#I’ve been realizing that I really really miss going to the gym late at night

[floral-hex]

ayyyyyyy I set up an appointment for medication this Friday (telemedicine but whatever) and I get to see my former therapist again later this month. I’m kind of excited. More than kind of. Little sad, but I’m lonely and want to talk to someone. He’s a real cool dude. I’m a little worried to trauma dump the last 6 months on him, but whatever, it beats sitting there for an hour feeling like I’m wasting his time and struggling to think of things to say. dang dang dang, I’m excited.

[serenestyles]

Pick me up.

Warnings- alcohol consumption, pet names and that's it really. Please let me know if I missed anything.

Summary- You and Harry haven't seen each other in a while, you're both head over heels for each other but neither of you will acknowledge it. You give him a call and he picks you up on his way home.

A/N- This is based on the unreleased song 'Pick me up' because its been stuck in my head for absolutely ages. This took me forever to write, I don't know why. I'm British so we use 'realised' instead of 'realized' etc. This piece is absolutely awful in my opinion but, nevertheless. I hope you enjoy :)

Feel free to send me any asks!🩷

➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽

➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽➽

You sighed as you scrolled through your contacts on your phone, desperately trying to find his name. You and Harry hadn’t seen much of each other in the past few weeks. God, it was nearly a month. You were swamped with work and found yourself working late at the office almost every day. Harry was spending all of his time either in the studio, writing, at the gym or resting. He was exhausted from touring and you knew and respected that. 

You finally found his name in your contacts, Harry with a little pink flower emoji next to it. You smiled as you remembered the day you had changed his contact name to that. He had brought you some pretty pink tulips and taken you to the studio to play you demos of some songs that he had been working on (which had you smiling about it ear to ear for weeks). 

It was a Friday night and you had nothing better to do than lie on your bed and think about the man you so desperately wanted to be with. Your thumb hovered above his name. You contemplated pressing on it for a second until you finally took a deep breath and tapped it. You held the phone to your ear, listening to the first ring. You really weren’t too sure if he was going to pick up or not, you just laid there and hoped for the best. The second ring sounded through your ears, then the third and then the fourth. You were just about to lose hope until halfway through the fifth ring, you heard his voice.

“Hi sweetheart.” A smile graced your lips as a picture of him with his phone to his ear, leaning against the wall with a small smirk on his face popped into your thoughts. 

“Hi Harry. I’m sorry I haven’t called much recently. I’ve been rushed off my feet.” The feeling of guilt washed over your body.

“Don’t apologise. I'm always working, it’s a problem but I stopped as soon as I saw your name pop up on my phone.” Harry let out a breathy chuckle. “I wasn’t expecting a call but, uh, what are you doing right now?” He asked.

“In all honesty, I’m doing absolutely nothing. I was calling to see when you were next free. I’ve missed you.” The last party was said sheepishly compared to the rest of the sentence.

“I’ve missed you too, love. But lucky for you, I’ve just wrapped some things up in the studio so I’ll pick you up on the way home. You can stay at mine tonight.” Harry sounded certain on that and who were you to contradict? The last part of the phone call was a rush, you said something along the lines of ‘Okay, thank you. See you soon H.’ and then you both said your goodbyes. 

As soon as the line went dead, you jumped out of bed. You practically ran over to your wardrobe and pulled the doors open to find something to quickly throw on and grab some things to throw into your overnight bag. You didn’t have to worry about grabbing a toothbrush because you already kept one at Harry’s house. You settled for a pair of leggings and a grey slogan printed sweatshirt to wear since it was quite chilly outside. It was simple but it made you look cute. Harry had always said that you pulled off anything that you wore. 

You waited by the door for a text from Harry to tell you that he was outside. Your nerves had you tapping your foot and running your fingers through your hair. Why were you nervous? It wasn’t as if this was your first time going to Harry’s House. Your phone vibrated in your hand and his name lit up your phone screen. The text read ‘I’m outside. Ready when you are x’. You took one deep breath and walked outside. You saw his car and he turned his head to look at you. He smiled. You swore that you could faint any time you saw that smile. You locked your door and jogged down the steps in front of your house and towards his car. 

After shutting the passenger door and clipping your seat belt in, you felt the air become thicker. You two made small talk and spoke about things that had happened in the time that you hadn’t seen each other. It was then that you realised how seriously busy he had been. 

“You didn’t have to come and get me tonight you know. You could’ve told me how busy you were! I know I said I wanted to see you but I could’ve waited for a few days.” You felt awful. You wished he’d told you to wait until he actually had a free day and had at least taken time to give himself some rest. A smirk tugged at his mouth. “It was my choice to come and get you wasn’t it? It's been a while, that's okay though. Let's be honest, you called me and said you missed me. Of course I wanted to see you as soon as possible so I picked you up. Your house is basically on my way home anyway.” At that point, you questioned why you hadn’t made it official yet. You both so clearly wanted each other. 

You had both silently decided that you were each others after that night that you met. It had been casual for months since then. Neither of you had been with anyone else. You were basically together, you kept a toothbrush at his house, you would spend every night at one of your houses when you were both free and you would buy each other little gifts here and there but neither of you had actually made it official yet. You seriously wondered why but now wasn’t the time to bring it up.

Before long, you found yourself at the familiar door of Harry’s house. Excitement bubbled in your stomach at knowing that in moments you would finally be embraced by the home-y smell and feeling of his home that made you feel at ease instantly once again. 

As you walked in, you took your bag from off of your shoulder and placed it down. Harry walked into his kitchen and leant on the kitchen island, the open plan of his house still allowing him to see you putting your bag down and taking yourself over to him. 

You leant on your elbows at the opposite side of the island to him. You looked into his eyes. “Hi.” He said softly, his eyes creasing with a wide smile on his face. That smile. You were thankful that you were leaning on something that would hold your weight because your legs were honestly about to give out. That man made you so weak and he knew it. He just didn’t know to what extent. 

You two talked. About what? Literally anything and everything. Once Harry had cracked open a bottle of the red wine that he knew you especially liked, you two couldn’t stop chit-chatting. 

You started by reminiscing the times you had been out on little dates and how he had always brought you a bouquet of flowers when he showed up at your door to come and get you. Then the pair of you moved on to talk about all the random things that happened whilst you hadn’t seen each other. And then you let it slip that you’d had multiple fans ask you if you and Harry were a couple when you attended multiple of his shows. He didn’t really ask what you had said in response and had only just given you a smile sweeter than one you had seen all night whilst he let his gaze linger on you for longer than it usually did. From then on, you were too tipsy to recall most of what you had said.

The next thing you remembered was waking up the next morning in Harry’s bed with him. Your limbs were tangled around one another and he had you pulled against him in a tight hug. “Jesus.” you rasped. You saw Harry shift under you and heard him let out a breathy chuckle as you noticed the two nearly empty glasses of wine with the empty bottle of wine stood next to it on the bedside table. “We don’t need any more of that wine any time soon. We need water.” You stated matter-of-factly. When Harry opened his mouth to react, his phone started to vibrate. It wasn’t doing anything to help the great pounding in both of your heads. He frantically scrambled about to find the device whilst groaning at the ache that his entire body felt. “My mother’s calling.” He threw his head back as if he was in realisation of something. “Shit. It's Gemma’s birthday tomorrow and I forgot to pick up the cake that she ordered. I was meant to be there at ten” He swiped to answer Anne’s phone call and let himself fall back against the soft, plush pillows of his bed. You glanced at the clock on his bedside table. It was eleven o’clock already.

You raised yourself up slowly as Harry started speaking and decided to clear away the glasses and bottle of wine that the pair of you have left in the bedroom and tidy up any other mess you two had made throughout the night and into the early morning.

As you had finished cleaning the glasses that you had used and put them away, Harry emerged from his room. He looked unreal. You adored the sleepy smile on his face, the way his locks were all tousled and how his shirtless muscles flexed as he stretched his arms. He made his way over to you and started to speak in a sweet and audible mumble “I need to get ready and go m’love.” All he saw was how you looked over to him, poorly hiding the disappointment behind your eyes. He didn’t even need you to speak. He laced his arms around your waist and rested his chin on your head. “I know sweetheart. I know. I would rather spend most of the day here with you but I’ve got to go get that cake and then I’ve got a meeting at one and after that I’m going to Mum’s house.” You inhaled deeply and took in his scent. It puzzled you how he always smelt good. “When are you free again?” The sadness of your voice was slightly less prominent than you expected. However, you knew that he was a busy man and you were so grateful that he still made time for you. 

He unhooked his arms from you and stepped back so he could see you. “I don’t know, if I’m honest.” He sounded guilty and god, did you hate that. You looked up at him with a smile in an attempt to rid him of his tone. “That's okay. I understand. You’re a busy man H.” He looked down at you and his eyes lit up as if he had had an idea.

“Listen, I’m going to have an insane couple of weeks. I’ve got a load of shit to take care of but after I’ve finished it I’ll take a month off.” You went to protest but he silenced you before words left your mouth by placing both hands on your cheeks. “Don’t try and persuade me otherwise with your little ‘I’d feel awful’ thing. I want to take a month off and I want to spend every single day with you. Hell, I’ll take the rest of my days off if it means being with you” That man would be the death of you, you were sure of it. 

You met his eyes and yours lit up to match his. “Are you sure? You know how awful I’d feel and you’ll be swamped with so much shit to get done once you’ve had your time off.” You were so very clearly happy yet you still couldn’t stop yourself from rambling. Harry laughed. He fucking laughed. You stood there, mouth agape. “I was trying to warn you about how busy you’ll be when you get back to work, you dick.” He laughed again as he watched you shake your head and fight a smirk.

“I couldn’t care less about how busy I’ll be when I get back to work. I just want to spend time with you. I wasn’t laughing about you being concerned either, I just couldn’t help myself when you went on a rant. You are not going to convince me that this isn’t a good idea, okay?” You nodded in response with a massive grin like a Cheshire cat. 

You stood embracing each other for a few more minutes before you went and got a shower and Harry cleaned up the remains of the mess. The shower was refreshing and eased the pain in your head slightly. You changed into the clothes that you’d packed into your bag last night and made your way into the kitchen again. 

Harry had just headed for his shower. You sat yourself on one of the chairs situated around the island and patiently waited for him whilst checking your notifications that you’d missed. You’d had 12 texts from your best friend. Fuck. She definitely thought you were dead and you had some major explaining to do.

Harry emerged from his bedroom in a coral suit with a black button down underneath. Oh, he looked good. “Let me get you home angel.” He smirked before adding “You look good in that outfit y’know.” The blush that spread across your cheeks after was so prominent that you almost felt embarrassed. 

You gathered your things with his help and you both made your way to his car. You were almost disheartened to be going home, you craved more time with Harry but you knew that you didn’t have to wait too long until you had a month with him all to yourself. The drive was spent mostly in comfortable silence filled with the radio with the occasional little words between you .

The car came to a halt and you realised that you were home. You looked over to Harry. “Thank you Har, I’ve really missed you.” He beamed at you.“I’ve missed you too, I seriously have. I promise I’ll give you a call tonight.” He leant in to you and closed the gap between your mouths. It was a short peck yet was filled with emotion. You pulled back coyly. “Bye darling.” He beamed, once again. You said goodbye, grabbing your bag and exiting the car. You turned around and gave him a little wave. He returned it with a wink. You couldn’t comprehend how he kept getting more and more attractive to you as you spent more time with him. You unlocked your door as he drove off. When you entered your house, thoughts of him swam around your head.

You were utterly obsessed with him and you really didn’t know what to do about it.

[magickman1234]

Just Here for the Pictures

You tell everyone you’re here for the hot fat chicks getting fatter. You do live fat chicks but secretly you’re jealous. Once in a while you let yourself imagine getting that fat. You love them when they start to get awkwardly fat but honestly you want to be that fat. We see you looking at those obese chicks you like and look at yourself to see what’d you’re going to look like.

You spend hours fantasying about getting a bouncy belly hang or waddling from thick huge thighs. You told yourself that would be crazy to get that fat. Perhaps you got stoned with a group of cute fatties or while thinking about them while stoned alone you ate way too much on long weekend with fat friends. You get home and are now 5-8 pounds fatter. Clothes catch at your waist it makes you blush with excitement and embarrassment.

You start doing little things like leaving extra cereal that falls in your bowl by accident, grabbing an extra slice of pizza, and even an extra burger. Maybe an “I can cheat just this once” large fries becomes required.

You missed it but you cross passed 10 extra pounds to 15. It’s noticeable but not and your belly is now visible. You’re still thin but that belly really “pops” when looked at. You realize your favorite work dress shows the outline of your navel a bit. You see coworkers glancing at your belly unconsciously.

It’s worse with every pound as the light humilation has you orgasming nearly nightly. You form a guilty pact with yourself that getting stoned and eating at night is a good reward for work. Soon your work clothes get not just tight but too small. You’re in denial as you start to noticeably widen your skirts and leggings stretch to contain you but your stomach becomes nimble. Bouncy and prone to escape as your tops turn crop top by accident. It’s too late by the time you notice.

You’re over twenty pounds heavier flying to 30 then 40. You’re too big for your new clothes. You can’t keep up and now coworkers openly shake their heads at you.

God you can’t stop now. ITs not just a habit it’s your life now. You feel yourself slowing down with a growing waddle. You feel everything wiggling and you try to resist but millions of years of evolution. Your body wants to be fat you’ve learned as your appetite skyrocketed as you grew. You tried some to stop but your gym days were replaced by nights at home stoned eating and getting off. Your fat friends feels less and less huge to you. You’re starting to blend in with them a bit. The rare 5 pounds loss in a panicked attempt to resist ultimately turns to another 7-10 pounds gained. It’s humiliating that you can keep off the weight. You’re raw almost from orgasms now from thoughts that you’re trapped in this now very fat body. Your figure shifts to a big bellies pear which both a fat ass and a fat gut makes your flush to your chest with aroused self-consciousness. You realize your waddle walk is slowly changing to accommodate the sway of your big belly as it bounces fat thighs to fat thigh. Every limit you violate. Thoughts like well over 200 is cool as long as it’s not 250 turns to well I’m not 300 yet. You tell yourself “I’ll never let myself get as fat as 300…I’ve never been other 150…”

Your free falling as numbers like 309 315 fly by you on the scale. You’re bigger than some of your fat friends now. Your petite frame just makes it more embarrassing as even your fat fiends do double takes. You know it’s that your face just exploded with weight. You try to control yourself because walking is actually getting hard but recently some asshole FA dude said you’re too fat for him on a fetish site and that led to a feral mauling of yourself. You notice your slimmer faced fat friends getting better treatment less shaking heads or barely covered comments. Some part of you screams with terror to stop but your appetite just get worse and worse.

It’s hopeless now your body wants the lard sends you waves of hunger if you go too long without food. If you do any activity beyond a waddle from your car to a restaurant leaves you ravishingly hungry. You now join the upper ranks of your fat friends with old shared friends not recognizing you and asking what your name is. You’ve dyed and cut your hair different and you wear nothing like your old clothes so they have no way to recognize you now.

[quixoticall]

The View Between Villages

Summary: Steve Harrington offers to be your ghostly tour guide after your mysterious, unexpected death.

AN: Hiiiii, if you’ve been wondering where I’ve been then, first of all thank you for thinking of me, and secondly, I have been sick with bronchitis for weeks. Tbh I never understood in Regency novels where they would make such a huge deal about someone being sick until now. That shit took me out. Anyway, in my convalescence I watch the show, School Spirits and I couldn’t help but see the similarities between Wally and Steve—both men of the 80s, hot labrador retriever jocks with a compulsive need for parental approval? So, that’s how this lil piece was born. I would love to continue writing in this universe so please, if you have any requests, send them in! In the meantime, I am hard at work on This Could Get Ugly and a lovely lil Eddie number inspired by another Noah Kahan song.

Warnings: School Spirit!AU, Major Character Death, talks about own death, brief mention of violence and death, angst, this is sad! Ghost!Steve and Ghost?Reader

Pairing: Steve Harrington x f!reader

WC: 2K

It’s Steve Harrington who first declares you dead. Admittedly it takes you an embarrassingly long time to realize, it wasn’t like they sent out notices for these types of things either, as convenient as a note would’ve been:

To Whom it May Concern:

We regret to inform you that on February 12 of this year, you will unfortunately perish under unclear circumstances in the city of Chicago, Illinois at Northwestern University. Please make sure to get your affairs in order before the set date.

No, none of that, instead you had attended three whole lectures before noticing that no one was acknowledging you—not your professors when you raised your hand; not your classmates when you asked if they could loan you a pencil; not even your best friend when you ran into him in the hall. You thought it could’ve been a weird prank. Then the news began to spread, you were missing. Reported by your roommate after not having come home from a late-night study session at the library. And then they found traces of blood in the boiler room of the library’s basement.

Still, you thought to yourself, maybe you were having a really long terrible dream. Or maybe you were in a coma. Or doing one of those VR headset things. Or maybe you were dead and cursed to spend the rest of eternity haunting the very campus where you died.

Your friends were never the gym type, which is why you end up at the school’s pool in an effort to avoid the pain and desperation you feel every time you see their tired but still-hopeful faces.

That’s where you see him. Or, more importantly, where he sees you. You first spot him sitting at the edge of the pool, observing the ongoing swim team practice and are immediately struck.

Sure, you may be stuck in some weird reality where you may or may not be dead but you can still appreciate a hot person. Especially one as handsome as Pool Guy who’s striped swim trunks sit low on his hips and he has a smattering of dark hair trailing from his belly button almost up to the base of his neck. Thick, chestnut-colored hair swoops in his handsome face in golden-touched waves and gracefully frame a pair of honey-hued eyes. Of course you were going to stare.

You’re sure you stare for an indecent amount of time, but it wasn’t like that mattered, you remind yourself, you’re invisible to him like you are to everyone else.

Except you’re not invisible to him because Pool Guy was making eye contact and worse, he was waving, solidifying the fact that he is very aware of your presence. He can see you.

“Hi, you must be new here. I’m Steve Harrington, class of ‘86,” he introduces himself, with way too much verve once he swims over to where you’re still frozen in place.

“You can see me?” You ask, once you find your voice, “How can you see me?”

You reach out to grasp his offered hand and to your shock, your fingers don’t go straight through his, like it would with anyone else’s. Instead you’re enveloped in the warm solid grasp of his hand.

He cracks a smile at this, “because I’m dead too. Which, I totally get you’re probably wondering how someone this good-looking could’ve died so young but i will—“

“Dead?” you squeak out.

“Sorry,” he says with an awkward grimace, “I know not everyone likes that term, um, how do you identify—?“

You cut him off once again, “I didn’t know I was dead.”

It’s his turn to be confused.

“Really? Most people are really quick about putting it together. When they see their body the memories all come back. I mean even I put it together and I was never the smartest even before the accident—oh, shit. You’re the missing girl. The one from all the flyers.”

Clearly he’s referencing the myriad HAVE YOU SEEN ME? flyers with your face on them that paint the campus. Up until now, you had been categorically missing not dead, and now that someone has spoken your fate out loud, you’re certain it is all but sealed.

“Listen, I am so sorry. Let me go get someone who’s way better at this than I—“ you cut off his apologetic rambling,

“I need to leave right now.”

Before he can say anything else you’re running in the opposite direction as quickly as you can.

You don’t go back to the pool after that.

Being dead wasn’t so bad. Sure, you had spent a solid five weeks distraught over the loss of the life you had once lived and mourning everything you will never get to do. And yeah, it was a uniquely painful type of loneliness getting to see all your friends and never getting to interact with them, especially during those first few weeks when your disappearance was hot on everyone’s lips and heavy in the hearts of your friends. But outside of all that, being dead was okay. At least, you didn’t have to submit any more papers or do laundry.

After your encounter with Steve Harrington, class of ‘86, you decide to hole up in the library. You desperately convince yourself that if you search the shelves enough you’ll be able to find something in one of the many books that talk about the afterlife that might provide you some clarity about your newfound ghostly status. Surely there’d have to be something helpful. Anything. A ghost manual, perhaps or some graduate research paper about being stuck in between realms. You’d easily settle for a Chicken Soup for the Ghostly Soul.

Or you think traitorously to yourself, a tour guide to the afterlife, someone who has experience with being dead and a great set of abs. Every time you’re close to convincing yourself to go back to the pool, the embarrassment of your mortifying first encounter pulls you back. No way you were going to see him again. Just because you were dead didn’t mean you’d lost all your dignity.

Your internal back-and-forth ends up not mattering because he ends up coming to you.

You spot his well-coifed head maneuvering through the tall shelves from where you’ve holed yourself up on the fourth floor mezzanine and watch as he weaves through the unassuming crowd, completely unnoticed, just like you.

He’s wearing clothes this time, which both disappointing and surprising since you haven’t quite figured out the mechanics or social expectations of how often ghosts should be changing clothes. In a pair of snug-fitted jeans with a Northwestern Athletics sweatshirt and a pair of high top Nikes, he takes the winding steps up to your unofficial perch two at a time . If this is what he looks like some 40 years dead, you can’t imagine what he looked like when he had a pulse, it must have been like staring into the sun.

“Hi,” he offers tentatively when he approaches, like he’s sure you’ll run off spooked.

“Hi.”

“Sorry to bother you, it’s just, well, my friend Robin told me she saw you here and I wanted to come by and apologize for what happened. At the pool. I truly had no idea, sometimes I just say things without thinking, which I am working on, trust me.”

You smile, appreciative but defeated, part of you was hoping he was coming up here to tell you that there had been some sort of mistake.

“It’s okay, it’s not your fault, it was just a bit of shock, is all. I guess I’m still adjusting to this whole being dead thing,” you joke weakly.

“Yeah, about that, if you ever need help adjusting or learning the ropes or anything like that, I—we are always happy to help. There’s a few of us that band together and we’d love to have you. Truly,” he claws nervously at the back of his head as he makes his offer the tip of his sneaker digging into the worn library carpet.

“Thanks,” you say, genuinely, “I really appreciate that.”

He looks at you now, finally, and his gaze is golden, warm honey and it’s like a shot to the chest. Like you’ve promised him the moon. A hand is extended towards just slightly, a twitch, and you realize he’s expecting you to take it.

“I can’t right now, though,” you say, lamely and you watch his smile waver. Quickly you add, ”I need some time, I think, before it becomes permanent. If I go with you, I’m dead. Alone up here, I’m still just missing. Does that…make sense?”

He nods, furiously, “It makes total sense. You can come find me by the pool whenever you’re ready. I will be there.”

He makes a move to leave and you register the paper in his hand for the first time. It’s a flyer with your face on it, different than all the ones before.

“Wait, what is that?” You ask, fingers skimming the plush of his sweatshirt to get his attention.

“Oh, um,” he swallows thickly, “they’re having a vigil for you tonight, I wasn’t sure if you’d seen or if you were going, but if you were going, I was going to see if you wanted some company. “

His voice is small now and the regret is etched thickly on his face.

Fingers shaking, you extend a hand out for the flyer. Steve sighs but gently places it in your trembling grasp nonetheless.

It’s true, what he said about the vigil, you had no clue. You’re not sure how long you spend staring at your own face, long enough for the words to stop making sense, but not long enough for them to stop meaning anything.

Steve stays the entire time and when you sink to the floor, tear tracks heavy on your cheeks, he sinks with you. You cry, and he stays.

“I can’t go,” you admit, and then, in the same breath, plea, “How can I go?”

Next to you, Steve lets out a shuttering sigh.

“When I died, they did something similar, my parents came down from Indy and everything. I couldn’t bring myself to go either. But shit, maybe if I did, I would’ve gotten what I needed to move on from here. Closure or whatever. Or maybe not, who knows? But I will never know and I would hate for you to never know.”

It’s still too hard to go you decide, but you can’t pretend it’s not happening. Instead, the two of you sit on the roof of the library, feet dangling over the ledge watch a river of candlelight flowing through the center of campus. You can hear, faintly, as your friends make speeches talking about how kind you were, how good, how funny and undeserving until their voices fail from holding back tears.

You cry the whole time, but you don’t regret it.

The two of you stay sitting there far past the end, Steve’s arms wrapped around you, holding the pieces of you together.

After, when you’ve had enough of it all and the last candle has gone out, you turn to Steve and say, “thank you, that did make me feel better. You were right.”

He chuckles wryly.

“I don’t hear that I’m right very often,” he admits before cracking another smile, “but I could get used to hearing it, especially from you. Now, what do you say about getting some ice cream? No offense, but that thing was a total downer.”

You laugh, genuinely, not only at his joke, but the absurdity of it all before playfully shoving his shoulder. In response, Steve pretends to lose his balance and almost fall of the ledge and you both know it’s silly but it makes you smile so it’s worth it.

Dying is probably the worst thing that has ever happened to you, but at least you are not alone.

[sugar-softies]

It had all started the day Noah accidentally shrank Theo’s gym clothes in the wash.

“It’s no big deal, I’ll just skip today.” Theo stretched and yawned. 

“Fuck, are you sure?” Noah bit his lip. “I could run out and get you some shorts or something from Wal-mart?”

“It’s my fault for only having the one set anyway,” Theo said. “Besides, I’ve been tired lately. Maybe this is just the rest day I needed.”

“Yeah, maybe.” Noah still looked upset with himself until Theo cupped his cheek in one hand and pulled him in to kiss his forehead. 

It hadn’t seemed like much, one little mishap with the laundry and Theo deciding to take a day off. Of course, then he forgot to go buy new gym clothes the next day, and he felt like relaxing again the day after that, and the day after that, and then forgot again…

Noah would have been beating himself up if Theo didn’t seem to be enjoying his rest. His boyfriend used to spend hours keeping busy: working out at the gym, walking their dog, doing chores around the house, not to mention the insane hours he put in at his job. Most nights he’d collapse into bed exhausted, but cutting the gym out of the mix had given him a little more time to sleep in and have energy for the day.

“It’s weird having you here for dinner…” Noah chuckled as he filled Theo’s plate.

“Is it?” Theo frowned. “That… can’t feel good. I’m sorry, babe.”

“It’s fine, I know you’re busy.” Noah slid into Theo’s lap and kissed his cheek. “Still nice to have you here now though.”

“I’ll try to come home a little earlier.” Noah took a bite and groaned happily. “Especially now that I know I’ve been missing out on your cooking this whole time! Did you go to culinary school in secret or something?”

Noah laughed and blushed, cuddling close and shaking his head. 

As promised, Theo started cutting back on the work hours too, coming home earlier instead of sticking around to cover for others and please a demanding manager. 

… then he started going in later too.

And calling out.

“Didn’t you have work today?” Noah slipped on his shoes while their excitable dog, Cakepop, jumped excitedly at the sight of his leash.

“I called out sick.” Theo paused his game to give Noah his full attention, setting the controller aside so he could open a bag of chips. “Last night was really rough and when I woke up I just didn’t really have it in me to go in. Thought I might cry honestly.”

“Oh…” Noah’s heart clenched with concern. “Well, I’m proud of you for taking care of yourself.”

“I don’t really know what I’m going to do all day,” Theo admitted. “I mean, there’s some chores to catch up on but those shouldn’t take long.”

“I’m sure you’ll find something, you always do.” Noah kissed his forehead before heading out with Cakepop.

When he came home some twenty minutes later, Theo was still gaming. 

He kept gaming through lunch, and through dinner, though he didn’t miss out on Noah’s cooking since he brought the meals out to him. 

Noah curled up against Theo happily with a pint of ice cream, watching him clear another level. His heart fluttered as he realized Theo had never gotten dressed today, and was still in pjs. It felt nice knowing his overworked partner had gotten to relax today. 

“Dessert?” he offered, showing Theo two plastic spoons. 

“Ahhh-” Theo playfully opened his mouth so he didn’t have to put his controller down, and Noah laughed and fed him a spoonful. 

That’s when it really started.

Because, Noah noticed that Theo’s shirt was hugging his middle a little tighter than normal, and he’d been real careful with the laundry ever since the gym clothes incident (hey, had Theo ever gotten new gym clothes?) so he knew it hadn’t shrunk. 

When he thought about it, Theo hadn’t been nearly as active as usual lately, and he’d actually been around for meals. Noah’s cheeks warmed as he realized he really liked the idea of this trend continuing, and he scooped another spoonful of ice cream and offered it to Theo.

He kept going, curious to see if Theo would ever ask him to stop, his heart pounding harder and harder as he saw more and more of the bottom of the container. Eventually he’d scraped the sides for all they were worth and Theo was leaning back with his feet on the table, his stomach obviously rounded out.

Theo burped. “Whoa, ‘scuse me. Think I overdid it on the dessert.”

“... I don’t think you did.” Noah reached out hesitantly and began to rub Theo’s stomach. “I think… you could even have a little more…”

And that brought them to today.

Noah hummed happily as he flipped another pancake onto the stack, filling up a plate and drowning it with syrup before putting it onto a breakfast tray. 

Then he put the breakfast tray onto a cart that already had three similar breakfast trays on it, all of them full to the brim. 

It was really well past noon, but Theo liked to sleep in. They’d both realized it pretty quickly when they started indulging his restful side. Noah had brought home some memory foam pillows and a new comforter and Theo had kissed him silly for it. 

Theo was currently cuddled up to those pillows as Noah rolled in the cart, but thanks to the hot weather the blanket was pushed down by his feet, giving Noah the perfect view of Theo’s body.

What had once been toned arms were now round with dimples at the elbow and wrists, pecs had become breasts about as big as Noah’s head, near abs had become a whale of a gut that looked beautiful resting on the mattress as Theo slept on his side. 

Noah bit his lip as he took a moment to admire him before grabbing a muffin and waving it under Theo’s nose.

Theo gave a bit of a snort as he woke, smiling sleepily as he recognized the smell and immediately opening his mouth.

“Good morning.” Noah fed him the muffin, marveling at how quickly it vanished. “Bed day or up day?”

“Bed day for sure,” Theo purred as he stretched luxuriously, already opening his mouth for more. 

Noah giggled and took a seat on the edge of the bed, keeping the cart close so he could steadily feed Theo until every crumb was gone. 

“Remember when you first got a little chubby and I called you my teddy bear?” he rubbed Theo’s swollen belly with both hands. “You’re more like one of those grizzly bears now.”

“Oh, like the ones on twitter? The fattest bear competition?” Theo laughed. “Man… that’s the life. Just worrying about getting fat and sleeping all winter…”

“You say that like that isn’t your life now,” Noah teased.

“Heh, true.” Theo started playing with his belly, admiring his fat rolls. 

“Time for shake?” Noah asked excitedly. 

“No time to digest even?” Theo pretended to complain. 

“The more we stretch your stomach the more food you can eat later,” Noah reminded him in a sultry tone.

“Alright, guess I’ll buckle up and try then.” Theo tried to take a deep breath, his full belly already weighing heavily on his lungs.

One day, for some reason, Noah found himself making the weight gain shake first. 

He wasn’t sure why he started it before breakfast, but figured he might as well give it to Theo first so he could sleep it off and wake up with more room for food. He knew that as much as he liked filling up, he also liked being able to enjoy the taste of food, and that could be hard to do when all you could think about is how full you are. 

He grabbed the funnel and headed back to their bedroom, and seeing Theo asleep on the bed he suddenly remembered why he’d been so eager to do the shake first.

“Sleep feeding?” Noah laughed. “I don’t think it works that way.”

“Of course it doesn’t,” Theo chuckled. “It’s just smut, but it’s pretty hot still.”

“It is…” Noah must have been eyeing Theo hungrily because Theo grinned and nodded.

“Well, if you ever wanna try it, I do like my sleep..”

Noah eyed his boyfriend’s stomach as it rose and fell with breath. He gulped as he brought the tube over to Theo’s mouth. 

He had to be careful, he didn’t want him to accidentally choke or anything, or get the bed messy. Of course, in the end, he didn’t have either of those problems, because as soon as the tube hit Theo’s mouth, Theo’s mouth clasped around it and he started sucking. 

“Oh man-” Noah turned bright red, and quickly started pouring shake into the funnel. 

He lost track of how many times he filled that funnel, all he knew is that Theo kept sucking it down greedily. His knees were going weak from the sight of it, and he felt honestly so happy that he was able to give his boyfriend the ultimate restful experience. 

“You never have to leave this bed again, I swear,” he whimpered, which seemed to make Theo stir.

Theo’s eyelids fluttered open, and for a second there was confusion in his eyes, then a wince, then he looked over to Noah and smiled, a little bit of shake leaking from the corner of his mouth.

Theo only paused in his gulping as he rocked side to side, eventually managing to flop onto one side, and then onto his hands and knees. His stomach was pushing his arms and legs apart and weighed heavily on the bed, it was clear he was having trouble holding himself up but he still lifted a hand to grab the feeding tube and keep it in place as he started gulping shake down twice as fast. 

“You’re doing such a good job,” Noah gasped out praise. “You’re going to get so big… fuck you’re going to get enormous. You already are enormous! I can’t even remember the last time you got dressed, we probably don’t even have anything that fits you anymore. Keep going.”

He went until he ran out of shake, and had to stifle a moan as Theo kept sucking hard on the tube anyway, looking like he was in a sort of trance. 

It took Theo a second to realize there wasn’t anymore shake coming his way, but once he did he let his arm quickly fall to help support himself and gasped, tongue lolling out of his mouth.

“God I feel like a hog,” he wheezed out around a burp. “Dunno if I can even…” he wiggled side to side again, hands and knees moving centimeters closer to the edge of the bed before his arms gave out and he simply flopped onto his belly. “Yeah, I think m’stuck here until I digest… that was so good.”

Noah immediately crawled into bed with him, excited by how little space was left for him. “You should get some more sleep,” he decided.

“Yeah? That’s really okay?” Theo yawned. “You sure you don’t need anything?”

“I need you to rest, and be ready for round two.” Noah sucked a breath in through his teeth and grabbed a rough handful of Theo’s belly. “And round three, and four, and five.”

[morgan-va]

Chapter 21: The Promening (Serial Designation V x Reader)

Masterlist

The snowy wind whips past you as V flies through the air, her arms locked tightly around your waist. Your stomach twists and churns with every dip and sway. You’re sure you’ve never flown before—at least, you really hope you haven’t, because if this is familiar, you might need to reassess your life choices.

The icy air bites at your face, but you can’t even focus on the cold. Your mind is too preoccupied with the sensation of weightlessness, the ground so far below, and the nagging fear that at any second, V might just drop you.

“Don’t puke,” she says casually, her voice cutting through the wind like a knife.

“I wasn’t going to,” you manage, though the tightness in your voice betrays you.

Her laugh is low and amused, vibrating against you as she adjusts her grip. For all her teasing, her hold is steady—strong, even. Somehow, that simple fact is… comforting.

After what feels like an eternity, the bunker comes into view. V descends gracefully, her feet crunching against the fresh layer of snow as she touches down. You let out a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding.

For a moment, she just stands there, the only sounds being the faint whistle of the wind and your rapid heartbeat pounding in your ears. Then, the feeling of her arms around you makes you realize something.

“Uh, V?” you say, clearing your throat.

She tilts her head to look at you, her wings folding neatly behind her.

“You’re… still holding me.”

Her eyes widen briefly before her expression shifts into an amused smirk. “Huh. Guess I am.”

Before you can respond, she unceremoniously drops you, and you land with a soft pomf in the snow. The cold immediately seeps through your clothes, and you glare up at her as she chuckles.

“You could’ve at least warned me,” you grumble, brushing snow off your arms.

“Where’s the fun in that?” she replies, her smirk widening.

You roll your eyes, pulling yourself to your feet and dusting off the rest of the snow. V is already turning toward the bunker’s main door, her mischievous grin lingering as she waits for you to catch up.

For a brief moment, you glance back at the snowy expanse behind you. The vast, frozen landscape is strangely serene, but it only reminds you how far from normal this night is. With a deep breath, you follow V toward the door, bracing yourself for whatever insanity lies ahead.

V pounds on the door with her fist, the sound echoing sharply in the cold air. After a moment, the heavy doors slide open, revealing Lizzy standing on the other side.

“You’re late,” she complains, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve been standing here? Like, seriously, I’m missing all the good songs because of you.”

Her eyes flick to you, and she raises an eyebrow. “Oh. You’re back. Cool, I guess.”

Without waiting for a response, she spins on her heel and starts walking back inside, her heels clicking against the floor.

V glances at you with a wicked smirk. “Charming, isn’t she?”

You give her a look, but before you can say anything, she strides inside, leaving you to catch up quickly before the doors slide shut again.

You hurry to match V’s pace, your eyes darting nervously to every corner as the two of you move through the hallways. Every creak, every shadow feels like it might be someone catching you out of place.

V glances at you, clearly amused by your unease. “Relax,” she drawls, her voice low. “Lizzy said basically everyone’s at the dance or holed up in their rooms. You’re good.”

Her assurance does little to calm you, but as the faint sound of music grows louder with every step, you start to focus on it instead. It’s not bad—kind of catchy, actually, though you’d never admit it out loud.

Lizzy strides ahead of you both, her impatient steps echoing as she leads you past the main gym doors. Instead of going inside, she turns sharply, leading you to a smaller door tucked around the side. She stops there, turning to toss her hair over her shoulder.

“We’re going backstage,” she explains, her tone tinged with the familiar exasperation of someone doing everyone else a favor. “Like, I’m not gonna ruin the party by letting you waltz in.”

She pushes the door open with a dramatic flourish, motioning for you and V to follow her inside. The backstage area is dimly lit and cramped, with thick curtains separating you from the gym floor. Lizzy gestures lazily toward the curtains.

“Just wait here for a bit, okay? And don’t make a mess or anything,” she says, before flipping her hair again and disappearing further backstage.

You stand stiffly beside V, unsure of what to do with yourself as muffled music thumps from the other side of the curtains. The beat is lively, almost infectious, but the awkward silence between you and V keeps you too tense to enjoy it.

V, looking increasingly bored, crosses her arms and leans lazily against a nearby crate. After a few moments, she glances at you. “So,” she begins casually, “did you mean what you said earlier?”

You blink at her, caught off guard. “About what?”

“About, you know, fixing stuff here.” Her tone is deliberately nonchalant, but there’s an edge of curiosity in it. “You actually enjoy it?”

You nod without hesitation. “Yeah, I do. It’s… soothing, I guess. There’s something satisfying about taking something broken and making it work again.”

V raises an eyebrow, but you continue before she can interrupt. “And it’s not just that. It feels good to help out. The people here have treated me well—better than I probably deserve, honestly—so I want to return the favor.”

For a moment, V just stares at you, her usual smirk absent. Her expression shifts slightly, her sharp gaze softening into something harder to read. There’s almost a flicker of guilt in her yellow eyes, but she quickly hides it, looking away.

“Huh,” she mutters, her voice quieter than usual. “That’s… weirdly noble of you.”

V shifts to move away from the crate she’s been leaning on, but a slight tug at her dress stops her. She glances down with an irritated huff, seeing the hem caught on a protruding nail. “Seriously?” she mutters under her breath, crouching to free it.

You notice her predicament and step closer. “Need a hand?”

“No, I—” she starts, but with a sharper tug, the fabric comes loose. She stumbles back a bit, nearly bumping into you, and in the same moment, something small falls from her chest.

The sound of the brooch hitting the ground snaps her upright. Her eyes widen in panic as she makes a frantic grab for it, but it’s too late. The gem detaches from its holder, bouncing across the floor, while the delicate metal clasp shatters on impact.

“Damn it!” V exclaims, dropping to her knees. Her hands hover over the broken pieces as if unsure where to begin. For a moment, she’s silent, staring at the damage, and then you notice something rare: genuine distress on her face.

Her hands tremble slightly as she carefully picks up the broken pieces of the holder. She’s uncharacteristically quiet, and you realize with a jolt that her eyes are glistening, like she’s on the verge of tears. Whatever that brooch was, it clearly meant a great deal to her—more than you’d ever expect from a Disassembly Drone.

You crouch down beside her and scoop up the gemstone, holding it out to her gently. Her head snaps up, her expression shifting to one of frustration, like she’s ready to lash out at you for interfering. But when her radiant eyes meet yours, the anger falters.

Instead, she just stares at you, her hands still cradling the broken fragments of the holder. You offer her the gemstone again, a quiet gesture of understanding. Her lips part, but no words come out at first. Then, after a beat, she reaches out, taking it from your hand.

“Thanks,” she mutters, her voice low and unsteady.

You glance at the broken brooch in V’s hands and softly say, “Can I take a look at it?”

V’s grip tightens slightly as she hesitates, her eyes darting between you and the shattered pieces. For a moment, it seems like she’s going to refuse, clutching it protectively. But then, with a deep sigh, she slowly hands over the fragments, her fingers brushing yours as she lets go.

Carefully, you place the pieces on top of the crate, laying them out with precision while V watches you like a hawk. You can almost feel the intensity of her gaze, but you keep your focus on the task in front of you.

Examining the brooch, you notice that nothing appears to be permanently damaged—just disconnected. The pieces are delicate but familiar in a way that tugs at the edges of your mind, like muscle memory guiding your hands.

Piece by piece, you begin to reassemble the brooch. V stays silent, though you can feel her yellow eyes boring into you. She doesn’t interrupt, doesn’t snap at you—just watches, her expression unreadable. Finally, you slide the gem back into place with a quiet click, the brooch whole once more.

When you look up, you see V’s face shift to something uncharacteristically soft. There’s a hint of wonder there, and maybe even a flicker of surprise.

Standing, you pick up the restored brooch and step toward her. “May I?” you ask gently, holding it up.

V’s eyes widen slightly, and for a moment, she looks like she might say no. But then, without a word, she leans forward, her gaze dropping to the floor. You carefully pin the brooch back onto her dress, taking care not to pull or wrinkle the fabric.

When you step back, she straightens up, her fingers brushing lightly against the brooch. “Thank you,” she murmurs softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She doesn’t meet your eyes, her focus remaining firmly on the ground, but the faintest hint of a smile tugs at the corner of her lips.

As the silence stretches on, broken only by the music playing faintly through the curtains, you clear your throat awkwardly, desperate to say something. “Your dress… uh, it’s really nice. You look… you look rather beautiful in it.”

The words tumble out before you fully think them through, and you freeze. “What I mean is—actually I—uh—”

V scoffs, cutting off your flustered attempt at recovery. “Relax,” she says with a smirk. “You don’t look half bad in your outfit either.”

Before you can muster up a reply, the tempo of the music shifts, transitioning into a slower, more melodic tune. V’s expression changes—her smirk morphs into a wicked, almost playful grin as she steps closer to you.

“Tell me,” she says, her tone dripping with mischief. “Have you ever danced with someone before?”

“I don’t think so…” you admit nervously, the sudden proximity making your face heat up.

“Perfect.” She doesn’t give you so much as a second to process what’s happening before she takes your hand in hers, her grip surprisingly steady, and places her other hand firmly on your shoulder.

Your blush deepens, caught entirely off guard. She raises an expectant eyebrow. “Hand. Waist,” she instructs.

Swallowing hard, you hesitantly rest your hand on her waist, your fingers brushing the fabric of her dress. She lets out a soft huff, as though satisfied, and begins to move, explaining as she goes.

“You lead with your left foot,” she starts, her tone suddenly shifting to something precise and formal, completely unlike the V you’re used to. “Step forward with it, then back with your right. It's a natural rhythm—don’t overthink it. I’ll mirror your steps. One, two, three. One, two, three. Keep your posture upright, and your movements smooth.”

You blink at her, half stunned by her uncharacteristically proper demeanor. “Uh, okay…”

She moves with effortless grace, guiding you as you stumble through the motions at first. Her sharp, meticulous instructions are oddly reminiscent of a well-trained professional. “Keep your frame steady. Don’t look at your feet, or you’ll lose balance. Focus on me instead.”

You do as she says, slowly starting to find the rhythm, and the awkwardness begins to fade. “How do you know all this?” you ask, genuinely curious as you catch up to her flow.

She doesn’t answer right away. Instead, she gazes into your eyes with an almost wistful look, her expression soft and unreadable. “It was… from a different time,” she finally says, her voice quiet, almost distant.

The music swells, and as the two of you sway and step to the melody, you find yourself gradually falling into sync with her. It feels natural now, the awkwardness replaced by a quiet rhythm shared between you.

The two of you continue to move together, guided by the soft rhythm of the song. The world outside the gentle sway of your movements seems to blur, the music weaving a spell that holds you both in perfect harmony. For those few fleeting minutes, you feel remarkably in tune with V, the tension that usually surrounds her replaced by something lighter, softer.

But as with all good things, the song eventually ends.

You both slow to a stop, your hands lingering in each other’s grasp for a brief moment before finally releasing. As your fingers part, a flicker of static electricity sparks between them, bright and fleeting.

“Ah, sorry about that,” you say quickly, awkwardly rubbing the back of your neck.

V doesn’t respond right away. She’s staring at her hand, her fingers flexing slightly as if testing the sensation left behind. There’s something in her expression—an odd look of realization that seems to have lifted an incredible weight off of her.

When she finally lifts her gaze to meet yours, it’s with a smile unlike any you’ve seen from her before. It’s not sly or mischievous, but warm and genuine, carrying an unspoken gratitude that catches you off guard. “Consider that dance a proper thank you for giving me the brooch,” she says softly.

You laugh, still trying to shake off the fluttering nerves in your chest. “You mean for fixing the brooch?”

Her gaze flickers, her eyes dropping to the sparkling gemstone pinned to her dress. For a fleeting moment, her expression shifts—something vulnerable and melancholy passing across her face. “Yes,” she murmurs after a beat, her voice quieter now. “That’s what I meant.”

The tender atmosphere is shattered by the sharp crackle of a microphone and the unmistakable voice of Lizzy, amplified and dripping with smugness. "Alright, everyone, it’s time for the big reveal! Your prom royalty!"

You flinch at the announcement, the spell of the moment breaking entirely. V takes a step back, her expression darkening as she mutters, "Damn."

Before you can ask, she turns to you, her voice low and tinged with annoyance. "Okay, so... I was totally planning on killing everyone here and breaking that promise I made."

You blink at her, your mouth falling open as you try to process what she just said.

"But," she continues, holding up a finger to silence any protest, "I also don’t really want to now? And I hate that it’s your fault."

"Uh… What?" you stammer, utterly baffled by the sudden shift.

She groans, her hands running through her hair in frustration. "You’re so annoying! Making me feel conflicted and… ugh!" With a deep sigh, she adds, "Fine. I’ve got to go handle this. But I’ll try to keep my promise. Don’t make me regret it."

Before you can even ask what she’s talking about, V unfurls her wings in a dramatic sweep. "Wait, V, what are you—"

Too late. She launches herself into the air, her wings creating a gust that sends the curtains flapping. You hear the faint thud of her landing on stage, followed immediately by a cacophony of screams from the partygoers.

"Oh boy," you mutter, dread twisting in your stomach. Whatever she’s doing, it’s already started.

You dart to the edge of the curtain, your breath hitching as you peer out at the chaos unfolding on stage. V stands dead center, striking a bold pose with her wings extended, twin submachine guns in hand and pointed at the terrified crowd. Beside her, Lizzy clutches the microphone, clearly trying her best to salvage the situation.

“Okay, okay, everyone calm down!” Lizzy’s voice echoes through the gymnasium, laced with exasperation. She waves a hand toward V as if to downplay the threat of imminent violence. “Like, relax already! V is my friend!”

Your jaw nearly hits the floor. Friend?

To drive her point home, Lizzy gestures dramatically toward the massive screen behind them. It flickers to life, revealing a slideshow of selfies—Lizzy and V grinning in a variety of ridiculous poses. One has them flashing peace signs, another shows V trying on what is presumably Lizzy’s makeup, and yet another has the two of them in front of a freshly burned down building.

Your brain stalls. Is this what V was doing when she left to do "girl stuff"?

“See? She’s, like, done with murder now!” Lizzy insists, pointing to the images as if they’re irrefutable evidence. “We’ve totally been hanging out just fine! She totally deserves to be Prom Queen!”

V lets out a sharp, manic laugh, her voice dripping with mockery. “Wow, Lizzy. You were so easy to manipulate—”

She suddenly halts mid-sentence, her head snapping toward Lizzy. “Wait. Prom queen?”

Lizzy beams and gestures toward a nearby drone holding a glittering crown on a satin pillow. “Duh! You didn’t think I was gonna let anyone else win, right?”

V’s gaze flickers to the crown, her smirk faltering. For once, she looks genuinely taken aback.

Lizzy’s voice cuts through the tense silence like a dagger. “Okay, enough with the screaming! Celebrate already, or I’ll tell my dad to dock all your grades!”

The room goes uncomfortably quiet as drones exchange uneasy glances, but it’s clear Lizzy’s threat holds weight. Slowly, reluctantly, the atmosphere begins to shift. A few drones start clapping hesitantly, and soon others join in. Scattered voices rise above the applause:

“Uh… nice dress, V!” “Y-Yeah, love what you’ve done with your hair!”

V’s face twitches slightly at the unexpected compliments, her smirk softening as an uncharacteristic flicker of uncertainty crosses her face. The drone carrying the crown steps forward, gently placing it atop her head. “Your dress really is cute,” she adds with a small smile.

For a moment, V doesn’t react, her glowing yellow eyes wide as if she’s trying to process the absurdity of it all. Her mouth opens, but no words come out. The crowd, emboldened by the apparent lack of retaliation, begins to chant in unison.

“Speech! Speech! Speech!”

You stand frozen behind the curtain, watching the spectacle unfold with complete bewilderment. How did this even happen? This is the same V who just held an entire room at gunpoint, and now she’s standing there like… well, like an actual prom queen.

And, oddly enough, she looks the part. The soft glow of the crown’s faux jewels catches the light, she seems almost… approachable. Cute, even.

You shake your head to clear the thought. She may look adorable right now, but she’s also a cold-blooded killer. Probably. Still, maybe—just maybe—she deserves this moment.

A flash of light near the back of the room catches your eye, drawing your attention to the doorway. Squinting through the dim, chaotic atmosphere, you spot Khan fiddling with the doors, his movements frantic. Something’s wrong. A bright red symbol is glowing just above the entrance, pulsating like a warning. You’ve seen it before...

The moment your gaze locks onto the symbol, a sharp, searing pain tears through your skull. You clutch your head, nearly doubling over as your vision swims. Distantly, you hear V mutter under her breath, although you can’t make out anything beyond the word “vain.”

The pain subsides, and you manage to glance up just as a chilling laugh ripples through the crowd. It’s quiet at first, almost blending into the uneasy murmurs of the drones. But then you see her.

Doll is standing in the middle of the crowd, her expression unnervingly calm. Her glowing red eyes lock onto yours, the same sinister symbol from the doorway now shining ominously in place of one of them. Your chest tightens as she raises her hand, the symbol radiating brighter as it manifests on her palm.

V steps up to the microphone, adjusting it with an air of authority, oblivious to the growing tension. She’s completely focused, ready to command the room. Your stomach twists in dread. Something bad is about to happen.

Pushing past the pain, you stagger out from behind the curtains. The crowd hasn’t noticed you yet, their attention fixed on V. You open your mouth to call out a warning, but before you can, a loud thud shakes the stage.

All heads whip around, and you see two familiar figures drop from somewhere above. Uzi and N land with a flourish, both drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

“Unhand them, you fieeeeend—” Uzi shouts, her voice echoing with dramatic flair. She stops mid-sentence, her sharp expression faltering as she takes in the bizarre scene before her. Her head tilts in confusion, and her eyes dart between V at the microphone, the crown on her head, and the stunned crowd.

“I’m… confused,” she says flatly, her arms lowering slightly.

The room falls into a tense silence, broken only by the faint crackle of Doll’s glowing palm.

Doll lets out a low grunt, her glowing red eye narrowing as she shifts her focus entirely back to V. The energy in the room thickens, an invisible weight pressing down on everyone. Lizzy, now catching on to the danger, screams, her voice cracking with desperation.

“V, you’re way hotter than her! RUN!”

The warning barely registers before Doll raises her hand, the red symbol on her palm glowing brighter. Without thinking, you lunge toward V, hoping to push her out of the way. But the moment you leap, a wave of crackling energy ripples through the air, and Doll sends shards of rebar hurtling toward the stage.

Two of them slam into V’s arms, pinning her to the ground. She grits her teeth, visor glitching violently as sparks fly from her joints. The crowd erupts into chaos. Drones scream, scatter, and scramble to escape as Doll’s power wreaks havoc, crushing and tearing through them with terrifying precision.

Your ears ring with the noise, but your focus is solely on V. She’s struggling against the rebar, her claws scraping uselessly against the metal. You sprint toward her, your heart pounding in your chest as Doll strides closer.

“Привет, Ви. (Hello, V)” Doll says in a chillingly casual tone. Her voice cuts through the chaos like a knife, and V’s visor flickers erratically. For a moment, her usual confident smirk is nowhere to be found, replaced by something unsettlingly close to fear.

You reach V’s side, dropping to your knees and grabbing one of the rebar spikes, attempting to brace it while pushing her arm. “Hang on, I’ve got you!” you shout over the noise, shoving with all your strength.

The first rebar comes free with a metallic screech, and V manages to lift her freed arm. Her hand swaps instantly into a submachine gun, and she unloads a storm of bullets at Doll without hesitation.

Doll doesn’t even flinch. The bullets swerve in midair, deflected by some kind of unseen force. The smirk on her face only widens as she continues to close the distance.

Before you can free V’s other arm, a sharp clang rings out. You turn just in time to see another piece of rebar spear through her stomach, pinning her back against the stage.

V grunts in pain, her visor flashing erratically as her free hand trembles. “Dammit,” she snarls, oil leaking from the wound. She keeps firing, but the bullets do nothing, ricocheting uselessly against Doll’s invisible barrier.

V growls through gritted teeth, her visor flickering erratically as more oil drips from her stomach wound. “Work faster!” she snaps, her tone more panicked than commanding.

“I’m trying!” you yell back, your hands trembling as you grip the piece of rebar pinning her other arm down.

Doll, unbothered by the chaos around her, casually lifts a kitchen knife from a nearby table with her mysterious energy. It hovers in the air for a split second before rocketing toward V at impossible speed.

You barely have time to register the movement before the knife slices clean through V’s arm with a sickening crunch, sending it spinning off the stage and out of sight.

“ARGH!” V howls in agony, her remaining arm convulsing as sparks fly from the exposed wires.

“V!” you shout, momentarily frozen in horror before redoubling your efforts to free her.

Doll, meanwhile, tilts her head curiously, as though admiring her handiwork. Then, with a lazy wave of her hand, she spins a nearby ceiling fan to life. The blades accelerate unnaturally fast, and with a flick of her wrist, she sends it flying toward the two of you like a deadly saw.

Your instincts take over. Without thinking, you throw yourself in front of V, arms spread wide to shield her. The spinning blades whistle through the air, and you brace yourself for the inevitable—

CLANG!

A blur of motion intercepts the fan mid-flight, sending it spinning off to the side, and you watch in stunned disbelief as N lands between you and Doll. He grins over his shoulder at you, his ever-optimistic demeanor oddly comforting despite the chaos. Uzi also jumps onto the stage, ready to fight back.

You let out a shaky breath, the tension in your chest easing slightly as N and Uzi make their entrance. “Thanks for finally stepping in, guys,” you say, your voice thick with bleeding sarcasm. “Don’t worry, though. I totally had it handled.”

N chuckles awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. “You looked like you had it... uh, mostly under control?”

“Yeah,” Uzi adds, glaring at the scene. “Except for, you know, the part where everything fell apart.”

Doll’s cold laughter cuts through the air, drawing everyone's attention. She takes a step forward, her glowing red symbol flaring brighter. “Вы двое, действительно ли встанете на сторону «Дронов-убийц»? (Would you two really side with Murder Drones?)” she asks, her tone sharp and pleading. 

Uzi doesn’t hesitate, stepping forward to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with N. “Bite me,” she snaps, her tone dripping with defiance. “Whoever’s pulling the strings here clearly wants us to fight each other. Why won’t you just let us help you?”

Doll smirks, shaking her head. “Мило, но я не нуждаюсь в помощи от эмо и прославленного техподдержки.” (Cute, but I don’t need help from an emo and a glorified tech support.)

Uzi growls, her hands curling into fists at her sides. “Oh, that’s it—”

Doll's red symbol glows brighter in her palm, and with a sickening hum, another piece of rebar materializes in the air before launching straight at N. He doesn’t have time to dodge. The metal pierces his leg, and he collapses to one knee with a pained grunt.

You finally manage to free V's arm, her mechanical joints groaning as she wrenches it away from the rebar. Desperate, you try to pull her free from the one still lodged in her stomach, but it won’t budge.

“N!” Uzi's voice wavers, her shock evident.

N forces a strained grin despite the black oil dripping from his leg. “I’ve got this!” he says, pushing Uzi off the stage with surprising strength. He even gives her a reassuring thumbs up, his bright eyes dimming slightly.

At that moment, V's remaining arm shoots out, gripping your collar tightly. “Get down!” she barks, yanking you behind her just as another blade hurtles through the air.

You watch in horror as it barrels straight through N's torso, oil splattering across the stage. But V, standing in front of you, absorbs the rest of the impact. The weapon embeds deep into her chest, and the force sends all three of you flying back in a tangle of limbs, oil, and sparking parts.

The world seems to shatter into fragments, slowing as chaos erupts around you. The last thing you see is V's mangled body spiraling through the air beside you, her wings crumpled and useless, her red dress now slick with her own oil. Then you feel a sharp, blinding pain as you slam into the wall.

Everything goes black.

.

.

.

Rain falls in relentless sheets, the downpour muffling the sound of your footsteps as you trudge through the muddy path. Each step feels heavier than the last, your soaked clothes clinging to you uncomfortably. A mansion looms ahead, its silhouette dark and imposing against the occasional flash of lightning.

You climb the stone steps to the massive front door, your shoes squelching against the wet stone. You hesitate for a moment, adjusting your bag on your shoulder before reaching for the heavy iron knocker. The deep clang, clang echoes out, swallowed quickly by the storm.

You wait. The sound of rain fills the silence, pattering against the overhang above you. For a moment, you wonder if you’ve got the wrong place. Surely, there aren’t other mansions out here, but doubt creeps in anyway. Then, finally, you hear the sound of locks clicking and the creak of the door opening.

The sight of the drone standing before you gives you pause. She’s... different from what you expected. Her silver hair catches the warm glow of light spilling out from behind her, shimmering faintly, and her outfit—a pristine maid uniform—is almost surreal in this setting. An adorable pair of glasses rests on her visor, although you aren’t sure why a drone would need glasses. Her quiet, calm expression doesn’t give much away, but there’s a peculiar aura about her, refined and precise.

“Hello,” you say, trying not to seem awkward as you wipe rainwater from your face. “I’m the new technician. The Elliots hired me.”

Her soft, white eyes study you for a moment, and then she gives a small nod, stepping aside. “Welcome,” she says in a voice as soft as the rain. “Please, come in. You’ll catch a cold.”

You step inside, the warmth of the mansion wrapping around you like a blanket. You make a conscious effort not to track mud beyond the entryway, lingering near the door as you take in the polished wood floors and grand staircase leading further into the house.

The maid’s voice pulls your attention back to her. “There’s a bench by the door,” she says, gesturing. “You can remove your shoes and coat there. I’ll have them cleaned later.”

“Oh, thank you,” you reply, glancing at the bench. You sit down, untying your soaked laces and setting your muddy shoes aside.

As you do, she continues, “The Elliots are currently away on business, but they instructed me to get you settled in. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to your room.”

Her tone is polite, her movements precise and deliberate as she folds her hands neatly in front of her. You stand, removing your coat and laying it on the bench, and nod. “I appreciate it. Uh… what should I call you?”

She pauses for a moment, as if caught off guard by the question, then replies, “You may call me V.”

V leads you down the mansion’s dimly lit corridors, the sound of the rain outside muffled by the thick walls. The place is massive, with high ceilings and elegant details that whisper of old wealth. Paintings of stern-faced aristocrats hang on the walls, their eyes almost seeming to follow as you pass by.

“I can give you a complete tour in the morning,” she says, glancing back at you as she walks. “It’ll be easier to navigate in daylight.”

“That’d be great,” you reply, trying to memorize the turns and landmarks.

Your stomach growls loudly, breaking the silence. You freeze, embarrassed, and V stops mid-step. She turns her head slightly, her expression unreadable at first, but then she tilts it just enough for you to catch a faint glimmer of amusement in her eyes.

“Are you hungry?” she asks plainly.

Sheepishly, you nod. “Uh, yeah. Sorry, I didn’t get a chance to eat before I got here.”

She seems to consider this for a moment before replying, “I can attempt to prepare something for you, though I’ll warn you—I’m not particularly skilled in cooking.”

You chuckle softly. “I don’t mind simple food. But if it’d be easier, I’m happy to make something myself.”

V ponders this suggestion, her gaze lingering on you as though weighing the pros and cons of letting you near the kitchen. Finally, she nods. “Very well. I’ll show you where everything is.”

She leads you to the kitchen, a surprisingly cozy room given the grandiosity of the rest of the mansion. The countertops gleam under soft yellow lighting, and the appliances, while sleek and modern, blend seamlessly with the vintage charm of the cabinetry. V opens the fridge, gesturing to its contents. “Everything here is at your disposal. Plates, utensils, and other supplies are in the cabinets and drawers.”

“Thanks,” you say, looking through the fridge. You settle on something simple: a sandwich. V steps back, watching as you gather the ingredients and start assembling your meal.

Her curiosity seems to spark as you work, and she begins asking questions. “How long have you been a technician?”

“Hmm, a while,” you reply, spreading mustard on a slice of bread. “Mostly corporate jobs. I guess I got tired of the hustle and bustle, though. Figured a place like this would be… quieter.”

She nods slightly, her gaze following the movements of your hands. “And is it? Quiet?”

You pause for a moment, then smirk. “Well, considering I’ve only been here a few minutes, I think it’s too early to tell. But so far, yeah. Definitely quieter than a corporate office.”

V hums softly, a sound that might’ve been agreement or acknowledgment. She leans slightly against the counter, still watching you. There’s something meticulous about her, like she’s analyzing every detail.

“Do you prefer working alone?” she asks suddenly.

You glance at her, surprised by the question. “Not always. It’s nice to have someone to talk to. But… I don’t mind solitude, either. What about you? Do you—uh—like having company?”

She blinks, caught off guard by the question being turned on her. For a moment, it seems like she won’t answer, but then she says, “It depends.”

You nod, taking a bite of your sandwich. “Fair enough.”

The conversation lingers in the air, quiet but oddly comfortable as the storm rages outside.

You finish your bite of the sandwich and glance over at her, curiosity piqued by her quiet demeanor. “So… do you like it here?”

V tilts her head slightly, her silver bangs shifting to one side as her pale white eyes meet yours. There’s a moment of silence before she responds, “What?”

You blink, unsure what part of your question was unclear. “Do you like working here? Living here?”

She stares at you for a long moment, her gaze unreadable, before shaking her head—not as a no, but more as though dismissing the question entirely. “That’s not… the issue,” she says carefully, her voice as neutral as ever.

You frown. “Then what is?”

She hesitates, folding her hands in front of her apron. “I’m just… wondering why you’re asking me if I like it.”

The simplicity of her statement catches you off guard. “Uh, because I’m curious? I mean, you’re a person, right? Shouldn’t you get to like or dislike things?”

That seems to throw her even more. Her eyes widen faintly, her lips parting like she’s about to say something but stops herself. Finally, she sighs softly, a sound more perplexed than tired. “Humans don’t usually ask me that,” she says, her voice quieter now.

“Why not?” you ask, leaning slightly against the counter.

Her gaze lowers for a moment, and she shifts her weight awkwardly. “I’m a drone. Most humans don’t think about what we like or dislike. We’re just… tools, to them.” Her words are measured, as though she’s been taught this and repeats it more out of habit than belief. “Except for Miss Tessa. She asks me things like that sometimes.”

You mull over her words, something in your chest tightening at the way she said them. “Tessa?”

“The Elliotts’ daughter,” she explains, finally looking up again. “She’s kind. Different from the others.” A faint, almost imperceptible smile crosses her face, gone as quickly as it appeared.

You nod slowly, unsure how to respond. The storm outside grows louder, the sound of rain hammering against the windows filling the brief silence. “Well,” you say finally, meeting her gaze, “for what it’s worth, I don’t think anyone should just be a tool. Even drones.”

Her eyes widen slightly again, and for the first time, she seems genuinely caught off guard. “Why would you think that?”

You shrug, your expression softening. “I dunno. Just feels… wrong, I guess. Like, if you can think, talk, and feel, doesn’t that make you more than a tool?”

She doesn’t answer right away, her hands gripping the hem of her apron. Her gaze shifts to the floor, her expression unreadable. “I… don’t know,” she says finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

The rain continues to pour, the moment hanging heavy between you.

V takes the plate and knife from you as you finish your sandwich, her hands careful and precise. “I’ll take care of these later,” she says, her tone as steady as ever. “It’s getting late. You should get some rest.”

You blink, surprised by the offer. “Oh, thanks. You really don’t have to—”

“It’s fine,” she interrupts, already turning toward the sink. “It’s part of my job.”

“Well… thank you,” you say, your voice warm with sincerity. The simple act feels oddly significant, given the quiet kindness she’s shown since you arrived.

She pauses mid-step, glancing back at you. Her glowing eyes catch the dim light of the kitchen, and for a brief moment, a faint blush tints her cheeks. She nods quickly, almost too quickly, and gestures for you to follow.

She leads you across the hall, down a narrow staircase, and through a heavy wooden door that creaks on its hinges. The room beyond is modest but functional—a small bed tucked against one wall, a sturdy workbench on the other, and an assortment of pipes and machinery lining the ceiling and far corner, humming softly.

“I hope it’s not too small,” V says, her voice quiet as she steps aside to let you in. “This used to be the old technician’s workshop. It’s the only room the Elliotts had prepared.”

You step inside, taking in the cozy space. The steady hum of the machinery is almost comforting, and the bed, though simple, looks inviting. “No, it’s perfect,” you assure her with a smile. “Really. Thank you for helping me get settled.”

She hesitates at the doorway, her fingers curling slightly around the frame. “You’re welcome,” she replies softly. Then, as if remembering something, she adds, “I’ll come by in the morning for that tour I owe you. Get some rest.”

You nod. “Goodnight, V.”

“Goodnight,” she echoes, her voice barely audible as she closes the door behind her.

Left alone, you sit on the edge of the bed, running a hand over the soft blanket. The room is quiet, the muffled sound of the storm outside providing a soothing backdrop. For the first time in what feels like forever, a genuine smile crosses your face.

The room may be humble, but it feels safe—cozy, even. And for the first time in a long time, you find yourself looking forward to the days ahead.

You shift onto the bed, the soft blanket enveloping you as the steady patter of rain against the mansion's windows creates a soothing rhythm. A sense of contentment washes over you. Things are finally starting to look up, and you let out a quiet sigh, closing your eyes and allowing sleep to take you.

But peace doesn’t last.

Blinding pain tears through your body, dragging you from unconsciousness. Your eyes flicker open, erratic and blurry, your processors screaming with alarm as your vision adjusts. The first thing you notice is the fire in your stomach—or rather, the jagged rebar sticking out of it, oil seeping around the wound in thick, slow dribbles.

You groan, barely able to process the severity of the situation before shapes come into focus. V’s face appears above you, her expression wild with urgency as she barks something, but the words are muffled. Everything feels like it’s underwater—distorted, distant.

A sharp slap from V jolts you back into clarity, and your sensors recalibrate with a surge. She leans close, her silver hair streaked with grime, her voice cutting through the haze. “Listen! We’re pulling the rebar out. It’s going to hurt like hell, but you’ll be fine. I promise.”

Your vision steadies enough to see her and N’s hands already gripping the offending metal. “How the hell are you going to fix this?” you groan, sarcasm seeping through the pain.

She flashes you a cocky smirk, despite the dire situation. “I’m gonna spit on you.”

You blink, confused and still reeling. “What?!”

Before you can argue or process what she means, the rebar is yanked free with a sickening squelch. You scream through clenched teeth, oil splattering over your clothes and pooling beneath you. The agony is unbearable, white-hot and searing.

V wastes no time, leaning over you with precision and spitting directly onto the wound. You flinch, but the effect is instantaneous. The pain fades as if someone flipped a switch, the jagged edges of the puncture knitting themselves back together. The hole seals before your eyes, leaving the surrounding plating pristine and unmarred.

You gape at her, utterly stunned. She meets your shocked gaze with a grin so wide it almost looks proud. “Nanite spit,” she explains, tapping her temple. “Handy little perk of being a Disassembly Drone. So… any other wounds you want me to heal?”

You shake your head so fast it’s a miracle it doesn’t fly off. “Nope! None! I’m good! Let’s never talk about this again.”

Her grin widens. “Suit yourself.”

Even through the chaos, you swear she’s enjoying this way too much.

You glance around, taking in the state of the gym. The once-functional space is now a chaotic disaster zone, littered with shattered equipment, torn flooring, and streaks of oil painting the scene like some abstract nightmare. Despite the wreckage, an eerie silence has settled over the area, broken only by the faint hum of still-active machinery.

Uzi’s voice cuts through the quiet. “We managed to take Doll down,” she says, arms crossed with a smug expression. “And for the record, I totally did most of the work.”

N, who’s picking up what remains of a fallen light fixture, perks up absentmindedly. “I helped too.”

Uzi shoots him an annoyed look. “Let me have this!”

Before the banter can escalate, Uzi’s smirk twists into a scowl as she jabs a thumb over her shoulder toward V. “We were going to keep Doll alive. You know, maybe get some answers? But somebody decided it was a brilliant idea to blow her head off.”

V leans casually against a toppled beam, crossing her arms as her signature smirk spreads across her face. “Oopsie.” She tilts her head slightly, her voice dripping with faux innocence. “Couldn’t help myself. Not after what she did to my favorite technician.”

The words strike like a bolt to the system. Your face heats up, and before you can stop yourself, you mutter, “Favorite…?” under your breath.

V’s gaze snaps to you in an instant, sharp and focused. She smirks wider and yanks you to your feet with surprising strength, making you stumble slightly as you regain balance. “Yes, favorite,” she repeats without hesitation, leaning closer. Her tone turns deadly serious, though the glint in her eyes betrays her amusement. “If you worry me like that again, I’ll kill you.”

Your mouth opens and closes, utterly at a loss for words.

Uzi groans, rolling her eyes. “Can you two do your weird relationship dynamic thing later? We’re not done yet.”

She steps forward, holding up something that glints faintly in the dim light—a key, dangling from a wristband she pulls taut between her fingers. Her eyes narrow, her grin sharp with determination.

“This,” Uzi declares, her voice steady but filled with purpose, “is our next move.”

[star-girl69]

Ultraviolence

Natalie Scatorccio x Fem!Reader

—-

a/n: i hope you all enjoy!!

warnings: mentions of death and murder, swearing, alcohol, crying, kissing, tell me if i missed anything!!

Chapter Twenty - A Union That is Happening Again

Chapter Twenty - A Union That is Happening Again

—-

2021-

You weren’t planning to go to the reunion. You never were, but now that you’re in New Jersey, and you’re not really ready to leave- you go to the mall and find a dress. Light and silvery, one that makes you think of Doomcoming.

You shake the thought out of your mind, taking a deep breath, and walking into the school, hearing the low sounds of music playing in the background.

Taissa and Shauna stand by the enterance to the gym, that place you remember so well- that last pep rally, years spent playing dodgeball in this place coming back to you.

“Y/N,” Shauna smiles. “I thought you were going back to the city?”

You shrug and ruffle your dress. “I was here. And close to the mall. Besides, it was already kinda late, so why not?”

Shauna nods, and Taissa looks you up and down. seemingly remembering something.

“Uh… are you alright, Shauna?” Tai asks.

Shauna takes a breath. “How is it possible this is the most scared I’ve been all day?”

You and Taissa laugh.

“Right?” Taissa changes her voice, “‘Oh, my God, hey girl. Hey! It’s been forever. What have you been up to?’”

Shauna pretends to look around, thinking. “Um, yeah. You know, gardening, dismembering my lovers corpse,” she smiles.

“Okay,” Taissa says, placing her arms around both of you, making you face the gym doors.

Suddenly, the doors you had came through opened.

Natalie throws her hands up, a purse in her hands, wearing a dark one-shoulder dress, and her signature lipstick.

“Wait up,” she says, smiling slightly.

“Wow!” Taissa exclaims, and you all laugh.

“I said I would come,” Natalie shrugs. “I made a deal, okay? All right? Let’s fucking do this.”

Shauna and Natalie open the doors, and all of you file in.

Immediately, all of the eyes in the room settle on the four of you.

You’re the survivors, the champions, the girls who came back and were never supposed to.

It feels vain, but you can’t help but let a smug smile settle onto your face, adjusting you’re already low-cut dress.

Misty hound you and walks over, and you all carve a natural path through the crowd, the girls who weren’t supposed to live, until you finally reach the table Jeff had saved for you.

“I can’t believe you’re all actually here,” Misty smiles, wearing a suit with bright red lipstick. “This is gonna be so much fun! Okay, let’s get a picture. Who can take a picture?” she asks, holding out her phone.

“Muriel! Muriel, get over here,” someone shouts, running over to you, a wine glass in your hands.

“Allie,” you mutter to yourself, realizing who it is.

You awkwardly place yourself in between Taissa and Natalie, Taissa thankfully wrapping an awkward arm around your waist, so the photo looks a little more connected.

“Photo of the year! Come on, nobody blink!” Allie shouts.

The click of a camera, a flash, and it’s over, leaving a spot in your vision.

—-

You spend the rest of your night awkwardly catching up with old acquaintances, until you finally slip away from a particularly horrible conversation with Gordon Rivers, slipping out into the hallway, where you find Natalie.

She’s staring in front of the trophy case you know holds pictures of the Martinez family. The trophy case where there’s a picture of you, too. A shrine to everything that happened in 1996.

Your heels click across the floor as you walk over to her, partly because you want to see him one more time.

“You’ll only make yourself sad,” you mumble after a moment.

“Yeah, well,” she mutters. “He… he really killed himself,” she says say after a moment.

“I know,” you whisper, thinking of the boy in the wilderness, the one you had once called your best friend- the one you had survived so much with.

There will always be a difference between anyone else and Travis, and the surviving girls from the crash.

All of you know each other in ways that no one could ever possibly know. All of you have burned in the exact same way, have the same scars, the same bad dreams, the same memories.

You all know hunger in a way no one else could ever know. You all know death in a way no one else could ever know.

All of you have stared into the jaws of death, been selfish and unafraid, and thrown someone else into it.

“Y/N…” she starts, but she can’t really seem to finish it. But you know.

“It’s alright, Natalie. I know.”

And there’s so much unspoken between the two of you, so much, so much history and love and things you could never even speak about without feeling like you were gonna throw up.

You can tell she still loves you like she did in the wilderness, and you still love her too. You feel it in your bones and in your organs, like a rotten and festering clump of cells, like cancer, like something is deeply wrong with you.

But something is deeply wrong with all of you.

"Natalie…” you start, her name feeling so familiar on your lips. “We weren’t meant for this,” you whisper, gesturing to this New Jersey life, settling done and getting jobs, being together.

Her bottom lips curls up. "Jesus Christ," she scoffs. But you know her too well, and she knows that. “Why the fuck would you say that?” she asks, hurt, but you have to say it before it kills you.

“Look at us before the crash. Look at us in the wilderness. Look at us now, Natalie.”

“You're insane. You don't even know what you're saying-”

You grab her hand and press it against your chest.

“I love you, Natalie." Tears fall down your face, and she looks away from you. “I have loved you for long I don't know what it's like to love anyone else- I don't even know how to love myself. I would have died for you out there, and we both know it, we were ready to die, together, and that's not- love isn't suffering, Natalie, and we had already experienced so much suffering that we didn't know the difference.”

She finally meets your eyes.

“Once I thought that peace and violence were the same thing with you. But now I know they're not. And I can't watch you survive, not when I know that both of us could be living.”

When she finally speaks, its a whisper, hurt and dejected.

“I love you so you don't have to love yourself.”

You smile. “Natalie.”

She grabs your face in her hands and kisses you, and all you can taste is your own tears and your own disgust with yourself, bubbling up inside of you. You kiss her back, hard, because some part of you knows this is the last time, some part of you knows you will always love her.

A part of you will always be the girl from the wilderness. Already scarred by the life she had lived before, blood already festering up in her hands, only to dump more fresh blood on her, so much it was dripping from your hands. A part of you will always be that girl from the wilderness. The girl who saw it before it happened, the girl who has felt it all her life, the girl who got used up and was left with nothing.

You will always be the girl in the wilderness.

You will always be it.

“Natalie,” you whisper again, finally pulling away for air, and she's crying now, and there's a million things you want to say to her.

You want her to hold you like she did in 2019, like she did in the wilderness, in 1996.

“I want us to live," you breathe. “I want us to live.”

She finally meets your eyes.

“And we don't know how to, and we'll never know how to live if we don't do it on our own. I love you, Nat. I love you and I want you to live, and I want to never hear a thing about it.”

—-

Shauna brings over shots to the table, passing one out to everybody, and you take it gratefully. Eager for this night to be over.

“Ooh, shooters! I’ve never done one of these before,” Misty says.

You have a distinct memory of doing these in a bar with Natalie, but you don’t look at her.

“Good call. I swear to God, if one more person tells me I’ve been in their thoughts and prayers… I will…” Taissa laughs, trailing off.

“I wanna make a toast,” Natalie suddenly says, standing up and holding out the shot glass. “I old friends,” she says, and everyone tilts their heads back.

The burn is nice, a good distraction.

“Can I have everybody’s attention, please?” Allie announces from the stage, her voice scratchy from years of using cigarettes. Someone boos from the crowd, people laugh. The smile drops from her face. “Shut the fuck up, Doug.”

You let out a small laugh, almost choking on your own spit.

“You’re a grown man.” She clears her throat. “WordDefinition.net defines a ‘reunion’ as ‘a union that is happening again. A convention of friends, relatives, or associates after a period of separation.’ And, indeed, a graduating class will forever be united by their shared highschool experience. But as the Wiskayok High… Class of ‘96… we are united by something even greater.”

You get a flash of antlers dripping in blood, and you have to rub your eyes to get the image out.

“Together, we went through a tragedy, and tonight, together, I’m hopeful we can finally, truly heal.”

The screen behind her changes from the schools logo to a picture of the team.

Everyone around the table exchanges wide-eyed glances, and you have to look away, remembering what had happened to some of those girls.

“But in order to move forward, we must first look back.”

“Only Time” starts playing, and the lights dim, a picture of Taissa carrying a soccer ball showing up on the screen.

“Oh, God,” you mutter, squeezing your eyes shut, hiding behind your hands.

“They were our classmates,” Allie continues, “Pur teachers, our friends. But they were more than that. They were strong. They were courageous. They were, and they remain, a true inspiration.”

A picture of you flashes up on the screen, a cropped photo of the school paper club in ‘96, leaving only you and someone’s arm around your shoulders.

Finally, your picture fades out, and Jackie’s pops onto the screen.

You watch Shauna take a deep breath in.

“Now, traditionally, we’d end tonight with a dance from our class king and queen. But while she isn’t here with us, I know that this is what Jackie would have wanted.” She points to your table. “Jeff! Shauna! Get up here!”

Lights flash, and Shauna mutters something that sounds like “oh, no, no, no, no,” even while everyone claps and Allie shouts encouragement.

After a moment, Jeff stands and offers her his hand, whispering something to her, and they make their way to the dance floor.

You lock eyes with Taissa, and it seems pained, but she starts clapping slowly, and you join her.

“Dance, dance, dance!” Allie shouts, and the cheering dies down, and “A Kiss From a Rose” starts playing.

A canon goes off, and confetti explodes all around them. Yellow and blue.

They whisper to each other on the dance floor, and you force an awkward smile onto your face, before deciding enough is enough.

You’ve had your fill of adventure, but you’re too close to the woods. You need to be in the city again. You need to be away from the wilderness. You need to push down the rot inside of you, fill yourself with monotony and Chinese food from the place two blocks away.

—-

taglist:

@sweetdayme4427 @dreaming-for-an-escape @peachydoki @happysparklingshadows @zhivaxo @maraudeerrs @karsonromanoff

everything taglist:

@emilynissangtr

[askbensolo]

Hope you’re okay man. Haven’t heard from you in a few days. I’m also sick so I feel it!

Dude, you got it too?? Horrible!!!

Yeah, that bug took me down hard. That, and the cute little depressive episode that I developed from not going outside or seeing anyone for a few days. It…was…kinda bad…and, um, a little weird—but—I’m here, and I got through it, and everything’s okay now!

So, uh…sorry for the radio silence. Congratulations. You’ve just experienced what it’s like to know me.

Speaking of which…Fannie’s kinda mad at me at the moment. I guess the good ol’ “yeah haha sorry for the late reply btw!!” has an expiration date. And…maybe…shouldn’t be used on girls.

I don’t know. I’m kinda mad at her, too. I mean…I wasn’t trying to ignore her. I’m always bad at replying, yeah—but I don’t disappear like that unless things are really, really bad for me. And…without going into too much detail…they were. I was definitely having some thoughts that I shouldn’t have been having. But I woke up yesterday morning and realized the galaxy isn’t terrible and everyone doesn’t hate me, sooo, now I’m all better and ready to go back to being a general nuisance!!

I wish she would be a little nicer to me. I am doing a lot better these days, but I…just have a hard time sometimes, and I don’t think that’s my fault. When I was feeling good enough again to text her back, I was hoping she’d give me some kind of encouragement, y’know, “I’m glad you’re doing better, I love you,” or something like that—but instead she just chewed me out for leaving her on read and made me feel like a bad person.

You broke the promise you made to me. You told me you would keep in touch. If you weren’t going to do that, you shouldn’t have told me you would. I’m feeling pretty upset with you.

don’t you care that I had a really hard week?

Of course I care. That’s why I kept messaging you every day, even though you weren’t writing anything back.

but now that I responded, you’re being mean to me. So…I don’t get what’s going on

Ben, can I call you?

No not right now I’m in the middle of helping Poe move in

When can we call?

I don’t know I’ll let you know okay?

And then I didn’t. And…that’s where things are at right now. And, yeah, I feel bad about it, but I also feel sort of betrayed, because she texted me “I’m thinking of you, I love you, I miss you, please message me back” every day that I wasn’t responding, only to get pissed and let me have it once I finally did reply, and that really hurt my feelings, and made me feel like crap, and like she didn’t really mean it when she was texting me every day and being nice to me, and I don’t think she’s sorry.

Did I promise her I would text her all the time? Yeah, I did. And I will, once we patch things up and figure this out. But I was really not doing good last week and I don’t think it would be fair to hold me, in that state, to any promises I may have made when I was mentally well—

But anyway—enough about women and their mysterious ways! I am feeling better now. In all respects. I’ve still got that annoying little leftover cough that specifically only resurfaces in embarrassing social situations, but other than that, I feel fine. I was able to go back to the gym today, and even though I’m a little weak from being sick, it feels good to move. My first day of work went…about as well as it could have, I think. Poe and Beebee-Ate have now been here for twenty-four hours without driving me fully insane. And, I walked around the university campus after dinner for old times’ sake, and laughed at all the college kids who still have to go to class at seven at night. Ha! Losers!! I’m done with my day at five!!!

[nel-world]

Nick and Pat sit across from each other at a small table. They both have coffees in hand.

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Nick and Pat sit across from each other at a small table. They both have coffees in hand.

Nick

What's up?

Pat

What's up, man?

Nick

(Long time) How’s it going?

Pat

(sipping his coffee)

Chilling, man. You?

Nick

Same here. I'm just coming from an audition for the movie 'Ismart.'

Pat

I auditioned for them a few days back.

Today I just booked a commercial.

Nick

No way! Congrats, dude. What’s the commercial for?

Pat

It’s for Tesla electric cars. Pays the bills, right?

Pat

Do you exercise, go to the gym?

Nick

Yeah, sometimes.

(Nick shows a bottle)

Nick

Pea protein. It’s all-natural, non-GMO, fully organic. Here, take a sample.

Pat

(picks up the container, examining it)

Thanks. I might actually give this a try.

Pat

Let’s connect some other time.

Scene: A Bar – Night

INT. BAR - NIGHT

Nick and Pat are sitting at a table, drinks in hand. The atmosphere is lively, with music playing in the background.

Pat

Ready to party?

Nick

I’ve got a meeting with a producer tomorrow.

Pat

Forget about auditions for one night. Just live a little!

Nick

I really shouldn’t...

Pat

Come on, just one night!

Nick

And you’re always so calm, like nothing phases you.

Pat

Let’s just enjoy the night. You need to relax—you’re always so tense.

Nick

I should get going…

Pat

Just one drink. Let’s go out there, get drunk, and forget about everything.

Nick

I don’t know, man. I’ve got a lot riding on tomorrow.

Pat

One drink won’t mess you up. We’ll have a good time, and you’ll be sharp for tomorrow, I promise.

Nick

Alright… just one drink.

Pat

That’s the spirit! Trust me, you won’t regret it. Let’s hit the bar and make it a night to remember.//

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Nick and Pat sit across from each other. Nick looks frustrated, his coffee untouched.

Nick

I screwed up. I woke up late, missed the meeting, and now it’s over. The role’s gone.

Pat

 That’s rough. But hey, it happens to the best of us. There are other opportunities.

Nick

Easy for you to say.

Pat

Look, there are always more auditions. You can’t let one setback stop you.

Nick

Maybe… but it feels like I’m always one step behind.

Pat

You’ll get your shot. Just don’t give up.

Nick

I just hate feeling like I’m wasting time, you know? Like I’m chasing something that keeps slipping away.

//////

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Nick and Pat sit across from each other. The tension between them is palpable.

Pat

I got the role we both auditioned for.

Nick

What? That’s my role!

Pat

No, it’s not. I did better… you didn’t even show up.

Nick

You think you’re better? You’ve always been riding my coattails!

Pat

Riding your coattails? Please.  This role is mine because I earned it, while you were busy partying and showing up late!

Nick

I was late one time! And now you’re taking this from me?

Pat

You took it from yourself, Nick. Maybe it’s time you realize you’re not the only one with talent.

Nick

(sighs)

I know you’re talented too. Yeah, it was my fault.

Nick

(pauses)

I’ve been thinking… maybe I should just go all in on my solo show. It’s personal, something I’m passionate about.

Pat

A solo show? That’s a big move.

Nick

Yeah, I’ve got to do this.

Pat

You’ve got to keep pushing. If this is what you’re meant to do, then go for it with everything you’ve got.

Nick

It’s scary, though. Going solo means there’s no one to blame but myself if it fails.

Pat

You’ve always had the drive. Now it’s time to trust yourself and take the leap.

Nick

Thanks, Pat. I needed that.

//////

Scene: Nick’s Apartment – Evening

Nick(showing script)

I could use a fresh pair of eyes.

Pat

This looks great. I can see where you’re going with this.

Nick

I hope so. Just trying to make it as good as it can be.

Pat

Well, I’m all in. Let’s make this show something special.

Nick

This is my story, my truth. I’ve lived it, and now it’s time to share it…

Pat

That was incredible. You’ve got something real here.

Nick

Thanks. I feel like it’s getting there, but there’s still so much to fine-tune.

Pat

You’re doing great. It’s raw and honest, and that’s what people connect with.

Nick

I appreciate that. It’s hard to stay motivated sometimes.

Pat

We all have those days. But remember, every great show starts with a few rough drafts. You’re on the right track.

/////////////////

Nick: Hey, Pat. Long time, huh?

Pat: Yeah, it’s been a while.

Nick: So… how’ve you been?

Pat: You know, work’s been… busy. You?

Nick: Busy too, I guess. I’m working on a solo show, looking for funding...

Pat: I know a guy who could help fund this—he’s a loan shark. But you’ve got to be sure because he’ll want his money back, no matter what.

Nick: A loan shark? That’s risky, Pat.

Pat: I know. But sometimes you’ve got to take a risk to make something big happen.

Nick: I’ll think about it.

(They both pause, sipping their coffee. Nick seems lost in thought, while Pat looks at him intently.)

Pat: You know, Nick, it’s not just about taking risks. It’s about knowing when to take them. You’ve been chasing this dream for a long time.

Nick: What’s that supposed to mean?

Pat: I’m just saying… maybe it’s time to be realistic. You’ve got to have more than just passion.

Nick: I’m aware of that. But giving up isn’t an option for me. I’m going to make this work, no matter what it takes.

Pat: Look, I’m offering you a way to get the money you need. But you’ve got to be sure..

Nick: thanks for the offer. I’ll think about it.

/////////////

Nick:I’m all in. Let’s make it happen.

Pat: Alright. We’ll get this done.

I’ll introduce you to the guy. he’ll go over everything—terms, timelines, what he expects. But Nick, once you’re in, there’s no backing out.

Nick: I’m not looking for a way out, Pat. I’m looking for a way forward.

Pat: That’s what I like to hear. But remember, this guy isn’t just some lender. He’s the real deal, and he doesn’t play around.

Nick: I get it. I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ve worked too hard to let this slip away.

Pat: I’ll set up the meeting. u'll go in, lay it all out, and walk away with the money you need.

Nick: And then I’ll get this show on the road. No more waiting, no more doubts. This is it.

///////////

Scene: Loan Shark’s Office – Day

The Loan Shark leans forward, his tone cold.

Loan Shark

Time’s up, Nick. I need my money back. Now.

Nick

Panicked

I-I just need a little more time. The show’s almost ready, I promise. I just need one more week to pull in the cash.

Loan Shark

Unimpressed

You think I’m running a charity here? One week was the deal, and that was two days ago. I don’t care about your show. I care about my money.

Nick swallows hard, knowing he’s in deep trouble.

Loan Shark

Nods to his henchmen

I don’t like to be kept waiting. We’ll have to make an example out of you.

Scene: A Dimly Lit Alley – Night

Nick

Pat, I’m in trouble. The loan shark… he wants the money now. I don’t have it.

Pat

Stay calm, Nick. Don’t do anything stupid. I can help you.

Nick

Are you sure? I don’t want to put you in a bad spot.

Pat

Don’t worry about me. We need to figure this out.

Nick

(grateful)

Thank you, Pat. I don’t know what I’d do without you.

Pat

We’ll get through this.

Pat

Absolutely. We’ll handle this.

Nick

Got it. Talk soon.

Pat

Talk soon.

[xbunny-k]

The Actor & I: PART TEN – Austin, You Don’t Have to Come get Me

This is part TEN of a very long, SLOW BURN series on Austin Butler and a Production Assistant on set of Elvis (2022).

Masterlist here!

Anything italicized is main character’s thoughts!

Warnings: Fluff, eventual Spoilers for Elvis (2022), mild language (If i missed anything, please comment so i can add!)

Tags: @manddor @pumkiinpasties​ @its-funny-til-its-not​ @karamelcoveredolicity @butlerstyles @feral4austinbutler @mirandastuckinthe80s @emilykolchivans @atombombbibunny @francescababy @starry-night-20 @yeetfack-blog @milaa24 (Let me know if you’d like to be added!)

Please, if you like this, share it, comment, like it and enjoy! xx

The rest of the day flies by and by 8 PM, I’ve gone to the gym, showered and made some dinner. As I sit down to eat, I pick up my phone and feel a bit of sadness Austin hasn’t texted me at all today. Ana, he’s literally a famous actor…with a famous girlfriend… And he had the biggest day of his career so far.

I eat dinner, get ready for bed and then slide into my bed and pull up Instagram. As my mind wanders, I decide to send Austin a text. Couldn’t hurt, right? I did say I’d call him later, maybe he was waiting on me?

“Hope you had the best day celebrating Aus. Warner Brothers is so proud you’re our Elvis!!”

I hit send and wait a few minutes before feeling a wave of disappointment flush over me. I decide to call it a night and go to bed…the earliest I’ve gone to sleep all week. As my alarm goes off the next morning, I feel instant disappointment to see I have zero notifications from Austin. I get ready for the day and head to the office.

The workday drags on, but eventually it’s almost 7 PM and time to head home. Still nothing from Austin? Did I do something? The rest of my night feels as routine as my day. Gym, shower, dinner, get ready for bed. What did I say to him? It feels weird to go a day without talking to him. As I double check my alarm is set for the next day, I fall asleep wonder what I could have done or said.

The next morning, I feel a bit of ease knowing at least it’s Friday. As I get ready for work, I decide since I have plans right after work to put a little more effort into my appearance. Spending more time now just means I have less to do later when I get back from work. I put on a black, tank blazer dress with some black strappy heels and my signature gold jewelry. I look professional, but chic at the same time. My long hair is curled but brushed out for soft waves. I have a good “no make-up” make-up look on and I’m lotion-ed up to the nines. I spray my favorite perfume, grab my work bag and coffee and head out the door.

My car gives me a bit of trouble, but eventually starts. Not today, just let me get to work and back today and I’ll take you in tomorrow, please. I make it to the office and relax a bit. The day flies by, it seems everyone is in the mindset that it’s summer, time to head home for a summer weekend. I have quite a bit to do as I was given a ton of reels of film, press clippings and more that I offered to organize and bring to Austin next week. If he still wants me to that is… I wonder where he’s been… I miss him…

As I start to wrap up, I realize it’s almost 7:30 PM and I’m the only one in the office. Crap, I have plans tonight! Get out of here, Ana. I finish up and head to my car…which won’t start. Shit, shit, shit! Come on. Just get us home, please. After much pleading in my mind, I’ve given up. This car is not starting.

Before pulling out my phone to call for a tow, I sit there and stare ahead. What started as such a great week as turned into a week of loneliness. Why did I miss talking to Austin so much? He’s clearly just busy and this is just a work relationship, not a friendship to him. As I’m on the verge of making myself cry over literally…nothing, I pull out my phone and send a text to my friends to let them know I’ll either be very late or not coming. I’ll keep them posted. I’m really not in the mood to even go out. I want to change into some pajamas and curl up with some wine and a book in bed.

As I go to google for a local towing company, my phone is buzzing with a phone call. Great, Kelsey is calling to harass me into having a tow truck drop me off directly at dinner. I don’t even check who it is knowing my best friend won’t let me out of plans so easily and answer with a bit of an attitude that soon turns tear filled, “Kels, I can’t get to dinner. I’ve had a bad few days and now my car won’t start. I’m alone in a dark parking lot and just want to get home and do nothing.”

“Anastasia, are you okay? Do you need me to come get you,” Austin firmly says back. Shit, what did I do? I put the phone down and see the contact says Mr. Presley, not Kelsey. Shit, you stupid idiot! Why would you answer like that? Austin cuts off your train of thought, “Ana, are you sitting alone? Where are you? Can you go inside so you’re not alone outside.”

I sit there for a second, trying to stop sounding like I just finished crying from feeling overwhelmed and finally respond back, “I’m outside my office, I think the door locked when I left, but I can see if I can get back in I guess. My car won’t start, it’s an older car, so it happens sometimes.”

I hear a sigh of relief come through the phone and Austin firmly responds, “Grab your stuff and see if you can get back in. Did you call a tow truck already?” My stomach feels like its tying itself in knots and I choke back, “Not yet, I was in the middle of…” and before I can finish Austin cuts me off, “Send me your location and I’ll get one sent to you, but Ana, don’t hang up.”

I giggle and for the first time today, feel a bit more at ease. How does he make me feel like this? I feel like I’m floating. As I head to the office door, the ID badge buzzes, but the door doesn’t unlock. Shit. “Ana, was that the door,” Austin asks in a very serious tone. “Uhh, yeah, it won’t unlock. I’m gonna go back to my car.” As I get back into my car, I feel more tears coming on for some reason. Ana, what is with the crying? “I’m gonna call a tow truck, Austin. I’ll give you a call later,” I sniffle through the phone trying to hold back tears. “Ana, lock your doors, send me your location please,” Austin demands. I put him on speaker and text him my pin. “I just sent to you, but I need to call a tow truck, it’s gonna take them so long to get to me.” As I’m about to hang up, I hear a dial tone coming through.

“I’m calling one with you on the line right now so you can give them the info about your car,” Austin says. Ana, keep it together. He’s just being nice. I can’t hold it in, I mute my phone and burst into tears. I feel so overwhelmed and just don’t understand why I feel so emotional. Ana, snap out of it. You can keep it together for a call. “Thank you, Austin,” I whisper hoping he can’t hear my bubbling tears.

A towing company answers and Austin takes the lead of the conversation and I confirm my location, car, and instructions on how to get through the gates. As the towing company gives me a sixty-to-eighty-minute range, they hang up and I just sigh. What a Friday night. “Thanks Austin, but I got it from here. I really appreciate your help, but don’t want to keep you from your night. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

As I go to hang up before I burst into tears for some reason, Austin firmly says, “Ana, I’m coming to get you. Can you just stay on the line until I’m there?” He’s coming…here? Whaat? Why? Ana, what? Why would he come here? Shit! What do I look like? “Uhhh, Austin, you don’t have to come get me. The tow truck will take me home, it’s fine.” Austin laughs, “I’m already in the car on my way, Ana. It says 20 minutes.” I can hear him smiling on the other end of the phone.

Shit, shit! He’s coming here, what do I do? I was CRYING, I look a mess. I can’t believe Austin is coming here… to get me…

[missmonsters2]

today I feel awful... idk my insecurities are taking over me and I just want to curl into a ball and cry. maybe it's my hormones maybe the fact that I weighted myself and found out I gained weight (I can't fit into my jeans 😭) and the fact that I saw my sister in a tight skin dress looking perfect while I'm in my pj's just destroyed my confidence. I need something angsty to read to make me forget about my sad, miserable lffe right now. would you be down in writing sth angsty with nat maybe? you don't have to though. it's fine either way. I really appreciate all of your work and I keep reading on repeat whenever I'm feeling down. makes me cheer up. thank you, van ❤️

It's like we're the same person because I also went to visit my sister recently and my sister has gotten her life together and is living her best hot girl bod while I...let's not go there.

I just want you to know that you're hot as fuck and a body is just a body that we can change with time and effort. We're lit rally in this together. This time next year, we will be rocking the body that makes up happy and we'll be healthy!!! 💘💘

But I will still give you nat angst...but with a happy ending bc I said you deserve a HEA!!

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

The Withers of Springtime Bloom

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Reader

Summary: Spring is a time of blooming and when things come back to life. You can't help but notice things that may be causing your relationship with Natasha to wither.

Warnings: self-esteem issues, insecurities about body, relationship with working out and food, seasonal depression. angst with HEA.

Count: 2.1k~

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

You're not sure when things changed.

Things change so slowly after all.

Without you noticing, things change and change and change until one day, you do notice.

You notice that Natasha has become quieter, somber.

You notice the lack of date nights and affectionate touches.

You notice that you've let yourself go a little.

You're standing in front of the mirror, staring at your body with a frown. You've gained weight since dating Natasha, but relationship weight gain was normal, wasn't it?

But you remember how Natasha was just as fit as she was before she met you. Sure, she was a superhero, and you were a regular civilian; there was no reason for you to train long hours as Natasha did.

Still...

You turn to the side and peer at yourself in the mirror again.

You can't help but wonder...were you becoming less attractive to her?

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

It had been the beginning of fall when you met Natasha. You loved the season of change and when things turned into warm colors before withering away for winter to come.

Natasha had come like a blessing, and in the winter, she was just warm as the colors of fall. Instead of withering away, she bloomed and invested that warmth in your relationship with her.

Despite always being an early riser to work out, weekends were the days she stayed in bed with you just a little longer. There had been so many breakfasts, lunch, and dinner dates. You found yourself moving things around or neglecting to work around her busy schedule.

Perhaps that was when things began to change. Eating out so often and forgoing working out to spend time with Natasha was what led to this.

Spring has arrived, and things are coming back to life. Yet somehow, your relationship with Natasha was withering away.

"Hey," you greet her as you come home, shopping bags in hand. You bought some more clothes when things felt like they didn't fit comfortably anymore. The experience had been upsetting for you, and you didn't end up buying too much, telling yourself you didn't want to spend too much when you were going to lose the weight.

Natasha was working in her office, peering down over reports, and barely acknowledged you other than with a hum.

"Long day?" You ask her as you put your things away and walk over to her.

"Yeah," Natasha sighed. "Trying to get these reports done since Maria needs them tomorrow."

That had been Natasha's excuse for spending long hours in her office every night for the last two weeks.

You place your hand on Natasha's shoulder with a reassuring squeeze, but she leans to the side as if to readjust herself, but still away from your touch.

The sting immediately comes, but you try to push it down, so it doesn't hurt as bad.

"Right," you say hoarsely, but Natasha stares on at the reports. "I'm just going to get ready for bed. It's been a long day and all. Let me know if you need anything."

Natasha gives you a nod as you leave the room. You feel awkward as you lie in the bed you share with her. You wonder if you're taking up too much space.

There's a pang of something as you try to curl yourself to be smaller and only distantly realizing you've skipped dinner before you fall asleep.

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

You fall back onto the mat, chest heaving and your lungs burning.

It's been a while since you've worked out, and now you're definitely paying for it with how unfit you are.

The gym is moderately empty with the hour it is. You hate going to a public gym because it always feels like someone is staring, but it's better for strangers to stare than working out at the Compound for people you know to stare at you.

The rational part of you knows that you should just talk to Natasha, but the emotional side of you whispers that you won't like what Natasha has to say, that she might even end it before you've had a chance to change yourself.

When weeks pass, and you weigh yourself again, you almost start crying because you've only lost a couple of pounds.

It's normal, you know it is. You're losing weight at a normal rate, but it's not enough. You know fast weight loss wouldn't make sense for your body but you also feel you don't have half a year to go back to your normal weight.

You sit on the bathroom floor for hours, debating what to do when you hear a quiet knock.

"Sweetheart, are you in there?" Natasha's muffled voice comes through.

You wipe at your eyes furiously as you stand up.

"Y-Yeah," you answer back. "I'm just in the tub soaking."

There's a moment of silence through the door before Natasha answers back, "Alright. Enjoy yourself. Did you want me to order anything specific for dinner?"

"No, it's okay," you tell her. "You order anything you want. I already ate on my way home." You think about the chicken salad you've been eating for the past two weeks and almost sigh.

Natasha answered that she just came back to see if you've eaten, but she actually had to head back to the Compound. You were Natasha shuffling around before leaving through the front door, and you let out the breath you were holding.

You actually take a long, hot shower before putting on sweats and a big hoodie.

The truth was, you were hungry. The chicken salad was okay on the way home, but it had been a couple of hours since.

You knew starving yourself wasn't the answer, so you went into the kitchen to see if you could find something healthy to hold you over until you could go to bed.

But you can't find anything in the fridge except for Natasha's leftovers from whatever she ordered the day before. You can't find anything except frozen pizzas and microwavable foods.

You check the calories on the back and let out a frustrated sigh. Checking your watch, you realize it's too late in the evening to go grocery shopping because, by the time you get there, stores will have closed.

You slump down on the floor, leaning against the cabinets as you let out a pathetic whimper while your eyes became hot with tears.

You miss Natasha. You want Natasha holding you and telling you it would be okay. But you couldn't have that until you were back to what you were when you met her.

The front door suddenly opens.

"Have you seen my—sweetheart?" Natasha started to call before she noticed you sitting on the floor. "What's wrong?"

You use your sleeve to wipe at your eyes as you sit up straight.

"Nothing," you sniffle before you start to stand. "I just stubbed my toe against the edge of the kitchen island. What were you looking for? USB? You left it next to the bedside."

Natasha stares at your back, hair still wet as she takes in your attire.

"It's a little hot to be wearing a hoodie and sweats, isn't it?" Natasha asks softly. "Doesn't seem like you turned on the aircon in here."

You keep walking, but Natasha starts to follow you.

"'m cold," you say quietly so she can't hear the tremble in your voice.

"Are you feeling sick?" Natasha asks with concern as you sit down on the couch, turning on the TV. You pull the blanket over you as if to make your point.

"No," you tell her because you don't want her to worry. "Just cold after a bath."

Natasha sets her things down before she takes a seat next to you. Even in the low lighting, she can see your eyes rimmed red and dampness of them.

You're refusing to look at her as you have your knees drawn up to your chest and stare stubbornly at the TV screen.

Then she hears it.

Your stomach grumbles.

"Are you hungry, sweetheart?" Natasha asks softly again. "We can just order food and stay in tonight."

Your cheeks grow hot. "Don't you have to be at the Compound?"

You don't mean to snap at her, but you can't help but feel embarrassed.

Natasha remains quiet for a moment, quickly thinking over the last few weeks before she feels guilt trickle in.

She doesn't remember the last time she ate with you—doesn't remember the last time she saw you eat.

"Sweetheart," she calls you gently again, and you bristle at the tone. "Is there something wrong?"

The fragile dam you've built to keep the weeks of compiling emotions at bay breaks, and you're hurtling down the stream over the waterfall.

"Are you not in love with me anymore?" You choke out as you begin to cry.

You can't even register to feel horrified at your breakdown because you just need to know.

"I know...I know my body has changed since we first met and I've gained weight but I really am trying to lose it. I just—I feel like you're avoiding me. At first, I thought things at work have been really stressful for you, and I wanted to give you space but you're gone all the time. You're gone even when you're here."

Natasha can barely understand anything you've said after hearing you say the first part. Her breath hitches painfully in the back of her throat, and she legitimately feels appalled at herself.

She starts to say something, but you keep going.

"I'm sorry, I don't want to make this about me because if you're going through something then I want to support and be there for you. But I can't help but feel like you're grossed out by me. I mean—I feel grossed out when I look at myself. I feel like I'm taking up so much space—"

Natasha cuts you off abruptly, pulling off the blanket as she pulls at you until you're in her lap.

"Nat—"

"You're not gross and this is not about the weight you have or have not gained. You hear me?" Natasha says forcefully as she holds you close to her, hand over your thigh to keep you against her.

"God, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry if I've been making you feel like you're not attractive me," Natasha's eyes well up as your tears wet her shoulder. "You're literally still the most gorgeous person I've ever met and you're always going to be that to me."

Natasha's hand at your waist dips underneath your hoodie, her fingers trailing up your back as she sighs at your warmth. "I should've told you, but the springtime is just really hard for me. It's odd because it's a time for things to come back to life but some of the worst things have happened to me during the spring and things blooming makes me think about things that aren't coming back. I think it's also just a little bit of seasonal depression too. I'm just the rare percentage that gets it in the spring."

The explanation makes your body sag with relief because while you feel so horrible that there is a reason Natasha doesn't like spring, she's not falling out of love with you.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize that I was hurting you," Natasha apologizes again. "I didn't mean to be so distant but I didn't want to bring your mood down as well, which is why I've been working so much to keep busy."

"It's okay," you muttered as your turn your head, forehead pressed against her neck. "I'm sorry spring is depressing for you."

Natasha merely hushes you as she kisses the side of your head.

You begin to feel awkward, thinking about how you must be heavy on her and try to move, but Natasha doesn't let you.

"Sweetheart, I don't know how to convince you that you're perfect to me," Natasha says so seriously as she forces you to look at her. "If you want to lose weight because that is what you want, then I support you. But I need you to understand that I love you no matter what. I don't care either way because you're so fucking lovely to me always. Do you understand?"

Timidly, you reply, "Okay. Thank you."

Natasha presses her lips against yours in a long kiss before she pulls back.

"Now, I'm going to ask again. Are you hungry? We can order in and watch that new show on Netflix I heard was pretty good from Wanda."

You feel lighter. You think you might still want to work out because that would make you happy, but you don't feel the rush like you did just a couple of hours ago.

"Yeah," you say shyly. "But maybe something not so heavy?"

Natasha nods as she presses another kiss into your cheek as she helps you settle onto the couch right beside her to grab her phone.

"Anything to make you bloom."

[storiesforallfandoms]

can’t buy me ~ jimmy smith jr.;8 mile

word count: 1577

request?: yes!

@girl-toxxic "reader and Jimmy are in a relationship not long ago but Jimmy was always in love and they both live in the same place, ok but let's say that reader meets a new friend at work (she is a waitress or can be a babysitter for a rich girl) and this new friend has a lot of money and is very interested in reader and the reader get along well and this makes Jimmy insecure, since reader's friend gives him small gifts and helps him a lot. But you can add something that is more interesting as the boy confesses his feelings to the reader and she rejects him since Jimmy is her great love and he tells her how can she go out with that poor devil ... or something else interesting what occurs to you. And that this ends in a lot of love and smut, bah if you feel comfortable🤗💕💕"

description: in which her new friend keeps trying to make advances through gifts, but her heart belongs to one man

pairing: jimmy smith jr. x female!reader

warnings: swearing

masterlist (one, two)

I walked through the door and made a beeline for the kitchen to throw away yet another gift from my not so secret admirer. The last thing I needed was for Jimmy to see what Mark had give me and to get upset about it.

I worked as a waitress at a bar and grill down the road from mine and Jimmy’s house. The hours were only okay, but the tips more than made up for it, especially after our newest regular, Mark, started dining there and specifically asked to have me as his server whenever he was in.

Mark was in his late 30s, handsome, worked a good job that paid good money. He came in one night after he had a particularly hard shift. He sat at the bar, and it was the night I was working it, so I talked him through his rough day. Next thing I knew, he was coming back and asking for me again. We became friendly, but it took me a little too long to realize he wanted to be more than friends.

I turned the corner and yelped as I realized I wasn’t alone. Jimmy was leaning against the counter, almost like he was waiting for me.

“Hey babe,” I said. “I thought you were at the Shelter with Future tonight.”

His eyes flickered to the gift bag in my hand. “He wanted me to come home. We haven’t had a night together in months.”

“Doesn’t help that we both work late night jobs,” I tried to joke. The bag felt heavy in my hand as Jimmy kept looking at it.

“That rick prick buy you more useless shit?” he asked.

“Jimmy,” I sighed.

“Sorry, I forgot it was okay for some rich jackass to buy my girlfriend expensive gifts.”

He wouldn’t meet my eye. He kept glancing around the kitchen, every so often looking down at the bag in my hand. I dropped everything I was holding onto the floor, including that stupid gift, and raced over to hug him.

“Hey,” I said, softly, resting my head on his chest. “Hey, you know there’s nothing to this. It’s just a guy who doesn’t understand I’m not interested.”

“It’s a guy who has money.”

I lighted my head to look at him. “What does that have to do with anything?”

Jimmy shook his head. “Nothing, never mind.”

I pulled away from him. “No, tell me.” When he didn’t speak, I took his chin in my hand and forced him to look at me. “Jimmy, do you think I’d leave you for someone who makes more money?”

“He’d be able to give you what you deserve,” he responded. “A house, a car, expensive gifts - ”

“We have a house,” I cut him off. “You have a car, and I don’t want expensive gifts. I don’t want materialistic things, I want happiness and love, and that’s what I get with you. You really have nothing to worry about in regards to Mark. You’re the one I’ll always want.”

Jimmy sighed and pulled me close. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. I’ll give you that reassurance any day.”

I leaned up to kiss him. He relaxed into the kiss and I leaned into him more.

When he pulled away, Jimmy turned to look at the forgotten present on the floor. “What did that asshole get you this time anyways?”

I picked up the bag and pulled out the box that was inside. Jimmy opened the box to reveal the gold necklace Mark had given me. The pendant was gold to match, and it was my initial.

“I was gonna chuck it when I got home,” I told him. It’s way too flashy for me, it wouldn’t match anything I own.”

“Don’t throw it out. This is, like, real gold. We can sell it for a good chunk of money.”

I smiled. “I like the way you think, Rabbit.”

~~~~~~

The next day, Jimmy had the night off from the Shelter so he drove me to work. He followed me into the bar and grill with the intentions of sitting at the bar for an hour or two before going home. One of my co-workers spotted us as we walked in and gave me a panicked look. I immediately knew what she was trying to tell me.

I saw Mark sat at the bar before he saw me. I was about to turn to Jimmy to warn him when Mark spotted me and rose from his seat. He had a wide smile on his face, until he saw Jimmy behind me.

“Two nights in a row, Mark?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood. “Those wings and nachos are gonna start getting to you.”

“I went to the gym this morning, so it cancels out,” he responded. “Who’s this with you?”

“This is my boyfriend, Jimmy. I told you about him, remember?”

“Oh yeah, the...rapper,” Mark said. I didn’t miss the way he sneered the word “rapper”, and Jimmy didn’t either.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Mark shrugged. “Nothing. Just stating a fact that (Y/N) told me. Although, rapping at that rundown warehouse probably doesn’t pay as much as a real job would.”

Jimmy stepped towards Mark, but I grabbed his arm to stop him. “Hey, he’s not worth it. Just go home. Thank you for the ride.”

Jimmy glared at Mark before turning to walk away. I breathed a sigh of relief, glad that the situation seemed to defuse easily.

And then Matt spoke again, “Yeah, go back to the trailer park, white trash.”

Jimmy snapped and charged at Mark before I could stop him. He knocked Mark to the ground and reared up to hit him. I quickly grabbed his arm and pulled as hard as I could until Jimmy was off of Mark.

“Get out before security gets called,” I told him.

He got to his feet and walked out the door before anything else could happen. Mark was getting to his feet and adjusting his clothes. I was trying to calm myself down as I regarded him.

“Please leave, Mark.”

“Seriously? Your trailer trash boyfriend attacked me, but you’re kicking me out?”

“You provoked him.”

“I wasn’t saying anything he hasn’t heard before, or anything that wasn’t true.”

“Fuck off!” I snapped, my anger finally bubbling over. “You are fucking insufferable! I’ve told you on multiple occasions that I have a boyfriend, that I’m not interested. Most people would take the fucking hint and move on. The way you’ve been acting, especially tonight, is way out of line. I want you to get the fuck out and if I ever see you here again I will contact the authorities and have you charged for harassment.”

Mark blinked, realized I was being serious, and finally left. He muttered some less than ideal names towards me as he walked out the door. I sighed and buried my head in my hands. I was grateful that there wasn’t many customers in the area as all of this went down.

“Hey.” I looked up at my co-worker, who was now in front of me. “Go check on your man.”

I thanked her and quickly walked out the door. I didn’t expect him to still be outside, so I was surprised to see him stood by his car, almost like he was waiting for me to come out.

“Did I get you in trouble?”

I gave him a small smile and shook my head. “No. If anything, you did me a favor. When it became evident that Mark wasn’t taking no for an answer, all of us wanted to ban him from the place entirely, but we weren’t allowed unless he really caused trouble. I think it’s safe to say starting a fight is more than probable cause to make sure he never comes back.”

Jimmy was nodding and rubbing the back of his head. “I probably could’ve handled that better though.”

“I didn’t expect you to handle it any other way,” I said. I walked up to him and wrapped my arms around his waist. “Are you okay?”

Jimmy chuckled slightly. “Cocksucker didn’t even try to hit me. Did you see his face when I tackled him? He looked like he shit himself.”

I giggled. “Yeah, he’s definitely not a fighter. He’s too much like a high school mean girl for someone who works an office job and makes as much money as he does.”

Jimmy wrapped his arms around me and pulled me to him, resting his chin on top of my head. “I’m glad you stopped me. I wouldn’t beat the shit out of him if you didn’t.”

“I would’ve liked to see that.”

We both stood in silence for a while. I buried my nose in Jimmy’s sweater, taking in the familiar scent of his cologne. It made a warm feeling swell inside of me, like a safe feeling. It reminded me of how I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else than in Jimmy’s arms, or with anyone else besides Jimmy. No amounts of money, or people like Mark could ever change my mind about that.

“I should actually go to work,” I said, reluctantly untangling myself from Jimmy’s arms. “I’ll see you when I get off?”

“Of course, I’ll come pick you up.”

I smiled and kissed his cheek. I started back towards the restaurant, but paused to turn back to Jimmy. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

[imabeautifulbutterfly]

The Gym Membership - Part 13 (Echo)

Summary: Echo sees how everyone’s handling the situation with Tech and Kamarie; tries to keep his mind occupied.

A/N: Hello Lovelies,

Thought you would have to wait for awhile for the new instalment, SURPRISE! 

Haven’t really flushed out Echo’s part yet, but I’m thinking it’ll probably be around the three to four part mark, and then there will be Crosshair and finally an Epilogue with Omega. 

Hopefully you all will love how this story is progressing. 

Love oo, and thank you for showing this series so much love. 

Warnings: Mentions of illness, the effects of illness, flirting, kissing, fluff, wedding discussions, I think that’s it, if I miss any warnings, please let me know. 

AO3 Link   |   Words: 4,882   |   PREVIOUS - -> NEXT

Gym Membership Master List  |   Main Master List  

“Where’s Kamarie?” Echo glanced from his brother to the empty seat beside, he had gotten used to seeing it filled by Kamarie’s smiling radiating presence. However, lately she seemed to be having less and less energy.

“Still sleeping, she had a bad night” came Tech’s answer, his face solemn as his eyes focused on the cup of coffee in his hands.

Seeing how much it was affecting Tech, how much Kamarie was suffering broke Echo’s heart. He knew she was having a rough time of things lately, but to hear it was getting worse and more consistent really weighed on him.

“Sorry vod, I can just imagine how difficult this is for the both of you. Do you wanna stay home with her today? I know the guys won’t mind. Pretty sure we can handle a few things, plus I can ask Zaina to step in for you, since it’s her day off. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.”

Tech simply shook his head, “No, it’s okay thanks. She wants me to go to work.”

Echo nodded, “Is that what you want?”

“No”

“Why not try to convince her?”

“I did, but she was adamant”

“You mean she wants alone time”

“No. I think …” Tech’s hands rested against the table clenching against themselves, “I think she’s finding it harder than she realized to deal with her weakening body, and having someone she loves beside her, especially, when there’s nothing anyone can do.”

“What about that nanite stuff you told me?”

“As you know I’m started assisting the engineer, she has been working with, these past three weeks. It unfortunately took a while to gain his trust but they finally relented and allowed me to help, after weeks of us asking unceasingly, but …” Tech leaned with resignation in his chair, “it …” his throat bobbed up and down, he cleared his throat fighting back the tears that kept wanting to surface, “after careful evaluation and analysis, we determined the nanites won’t be ready. At least, not for how soon she would need them.”

“What do you mean?”

“Exactly as I’ve stated. Even if we skipped a thousand safety checks - which she … we would never do, the nanites to combat cancer won’t be ready for at least two years, and that would be for basic testing, not even complex testing on distinguishing the difference between masses of cancer cells and organ components.”

“She could hold out” Echo took the seat beside Tech, hoping his presence alone would encourage and strengthen his brother, “you never know. She’s one strong, determined and incredible woman, she may be able to hold out longer than you think. You may give her the strength to hold on.”

“I hope so. I really do. I don’t think …” Tech felt his throat tightening, he cleared it once again, fighting back the wave of emotion that wanted to erupt, “having her living here for the past four months have been amazing. Something I never imagined would be possible for me, and I want to be able to enjoy more days with her” a tear slipped down his cheek, as quickly as it escaped, Tech was ready to wipe away the evidence of his turmoil. 

Echo made sure not to bring it up, Tech was never one to be very open with his emotions, and he certainly wasn’t going to make him feel uncomfortable by pointing it out now.

“How about you just stay home Tech. As you say, you want more days with her, so take advantage of the days you do have, because as you and I both know things are going to get harder for the both of you. So stay and help her. I’ll let the guys know.” Echo stood from the table patting Tech’s shoulder before he grabbed his keys and headed to the Gym. 

Tech didn’t fight Echo, despite how annoyed Kamarie may have been when she woke up and realized he was still there, he knew deep down she would’ve been happy to have him by her side, even if it was just to hold her hand. 

- - - - - - - - - - - 

“Man I knew she was having a hard time lately, just didn’t realize how bad it got” Zai commented after hearing the morning conversation Echo had with Tech. She glanced over to Hunter, who looked as though he was going through his own emotional upheaval, he held on to her hand, tightening his grip, reinforcing within himself she was there beside him.

Mel and Zaina both leaned against the juice bar, “We should go and see if there’s anything we can do for her.” Mel had been by to see her a few times, but every time Kamarie had kept the visit brief, now she understood why.

Zaina nodded, “I’m off today, I’ll stop by and check in on her”

Mel nodded as she paced back and forth a bit, “Excuse me guys, I need to talk to Wrecker for a second.” 

Echo glanced over to Zai, with a questioning look, she simply shrugged not knowing the answer to his silent question. Well if she was going to have a convo with Wrecker, he was going to have a convo with his vod “I’m gonna talk to Crosshair, be back in a minute, Zaina would you mind looking after the front desk from me” Zai nodded as she watched Echo take off. 

Everyone was all a little downhearted after learning how far Kamarie’s illness was advancing and affecting her, even Tech’s handling of the situation was leaving everyone with a sadness in their hearts. Their concern for Kamarie and Tech took over any other considerations they had going on in their lives at the moment.

However, despite the sadness and the pain he knew everyone felt, Echo knew it was the right thing to tell everyone, for Tech and Kamarie’s sake they all need to rally for the two of them. 

“Hey Cross” Echo took the seat in front of his older brother’s desk, picking up a paper clip and twirling it in his hand.

“What’s up Echo?” Cross asked without looking up from writing up his notes on his last patient.

“Do you mind if I just sit here for a while?”

Crosshair stopped his paperwork and looked at Echo, it was unlike him to just come in and sit with him for no reason, if he was here something must be really bothering him “What’s wrong?”

Echo’s hands fidgeted with the sweats covering his lower prosthetics, ever since he came back from the war, Cross seemed to be the only one to provide him the greatest comfort, aside from Tech. Maybe it’s because he had this calming presence when he looked after his brothers, constantly by their side no matter how crazy they got, usually because Crosshair undoubtedly did something crazier. 

Either way, having Cross there to comfort him, however minimal, made Echo miss his twin a little less. It had been years since he lost Fives but on days like this, on days when his emotions felt like they were going to drown him, it made him miss Fives terribly. 

He sighed “Kamarie’s not doing well. Every day she’s getting weaker.”

“How’s Tech doing?”

“As well as can be expected, this morning he was having a hard time”

“That’s not what’s troubling you though, is it?”

Echo leaned back and looked up to the ceiling, “No. It isn’t. As sad as I feel for them, I can’t help thinking about when Wrecker was in the hospital and regardless of how much I wanted to help, there was absolutely nothing I could do to help him. I mean it was bad enough he was injured, dealing with the burn and the loss of his eye, but especially after what that woman did to him, breaking up with him when he was recouping. It killed me to see and to hear him in so much pain and I couldn’t do anything.”

“Hear?”

He let out a sigh, this was something he never told anyone but with Cross at least with this, “I never told you guys this, but at night I could hear Wrecker crying, mumbling that woman’s name. Whenever, I asked him what was wrong, he simply pretended to be sleeping.”

“That’s rough”

“Seeing him like that, knowing I couldn’t help him broke my heart, and I just can’t help think about Kamarie and Tech’s situation and wonder if I could ever be as tough as Tech. I was by Wrecker’s side for a few weeks and it nearly killed me, and as much as I love Wrecker, it’s not the same as watching the person you love dying in your arms for months on end.”

“First, need I remind you, you were a patient and injured along with Wrecker. What exactly did you think you were going to be able to do? Secondly, you did help him, you convinced the doctors to move you to the same room as his, and because of that you were able to be there by his side when we couldn’t, despite the fact you were in pain, and dealing with your own injuries. Thirdly, Echo” Crosshair shifted in his seat, making sure to look his brother in the eyes, “You are by far the strongest out of all of us. I think if it was the love of your life, I have no doubt you’d move heaven and earth to be beside them.”

“Do you think I’ll ever feel that way?”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you think I’ll ever meet someone I could look at as the love of my life? For that matter, do you think you’ll ever meet someone to make you feel that way?”

Crossshair tapped his fingers against the desk, “I have no doubt you’ll find someone Echo, good things happen to good people.”

Echo shifted his head to look at his brother, “What about you?”

He glanced from Echo to the paperwork on his desk, this was a discussion Crosshair didn’t want to have, it was a thought, a past, he had pushed to the furthest point in his mind. It was a memory he didn’t want to think about, “You know Echo, I have to get back to work, and I think it’s almost time for you to head to your physio.”

Echo simply nodded, there was no point trying to drag it out of Cross. He always suspected Cross had something in his past, something he didn’t exactly want to discuss or more specifically someone he didn’t want to think about. However, Echo was a patient man and he could wait him out, he simply stood waved goodbye and headed out.

- - - - - - - - - - 

Echo sat in his car, parked in front of his physio, he couldn’t help wonder if there was anything he could do to help Kamarie and Tech. Maybe he could cook for them tonight, or maybe he could help out in some way.

You: Hey Tech, I’m about to heading in for my physio, afterwards I’m gonna pass by the store, do you or Kamarie need anything? I was thinking of making dinner tonight for us, but if you guys have   something planned already I can work around that?

Tech: Thanks vod. Kamarie hasn’t felt well all day, I’m happy I followed your advice and remained at home. With respect to dinner, we haven’t discussed it as yet. If you could pick up some anti-nausea medicine, that would be helpful.

You: Sure, I’ll make us something for dinner when I get home, anything else?

Tech: Should anything else come to mind, I’ll inform you as soon as possible.

You: Sounds good, how’s Kamarie? You said she hasn’t felt well all day.

Tech: She has not been able to stop vomiting all morning, which aggravates her coughing, leading her to have difficulty breathing. She’s currently resting with the oxygen tank we got from her doctor.

You: Is it helping?

Tech: She’s no longer wheezing, allowing her to be able to rest, which at least is beneficial. She may be too weak to come down to dinner to eat.

You: That’s okay, she can have it in bed. Maybe I’ll make some soup, something light, and won’t make her feel queasy, but still satisfying. I think I still have some of the recipes you guys used when I was first recovering.

Tech: Thank you vod, I can cook for us though, you’ll be exhausted once you come back from physio.

You: You’ve been taking care of Kamarie all day, let me do this for you guys.

Tech: I know there’s no point in arguing with you.

You: Good. Aside from the nausea meds, are you sure you don’t need anything else? Or anything else you need me to do.

Tech: Nope. Just the meds. Trust me, vod, you’ve done more than enough. Thank you. Ttyl.

- - - - - - - - - -

“Echo”

He blinked a few times, before he realized he was sitting in his physio’s office, “Hmmm? Sorry, what did you say?”

“Welcome back to the living, you okay?”

He let out a sigh, nodding, he kept racking his brain, there had to be something else he could do, something they could all do for Tech and Kamarie. They were coming up on six months soon, maybe they could do a little anniversary dinner, if she was up for it, something easy that they all could easily reschedule, if she couldn’t meet up.

He glanced up to see his doctor just sitting there, eyeing him, waiting for him to open up. As much as he went there for help with his prosthetics, he’d become a friend and somewhat of a therapist for Echo, “Yeah, I’m okay. It’s just … my brother, Tech, he started dating this woman about six months ago, and they’re … it’s hard pressed to find a more perfect couple. It’s as though they’re made for each other.”

“That sounds amazing”

“It is. I’ super happy for him” Echo chuckled, thinking as to how his life turned out, he moved out of Hunter’s place for Zai, only to move in with Tech, who’d ended up finding himself the woman of his dreams and living with the two of them.

“Then what’s the problem?”

“She’s really sick, and every day she’s getting worse”

“I’m sorry to hear that, what’s wrong with her?”

“Cancer”

“Is she on any treatment?”

Echo simply shook his head, “Umm … no, she … they told her there wasn’t anything more they could do.”

“I’m sorry, Echo.”

“It’s okay, Azi. I just … my heart breaks for Tech, he’s never had the best of luck when it comes to women. The first time he really fell in love, it … anyways, that’s …”

“Echo, can I ask, are you interested in Kamarie?”

“What! No. I mean she’s lovely but definitely not.”

“Okay. It just sounds like you’re maybe … a tad jealous, no doubt the situation is quite upsetting and very sad, but you seem jealous regardless”

Echo rubbed his head, was he jealous? He most certainly didn’t have feelings for Kamarie, she was beautiful, funny, and kind, but that’s as far as his feelings for her went. Since the first time he met her, he always looked at her as a sister, never anything more. No, he definitely wasn’t jealous of Tech because of Kamarie, “Don’t know what to tell you, but I’m definitely not interested in Kamarie.”

“Is that the only reason you could be jealous of Tech?”

“What other reason could there be?”

Azi simply shrugged, he wasn’t going to tell Echo, this was something he needed to figure out for himself. “Maybe it’s something you have to think about, anyway let’s discuss what you want to work on now with the new prosthetics”

“My brother’s getting married”

“The one with the girlfriend”

“Not Hunter, Wrecker. I want to be able to dance at the wedding. I used to be really good, but I haven’t tried anything like that since the  first time I was outfitted with prosthetics.”

 “Hmm, I think it’s definitely possible, let me see” Doctor Azi pulled out a referral sheet, “There’s a dancing instructor that’s quite good, she actually coaches Paralympic dancers. I’ll set up an appointment for you, once it’s set up, I’ll send you the information.”

“Thanks”

“Of course. Now, how are you feeling with the new prosthetics? Any issues or problems?”

“None, everything feels really good actually.”

“It’s been a few months with the new prosthetics, compared to the old ones have you noticed a difference?”

“Definitely, my movements are smoother. I feel as though my actions have become second nature again.”

“That’s fantastic and after such a short period of time. Alright let’s get you doing your exercises, and then we’ll book your next follow-up”

“Sounds good”

- - - - - - - - - 

“I got the nausea medication” Echo shifted the basket in his hand, while he was double checking with Tech what else they needed, “my physiotherapist said ginger is also good for nausea, and I still have some of the herbal tea my doctor recommended for when I was having trouble with my stomach last year. I forgot to tell you earlier. I just remembered when I was talking with my physiotherapist”

“Thanks, Echo. Also, despite my numerous objections, your offer to cook and almost physically restraining her, Kamarie succeeded in making dinner for us this evening”

“She made dinner?”

“As I said despite my numerous objections and attempts to quell her ambitious desire, yes, she made dinner.”

“I’ll make sure to eat plenty and tell her it’s delicious.”

“Thanks, vod. I have no doubt she will greatly appreciate your effort, especially, since it took her a great deal of effort just to make dinner.”

“Then I will even pick up flowers for her”

“She will appreciate it even more.”

“See you soon”

Echo shifted from the aisle, his vision focused on the basket in his hand, as he did his best to make sure the bottle of cashew milk he had wasn’t tipping over on to his grapes. 

When his step was impeded by something small and sturdy, it jostled the basket, nearly throwing him off balance, he reached out to steady himself. In that instant, he closed his eyes, when he opened them again, he was looking into a pair of eyes wide with shock and holding on to him for dear life. He could feel his heart beating faster than it had in a long time, as the most soft and pleasant scent of orchids with a hint of coconut filled his nostrils. About a million thoughts ran through his mind, and at the same time there wasn’t a single thought as he looked at those eyes.

 “Are … are you okay?” 

He shifted his hand feeling something soft underneath his fingers, the fabric was gentle, smooth, and shifting slightly, as the person in front of him took in a shuddering breath, “Yeah, sorry.” 

Her hand tightened against his chest, as she fought against gravity that seemed especially determined to make her fall on her butt, and embarrass her in front of this man.

“It was my fault” Echo did his best to keep them both steady and up; he shifted a little so it felt less awkward trying to hold them both up. 

“No. I was on my phone and not paying attention.”

“I was busy fiddling with my basket, I should’ve been paying attention, but I was trying to save my grapes”

She smirked as she looked from his eyes to the basket, “At least they know your effort was not in vain” my eyes found his again, “even if they did get squished”

“Huh?” Echo glanced over to see the cashew milk lying on top of the grapes squishing them, “Well that’s disappointing”

Echo looked back at the woman in front of him, the shock expression on her face shifted till she started giggling the sound of her voice was something completely unexpected, it was loud and jovial, full of life, and not dainty in any shape or form. “Okay so you’re sorry, I’m sorry. We’re all sorry right, and the grapes died, despite the brave battle they fought.”

Echo chuckled his hand tightening on her waist, “Well I am sorry, and yes they did die a warrior’s death.” 

She couldn’t help feeling relaxed and absolutely comfortable with the man in front of her regardless of the fact he was a complete stranger, “It’s not everyday I get to bump into such a handsome stranger, and at the grocery store who has a clever sense of humour.”

He felt a tapping against his chest, he glanced down to realize they had been standing this close to one another for the past five minutes, he let her waist go, stepping back, she shifted till she found her balance as well. Echo’s face felt heated from how close they had been for the past few minutes, “Sorry, didn’t mean to …” he motioned with his hands to their predicament.

“Chivalrous and polite, let me guess married with kids?”

“Is that always case?”

“Usually, either that or their gay” Her phone beeped loudly breaking the tension between the two of them, Echo glanced down to the phone in her hand, she looked letting out a sigh, “Sorry this is one of my kids”

“One of them?” Echo smirked, this woman is definitely interesting.

“Yeah, I train some.”

“Oh?”

The phone kept ringing, “Sorry, I gotta get this”

“No worries, it was a pleasure to meet you. Take care of yourself” he nodded to the woman, as she smiled while she answered the phone. She hesitated for a minute before she walked off.

It was only when he was in the car heading home, did he realize he never got her name or even her number. 

If Cross had been there with him, there would’ve definitely have been teasing all the way home, restless shaming from Cross, and more than likely he would have been the one ending up with a date at the end of those few minutes. 

His hand twitched against the steering wheel, even though he felt the leather under his fingers he wished it was still her shirt, and the heat from her body seeping into his hand. 

He shook his head, chastising himself out loud, “Come on Echo! Stop being a creep! You just met the woman. Get it together. If it’s meant to be you’ll run into her again.” As he drove, he couldn’t help remembering the day and time he ran into her at the grocery store.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Wrecker sat there cradling Iris in his arms, as he looked at Mel. He hadn’t said much, since Mel told him her idea for their wedding. He couldn’t help smile at her, he thought for sure he was in love with her when he first met her. He was fairly certain about his feelings when she told him she was pregnant, only to realize he had fallen more in love. He was convinced how deep his feelings were, when he saw how she took Omega under her wing, and he knew he’d never leave her side when he saw how she doted on their own daughter, but what she proposed made him want to be by her side for all of their life, their daughter’s life, and any future grandchildren’s, if he could he wanted eternity with her. He never imagined he’d fall even deeper in love with her at that moment.

He took in a deep breath, doing his best not to jostle his sleeping angel. 

“Are you sure that’s what you want to do?” His voice was low, barely above a whisper last thing he wanted to do was to wake his ad’ika. He watched his little girl wriggle closer to him. He’d noticed lately whenever he spoke, she always ended up clinging closer to him. He watched as a little smile appeared on her lips, and her tiny hand gripped on to his shirt for life itself.

“She clearly loves her daddy” Mel reached forward trailing her finger over her daughter’s head.

“You still haven’t answered mesh’la”

Mel let out a sigh, “Cyare, I am sure. I wouldn’t have suggested it, if I wasn’t sure. You know me well enough, to know that.”

“True, but you have to remember if we do this, there’s no going back. We can’t change our minds last minute”

“I know. I am fully prepared to do this.”

They both looked at their daughter, Mel shifted till she sat beside Wrecker, leaning into his side, her hand resting on his arm that held Iris, he shifted his arm wrapping it around her. Holding her close to his side, Wrecker looked at Mel, her warm eyes, her pleasant smile, it all made him realize how lucky he was to have her there, he smirked as he placed a kiss on her forehead.

“You’re amazing, cyar’ika. You know that?”

“I’m amazing because you are incredibly patient with me, support me and my crazy ideas. However, are you okay with what I suggested?”

“Absolutely. I think it’s a brilliant suggestion and an incredibly thoughtful one.”

Mel rested her head on his shoulder, “You know you are just as amazing” she breathed in his scent, he smelled of baby shampoo, cedar, and a slight hint of her own grapefruit lotion. 

“Meh. You came up with the idea.”

“And you are willingly supporting it.”

“How about we just agree, we are both amazing; and our little ad’ika is absolutely incredible.”

“Agreed” Mel reached up and placed a gentle and delicate kiss on Wrecker’s lips, he took the chance to deepen the kiss as best he could without trying to jostle Iris. Mel pulled back, smirking at his pouting face, “We can continue that particular discussion later on tonight, once the little one is in her crib.”

“I’m going to hold you to that”

“Have I ever gone back on my word?”

He simply chuckled as he pressed his forehead against hers.

Mel took in a deep breath, grateful she had Wrecker and Iris in her life, indebted to whoever thought she was worthy enough to have such an amazing man and the most beautiful little girl by her side. 

She shifted till her head found his shoulder again, “Do you think everyone will be on board with our suggestion?”

Wrecker nodded against her head, “I think once we tell everyone, they’ll be quick to rally behind the idea.”

“Should we keep it a surprise for them or tell them?"

“Hmmm that’s a good question, on the one hand we can guarantee they’ll be there. After all, he is one of the groomsmen, and she is one of the bridesmaids.”

“Not to mention they’re family”

He chuckled against her head, “Good point, mesh’la. However, Tech should know just in case Kamarie isn’t feeling well”

“True.”

Mel focused on their daughter, “Okay how about this? We keep it a surprise until we have everything ready, then as a backup if it doesn’t work because either they don’t want to go along with the offer or she’s feeling too sick we can simply go back to plan A.”

“Agreed, although, I think we won’t have to worry. I do believe, my younger brother may have been planning something already.”

“Really?”

“Well Tech was asking me about your ring, how I knew you would like it, was there some special insight I had? Whether you came with me to get the ring or did you perhaps pick it out prior to me going to pick up the ring? You know him, he had a million and one questions.”

“Yeah, that sounds like him. So, what did you tell him?” Mel smirked as she looked at her ring, thinking back to the day they were in the hospital room, and Wrecker got down on his knee to ask her, Iris asleep beside them.

“Simple, I told him when I looked at the ring, I just knew. The moment I held the ring in my hand, I imagined offering it to you. Getting down on one knee, telling you everything I wanted to tell you, and I could see your face, your reaction, and I just knew.”

Mel shifted her head, pulling back to look at him, a smile gracing her face, “You never told me - you know me so well love.” She placed her forehead against his, “I love you”

“I know. I love you too”

She smirked, as she felt him shift placing the gentlest kiss on her forehead, readjusting till her head rested on his shoulder again, “What did he say, when you told him?”

“Not much actually, he just simply nodded, and went back to his phone.”

“Well maybe we should talk to Tech and Kamarie first then, but after we find out if Tech has got the ring.”

“Perfect. He gets the ring, we give him a wedding.”

“So when do you wanna get married?”

“Well since we’re going to have a simple ceremony, how about as soon as those two agree to take over our wedding?”

Mel nodded against Wrecker’s shoulder as the idea of being his wife sooner than they anticipated crossed her mind, making her smile from ear to ear. Imagining their life with Iris and any other future children.

PREVIOUS - -> NEXT

Gym Membership Master List  |   Main Master List  

Tag List:

@justanothersadperson93​ @liadamerondjarin​ @badbatch-simp24​ @spicymcnuggies​ @lady-ren​ @firstofficerwiggles​ @darkangel4121​ @discofern​ @kavecika​ @monako-jinn-stories​ @ladykatakuri​ @avathebestx​ @theroguesully​ @furyhellfire66​ @carodealmeida​ @ciramaris​ @sprout-fics​ @twinkofthedink​ @dindjarin-mandalorian​ 

[firefly-moon]

Pajama Party.

Oikawa Tooru X Reader

Your boyfriend had completely forgotten about your little pj party you two had planned , and once he came home to find you asleep on the couch he realized how much he loved you and how much he regretted missing it.

CW: hurt to comfort? Lowkey cliche, but sometimes they the best stories. I kinda wrote this one on a whim bc I just got a new onesie. Uhm. Crying? Barely edited even if our drama queen king deserves better writing😔😕

It had been the third time that you had to wait up for your boyfriend Tooru to get home. Three times in just this month in where he had skipped out your pajama parties.

Sure you were both busy adults, but these small things were events you had looked forward to at the end of every stressful work week. You had certain pajamas that you would put on and sit on the couch to set up y’all’s stay at home date night.

But three nights he had missed had been three too many. Every time Oikawa would arrive home in the dead hours of the night, he would se you cuddled into yourself on the couch. Tonight was no different.

You had found yourself a brand new onesie you wanted to show off tonight. It was a simple bear one, but nonetheless you loved it. Yet, you couldn’t. Tooru didn’t place his keys in the lock until you had fallen asleep.

Of course you didn’t want to make a big deal of him missing your small at home dates but it really didn’t sit right with you. Instead of being in Tooru’s arms, you would find yourself with a pillow on your lap with a bowl of ice cream and a stupid movie playing. You wouldn’t say anything because you knew how busy he was with volleyball and with the team.

Tooru made his way into your shared living room to find your sleeping figure wrapped up in a onesie and a small blanket. A frown had begun to form on his face. He had forgotten -again- that tonight was a pajama party. He stayed out late in the gym trying to get everything perfect.

He knows that can’t be an excuse. It’s a stupid excuse. Even if volleyball had always been first in his life, you had replaced not to long ago. He was falling into his old patterns again and he could tell it was affecting you. If Oikawa was anything, he was observant.

Loving him has never been easy. Never. And he knew that. He knew how egotistical he was, how obsessed he’d get with being perfect, and of course he knew how hard it was to just be around him in general some days.

Yet, you stuck through every day with him. The good and the bad. And here he was looking down at your cute figure as you slept without even giving anything back to you. The thought put tears in his eyes. He knew you could do so much better but here you were, after him missing three date nights, waiting for him.

He shrugged off his bag and walked into the shared bedroom. He threw on one of his onesies and went back to the living room. At this point you’d woken up from some of the noise and was lightly rubbing your eyes and reaching for the remote to turn the TV off. You hadn’t noticed Tooru yet.

“Darling?” He weakly called out, barely trusting his voice.

“Hm..?” You blinked back your sleep and gave him a tired smile. “Hi, Ru’..” you yawned and got up to give him a hug. At this point, Oikawa was crying. You were to good to him.

“Tooru? What’s wrong?” You felt him shaking underneath you and saw he was crying.

“I’m so sorry… I’ve skipped our dates and came home late and-“ you cut him off with a small peck to his cheek.

“It’s ok.. I know you’re busy and it does upset me, but I’m also proud you’re doing your best. Just don’t skip anymore..” you snuggled closer to him in the hug which just made him cry more. “Ru’ you’re such a crybaby.”

“Shut up Y/N,” he sniffled against your head. “Can we cuddle now..?” He barely whispered the question.

“Of course. Let’s go to bed and have our pajama party tomorrow.”

[pies-writes-and-more]

Haikyuu boys and wearing their clothes

Characters: Asahi Azumane, Kageyama Tobio, Sugawara Koushi, Tsukishima Kei, Bokuto Kotaro, Ushijima Wakatoshi, all with a gender-neutral reader :) (let me know if I missed a pronoun change or made something too femme! I very much so did not proof read this lol)

Warnings: Probably some swearing

A/N: This might be an overdone topic but I love it so much soooooo no regrets :) Let me know if you’d like more!

Asahi literally carries a picture of you in his phone case because he loves you in his clothes so much. He also has a pic of you wearing his hoodie as his wallpaper, and another printed pic of you framed in his room. I don’t care what size you are, his sweaters still manage to feel gigantic on you. It is like a hug FOREVER. 

He literally could not care less that his closet is slowly growing smaller because it means that he gets to see you in his clothes. Eventually, you’ll carry them all back to him in a bag so that he can make them smell like him again. But this is his favourite part, because now his favourite items smell like you. 

Daydreaming in class? Thinking of you wearing the sweater he has on. 

Gets smacked by a volleyball during practice? It’s cause the smell of you is still on his jersey. 

This man trips over his own two feet cause he’s trying to find you in the halls and you wave at him wearing his volleyball jacket ”So that’s where that went. I thought I forgot it somewhere...”

The two of you would trade sweaters before he went on any overnight trips and you’d send him snapchats of you cuddling with the sweater over a pillow or just you snuggled in bed with it on. He’d screenshot all of them, regardless of if you thought you looked good. 

He has an album of you. He will never delete them because they’re all precious.

His teammates have accidentally caught him looking through it before a game because it really de-stressed him if you weren’t able to attend the game in person (though you made it to most of them). Tanaka would burst into tears over not being able to have a significant other with cute photos of and would make Asahi promise to always treat you right. And Asahi would just stare at your photos with his cute little smile and obviously promise because his least favourite thing in the world is seeing you sad.

(Look at how cute he is omg)

Kageyama is confused when you ask to wear his sweater. You probably did it at a time that made some sort of sense. Like it was late at night and you were studying in the gym while Hinata and him were practicing. 

The cool breeze into the gym made you shiver a little and you noticed that his sweater was just sitting there on the ground so when he came over to grab some water you just looked up at him with your signature puppy eyes. “Can I wear it?”

“Why?”

“Oi, stupid head. They’re probably cold!” 

It would probably annoy him so much that Hinata figured it out before him. He’d kneel down and help you put it on, pulling it over your head and giving you a little smile cause you looked so damn cute in his sweater. 

But now that you’ve started wearing his things, he’s still very confused as to why you ask for them. “Should we go shopping?” He’d ask you randomly on a weekend when there was no volleyball practice. And you’d just stare at him because why would Kageyama want to stand somewhere that wasn’t a gym. “Aren’t you running out of clothes to wear or something?”

It would take a while and some conversations before you realized he was asking cause you had like 3 hoodies, a t-shirt, and some track pants in your room that were very much so his. “I just like having a piece of you with me,” you’d explain. He would have to think it over but he was very happy with this idea.

There’s only one shirt you’re not allowed to take and it’s this cute little graphic tee you got him for his birthday that has a nice drawing of a milk carton on it. He loves it. He will kill anyone that laughs at it. And no, you cannot wear it because if you’re wearing, what is he supposed to wear.

Sugawara and you regularly switch clothes because this man gives no fucks for your gender roles thank you very much. He shows up to practice one day wearing a dark pinkish basic, or some floral print shirt that you had in your closet and the boys are like “um Suga what are you wearing?”

And he’s probably just like “it’s call fashion, look it up.” (Like Suga sweetie, it’s just a shirt lol)

If you own any tighter pants like yoga pants or leggings? Suga has worn them because his legs and ass look great in them and he will strut around fully confident with that knowledge.

Honestly, he probably steals your sweaters more than you realize. You guys are baking at his house one day and you’ve made a mESS of your clothes and he’s just like oh it’s okay I’ll get you some new clothes.

And you’re expecting this cute little pj set that he has that might fit you or some comfy clothes that he’s lending you. No. He legitimately has some of your clothes and gives them to you and you’re just like.... “Suga I’ve been looking for this shirt for weeks. I even asked you about it.”

And he is suddenly deaf, little shithead.

He likes you in any clothes but they have to be his comfy clothes or he will set that shit on fire. Ennoshita once offered you his gloves because it was fricken cold out and you forgot yours at home and Suga literally threw him across the road and was like “hello angel I have gloves for you”.

You’re just like “um... Ennoshita are you okay?” Boy probably has a concussion and Suga’s just like “who’s Ennoshita?”

Tsukishima will kill you if he finds you raiding his closet. Like if he walks into his room when you two are supposed to be studying and you’re just casually picking out a sweater, he will throw you on the bed and tickle you until you call for mercy.

Will he offer his clothes to you if you’re in need of something? Most of the time, yes. But you have to ask. No stealing allowed in this household.

Except one night you stayed over and totally forgot a night shirt. Tsukishima is already like half asleep because he woke up way too early for practice that morning, so you just sneak into his drawers and pull out the first shirt you can. You can’t even see what it has on it cause it’s fucking dark. Then you crawl into bed with him, figuring you’ll accept your punishment for stealing tomorrow.

And when he wakes up, you best believe he was annoyed. First off, who plans to stay over and doesn’t bring a shirt? Stupid, can’t you remember anything? But then he realizes, you grabbed this cute little dino graphic shirt and his face is RED. Pasty boi so bright, he might as well be Hinata’s hair. And he’s desperately trying to get out of the bed and run to the bathroom before you wake up because holy fuck you’re PRECIOUS?

But all of his squirming just wakes you up and you see him all flustered, and just assume he’s mad and you’re like I’m so sorry I just didn’t have anything else and was stupid and forgot. And he just hits you (lovingly) on the head, mutters some sort of insult, and moves on.

From then on, that is your designated shirt. It’s a comfort item almost. He’ll only really wear it when he has to be away from town overnight, in which case he’ll wear it as a reminder of you (he won’t admit to it but you tried to take the shirt as a keepsake for while he was gone and he only had a heart attack. Tsukishima Kei does not believe in lucky charms. But he has yet to lose a game when he wears that shirt the night before).

Bokuto has been WAITING for you to wear something of his, but you haven’t yet. And it’s been stressful. He keeps trying to find a good excuse to see you in his clothes but you’re always too well-prepared.

“It’s kinda chilly out, Y/N, want my sweater??”

“I brought one, don’t worry!”

-.- *cue owl boi pouts*

And he doesn’t want you to wear something of his just because he asked. He wants to you want to wear his things. So he just waits. And pouts. And waits some more.

The day finally came when he was least expecting it. The gym that his game was in was freezing and you couldn’t imagine why. Most of the gyms they had played before in were pretty standard temperature but you were going to die if you stayed in the clothes you came in.

You had snuck onto the court while the boys were stretching, Akaashi smacking Bokuto in the head and interrupting his hype session to help him notice you.

“You wouldn’t happen to have a sweater with you, would you? It’s freezing!”

His eyes would widen. The day has finally arrived. He would finally get to see you in his clothes!!!!

But of course he has no sweater because he had not planned on needing one. Cue more sulking. Of course Akaashi comes over and offers his sweater and Bokuto almost bites his hand off.

“Well offer her your jacket then, idiot.” Akaashi just needs this man to hold off pouting till later. 

Bokuto’s jacket just looked so perfect on you and it was a nice way to keep warm. You cheered him on during the games and after some jaw-dropping move of his, he would turn to your direction and send you a kiss. Embarrassing? A little. But he was such a cutie, how could you deny his air kiss?

Wearing his clothes became more common after that and he will literally bring you his whole closet so you can pick your favourites.

Ushijima didn’t even wait for you to ask to give you his clothes. He probably folded up his hoodie or jacket for you before a game and placed it awkwardly on your lap or in your arms and you’re just like um... do you want me to put this away for you or?

“Would you wear it for me?” How can you say no??? His cheeks are just slightly going red and he’s avoiding your eyes a bit so of course you have to wear it.

Ushijima thinks you look so nice in his clothes and he really likes how happy you look when he asks you to wear something, so he keeps doing it. That and he knows that sometimes people ask you out during his matches and he likes knowing that they’ll recognize his school colours or his jersey number and at that moment, he will send a calculated glare in their direction. And they will run for the hills, never to bother you again :)

I feel like he’s accidentally shrunk his clothes in the wash before and he just keeps them in a small pile in his room so that you can wear them when you come over. He also buys you proper house slippers that you can wear around his home because he wants you to be as comfy as possible.

Sometimes when you guys are just standing around waiting for a game to start, or if you’re all done eating lunch, he’ll unzip his track jacket and open it up so you can stand there and hug him, and he’ll hug you back with his hands in the pockets so it’s like you’re in the jacket with him (Tendo has definitely zipped it up before and trapped you guys in an awkward hug like stance and he will continue to do this because he thinks it’s hilarious. Has definitely snapped pictures of it and sent it to Ushijima. Ushijima saved it because it was kinda cute).

[sin-of-jess]

I have been CRAVING some Lesbian action SO

Fem!reader x Rumi Usagiyama/Mirko

Scenario: Mirko has been paying no mind to you due to work so you become a bit attention hungry and you end up grinding on her leg (Or somewhere along those lines)

I'm begging ya'll to bring me more lesbian requests!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When you're in a serious relationship with a pro-hero you expect time to pass where you don't see them due to their work, but you don't quite realize how bad it is when they're in the top 10 for heroes. Rumi Usagiyama and I shared a high-end apartment near the top floor. It was a nice life, only needing to work part-time thanks to Rumi's hero work.

It didn't fix how lonely I felt when she was gone a lot. When she wasn't at work she was at the gym training. She popped in for dinner some nights and went to sleep right after, and it's begun to make me feel a little touch starved.

It was a late night for her again, it was after midnight when she walked in and gave a halfassed hello before stepping into the bathroom to shower. I was a bit miffed, and I found it hard to keep the scowl off my face as she came to join me in bed. "What's with you?" She asks.

I frown at her, "You know it's been like a week since you've even kissed me for more than half a second?"

She sighs as she sits criss-cross, "The agency has been busy lately with the League poking their heads back out."

I turn slightly away from her, "I get that, but you've ignored any attempt I've had to be close; you have to know it hurts my feelings."

"Ahh my sweet little doll," She coos at me as she grabs me by the hips and begins to guide me into her lap. What I wasn't expecting was for her knee to feel so good when my clothes crotch slid across. The softest of moans came out and I felt a blush bloom on my face. I was faced away from her, so I couldn't see the surprised, then amused look that crossed her face, "Has my baby missed this?" She asks as she wraps her arms around me.

I hope she hasn't noticed anything and continue to give her the cold shoulder; if Rumi could go this long without giving physical attention then I could hold off on letting her off the hook. She didn't seem to mind that reaction, instead, she gently pried my crossed arms apart and starts putting her hand under my shirt and onto my bare stomach.

She uses her other hand to move my hair away from my ear, "Just relax, doll. Let me make it all better..." She mumbles into my ear before gently biting my lobe. She starts kissing my neck as she begins massaging my stomach and hip.

She's always been able to play me like a fiddle, and tonight is no different. In moments she had me relaxing against her body as she removes my shorts and underwear in one go. She goes straight to my clit, swirling her finger around it before adjusting so that she can slide a digit into me. "Look at how wet you are and I've barely touched you, my little doll really did miss me!" She teases as she starts to pump her finger. I squirm in her lap as she pleasures me.

"R-Rumi..." I breathe out, the smell of her freshly washed hair surrounding me. As she adds a second finger I start to move my body in sync with her fingers, and when she moves her thumb so that it's constantly rubbing my clit as she pumps her hand I wail out.

It doesn't take long for her to make me a panting, moaning mess in her lap as she encourages me with her words, "That's it my sexy doll, keep working yourself. I want to see you soak my lap with your pussy," She speaks into my ear. It's all so erotic and I quickly come undone, my back arching and dropping my head onto her shoulder as she works me through my orgasm.

As I'm trying to catch my breath I start to move off of her lap, but instead of letting me she grabs me by the hips, "What makes you think I'm done with you?" She asks before shimmying down so that she's laying on the bed, her guiding me so that I was facing away from the headboard, her face only a few inches from my dripping pussy. She dives in enthusiastically, her grip on my hips tight as she pulls me to sit down on her face.

At first I grind on her, our energy matched as I swivel my hips in order to get more sensation. I drop my hands down to the bed, arching my back as her mouth follows my hole. With this vantage point, I can see the damp spot on Rumi's pale yellow panties. I lick my lips at the sight, deciding it's been far too long since I've tasted her delicious petals.

Not wanting to pause anything by removing her bottoms I just pull the underwear to the side, her engorged clit visible from between her lips. I latch my mouth onto it, swirling my tongue around it before giving her a long lick down her slit to shovel her juices into my mouth. My taste buds are alive with the flavor of her pussy, and the suction she has on my clit is released when I lean in to have better access to the hole leaking the juices I crave.

I spread her legs out, plunging two fingers in, and immediately find the spongy spot a few knuckles back. I focus on that spot as I go back to sucking on her clit, my own pussy clenching at the sounds of her heavy moans. She tries to play with my pussy, but my determined efforts to make her cum has her distracted. She's got her fingers inside me, but she's barely able to keep up a steady pace as I worship her body with my mouth and fingers.

Her legs start to shake and move at the same time her pussy starts to convulse, and I ignore the burn in my arm as I try and speed up as much as I can. I barely stay on top of her as she finally cums, her body bucking as she screams out my name in pleasure.

Once her body drops back into the mattress I roll off her, but instead of relaxing into the sheets, I'm suddenly yanked closer to Rumi's eager face. "Who said I'm done with that pretty little pussy?"