkle in his eye. “Why not come with me?” He leaned across the table, a full grin on his face now.

“Steven that’s insane, we literally just met!”

“And look how well we get on together! You gave me fry bits, I know we’d be an amazing team.” You shook your head, looking everywhere but his eyes. How stupid was this? A man you’d never met before, talking about going on some crazy adventure together… You looked around for a change of subject.

“Do you miss Beach City?” You questioned him gently, you were incredibly intrigued by him. He was so interesting.

“Everyday.” He answered, the corner of his lips rising in a sad smile. The waiter groaned from behind the reception desk, throwing his hands in the air before stomping over. “Listen love-birds, I want to get home and go to bed. Time to pack up! Im closing with you in or out.” Steven smiled awkwardly nodding, “We’ll leave immediately, thanks for your hospitality sir.” You watched as he laid a generous tip on the table before standing and offering a hand to you. You took it, albeit hesitantly and slid out of the seat. The pair of you walked to the door, arm in arm. “Where to next?” He asked, smiling down at you. You could feel the butterflies in your stomach, gripping his arm that little bit tighter you took a very deep breath.

“Anywhere.”

★☆★

The pair of you had traveled across the states and beyond in Stevens little Dondai Supremo. An unlikely and unique beginning yet it was one you wouldn’t change for the world. Your relationship had begun as a friendship and eventually transitioned into a blossoming, loving relationship. Steven was unlike any partner you’d ever had before, so kind and doting. Constantly checking on your well-being and safety. Over the past two years of your relationship he had educated you on his past, his Gem family. His own Diamond Authority. It was hard to believe at first, but the rose quartz gem glistening in his navel every time he took off his shirt was hard to ignore.

“Are you excited?” He asked, the pair of you snuggled in the back of the Supremo. The back chairs folded down to open the trunk into a makeshift bed. Beneath the blankets with scarcely any clothing, your legs were entangled. He draped a lazy arm over your torso, nuzzling into your neck.

“I’m nervous. Meeting your dad, the Crystal Gems. It’s slightly nerve wracking, love.” He chuckled, kissing your shoulder.

“Don’t worry. They’re going to adore you, starlight.” He caressed your side lovingly, humming a tune into your skin. “My dad will love you and the Crystal Gems are going to be so excited to finally meet you.” He pulled you close, turning onto his back and placing you on his chest. “Pearl will be so happy to organise a wedding-“ He placed a kiss on your cheek. “Amethyst will only love to build the ceremony with Bismuth-“ he said as he kissed your other cheek “And Garnet will only love to officiate it. Peridot will probably play flower girl again.” He chuckled, wrapping his arms around you and hugging you tight. “You have nothing to worry about, starlight.” You lay down on him, resting your head right beneath his chest. You smiled, when he talked of the two of you getting married you couldn’t help but feel those same butterflies from when you first met.

“I hope you’re right Steven.”

Steven parked the car before a set of wooden stairs, stairs that led to a beach house perched into a cliff face. Upon closer inspection you noticed the carvings of a… woman? No, a gem. Steven caught you staring at it and smiled. “That’s Obsidian. She’s what I and the Crystal Gems fuse to be. She represents us.” He let go of the gear stick and picked up your hand, bringing it to his mouth and kissing it softly. “Don’t worry, okay? They’ll love you.” He gave a reassuring nod before getting out of the car, you followed suit. He came around the car, grabbing your hand and guided you up the stairs. You had to admit, Beach City was beautiful. It perfectly encapsulated everything Steven was and is.

He stopped before a glass pane door, you were standing a little to the left, out of sight. He wanted to introduce you, since the gems had no idea you were even there. You heard hurried steps and the door swing open. “STEVENNN” A woman’s voice cried out, sobbing sounds following close after.

“Welcome home, Steven.” A silky, sultry voice came through.

“Welcome back buddy!” A voice rougher yet still sweet.

“Hey guys, I’ve missed you all so much.”Steven sounded like he was crying, along with the rest of the entourage. They hadn’t seen each other in years. “Steven you’ve changed so much! Look at you! You’re so much taller and- and stronger?” Steven chuckled. “I grew up Pearl. Not as tall as Pink Diamond me or as buff but, I’m coming close I think.” The raspier voice cackled, you guessed that was Amethyst. Steven had explained she was the one closer to your age group, by a few thousand years…

After the tears and cry’s of joy began to settle, Steven cleared his throat. “Everyone, there’s someone I’d like you to meet.” You could hear his footsteps backing up out of door. You turned to your left, he was there with his arm outstretched, fingers splayed and ready to guide you in. You took a deep breath, slowly yet trustingly interlocking your hand with his. When you were in view of the Crystal Gems, their jaws dropped. “Everyone-“ Steven took a breath. “This is my girlfriend, Y/N.” The tallest, which you presumed to be Garnet began to smile almost maniacally. She held her hands in front of her, she looked as if she was really restraining herself from jumping around the room. The small purple gem, Amethyst continued to make a gasping noise. You looked to Pearl who was indeed, still crying. “Hello everyone, it’s very nice to meet you all!” Your greeting seemed to shock them back to reality. They pulled the two of you into the house, Amethyst pushed the pair of you onto the couch.

In almost unison they demanded that you tell them the story of how you met, where Steven has been etc.

So you did.

After hours of conversation and story telling, everyone was relaxing around the sofa. Steven sat at the corner, you laying on his lap while he played with your hair. He ran his fingers along your scalp whilst answering the Gems questions. The sun was beginning to set and to be honest, you were getting tired. “We will go see Bismuth, Lapis and Peri tomorrow.” Steven yawned, stretching in his seat. “If you guys don’t mind- I think it’s about time Y/N and I get some sleep in an actual bed.” Amethyst and Garnet chuckled while Pearl was already on her feet. “I’ll go make the bed and clean the room! It’s probably all dusty and dirty from your dad using it- stay right here.” With that she vanished up the stairs before Steven could even begin to protest. You pulled yourself out of Stevens lap, his hand trailed down from your shoulder to your side. “Excuse me but, where’s the bathroom?” Steven pointed to a door over to the left. You patted him on the thigh before getting up and heading to the toilet. Closing the door, you did your business and overheard the conversation happening outside.

“Steven I am so happy for you. You deserve so much love and happiness. She seems so kind and sweet, the pair of you are destined to be together.” Garnet, how darling of her. You remember Steven telling you she could see the future, you wondered if she had seen the possibility of you. You made a mental note to get her a gift, something that spoke to both Ruby and Sapphire, as a thank you for her hospitality and kindness. In fact, you’d have to do the same for all the gems.

“For real dude, you found a good one. She’s super hot too so you’re extra lucky!” Amethyst cackled, after she settled Steven spoke up. “She was so unexpected. Meeting her in that diner I can’t even begin to explain the feeling I felt. I was drawn to her. I knew I couldn’t let her leave, I probably would’ve never seen her again.” You smiled, shaking your head. It was good to know you weren’t the only one feeling that way then. “Steven I am so proud of you. I hope the pair of you have every happiness in the world. She’s a wonderful girl, truly.” Pearl making her way back down the stairs and putting away what sounded like brushes and pans. “I plan on marrying her someday. I want to make her my wife.” You could hear Garnet squeal in delight and clap feverishly, the rest of them giving silent cheers. You decided now was a good time to go back out before you heard anything else.

“Alright, time to go to sleep.” Steven stood on the first step. “I’ll meet you up there Y/N, I want to make sure my dad didn’t leave anything embarrassing.” You couldn’t help but let loose a small chuckle, Pearl seemed blatantly disrespected in thinking she would ever overlook something as menial as that. The moment you opened up your mouth to say goodnight to everyone, Garnet trapped your shoulder. “Y/N. Thank you.”

“Garnet I should be saying thank you-“

“No Y/N. You saved Steven. I saw the possibilities of what he was intending to do that night in Electric City, and none of it was good. You rescued him from himself with that little act of kindness.” She grabbed your other shoulder now too. “We are forever in your debt.” Pearl and Amethyst nodded together eagerly. “If it wasn’t for you Y/N, we wouldn’t be standing here today, celebrating this moment.” Pearl looked down at her feet, barely able to make eye contact in fear she’d erupt into tears again. To think, over two years of being together and Steven never mentioned how he was feeling that night. Fate really does have a funny way of bringing people together.

“This was the best possibly reality, I may have saved him, but he saved me too. I was at the end of my line. We found each other at just the right time.” Garnet pulled you into a tight hug. Pearl and Amethyst stood nearby, ready to envelop you in one of their own the moment Garnet released you.

After saying your good nights and hugging them all, you climbed the stairs to find Steven already in bed, staring out the window in only his pyjama pants. You stripped, finding your suitcase and pulling on a large t-shirt. You climbed into the bed behind him, plying big spoon and hugging his back as he watched the waves lick the beach. “You’re family is amazing.” You whisper, pressing a kiss to his jaw. You felt him smile, he reached back to rub your hand. “They really are.” He turned around, pulling you into him. “I’m going to marry you someday, Y/N.” He smiled, rubbing circles on your back. “Make it a surprise.” You gave him a quick peck on the lips.

“I love you, Y/N.”

“I love you too, Steven.”

★☆★

There is probably some typing errors in there, I’ll edit it again soon, I am just so tired rn-

I hope it was everything you asked for, please feel free to request more :)

⠀⠀

[gamergirlbonestaskforce141riot]

Ok, this is really gonna be a ridiculous one, but I'll give it a shot.

Imagine all your OCs meeting in some secluded place. They don't know what mystical power brought them together, they don't understand entirely, what is going on. They just try to figure out, what's going on.

Give them a room to have a small talk. Who would hit it right away with others? Who would like to remain silent? Who would have fun, who would be frightened? What would these characters tell to their friends/beloved ones, after they experience such a meeting? How would the meeting affect them? You can hide their real names behind numbers (like '#1 said to #4...'), if you don't want to share too much information.

Well, it would either be a bloody rave or a bloody crime scene, honestly... I have a lot of OCs but I'll mention the ones I like/use the most

Michelle of Cameron: Brujah (Vampire the Masquerade), Scottish, 823 years old (19 when she was converted). She's a joy to be around, so she'd be mingling and getting along right away with everyone who would be willing to talk to her. She'd tell EVERYTHING to her husband Yusuf (Assamite, Persian, 2545 years old, 27 when converted) about her new 'friends' and he'd freak out and grumble about 'magic' and 'fucking mages and supernatural shit'. She'd also tell everything to her adoptive father Aristos (Brujah, Spartan, 2503 years old, 35 when converted), and he'd take it more indulgently, listening to her kindly, but innerly would be just as alarmed.

Rhea Frost: Elf (Shadowrun), 30. She'd keep to her corner, a hand over her gun and just observe, scanning everyone with her eye implant. She'd answer when spoken to, and she'd even crack a tense smile, but she doesn't trust anyone (in her line of work that'd be a mistake) and would just keep to herself and wait for this strange supernatural happening to finally end so she can go back to her job protecting her boss (and secret husband). She'd tell him of course and Yireiwuchi-san (vampire, age unknown) would just meditate about it.

Calliara Viento de Escarcha: D&D, half-elf, ranger, 25. She'd make instant besties with Michelle, excitedly trying to befriend the rest of them, but Michelle would be the more open to chat of anything and everything. She only has her wolf companion to talk about it, and her god (Solondor Thelandira), but she might mention the meeting to a couple of her lovers (she's polyamorous) as a curiosity.

Eira Karanir and Freyja Greywolf: Nords, cousins, Dragonborns (Skyrim). While Freyja would keep to herself, on the opposite corner to Rhea just in case, Eira although timid would be open to make conversation. They are no strangers to elves or vampires, but the modern weapons of Rhea and Riot would baffle them and make them ask if it's 'dwemer' technology. They'd comment their strange encounter to their companions once back, but they find so many uncanny things every day that they are rarely surprised by anything.

Sgt. Christine 'Riot' Vega: COD OC, almost 29. She'd innerly be freaking out, surrounded by a (very nice, incredibly beautiful and sweet) 800+ year old VAMPIRE, an almost 2 meter tall ELF with cybernetics and futuristic weapons, another (smaller, with impossibly white hair) ELF, well she says she's 'only' half elf, and two seemingly normal human young women but that say they can tear things apart using their voice. She'd be nice enough to keep a conversation going if asked something, but she'd keep her distance and wonder what the fuck was in Soap's latest concoction. She of course would keep everything to herself, deeming it a bad trip.

[electricbluebutterflies]

Jess/Leto + sleepy morning kisses that accidentally turn intense

Late-era / I wrote something (barely) under 1k for once because the babes decided they did NOT want to escalate the situation. PG-ish and also on ao3.

She’s warm. That’s not normal.

Jessica has accepted routines beyond her realistic control, fit her life into empty spaces and made the best of circumstances she refuses to alter, and… this isn’t normal. Even on quieter days her partner is usually at least moving by the time she wakes up, always some project or something on his mind more important than her, always-

She moves her cold fingers to pulse points and finds nothing wrong, nothing she needs to worry about. Stranger still, the peace of it all. Like for once, for five damned seconds, they are ordinary and functional and-

It won’t last. It never does. But who is she to waste time and opportunity?

She moves her body that much closer – she’s always run colder, even with her self-control, her skin just slightly wrong to the touch – and there are no plans right now, nothing but what she is all too aware is a rare moment she needs to claim as much as she can. Sometimes her wanting is resolved, sometimes-

A shift in breathing patterns and her partner’s eyes open, heartbeat steady, always something calming about him that she still does not understand. So long now since she noticed it, and still the same power, still-

“Stay,” she says, usually not her word, usually not her timing. “If you can.”

Always the loophole, always the fear of being difficult, always the effort no one else has ever believed her capable of. Too stubborn for the rest of the world, too proud even as she sidelines herself at all the appropriate times, but this love has made her soft and she has all but given up on justifications. She has been treated well, she will say whenever the time comes to explain why she has made her choices, and in return she has given everything. In return…

“Who could ever deny you?”

If she were in a different mood, she’d list the thousands of times he has, how many ways she has adapted to the slightest volatility. And to think that she is lucky by what standards she knows. Beloved even when delicately pushed away, there is never that doubt, but-

“Stay,” she repeats like it has power, like it would be so easy to lace such a small word with her persuasion but at the same time she has no such need. “Be with me.”

She’s not sure which of them takes the kiss; most likely they meet in the middle, so capable of moving as one mind in two bodies. This is the familiarity she has cultivated, this is what sixteen years of patience looks like, the safety of letting her instincts take over and knowing neither of them will be wronged. It feels strange like this, to allow a series of kisses with the whole day still ahead, different from unwinding each other in the quiet of night as she has turned into mutually comforting routine, different and still beautiful and-

She accidentally bites her partner’s lip, and something in their shared energy changes.

She doesn’t know what she wants right now – unusual for her, blame the early-morning light and the cocoon of blankets their bodies are still wrapped in and the confusing warmth of time she normally does not have – but it feels right to shift that much closer, to feel desire blossoming in the deepest parts of her heart and body and-

“We have time,” her partner murmurs like justification, completely unnecessary but appreciated all the same.

They have time, and there is no need to do anything more than this, to move against each other without further intent. This too is powerful, she thinks as hands move over skin, lust and restraint at once. She could take more if she wanted, but she is in… if not perfect control, at least enough for this encounter to happen on comfortable terms. There is always that understanding; it has been so many years since she has done anything she did not want on some level, but-

This is real. This is real and completely voluntary. Occasionally she processes that detail, and there is always a sense of surprise to it no matter how much she tries to make herself comfortable. All she ever did was respond, she reminds herself. All she ever did was not act like a total nightmare, and from there…

Jessica is not and will never be confident in her ability to love, and she is even less sure why she is loved in return, but-

There is nothing more than this. There is nothing more than them.

Her partner’s fingers play with her hair, and this is the extent of the encounter, enough to be held, enough to take slow kisses and not think of time. To be close, to be enough, to forget for a few moments in a row how little she normally asks from this love, how much she tolerates, how much she-

She won’t say anything. This is no moment for her bitterness. But she knows, even as she hides her face against her partner’s shoulder for a few heartbeats, that this will be what her longing looks like for the next few months. This will become, as soon as it is over, nothing more than a haunting daydream.

But it is not over, and she tilts her head up again, and there is still more for her to take before the bubble  bursts.

[hellobakarsir]

Misunderstanding

The river flowed gently through the countryside, its waters glistening under the golden rays of the sun. It was a quiet scene, which seemed to whisper secrets to those who paused to listen. At the river's edge, a woman named Evelyn stood, her eyes tracing the scarred path through the watery land.

Evelyn was a lonely woman, finding solace in the quiet beauty of nature. He had come to this place many times before, seeking refuge from the chaos of the outside world. Today, however, the river looked somehow different, as if it held a secret she wanted to share.

As Evelyn watched, she noticed something strange happening. The river, usually very calm and serene, began to swell and churn, its waters rising higher and higher until they burst over the banks in a rush of force and power. It was a sight to behold, the raw power of nature unleashed in all its glory.

But amid the awe-inspiring display, Evelyn felt uneasy. Something about the river's behavior seemed like it was trying to communicate something important. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was a message hidden in the turbulent waters, waiting to be deciphered.

Lost in her thoughts, Evelyn failed to notice the figure from behind until it was too late. A man appeared beside him, his presence startling him from his genius. "Beautiful, isn't it?" He said, his voice smooth and melodious.

Evelyn turned to face him, her heart pounding in her chest. He didn't expect to encounter anyone here, least of all a stranger. He shook his head, unsure of what to say.

The man smiled, eyes twinkling mischievously. "You seem upset, my dear. Is something bothering you?"

Evelyn hesitates, unsure if she should trust this stranger. But there was something about him that made him feel at ease, a warmth in his demeanor that drew him in despite his reservations.

"It's the river," he finally admitted. "It's acting weird today, almost like it's trying to tell me something." The man's smile widened. "Ah, River. It has a way of speaking to those who are willing to listen. Perhaps it has a message for you."

Evelyn frowned, taken aback by his cryptic words. "What do you mean?" But before the man could answer, a loud noise echoed through the air and startled them both. They turned around to find that the river had completely breached its banks, flooding the surrounding area with torrents of water. Evelyn gasped, her heart racing in fear. He had never seen anything like this before, and he didn't know what to do.

The man held her hand, his fist firm and reassuring. "We have to get to higher ground," he said urgently. "Hurry, before it's too late." In no time, Evelyn followed him as he led her away from the raging river. They scrambled to the nearest cliff, their breaths ragged as they fought against the current that threatened to drag them down.

Finally, they reached safety on higher ground, the floodwaters spreading like beasts beneath them. Evelyn collapsed onto the grass, her body shaking with exhaustion and relief. The man knelt beside her, a look of concern on his face. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft. Evelyn nodded weakly, still trying to process what had just happened. "I… I think so. Thanks for saving me."

The man smiled, his eyes shining with joy. "It was nothing really. I couldn't just stand by and watch you drown, could I?" Despite herself, Evelyn couldn't help but smile back. There was something about this man that made her feel safe, as if she had known him all her life.

As they sat together on the hillside, watching the flood waters recede, Evelyn found herself opening up to him in a way she never had before. He told her about his life, his hopes and dreams and the struggles he faces on a daily basis. To his surprise, the man listened intently, his eyes never leaving his face. He seemed genuinely interested in what she had to say, as if his words held a deeper meaning for him.

When she finished speaking, the man reached out and took her hand in his own, his touch sending tingles down her spine. "You are a wonderful woman, Evelyn," he said softly. "Never forget." Evelyn felt her cheeks flush with warmth at his words. She never believed in luck or fate, but sitting here with this man she couldn't shake the feeling that their meeting was more than a mere coincidence. As the sun sank below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape, Evelyn knew her life would never be the same. In the chaos and uncertainty, she finds something unexpected - a connection that transcends time and space, binding her to this mysterious stranger in a way she still doesn't understand, and as they sit together, watching the stars twinkle overhead, Evelyn knows that the future No matter what, she would face him.

[flutter-corn]

Emma and Ethan

Chapter 1: The Encounter

It was a chilly autumn evening when Emma first laid eyes on him. She was walking through the park, lost in her thoughts, when she stumbled upon a man sitting on a bench. He had a rugged charm about him, with his messy hair and a hint of mischief in his eyes.

Emma hesitated for a moment, then decided to approach him. \"Excuse me, is this seat taken?\" she asked, gesturing to the empty space beside him.

The man looked up, his eyes widening in surprise. \"No, not at all. Please, have a seat,\" he replied, flashing a warm smile.

As they sat in silence for a moment, Emma couldn't help but feel a strange connection to this stranger. Finally, she mustered the courage to strike up a conversation. \"So, what brings you here on this cold evening?\"

He chuckled softly. \"Just seeking some peace and quiet, away from the chaos of the city. And what about you, Emma? What brings you here?\"

Emma's eyes widened in surprise. \"How did you know my name?\"

The man grinned mischievously. \"I have my ways of finding out things. Call it a talent.\"

Intrigued, Emma leaned closer. \"Alright, mysterious stranger. Tell me, what else can you do?\"

He leaned back, his eyes sparkling with amusement. \"Oh, I have many talents, Emma. But let's keep some mysteries for later, shall we?\"

Emma laughed, feeling a sense of excitement building within her. \"Fair enough. So, what do you do for a living?\"

The man's expression turned serious, a hint of sadness in his eyes. \"I used to be a writer, but life had other plans for me. Now, I'm just trying to find my way back to the words.\"

Emma could sense the pain in his voice and felt a pang of sympathy. \"I understand how it feels to lose something you love. Maybe we can help each other find our way back.\"

He looked at her, his eyes filled with gratitude. \"I would like that, Emma. I would like that very much.\"

As they continued their conversation, the park seemed to fade into the background. Emma and the man, whose name was revealed to be Ethan, lost track of time, engrossed in each other's stories and dreams. They shared their hopes, their fears, and their passions.

And in that moment, Emma knew that this unexpected encounter had the potential to change everything. Little did she know, this was just the beginning of a remarkable journey that would intertwine their lives in ways they could never have imagined

Chapter 2: The Connection

Days turned into weeks, and Emma and Ethan's connection grew stronger with each passing moment. They spent hours talking, sharing their thoughts and dreams, and discovering the depths of their souls.

One afternoon, Emma invited Ethan to her favorite café, a cozy little spot tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. They sat at a corner table, sipping their coffees, and watching the world go by.

Emma couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and familiarity with Ethan. It was as if they had known each other for a lifetime, even though they had only met recently. She leaned in, her voice filled with curiosity. \"Ethan, tell me more about your writing. What stories do you want to share with the world?\"

Ethan's eyes lit up, his passion evident in his voice. \"I have always been fascinated by the power of human connections. I want to write stories that capture the essence of love, friendship, and the bonds that tie us together. Stories that remind people of the beauty and magic that exists in the world.\"

Emma smiled, her heart warming at his words. \"That sounds amazing, Ethan. I truly believe that stories have the power to change lives. I've always wanted to be a part of that world, too.\"

Ethan reached across the table, gently taking Emma's hand in his. \"Then let's make it happen, Emma. Let's create something beautiful together.\"

As their hands touched, Emma felt a surge of electricity pass through her. It was a feeling she had never experienced before, a connection that went beyond words. She knew in that moment that Ethan was not just a stranger she had stumbled upon in the park. He was someone special, someone who had come into her life for a reason.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Emma and Ethan embarked on a writing journey, pouring their hearts and souls into their stories. They spent countless hours together, bouncing ideas off each other, and supporting one another through the highs and lows of the creative process.

Their collaboration soon caught the attention of a publishing house. Emma and Ethan's debut novel was met with critical acclaim, touching the hearts of readers around the world. Their words had the power to heal, to inspire, and to bring people together.

But amidst the success, Emma and Ethan never lost sight of what truly mattered - their connection. They continued to support each other's dreams, always finding solace in each other's arms.

And as they sat together one evening, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink, Emma knew that this was just the beginning of their extraordinary journey. Together, they would continue to create stories that would touch the hearts of millions, forever bound by their shared love for words and.

Chapter 3: Trials and Triumphs

As Emma and Ethan's writing career took off, they faced a new set of challenges. The pressure to consistently deliver captivating stories weighed heavily on their shoulders. Deadlines loomed, and creative blocks threatened to hinder their progress.

One evening, as they sat in their shared writing studio, frustration filled the air. Emma sighed, running her fingers through her hair. \"I feel stuck, Ethan. The words just won't come to me. I'm afraid I've lost my touch.\"

Ethan placed a comforting hand on Emma's shoulder. \"It happens to the best of us, Emma. We all face moments of doubt and uncertainty. But remember, we're in this together. We'll find our way through.\"

Emma nodded, drawing strength from Ethan's words. They decided to take a break and went for a walk in the park, seeking inspiration from nature's beauty. As they strolled along the winding paths, a gentle breeze whispered through the trees, and the vibrant colors of the flowers danced in the sunlight.

Suddenly, Emma stopped in her tracks. \"Ethan, look! A group of children playing in the field. Their laughter... It's pure and infectious. Maybe that's what we need. A reminder of the joy and innocence that lies within us.\"

Ethan smiled, his eyes lighting up. \"You're right, Emma. Let's capture that essence in our writing. Let's bring back the childlike wonder and curiosity that fuels our creativity.\"

With renewed determination, Emma and Ethan returned to their writing studio. They immersed themselves in their work, infusing their stories with the magic they had witnessed in the park. Their words flowed effortlessly, as if guided by an unseen force.

Months passed, and their new novel was complete. It was a masterpiece that touched the hearts of readers worldwide. Critics praised their ability to capture the essence of human emotions and the beauty of life's simplest pleasures.

But amidst their success, Emma and Ethan faced another hurdle. The demands of their careers began to take a toll on their relationship. Late nights at the office, constant travel for book tours, and the weight of expectations threatened to drive them apart.

One evening, as they sat in their favorite café, Emma took a deep breath. \"Ethan, we've come so far, but I fear we're losing sight of what truly matters. Our love, our connection. We need to find a balance between our careers and our relationship.\"

Ethan nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. \"You're right, Emma. We can't let our success overshadow what brought us together in the first place. Let's make a promise to each other. No matter how busy life gets, we'll always prioritize our love and nurture our connection.\"

And so, Emma and Ethan made a pact to never let their careers come between them. They carved out time for each other, cherishing the simple moments of laughter and shared dreams.

Their love grew stronger, and their writing continued to flourish. Their novels touched the hearts of millions, inspiring readers to embrace the power of love, resilience, and the beauty of human connections.

Emma and Ethan's journey was not without its challenges, but they faced each trial with unwavering determination and an unbreakable bond. Together, they proved that love and creativity could coexist, and that the power of their connection could overcome any obstacle.

And as they sat together, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink once more, they knew that their love story would continue to unfold, chapter by chapter, for the rest of their lives

Chapter 4: A New Chapter Begins

Years had passed since Emma and Ethan first met in the park, and their love had only grown stronger. They had overcome countless obstacles, both in their personal lives and their writing careers, and had emerged victorious.

One sunny afternoon, as they sat in their cozy writing studio, Emma looked at Ethan with a twinkle in her eyes. \\\"You know, Ethan, our journey together has been nothing short of magical. We've created beautiful stories, shared incredible moments, and grown together in ways I never thought possible.\\\"

Ethan smiled, his heart overflowing with love. \\\"Indeed, Emma. Our love story is like the pages of a novel, filled with twists and turns, triumphs and challenges. And now, I believe it's time for a new chapter to begin.\\\"

Emma's eyes widened with anticipation. \\\"What do you mean, Ethan?\\\"

Ethan reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. He got down on one knee, his voice filled with emotion. \\\"Emma, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you continue writing this beautiful love story with me, forever?\\\"

Tears of joy streamed down Emma's face as she nodded vigorously. \\\"Yes, Ethan! A thousand times, yes!\\\"

The couple embraced, their hearts soaring with happiness. They knew that their love story had reached a new milestone, and they couldn't wait to embark on this next chapter of their lives together.

Months of wedding preparations followed, as Emma and Ethan poured the same passion and creativity into planning their special day as they did into their writing. Their wedding was a celebration of love, filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt vows that left everyone in attendance touched by their genuine connection.

As they stood hand in hand, surrounded by their loved ones, Emma and Ethan exchanged their vows. They promised to continue supporting and inspiring each other, to nurture their love, and to always find solace in the words they shared.

Years passed, and Emma and Ethan's love story continued to unfold. They welcomed two beautiful children into their lives, and their writing careers flourished. They continued to create stories that touched the hearts of readers, always reminding the world of the power of love and the beauty of human connections.

But amidst their busy lives, they never lost sight of what truly mattered. They made it a priority to create moments of joy and togetherness, whether it was family movie nights, picnics in the park, or simply cuddling on the couch with a good book.

Their love story became an inspiration to many, a testament to the incredible power of love and the magic that can be found in the simplest of moments. Emma and Ethan knew that their journey together would continue to unfold, with each chapter bringing new adventures, challenges, and triumphs.

And as they sat together, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink, they knew that their love would forever be the foundation of their extraordinary story. Hand in hand, they embraced the future, ready to write the next chapter of their lives together, filled with love, laughter, and the boundless possibilities that lay ahead

Chapter 5: The Legacy of Love

Years turned into decades, and Emma and Ethan's love story continued to inspire generations. Their children grew up, carrying the torch of creativity and compassion that their parents had instilled in them.

Emma and Ethan had become renowned authors, their books cherished by readers worldwide. Their words had the power to heal, to ignite imaginations, and to remind people of the beauty that exists within themselves and the world around them.

But as time went on, Emma and Ethan began to feel the weight of their years. Their bodies grew tired, and their minds started to slow. They knew that their time together on this earth was coming to an end.

One evening, as they sat in their favorite spot in the park, Emma turned to Ethan with a bittersweet smile. \"Ethan, my love, our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. We have shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and creativity. But now, as we face the twilight of our lives, I want to make sure that our legacy lives on.\"

Ethan nodded, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and gratitude. \"I feel the same way, Emma. We have touched so many lives with our words, and I want to ensure that our message of love and connection continues to resonate long after we're gone.\"

Together, they decided to establish a foundation in their names, dedicated to supporting aspiring writers and artists. They wanted to create a space where creativity could flourish and where stories could be shared, just as they had done throughout their lives.

The Emma and Ethan Foundation became a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals. It provided scholarships, mentorship programs, and resources for aspiring writers and artists from all walks of life. Their legacy of love and creativity lived on, nurturing the dreams of future generations.

As Emma and Ethan's time on this earth drew to a close, they found solace in knowing that their love story had made a lasting impact. Surrounded by their loved ones, they took their final breaths, their hands intertwined, and their hearts forever connected.

The news of their passing spread far and wide, and people from all corners of the world mourned the loss of these extraordinary souls. But amidst the sadness, there was also a sense of celebration. Emma and Ethan had left behind a legacy of love, compassion, and creativity that would continue to inspire and touch lives for generations to come.

Their books remained beloved classics, cherished by readers of all ages. Their foundation continued to thrive, nurturing the dreams of countless aspiring artists. And their love story became a timeless tale, a reminder that true love knows no boundaries and that the power of connection can transcend time and space.

And as the sun set on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the park, the spirits of Emma and Ethan danced together, forever entwined in a love that had defied all odds. Their love story had become a legend, etched in the hearts of those who believed in the magic of love and the power of human connections

Epilogue: Love Eternal

Years passed, and the legacy of Emma and Ethan continued to thrive. The foundation they had built remained a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring writers and artists, changing lives and fostering creativity in ways they could never have imagined.

Their memoirs became timeless classics, cherished by readers who sought solace, guidance, and a reminder of the power of love. Emma and Ethan's story had become a symbol of hope, a testament to the enduring nature of true love and the impact it could have on the world.

Their children and grandchildren carried on their legacy, instilling the values of love, compassion, and creativity in their own lives and in the lives of those they touched. The ripple effect of Emma and Ethan's love spread far and wide, reaching corners of the world they had never imagined.

The foundation continued to grow, expanding its reach and impact. It became a catalyst for change, not just in the arts but in society as a whole. Through their programs and initiatives, it fostered inclusivity, diversity, and social change, creating a world where everyone had the opportunity to share their stories and be heard.

And as the years turned into decades, the memory of Emma and Ethan lived on. Their love story became a legend, a tale whispered by generations, reminding people of the transformative power of love and the beauty that exists within each and every one of us.

In the hearts and minds of those who knew them, Emma and Ethan's love remained eternal. Their connection transcended time and space, a bond that could never be broken. Their love story had become a part of the collective consciousness, a source of inspiration and comfort for all who encountered it.

And as the sun set on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the world, the spirits of Emma and Ethan danced together, forever entwined in a love that had defied all odds. Their love story had become a beacon of hope, a reminder that love has the power to change lives and leave a lasting legacy.

Their love, their words, and their foundation would forever be a testament to the enduring power of love and the magic that lies within each and every one of us. And as the world continued to turn, their love story would live on, inspiring generations to come, and reminding us all of the extraordinary power of love eternal.

[nikirishimura]

shotguns and lemons

genre: fluff, crack, bestfriends au

pairing: jake x reader

wc: 1k

warnings: smoking, drinking, suggestive themes

a/n: this has been sitting way too long in my drafts, i honestly forgot i had this one-shot/drabble (whatever you call it TT). anw, i have another jake x reader story coming up this week! <33 also, here it is @woniebae :D ps. reblogs will be very much appreciated :<

distant chattering can be heard inside the Kim's residence. one can even assume that somewhere in that house is a party that’s actually just getting started; with a bunch of giggling and slurred sentences breaking the quiet of a sunday afternoon.

"i didn’t know day-drinking could be fun!" jake mumbled as he downed another shot of tequila followed by sucking a slice of unevenly cut lemon.

"well if you think it's fun getting wasted at night, why not stretch the hours before 5 o'clock." you reasoned, pouring another round of shots for the both of you.

"i'm pretty sure that leads to alcoholism." your best friend told you with a slight hint of warning in his voice but that didn't stop the both of you from bursting in unjustified laughter again for the nth time that day.

feeling the alcohol streaming in your veins, your vision becomes a bit blurry and your inhibitions are starting to leave your body. without much thought, you gently reach for his face, cupping his right cheek, tracing the bottom of his lips with your thumb, "you have such beautiful lips." you say.

he felt his heart skip a beat for a second but before he can even compose what to say next, you already got up from your seat.

things like this don't happen unusually between you, too. in fact, this has happened one too many times already, drunk and sober. like you touching the back of his neck and him staring back at you intently. or sharing the straw on your diet coke. or even using the same spoon to scoop out your shared, favorite-flavored ice cream. being intimate with jake, in different forms and shapes, isn't something new to you. but just like every other coward, either one of you seems to be pulling back. just like right now.

pulling out a cigarette box from your left pocket and a lighter from the kitchen island, you leaned on its side to light one, "man i need a time out." you announced, probably from the alcohol or the intoxication you got from the encounter not even a minute ago.

"i thought you quit smoking?" jake asked, slightly confused but appearing to be more enthused.

"well, i thought i did too but look at me," puffing the first smoke of your nicotine-induced addiction.

jake stood up from one of the chairs towering the kitchen island across from you, a cheeky smile evident on his face, "lemme try. i wanna try one!" sounding just as delighted as he was an hour ago, the moment he heard you're gonna be drinking alcohol in daylight.

"uh, no?"

"no?!"

"i don't like sharing my cigarettes!" swatting his hand away.

"hey, i see you giving out free sticks to people whenever we're in a bar!" he retorted, feeling kinda betrayed.

"that's because i don't want shotgunning strangers."

the thought of your lips close to his had jake’s heart beating fast. he could actually feel it in his chest, like it's going to come out any second now.

"come here,” you said “you wanna try one? i can shotgun you instead." you said, confidence oozing out of you out of nowhere.

"oh, al- alright." he stuttered, "oh wow–." wiping his sweaty palms on the side of his pants, "this is really happening right now, huh."

"jake, just shut up and close your eyes."

and so he did, as he leaned in forward, slightly opening his mouth.

you gently grab his jaw before inhaling an adequate amount of the cigarette into your lungs and finally blowing it out into your best friend's mouth.

as he opened his eyes, you could see the innocence in him slowly fading out like the smoke that was keeping your distance from one another.

and again, he started giggling like the cute idiot that he is.

"you're supposed to inhale it too you dumbass! what was the purpose of me giving it to you if you're just gonna let it evaporate in the air?”

he was gonna say something but you cut him out immediately— "the word is dilute, i know. but i got the point across, didn’t i?" rolling your eyes and eliciting another one of his angelic laughs.

"okay okay, i'm sorry. lemme try it again." he asked with those puppy eyes you cannot, for the life of you, resist.

and so he leaned in once again but this time, he's the one grabbing your chin closer to him. you puff the cigarette once more, slowly blowing the smoke inside his mouth.

but before you could open your eyes, you hear him speak again, "i'm gonna kiss you, yeah?" and so you nodded like this was something you have wanted for so long, because honestly what’s the point of holding back?

fully closing the distance between the two of you, he gave you an opened-mouth kiss and you immediately reciprocated it, moaning into the sensation. your lips are dancing with his like it might be your last, knowing full well this is just the start.

it didn't take you long to find a rhythm that suits your neediness and desperation. deep into the kiss, you feel him getting more and more harsh, but in the best way possible. linking your arms around his neck, his grip on your waist loosen, hands travelling lower.

"jump," he says as he swiftly catches your weight. crossing your legs around his waist, you feel your core heat up.

letting out a deep groan, he broke the kiss much to your disappointment. “how about we bring this upstairs?” he offered, his grin getting wider by the second. wanting to wipe that smug look in his face, you decided to tease him, “hmm. what’s in it for me?”

“seriously? what the hell” he deadpanned. “how about, i shotgun you but instead of smoke, it’s alcohol?”

you couldn’t believe what you’re hearing. “as your best friend, i’m legally obligated to let you know that you’re annoying,” picking up the bottle and shot glass, actually considering it. “tsk, fine.”

taking in the full shot, he kissed you until you could taste the bitterness in your mouth so you immediately pulled away. “well that was a bad idea,” trying to find where the last piece of lemon went, you searched the table top but to no avail.

“looking for this?” jake spoke while biting down the other half of the lemon slice. rolling your eyes once again, you leaned in for that sweet (in this case, kinda sour) kiss. picking up on the pace where you left off.

“so..” you start, “wanna take this one upstairs?”

“thought you’d never ask”

[valenhell]

From the studio that brought you “I can’t find good Byler fics in the ao3 tag”, comes:

"The Definitive Byler fic rec list"

Literally no one asked for this but because I spent the majority of last year (...and 2019, and 2018...) reading byler fics and coping with life, I thought I’d make a list of some of my absolute favorites. 

The other day I was basically starving for some byler fics and the angel @magicalfairy provided me with some of her faves so I thought I’d do the same, because I love reading, and I love all of these fics and I appreciate their writers💗 And fic writers in general, come on!

- This is a mix of long works and one-shots/short stories. - Everything is mostly fluff with a tad of angst and a lot of internalized homophobia conflict.  - Every fic is completed, except for the ones I mention that they are not. - I try my best to lay out the stories in a way that I won’t spoil you the plot but also warning you of some stuff you might don’t like. Either way, all of these fics are correctly tagged by their respective authors/owners, so read at your own risk. For better understanding, in between brackets I denote Rating, Words and quantity of Chapters. - I feel like I should clarify, none of these are narrated in the singular first person. None of that “And I told him...”, no. 

Long fics

a dream always the same (T, 99k, 35 chapters) What happened in those few weeks between the Battle of Starcourt and the Byers leaving Hawkins. Literally a satisfying and very needed fill in of season three, with a good dose of Mike’s thoughts and conflict. Mike’s characterization is specially amazing in this one. The writing style is amazing and I know the author put everything into making it historically accurate, and it was really sweet. You probably read it, it’s by the amazing sevensided here on Tumblr🧡

Spring Break (T, 120k, 14/15 chapters) The slowburn of my dreams. Lots of internalized conflict and conflict with each other. Conflict within the Party (uhh kind of), conflict with Mike and Will. Byers family has moved and the kids are visiting! Chaos. Characterization is on point. Yeah, I know it’s unfinished, but the fourteenth chapter actually serves as a pretty nice ending. 

This is where it starts (M, 148.8k, 24 chapters) Aged up characters. The Party is in college and Will disappears again, but now it’s different. Mike knows he didn’t vanish from thin air, and the discovery he and the Party end up making is pretty insane. Mystery solving/fantasy/third dimension, throw in a bit of D&D and Mike realizing some shit, and you get this marvelous fic. It’s a breath of fresh air. The world building is definitely one of the elements that stands out the most, because it’s very nicely described, it sounds like a dream and it’s completely immersive. Absolute gem of a fic. 

there’s a Starman waiting in the sky (M, 30.6k, 8 chapters) Do I need to say anything? Will is out there living his best life and Mike realizes that wow, umm, maybe his best friend looks a bit too nice with that costume... and wait, is he getting horny? It’s actually really fun and sexy.

The Evening Speaks (T, 23k, 7 chapters) In where Mike is a late-night college radio host and Will is the art student that stays up till late to catch up with Wheeler on the Mic. They flirt through songs y’all, this one is really sweet. 

heads or tails? (E, 24k, 3 chapters) Aged up characters. I know most people don’t enjoy sex in fics and with specific characters but this one is insanely well written. It’s a slowburn that commits to the tension and with every word you are grasping and anticipating their next move. I think you can find the author here on Tumblr as yousaidyes🧡

The Man of Average (M, 56.7k, 5/? chapters) Aged up characters. No but you don’t understand, the writing here is absolute gourmet. The story is exciting as well, it’s super interesting. Weirdly enough, for being very aged up characters, they are well characterized but they don’t feel like teenagers. They are naturally Mike and Will. The author really captured Mike and Will’s essence. I know, it’s unfinished and it’s updated very rarely, but this is the typical fic you can’t believe someone just posted on the internet for free. I will say though, I think it’s definitely not for everyone. Read at your own risk.

Heartstrings (E, 82.8k, 24/? chapters) Aged up characters. By the same author of The Man of Average. A collection of memories, the road to Mike and Will’s happy ever after. And fucking hell!!!!! You’ll cry and get angry, you’ll cheer for them, then you’ll want to crash their faces together because god dammit you love each other!!! But yeah, same thing here. The writing and the way the story is laid out as a nonlinear narrative is brilliant. And I also think this is one of the best Will versions I’ve read. The author might as well be the og creator of this two characters tbh. You can find the author here as mylesimeblr🧡

Sinners behind the walls (T, 1.5k, 1/1) And because I can’t stop recommending this author, a little thing of Mike tormenting himself but also being too deeply committed to Will. 

The Red Envelope series (T/E, 167K, two completed works) Something happens that Will thought was impossible and from there, pure drama and romance. Anything by this author has the potential to become your absolute favorite fic, but this series in particular is amazing. I doubt that any of you haven’t read this, but it doesn’t hurt to put it in this list. I’m pretty sure the author is serendipitous-magic on Tumblr🧡

A New Fight series (T, 91k, two completed works, one WIP) And finally the Star Wars AU that we all needed. But this isn’t your typical “Mike is Han”, “Will is Leia” and “El is Luke”, it’s way more interesting than that, and the author has appropriated the Star Wars world like no other. I’ll admit I’m not a 100% fluent in SW lore but this is amazing to me either way. This author is also on Tumblr, tea-for-one-please🧡

- Yes, most of these are (if not all), in a way, canon compliant/canonverse/canon continuation into fanon. (In a way)

One-shots and short stories

Sundae for Two, Please (G, 4.8k) Steve being the supportive friend and older brother these kids collectively need. (not Jonathan erasure, we love him). Steve is very sweet himself, and this little cute thing through his POV is gorgeous. Yes, it’s byler.

Backstage (T, 10k, 2/2) Jonathan, you forgot to mention to Will how hot your new band’s guitarist is, dude. Now he’s hyperventilating and weirdly flirting with him in the corner. Background Stonathan because why not.

102 Peach Street (G, 3.8k) Established relationship, but not only that, they are married :’’))) PURE fluff. Extreme fluffiness. Diabetes. 

sweatshirts and bottled up feelings (T, 3.2k) Or, Mike thinks that the sweatshirt Will wears looks insanely good on him. And kitchens are for lovers. 

kiss it better (T, 16.3k) Basically one of the best character studies of a few precise moments of Mike and Will’s relationship and feelings. 

will wonders ever cease (T, 11.3k) #i ship will and happiness. Omfg what a beautiful piece of fanfic. Will centric, this kid really deserves all the good in the world.

The Calm After the Storm (T, 1.6k) Tooth rotting fluff, boyfriends in love. Boyfriends being lazy, cuddling, love words, kisses. Boys loving each other’s company... Basically, Mike and Will in their element. What more can you ask for?

neither of us ready to let go (T, 4.8k) That scene from season three, but a bit of a fix it. 

Still in love (G, 1k) Domestic, married life au fluff. Y’all, I’m a sucker for established Byler, even if I can’t find many fics with it. But this is very sweet. It takes place in 2020, but I don’t think there are any mentions of the COVID-19 crisis that I remember.

I Nver Find Out ‘Til I’m Head Over Heels (G, 12.5K) Classic 5+1 fic. If you haven’t read it, where have you been? This is your moment. In where Mike keeps inviting Will to the school dances and Will thinks it’s just a joke until he realizes it’s not. 

Before You’re Gone (T, 5.9k) Will is leaving Hawkins and Mike thinks this is a great moment for a confession. This one I discovered last friday, thank you friend @magicalfairy 💗

You’re weird Wheeler (M, 4.5k) Mike unintentionally starts a tradition of going to each other to talk about their sexual encounters just after they finish. Will keeps getting more explicit with the details he shares, and he makes his best friend interested. This one is really fun y’all.

Out-Of-Town Friends (N/R, 4.6K) It’s not rated. I haven’t re- read it but I’d say it would probably fall in a T rating. So cute!! Will has new friends and sneaks off every friday and the Party doesn’t know where he is going, so Mike decides to follow him and is surprised. 

Snowed Under (G, 1.3k) By the same author of The New Fight series. Mike is spending christmas by himself in college because a snowstorm hits Chicago and Nancy can’t drive to see him, but then he has a surprise visitor. Ahhh just a lil sweet holiday fic. Super cute. 

you love me anyway series (T, 7.1k, three completed works) Literally just the cutest thing ever. Established Byler. Will loves to take pictures and he loves taking pictures of Mike. It’s adorable. 

you wanna be friends forever (i can think of something better) (T, 9k) This one is so amazing. So. Amazing. From Will’s POV, my kid deserves the world and he gets it. 

okay not to be okay (T, 4.9k) Mike is a bit sad but then everything is okay. 

can’t hold out forever (G, 18.4k) Y’all!!!!! 5+1 sweetness. Mike has been falling in love since kindergarten. And it’s long af, you’ll enjoy it. 

even if it takes forever (G, 1.3k) College short AU, they miss each other, they love each other, they promise all to each other. It is sappy y’all.

clear as day (N/R, 18.4K, 4 chapters) It’s not rated, but I’d say it falls in the T category. Strangers to friends to lovers. And also, everyone is pretty gay; we have our dynamic trio Mike, Max and El as disaster lesbians (and gay). Will works at the library and he is also gay. Lucas and Dustin and Will are the best friends we needed. It’s very sweet and the Party is kind of formed here!

I went overboard with the one-shots, so you must have realized how much I love long one-shots and I favor them over long works lmao but they are all amazing!!! If it’s on this list, I probably read it at 2 am, sobbing in my bed. So. Hope you enjoy it☺️🧡

[floralseokjin]

⤑ made-up love song ix.

Your first encounter with Kim Seokjin doesn’t go so well, nor your second, or your third… and maybe that’s because it shouldn’t work on paper. You’re an elementary school teacher, never left the country despite hitting the third decade of your life not so long ago, and you’re unable to remember the last time you dated. He’s the dad of one of your students, nearly a decade older than you and divorced. Oh yes, and just another minor detail – he’s a multimillionaire. 

Your lives are lightyears apart, yet somehow, your paths having now crossed, things just seem to fall into place…

pairing; kim seokjin x reader   au/genre/warnings; strangers to lovers, romance, single dad! seokjin, ceo! seokjin, elementary school teacher! oc, age gap (oc is 30, seokjin is 37), seokjin is a dilf, angst, soojung and oc’s mother being the best, minor food mention (not feeling hungry when stressed), hope, the tiniest bit of fluff, a cliffhanger of sorts!  words; 6,161 

Read Seokjin’s chapter ix here

↪︎ chapter index

chapters; i • ii • iii  • iv • v • vi • vii • viii • ix • x • epilogue (+ drabbles)

Soojung found you curled up on the sofa a few hours later when she came home from work. You’d tried watching television, hoping the distraction would be successful but your mind just wouldn’t switch off, replaying the day’s earlier events. You didn’t want to think just yet but that’s all your mind could do. Going around and around in circles. Hearing Soojung’s keys in the door you felt a wave of nausea knowing you’d have to talk about it. Not that you didn’t want to confide in your best friend, it was just explaining everything meant that it was all real… 

She stuck her head around the door, sounding momentarily confused. “What are you doing back already? I wasn’t expecting you until la– Y/N?” She caught the look on your face immediately and just like she knew something was up. She rushed over. “What’s wrong? What’s happened?”

Instantly you felt your face crumble, tears blurring your vision. “It’s stupid really,” you insisted, wiping your eyes as she came to join you, a protective arm wrapping around your shoulders. The small action at least made you feel a little better. “I don’t understand why I’m crying.” You hadn’t felt the need to cry until now. Maybe it was because you could always be vulnerable with your best friend. You didn’t need to be strong. She’d seen you at your worst. 

“Did…Did you guys argue?” She sounded unsure, confused as to what could be the issue. 

You sniffed, composing yourself. “No. Not really,” you let out a groan, “oh, god, Soo. It was awful. Seokjin’s ex-wife turned up…” 

You spent the next fifteen minutes telling her what happened, although a lot of it was a blur of raised voices and insults. One thing you knew for certain though, was that you’d never felt so awkward in your entire life. You’d watched your boyfriend arguing with his ex-wife feeling so incredibly out of the loop it was embarrassing. 

You’d never demanded to know every single detail about his marriage – you hadn’t even wanted to know. It wasn’t your business after all, nor did you want Seokjin to relive things he didn’t want to, or dwell on the past. You understood that more than anyone, what with your relationship with Donghae, but he’d openly revealed a lot to you. He’d confided in you, shared some hurtful details of his divorce and in turn you had entrusted him with your own past, your own bad memories… 

There had been many surprises this afternoon, but one certain revelation kept replaying in your head. It was all you could think about. To learn he’d left out something as major as getting cheated on… Having to find out like that… You were still reeling from the bombshell. Why hadn’t he told you? You’d both been through the same thing… Didn’t he trust you enough? You didn’t understand and you couldn’t stop yourself from feeling hurt. 

“You don’t think he’s still in love with her, do you?” Soojung asked hesitantly. 

“No,” you shook your head. Regardless of the mess that were your thoughts right now, you didn’t think that at all. Yes, it was easy to let your doubts take over in the first few moments you’d set eyes on Nana, she was beautiful, although you hadn’t expected anything less, but you knew not to feel paranoid when it came to that. Regardless of today’s shock, you didn’t doubt Seokjin’s feelings for you, and you knew very well he no longer loved his ex-wife. 

“I think he’s just very bitter about everything,” you continued. “Mostly about how infrequently she sees Arin.” 

“Do you think it’s a problem?” 

Shrugging slightly, you didn’t really know what to say. “She’s been seeing her quite often lately. There was last weekend, but it shouldn’t have been that much of an issue.” Seokjin hadn’t been angry over that, or at least he hadn’t let on he was… Maybe he had and had just hid it well. With that thought, you remembered something. “It was just her face… while Seokjin was saying all those things to her. She looked so upset… I’ve never seen him like that.” 

It had been jarring seeing him so angry. He was usually soft-spoken and well-mannered. Even when he was irritated he stayed silent. You understood that he was only human, everyone had emotions, and his had bubbled over today, but it was still surprising. You hadn’t been expecting to be in the middle of a shouting match between him and his ex-wife. 

“But you knew they didn’t get on?” Soojung gently prodded, rubbing your upper back. 

“Yeah.” You swallowed. “Just seeing it in person… I can’t believe he didn’t tell her about us.” 

Your mind was all over the place, unable to concentrate on one issue for long enough. You really had been living in your own little world this entire time. So incredibly happy and blissfully content. It had been so easy to forget that Nana existed when it came to your relationship with Seokjin. To you, she was just Arin’s mom, who she spoke about sometimes, but not very often, in your presence. It was easy to put her to the back of your mind, it was easy not to think of her at all. Why would you? You didn’t even know what she looked like until today. All the photos you’d seen of a younger Seokjin, of Arin as a baby, had never once included her. You knew who she was, knew her name, but that was all. 

So you’d just assumed she knew about you too. You’d assumed Seokjin had told her without needing any confirmation. You’d assumed she’d known that you would be looking after Arin last weekend. You’d assumed she was perfectly fine with it. In reality she had no clue you existed. You were almost certain Seokjin hadn’t done it maliciously, he wasn’t that type of man, but seeing him today, how casually he had brushed off her concerns… As much as it had hurt to be thought of as a stranger, you understood why that was the case. Seokjin hadn’t. As stubborn as always, he refused to see where he had done wrong. 

“That is a bit odd,” Soojung agreed. “And even though she was a bitch to you, I guess I’d be pissed too if I found out the way she had.” 

You snorted softly. Soojung had been ready to fight when she’d first heard the things Nana had said to you, but she knew you were fine, you could handle yourself. “Ugh, it’s all such a mess,” you groaned. “I would’ve never looked after Arin last weekend if I’d known Nana had no clue.” You should have made sure. Why hadn’t you?

“I guess Seokjin had his reasons,” Soo reasoned. “Maybe he knew how his ex would react.” 

“Maybe,” you agreed before sighing. “I don’t know. There’s things he never told me either.” Maybe you were finding out that Seokjin was a very secretive person, who knew… “She cheated on him, Soo.” You were back there again. Soojung hummed in understanding. “Is it silly of me to be upset?” 

“No, it’s valid.” 

“I told him about Donghae,” you whispered. “I really opened up to him and he was so sweet and understanding. Why didn’t he tell me he’d been through the same thing?” No matter how many times you went through it in your head you couldn’t think of an answer. It didn’t make sense. Especially because he’d opened up to you so easily in regard to everything else. What made this so different?

“Maybe he just didn’t want to make it about him,” Soojung offered. 

“I don’t know… Maybe.” You groaned, thinking you were being selfish. He probably had a good reason when he didn’t tell you. There were more pressing issues right now anyway… You knew that, and immediately your head begin to spin again. 

“The whole stepmom thing,” you muttered, “it’s left me a little frazzled.” 

Soojung kept up with your disorderly thoughts expertly. “In what way?” 

You gave a little shrug, voice barely there because you didn’t want to admit it out loud. “It made me question things…”

“I thought you liked where things were heading?” Your best friend couldn’t hide the shock from her voice. 

“I do,” you replied, “or at least, I did.” Where were things actually heading? You didn’t know anymore. “I just wasn’t really thinking.”

“Of what it all meant?” 

You nodded slowly. “I lost myself for a while.” 

In a way, you had been in your own little bubble for these past few months – you, Seokjin and Arin. You’d had the most amazing summer, falling harder and harder for Seokjin and in the process Arin had captured your whole heart. She was such a sweet little girl, humorous and thoughtful, Seokjin and Nana had brought her up well. Your time together had been incomparable, your happiness unmatched, but in the process you’d ignored a few things. 

“So what are you saying?” Soojung asked gently. 

Your throat felt dry. “I’m afraid it’s all moving too fast.” 

It was a lot to take in. You had been together barely four months but here you were thinking about the word stepmom. How scary the word sounded, how scary it felt…

“You want to slow it down?”

“It’s probably too late for that,” you chuckled quietly. You felt your heart squeeze. “Soojung, I think I’m in love with him.” 

It felt almost relieving to confess such a thing, despite your heavy heart over today. Your feelings had been harder and harder to ignore these past couple of weeks, but you’d tried your best, not wanting to rush anything. Right now you were confused and hurt, but one thing was blatantly clear. You loved him. 

“It’s scary,” you whispered, feeling Soo rub your back again, listening silently. “Falling so fast.” Especially after everything you’d been through with Donghae. You were scared. Despite opening up your heart to Seokjin easily, this was different. Things seemed so complicated now, when not six hours ago they had been nothing more than simple. 

“Today was a massive reality check,” you scoffed. “I’ve been spending these past few months playing house with Seokjin and Arin, it was bound to catch up with us sometime.” 

“You liked it though,” your best friend encouraged, voice gentle. “I’ve never seen you so happy… Not since… Well, not even then.” 

“Everything just felt so… perfect,” you agreed. Everything had slotted into place easily. “And natural, and just, nice.” For lack of a better word. Your brain was pulp. 

“Arin obviously felt comfortable enough to call you her stepmom in front of her own mom?” You didn’t even notice Soojung’s change of direction. 

“I don’t know, I think she was just confused. You know what kids are like together. She heard her friend talking about it and they probably got excited.”

“Would you like to be her stepmom?”

You paused then, realising what had just happened. She knew you well, knew what was bothering you, conflicting your mind. You gave her a small smile. “She’s a sweet child, but it’s not that simple right now. It’s not only my decision either.” 

Truthfully you hadn’t thought about it before today, but now it was one of the things at the forefront of your mind. If everything worked out okay then you and Seokjin would only grow more serious. From strength to strength and what did that mean? However, now you knew that Nana wasn’t exactly your biggest fan… You felt fresh frustration, deflated yet again. Today had gone terrible. 

“You’re right,” Soojung agreed, “but it’s something you need to be comfortable with too.” 

That was true. These were things you needed to talk about with Seokjin. Then again, maybe you should’ve talked about them before. You had no clue how he felt regarding the topic, well… not explicitly anyway. 

“Seokjin comparing the both of us made me feel horrendous.” You found yourself admitting. “I’m not trying to be Arin’s mother. I wasn’t even trying to be her stepmother. Not yet. I haven’t thought about it until now. I just… I loved being a part of her life in my own little way.” 

You never wanted to replace Nana. You hated thinking like this, but what if Seokjin had been looking for that the whole time? A new mother for his daughter… You were almost positive that wasn’t the case, but you were so drained right now, your mind was all over the place. You kept replaying in your head what he had shouted at Nana over and over again. 

“He can’t expect you to take on that role, not when she already has a mother,” Soojung said carefully. “But you can be there for Arin in other ways – in similar ways. You’ve been teaching and caring for kids for years, so I hope you’re not undermining your capabilities.” 

You smiled then, grateful, leaning on her shoulder. “Thank you.” You definitely weren’t doing that but being a teacher and a mother were two totally different things. Especially when it wasn’t your biological child. 

“Ugh, I’m just exhausted,” you groaned, laying back against the sofa and shutting your eyes. “My head’s a mess.” You didn’t want to talk about it any longer, switching off sounded really good right now and Soojung understood that perfectly. 

She tapped your arm. “I’m going to cancel my plans with Tae.” You opened your eyes, mouth open ready to fight. “He’ll be fine.” She insisted. “Me and you are gonna get takeout and ice cream and just stop thinking. We’re going to pull the One Tree Hill boxset out and pretend we’re still in high school.” 

You weren’t going to lie, that did sound like fun. It was also foolproof. You’d been doing it since you were seventeen, when Soojung had got dumped for the first time. “Great idea.” 

She leaned in for a hug. “You told him you need space to think, so that’s what you’re going to do. But not tonight. No rush.” 

As she pulled back you took her hand, giving it a soft squeeze. “I love you.” 

“And I love you,” she grinned. “Now, let me grab my phone.”  

You woke up early the next morning, like really early, 5am, which wasn’t ideal seeing as you’d struggled to get to sleep the night before. Your mind and heart felt heavy, but you forced yourself to get up and shower because there was no point trying to fall back to sleep for an hour. You had school, and that meant you had to try your best to look presentable for the kids – and happy. A bunch of 6-7 year olds were scarily talented at reading an adult’s mood you’d come to find out. 

You didn’t eat much of your breakfast, which wasn’t a surprise because when you were stressed or sad you never felt practically hungry anyway, and left for work long before Soojung even had a chance to wake up, thinking your classroom so early in the morning might give you some sense of clarity. Either that or stop the buzzing of your thoughts that couldn’t seem to keep away. The change of scenery would hopefully do you some good.   

You were at your desk trying to organise your planner for the week ahead, 7:04am, when your cell phone began buzzing. You looked across at the device, face up a few inches away from you and felt your stomach squeeze. Filling the screen was a picture of Seokjin and you at an amusement park he’d dragged you to over the summer, like the big kid he was at heart. Seeing his smiley face made your heart hurt. You thought about leaving it ring, you could pretend you were busy and let him leave a message, but no matter how much you wanted to do it, you couldn’t. 

The phone felt heavy in your hand as you picked up. Your voice didn’t sound like yours. “Hello.” 

“Y/N,” he breathed, sounding somewhat relieved. You had taken a while to make your decision. “Are you free to talk?”

He sounded tired and unlike his usual self, and a part of you wanted to rush over and talk to him in person, to check in on him and see how he was doing, because as much as yesterday hadn’t been nice for you, it hadn’t been too great for him either… However, you knew that was a bad idea, you’d said you had needed time. A few hours wasn’t that. 

“Um, yeah,” you replied, opening your mouth again to remind him about what you’d said yesterday, but already he was rushing forward, eager to say his piece. 

“I’m sorry I didn’t call last night, I guess… I guess I needed time too.” He sounded hesitant, and you didn’t have the heart to tell him you had never been expected (nor wanting) a phone call. “Do you want to meet up for lunch?”

Your voice was gentle. “I don’t think that’s a good idea today.” Maybe he’d misunderstood you, you needed longer, besides, things weren’t going to get sorted out in under an hour during your lunch break from work. It wasn’t as simple as that – you wished it was. 

There was a pause his side, then – “Are you sure you’re not mad at me?”

“Seokjin, I’m not mad,” you sighed softly. “I’m just…” What were you? Frustrated more than anything. It was hard to explain. In a way you felt sorry for him, but you also felt sorry for Nana. “I have a lot of questions that I don’t think I’m ready to ask just yet.” 

His voice was careful as he asked you, “When do you think you will be ready?”

“I don’t know,” you told him truthfully. “I need time to think and it’s pretty hard when I have work all week.” Neglecting your job was foolish – impossible to think of, actually. 

“I understand.” Of course he did. He was nothing but understanding when it came to you and your relationship together. That’s the Seokjin you knew and adored… the one you loved… 

“Is Arin okay?” You found yourself asking. You knew you should probably say your goodbyes, but you’d woken up feeling terribly guilty that you’d just upped and left her like that yesterday. “I’m sorry I ran off without saying goodbye to her.” 

“She’s doing okay, I tried telling…” He trailed off suddenly, and you guessed he thought he was overstepping the mark. The mark you’d put in place. “She asked where you went, I said something came up.” 

“Oh.” You’d thought about popping your head around the door and saying goodbye yesterday but just couldn’t do it. You hated to think she’d thought you had left her too. “I really am sorry about that.”  

“Y/N, it’s fine. Please never be sorry,” he murmured softly. 

You smiled sadly at his sentiment. “Are you okay?” You shouldn’t really ask, not when you needed to hang up and take that space you both needed, but you couldn’t help yourself. It felt wrong not to check in. 

“Could be better,” he chuckled slightly. You appreciated his honesty. “You?” 

“The same.” There was no point pretending. “I think some space will do us good. Let’s just think about everything and then we can talk.” 

“Okay,” he agreed simply. There wasn’t much else he could say. If he disagreed in any way you knew he would never tell you. He wanted to respect your wishes. 

“I’ll call you towards the end of the week?” You could get through the work week, have some time to yourself in the evenings and then meet up on Saturday. 

“Yeah, that sounds good. I agree.” Yet, he sounded a little dejected. 

“Okay.” You had to leave it at that. “I gotta go,” you told him, even though you were in no rush to leave for work, already in your classroom. 

“Of course, bye, Y/N.” You heard some background noise and then a familiar voice in the background – Misook. As it was for you, life went on. Arin had to get ready for school, he had to get ready for work… You couldn’t both wallow in self-pity all day. “Take care,” he told you. It sounded awkward, as if he didn’t know what to say. 

“Bye, Seokjin.” You felt just the same. Even right at the beginning your phone conversations had never been this wooden. 

You hung up first, and then there was silence, except for the ticking of the clock on the wall opposite. You watched the red second hand move, feeling as if it was mocking you.

The week was slow. It was an average one, but it dragged by. On Monday you had to sit through the usual chitchat inside the teacher’s lounge during lunch, catching up on everyone’s weekends. When Eunbi asked how yours had gone you’d breezed past it, expertly changing the subject to her weekend visiting Jungkook’s parents. Other than that, there was really no need for Seokjin to come up in conversation, which you were thankful for. You spent the rest of the week busy with the children, staying behind a lot later than usual just because it was easier inside your classroom. 

At home you found yourself missing Seokjin like crazy. Ever since your first date you’d been in regular contact throughout the week, and then when things had gotten serious, you’d spoken to him every day – even if it was just on the phone in the evenings once school started back. For all contact to be gone was strange. You hated it, felt as if a part of you was missing. But you knew it needed to be done. As the days went (dragged) by you no longer felt overwhelmed by Sunday’s events. The shock had worn off and you had time to dissect it all, whether it be over dinner on your own when Soo was working late, or when you were in bed for the night, waiting to drop off. The more you broke it down the easier it was to place things in different categories. All the things that had shocked you, the things that had hurt you, and then finally, the things that had made you feel guilty. 

On Thursday night you promised your mom you’d have dinner with her. Jonathon was abroad visiting his children and she hadn’t been able to get time off work to join him. She was bored at home all alone, so you really couldn’t say no despite a part of you wanting to. Before you arrived you’d made the decision not to tell her about your…what could you call it? It was hardly an argument with Seokjin. A disagreement..? Whatever it was, you didn’t want to worry her. After all this time she was over the moon you’d finally met someone you really cared about and you knew it was stupid, but you didn’t want to make her worry.  

However, that all went out the window as soon as she opened the door to you. She was your mom for crying out loud, who could you confide in if it wasn’t her? She listened to you attentively. All your thoughts, all your worries – even if the potatoes were at risk of cremating, and it felt good to have your mother by your side. 

“Seokjin is a lovely man, anyone can see that, but he’s allowed his flaws. He’s only human,” she reasoned, your conversation coming back to the way he’d acted around Nana. You knew your mother was right, and you were in no way judging him for it, but it had been very jarring seeing him change so suddenly. “Obviously he and his ex-wife bring out the worst in each other. Sounds to me as if they’re so used to hurting one another it’s become the norm.” 

You nodded in silent agreement, thinking back to them hurling abuse at one another as if it was the most natural thing. In a way it had turned into a competition. Who could hurt one other the most. In the end, Seokjin had dealt the final blow. You. You could still see the hurt on Nana’s face now, even though it was days ago. It made your chest heavy all over again. You told your mom just as much. 

“There’s no need to feel so guilty, love,” she told you, wrapping an arm around your shoulders. “None of this is your fault. Seokjin, whether it was intentionally or unintentionally, used you as a way to hurt Nana, and you need to tell him that you’re not okay with that.” 

That was the part that had hurt the most now that you’d had enough time to think. Above all else, not telling Nana about you, the catalyst that led to his divorce, it was being used as some kind of weapon that stuck out. You had never wanted that. You had never asked for it. 

“You are his girlfriend first and foremost.” Your mom continued. “Yes, you care for Arin but these things need to be spoken about first. You have never wanted to be, nor felt like you were the child’s mother. You know your boundaries and so should he.” 

She was correct. You’d been so hesitant not to overstep the mark these past few months. You’d even been in two minds whether or not to offer to babysit Arin that weekend. You’d thought Seokjin understood that, your cautiousness when it came to the role you played in her life. After all, your relationship was still new, and Nana was very much a part of Arin’s life. However he had disregarded that all to throw a few cheap shots. 

Your conversation shifted to Arin then. It was easy to sympathise with her, after all you’d been in her shoes once. Parents who seemed to fight more than they did talk. It had gotten better for you though, their relationship turning amiable once the divorce had settled. For Arin, it seemed to be only getting worse. You wished you could talk some sense into Seokjin. He might’ve thought that Arin was okay with her parents barely having any contact but you knew that wasn’t the case. It had been very telling to hear that Arin never brought Seokjin up in conversation with her own mother. That’s why it had taken Nana so long to find out about you. Deep down that little girl knew that her mom didn’t want to hear her dad’s name, and that was heart breaking. 

Somewhere along the way, your mom asked you what you thought about Arin calling you her stepmother. Despite it being done innocently, the weight of the word meant so much more to the adults in the situation and you agreed. It had been strange to hear, and not just because it had come from Nana’s mouth. You were serious about Seokjin and could see a future with him, and that meant being in Arin’s life permanently. That word wasn’t so farfetched and you’d had plenty of time to think about it this week. What it meant for you, Arin, and of course Nana. 

“How did you feel when dad first met Dahae?” You asked your mom. These things had never really come up in conversation before, which was surprising, but right now you needed any advice and insight you could get. Your mom had been in Nana’s shoes once after all. All those years ago. 

“I was…happy for him,” she replied hesitantly. “It took time. It’s a confusing thing. I no longer loved your father but it felt strange to see him with someone else. Of course, everyone is different. Not one relationship is the same,” she added. 

You nodded in understanding. Your father had met Dahae, his wife, when you were twelve. You had grown up with her and it didn’t feel odd to think of her as a second mom. You still called her by her name but when in conversation with others you often referred to her as your stepmom. Always had, for as long as you could remember. Maybe it was after the wedding, but you couldn’t be too sure. Definitely before she gave birth to your siblings though. 

It was different with Jonathon. He’d always been “your mother’s husband” and not because you didn’t care for him or think he was a lovely man. He was, and you liked him very much, it was just… You were an adult when you met him, twenty to be exact, living across the country for college. The bond wasn’t quite there like it was with Dahae, but your mom understood that – so did Jonathon. But it made you pause and think. You’d never asked your mom how she felt hearing you call Dahae your stepmother. It had never crossed your mind until now. 

“I didn’t like the idea at first, I have to admit, but who would?” She confessed. “It’s hard not to feel hurt or threatened, a whole load of different emotions,” she gave a small shrug, “but meeting Dahae, and seeing how kind a woman she was, and how much you meant to her made me see things differently.” 

You smiled, silently hoping that one Nana would think and feel the same way when it came to you. You could only cross your fingers and try your best in the meantime. 

Your mom nudged you, a playful lilt to her voice. “I think you’re very lucky to have two wonderful women in your life that love you and want the best for you – and yes, that’s a brag on my part.” 

You laughed with her, but your worries were getting the best of you again, turning you sombre. “What if Nana never accepts me though?” 

“I think you should only think about that if it happens,” she replied. “There’s no point expecting the worst right now.” 

You still didn’t feel very hopeful though, it was probably written all over your face. Sweeping some hair out of your eyes, your mother’s voice was soft. “Love, she had no idea you existed, I think her anger was warranted.” A pause, tone changing. “Although, not at you. I’m not very happy about that.” 

You chuckled at that. “It’s fine. You know I can look after myself.” You were feisty when you wanted to be, or scrappy as Seokjin had so comically put it once. 

Wrapping an arm around you once more, she squeezed you gently. “Talk to him.” She urged. “You miss him. This time apart is getting pointless, you already know how you feel.” 

You did. Your feelings were as strong as ever. 

You had been itching to pick up the phone last night and just call him already, but you’d said Saturday. You only had one day left at work, you could hold out until then. It would be better that way, you didn’t want to interrupt a potentially busy day. Friday’s were often crazy for him, you didn’t want to be a distraction. 

However, come morning break you bumped into Hoseok coming out of your classroom, eager to rush to your car and grab the apple that must have rolled out of your bag and onto the seat. (Hopefully – if it was on the floor it was going in the trash ASAP). 

“Hi, Y/N. How are you today?” He politely asked. 

“Fine, thank you.” Talking with Hoseok always came easily, regardless of his position as the principal. “Glad it’s the weekend tomorrow. How about you?” 

“My thoughts exactly,” he laughed, before adding, “Although, I hear Arin’s started hers early.” 

“Oh?” You were immediately lost. Had you missed something? You hadn’t seen Arin at school all week, which wasn’t strange. Your paths rarely crossed these days unless you were on yard duty, and if you were being honest, you were glad it hadn’t been this week. She must have had an inkling something was wrong right now, she hadn’t seen you at all since Sunday, so you were relieved to know you didn’t have to answer any awkward questions. It was selfish, you knew that, but you couldn’t help it. 

Hoseok looked confused by your reaction, but carried on regardless, shaking it off. “Seokjin called up yesterday, said she’d be visiting her mom earlier this weekend if it was possible. I figured maybe you and he had plans for tonight.” 

You froze, forcing yourself to reply because your boss was waiting for one. “Oh, no.” You swallowed, coming up blank. “No plans.” 

If Hoseok noticed your woodenness he didn’t let on. “One day couldn’t possibly hurt her education, right? But don’t tell the board I said that,” he added with a laugh. 

You made yourself join in, although your mind was racing. “Secret’s safe with me.” 

He smiled at you, giving you a nod. “Enjoy your weekend, alright? See you Monday.” 

Thank God he had somewhere to be. You nodded back, watching him already begin to walk away. “And you, Hoseok.” 

You proceeded to sit in your car for twenty minutes, half eaten apple already turning brown as you racked your brain. It wasn’t Nana’s weekend to have Arin. Was something wrong? You were probably being silly, conjuring up the worst case scenarios for no reason. If something had happened, Seokjin would have contacted you. He knew he could always count on you, but… You had told him you needed space and he’d agreed. He was a man of his word, so if something had happened, what if he thought he couldn’t call you?

You pulled your phone out of your bag at the thought, clicking on his contact but stopped yourself when you saw the time. You had just under five minutes to be back at class… I’m being irrational, you told yourself. If something was wrong he would have informed Hoseok, and the principal sounded absolutely fine. You were worrying for no reason. If something had happened, something bad, he wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to you. You knew that, and so did he. Only a few more hours and you’d get to talk to him. Most of those involved sleep. You could wait until tomorrow morning. You could. 

.

.

You couldn’t. 

It was half 9 and you were home alone. It was Soojung and Taehyung’s date night and she was spending the night at his place, so all you had for company were your own thoughts – and RJ, the alpaca plush Seokjin had won for all those months previous. You couldn’t possibly wait until tomorrow, your mom was right, what was the point in waiting when you knew how you felt. You wanted to see Seokjin, to talk to him and feel him. You missed him like crazy. 

Turning the television down low you grabbed for your phone which had slipped in between the sofa cushions. This time you didn’t hesitate, no work commitments calling your name, and dialled Seokjin’s number straight away. He picked up after only two rings. 

 “Y/N,” he breathed, sounding more than surprised. 

“Hey, you,” you smiled into the receiver. It felt good to hear his voice again. 

“I wasn’t expecting you to call tonight.” 

“Sorry, I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” 

“Of course not. Well,” he paused to laugh, “I was just about to head to bed.” 

He sounded a lot like his usual self tonight, it eased your mind. You laughed along softly, a confession slipping past your lips. “I was going to wait until tomorrow but Soojung is with Taehyung tonight and being alone means I can’t stop thinking about you.” 

You heard a sigh of relief his end. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you all week.” The longing in his voice didn’t go unnoticed. “Are you ready to talk? I’m willing to answer any questions you have.” 

“I’m ready,” you nodded. “Should I come over? I don’t want to do this over the phone.” 

“I can come to you?” He suggested instead. “Arin’s with Nana until Sunday.” 

“Oh.” You thought to ask him how come, but stopped yourself, you could get to that in person. He didn’t sound upset, which you took as a good sign. “Okay. Now?” 

“It’s not too late?” He checked. 

“No, it’s fine.” You were eager, shaking you head as you replied, and you couldn’t stop yourself from smiling. “I really want to see you.” 

You could hear his smile too. “I’ll be there soon, okay? Really soon.” You heard his footsteps along the floor, the sound of a drawer opening as if he was finding something to wear. 

“Don’t speed,” you added, as a joke more than anything. 

“Of course I won’t,” he laughed. “I’m going to hang up now but I won’t be long.” 

“Okay, see you soon, Seokjin.” It was silly, but you didn’t want the phone call to end even though in under half an hour he’d be here. 

But you could be patient. 

You could. 

Written 2020 - 2021. Please refrain from posting my work elsewhere. No translations allowed. © floralseokjin 2021

[the-cult-of-russo]

In the Stars

Pairing: Billy Russo x Reader 

Request: hi! i was wondering if you could do a billy russo x reader in which the reader is the opposite of him because she’s carefree and dyes her crazy colors and is into astrology and basically just different but hes still really intrigued by her. thank you!

A/N: okay so this one was fun because you basically described me lmao I don't know what Billy's DOB is, but I made him a Scorpio because I mean… how could I not? Looool

Also this is kinda AU cause in my head Billy doesn't betray Frank and they all live happily ever after. Don't come at me 😂

Warnings: cursing, kinda fluff. I don't know, it's kinda playful or whatever. Just a short cute thingymabob. I already have an idea for a part two if anyone wants it. 🤔

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

You were late for work but it wasn't really your fault. You'd been distracted by the bookstore on the way and found a couple of astrology books that were calling to you. Not your fault. Not one bit. But now you were practically running down the street, books in your arms as you tried to get to work. 

You wouldn't really be in trouble. Your best friend was your boss. Gemma owned a flower shop and you'd worked there since she opened. She was the face of the shop, always in the front greeting the customers and putting together beautiful flower arrangements, whereas you lurked in the back where the 'garden' was. The back was like a giant greenhouse and you'd often water the plants and talk to them about your day. Talking to them was supposed to help them grow better. You wanted them to be happy. 

You jingled as you ran, the many bracelets and necklaces you wore clinking together as you weaved through the sea of people on the streets. You weren't panicking about getting in trouble or Gemma being mad. The plants needed watering and you didn't want them to miss out on your tale of the weird dream you'd had. 

You barely noticed the looks people gave you. You knew you probably looked a little crazy as you barrelled down the street and your hair often attracted some attention. It was currently lavender but you changed it every few weeks. You got bored with it easily and you loved switching it up. Gemma often compared you to a mood ring. 

You weren't really paying attention to where you were going and as you ran past the coffee shop, you collided with someone just as they left. You felt the splash of hot coffee all over your chest as firm arms grabbed you to keep you steady. Your books fell to the floor as you cursed at the burning and crouched to scoop them back up 

"Shit, I'm sorry," a silky voice met your ears. You glanced up at the man, the very fancy and attractive man in a suit, and smiled.

"It's fine. It was my fault," you said softly, gripping the books as you stood back up. He took out his pocket square and you couldn't help but snort as you took it and dabbed at your chest. 

"You sure you're okay? I just spilled hot coffee on you," he frowned. It was stinging but you'd be fine. You handed him the pocket square back but you were still a little damp. 

"Seriously, don't worry about it. Mercury's in retrograde right now so I'm not surprised," you snorted softly. He quirked a brow looking curious and his dark eyes flit to the books in your arms. Both his brows raised then.

"Astrology?" He asked, sounding amused. 

"Don't give me that look. Be skeptical all you want but this shit is real," you huffed playfully. He grinned and you almost swooned. How was it legal to be that attractive? He needed to be arrested. 

"I guess I'll take your word for it," he murmured. 

You didn't miss how his gaze kept wandering and it made you feel like a tiny person was inside of you lighting a fire. You gave him a good once over yourself and when your eyes landed back on his, he looked like the cat that ate the canary as he caught your wandering eyes.

"Let me guess… you're a Scorpio?" You asked with a smirk. His brows rose again and he chuckled, tilting his head a little. 

"Alright… that's just weird," he snorted. 

You stood there for a moment, both watching each other. You were so intent on basking in his presence that you almost forgot you were late for work.

"Well, as much as I'd love to stay here and chat with the beautiful stranger that gave me third degree burns, I'm late for work," you grinned cheekily at him.

He looked caught off guard for less than a second before he laughed and the sound made you tingle all over.

"Do I at least get to know your name?" He smirked softly. Your grin widened and you shook your head.

"Where's the mystery in that?" You asked playfully, making him chuckle. You shot him another smile as you moved around him, picking up your pace but not running anymore. You were smiling like an idiot and when you glanced over your shoulder, he was watching you with a weird look on his face. It was a mix of amusement and curiosity.

"I'm an Aries by the way!" You called to him with a cheeky wink. He chuckled, shaking his head incredulously before you turned back around. 

Wow. He seriously shouldn't be allowed to just walk around looking like that. It was a health risk for everyone. You were practically giddy by the time you came into the shop.

"What's with you?" Gemma snorted. She was behind the counter arranging some flowers.

"I just met the most handsome guy on the planet and now I'm all sticky," you grinned, making a startled laugh leave Gemma's lips.

"Wow, I don't even want to ask," she smirked. 

You beamed at her, setting the books on the counter as you leaned on it on the opposite side. 

"I ran into him and he spilled his hot coffee on me," you gestured to your red tinged chest and Gemma rolled her eyes goodnaturedly. 

"Of course you did," she smiled softly. You had a reputation of being kind of clumsy. Well, it was more like your head was in the clouds so you didn't pay enough attention. You were constantly almost being hit by cars. It might be a problem. 

"Oh man…. He was just… ugh. And he's a Scorpio," you wiggled your brows with a mischievous smile and Gemma laughed.

"Well shit, did you get his number?" She asked curiously.

"Nope. He asked for my name and I didn't give it. I don't know… I just have this feeling I'll see him again sometime," you shrugged. 

People thought you were weird but your intuition was never wrong. After Gemma shook her head again with a smile you slipped into the garden with a bright grin. 

"Hello, little ones. Let me tell you about Mr Coffee," you grinned, filling up the watering can before you started watering the plants as you regalled them with your encounter with the handsome stranger. You really hoped you were right and that you'd see him again. Honestly, you kind of hoped he'd get you sticky in another way. 

--------

Billy was almost dazed as he sat at his desk around noon.  He couldn't get the girl with the purple hair out of his head. Kept thinking of her smile, her eyes, her fucking everything. He was a goner as soon as she flashed him that cheeky grin and his thoughts kept drifting to her. 

Frank walked in the office with some sandwiches as he always did as they shared their lunch break together. He quirked a brow at Billy being so distracted as he plonked down in the chair on the other side of the desk.

"What's with you?" He asked gruffly, slightly amused. Billy blinked a little, shaking his head as he reached for his sandwich.

"It's nothin'," he huffed, unwrapping the food. 

Frank squinted slightly before a sly grin crept onto his face.

"Who is she?" He asked knowingly. Billy snorted, shaking his head again. 

"I don't know. Didn't get her name but apparently she's an Aries," he smirked. Frank barked a laugh before Billy told him about what happened.

"Oh man. She sounds like a handful. You must be losing your charm, man. Billy the Beaut couldn't even get her name," Frank chortled. Billy squinted, thoroughly offended as he balled up the sandwich wrapper and tossed it at his best friend. 

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. I gotta feelin' I'll see her again. I'll get her name and number then," he smirked confidently. 

[underatedcharactersunite]

The Iron Queen

Summary - The Iron Queen is a legend, a myth even. However, Ivar the Boneless wants to prove her existance. When he does, it's almost as if Fate brings them together, so the two of them can become legendary together....

Pairing - Ivar the Boneless x Female Reader 

WordCount - 2, 919 

Warnings - Angst, mentions of upcoming battles.  

For @youbloodymadgenius 1K Writing Challenge. Congratulations!                                                          »»————-　♔　————-««

Before the Iron Queen became to be, she was a legendary warrior Princess. She was a ruthless and tactful warrior in every sense of the word. There was no weapon she couldn't master, sword, shield, bow and arrow, axe or spear. She could use it all and use them well. In many minds, she was the perfect warrior, a combination of talent and intelligence. Y/N was loved among the warriors alike.

However, that all changed when Y/N became the Iron Queen of Mountmead. Unlike the other Kings, Y/N's Father final wish was to abolish their eldest law. From this day forth, until the end of time, whether the firstborn child is a son or daughter, they would be heir to the throne. Y/N's Father adapted the law to give his only daughter and child the throne.

This angered the surrounding Kings and Lords. Their ideologies were simple. a woman was not fit to rule. A woman was far too emotional to make rational decisions. They were unfit to lead armies and clueless in battle strategy, so the death of the King of Mountmead brought the potential to expand their lands despite the crowing of a new Queen. They had no respect or loyalty to her. They saw Y/N as a weak and passive woman, but they didn't realise how wrong they were.

Within the first several months of her coronation, Y/N and her army encountered six different battles. In every battle, Y/N was there leading her army to defeat the enemies that threatened her people. She refused to be seen as weak.

These battles created and enforced the Queen. She was to be cool and calculating, skilled and intellectual. Y/N made certain she surrounded herself with her closest and loyal advisors. Ser Favian was the head of her Queensguard. He'd also been the head of her Father's Kingsguard. A man who had been there from the day her Father was coronated. Secondly, there was Ser Conadus, head of her army and key battle Strategist. Ser Conadus was also her loyal confidant. After all, he'd been there for every major milestone in her life. There was no circumstance or situation Y/N couldn't speak to Ser Conadus about.

As Ferocious as Y/N was on the battlefield, she still maintained kindness in her heart. She often walked the streets, discussing the issues that were arising and how they could be solved. Y/N was able to provide reassurance to her people. Y/N made time in her day as frequently as possible to see people, to converse with traders. She kept a brave face for them all.

Hidden behind that brave face laid the devasting truth. Life as her people knew it was threatened. The surrounding Lords and Kings made a collective decision to bring their armies together to create an army of the thousands. While the Great Army of Mountmead was no easy defeat. Their numbers were no-where near as large. Y/N didn't know how to solve their issues. Repeatedly, she reached out to offer a truce to the other Lords and Kings, but it was no luck. They all desired Mountmead for themselves and they believed they were going to take it from the Iron Queen. They shared no resources and implemented laws in their Kingdoms. If any person was caught trading with the Iron Queen or any member of Mountmead, they were executed without question. This restricted the Iron Queen to land. No boats, to sail in search of allies. They were stuck. All of them in mortal danger.

Unbeknownst, to Y/N someone, had been looking for her. As fate would have it, the idea of a legendary warrior Princess turned Queen had become a legendary story. It had spread through many Kingdoms and lands with several different variations. Most believed these tales of the Iron Queen to be nothing more than that, tales.

Except one, Ivar the Boneless believed different. Ivar believed the Iron Queen, Y/N of Mountmead, existed and, he was determined to find her. In the beginning, Ivar had no idea where to begin his search, so he sent scouts to the North, South, East and West. When they returned, they came up empty. However, Ivar refused to give in. Ivar proceeded to continue to send his Scouts out each time, further and in different directions. Each time they came up without sight of the Iron Queen.

This continued until one trip the scouts returned to Kattegat with news of the discovery. His latest scouting mission had been a success. With this new information, Ivar knew hr needed to act quickly. Instructing the scouts to gather his brothers into the Great Hall, he sat down and waited for them to arrive. Ivar waited and waited for his brothers when they finally walked in.

"How do I always arrive before you?" Ivar questioned as all of his brothers took their seats.

"Because you decided to meet us here Ivar." Ubbe retorted as he paid attention to his youngest brother.

"Ivar, why have you gathered us here?" Bjorn questioned.

"Because I have found the Iron Queen."

"Your lying!" Sigurd yelled as Ivar smirked. Ivar didn't mind being underestimated. Sigurd was only jealous, he hadn't been able to do it.

"Why would I lie, Sigurd? My scouts have drawn a map to her Kingdom, and I wish to go visit her because she is in terrible danger?"

"Is she as beautiful as they say she is?" Hvitserk questioned. All of his brothers turned to look at him.

"Ivar informs us the Iron Queen is in danger, and that is the first question you have, Hvitserk." Sigurd responds as Hvitserk shrugs."

"A man has to know these things, Sigurd."

"Yes, the Iron Queen is more beautiful than she's described as. However, if someone doesn't help her, then no-one is going to see her beauty in person."

"Why is she in danger? Ubbe questioned as he poured a horn of mead, taking a large sip.

"The surrounding Lords and Kings do not respect her as Queen. When they're from, they believe women are unable to lead and participate in the battle. Although Y/N has been in more battles than most of the surrounding Kings and Lords."

"You say she's been in many battles, so why is she in danger?"

"Because Ubbe, the surrounding Lords and Kings have grouped to create one large army. According to the scouts, the Iron Queen has a decent sized army, but not one large enough to defeat them."

"What's in it for us?" Why should we help a stranger?"

"Isn't it obvious, Bjorn? We go to the Iron Queen, offer ourselves as an ally in exchange for the first selection of any the lands we conquer."

"That seems to be a fair trade. Whatever lands we take can be used as a new settlement and a base for further exploration. I say we go."

"Thank you Hvitserk. Anyone else?"

"I am coming with you," Sigurd responds to Ivar's surprise.

"I will come just to keep an eye on all three of you. Perhaps we should extend the offer to Harald and Halfdan. They could be useful to us."

"That is a good idea, Ubbe. What says you, Bjorn?"

"I shall stay here, make sure Kattegat remains running smoothly. If the God's desire us to meet, it shall be."

That night the sons of Ragnar began to create plans to set sail to Mountmead and the Iron Queen. They set sail with a small part of their army, with the plan that more men would follow days later. Help was coming to the Iron Queen and she didn't even know it.

                                           »»————-　♔　————-««

Y/n had been in meetings all morning, they'd already attempted to plan out their defence attacks, but there was always a weak spot in their armour. There was no use, they simply needed more men. Men they didn't have.

"My Queen, we will figure it out. They haven't beaten us yet." One of the small council commented as Y/N examined the map once more.

"What we need is a miracle. Unfortunately, they don't happen often and early enough" It was as if someone was listening to her desires as Ser Favian came bursting through the door.

"My Queen, men have arrived on the shore. They hold no banner or sail. They don't appear to be apart of any of the surrounding threats."

"Lord Pollack, will you continue to lead this meeting in my absence. Ser Conadus will you accompany me to the Thron, Ser Favian will you gather some of the Queensguard to watch the remaining men. Bring the leaders to the throne room."

"Yes, of course, My Queen." They nodded and bowed respectfully as Y/N already stepped away from the meeting with Ser Conadus flanked her as she feared the worst.

"Nicholas, I don't think I can deal with any further setbacks. We're already at war on land, we can't compete with threats from the ocean as well."

"Relax my dear. ;Perhaps this is a beneficial meeting. You need to keep calm, just because we're at war doesn't mean everyone's a threat. Remember, your lessons." As the large, solid oak doors opened, someone announced the Iron Queen as she raised her head high, removing any emotion in her mind and gaze.

Although Y/N's attention was already directed towards one of the men in front of her. All of the men had knelt except one."

"I told you to kneel." Ser Favian attempted to force the man onto his knees, but Y/N noticed the glimmer of the buckle her pace quickened.

"Ser Favian, can you not see the restraints on his legs . Since when did we treat our guests so poorly." Ser Favian backed away immediately kneeling.

"I'm sorry, forgive Ser Favian it was a simple misunderstanding." Noticing a chair in the corner, Y/N walked over and picked up the chair and brought it up towards the man, placing it behind him.

That's when Y/N caught the first proper glimpse of the man. The piercing blue eyes, the muscular arms, his smirk etched onto his face as he observed your expression scan all over him. You hadn't glanced at his brothers, Harald or Halfdan or Floki. Just him.

Ivar was just as mesmerised by her as she was him. Y/N was just as beautiful as his scouts had told him she was. She was both assertive and confident. Ivar wanted to know her and no-one was going to stop him from getting what he know desired the most.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, My Queen. My name is Ivar the Boneless, these are my brothers, as well as Harald Finehair, Halfdan the Black and Floki. We are here to offer our services." Ivar confidently took ahold of Y/N's hand without, hesitating brought her knuckles up and brushed his lips against them. Ivar did not miss the way her eyes widened in shock, momentarily before her composure regained.

"Y/N lowered her head as she stepped back towards the steps to her throne once she was seated, she called for everyone to raise as she once more looked towards Ivar the Boneless.

"You wish to offer your services to me, and the Kingdom of Mountmead, why?"

"I believe together we could be an unstoppable force. We have all heard of your battles and the current threat that you have surrounding you. My Queen, we have the numbers you need." Tuning to Ser Conadus, Y/N examined his gaze as she attempted to read his expression.

"What would you receive in return for your men?"

"First choice of any land that is gained in the result of war." Truth be told, Y/N was beginning to run out of strategic options and perhaps Ivar and the rest of them was her only hope.

"I accept your terms Ivar the Boneless. Ser Favian will see that the rest of the men are given a warm place to sleep. Ser Conadus, would you see that Ivar the Boneless and the rest of his party settle in well."

"Wait my Queen, I have a gift for you." One of Ivar's brothers, called someone forward as they laid a box onto the ground, standing Y/N walked down the stairs as two of Y/N's guard lifted the lid. In the box, it appeared to be a shield with bright colours painted on it.

"Thank you-"

"Hvitserk, my Queen." Smiling, Y/N could already tell that Hvitserk that was the most mischievous out of all of the brothers.

"Thank you Hvitserk." Once more, another brother stepped forward, this time he insisted on carrying the box towards the Iron Queen. Once the lid was lifted it, it revealed a strange looking instrument.

“I an teach you to play it, if you’d like my Queen.” 

“Thank you, that would be lovely-” 

“Sigurd, my Queen.” 

“Thank you, Sigurd.” 

“My Queen, I have one last gift for you. Unfortunately, it does not fit through the castle walls.” Ivar’s voice broke Y/N’s concentration and soon the two of them were accompanied by Ser Conadus and Floki. As Y/N continued to walk silently, Y/N kept pace with Ivar as the two appeared to be heading to the docks. 

“Your Grace, why are people so threatened by a woman?” Floki questioned as Y/N turned towards Floki. 

“In these parts, a woman is believed to be unable to rule. Women are unable to rule because they believe they are unable to think clearly or learn the ways of War. According to them, they shouldn’t have to fight to take my Kingdom, I should bow and give it to them,” 

“We can’t let that happened now can we. Don’t worry Iron Wueen, we will bring them to their knees.” The four of them stepped onto the docks, Y/N glanced around them, wondering what it could be. 

“Turn around my Queen.” Turning around, there was a boat. It was unlike any boat Y/N had seen before stepping closer, was her gift on the boat? 

“What do you think my Queen?” Ivar questioned as Y/N was still unsure what Ivar had given her. Then it dawned on her. 

“The boat, it’s mine. I couldn’t possibly except it.” 

“Why not? The other boat builders refuse to build you a boat so Floki build you a boat. It could be one of many perhaps, if you so desired.” 

“I wouldn’t know the first thing about sailing or running  a boat.” 

“Don’t worry. we can show you, your Grace/” Floki replied as the wind blew while the flag gushed in the wind. 

“Thank you, both of you. You have no idea how important and appreciated this is for me and my Kingdom.” 

“You are more than welcome. I believe this is a start to a beautiful relationship.” 

                                »»————-　♔　————-««

The next few days, were manic, as new voices gave new insight and strategies. Their culture was vastly different from Y/N’s, they’re war and battle strategies gave Y/N a unique way of seeing the up and coming battle. 

One thing that Y/N noticed immediately was the high intensity of the sons of Ragnar sibling rivalry, specifically between Ivar and Sigurd.  

Each time she began a discussion with either one of them, she could practically feel the glares at the back of her head. It only proved her point, they were always trying to compete with one another. 

One morning in particular, Y/N had broken her fast early so she could take a peaceful morning walk, before chaos ensured. 

What should have been a peaceful walk turned into Sigurd following her around discussing how terrible his younger brother was/ Y/N kept quiet while she listened to Sigurd go on about how vicious his brother was. According to Sigurd, Ivar was a monster who had no right to be in her company. Sigurd told her to listen to his words carefully.

Y/N had listened to his words closely, except she’d drawn a completely different conclusion. It was clear to Y/N that Ivar did have his fair share of problems, he was often angry and nearly always had a sombre attitude. Except Y/N was able to dig through the initial layer and realise how much more there was to him. 

While Y/N had appreciated Sigurd’s advice, she’d informed him that she could make her own judgement on Ivar and the rest of them. When her and Sigurd parted ways, he warned her once more. 

                                »»————-　♔　————-««

Later that night as Y.N headed to her chambers, tired from yet another day of back to back small council meetings and war strategy meetings. Y/N had grown tired and in desperate need of sleep. 

Y/N should have known that nothing was ever that simple as she was walking past Ivar’s room, she heard a commotion. Barging through the door, she became quickly aware that Ivar was one the floor in some form of distress.” 

“Are you okay?” 

“I don’t need your help!” Ivar snapped, however, the Iron Queen knelt onto the ground beside him.” 

“Okay, then I shall sit with you then.” 

“Wouldn’t you rather spend time with my brother, Sigurd” Y/N rolled her eyes sitting down on the floor, she stretched her legs so they were diagonally with each other. 

“I gather you never heard the end of the conversation. If you had you would have heard myself inform Sigurd that I am capable of making my own decisions. For sometime now Ivar you had my curiosity but now you have my attention” Ivar smirked, this conversation was about to get interesting. 

[starshiningsirius]

Like old times (Yandere Azul x reader)

@bryzie27 - i like what you did with overblot leona. could you do something similar with overblot azul?

Not sure what you mean like the chase scene? The dynamics of Octanivelle's structure still aren't quite clear to me if they can go out in the water but I'll try!

I FORGOT THE GIF IS FROM @flowerofthemoonworld !

Let's give the octopus some love!

"Hey, your Azul right?"

He lifted his head to look at who had spoken to him. It was a mermaid with a strange speckled tail that added to her beauty. She seemed to be more of the reserved type. Her hair had two streaks of the same color on either side of her face and the rest was all one color. Her eyes shimmered radiantly.

He could feel a rush of heat claim his entire face.

"Here." She handed him his books.

"W -why are you doing this?" The young octopus sniffled.

He wasn't expecting this, not with the way everyone else treated him. It didn't make any sense why you'd treat him kindly. A freakish eight legged merman who couldn't swim correctly.

"It's the right thing to do, Azul. I couldn't just swim away with you like this. It'd be immoral."

From that first encounter on forward they became friends. She helped him walk and swim a bit better considering he found it embarrassing. She didn't even have tentacles yet she instructed him so well.. Maybe he inked once or twice, a few times around her on accident, he swears! It didn't matter she was fine with it. She didn't mind one bit who he was.

Even when they went to the Atlantica Museum she stayed by his side and explored it with him. He was a bit slow considering his physique was on the chubby side so he wasn't fast. It still didn't matter, for some odd reason she stayed with him. In the picture commemorating the trip he held her hand since he was a bit self conscious about his picture being taken.

Y/n couldn't help but find it adorable. Everything about Azul wasn't at all strange to her it only made her more curious to get to know him. He would always apologize for any small thing he did wrong. She would always say, "It's fine." as if he did nothing. Her smile always seemed to brighten Azul's darkest days.

She'd visit him in his family restaurant in which his mother and father always welcomed his first friend. They were overjoyed. She saw him gorging himself on the plate of food in front of him compared to her smaller portion. She couldn't help but to stare, it made her understand why he was on the chubby side. Then he looked at her sauce around his mouth and she couldn't help but smile at him with laughter filling the area. He was embarrassed blushing a shade of red and he felt a bit ashamed.

"Azulie, you're absolutely adorable!" She said through her laughter.

It was one of his most fondest memories he ever had with her, but all good things had to come to an end.

Eventually she had to depart from the northern seas to the far southern ones. She had to leave Azul behind. She had given him a hug it was full of so much warmth of which he had never felt before and it made his heart race twice as fast. Both parents of the children found it endearing their children had found a friend.

. . .

And that was that. Time passed and he eventually became Azul Ashengrotto the dorm leader of Octanivelle who could grant any wish just as the sea witch. He could never ever forget the one person he was so fond of though. It never left him every time he wrote down a contract he could remember a time where he truly did care for someone.

The new year at Night Raven was his second year while a new group of first years came entering the school. He had ordered Jade to get information on each of them and when he went through the long list of students that had been sorted into Octanivelle while in his office. He immediately crossed one oh so familiar.

Y/n L/n.

He couldn't believe his eyes. He put the sheet of paper down and opened one of his drawers in the desk that showed him and her back then. He never altered this photo as he did countless others. She accepted him for who he was and that was well enough a reason for him to admire her.

He automatically called upon Jade as Floyd would have probably scared the poor girl. He told him to fetch her immediately.

When he finally did see her for the first time in years he was astounded at how you changed so little but so much at the same time. You had grown taller and your eyes still sparkled just as they always did. You had the same two streaks on either side of your hair which had grown a few inches he might add.

Jade had left to do other tasks he was assigned but Azul couldn't care less seeing as he had his childhood friend and sweetheart in front of him.

"Azulie, that really is you huh?" Your voice had matured but was more timid just like the very first time they met. Of course it was so long ago that they're more like strangers now. That nickname though, it's been a long time since he's heard it.

"Yes, I've changed quite a bit." He was a little nervous though he'd never admit it his voice slightly betrayed him and his face had a little red tint. He tried pushing up his glasses to shield it from her eyes but it was a futile attempt. He heard her chuckle that made his heart race like never before.

"You haven't changed fully as your still the most adorable by far." She said.

That made his face blossom as red as a rose in the rose maze of Heartsbyul. Heat was exerting itself from his still body that he sat in the chair from.

From that moment on he would keep a watchful eye on her. He would always try his best when she was around and get any info on anything going on pertaining to her.

She had met Floyd and Jade before who Azul wasn't too fond of at first, but she reccomended he became friends with them back then since it wasn't everyday someone didn't come up to tease him and noticed his accomplishments. Of course it was only because of Azul that they met again at Night Raven. The first time she met Jade was when he first brought her to see Azul in his office. He looked familiar to her and she mentioned it to him, and they both shared their fondest memories on the way. She met Floyd a little later on in the Mostro Lounge as he had taken her order and he noticed she had come in a lot just to see Azul. Jade had to explain the situation that she wasn't required to pay for any food she ate there because of an order Azul had given out.

Azul would spend some time out of the day to just hang out with you if he wasn't always busy with the lounge. It was always a joy to be with you, it reminded him of when you were both younger. He thought back to those days every night and day that you had still never left his mind. The thought of you leaving again made him lose his sense of reason and fall deeper in his sweet obsession.

He had started to act different you noticed. He had become a bit more invasive of your personal space in which you remember that only happened when he was nervous at least you thought he grew out of it.

Jade and Floyd began to direct you to the Lounge like your life was there and no where else. It'd only be a matter of time before Azul was informed by Jade of his sweetheart's newest infatuation.

Vil happened to catch your attention. It led Azul to be green with envy. He knew the dorm leader of Pomeifore had complimented her one day and it was enough to send her falling head over heels. He had so many followers it made no sense why he had to take something else Azul had wanted for the longest time. With Vil's beauty he only began to question his own.

He had to come up with a solution just as he had done for those bullies. He just couldn't lose Y/n again. Not if he had any say in it.

After hours of pondering in his office sinking his nails into his desk the answer happened to be right behind him. The vault that was situated behind his desk held the many contracts he had collected.

Maybe if he could impress her she wouldn't see him as that stupid, clumsy octopus he once was. All these different magic spells that he obtained from those fools from the exams on land in Night Raven and those idiots who swam under the sea.

That's when his plan fell apart. Y/n avoided him all of a sudden. Mainly having spent time with those troublesome first years he sent to the museum to collect one of the last remnants of his past.

He didn't have time to keep thinking about Y/n at the moment which irritated him quite a bit. One thing led to another and now he was out here trying to negotiate with the arrogant and prideful dorm head of Savanclaw. As soon as he destroyed them all hope was lost.

He was taunting him, but his next few words really took him over the top in terms of a sadistic being.

"You know, one of your little sea friends really wanted to believe you were nice. We just had to show her the real Azul Ashengrotto." Leona had smirked turning his head to the side, beyond the corner of the tunnel his darling angelfish had appeared. Disbelief in her eyes, she couldn't even meet his eyes.

That's when everyone else had arrived, but the deed was already done. He had lost everything and his angelfish had seen him as a weak being, the same stupid clumsy octopus he hated being.

They took her from his side. He had her in his grasp and they stole her. He had lost it.

His newborn and unimaginable power were apparent now. He just had to get it all back. Not even Floyd or Jade wanted to help him either.

He reminded himself of you holding your pen ready to fire another offensive attack. His anger swelled inside him where he could tap into more power.

"GIVE HER BACK TO ME! GIVE ME BACK WHAT YOU TOOK! "

A large swarm of harsh black wind had overwhelmed the group. She still managed to stand but when the dust cleared she saw all of them had collapsed unconscious. Even the prefect who was thrown back the farthest had their head hit the tunnel, it didn't look like she was breathing from here though.

She took a look back at Azul and suddenly she felt her feet carrying her away from the scene, having Azul call out to her from behind.

* * *

It's been a while since she had to swim that fast. Her tail fin was starting to hurt from the constant movement. She wanted to take a break, a never ending nightmare she pleaded in her head to be over.

That was until she heard him calling for her.

"Oh Angelfish! You really have nothing to fear! Come out I promise I won't hurt you!" He said in a sing songy voice.

She was hiding behind a large boulder on the sea floor near a small coral reef.

"Am I not enough anymore?! I'LL DO ANYTHING TO PROVE IT! I'M NOT THE SAME AS BEFORE, YOU DON'T HAVE TO LOOK AFTER ME! " The tone of voice he had scared her even more so now that she was alone.

"I'm not, ... I'm not that stupid clumsy little octopus anymore." He sounded as if he were about to cry, it pulled at her heartstrings a bit and she thought she could convince him to calm down in this state.

"Azulie I never-"

"There you are! " He said with glee and delight in his tone, that never would have made you think he was sad in the first place.

He successfully guilt tripped her into coming out of hiding. Using his tentacles he pulled her by the tail toward him careful to avoid giving her any injuries. He grasped her in his arms feeling himself relax a bit, at the fact he had her in his grasp once again. She felt warm just as she did all those years ago for him.

He clasped her hands together with his. A deranged smile on his face as he stared into the soul of his adorable little angelfish who shivered under such an intense gaze radiating his madness.

"We'll be together again! Just like old times! Except this time I'm all powerful and no one will be able to steal what's mine!"

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