#I’ve been thinking about the idea for a while

[moonlightwritingf1]

At His Mercy | LN4

🌸 summary ━━━━━━━ Lando and Y/N try handcuffs and blindfolds in the bedroom.

🌸 pairing ━━━━━━━ Lando Norris x she!reader

🌸 word count ━━━━━━━ 6.5k

🌸 warnings ━━━━━━━ +18, sexual content, p in v, unprotected sex, oral sex (f receiving), creampie, teasing, handcuffs, blindfolded

Based on this request.

“Do you trust me?” Lando’s voice was low, almost a whisper, as he leaned closer to her, his breath warm against her ear.

Y/n’s heart skipped a beat, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tried to read his expression. “What are you up to, Norris?” she asked, her tone laced with both suspicion and amusement.

He smirked, that signature Lando smirk that always seemed to both infuriate and intrigue her. “Come on,” he said, his voice teasing, “just a little something I’ve been thinking about. Nothing too crazy. Unless you’re scared, of course.”

She raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smile despite herself. “Scared? Of you? Don’t flatter yourself.”

Lando chuckled, his fingers lightly grazing her arm as he leaned back, those bright blue eyes of his sparkling with mischief. “Good. Because I was thinking… maybe we could try something new. Blindfold, maybe some handcuffs. You know, just to… spice things up a bit.”

Y/n’s eyes widened slightly, her cheeks flushing as she processed his words. She wasn’t sure if she should laugh, slap him, or kiss him. “Handcuffs? Really, Lando? What’s next, a whip and a chair?”

He laughed, the sound rich and warm, and she couldn’t help but smile. “No whips, I promise,” he said, his tone softening. “Just… trust me. I want to make you feel good. And I think you’d like it. But only if you’re comfortable, of course.”

She hesitated, her mind racing. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him—after a year together, she knew he’d never push her too far. But the idea of being so… vulnerable with him was both thrilling and terrifying. Still, the way he was looking at her, his expression so open and sincere, made her heart flutter.

“Fine,” she said finally, her voice steady despite the nervous excitement bubbling inside her. “But if I don’t like it, we’re never doing it again.”

Lando grinned, his eyes lighting up. “Deal.”

---

The apartment in Monaco was quiet, the soft hum of the air conditioning the only sound breaking the silence. Y/n sat on the couch, her legs curled under her, as Lando poured them both a glass of wine. They had spent the day exploring the city, and while Y/n had initially been nervous about being in such a luxurious setting, Lando’s easy-going nature had quickly put her at ease.

As he handed her the glass, their fingers brushed, and she felt a familiar warmth spread through her. No matter how many times they touched, it always felt electric, like the first time all over again.

“So,” she said, taking a sip of the wine, “handcuffs, huh? Where did that come from?”

Lando shrugged, his smile sheepish. “I don’t know. I just… I want to try new things with you. I want to make sure you’re always happy, always satisfied.”

She raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her lips. “And you think handcuffs are the way to do that?”

He laughed, setting his glass down on the table. “Maybe. Or maybe I just like the idea of having you all to myself. No distractions, just… us.”

Y/n’s cheeks flushed again, and she looked down at her glass, her fingers tracing the rim. “You’re such a romantic,” she teased, though her voice was soft.

“Only for you,” he said, his tone sincere.

---

The air in the bathroom steamed, the scent of her jasmine body wash lingering as Y/N stepped out, towel wrapped snugly around her dripping body. The soft thud of her feet on the tiled floor echoed in the quiet apartment. She ran her fingers through her wet hair, the water droplets cascading down her shoulders and onto the towel. Her reflection in the fogged-up mirror caught her eye, and she felt a twist of nervous excitement in her stomach. Lando was somewhere in the apartment, waiting. She could feel his presence like a current pulling her toward him. She tightened the towel around her, the fabric rough against her damp skin, and padded out of the bathroom, her bare feet sinking into the plush carpet. Lando was leaning against the doorframe of the bedroom, his arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched her. His eyes traveled slowly, deliberately, down the length of her body, stopping where the towel clung to her curves. “Took you long enough,” he teased, his voice low and smooth, like velvet. Y/N rolled her eyes, though her cheeks were already warm. “Shut up, Norris. You’re the one who insisted on showering together but then bailed.” He chuckled, pushing off the doorframe and closing the distance between them. His fingers brushed against her arm, sending a shiver down her spine despite the warmth radiating from her skin. “Trust me, if I’d stayed in there with you, we’d still be in there now.” She shot him a look, though her lips curved into a smile. “You’re impossible.” Lando’s grin widened, his hand moving to tuck a wet strand of hair behind her ear. “And yet, here you are.” She didn’t have a retort for that. Instead, she let herself be led into his bedroom, the air cooler now, the soft sheets beckoning. Lando left her standing there for a moment as he crossed the room to the nightstand, his movements fluid and unhurried. Her heart began to race, the towel suddenly feeling too loose, too revealing, as she watched him pull out a small, unassuming box. “So,” she said, her voice steadier than she expected, “this is the big surprise?” He turned to face her, the box in his hand, his gaze finding hers in the dim light. “Trust me,” he said again, his voice a promise. “You’re gonna love it.”

He opened it, revealing a pair of soft, silk blindfolds and a set of handcuffs. Y/n’s eyes widened as she took them in, her stomach twisting with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

“You’re serious,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lando nodded, his expression serious now. “Only if you want to.”

She hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay. Let’s do it.”

He smiled, his eyes softening as he reached out to gently take her hand. “Trust me,” he said again, his voice steady.

“I do,” she replied, her heart fluttering.

Lando moved slowly, his movements deliberate as he tied the blindfold around her eyes, the soft silk brushing against her skin. She gasped softly as the world went dark, her other senses immediately heightening.

“You okay?” he asked, his voice close, his breath warm against her neck.

She nodded, her lips curving into a smile. “Yeah. Just… different.”

“Good different?” he teased, his fingers lightly trailing down her arm.

“We’ll see,” she replied, her voice breathless.

He chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver down her spine. Then she felt the cool metal of the handcuffs as he gently secured her wrists, the sensation both thrilling and slightly unnerving.

“Lando…” she whispered, her voice tinged with both excitement and uncertainty.

“Trust me,” he murmured again, his lips brushing against her ear. “I’ve got you.”

And then he was kissing her, his lips hot and demanding against hers, and all her worries melted away. She moaned softly into his mouth, her body arching towards him as his hands roamed her body, teasing and exploring.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, his voice rough with desire. “Do you have any idea what you do to me?”

She shivered, her body responding to every touch, every word. “Show me,” she breathed, her voice trembling.

Lando didn’t need to be told twice. His hands slid down her arms, fingertips brushing over her damp skin until he reached the edge of the towel. His touch was light, deliberate, teasing as he hooked a finger into the fabric, letting it loosen just enough to make her breath hitch. She felt the cool air of the room against her skin as the towel threatened to slip, her body instinctively arching toward him for warmth—or maybe to close the distance. His lips grazed her neck, his breath warm and uneven against her ear. “You’re fucking perfect,” he murmured, his voice rough and low, sending a shiver through her. His hands moved lower, tracing the curve of her hips, his fingers dipping just beneath the towel’s edge as if testing the boundaries of her resolve. She gasped, her pulse racing under his touch, her body responding with a heat that made her forget everything but him. “Lando,” she whispered, her voice trembling, a mix of need and anticipation. “Trust me,” he repeated, his lips brushing against her jawline, his hands firm yet gentle as they teased her, drawing out every sensation until she was trembling in his arms.

“Lando,” she moaned, her hips bucking instinctively.

“Patience,” he murmured, his voice low and husky. “We’re just getting started.”

And as he continued to tease her, drawing out her pleasure with every touch, every kiss, Y/n knew one thing for certain—she was completely and utterly his.

Lando’s hands lingered on her hips for a moment, his fingers digging slightly into the softness of her skin before he gently pushed her back onto the bed. The mattress dipped under her weight, and she let out a soft exhale as her body sank into the plush duvet. Her hands, still cuffed, instinctively moved to her sides, but Lando was quick to intervene. He reached for her wrists, lifting them above her head with a quiet firmness that made her pulse quicken.

“Keep them there,” he murmured, his voice low, almost a growl. His lips brushed against her ear as he leaned in, his breath warm and uneven. “Don’t move them. Not unless I tell you to.”

Y/n swallowed, her heart racing as she nodded. The blindfold was still securely in place, blocking her vision, amplifying her other senses. She could feel the weight of his gaze on her, even though she couldn’t see it. His hands began to explore her body, starting with her arms, tracing the delicate lines of her shoulders, down to the curve of her biceps. His touch was deliberate, unhurried, and it sent shivers cascading down her spine.

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” he breathed, his voice filled with an awe that made her stomach flutter. “Every inch of you.”

His hands moved lower, skimming over her ribs, his thumbs brushing the undersides of her breasts. She tensed, a soft gasp escaping her lips as his touch lingered there, teasing her, drawing out the sensation until she was squirming beneath him.

“Lando,” she whispered, her voice trembling with need.

“Shh,” he hushed her, his lips trailing down her neck, leaving a trail of soft kisses in their wake. “Let me take my time with you.”

His hands continued their exploration, moving lower, his fingers tracing the curve of her waist, dipping into the dip of her hips. His touch was feather-light, almost torturously slow, and she could feel the heat pooling between her legs, her body responding to him in ways that made her head spin.

“You’re so fucking soft,” he murmured, his voice thick with desire. His hands moved to her thighs, his fingers digging into the supple flesh, his touch firm yet gentle. She could feel the heat of his breath against her skin as he leaned in, his lips brushing against the inside of her thigh. “And you smell so good.”

“Lando—” her voice cracked, her hips bucking involuntarily as his lips pressed against her skin, his kisses growing more insistent, more heated. “Please.”

“Please what?” he teased, his lips curling into a smirk against her thigh. “You have to be specific, love.”

She could hear the amusement in his voice, the playful tone that made her cheeks burn. “Don’t make me beg,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Oh, but I think I will,” he said, his voice dropping to a low, sultry tone. His hands moved to her hips, his fingers gripping her firmly as he positioned himself between her legs. She could feel the heat of his body pressing against her, the hardness of him making her ache with need. “I want to hear you beg for me.”

His lips brushed against her inner thigh again, his kisses trailing higher, closer to where she needed him most. She could feel her breath hitching, her heart pounding in her chest as he teased her, his touch maddeningly slow.

“Lando, please,” she whimpered, her hips lifting off the bed, seeking his touch. “I need you.”

“You need me, huh?” he teased, his lips brushing against her core, his breath hot against her skin. “What do you need, love?”

“You,” she gasped, her back arching as his lips finally made contact with her, his tongue darting out to taste her, sending a jolt of pleasure straight to her core. “God, Lando, please.”

“Please what?” he murmured, his tongue teasing her, lapping at her with slow, deliberate strokes that made her moan. “Tell me what you want.”

“I want you,” she sobbed, her hands tugging against the cuffs, desperate to touch him, to pull him closer. “I want you inside me.”

“Good girl,” he purred, his hands gripping her hips, holding her in place as he continued to tease her with his tongue, his movements slow, deliberate, driving her wild. “But not yet.”

She let out a frustrated whine, her hips bucking against him, but he held her firmly, his tongue lapping at her with agonizing slowness. She could feel the pleasure building, her body trembling beneath him, but he wasn’t letting her go, wasn’t letting her fall.

“Lando, please,” she begged, her voice breaking as his tongue circled her clit, sending sparks of pleasure shooting through her. “I can’t—I can’t take it anymore.”

“Yes, you can,” he murmured, his voice filled with dark promise. “You can take it, love. You’re so fucking strong for me.”

His words sent a shiver through her, her body responding to the praise in ways that made her head spin. She could feel the pleasure cresting, her body teetering on the edge, but he wasn’t letting her fall, wasn’t letting her go.

“Lando, please,” she sobbed, her voice trembling with desperation as her hands tugged at the cuffs, her wrists straining against the cold metal. Her hips writhed beneath him, seeking more, needing more. Her thighs quivered, her body taut with tension. “I need it. Please, let me—” “Not yet.” His voice was a low growl, thick with amusement and something darker, hungrier. His tongue dragged against her in a long, searing stroke, dipping between her folds to taste her fully, teasing the sensitive ridge of her clit. She could feel the heat of his breath against her slick flesh, the slow, deliberate rhythm of his movements sending electric shocks of pleasure pulsing through her. He lingered there, his tongue circling her clit with maddening precision, each taunting flick coaxing a whimper from her lips. “I want to hear you beg for it.” Her breath hitched, her chest rising and falling rapidly as her body quivered beneath him. The blindfold intensified everything—the way his tongue felt as it lapped at her, slow and deliberate, the way his breath fanned over her sensitive skin, the way his hands gripped her thighs to keep her spread open for him. She could feel every flick, every press, every lick as if her nerves were made of fire. “Please, Lando,” she begged, her voice breaking, raw with need. The sound of her own desperation echoed in her ears, but she couldn’t stop herself. “Please, let me come.” He hummed against her, the vibration sending a jolt of pleasure straight to her core. His tongue slid lower, exploring her entrance, teasing her with shallow dips that made her hips jerk. He lapped at her with agonizing slowness, savoring her taste, his tongue circling her clit again in tight, rapid circles that had her crying out. “Good girl,” he purred, his voice dark and commanding, and she could hear the smirk in his tone. “Now come for me.” The moment he gave her permission, her body surrendered. Her back arched off the bed as the first wave of pleasure crashed over her, dragging a sharp, keening moan from her lips. Her legs trembled violently, her hands pulling against the cuffs as if they could anchor her to reality. His tongue didn’t relent, working her through the orgasm with relentless precision, each flick of his tongue sending another wave of ecstasy rippling through her. She felt weightless, her mind hazy with pleasure, every nerve in her body alight with sensation. And as the last tremors of her release faded, she collapsed back onto the bed, her chest heaving, her body limp and utterly spent.

“That’s it,” he murmured, his voice filled with dark satisfaction. “You’re so fucking beautiful when you come.”

She could feel his lips pressing soft kisses against her thigh, his hands soothingly stroking her hips as she rode out the waves of pleasure. Her body was still trembling, her breath coming in short gasps as she tried to calm herself down.

“You’re so fucking perfect,” he whispered, his voice filled with awe. “Every inch of you.”

She could feel him shifting, his body moving over hers, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, tender kiss. She could taste herself on his lips, the thought making her cheeks burn.

“You’re mine,” he murmured, his voice low, possessive. “All mine.”

Lando pulled away from Y/n’s lips, his breath warm against her skin as he shifted his weight off her. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her body still humming from the intensity of their connection. She could hear the rustle of fabric as he stripped off the rest of his clothes, the sound sending a fresh wave of anticipation coursing through her. The blindfold heightened her senses, making every sound, every touch, every movement feel magnified.

She felt the mattress dip as he knelt between her legs, his fingers skimming up her thighs. She gasped softly, her body instinctively arching toward him. His hands found her hips, his grip firm but gentle, anchoring her in place. The air between them felt charged, electric, and Y/n’s pulse quickened as she waited for his next move.

“You’re so fucking beautiful like this,” Lando murmured, his voice low and gravelly. “Completely at my mercy.”

Y/n shivered at his words, her breath hitching as she felt the soft brush of his fingers against her inner thighs. She was already so sensitive, her body still tingling from her earlier climax, and the slightest touch sent sparks shooting through her.

Then she felt it—the hot, velvety tip of his cock pressing against her, teasing her entrance. She whimpered softly, her hips instinctively trying to move toward him, but his hands held her firmly in place.

“Uh-uh,” he chided, his tone playful yet commanding. “You’re not in control here, love. I am.”

Y/n let out a frustrated moan, her body trembling with need. She could feel how wet she was, her arousal slick and warm between her thighs, and the knowledge that he could see her like this—completely exposed, completely his—only made her burn hotter.

Lando chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver down her spine. “You’re soaked for me, aren’t you?” he said, his voice dripping with amusement and desire. “God, I love how responsive you are. Every little thing I do to you turns you into a fucking mess.”

She whimpered again, her hands tugging uselessly at the handcuffs above her head. “Lando, please,” she begged, her voice trembling with desperation.

“Please what?” he teased, his tone light and teasing. “You’re going to have to be more specific, darling.”

“Please…just…” she trailed off, her words dissolving into another soft moan as he pressed the tip of his cock against her clit, the sensation sending a jolt of pleasure through her.

“Just what?” he prompted, his voice low and teasing. “You want me to fuck you? Is that it?”

“Yes,” she breathed, her hips instinctively trying to move toward him again.

But Lando held her firmly in place, his grip unyielding. “Not yet,” he said, his voice a soft growl. “You’re going to wait until I say so.”

Y/n let out a frustrated whimper, her body aching with need. The blindfold made everything feel so much more intense—every brush of his skin against hers, every hot breath against her neck, every whispered word sent her senses into overdrive. She could feel every vein, every ridge of his cock as he dragged the tip through her folds, the sensation maddening.

Lando’s fingers traced a feather-light path down her inner thighs, his touch deliberate and unhurried. He paused just short of where she needed him most, his breath warm against her neck as he chuckled softly. “Patience, love,” he murmured, his voice a low, teasing purr. “You’ll get what you want when I decide you’ve earned it.”

She sucked in a sharp breath, her hips involuntarily lifting toward him, but his hands pressed down firmly, holding her in place. The blindfold heightened everything—his voice, the heat of his skin, the weight of his presence. She could hear the slick sound his fingers made as they brushed through her folds, already soaked and aching for him.

“Look at you,” he said, his tone thick with amusement. “So fucking wet for me. Do you even realize how much you’re dripping? I bet I could slide inside you right now, and you’d take every inch without a second thought.”

She whimpered, her thighs trembling as he trailed the tip of his cock along her slit, slow and deliberate. The sensation was maddening—hot velvet against the most sensitive part of her, teasing but never quite enough. Her body throbbed with need, every inch of her desperate for him to fill her, to stop this unbearable torment.

“Lando,” she gasped, her voice breaking. “Please. I need you.”

His laughter was soft, dark, and full of intent. “What do you need, darling? You’ll have to be specific.”

“I need...” Her words faltered, swallowed by a moan as he dragged the tip of his cock over her clit, the pressure just enough to make her legs jerk. “I need you inside me. Now.”

He hummed, the sound vibrating through her as he leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear. “You’ve got to do better than that. Beg for it. Tell me how much you want me.”

Her breath hitched, the humiliation only intensifying her arousal. “Please, Lando. I want you so bad. I need you to fuck me. I can’t wait anymore.”

“Good girl,” he murmured, his voice dripping with approval. But instead of giving her what she begged for, he pressed the tip of his cock against her entrance, just enough to make her gasp. He held it there, his grip on her hips unyielding as she tried to push against him.

“Uh-uh,” he chided, his tone firm yet playful. “You’ll take it when I say so. Not a second before.”

She let out a frustrated whimper, her body trembling with the effort of staying still. The blindfold made everything feel ten times more intense—the slip of his precum against her, the way her pulse raced as he teased her, the way her nerves screamed for release. She could feel every ridge of his cock as he slowly dragged it back and forth along her soaked folds, the friction driving her wild.

“You’re so fucking tight,” he growled, his voice rough with desire. “I can’t wait to feel you wrapped around me, squeezing me so hard I’ll forget my own name.”

She moaned, her back arching as he circled her clit with the tip, the pressure just enough to make her toes curl. “Please,” she begged, her voice trembling. “I can’t take it anymore.”

“Oh, you can,” he teased, his voice low and taunting. “You’ll take it because I’m the one in control. Isn’t that right?”

“Yes,” she gasped, her body on the edge of breaking. “Yes, Lando. You’re in control.”

He chuckled darkly, the sound sending a shiver down her spine. “That’s what I wanted to hear.” He pressed the tip of his cock against her entrance again, this time sinking just an inch inside before pulling back, leaving her clutching at emptiness.

“Lando!” she cried, her voice breaking with desperation.

“Patience, darling,” he murmured, his tone dripping with amusement. “I’m not done playing with you yet.”

She could feel the way her body clenched around nothing, desperate for him to fill her. The blindfold made every sensation sharper, every touch magnified, every sound louder. She could hear the way her breath hitched, the way her pulse pounded in her ears, the way his soft laughter stirred something deep inside her.

He teased her clit with the tip of his cock again, the pressure just enough to make her gasp. “You’re so fucking desperate for me, aren’t you?” he taunted, his voice low and dark. “Begging me to fuck you like the needy little slut you are.”

Her cheeks burned, but the humiliation only drove her need higher. “Please,” she whimpered, her voice trembling. “I need you so bad. I can’t wait anymore.”

“Good girl,” he murmured, his voice full of promise. “Don’t worry, love. I’ll give you exactly what you need. But first, you’re going to wait. You’re going to be patient and let me take my time. Can you do that for me?”

She nodded, her body trembling with the effort of staying still. Every nerve in her body was alive, every touch amplified, every word a spark that set her ablaze. She was completely at his mercy, and the knowledge only made her burn hotter.

“Good,” he said, his voice softening. “Now, let’s see how long you can last.”

Lando’s breath was hot against her ear as he leaned in, his lips brushing her skin in a way that sent shivers down her spine. “You’re so fucking wet for me, aren’t you?” he murmured, his voice low and teasing. “I can feel it—every single drop. You’re dripping for me, love.”

Y/n whimpered, her hips instinctively arching toward him, desperate for more. But Lando was in no rush. He dragged the tip of his cock through her folds, slow and deliberate, savoring the way she quivered beneath him. The sensation was maddening—just enough to tease, but not enough to satisfy.

“Lando, please,” she breathed, her voice barely more than a whisper. “I need you.”

He chuckled softly, the sound dark and delicious, and she felt him shift slightly, adjusting his position. “You need me, do you?” he teased, his lips brushing her neck. “What exactly do you need, darling? Tell me.”

She swallowed hard, her mind racing as she tried to form the words. But before she could answer, Lando moved again, rubbing the length of his cock through her folds, the motion slow and deliberate. The sensation was overwhelming, and she couldn’t help but moan, her head falling back against the pillows.

“That’s it,” he murmured, his voice filled with satisfaction. “Let me hear you, love. Let me hear how much you want this.”

Her body was on fire, every touch sending waves of pleasure crashing through her. She was completely at his mercy, and the knowledge only made her burn hotter. “I need you inside me,” she finally managed to say, her voice trembling with desperation. “Please, Lando. I can’t take it anymore.”

He smiled against her skin, his breath warm and steady. “Oh, I know you can’t,” he teased, his voice dripping with confidence. “But I’m not done yet. I want to feel every inch of you before I give you what you need.”

With that, he adjusted his position again, this time angling himself so that the tip of his cock pressed against her entrance. He didn’t push in—not yet. Instead, he rubbed the tip against her, the motion slow and teasing, just enough to drive her wild.

Y/n let out another whimper, her hips arching toward him again, desperate for more. “Lando, please,” she begged, her voice breaking with need. “I can’t—I can’t take it.”

He chuckled softly, his lips brushing her neck again. “Oh, I think you can,” he murmured, his voice dark and teasing. “You’re stronger than you think, love. And you’re going to wait for me. You’re going to be patient and let me take my time.”

She let out a frustrated groan, her body trembling with the effort of staying still. But Lando was relentless. He continued to tease her, alternating between rubbing the length of his cock through her folds and pressing the tip against her entrance. Every touch was agonizingly slow, every motion calculated to drive her wild.

By now, his cock was completely soaked in her wetness, and Lando couldn’t help but smile at the sight. “God, you’re so wet for me,” he murmured, his voice filled with awe. “I love seeing you like this—completely undone, completely at my mercy. You’re perfect, love.”

She whimpered again, her hips instinctively arching toward him. “Lando, please,” she begged, her voice trembling with desperation. “I need you inside me. Please, just—just fuck me.”

He chuckled softly, his lips brushing her neck again. “Oh, I will,” he promised, his voice dark and delicious. “But not yet baby. I told you, you’re going to wait for me. You’re going to be patient and let me take my time.”

He pressed the tip of his cock against her entrance, slick with her wetness, teasing her with shallow, maddening movements. Just the tip, gliding back and forth, barely breaching her. Y/n’s hips bucked instinctively, trying to force him deeper, but Lando’s hands clamped down hard on her hips, pinning her in place. 

“Behave,” he growled, his voice thick with authority. “You move when I tell you to move.”

“Lando, please,” she whimpered, her voice trembling almost to the point of breaking. Her body felt like it was on fire, every nerve ending hypersensitive, every sensation amplified by the darkness surrounding her. The silk blindfold heightened everything—his touch felt electric, the heat of his breath on her neck unbearable, the ache between her legs consuming. She could feel every ridge, every throb of his cock as he teased her, and it made her mind unravel. It felt bigger inside her, harder, more insistent, and the anticipation of him filling her completely had her hovering on the edge. 

“You sound desperate,” he murmured, a low chuckle vibrating through her skin. His lips brushed her ear, sending shivers down her spine. “So fucking wet for me. I can feel it—every drop. You’re soaked, love. But I’m still not done playing.” 

She whined, her hips straining against his grip. “Please, Lando, I need you. I can’t—I can’t wait anymore.”

He paused, letting the silence stretch between them, letting her desperation build until she was practically writhing beneath him. Then, without warning, he slowly pushed into her, inch by agonizing inch, the stretch overwhelming in the best way. The blindfold made it feel even more intense; she couldn’t see what was coming, couldn’t anticipate the way he’d fill her so completely. Her breath hitched, a moan tearing from her throat as he seated himself fully inside her. 

“Fuck,” he groaned, his voice rough with desire. “So tight, love. So perfect.” His hands shifted to her hips, pulling her closer as he began to move, slow and deliberate, each stroke dragging against her sensitive walls.

Y/n arched into him, her body trembling with pleasure. Every thrust felt deeper, harder, more consuming than usual. The darkness intensified every sensation—the scrape of his chest against her nipples, the way his hands gripped her tighter as she moved with him. She could feel every pulse of his cock, every sharp intake of his breath, every muffled groan that escaped his lips.

“You’re mine,” Lando growled, his voice low and commanding, shattering the silence of the room. His hands gripped her hips firmly, fingers digging into her skin as he thrust into her deeply with a hunger she’d never felt from him before. Every inch of him filled her completely, stretching, claiming. The curve of his cock pressed perfectly against that spot inside her that made her see stars.

Her breath hitched. “Lando— fuck,” she managed through staggered gasps, her body writhing beneath him.

“Look at you,” he murmured, his words dark and laced with raw desire. His gaze raked over her bound wrists above her head, the way her chest heaved, and the flush spreading across her skin. Underneath the blindfold, her pupils would be blown wide, her lips parted in helpless gasps. Just the thought made pleasure shoot through him.

He pulled out slowly, savoring the sticky drag of his cock moving through her slick walls; she whimpered frantically. Her thighs trembled as if begging for more, desperate not to lose him.

“Do you feel how tight you are?” He snapped his hips forward again without warning — she cried out sharply. Lando groaned behind clenched teeth as her inner muscles clenched around him repeatedly, so velvety soft yet searing hot. It felt almost too intense, every nerve of her squeezing him tautly mid-thrust, coating him entirely until all self-control slipped further away.

His arms trembled on either side of her, sweat dripping off his forehead as his pace quickened. The slap of skin against skin echoed through the room, punctuated by her ragged breaths and his low groans. Each stroke felt deeper, harder, impossibly more consuming. She tightened around him like a vice, her legs trembling and her fingers pulling at the handcuffs uselessly.

“You’re so perfect for me,” he choked out, one hand moving down to grip her thigh, driving himself even deeper. “How did I get so lucky? How do you always feel even better than my dreams?”

She whimpered.

“You’re mine,” he whispered, his voice dark and possessive. “All mine. And look at you—completely undone. Begging for me. Needing me just as much as I need you.” He leaned down, his tongue tracing the shell of her ear before he added, “Come for me, Y/N. Let me feel you.”

Her orgasm crashed over her in waves, her body clamping around him as pleasure rolled through her. Lando didn’t let up, driving her higher with every thrust, every deep, unrelenting stroke. “That’s it,” he murmured, his voice filled with awe. “God, you’re so wet. So fucking perfect.”

Her pussy clenched around him, a vicious, deliberate squeeze that ripped a guttural groan from his throat. Lando’s hips stuttered as his control shattered completely. His fingers dug into her thighs, anchoring himself as his release surged deep inside her, hot and pulsing, flooding her with every throb of his cock.

“Fuck,” he hissed against the crook of her neck, his lips brushing her skin in desperate, muffled gasps. “Y/N—fucking hell.” The intensity of it had him shuddering, his body coiled tight before collapsing into hers, his weight pressing her into the mattress.

She smiled faintly beneath the blindfold, a hint of satisfaction curling her mouth as she deliberately tightened around him again. The sensation made him hiss through clenched teeth, his hips jerking involuntarily, drawing another wave of pleasure from her. It was mutual—his cum filled her achingly warm, the steady pulses making her shiver as her own climax rolled through her again, drawn out by the way he throbbed inside her.

“You’re going to kill me,” Lando muttered hoarsely, his breath ragged as he pressed his forehead against her shoulder. His voice was wrecked, almost unrecognizable, but she could hear the grin in it, the pure, unbridled satisfaction.

She didn’t answer, couldn’t, not when every nerve in her body still fizzed with leftover sparks. Instead, she arched slightly into him, savoring how full she felt, how impossibly close they were even now. His skin was fever-hot against hers, his breaths slowly evening out, but hers still came unevenly, little tremors chasing each other down her spine.

He kissed her neck softly, almost reverently, as if all that intensity hadn’t just cracked between them moments ago. “You’re...” He trailed off, words failing him—but she knew. She could feel it in the way his hand slid up to tangle with hers above her head, their fingers intertwining tightly, like he needed to anchor himself to her somehow. And she let him because right then, nothing else mattered but them.

“You okay?” Lando murmured, his fingers brushing the blindfold gently, his voice laced with concern.

She tilted her head toward the sound of his voice, the silken darkness still wrapped around her, and let out a breath that was part laugh, part sigh. “More than okay.”

His laughter was soft, warm, and she could feel the way his chest moved against hers, his body still hovering over her, their skin still connected in the most intimate way. “How’d it feel?” His words were a whisper, grazing her ear, sending a fresh shiver down her spine.

“Different,” she admitted, her voice thick and slow, still catching her breath. “So different. I couldn’t—I couldn’t see you, couldn’t touch you. That was... maddening. But... everything else—” She broke off with a shaky exhale, her hips shifting slightly beneath him, drawing out the feeling of him still inside her, still pulsing. “Everything else felt... incredible. Like I could focus on nothing but you.” Her fingers flexed against the handcuffs, and she gave a small, playful tug. “Hated these, though. Not being able to touch you at all... drove me crazy.”

Lando chuckled, the sound low and rough, his lips pressing a kiss to her collarbone. “Good. I like you a little crazy for me.” He unhooked the cuffs from the headboard, freeing her wrists, and she immediately reached up, her fingers brushing against his face, tracing the sharp lines of his jaw, the curve of his cheekbone.

He leaned into her touch, his breath hitching as her fingers smoothed over his skin. “Missed this,” he said, his voice softer now, almost reverent. “Missed your hands on me.”

“Me too.” Furrowing her brow, she vocalized her insecurities. “You’re so handsome. It’s really unfair sometimes.” She slid her palm against his cheek, brushing her thumb across his lower lip.

His reply was immediate, almost annoyed. “Stop that. Don’t talk about yourself like that.” A frown creased his face as he pressed a kiss to the inside of her wrist. 

He then reached up to gently pull the blindfold off, and her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the light. The way he was looking at her—intense, almost awestruck—made her stomach flip. “Better?” he asked, his voice still rough, still carrying that edge of possession, but mixed with something tender now.

“Better,” she murmured, her fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him closer. “But don’t think this means I’m letting you off easy next time. I want my hands on you from start to finish.”

He grinned, that cocky, confident grin she loved and hated in equal measure. “Next time? Already planning the next time?”

She rolled her eyes, but there was no bite to it, just warmth and something she didn’t want to name yet. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Norris.” Still, she couldn’t stop her smile as she pulled him down for a kiss, slow and deep and full of something that felt like more.

[bytemee]

EVERYTHING I WANT — yu jimin.

"i had finally figured out, you were just around the corner."

synopsis. you’re just the wedding planner for your brother’s wedding, trying to keep it all together. but karina, his fiancée, keeps slipping under your skin. she’s perfect—everything you’ve ever wanted—but she’s marrying your brother.

pairing. brothers!fiance!karina x wedding!planner!fem!reader

warning(s). angst w a mixture of fluff, love triangle, cheating (im sorry), angst with a happy ending.

words. 5.7k

authors note. i remember watching a gay movie like this.

navigation. main masterlist.

karina has a way of capturing the attention of everyone in a room, and her presence alone is enough to make the world pause. she walks in, all bright eyes and effortless grace, and somehow the entire room shifts to accommodate her. it’s almost like she belongs in a space much grander than this, but then, that’s karina—always radiant, always a little untouchable.

you’ve noticed it countless times before—it's part of the reason why your parents are so calm with the idea of your brother marrying her only months after they've met. karina—your brother’s fiancée, the one they think is perfect in every way. karina—the one who is everything they always hoped for in a partner for him. karina—the one who practically begged you to plan her wedding.

you have to admit, they make a beautiful couple. the way karina and your brother stand in the kitchen, laughing over something she said while she chops vegetables, her hands moving easily, like she’s done this a hundred times. your brother’s smiling at her like she’s the only person in the world. it’s all so natural, so effortless. you can’t deny that they love each other—it’s one of those things you just know. like the feeling of the ground beneath your feet or the wind against your skin. it’s just a fact.

it was the first time in a while you've been to their house, but your brother practically forced you into staying at his while you planned the wedding. they don't seem to mind, which is probably good considering you've taken over the living room as a workspace, with papers and decorations and fabric samples spread out across the coffee table and the couch.

but regardless, the two haven't decided on a venue yet, so the planning process is still in full swing. you had a list of about five venues you thought were promising, and you were hoping they'd settle on one soon so you could stop having to lug around your binder everywhere.

karina finishes up her task and sets the knife down, washing her hands off before she turns to you.

she walks over with that signature smile of hers, the one that makes everything seem like it’s shining just a little brighter. “hey, can we talk about the venue options for a sec?” she asks, her voice smooth like velvet, like it always is.

you glance up from the pile of papers in front of you, your gaze meeting hers for a second too long. the way she’s standing there, close enough to reach out and touch, makes it hard to focus. you blink, trying to get your head back in the game. “uh, yeah, sure. what’s on your mind?”

she leans against the back of the couch, her arms crossing lightly over her chest. “i know we’ve got some good options, but…” she hesitates for a moment, as if carefully considering her next words. “i’ve always wanted a wedding on the beach. you know, like those dreamy ones you see in magazines?”

you freeze for a moment, your fingers lingering over the corner of your binder. the beach. you can’t help the pang that hits you when she says it, because it's something you've always imagined for your own wedding one day, not anyone else’s. it’s silly, of course—you shouldn't have gotten so attached to a fantasy. but you can't help it. you'd always imagined a wedding on the beach, with the sun setting over the waves and sand beneath your feet.

she tilts her head a little, as if trying to figure out what's wrong. when you don't say anything, she speaks again, her tone more gentle. "are you okay?"

you try to shake it off, but karina always seems to notice everything. it's a little bit impressive, really. "oh, i'm fine. just a little tired." you quickly speak again before she can question you further. “you know, your fiancé’s pretty set on that greenhouse. it’s a pretty big deal for him.”

she nods, a small frown tugging at her lips. “i know,” she says softly. “i just can’t help but dream of the beach.” she pauses, then her eyes soften, and she adds with a little more playfulness, "i’ll let you handle the tough decisions. you’re the expert here, after all.”

you hate to let her down, but the odds of convincing your brother to change his mind are low. the greenhouse was his idea, and it means a lot to him, since your father married your mom there years ago. he had talked about wanting to recreate that day, the way the light filtered in through the glass, the flowers all around. his eyes had sparkled as he spoke, like he could imagine the entire scene unfolding before him. you couldn’t bring yourself to say no, not when he had been so excited.

you give a small laugh. “i’m just the wedding planner. you’re the one who has to live with the choice.”

she grins at you before walking away.

but even though you tell yourself it won't be your fault if she doesn't get her dream wedding, the guilt doesn't go away. you just hope she won't hate you for not being able to deliver the perfect day she's been waiting for.

you watch as she heads back over to the kitchen, your gaze lingering on her a little longer than it should. her smile is bright as ever, the one you're not sure you've ever seen her without, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes.

you swallow, then return to your work.

the venue. you can't get distracted. you're good at your job. you can do this.

the next few days pass in a flurry of phone calls and emails, and you're barely keeping track of which venue you're supposed to be going to see next. you've visited a handful, but it seems like they've all had the same issue—they don't have the space for the kind of wedding karina's dreaming of.

the pressure is starting to wear on you. you’ve been juggling so many details, from flowers to photographers to caterers, but every venue just feels off in one way or another. some are too big, some too small. others don’t have the kind of beachy vibe karina’s been dreaming of, and you can tell she’s starting to get a little discouraged.

you can see the way her shoulders slump when another place doesn’t meet her expectations, the way she tries to mask her disappointment with that perfect smile of hers. it’s hard to watch. but you also know this is her dream, her wedding. she deserves to have everything she’s envisioned for years.

“i swear, if i see one more ballroom…” you mutter under your breath, flipping through another round of emails, trying to see if any of the new suggestions could work.

karina, seated across from you in the café, lets out a small laugh. “you’re telling me. but we’ve got to keep looking, right?”

you look up, meeting her gaze for the first time in a while. she looks exhausted, her makeup a little faded from a long day of venue tours, but her smile is as warm as ever. it makes your heart ache.

you swallow, then turn back to your phone. "yeah. yeah, we do." you take a sip of your drink, not even removing your eyes from the screen. "i've been hearing a lot of good things about this one place, though."

karina leans forward, her elbows resting on the table. "which one?"

but before you can reply, a giggle leaves her lips, and she points to the side of your nose. "oh my god, you've got whipped cream on your nose. let me…"

her hand reaches out, and then she's touching you, her thumb brushing over the tip of your nose, sending shivers down your spine. she pulls her hand back, a little whipped cream on her thumb.

she smiles. "got it."

you blink, and your brain short-circuits for a second. her touch was so fleeting, but the warmth lingers.

she doesn't notice, already turned back to your phone ready to see the venue you were muttering about.

you exhale. the venue. right. focus.

and then, it happens.

when you get back home, an hour later you hear it from the other room—a loud argument, your brother's voice booming, and karina's pleading for him to just listen. your eyes widen. you'd never heard her raise her voice like that before.

they’ve always been so perfect together, but now, the disagreement over the wedding venue seems to be pushing things too far. you can’t make out the exact words, but you catch a few—the beach, the greenhouse, and your name a couple of times. the door slams shortly after, and everything falls silent.

you glance at the door leading to the hallway, torn between going to see what’s going on and staying out of it. the last thing you want is to get caught in the middle of their argument, but part of you can't help but feel concerned. this isn’t like them—karina, always the picture of composure, and your brother, usually so patient. it doesn’t add up.

you hear footsteps and then a quiet knock at the door. "are you awake?"

you take a deep breath. "yeah, come in."

the door opens, and karina walks in, looking as stunning as ever. her face is still flushed from the argument, but her hair is swept to the side, the light catching on her earrings. even in a moment like this, she's effortlessly beautiful.

"hey," you say softly, motioning toward the couch. "are you okay?"

she sits down beside you, her body relaxing a little, like a weight has been lifted from her shoulders. she nods, taking a deep breath before speaking. "i'm fine. we're fine."

you tilt your head, not fully believing her. you've been friends for years, after all. you can tell when she's holding something back. "are you sure? because i heard—"

"we're fine," she repeats, a little more firmly.

you nod, but you still feel unsure. it's clear they need some time to themselves, and you can't force her to tell you what's going on. “you know,” you say, shifting beside her, “if you need a break, we could do something completely different. a distraction. a moment just for you.”

she looks at you, eyes wide, clearly intrigued by the offer. “like what?”

a slow grin spreads across your face. “let’s get food for starters. and then…"

she cuts you off before you can finish. "as long as it involves wine, i'm in."

the smile is back, and your heart aches with it. you've missed seeing her smile, the way her eyes crinkle at the edges, her whole body seeming lighter. it's a feeling you never want to let go of.

without missing a beat, you get up and grab your keys. “perfect. let's go!"

you hold your hand out, and her fingers are warm in yours as you lead her out the door.

the two of you end up parked in front of a small, neon-lit burger joint tucked away on a quiet street. it’s one of those old-school places with a bright red roof and a hand-painted menu board by the drive-thru. it looks like it hasn't changed much since it was built decades ago, but that's exactly why you love it.

karina’s sitting cross-legged in the passenger seat, the bottle of wine you impulsively grabbed resting between you. you’d managed to snag a couple of burgers and fries to go, and now the two of you are tucked away in the car, sharing fries like you’re the only people in the world.

“this is so random,” she says, laughing softly. she’s still got a bit of a flush from earlier—whether from the wine or the argument, you’re not sure. but for now, you try not to think about it. you don't want to ruin the moment.

“that’s what makes it perfect,” you reply, passing her a fry. she takes it with a smile, your fingers brushing briefly. your heart trips over itself at the contact, and you reach for the bottle of wine to take another sip. it’s not the fanciest vintage, but it’s doing the job.

karina takes the bottle next, swiping at the neck before drinking straight from it. when she lowers it, her eyes are sparkling with something mischievous. “i always liked the idea of writing my vows on something unconventional,” she says suddenly, resting her head against the seat. “like in the movies. you know, scribbled on the back of a napkin or a burger wrapper. something spontaneous and real.”

you can’t help but laugh. “we’ve got burger wrappers right here.”

her eyes light up. “you’re kidding.”

“i’m not.”

she sets down the bottle and grabs the crumpled wrappers from the bag. “alright. let’s do it. right here, right now. our mock wedding.”

you raise an eyebrow. this was not how you thought the night was going to go, but then again, karina has always been full of surprises. she looks so excited at the idea; you can't bring yourself to say no. you're already in this deep, after all.

you grab a pen from the glove compartment, the tipsy energy between you growing contagious. you hand it over, and karina carefully smooths out one of the wrappers on her lap.

“alright,” she declares, biting back a grin. “i vow to always share my fries with you. even the crispy ones.”

you snort. “that’s a big promise.”

“and i vow to never judge you for eating burgers at midnight,” she adds, her grin widening.

“okay, my turn,” you say, leaning in. “i vow to always keep you stocked up on wine and burgers. and fries. all the good stuff. just in case of an emergency, of course. or for a spontaneous road trip. whichever comes first, i guess."

you're both giggling, and then her smile softens. she looks at you with those eyes, and for a moment, the rest of the world falls away. then her expression shifts. she takes a deep breath, fingers toying with the pen. “one more,” she says, her voice quieter now. “i vow to always be someone you can turn to, no matter what. even when things get messy or complicated.”

her eyes are still on yours, and you can't bring yourself to break the contact. you feel like the air has been knocked out of your lungs, and it's almost too much, too fast.

you finally manage to get the words out, your voice coming out a little strained. "i promise too."

karina smiles softly, reaching over to brush a strand of hair from your face. “let’s go somewhere,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

“where?” you ask, still breathless.

she glances at the horizon, where the stars are just beginning to scatter across the night sky. “the beach.”

without another word, you put the car in drive and head toward the coast. the streets are quiet, the hum of the tires against the road the only sound as the town fades behind you. it feels like the rest of the world doesn’t exist—just you, karina, and the open road.

when you arrive, the beach is deserted, bathed in moonlight and the soft crashing of waves. you both kick off your shoes and walk toward the shoreline, the sand cool beneath your feet. karina stops just shy of the water, turning to face you.

“alright,” she says, holding out her hand. “let’s make this official.”

you laugh, taking her hand. “this is the most spontaneous fake wedding i’ve ever been a part of.”

her grin is wide, a little wild, like she’s already planning something outrageous. “just wait until our real wedding. then it’ll really be a show.”

the words hit you harder than expected—our real wedding. your mind flashes with an image: karina walking down the aisle, her dress swishing with every elegant step, her smile lighting up the whole room.

karina squeezes your hand gently, bringing you back to reality. "are you ready?"

you give her a tiny nod. “i’m ready.”

she turns to face you, her smile dimming just enough to make the moment feel serious. she takes a steadying breath before starting. “i vow to always share my fries with you—even the crispy ones.”

you grin. "i vow to not get jealous when you share your fries with someone else."

"that's a fair point." she pauses for a moment, glancing at the moon overhead. when she speaks again, her voice is softer. "i vow to not forget about all the nights we've stayed up talking, the sun just starting to rise, and how i could listen to your voice forever. and i vow to always be someone you can count on, no matter what."

her words make your heart ache. you swallow, trying to push down the feeling. "i vow to never give up, even when things get tough. even when everything's changing around us. and i vow to always be a place you can run to."

the words hang between you for a moment, and you feel like the whole world has stopped. everything feels surreal, like a dream, the kind you're afraid of waking up from. then she steps closer, so close you can feel the warmth radiating off her. her next words are softer, more serious, the playfulness stripped away. “do you vow to take me to the best burger joints at midnight?”

your voice is quieter now too. “i do.”

“do you vow to share your fries with me, even the crispy ones?”

“i do.”

she takes a small, shaky breath, her gaze locked on yours. “and do you vow to always be my friend? to stand by me, even when things get hard or messy?”

your throat tightens, but somehow you manage to speak. “i do.”

karina’s lips twitch, but she doesn’t smile fully. there's something vulnerable in her expression, like she's revealing a piece of herself she's never shown before. "do you promise to always remember tonight? how special this moment is?"

"i do."

she nods, her eyes shining. "good. because i do, too."

her gaze drops to your lips, and you realize what she's doing a second too late. before you can even process what's happening, her mouth is on yours, warm and soft and sweet. it's the kind of kiss you feel all the way down to your toes, the kind that makes the rest of the world disappear.

it's everything and nothing all at once.

then the moment passes, and she's pulling away, a little breathless. "i'm sorry. i just…"

you blink, trying to find the right words, but nothing comes out.

she swallows, then steps back, her cheeks flushed. "i'm sorry, i don't know what came over me. that was stupid. we should go."

she turns and walks off, her footsteps echoing through the darkness. you watch her leave, not daring to say anything, because if you speak, you'll break the spell. you'll wake up from this dream, and it'll all be gone, and this moment will be lost forever.

karina speedwalks to your car, her ears hot and her head spinning. what the hell did i just do? she opens the car door and climbs in, her body feeling weightless. the kiss was an impulse, a split-second decision, and now she's left wondering why the hell she thought it was a good idea.

you get in the car a moment later, your expression unreadable. you're silent for a few beats, then you clear your throat. "here take my jacket," you say, reaching over to drape it around her shoulders. "you look cold."

her chest tightens. of course, you're being kind and sweet. god, why did she have to ruin the moment?

she takes the jacket, but it does nothing to warm the chill that's seeped into her bones. she's so confused. one minute, she's getting engaged, and the next, she's kissing you, the one person who's never given her a reason to doubt. she feels like she's falling apart, piece by piece.

"let's get you home," you say quietly, starting the car.

karina nods, her eyes focused on the window. the rest of the ride is silent, neither of you daring to say a word.

a month passed since that night—the kiss that left you spinning and karina’s unexpected confession. you’d both fallen into a strange rhythm after that. conversations were shorter, more careful, as if the words had to be handled with gloves. and though things seemed okay on the surface, there was a distance that neither of you knew how to bridge.

she was still okay with the greenhouse. you’d finalized every last detail together, but it felt like neither of you were talking about what really mattered. instead, you both threw yourselves into the wedding planning like it was the only way to keep moving forward.

it was just after midnight when you found yourself back in the kitchen, pouring a glass of water. it had been a long day, and your mind was still racing. you stood there for a while, sipping slowly, mind wandering.

the front door creaked open. your brother stumbled in, his suit rumpled, tie hanging loosely around his neck. his eyes were bloodshot, and he reeked of whiskey and something faintly floral—perfume. you could guess what had happened.

“company celebration,” he muttered, not meeting your eyes. “big news… big, big news.”

you wrapped an arm around him and helped him upstairs. he leaned on you heavily, his usually confident demeanor dulled by the alcohol. when you sat him down on the edge of your bed, you noticed it—lipstick stains on the collar of his shirt, faint but undeniable.

your stomach twisted. you swallowed hard, forcing the lump in your throat down. it was none of your business. after all, she cheated as well...with you.

after he passed out, you quietly shut the door and went back downstairs. there was no sleep to be found, not when your thoughts were tangled in the events of what's happened over the past three months—the kiss, karina’s sudden agreement to the greenhouse wedding, the lipstick stains. it was too much.

you sat at the dining room table and pulled out your laptop. the wedding planning documents filled the screen, emails flooding in with suggestions and changes. you worked mindlessly, letting the repetition of it all keep your thoughts at bay.

the hours bled into one another, and before you knew it, pale sunlight was breaking through the windows. your eyes burned, your muscles ached, but you couldn’t stop.

footsteps behind you made you freeze.

karina.

her hair was a mess of loose waves, and she wore one of those oversized pajama shirts she loved. she had two mugs of coffee in hand, the familiar scent of hazelnut filling the room. without a word, she placed one in front of you.

“you’ve been up all night,” she said quietly.

“i had things to do,” you answered, not meeting her eyes.

karina sighed, taking in the dark circles under your eyes and the tension in your shoulders. “you’re burning yourself out.”

when you didn’t say anything, she walked around the table and stood behind you. her hands found your shoulders, fingers pressing gently into the knots there. she massaged in slow circles, her thumbs working out the tightness you hadn’t even noticed.

her voice was soft as she spoke, barely more than a whisper. "you should get some sleep. you can't keep doing this."

but you were too tired, too worn down, to respond. you couldn’t focus on anything other than the feeling of her hands on your shoulders, the warmth of her touch sinking into your skin.

she leaned down, her breath tickling your ear. "can we talk?"

"yeah," you managed.

karina let go and moved to the seat across from you. she looked like she was struggling with something, the same look from the night at the beach, when she had asked you to promise her to remember. her fingers tapped on the mug. you could tell she was stalling, trying to decide what to say, but eventually, the words came.

"i'm sorry."

you were sorry too. for so many things, but you didn't say them out loud. instead, you just nodded.

"i never meant for this to happen," she said. "but it's all getting a little too much."

you were exhausted. tired of everything—the wedding, the kiss, the feelings. tired of being the planner. tired of pretending everything was fine when it wasn't.

karina's gaze dropped to her hands, her voice small. "i didn't mean to make things weird between us. i just didn't know what to do."

"it's okay," you replied, because it was all you could say.

"it's not," she insisted. "you're my best friend. i don't want to lose that."

she was right. you were her best friend. she was supposed to be marrying your brother, not making out with you at midnight. the thought sent a shiver down your spine.

"we'll get through this. together." you tried to sound convincing, but it fell flat.

"will we?" her voice was barely audible. "you've been pushing me away for weeks. i can tell."

you shook your head, but it was pointless. the truth was staring you in the face, and it wasn't pretty.

karina sighed, her gaze lifting from the table to meet yours. "i'm sorry. i don't want things to be awkward between us. i don't want this to change things."

her eyes were filled with such honesty and vulnerability, it made your chest ache. you wanted to reach out, hold her, and reassure her that everything was going to be okay, but you couldn't. you couldn't bring yourself to lie.

you rubbed your hands over your face, trying to ease the tension building behind your eyes. the words were stuck, clawing at your throat, desperate to escape. but what could you say?everything was so tangled.

“i’m not pushing you away,” you finally managed, though it felt hollow. “i just… don’t know how to handle all this.”

she gave you a weak smile, but her eyes were still sad.

the silence stretched between you, growing heavier with each passing moment. neither of you knew what to say.

“i don’t want to hurt you,” she said suddenly, her voice trembling.

your stomach twisted, and you had to look away. “you’re not hurting me.”

it was a lie, and you both knew it. but what good would the truth do?

karina sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. she looked exhausted, like she hadn’t slept in days. maybe she hadn’t. “i just want us to be okay. like before.”

“before,” you repeated, the word tasting bitter on your tongue. before everything. before the kiss. before you saw your brother stumble in last night, lipstick stains betrayed his lies.

she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "yeah, before. like we promised in our vows."

you let out a breath. was she really bringing this up now? "our fake vows."

karina flinched, as if your words had physically struck her. she looked at you, her eyes pleading. "you promised to always remember that night. that's not nothing."

you closed your eyes, trying to block out the memory. it was a mistake. a stupid, impulsive decision. one you shouldn't have made. one you shouldn't be thinking about.

"look, it's fine. we'll just forget it ever happened. like we're supposed to."

"are we?"

you stared at her, your throat tightening. "yes. because that's what's best. for everyone."

she swallowed, her eyes glossy with unshed tears. "okay. if that's what you want."

"it is." the words were heavy, weighing on your chest, crushing the air from your lungs.

"alright. then i guess we should go back to planning."

she forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. the conversation was over.

and that was it. you tried not to think about the kiss or the way her hand had felt in yours. but the memories lingered, refusing to let go.

the day of the wedding arrived. you stood at the back of the greenhouse, feeling out of place as the carefully chosen flowers, delicate white drapes, and twinkling fairy lights filled the space with a sense of serenity that felt foreign to you. everything about this moment was supposed to be beautiful, perfect, just as your brother had imagined. but you couldn’t shake the unease that knotted in your stomach.

the ceremony was supposed to feel like a celebration, a milestone in their lives. but it wasn’t. the sight of your brother, standing at the altar with the priest, waiting for karina, made something inside you tighten. he was smiling, his hands clasped together in anticipation. but the thought of him with her—knowing everything that had happened between the two of you—suddenly felt wrong. not to mention what he did himself.

and then, she appeared.

karina entered, her arm linked with your father’s, walking down the aisle with the grace of someone who belonged in a dream. the flowing ivory gown clung to her figure in a way that made your breath catch. the soft music playing in the background seemed to fade as you watched her approach, unable to tear your eyes away.

her gaze flickered to you for the briefest of moments. it was only a glance, but it held so much. the quiet acknowledgment that things weren’t the way they were supposed to be. that this wasn’t how it was supposed to feel.

you could barely breathe. you had promised to be strong, to be there for her. but seeing her like this, walking down the aisle toward your brother, was impossible. all the promises you had made, all the words you had told her in the days leading up to this, suddenly felt so hollow. she wasn’t yours. she never had been, and yet, everything inside you screamed that she should be.

you couldn’t stay.

without thinking, you turned and quietly slipped out of the greenhouse, avoiding the curious glances of your family. the sounds of the ceremony, the murmurs of the guests, faded as you walked, faster and faster, until you were outside, out of the view of the guests, heading straight for the beach.

the water was cool, the sand soft beneath your feet, the gentle breeze soothing. but it wasn't enough. you could still feel the ache in your chest, the heaviness that had settled there the moment you saw karina walking down the aisle.

you had been so certain that you could do this, that you could keep your promise and be there for her, no matter what. but now, standing on the beach, the waves washing over your feet, you realize how foolish it had been to think that.

you sank to the sand, burying your face in your hands. how had things gotten this far? how had everything become so tangled, so complicated, so fast? and why did it feel like your heart was being torn in two?

you were torn in so many directions, your mind spinning with thoughts of karina, of the kiss, of your brother, and of everything that had led to this moment. you wanted to scream, to let the confusion and frustration pour out of you, but you couldn’t. you couldn’t make sense of it all.

everything felt like it was unraveling, and there was nothing you could do to stop it. the hurt, the guilt, the love that you couldn’t seem to let go of—it all washed over you, suffocating you. you loved her. you had always loved her, but it was wrong. she was marrying your brother. it wasn’t supposed to be like this. you weren’t supposed to be the one to feel this way.

but the feeling was there, as real as the sand beneath your feet and the wind against your skin. you couldn't deny it, no matter how hard you tried.

"y/n."

your heart skipped a beat. you looked up, and there she was, standing at the edge of the sand. karina, still in her wedding dress, the fabric flowing around her as she stepped toward you, barefoot.

"y/n," she repeated, her voice soft, almost pleading.

you were frozen, unable to move, unable to speak. your throat tightened; the words stuck.

“what are you doing here?” you managed to ask, your voice wavering.

“i couldn’t let you go,” she said, her voice breathless. “i can’t let you walk away from me. not like this.”

you stood up, unsure of what to say, but before you could form any words, karina was running toward you, her wedding dress trailing behind her. she didn’t stop until she was right in front of you, her hands trembling as she reached for yours.

"i can’t marry him," she whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "not when i feel like this. not when it’s you i want."

the words hit you like a punch to the gut. your mind raced. "karina, this isn’t—"

"i don’t care," she interrupted. "i can’t pretend anymore. i’m sorry. i should’ve told you sooner. i should’ve never let you go, even when i knew how wrong it was. but i can’t marry him when i’m in love with you."

you blinked, staring at her. in love with you. she was in love with you. the words echoed in your head, and you couldn't find the strength to speak.

"y/n, please. say something."

karina’s face crumpled, and she stepped closer, her hands trembling as she cupped your face. “please,” she whispered, “don’t let me lose you. you're everything i want."

her touch was warm, and you couldn't help but lean into it. she was so close, and you could feel her heartbeat, her breathing, her warmth. it was intoxicating, and before you knew what you were doing, your lips met hers, gentle and tender, as if she was afraid of breaking you.

but you couldn't break. not when she was kissing you like this. not when her lips were so soft, and her arms were around your waist, pulling you closer. it felt like the world was shifting, the ground giving way beneath your feet. but she was there, holding onto you, her grip tight and desperate, like she was afraid of losing you.

the kiss deepened, and everything else fell away. all you could feel was her. all you could think about was how right it felt, how perfect it was, and how this was the moment you had been waiting for. you were home, in her arms, and nothing else mattered.

the kiss broke, and karina pulled back, her breathing ragged. her eyes were bright, full of emotion, and you knew yours were the same.

"i love you," she whispered, her voice cracking. "i love you, and i'm sorry i didn't realize it sooner."

the words washed over you, and for the first time, everything felt right.

"i love you too," you breathed, not caring that it was wrong or that you shouldn't be saying it. you couldn't stop yourself, and the feeling of finally letting the words out was overwhelming. "you're everything i want…and more."

her eyes widened, and then a smile tugged at her lips, wide and bright, as if the weight of the world had been lifted off her shoulders. she kissed you again, fierce and passionate, and you could feel her joy, her relief, her love. it was the kind of kiss that made your heart swell, that made you feel like you were floating, and nothing could ever come between you.

"i'm yours," she whispered against your lips, her voice breaking. "i'll always be yours."

[partiallysame]

OK OK OKK JUUSTT LISTEN TO ME ON THIS ONE PLEAASEEEE. what about price's lil missus (or mister, we're gender inclusive here!) getting captured by makarov and being held for ransom. NEED to see this in your writing

No you’re so right Price’s lil missus can also be his lil mister. His lil love his lil dove. Not sure if I’ve used pronouns other than the term missus but we are inclusive here (also it’s on my list to write more male reader too)

Ok ok ok I think when the boys first moved in Simon was appalled at the lack of security. He immediately put in alarms on the doors and a tracker on your car (with your concern although he would’ve even if you said no. Safety is not an option). You had turned the beep on the front door off bc that’s annoying to hear everytime you open it buttttt if the door was ever left open for too long Simon would get an alert in his phone. Usually just you leaving it open when doing something in the yard or grabbing something from your car buttt this time he got the notification and checked the cameras to see you being carried kicking and screaming into a suv. Suddenly they’re in a military humvee tracking the car on traffic cameras. Price cursing himself bc he kept you a secret for a reason. Covert ops meant a covert personal life was the safest option.

While you were Price’s sweet dove you were anything but docile he simply wouldn’t leave you alone for work without knowing you could protect yourself. Makarov was not expecting the sweet lil thing his men grabbed to somehow get a knife into two of his men. But you know, gun pressed to your head helps everyone calm down. So you found yourself tied up in a dark room. The idiot Russian barely had a moment to take the ransom photo before he heard the gunshots outside. The door was exploded open (not their first idea but the fastest). On the way to you they had to discuss how to handle the situation bc they always did their best to make sure civilians weren’t harmed in this situation but now it’s you. It’s the sweet love of their lives. They wanted to rescue you without adding more trauma than already caused. Before the dust settles from the door you saw Johnny full tac gear. A uniform you’ve only ever seen in photos. Emerging behind him was Kyle and a man in a skeleton mask. Johnny found your gaze, his hand motioned over his own eyes, signaling you to close yours. You did and the room got so unbelievably loud. Eyes shut tight, you felt strong arms wrap around you, lifting and carrying you from the room and the noise. When the ringing in your ears stopped enough you could hear your husband’s voice trying to coax you to open your eyes. His hands working to untie you, too scared to bring a knife near you to just cut the restraints off. When you finally opened your eyes, he watched your body untense. Body falling into his only to feel more arms wrap around you from the back. Sobs falling from you and the men around you. Not so big tough when it comes to your life. You looked down and could see the skeleton mask resting on the floor. “Spooky mask Simon.” Your lil quip brought a small smile to their faces. You were ok. You were safe and still yourself. As they guided you to the humvee you tried to turn to look at where you were being held hostage “no nope nope eyes forward sweetheart” just because you were forced to experience some of their job didn’t mean they wanted you to see all of it. They had been chasing makarov for so long but his mistake of coming after Prices lil wife caused him a bullet (or 4) to the head

[rebelsabers]

Your tags:

You’re using disability as a weapon against me in an attempt to silence me and avoid addressing the actual point of this conversation, and that’s something I won’t stand for. I don’t need anyone to define my position on disability or what it means to be a victim because I live it. What’s even worse is the narrative you’re trying to push about disabled people in the tags. You said disgusting things in the tags that should never have to be read by anyone, especially someone who has men in their life who are visibly disabled, and survivors of things similar to the character you’re claiming to defend. I shouldn’t have had to read disgusting comments in the tags that apply to people I know in real life. It’s sickeningly offensive. The assumptions you’re making about my experiences are not only misguided—they’re deeply disrespectful and actively bigoted. The idea that you think it’s okay to reduce the complexity of disabled people’s lives into a simple narrative that fits your argument is disturbing.

I’m tired of seeing these disgusting, baseless accusations thrown at me in the guise of trying to protect some idealized version of a character’s arc. You have no right to weaponize these kinds of assumptions to invalidate my perspective, and frankly, it’s inappropriate. You don’t get to ignore my lived experiences and create a narrative about me based on your own discomfort with accountability and desire to flee responsibility. The real issue here is that you’re deflecting from the actual point—the way Sam Wilson’s journey is being sidelined by this constant focus on Bucky—and instead, you’re using these attacks to distract from your own inability to engage with the conversation in a meaningful way.

Stop weaponizing disability, stop making wild, inaccurate assumptions about me, and let black characters/Sam Wilson have his moment without trying to erase him for the sake of your favoritism of a white character. This narrative doesn’t belong to you, and it’s time to stop pretending that it does.

It’s time to stop making up false narratives and take a hard look at why you’re so intent on making this all about a white character’s past instead of allowing a Black character to have his moment. This isn’t about ableism(and it never was. You brought that out of nowhere to deflect and derail the conversation)—it’s about allowing Sam to have his own space to be Captain America. Your continual attempts to push Bucky’s story into his space while making disgusting assumptions about my beliefs are doing nothing but harming the conversation.

Your disgusting deflection and fictional rhetoric about me aside, let’s get something else out of the way.

First off, don’t try to belittle me with “calm down” or “sounding paranoid”—that’s just a deflection and frankly, dismissive. I’m calling out a pattern I’ve been seeing, which is fans continually sidelining Sam in his own movie for the sake of focusing on Bucky. It’s not a joke when people repeatedly insist on making Sam's film about someone else. Sam deserves his moment without being overshadowed, especially by a character who’s already had multiple arcs. And for the record, Bucky having a 1-minute scene doesn't change the larger issue: this is Sam’s movie, and constantly bringing up Bucky detracts from Sam’s growth and journey.

This isn’t just about Bucky or Sam. This is about respect for Sam Wilson, a Black character finally getting his own movie and story after years of being in the background. It’s frustrating that every time Sam has the chance to stand in the spotlight, people seem to want to pull him back and make it about Bucky or Steve. This is a clear example of the systemic issue where Black characters are constantly sidelined in their own narratives in favor of white characters. Sam is finally becoming Captain America, and yet there’s this need from some fans to focus on Bucky’s backstory—again. Why? Because he’s a white character? It’s no accident that the same fans who are trying to make Sam’s film about Bucky are the ones who refuse to let a black character have his own arc. This isn’t about fandom preferences; it’s about the fact that black characters are too often given less room to develop on their own, while white characters are constantly shoved into their space.

Bucky’s story is important, absolutely—but let’s be real here: this movie is not his. We’ve already seen Bucky’s arc in The First Avenger, The Winter Soldier, Civil War, Infinity War, Endgame, and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. He’s had plenty of screen time and emotional exploration. Sam has not. But instead of letting Sam have his time, you’re trying to pivot it back to Bucky. That’s the problem. There’s a deep-seated history of white characters being allowed to dominate narratives at the expense of characters of color, especially black characters. Sam having his own movie, his own arc, should be celebrated, not minimized by those who think it’s somehow acceptable to sideline him for someone else’s story.

You can claim this is all about “Bucky’s trauma” all you want, but what you’re really doing is excusing a harmful pattern where the emotional journey of Black characters is undervalued and overshadowed by the the fandom’s favoritism for white characters. What you're doing—trying to make it all about Bucky—reinforces the idea that it’s more important for Bucky to get more screentime than for Sam to have a moment to be his own character, especially in the context of being a black man taking on the mantle of Captain America. Sam’s trauma is deeply tied to the weight of being a Black man in America, and that’s something that can’t just be glossed over by making it about Bucky every time they share a scene or talking about how bucky should be there. You can’t just keep deflecting Sam’s journey and importance because it’s more comfortable for you to focus on a white character. It’s dismissive, it’s disrespectful, and it perpetuates the narrative that black stories are secondary.

I know i’m being overly repetitive for a normal person, but you really seem to be the kind that need it explained to you multiple times to get it. Especially since you keep trying to to deflect, derail, and make so many excuses for this behavior.

You can’t ignore the fact that Sam, as Captain America, isn’t just a superhero—he’s also a black man who has to overcome systemic oppression, and that needs to be explored. But instead of letting Sam shine, you’d rather focus on Bucky. It’s frustrating, because people of color often have to fight tooth and nail to get space in these narratives—and then, when they finally get it, it’s undermined by others who refuse to let them exist without constantly dragging them back into someone else’s story.

So, yes, this is a problem. It’s not about the fact that Bucky’s trauma matters (which wasn’t even part of the post and isn’t relevant)—it does—but the problem is that you and others are so focused on his past and his character, that you’re missing the point of Sam’s story. Sam Wilson, as Captain America, is carrying the weight of history. He’s carrying the weight of being a Black man in America, and that’s something that deserves to be explored without being overshadowed by Bucky, Steve, or anyone else. No matter how much you like that character. You can keep saying Sam has more screen time than Bucky in this one film just for once, but the issue here isn’t about how much time Bucky gets; it’s about how much space Sam is allowed to take up in his own movie. You’re contributing to a culture that consistently tries to diminish the importance of Black characters and their stories.

Sam deserves his own moment without constantly having to support a white character’s journey. So, no—this isn’t about ableism, and it isn’t about invalidating Bucky’s trauma or anything else you want to deflect the conversation with. It’s about the simple fact that Sam Wilson is finally getting his moment, and it’s being undermined by people like you who can’t seem to let go of the need to make it about someone else, someone who’s already had their time in the spotlight.

Someone white.

That’s what this is really about.

"Sam, you are not going to believe how exponentially badly my day is going."

"Probably not as badly as mine, Buck"

[shockercoco]

Better Late Than Never

Bucky Barnes x reader

Warnings - fluff, some kissing, Valentine’s Day shenanigans, flirty!Bucky

Word count - 2167

a/n - Happy Valentine’s Day everyone, especially to all my fellow single readers! I’ve somehow ended up in my Sebastian Stan era again, so I thought why fight it. It’s been a while since I’ve written an imagine, and I’m feeling a little rusty, but I hope you all enjoy and thanks in advance for reading :)

“What’s got you smiling so much?” You ask Wanda as she sits down across from you.

It was Wanda’s idea to meet up for lunch after finding out about the rough morning you had, and she had also told you that she had some good news to share that might cheer you up. 

You had woken up late for work, couldn’t find your car keys, and when you reached the halfway point on your journey to work, you realized you didn’t have your phone. Today just wasn’t your day.

“Remember how I said I had some good news?” Wanda asks, her smile huge as she leans in and rests her elbows on the table. When you nod, she continues. “Well, Vision surprised me at work and finally asked me to be his girlfriend! He brought me flowers and everything.”

Yeah, today just really wasn’t your day.

“That’s really great, Wanda, but how exactly is that supposed to cheer me up?” you question, giving her a small smile to soften your words.

“Because you were the one who suggested that I should confess my feelings to him, and you’ve pretty much been with me every step of the way,” Wanda tells you. Her expression then turns into confusion. “Is something wrong?”

You honestly were really proud and happy for Wanda, and if this were any other time of the year, your reaction would’ve been different. But it’s not. Valentine's Day is at the end of the week and you just want the week to be over with.

While you were walking down the street on your way to the restaurant, you walked past a woman getting proposed to in the park. While you were waiting for the light to change in order for you to cross the street, you saw a couple making out. As you walked past a street vendor selling flowers, you overheard the vendor making conversation with a man who was apparently looking for the right flowers to buy his crush. Now, Wanda hits you with this.

“No, nothing’s wrong,” you quickly shake your head. “I’ve just had a weird day.”

She looks at you for a moment longer, not fully believing you. “Hmm, there’s something else. Tell me.”

You let out a laugh. “Wanda, I’m fine. It just…it’s nothing really. I’m good.”

“It’s just what?” Wanda asks. When you hesitate again, she adds, “We’re not ordering until you tell me what’s up,” she smirks at you. 

A small groan leaves you, before you speak up, “It’s just that Bucky hasn’t asked me to be his valentine yet, and this is our first Valentine’s Day as a couple. It stupid, I know. I shouldn’t even be upset.”

“No, it’s not stupid. Have you mentioned how you feel to him?”

“No, I didn’t think I had to since he’s always surprising me with gifts any other time of the year. I just figured this would just happen naturally, but nothing yet.”

“I’m sure you have nothing to worry about. After all, it’s still the beginning of the week. Who knows, he could just be waiting for the actual day to come,” Wanda says, and when you don’t say anything, she places a hand on top of yours and continues, “I’d honestly be surprised if Bucky does absolutely nothing for you. Everyone knows how obsessed he is with you.”

That makes you smile. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“Of course I am, and when Valentine’s Day comes and he still hasn’t asked you to be his valentine, call me, I’ll hunt him down,” Wanda tells you right as a waitress walks up to the table to take your guys’ order. She catches the end of Wanda’s sentence and has a confused, yet amused look on her face. “Sorry, just relationship problems.”

The waitress laughs as she says, “Don’t worry I understand.”

Later that night when you're at Bucky’s place for a movie night the two of you had planned the week before, you can feel Bucky looking at you repeatedly while your eyes are still on the screen. You’re cuddled up into his side with his arm wrapped around you, but you still notice the constant shifting of his head.

You finally give in and look up at him. “Is there something on my face?” you ask him, your tone teasing.

Bucky’s confused with your question. “No, why?”

“Because you keep looking at me.”

“What, I can’t admire my own girlfriend anymore?”

“It feels more like staring than anything,” you tell him, and Bucky just laughs.

“Well, then I’m sorry,” Bucky apologizes as he places a hand on your cheek to lift your head up. He leans down to place a gentle kiss on your lips, a smile still tugging on the corner of his lips. When he pulls away, he still keeps the distance between the two of you small as he looks into your eyes.

“Seriously, what is it?” you whine as you playfully shove him away from you, causing him to laugh. He knows how much you hate it when he does that. “Is there something bugging you?” you casually slide in the question, slightly hoping that he would use this time to ask you to be his valentine.

“No, there isn’t,” he laughs and pulls away, turning his attention back to the screen, but keeping his arm still wrapped around you. “I’m done, I promise.” 

He misses the slight drop in your expression, but you quickly fix your face before looking back at the tv as well.

As the week goes on, you try to focus on more important things, but as Friday continues to get closer, your hope continues to diminish. You and Bucky continue to text normally throughout the week, but when Thursday afternoon comes Bucky calls you to let you know that he’ll be going on a mission the next day. On Valentine’s Day.

“I’m sorry it’s such short notice, doll, but Steve needs me,” you hear Bucky softly tell you through the phone. You’re sitting on a chair in front of your window watching people pass by with Bucky on speaker.

“Oh, no it’s okay, I understand,” you say, trying to keep the disappointment out of your voice. “How long will you be gone?”

There’s a moment of silence on the other end, before Bucky speaks, “A couple of weeks.”

Weeks? 

Your heart drops at his answer and you feel your throat start to tighten. You quickly mute yourself to clear the tears from your throat, before unmuting.

“Are you sure it’s okay?” he asks, noticing your delayed response. 

“Yeah, why wouldn’t it be? There’s people out there that need you,” you speak up.

You catch sight of your neighbor’s boyfriend walking up to her house with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. You momentarily forget you’re on the phone and unintentionally let out a frustrated sigh at the sight, catching Bucky’s attention.

“Listen, I can probably get out of it. I’m sure Steve doesn’t need me that bad, there’s a whole team of people that are available to help out.”

A sad laugh leaves you. “Bucky it’s fine, I promise. He’s your best friend and he specifically asked you because he wants you, so go.”

“If you insist,” you hear Bucky sigh “I know you’re upset, though, so I promise to make it up to you when I get back, okay?”

That makes you crack a smile. “Okay.”

When the next day rolls around, you take your time getting out of bed. Unfortunately, you had the day off today, which of course you would’ve been happy about under different circumstances. 

You decide to keep yourself busy and do some chores to pass time, but by the time you’re done cleaning every crevice and doing laundry, it’s only four in the afternoon.

At some point, Wanda calls to check up on you and asks if you wanted her and Vision to come over and have dinner with you. Vision was planning on cooking for just the two of them, but he told you he had no problem making more. Although the two of them both repeatedly insisted they didn’t mind making the drive to your place, you declined.

It felt wrong to intrude on a special night like tonight. 

After telling Wanda and Vision that you would just order in, the two of you finally end the call.

You weren’t currently that hungry so you decided to just order something later. You make yourself comfortable on the couch and decide to put on a tv show you’ve been wanting to watch. 

A couple episodes later, you finally start to get hungry, and right when you’re about to place an order, your doorbell rings. You shake your head thinking it was just Vision and Wanda coming to share their food, but as you look through the peephole to see Bucky standing outside holding a bouquet of flowers and a stuffed animal you had been wanting, your heart drops along with your jaw.

You look down at your outfit and contemplate quickly changing, but decide against it.

“Wh-what are you doing here? I thought you had to go on a mission?” you ask when you open the door.

“Surprise!” Bucky greets you with a bright smile. He leans in to give you a kiss, before whispering, “Happy Valentine's Day, sweetheart.”

Bucky can see that you’re still shocked and at a loss for words, so he just laughs as he pushes past you and makes his way inside. You close the door behind him and watch as he makes his way into the kitchen and lays the flowers on the counter along with the stuffed animal.

“As much as I’m happy that you’re here, why are you here?” your eyebrows are furrowed as you lean against the counter, your arms folded across your chest. 

Bucky sends you a smirk as he quickly puts the flowers in water before making his way over to you. He places his hands on your waist as closes the distance between you two.

“You didn’t really think that I’d miss our first Valentine’s Day together, did you?”

“I didn’t even think you remembered, I mean you haven’t said anything about it all week,” you tell him.

“Yeah, Wanda told me you were a little upset,” Bucky mentions and your eyes widen.

“What a traitor, she wasn’t supposed to say anything,” you say slightly embarrassed as you look off to the side. Then a thought hits you, and you look back at him. “Wait, did you just come here because of what Wanda told you?”

“No, I was already planning on coming here tonight.”

“But what about your mission?” you ask, still confused.

Bucky smiles. “There never was a mission, doll. I made it up because I wanted to surprise you. You really thought I would spend today with Steve instead of you?”

“...Well, he is your best friend.”

“That’s true,” Bucky nods, grabbing your hands in his and placing kisses on your knuckles, “but, you’re my best girl,” he whispers as he looks into your eyes, causing butterflies in your stomach and your face to heat up.

What were you upset about again?

A chuckle leaves Bucky as he watches you shyly smile as you look away.

“You could’ve at least said something this whole week,” you tell him.

“I know, I know,” he admits, “but I was trying to get everything together.”

“Get what together?” you ask.

Bucky stays silent for a moment as if trying to find the right words to say. Then he says, “I want you to move in with me.”

Your eyes widen and your breath hitches as you stare back at him. “What?”

Maybe you inhaled too many chemicals while cleaning.

“I want you to move in with me,” Bucky repeats. “I know we’ve been dating for less than a year and I completely understand if this is too fast for you, but there’s plenty of room for you at my place and I would be much happier if I was able to have you next to me when I wake up every morning.”

Oh. 

You blink.

“You’re serious?” you ask, even though there's no indication on his face to tell you he’s lying. 

Bucky lets go of your hands to place his on either side of your face. “Completely. Like I said, you’re my best girl.” He watches a smile slowly form on your lips. “So, what do you say?”

“Yes,” you say, and Bucky’s grin grows wider, but you hold your hand up. “Don’t start smiling yet, I wasn’t finished.”

Bucky quickly fixes his face and tries to suppress his excitement. “Of course, continue.”

“I say yes, only if you agree to never pull anything like this ever again.”

“Ever?” Bucky repeats, raising an eyebrow.

“Bucky!” you playfully hit his chest.

“I’m just kidding,” he laughs, leaning in to kiss you. Then he pulls away just enough to murmur against your lips, “I’ll just wait until you forget.”

Like what you see? check out my masterlist :)

[itsnesss]

𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 | miguel diaz × fem!reader

summary | you accompany miguel to visit his newborn sister at the hospital. as you witness miguel's tender and protective side, you feel your connection with him grow deeper

warnings | fluff, heartwarming moments

word count | 1.1 k

author's note | it would help me a lot if you liked, commented and reposted so that more people read what I write and don't forget to follow me, thanks ᡣ𐭩

You had never seen Miguel so excited.

From the moment he received the news that his little sister had been born, he hasn’t stopped smiling. It’s a refreshing change, especially after so many weeks when he was worried about exams, competitions, and everything else. Now, he’s radiant, full of energy and happiness. It’s contagious because even though you don’t say it out loud, his enthusiasm makes butterflies flutter in your stomach.

"Are you ready?" he asks with a smile so wide that his dimples are charmingly marked as he holds the hospital door open for you to enter.

You nod, a mix of excitement and nervousness filling you. It’s not your first time in a hospital, but this occasion is special. Miguel invited you to meet his newborn sister, Laura, and that means more than anyone could imagine. You know how important his family is to him, and for him to choose you to share this moment makes you feel like you’re part of something much bigger.

"You know," he starts to say while walking down the long hallways, "when my mom told me she was having a baby, I was a little worried."

"Why?" you ask curiously.

"I don’t know, I thought it would be weird. I’ve been an only child my whole life, and suddenly, I was going to have to share my mom, my grandma... everything," he admits, shrugging his shoulders. "But then I realized... I don’t know, I like the idea of having someone I’m going to take care of. Like... a team."

Your heart melts a little. Miguel has always had that protective side, the one that makes everyone around him feel safe, and thinking of him taking care of his little sister like she’s his greatest treasure makes you smile.

"You’re going to be a great brother," you say sincerely. "Laura is lucky to have you."

He looks at you, his smile softening.

"Do you think so?"

"I know so," you reply without hesitation.

When you reach the elevator, Miguel presses the button, and as you wait, you realize that he hasn’t let go of your hand since you left the car. It’s a small gesture, but significant. It makes you feel calm, connected to him in a way you don’t need to explain. You’re just there, next to him, on one of the most important days of his life.

The elevator arrives, and you both step in. Miguel checks his phone quickly, reading a message from his mom telling him what room they’re in. You see him take a deep breath, as if trying to calm himself.

"Nervous?" you ask, giving him a gentle nudge with your shoulder.

"A little," he admits, laughing softly. "It’s weird, right? I’ve been waiting for this moment for months, but now that it’s here... I just want everything to be perfect."

"It already is perfect," you say without thinking too much.

He looks at you with a mix of gratitude and something else, something that makes your heart skip a beat. Before you can try to decipher that look, the doors open, and you both walk toward the room.

Carmen is sitting in the hospital bed with a small pink blanket wrapped around her arms. Her face is tired, but her expression is serene and happy. She smiles warmly at you as she sees you enter.

"Hey! So glad you came," she says softly.

"Thank you for inviting me, Mrs. Díaz," you reply shyly, suddenly feeling self-conscious about the importance of the moment.

Miguel immediately approaches his mother and leans in to get a better look at the baby. You stay a few steps back, watching with your heart pounding in your chest.

"Hello, Laura," Miguel whispers with a softness you’ve never heard from him before. "I brought someone really special to meet you."

Your chest tightens with tenderness as you watch the little creature in his arms stir slightly. Her skin is soft, and her cheeks are rosy, like the most fragile thing in the world.

"Come on, come closer," Miguel says, looking at you sweetly.

You step forward, almost afraid to breathe too loudly. Miguel gestures for you to sit next to him, and when you do, he leans a little closer to you so you can see the baby better.

"She’s... so small," you whisper, fascinated.

"I know," Miguel laughs. "I can’t believe I’ve been waiting so long to meet her, and now she’s here."

Carmen watches you both with affection, and then looks at Miguel.

"Do you want to hold her?"

He nods immediately, but before picking her up, he turns to you with a mischievous look.

"Do you want to try holding her first?"

Your heart races.

"Me?"

"Yeah. My mom says holding a baby is the best experience in the world."

You glance at Carmen uncertainly, and she nods with an encouraging smile.

"If you want, of course. Just be careful with her head."

You take a deep breath before nodding. Carmen passes you the little Laura with extreme delicacy, and when you finally have her in your arms, it feels like the whole world has stopped.

"She’s so light," you murmur, feeling more protective than you’ve ever felt.

Miguel watches the scene with an expression of absolute tenderness.

"She looks good with you," he says softly.

Your chest warms at his words, and when you look up at him, his expression is different. There’s something else there, something deep and sincere, something that makes you feel like this moment means as much to him as it does to you.

Laura stirs slightly in your arms, and when you look at her, her little mouth opens in a small yawn. Your heart melts completely.

"I think she likes you," Miguel whispers, coming a little closer to you.

"You think so?" you ask softly, smiling as you gently stroke the baby’s cheek with the back of your finger.

"Yeah. And... I think I do too," says Miguel, his voice almost a whisper.

Your gaze locks with his, and the air between you changes. There are so many things that could be said, so many emotions floating in that moment, but no words seem enough.

"Thanks for bringing me," you finally say, breaking the silence with a sincere whisper.

"I couldn’t imagine this moment without you," he replies.

His words take you by surprise, and you feel your heart beating fast in your chest. Miguel has always been sweet and attentive, but this... this is different. This is intimate, real.

Laura shifts a little more in your arms, and Miguel laughs softly.

"I think she wants me to hold her now," he jokes.

Carefully, you pass the baby to him, and you watch how he holds her with infinite tenderness. The way he looks at her, as if she’s the most precious thing in the world, makes something inside you melt completely.

You stay silently watching him, committing the moment to memory. And while you see him whispering sweet words to his little sister, you know, without a doubt, that you’ve just fallen for Miguel Díaz a little more.

[writeriguess]

Having a super hard time right now so could you do a single dad kirishma or bakugo or shinsou and they’re struggling trying to juggle parenthood and being a pro then they meet y/n she’s new to their agency and she just so happens to catch their eye, just a simple receptionist but she has so many ideas. They’re so busy that they don’t even get the chance to actually meet her until one day she comes up to their office with an idea for a daycare in the agency since she’s getting so many call outs about people who don’t have child care. She offers to run/teach the daycare as well since she was a teacher back in the states before she moved and it turns out this is the key to their own problems and they slowly fall in love with her.

author's note: Hey, I just wanted to clarify something. I’ve noticed that “comfort fics” sometimes get published quickly after being requested, which might give the impression that I prioritize them. However, that’s not the case—every fic is written and published in the order it was requested.

If you requested this piece, you might have noticed that I didn’t publish it immediately after seeing it. Please know that I don’t rush requests out of order. The only time I made an exception was for an emergency request, but I now realize that was a mistake, as some people overlooked my author’s note explaining it was a one-time thing. I’m sorry for any confusion, and I appreciate your patience!

Safe in Your Hands

The constant buzzing of his phone was a persistent, grating reminder that life didn’t slow down for anyone. Not even for Katsuki Bakugo.

“Goddamnit,” he muttered under his breath, rubbing his temples as he read yet another text from the daycare. His son, Ryo, had caught a cold and needed to be picked up early—again. He wasn’t mad at the kid, never at him, but the frustration of trying to juggle being a top pro hero and a single father was wearing him thin.

His office was a mess of paperwork, mission reports, and unfinished emails. He was barely keeping his head above water, and his agency, while thriving, was in dire need of some structure. Or a miracle.

That’s when a soft knock at his door pulled him out of his thoughts.

“Come in,” he grumbled, expecting another stack of files or another meeting he didn’t have time for.

Instead, you stepped in.

“Good afternoon, Dynamight-san.”

He barely looked up at first, recognizing you as the new receptionist. You’d been here a couple of months, always polite, always handling things smoothly. He’d noticed, even if he never had the time to actually speak to you. You were a quiet force in the chaos, managing things from behind the front desk with a calm confidence.

“I, uh, hope I’m not interrupting,” you said, shifting slightly but holding your ground. “I have an idea I wanted to run by you.”

His gaze flickered up then, curiosity outweighing his exhaustion. “What kinda idea?”

You stepped forward, placing a neatly written proposal on his desk. “I’ve been getting a lot of call-outs from employees who are struggling with childcare. And I’ve noticed you’ve had to step out unexpectedly for similar reasons. I was a teacher back in the States before moving here, and I was thinking… what if we had an in-agency daycare?”

He blinked, stunned into silence for the first time in what felt like months.

“I’d be willing to help set it up, even run it,” you continued, your voice steady. “It’d give the staff some peace of mind, knowing their kids are safe while they work. And it might make things easier for you, too.”

He stared at you for a long moment, your words sinking in. No one had ever suggested something like this before. No one had ever looked at the chaos of his life and offered a solution so simple yet perfect.

“Tch,” he finally scoffed, leaning back in his chair. “You’re serious about this?”

You nodded. “Completely.”

And just like that, something in his chest loosened.

Maybe—just maybe—he wasn’t doing this alone anymore.

The next few weeks passed in a blur. Once Bakugo approved the daycare idea, you got straight to work. There were meetings to hold, rooms to convert, supplies to order, and staff to hire. Despite the long hours, you found yourself energized by the project. The employees were thrilled with the idea, and as word spread through the agency, more and more heroes began stopping by to offer assistance.

Bakugo was still a little wary, though. He wasn’t the type to trust easily, but he couldn’t deny that things were starting to feel a little less overwhelming.

One evening, as you were reviewing the final details before the daycare’s official opening, Bakugo showed up at the converted space. You looked up from your clipboard, surprised to see him standing in the doorway with Ryo in his arms. The little boy, looking sleepy and snuggled into his father’s shoulder, blinked at you drowsily.

“Figured we should do a test run,” Bakugo muttered, stepping inside. “See how the brat likes it.”

You smiled warmly. “Of course. Come on in.”

Setting Ryo down gently, Bakugo watched as the toddler hesitantly explored the room. His tiny hands ran over the soft mats, and he eyed the shelves of toys with curiosity. Slowly, he toddled toward a plush All Might figure, giving it an experimental squeeze.

You crouched down next to him. “You like that one, Ryo?”

The boy looked up at you, then at his father, before nodding shyly.

Bakugo exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “Looks like it’s a hit.”

You grinned. “I think so.”

For the first time since you’d met him, you saw the tension in Bakugo’s shoulders ease slightly. Maybe this really was the answer to the problem he hadn’t been able to solve alone.

As the weeks went by, the daycare became an integral part of the agency. Parents were relieved, the kids were happy, and Bakugo—though he’d never say it outright—was grateful beyond words.

You and Bakugo started seeing more of each other, too. At first, it was just in passing—quick meetings to discuss logistics, brief encounters when he dropped Ryo off. But then, it turned into coffee breaks, conversations that stretched a little longer each day, small moments of laughter that neither of you had expected.

One evening, after a particularly long shift, Bakugo stopped by your office. You looked up, surprised to see him lingering in the doorway.

“Hey,” he said gruffly.

“Hey,” you replied, setting your pen down. “Everything okay?”

He hesitated, then sighed. “Yeah. Just… wanted to say thanks. For everything.”

A warm feeling spread through your chest. “You don’t have to thank me, Bakugo. I’m happy to help.”

His gaze softened, just a little. “Still. You’ve made shit easier for me. And for Ryo.”

You smiled. “Well, I’m glad. He’s a great kid.”

A rare smirk tugged at his lips. “Yeah, he is.”

Silence settled between you, comfortable and warm. And in that moment, you both knew—this was just the beginning.

As months passed, your presence in Bakugo’s life became more than just professional. He found himself looking forward to seeing you every day, whether it was during a hectic morning drop-off or a quiet evening chat after work. Ryo adored you, always running to you with excitement when he saw you at the daycare.

One night, after a late shift, you were locking up when Bakugo showed up with Ryo asleep in his arms. He was exhausted, but there was something softer in his expression than usual.

“Wanna grab a late dinner?” he asked, almost shyly.

You blinked in surprise before smiling. “I’d love to.”

And just like that, everything changed. The weight on Bakugo’s shoulders didn’t feel so heavy anymore. Because for the first time in years, he wasn’t carrying it alone.

[steddieprompts]

Steddie; 1925 words; friends to lovers; belated valentine's day.

Eddie paced into his room and then back out into the hallway. Turned. Paced back into his room. Cracked the knuckles on his right hand. Turned. Paced back out into the hallway.

It was a good thing Wayne was at work or else he would make some remark about Eddie pacing a hole into the hallway floor.

He turned into the kitchen, grabbed the honeycombs out of the cabinet and shoved his hand in the box, scooping out a handful before returning to the hallway. Into his room. Eat a few honeycombs. Turn. Back out into the hallway. Eat a few more. Turn. Back into his room. Eat the rest of the honeycombs.

His eyes landed on a notebook on his desk.

Mrs. Laski, his fifth grade English teacher, had told him to write when he couldn’t figure out what else to do.  He had a suspicion it was just her way of keeping him in his seat and quiet but that didn’t matter right now.

He didn’t know what to do, and there was a notebook.

He plopped himself down at his desk and flipped open the notebook, turning pages until he found one that didn’t already have notes and drawings scribbled all over them.

2/10/88

I’m gonna kill Jefferson.

Eddie sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose for a second before putting pen to paper again.

Why would he say I’m in love with Steve?  He talks about Kevin from his ridiculous band camp way more than he talks about Barb and he and Bard are dating!  Just because I talk about Steve every once in a while…

Just, where does he get off pointing it out?

Eddie bit his lip tapping his pen against the notebook probably about as fast a hummingbirds wings, his knee doing its best to keep up under the desk.

I don’t even… I’m not looking for a relationship. Haven’t even thought about it.

But now, dear Jeffery has gone and put this idea in my head and it’s growing like cancer. It’s probably going to start dripping out of my ears all soft and mushy.

Steve Harrington.

<3 <3

The problem – the fucking annoying, needling, migraine inducing problem – is that he’s right.  As soon as he said it, I knew. Why didn’t I know before?

Eddie dropped his head to his desk and let out a tortured groan.  This morning, he was the same Eddie Munson he had been for years… well, ever since he survived a trip to an alternate dimension with 20% more scare tissue than he had before.  He was fine this morning and then Jeff had to open his mouth after the campaign.  Eddie had harmlessly mentioned that Steve applied for a job at the fitness place opening up across town and Jeff came back with, “Does Steve know how much you love him?”

Eddie was pretty sure he meant it as a joke… was 75% sure.  But it put the idea in his head and now…

Eddie picked up his head and wrote with so much force that it probably made a dent in the next five pages:

I’m in love with Steve Goddamn Harrington.

Eddie stared at the words… ran a finger over them, the ink smudging a little, feeling the indents of the letters; smiled a little.  He skipped a line and kept writing:

I’ve never considered what being in love would be like.  Never really been interested enough.  Now that I think about it though, I think I’ve loved Steve for a long time.  I mean, he saved my life… so that definitely has something to do with it…

But at the same time, that’s not it at all.

Steve is…

Eddie looked around his room.  On his nightstand was a baseball that Steve had brought over one day and just left there.  Whenever Steve visits he picks the ball up, lays back on Eddie’s bed and tosses the ball up and down, up and down, never once missing a catch and hitting himself in the face like Eddie is pretty sure would happen to him if he tried it.

His eyes drifted over to his closet, where one of Steve’s swim team shirts hangs on a hook.  He loaned it to Eddie one day when they were swimming and he just… never gave it back.

He knows that under his bed is a box of Steve’s personal stuff.  He brought it over one night when he thought his parents were going to kick him out and Eddie promised he could always stay with him and Wayne if he needed.  Steve didn’t stay more than two days, but the box never left.  Steve said he felt better leaving it with Eddie.  Eddie respected Steve enough to never snoop around in it.

Steve is kind.  He’s too kind sometimes and it makes me wonder how he survived his parents; survived all that shit that happened in ’84, ’85, ’86.  Sometimes I can see it in his eyes.  When he thinks no one is looking he gets this thousand-yard stare and I know he’s somewhere else, hearing echoes and seeing ghosts.

And he’s so strong.  He’s told me about the nightmares, the things that happened to him, and how much he longs to get the hell away from this shit-hole town. But not until the kids are gone.  Not until Robin and Nancy are settled somewhere far away from here.  Not until he knows that everyone is safe. I asked him when that would be, and I swear I saw his spine bend further under the pressure of it all. When is anyone ever safe?

Eddie’s eyes drifted to the corner of his desk.  Tucked under another notebook was a newspaper ad for a car dealership, where Eddie knew Steve had circled the truck he ended up buying.  Eddie asked if he was turning into some kind of country boy.  Steve shrugged and said, “It’ll come in handy when Robin goes to college after her gap year.”

Eddie also knew there was an aborted half circle around a used RV.  He knew Steve wanted to travel, to see something outside of Hawkins. To do something normal and distracting and fun.  Go somewhere he could relax and not worry.  Eddie was accosted with a memory of himself and Steve, parked in the van on the side of a backroad, looking out into a freshly cut wheatfield as the sun set. The orange and red coloring the side of Steve’s face as a soft breeze carried the last traces of summer warmth into the back of the van and Steve closed his eyes against it.

“Eddie?”

“Hmm?”

“I’m glad you’re here.”

I think I love Steve because… Because he’s like Aragorn. It sounds corny and stupid but… Aragorn does everything for the people he loves. Only becomes king because he knows that others might use the same power for evil. Carries the horrors of war with him but doesn’t lean on anyone that can’t hold his weight. And Steve does that.  He loves fiercely but in a way that can only be seen if you’re looking for it.  He’s loyal to his friends. He carries so much weight for the ones he loves.

And I think I’ve realized, though I’ve known in the back of my head for a while, that I always want to be by his side, to hold him up if he needs me.  Because I know he would do the same.

Someone knocking at the door startled Eddie out of his thoughts.  He dropped the pen on the notebook and hopped up out of the chair.

He hardly had time to process the fact that it was Steve on the other side of the door before he spoke.

“I got the job.”

It took Eddie a minute to process but when his mind caught up he threw his fists in the air before launching himself out of the door and wrapping his arms around Steve, the force of his hug knocking Steve back a step.

“Jesus,” He heard Steve chuckle before he turned his head an planted a comedically loud kiss to the side of Steve’s face.

“Dude!” Steve groaned, shoving him away but not losing the stupid grin as he wiped at the side of his face.

“Come on, Steve-o, let’s celebrate.” Eddie grinned, pulling Steve into the trailer and Steve let himself be pulled.

Eddie bounced down the hall into his bedroom, pulling his lunchbox off its shelf in the closet.

“Munson, they’re gonna drug test me tomorrow.”  Steve said from the doorway of Eddie’s room where he was pulling off his Family Video vest.

“God, you’re not even getting a paycheck yet and already they’re ruining your fun.”  Eddie groaned, putting the lunchbox back where he got it.  Steve threw the vest on Eddie’s bed before picking up the baseball.  “Can you drink?  Or will they sense the debauchery in your urine?”

“Uhg, why’d you have to use that word?”

“What, debauchery?’”

“No, ‘urine.’”

Eddie cackled.  “Should I have said piss?”  He rounded the bed and headed for the hallway.  “Fluids? Excretions?”

“You’re disgusting!” Steve shouted at him as he made his way to the kitchen.

Eddie smiled to himself as he opened the fridge, pulling out four beers before grabbing the cheese puffs out of the cabinet.

“It’s too bad it’s a Tuesday or we could go to the hideout and weasel free drinks out of Linda. You know she can’t resist…”  Eddie stopped dead in the doorway because there, sitting at his desk, was Steve, notebook in hand, eyes on the page.

“Shit,” involuntarily left Eddie’s mouth as he almost dropped one of the beers.  Steve didn’t look up, didn’t even move, just kept reading.

Eddie threw the beers and puffs on the bed before taking a couple of stuttering steps towards Steve.

“Stevie? Uh, that’s…” That’s what? What could he possibly say right now that would explain the words on the page as anything but what they were.  “I can…”

Steve held up a finger and Eddie froze, stopped talking because what else could he do?  He watched as Steve’s eyes moved line by line down the page, finger held up with the ball still in his hand like some sort of sports wizard casting a spell on Eddie to keep him silent and still.

He reached the end. Put the notebook down. Dropped his hand. And finally turned to Eddie.

“Do you mean it?  All of that?”  Steve asked, eyes locked on Eddie’s.

“Yeah. All of it.” Eddie replied past the lump in his throat.

Eddie watched as Steve slowly got up from the chair, placing the ball on the desk before taking the one step that placed him squarely in front of Eddie.

“You know, Valentine’s day is coming up, and I know it’s not your favorite holiday but uh…”  Steve slipped his hands into Eddie’s “Would you like to spend it with me?”

Eddie smiled, leaning into Steve’s gravity. “Only if you buy me one of those cheesy, drug-store teddy bears.”

“Deal.”  Steve grinned back before he was pulling Eddie’s hands, tilting his head just so and murmuring “I love you, too” before sealing his confession against Eddie’s lips.

When they broke apart Eddie squinted at him.  “I can’t believe you snooped in my personal writings.”

“I can’t believe you needed Jeff to tell you that you loved me.”

“I take it back, I’m not going out with you.”  Eddie grumbled.

“Yeah, right.” Steve laughed before kissing Eddie again.

[evermoreness]

Sirius x Fem? reader! but reader has a larger animagi form (wolf for instance) then him.

I'm just imagining his reaction T-T

— This idea was too cute, i loved writing it. Hope you like it @msfandomsblog!

animagus | sirius black

pairing: sirius black x reader

summary: sirius is dying to know what animagus you turn into when you transform. he just wasn't expecting your animagus to be bigger than his.

obs: feel free to send any requests!

masterlist

Sirius Black was obsessed with figuring you out.

Ever since you had let it slip that you were an Animagus, he hadn’t let it go. Every day, without fail, he tried to guess what you could possibly transform into. It had become his new favorite pastime—along with annoying the hell out of you.

“A fox,” he declared one evening in the Gryffindor common room, lounging dramatically across the couch while you sat cross-legged on the floor.

You didn’t even look up from your book. “No.”

Sirius rolled onto his side, propping himself up on one elbow. “Alright, fine. A cat, then. A little scrappy thing, probably black with white paws.”

You turned the page, unimpressed. “Wrong.”

“A ferret?”

“No.”

“A squirrel.”

“Nope.”

“A rabbit?”

At that, you finally looked up, eyebrows raised. “Do I look like a rabbit to you?”

Sirius grinned. “I dunno, love. I think you’d make a cute little bunny, all twitchy and soft—”

You threw a pillow at his face.

“Oi!” he laughed, pulling it off and tossing it onto the floor.

Across the room, James Potter and Peter Pettigrew were watching the exchange with amused grins, both equally curious.

"You know," he said, lounging on the Gryffindor common room couch, "if you were something impressive, you'd have shown us by now."

You looked up from your book, unimpressed. "Oh? Is that how it works?"

“Alright, I’m with Padfoot on this one,” James said, leaning forward. “You can’t just say you’re an Animagus and not tell us what you are. It’s cruel.”

Peter nodded eagerly. “Yeah, even I told you guys when I figured mine out.”

You smirked. “That’s because it was obvious, Pete.”

Peter turned red. “I-I thought I might be something cooler.”

James patted his back sympathetically. “We all did, mate.”

Meanwhile, Sirius was still staring at you, arms crossed. “Come on, just tell me.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

You smiled sweetly. “Because I like watching you suffer.”

Sirius let out a dramatic groan, flopping back against the couch. “You’re torturing me. This is actual cruelty.”

You shrugged. “I think it builds character.”

James squinted at you, then turned to the only person in the room who wasn’t playing along. “Moony, you know, don’t you?”

Remus Lupin, who had been reading by the fire and staying out of the conversation, sighed and finally looked up.

“I do.”

Three heads snapped toward him at once.

“WHAT?” Sirius sat up so fast he nearly fell off the couch.

“You bloody knew?” James gaped at him.

Peter just blinked, looking betrayed.

Remus looked utterly unbothered. He turned a page in his book. “Yes.”

Sirius, however, was in full outrage mode. “AND YOU DIDN’T SAY ANYTHING?”

Remus arched a brow. “It’s not my secret to tell.”

You shot him a grateful smile. “Thank you, Moony.”

Sirius groaned and threw himself back onto the couch again. “This is the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“Bit dramatic,” James muttered.

“The worst.” Sirius repeated. Then, he turned his gaze back to you, eyes narrowing. “I’ll figure it out, you know. One way or another.”

You met his stare evenly, lips twitching. “You can try.”

Sirius tilted his head, studying you with that sharp, knowing glint in his eye—the one he always got when he was about to do something reckless.

Then, in a flash, he lunged for you.

You squeaked in surprise as he tackled you onto the floor, pinning you easily. “Tell me.”

“No!”

He grinned down at you, the cocky bastard. “Tell me or I start tickling.”

You gasped. “You wouldn’t dare.”

James whistled from the couch. “I dunno. I’ve seen him do it before. He’s ruthless.”

Sirius smirked, fingers ghosting over your ribs. “Last chance.”

You struggled under him, laughing even though he hadn’t even started yet. “I hate you!”

“No, you don’t,” he said, voice low and teasing. His face was far too close, his breath warm against your cheek.

Your stomach flipped. Your little… thing with Sirius—whatever it was—had been going on for a while now. You weren’t officially together, but there was something between you, something playful and electric and infuriating.

He hadn’t kissed you yet. Not properly, anyway. But the way he was looking at you now? Damn it. He knew what he was doing.

You swallowed hard. “Sirius—”

He raised a brow. “Yes?”

You licked your lips, glaring. “Get off me.”

“Say please.”

“Sirius Black, I swear—”

Suddenly, Remus’ voice cut through the moment.

“Prongs, how much do you bet he’s going to get hexed?”

James smirked. “Five galleons says it’s in the next ten seconds.”

Peter nodded. “Seven if it’s a particularly nasty one.”

Sirius turned to scowl at them. “Oi! No faith in me at all?”

You took the distraction as your chance. With a quick movement, you flipped him off you, pinning him instead.

Sirius blinked up at you, surprised.

You grinned. “Gotcha.”

James and Peter burst out laughing.

Remus smirked. “Told you.”

Sirius just stared at you for a second before letting out a breathless chuckle. “Okay. Maybe I do like you a little.”

You raised a brow. “Because I took you down?”

“Because you’re brilliant,” he admitted. Then, he smirked. “And because you’re bloody infuriating.”

You laughed, finally letting him go. He sat up, brushing dust off his shirt, still grinning like an idiot.

“Alright, fine. If you won’t tell me, you’ll just have to show me.”

You tilted your head. “And what makes you think I’ll do that?”

Sirius grinned. “Because you like watching me suffer, but not too much.”

You pursed your lips. Damn it. He wasn’t wrong.

“Fine,” you sighed. “Meet me in the Forbidden Forest after dinner.”

Sirius lit up like Christmas had come early.

James clapped his hands together. “Oh, this is gonna be good.”

Peter nodded. “If it’s another rat, I’m gonna be really disappointed.”

You just smirked and leaned in toward Sirius, voice low and teasing.

“Try to keep up, Puppy.”

Sirius stiffened. “What?”

But you were already standing, winking before walking away.

Sirius turned to Remus, eyes narrowed. “Moony. What does that mean?”

Remus just smiled.

“You’ll see.”

It was well past curfew when the five of you crept through the castle, moving like shadows through the dimly lit corridors. James led the way, his Invisibility Cloak draped over himself and Peter, while you, Sirius, and Remus followed closely behind.

“Merlin, I forgot how much of a pain it is to sneak out with all of you,” Remus muttered under his breath as you all slipped through the entrance doors and onto the Hogwarts grounds.

“Oh, Moony,” Sirius said, slinging an arm around his friend’s shoulder. “Where’s your sense of adventure?”

“Back in my warm, safe bed,” Remus replied dryly.

You snickered. “Come on, Remus. This is exciting. It’s like a grand unveiling.”

James let out a dramatic sigh. “Feels more like a funeral. For Sirius’ dignity.”

Sirius scoffed. “My dignity is perfectly intact, thank you very much.”

“You’re literally about to be proven the biggest idiot in the world,” Peter pointed out.

Sirius waved a dismissive hand. “Technicality.”

It wasn’t long before you reached the Forbidden Forest, the towering trees casting long shadows over the path. The air was crisp, carrying the distant hoots of owls and the rustling of unseen creatures.

Up ahead, you turned back to face them, walking backward effortlessly. "Are you lot always this loud when you sneak out?"

"Only when it's worth it," Sirius shot back. His usual smirk was in place, but you could tell he was itching with curiosity.

You had been dragging out the mystery of your Animagus form for so long, and now that the reveal was minutes away, he was practically buzzing with anticipation.

James jogged up to walk beside you, rubbing his hands together. "Alright, we're here. Time to end the suspense. Unless, of course, you’re just a particularly large rabbit and don’t want us to laugh at you."

You gave him a flat look. "Do I seem like a rabbit, Potter?"

He shrugged. "Peter didn’t think he was a rat, but here we are."

"Oi!" Peter protested.

You chuckled and stopped walking, rolling your shoulders like you were shaking off the last bits of hesitation.

"Alright," you said, stepping away from them. "Try not to faint."

Sirius scoffed. "Oh, please. How dramatic do you think I am?"

"You really want me to answer that?"

Remus chuckled, hands stuffed in his pockets. "I’d step back if I were you, Pads."

Sirius frowned but took a step back anyway, watching you closely. James and Peter were practically bouncing with excitement, their eyes flicking between you and each other, anticipation crackling in the air.

You took a deep breath, feeling the familiar shift in your bones, the heat in your chest as your body reshaped itself. It was a feeling you'd grown used to—a second nature, really. Within seconds, your vision sharpened, the world around you becoming clearer, scents stronger.

When you finally stood in your Animagus form, the reaction was immediate.

Peter let out a strangled noise. "Bloody hell."

James’ mouth fell open. "You—you’re huge!"

Sirius just stared.

The silence stretched between you as he took you in—your thick, dark fur, the way your golden eyes gleamed in the moonlight, the sheer size of you. His head barely reached your shoulder in his dog form.

Slowly, he took a step forward, eyes wide. "No way."

You huffed out a breath, amusement dancing in your gaze.

James was still gawking. "You look like Moony when he transforms. You do realize that, right? Just not as big"

Remus smirked slightly. "That’s why I knew, by the way. I could sense another wolf."

Peter was still blinking, as if trying to process it. "She’s so big."

Sirius, however, had yet to say a word. He was still looking at you, his usual cocky confidence completely gone.

You tilted your head at him, amused by his speechlessness.

James nudged him. "Oi, Pads, cat got your tongue?"

Sirius ignored him, stepping even closer, slowly circling you like he was trying to convince himself you were real.

"Merlin’s beard," he breathed, reaching out to run a hand through your fur. "How did I not know this?"

You stood before them in your full Animagus form—a wolf, but not just any wolf. Your fur was sleek, catching the moonlight in streaks of silver, and your golden eyes shone with something intelligent, something knowing.

You let out a low, amused growl and took a step forward, tilting your massive head.

Then, just to mess with him, you dragged your tongue across his face in one swift motion.

James lost it.

"OH, THAT’S BRILLIANT!" he howled, doubling over with laughter.

Peter let out a wheezy laugh. "She just licked him!"

Even Remus, usually the composed one, was chuckling. "I think she’s asserting dominance."

Sirius wiped his face with a disgusted expression. "What the hell?"

You let out a soft, wolfish chuff, eyes gleaming mischievously.

James clapped a hand on Sirius' shoulder, barely able to breathe through his laughter. "Face it, mate. You’re not the biggest dog anymore."

Sirius groaned, rubbing his face again. "This is humiliating."

Peter giggled. "You got licked."

Sirius shot him a glare. "Shut it, Wormtail."

You huffed, nudging your head against Sirius’ hip. He stumbled slightly but caught himself, staring at you with something between exasperation and fascination.

"You’re ridiculous," he muttered, but his lips twitched into something that looked suspiciously like admiration.

James, still recovering from his laughing fit, smirked. "Go on, Padfoot. Let’s see how you compare."

Sirius hesitated for only a moment before rolling his eyes. "Fine."

With a fluid motion, he shifted, fur replacing skin, limbs elongating until his familiar black dog form stood before you.

For the first time, the Marauders could actually compare the sizes.

You were bigger than him.

And Sirius Black had never been the smaller one before.

Sirius was still big. But you were bigger.

Peter was clutching his stomach. "You’re not the alpha anymore!"

Remus smirked. "How the mighty have fallen."

Sirius shifted back into his human form, running a hand through his hair with a long-suffering sigh. "I hate all of you."

You shifted back as well, grinning as you leaned into his space. "Oh, don’t be a sore loser, Puppy."

Sirius groaned. "I swear to Merlin, if you call me that one more time—"

"—you’ll what?" You smirked, poking his chest. "Bark at me?"

James wheezed. "I love her."

Sirius was still looking at you, eyes flickering with something unreadable—something like wonder. But then, his lips curved into a familiar, mischievous smirk.

"Alright then, big bad wolf," he said, tilting his head. "Let’s see if you're as fast as you are massive."

You raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You want to race me now?"

James perked up. "Oh, I need to see this."

Peter grinned. "My money’s on her. She’s bigger, so she’s got longer legs."

Sirius scoffed. "Please. I was born to run."

Remus chuckled. "This should be interesting."

You exchanged a glance with Sirius, the challenge clear in both of your eyes. Without another word, you shifted, bones reshaping, muscles tensing as fur replaced skin. The familiar rush of magic coursed through you, and when you landed back on all fours, you stood tall, staring down at Sirius, who had already shifted into his sleek, black dog form.

His tail flicked as he trotted up to you, cocky as ever despite the size difference. He bumped his head against your shoulder, nipping at your ear playfully before bounding a few steps away, kicking up dirt as he turned to face you.

James grinned. "Alright, you two. First one to the fallen tree by the river wins."

Peter climbed onto a nearby rock to get a better view. "On my count—three… two…"

You and Sirius crouched low, muscles coiling in anticipation.

"One!"

The moment the word left Peter’s mouth, you exploded forward.

The world blurred around you, trees whipping past as the wind rushed through your fur. You were fast, incredibly fast—your powerful limbs propelling you forward with each bound. For a brief moment, you were sure you had the lead.

Then a flash of black fur shot past you.

Sirius.

He was quick, weaving through the trees with ease, his smaller frame making it easier for him to dart through tight spaces. His paws barely seemed to touch the ground as he surged ahead, his tail flicking behind him like a silent taunt.

A low growl rumbled in your chest. Oh, hell no.

You pushed harder, closing the distance between you. The river was coming up fast, the fallen tree just beyond it. Sirius glanced back, and you swore he was grinning—if dogs could grin.

The moment of distraction was all you needed.

You lunged forward, shoving your weight against his side. It wasn’t enough to knock him over, but it was enough to send him slightly off course, making him stumble for just a second.

That second was all it took.

You surged ahead, paws pounding against the earth as you reached the fallen tree first, leaping effortlessly over it before skidding to a stop.

Sirius landed beside you a moment later, shaking out his fur. He huffed, eyes gleaming.

You wagged your tail, smug.

But Sirius wasn’t one to take a loss lightly.

Before you could react, he launched himself at you, tackling you sideways into the grass. You let out a surprised yelp as you tumbled, rolling with him in a flurry of fur and limbs.

When you finally stopped, he was on top, paws pinning your shoulders down. He loomed over you, his nose practically touching yours, dark eyes glinting mischievously.

You struggled, trying to shove him off, but he was strong. Stronger than you had expected. Even though you were bigger, his muscles were dense, his body built for speed and power. You thrashed beneath him, twisting your body, but he only pressed harder, amusement flickering in his expression as if to say, Go on, keep trying.

You huffed, frustrated.

Sirius let out a deep, satisfied noise in response.

James and the others finally caught up, breathless from running.

"Merlin’s beard," James wheezed. "You two are insane."

Peter stared at the sight of Sirius pinning you down. "I thought she’d be stronger than him."

Remus smirked. "Size isn’t everything."

Sirius, still in his dog form, gave a triumphant wag of his tail before finally stepping off you. You immediately rolled to your feet, shaking out your fur before nipping at his side in retaliation.

He barked—a deep, amused sound—before lunging at you again.

You both tumbled through the grass, playfully wrestling, testing each other’s limits. You would try to shove him down with your weight, but he was too quick, always maneuvering around you, twisting just enough to keep the upper hand. Every time you managed to pin him, he’d slip away with a sudden burst of movement, tackling you back down.

James and Peter were dying laughing.

"You two are like a pair of bloody puppies," James snorted.

Peter grinned. "I don’t think I’ve ever seen Sirius this happy."

Remus, leaning against a tree, just shook his head fondly. "He’s finally met his match."

Eventually, you and Sirius both slowed, panting heavily, your fur damp with sweat and dirt.

Sirius padded up to you, nudging his head against your shoulder, his tail wagging slightly. It was a silent acknowledgment—that was fun.

You huffed, leaning into him in response.

Then, just because you could, you licked his face again.

Sirius froze.

James lost it. "OH, SHE GOT YOU AGAIN!"

Peter was practically rolling on the ground laughing. "You should’ve seen your face!"

Sirius turned his head slowly, staring at you. You tilted your head innocently.

Then, without warning, he lunged—this time, not to wrestle, but to shove you flat on your side, pressing his entire weight against you in retaliation. You yelped in surprise, struggling, but he didn’t let up, practically smothering you against the grass.

James was in tears. "HE’S SQUISHING HER!"

Remus sighed. "Alright, that’s enough, you two."

Sirius finally relented, stepping back with a satisfied shake of his fur. You scrambled up, shooting him a glare, but there was no real malice in it—just playfulness.

He smirked at you, eyes gleaming.

You narrowed your own eyes in return.

This wasn’t over.

And Sirius knew it.

As the playful energy between you and Sirius finally settled, you huffed one last time, shaking out your fur before stepping back. He did the same, tail flicking in amusement.

Then, as if by silent agreement, you both shifted back into your human forms.

The transformation was seamless—fur receding, bones realigning, the familiar pull of magic drawing you upright until you stood, breathless and flushed from the chase. Your hair was windswept, twigs tangled in the strands, and your clothes were a little rumpled from rolling around in the dirt.

Sirius, on the other hand, looked just as disheveled—his dark curls were sticking up at odd angles, and there was a streak of dirt smudged across his cheek. But, as expected, he still looked insufferably smug.

James was the first to break the silence, doubling over with laughter. "I cannot believe that just happened."

Peter clutched his stomach. "The way she licked his face again—oh, Merlin—I thought he was going to combust."

Sirius shot Peter a glare, wiping his face with exaggerated disgust. "Yeah, well, it was unnecessary and completely uncalled for—"

"Oh, please," you interrupted, grinning. "You loved it."

Sirius scoffed, crossing his arms. "Loved it? I hated it."

"Then why did you let me do it twice?" You smirked, tilting your head.

James howled with laughter. "Oh, she got you there, mate."

Remus, who had been silently watching with a knowing smile, shook his head. "I have to say, I expected you to be bigger, Sirius, but—" he glanced at you, amused, "—turns out she wins that contest."

Sirius pointed at you dramatically. "This is ridiculous. I have always been the best animagus in the group! And now you show up with your freakishly large wolf form—"

"Freakishly majestic, you mean," you corrected.

"Freakishly overgrown," Sirius countered.

You gasped, pressing a hand to your chest in mock offense. "Oh, overgrown, am I?"

"You take up too much space!" Sirius gestured wildly. "I was running, minding my own business, and suddenly there’s this massive beast barreling beside me! You shoved me like I was a bloody twig!"

You grinned. "What’s wrong, Pads? Didn’t like getting knocked around a little?"

James was practically crying from laughter. "This is the best thing I’ve ever seen."

Peter nodded. "Honestly, she fits right in."

Sirius narrowed his eyes at you, stepping closer until he was just inches away, his expression unreadable. "You really enjoy challenging me, don’t you?"

You tilted your chin up slightly, refusing to back down. "What’s the matter? Afraid you can’t handle it?"

James whistled. "Ooooh, Pads, she’s got you cornered."

Peter nudged Remus. "What do you think? Are we finally seeing someone outmatch Sirius Black?"

Remus smirked. "I think we might be."

Sirius huffed dramatically, dragging a hand through his already messy hair. "Unbelievable. I finally meet my match and it’s her." He looked at you, eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "You know, I should be mad. I should be completely outraged—"

You raised an eyebrow. "But?"

A slow, wolfish grin spread across his lips. "But I love a challenge."

You felt warmth creep up your neck, but you refused to let him have the upper hand. "Good," you said smoothly, stepping even closer. "Because I’m not going to make it easy for you, Black."

Sirius let out a low chuckle, tilting his head. "Oh, I’d be disappointed if you did."

James groaned loudly. "Okay, okay, I cannot deal with this tension right now."

Peter made a face. "Yeah, can you two flirt after we get back to the castle?"

Remus chuckled. "They won’t stop, Wormtail. This is just how they are."

Sirius turned to them, throwing an arm over your shoulder. "You lot wish you had this kind of chemistry."

You rolled your eyes but didn’t move away. "Oh, shut up and start walking, Black. We’re already out past curfew, and I don’t feel like getting detention because you couldn’t handle losing."

And as the five of you made your way back through the darkened forest, whispering, teasing, and laughing under the moonlight, Sirius stole a glance at you.

He had no idea what this thing between you was—this endless back-and-forth, this thrill of trying to one-up each other, this feeling of never quite knowing who would win.

But he knew one thing for sure.

He never wanted it to end.

As the five of you walked back through the Forbidden Forest, James, Remus, and Peter were ahead, still snickering about everything that had happened. Their voices echoed in the cool night air, but you weren’t really listening.

You had slowed your pace slightly, letting the others get ahead just enough. Sirius, as if sensing the shift, naturally fell into step beside you, the usual cocky grin still playing on his lips.

For a while, neither of you spoke. The night was alive with quiet sounds—the rustling of leaves, the distant hoot of an owl, the soft crunch of your footsteps against the dirt path.

Then Sirius exhaled dramatically.

"Alright, fine. I’ll admit it," he said, shoving his hands into his pockets.

You raised an eyebrow. "Admit what?"

"That you were kind of impressive back there."

You smirked. "Oh? Kind of impressive? I seem to remember winning that race."

He groaned. "You cheated—"

"—used my skills," you corrected, nudging his arm playfully.

He shot you a look but couldn’t quite hide the way his lips twitched. "You shoved me mid-run!"

"You got distracted," you teased. "That’s not my fault."

Sirius scoffed. "I wasn’t distracted."

You turned to him fully, walking backward now as you grinned. "Oh, no?"

He tilted his head, eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "No."

Your grin widened. "Not even when I licked your face?"

His jaw tensed, but the corner of his mouth twitched. "That was disgusting."

You gasped dramatically. "You loved it!"

"I hated it."

"You loved it," you repeated, stepping closer.

Sirius narrowed his eyes, stopping in his tracks. You stopped too, facing him, the forest stretching out in quiet shadows around you.

Then, suddenly, he took a step closer.

His voice dropped, lower, softer. "You really think I loved it?"

The way he was looking at you—it wasn’t teasing anymore.

Your breath caught slightly, but you refused to back down. "I know you did."

His lips curled into something slow, something dangerous. "You’re so sure of yourself, aren’t you?"

You shrugged. "It’s part of my charm."

Sirius hummed, studying you. His hands were still stuffed in his pockets, his posture relaxed, but there was something different in his expression now—something quieter, more intense.

Then, so casually it made your stomach flip, he said, "You looked beautiful back there, you know."

Your breath hitched.

Not impressive, not strong—beautiful.

His words made your stomach flip, and for the first time all night, you didn’t have a quick comeback. Instead, you just looked at him, the dim moonlight casting soft shadows across his face, making him seem almost unreal.

Sirius noticed your sudden quietness, and his lips twitched into a smirk. “Merlin, are you flustered? That’s a first.”

You scoffed, snapping out of it. “Oh, please. You wish you had that effect on me.”

“Oh, but I do,” he murmured, stepping just a little closer.

You swallowed, but you refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing you falter. “Keep telling yourself that, Black.”

He tilted his head, amusement flickering in his grey eyes. “Alright, tell me this, then—if I did kiss you right now, you wouldn't be flustered?”

Your heart skipped a beat. “Are you planning on kissing me?”

Sirius smirked. “That depends. Are you planning on stopping me?”

You stared at him, pulse racing.

For a second, you thought he might kiss you.

For a second, you thought you wanted him to.

And then—

"Oi, you two! Stop snogging in the trees and hurry up!"

James’ voice echoed through the night, breaking the moment.

You both turned to see the three boys standing at the castle’s entrance, waiting. James had his hands on his hips, Peter was grinning knowingly, and Remus… well, Remus just looked mildly amused as if he had already expected this.

Sirius sighed dramatically, shaking his head. “Ruined. The moment is ruined.”

You smirked. “Oh, please. What moment?”

Sirius groaned. “You’re impossible.”

You gave him a playful shove before walking ahead to catch up with the others, but before you could get too far, Sirius grabbed your hand, stopping you in your tracks.

You looked up at him, surprised.

He leaned in, close enough that you could feel the warmth of him in the cool night air.

Then, with a smirk, he murmured, “You still haven’t answered my question.”

Your breath hitched.

But before you could say anything, he let go of your hand and strode forward, whistling as if nothing had happened.

You stared after him, heart racing.

Oh, he was so infuriating.

And you were so in trouble.

The Gryffindor common room was quiet when the five of you finally slipped inside. The fire had burned low, casting long shadows across the room, and the only sound was the soft crackling of the embers. It was late—probably well past two in the morning—but none of you seemed particularly rushed to get to bed.

James stretched, letting out a yawn. “Well, that was definitely the best thing to happen all week.”

Peter nodded, flopping onto one of the couches. “I still can’t believe you’re a wolf,” he said, looking at you. “And a big one at that.”

You grinned. “I do love a dramatic reveal.”

Remus smirked knowingly, arms crossed. “I knew all along, and it was still satisfying to watch Sirius nearly fall over from shock.”

James cackled. “He was mesmerized, wasn’t he?”

Sirius groaned, rolling his eyes. “Merlin, can we not bring that up again?”

“Oh, but we must,” James said. “It was so touching. He just stood there, staring at her like she was the moon itself.”

Peter snorted. “And then she licked him.”

Sirius pointed a warning finger at him. “Not another word.”

“Well, that was eventful,” he said, rubbing his eyes. “I think I deserve a solid ten hours of sleep after all that.”

Peter groaned. “Agreed. I feel like I ran a bloody marathon.”

Remus chuckled. “That’s because you did, Wormtail.”

James clapped Sirius on the back. “I’d stay up and keep you company, Pads, but I don’t fancy another detention for falling asleep in Transfiguration tomorrow.” He glanced between you and Sirius with a knowing smirk. “Besides, looks like you’ve got company.”

Sirius rolled his eyes, but the corner of his mouth twitched. “Oh, piss off, Potter.”

James just grinned before disappearing up the stairs with Peter and Remus.

Once they were gone, the room fell into a comfortable silence. The fire crackled, the glow of it reflecting in Sirius’ grey eyes as he flopped onto the couch, stretching his legs across it lazily. You hesitated for a moment before sitting down beside him, though you left a small space between you.

For a while, neither of you spoke. You just sat there, basking in the warmth of the fire, the night’s excitement finally settling into something calmer.

Then Sirius let out a soft chuckle. “I still can’t believe it.”

You glanced at him. “What?”

He turned his head to look at you, eyes full of something unreadable. “You. That.” He shook his head. “All this time, I thought you were hiding something small. A little fox, a cat, maybe even a bloody squirrel.”

You snorted. “A squirrel?”

“Well, obviously I was wrong,” he muttered, shaking his head. “But, Merlin, a wolf?” He exhaled, a slow, disbelieving sound. “I didn’t see that coming.”

You smirked. “Told you to wait.”

He huffed. “Yeah, yeah.” Then he turned fully toward you, draping an arm over the back of the couch. “Alright, then. You’ve officially changed the game. Now I have to race you again.”

You raised an eyebrow. “You sure? Didn’t seem like you could handle it the first time.”

Sirius groaned dramatically. “One time. You shove me one time and suddenly you think you’re the queen of speed.”

“I mean, I did win.”

Sirius scoffed. “No, you cheated.”

You smirked. “Sounds like something a loser would say.”

He turned, grabbing a pillow off the couch and smacking you lightly with it. “Oh, shut up.”

You laughed, pushing it away. “Fine, fine. But alright—another race. When?”

Sirius hummed, tapping his fingers against the back of the couch as he thought. “Tomorrow night.”

You blinked. “Tomorrow? Again?”

He smirked. “Scared?”

“Please,” you scoffed. “I’m just concerned you’ll embarrass yourself twice in one week.”

“Unbelievable,” he muttered, shaking his head with a grin. Then his voice dropped slightly, more thoughtful. “Seriously, though… it was brilliant.”

You tilted your head. “The race?”

He shook his head. “No. You.” His gaze flickered over your face, his voice quieter now, more sincere. “Watching you transform… seeing you run like that. It was—” He exhaled, as if searching for the right words. “It was like you were meant for it.”

Your teasing smile softened. “It felt like that,” you admitted.

Sirius nodded. “I get it. Being in Animagus form… it’s different, yeah? Everything’s clearer. It’s like you can feel the world better.”

You smiled. “Exactly.”

Sirius studied you for a moment, the playful glint in his eyes replaced with something softer, something more thoughtful. The firelight danced across his features, highlighting the sharp lines of his face, the softness in his expression.

For the first time that night, the teasing between you faded into something else—something quieter, something almost unspoken.

And for the first time, you didn’t try to break it with a joke.

Instead, you just looked at him, feeling the warmth between you, feeling the weight of whatever was hanging in the air.

Sirius’ fingers tapped lightly against the back of the couch, his grey eyes searching yours.

Then, his voice barely above a murmur, he said, “I think I like you better like this.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Like what?”

His lips twitched slightly. “Calm. Not constantly trying to outwit me.”

You smirked. “So you do think I outwit you?”

He groaned, throwing his head back. “And there it is.”

You laughed, leaning back into the couch. The tension that had settled between you didn’t disappear—it just shifted, became something familiar again. But it was still there, lingering beneath the surface.

Sirius turned his head slightly, watching you from the corner of his eye. “Tomorrow night, then?”

You smiled. “Tomorrow night.”

You could still feel the lingering buzz of the night’s adventure, the rush of running through the Forbidden Forest, the feeling of Sirius right beside you, matching your pace. But now, sitting here with him, the energy between you was different. Slower. More deliberate.

Sirius tapped his fingers lightly against the back of the couch. “You know,” he said after a moment, his voice quieter than before, “I think this might be the longest we’ve ever gone without trying to one-up each other.”

You smirked. “You say that like I don’t always win.”

He huffed out a soft laugh, shaking his head. “Merlin, you’re impossible.”

“And yet, here you are,” you said, tilting your head. “Sitting with me. In the middle of the night. Planning another race.”

Sirius shrugged, a slow grin spreading across his lips. “What can I say? You’re hard to stay away from.”

Something in your stomach fluttered. The way he said it—it wasn’t just a casual remark. It was something more. Something real.

You swallowed, suddenly aware of just how close he was.

His arm was still draped over the back of the couch, his fingertips just barely brushing your shoulder. His legs were stretched out, one of his knees bumping against yours. He wasn’t even trying to be subtle about it, and somehow, that made your pulse race even more.

Sirius tilted his head, watching you. “You’re quiet again.”

You blinked. “No, I’m not.”

He smirked. “Yes, you are.”

You rolled your eyes. “Maybe I just ran out of things to say.”

His grin widened. “You? I don’t believe that for a second.”

You sighed dramatically, leaning back against the couch. “Fine. Maybe I’m just tired of doing all the talking. Maybe it’s your turn to entertain me for once.”

Sirius chuckled, shifting slightly so he was leaning just a little closer. “Oh? And what exactly do you want me to do?”

You raised an eyebrow, feigning thoughtfulness. “Hmm. I don’t know. Maybe something impressive.”

His smirk deepened. “Define impressive.”

You pretended to think about it for a moment before looking him dead in the eye. “Surprise me.”

Sirius’ expression flickered for just a second—something unreadable flashing through his gaze—but then, before you could react, he was moving.

Slowly. Deliberately.

His fingers brushed your cheek, barely a ghost of a touch, and yet it sent a shiver down your spine. His gaze flickered to your lips for just a second before settling back on your eyes, as if silently asking permission.

You didn’t stop him.

Didn’t pull away.

Didn’t even breathe.

And then—

His lips met yours.

Soft. Warm. Gentle in a way you hadn’t expected from Sirius Black.

For a moment, everything else—the fire, the common room, the entire bloody castle—faded into nothing.

It was just him.

Just this.

Your heart pounded against your ribs as his fingers curled around the back of your neck, pulling you just a little closer. You felt the way his breath hitched, the way he hesitated for just a second before melting into it completely.

And, Merlin, you didn’t realize how much you wanted this until now.

You kissed him back, your fingers brushing against the fabric of his shirt, your body instinctively leaning into his warmth.

Sirius made a soft noise in the back of his throat—like he was surprised, like he hadn’t expected you to kiss him back with just as much desperation as he kissed you.

When you finally pulled away, your forehead rested against his, both of you breathless.

Sirius was the first to break the silence, his voice slightly hoarse. “Alright… I’ll admit… that might’ve been impressive.”

You let out a breathy laugh. “Might’ve been?”

He smirked, thumb brushing lightly against your cheek. “Okay, definitely was.”

You smiled, your fingers still curled lightly into the fabric of his sweater. “See? I do always win.”

Sirius groaned, closing his eyes for a second. “Merlin, I just kissed you, and you still have to be insufferable?”

You grinned. “You love it.”

His grey eyes flickered open again, and the way he looked at you—like you were something he never wanted to look away from—made your breath catch in your throat.

“Yeah,” he murmured, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I think I do.”

[softlypaintedseafoam]

the summer moon was born from the waves to be loved

synopsis. you get pregnant and the ghost of university days past finds out five years later.

pairing. gojou satoru x f!reader (afab)

word count. 10.2k | masterlist

content warning. 18+ (mentions of sex but nothing explicit), college au (no powers), friends with benefits, pregnancy, hidden child trope, onesided feelings (unreliable narrator), use of y/n

reblogs & interactions appreciated.

a repost of an old favorite two-part story of mine. this story originally came about as a what if discussion concerning characters from jjk to tokrev to even bllk and the gojou idea was the most inspiring so i really ran with it. pt 2 will be posted later this week. this is filler while i work on my current wips

o. ghost

This felt like something out of a bad movie.

One of those “yeah, that’s me. The one looking like she just shit herself because the ghost of Christmas past just showed up” kinds of movies. The ghost of Christmas past whom you haven’t seen in the last five years.

The ghost of Christmas past that your daughter looks at curiously, wondering who put you in such a stupor as she asks sweetly, “who’s he, Mommy?”

The ghost of Christmas past whose face is unreadable as he looks at Itsuki before he settles his gaze on you. “Yeah, [First],” the ghost asks. “Who am I?”

Where did I go wrong?

A rhetorical question. 

A lot in life has to go wrong for a man you thought you left in your memories to show up at your doorstep but you can pinpoint the exact moment in time in which you screwed up. It’s all because you sat next to Ieiri Shoko in your mandatory calculus class. If it weren’t for that, none of this would be happening.

No, that isn’t it. Your gaze turns to Itsuki, who looks back at you with familiar light blue eyes and white hair. She may have gotten the Gojou Satoru eye and hair colors, but her hair texture and skin tone both pointed to you. If I sat anywhere else she wouldn’t be here. And even if you knew that sitting next to Shoko meant meeting the world’s most aggravating man you could have fallen for, you feel like you would have taken that path once again.

No, sitting next to Shoko wasn’t where you messed up all those years agoー it was telling her you were pregnant in the first place.

i. spring tide

When you met Gojou Satoru, you considered it a godsend.

Not because his eyes were a rare shade of blue that most would kill to have. Not because he was drop dead gorgeous and the last person you were expecting to see when your classmate Shoko invited you to eat lunch with her and a couple friends.

The reason was a lot more simple thatー he was the first person you’d met in years that had watched and liked Digimon more than Pokemon. I am so glad I sat next to that Shoko girl, you thought in gleeful disbelief as he told you his personal favorites before flipping the question onto you. “I’m basic,” you told him with a laugh. “I’ve been riding the wave of Gatomon love since I was 7.”

Getou Suguru, Satoru’s childhood best friend from what you’d gathered, groaned, “please don’t make him continue with your excitement.”

“Ignore him,” Satoru pushed Suguru’s face away with all the nonchalance in the world. “He thinks Digimon is stupid.”

“It’s a Pokemon bootleg!” Suguru shot back with a sly smile.

In unison, you and Satoru gasped in disbelief and offense. “Boy bye! You can talk all the shit you want about Digimon, I can rest every night at ease knowing if my house were on fire Agumon would be able to say ‘[First], your house is on fire’,” you sneered in jest at the man, Satoru clapping in agreement all the while at your defense. “You don’t get that kind of insurance with Pikachu! ‘Pika pika’ could mean so many things!”

“Where have you been all my life?” Satoru snickered, holding his hand out for a high five you reciprocated with complete enthusiasm.

“Watching Digimon by myself,” you laughed, whipping out your phone. You needed this man’s number stat. “The next time I have a Digimon rewatch, I’m inviting you over. Like, you don’t have the option to refuse, you’ve doomed yourself.”

Satoru’s eyes were gleaming from his lowered shades, “funny, I was about to say the exact same thing to you,” he glanced over at Suguru with a teasing look. “Friendship ended with Suguru, [First] is my new best friend,” the white-haired student declared as he typed his number into your phone.

He labeled himself Digidestined Satoru, sending a text to himself: This is coming from the phone of Digidestined [First]. Your cheeks hurt from how widely you were grinning as you looked at the message. “That better be what you put me in your phone.”

“Definitely, new best friend,” Satoru promised, whipping his own phone around to show your new contact in it. Digidestined [First] it was.

Despite the apparent disownership, Suguru looked amused and unbothered, “okay but see if your ex-best friend takes notes for you if you ever take off from class.” Suddenly your new brother-in-Digimon was singing a different tune, waxing poetic about how Digimon and Pokemon were brothers from different mothers. You rolled your eyes but you’re unmistakably giddy as you watched him talk with his hands.

“There doesn’t need to bad blood between the two,” Satoru ended with a grand bow. “As such, I declare that I can have more than one best friend.”

“How did we even get on the topic of Digimon,” Shoko asked with an amused look on her face, cracking open another beer. “That was so random.”

You grabbed your own beer with a light giggle, you felt rather light compared to how you started this day. “His sunglasses had a Metal Greymon-like pattern and I had to say something about it,” you say after a few sips. “Glad I did because now I have a new brother-in-Digimon.”

Blue eyes held your gaze for a moment and you clacked your cans together in celebration.

That was how your friendship started. Clothed in beer and Digimon. It took about a week before he swept over to your place, seeking out the promise to watch Digimon together. If you can really call what you did watching, you spent more than half of the time talking over the episodes about miscellaneous topics than actually watching Tai and the gang try to get back to the physical world.

He’d known Suguru since he was 5.

(“We got into a fight on the playground. I wanted the swing and he wouldn’t get off. So I kicked him and he threw sand at my face, we’ve been buddies ever since.”

“I have a lot of questions about how y’all went from trying to kill each other to being best friends.”

“Look, don’t question our methods.”)

He was a December Sagittarius, born December 7th.

(”Yeah, I can tell!”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”)

He apparently started eating sweets to stimulate his brain but ended up with a sweet tooth.

(“That is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard, did you get that shit from Death Note?!”

“…. no.”

“Oh my god, you did!”

“You literally got a tattoo of a butterfly because of a crush you had on Jolyne from Part 6, shut up!”

“Satoru, don’t play these games with me.”)

He sounded eerily similar to Bruno Bucciarati from part 5 of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.

(”Arrivederci!”

“Oh my god that’s insane! You do! Say something else!”

“STICKY FINGERS!!!”

“PFFT-”

“See? I could totally get away with saying I voiced him and no one would bat an eyelash.”

“Who else do you sound like?”

“I’ve been told I make a great impression of Kuroo from Haikyuu!!”

He did, by the way.)

And he was currently enrolled as a business major. 

(“My old man wouldn’t get off my back about it. You?”

“Marine biology.”

“We have that program here?”)

He had a natural charisma that just drew people in, yourself included. That’s why you think it was so easy being with him, he made it feel like you’d been friends all your life even if reality said otherwise. He made everyone feel like that, that’s why he’d always be surrounded by people.

Still, he’d find a way to make you feel special when his eyes would light up in recognition when he saw you wave across the room at parties.

How he’d jig across the room with those lanky limbs of his to grab you in a hug. “[First], you finally made it! Thanks for coming out of the bat cave you call a room to grace us with your presence!”

It made you feel special that you were friends with the person adored by everyone else. That’s why you could playfully push him off of you and say, “you mean the bat cave you crawl to when you lock yourself out of your room and Suguru isn’t in either?”

“I’m hurt, why are you being mean to me?” Satoru pouted batting his white eyelashes like a distressed damsel. “Don’t you know who you’re being mean to when you’re being an ass? This, this is who you’re being mean to,” he gestured to himself.

“Last week you ate my fries after I specifically said not to touch them because I counted how many I had left, I know exactly who I’m being mean to.”

“How was I supposed to know you’d count them again whenever you decided to eat them?” Your irritation from last week had long since passed though, that was why you could laugh it off with a shake of your head. Satoru was Satoru, it was what you liked most about him even if he could be a pain in the ass.

Suguru’s brown eyes twinkled as you joined the small fray of him, Shoko and Utahime in a corner of the room, “I’m just glad I’m not the only one dealing with him anymore.” Satoru suck his tongue out with a ‘rude’.

“Someone has to do the dirty work,” Shoko replied as she raised a cigarette to her lips. “it might as well be us.”

Utahime smacked the tobacco stick out of her girlfriend’s hands as she said, “I’d rather not be included in the list of people of doing the dirty work.”

“Et tu, [First], et tu?” Satoru asked when you made no effort to come to his defense.

You raised your hands in mock defense, “I have to be a little mean to you sometimes, Satoru,” you told him with a snicker. “It keeps you from getting too big an ego.”

Whether or not that was working was debatable.

The night went on smoothly until your favorite brand of beer had been noticeably picked off from the coolers.

That’s my cue to leave.

“Sorry gang, but my lips don’t touch anything but Don Equis and Asahi,” you said with an air of regality not suited for a party of college students. “Maybe Corona if there’s nothing else. I’m not drinking… whatever this is. So I’m gonna head out, there’s a 24 hour liquor store around here somewhere.”

A chorus of farewells came from your friends minus one. “You coming back?” Satoru looked over at you in earnest.

But you shook your head, “nah, I think I’m done for the night,” you told him truthfully. Your social battery was gone for the rest of the evening and home was the only place you wanted to be. “I’ll catch you guys later though,” you stood up with a stretch.

Satoru stood up with you, “I’ll walk you back to your place then.”

Which was how you ended up sipping beers at the park, laying on soft grass. It wasn’t truly quiet, not with the passing of cars and the occasional passersby but it was quiet enough compared to the welcomed ruckus of the party. “Satoru,” Satoru hummed wordlessly in acknowledgement. “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”

“Dunno,” Satoru shrugged back pressed against the earth snuggly. “I never really got to think about it.”

He was an only child and as such the only one his parents’ turned their gaze to with pressure of taking over the family business. He confided in you ages ago how he hated it when you started seeing more sides of Satoru than the mischief-loving comedian he presented himself as.

You scooted closer to him to lean over his head, “well I think whatever you end up doing, even if it ends up really pissing off your dad, you’ll be great at it. You’re Satoru, that’s how I know you’ll be fine,” your voice held the tone of a promise. I promise you’ll be fine and you’ll be happy.

Thanks, [First]. You liked to think that was what that look on Satoru’s face meant. “I think you’ll make a great part-time aquarist, full-time whale researcher,” Satoru replied instead.

“You’re damn right I will,” you smiled warmly at him, moving a stray strand of his hair off his forehead. “Be careful I don’t disappear for months, spirited away by the sea folk on my Children of the Sea shit.” You took his sunglasses off, you had no clue how he was able to wear them 24/7. Even stranger was how he was still able to walk so easily at night despite having them on. Apparently the Gojou eye genes were built different; the colors of his eyes certainly were. “I’ll come back to shore occasionally, mysterious as the sea itself.” The sea you got to see every time you looked at his eyes, even if now they were barely visible even with the street lights.

Satoru looked back at you with a small smirk, “even if you got spirited away, I’d just go and bring you right back. Suguru’ll kill me if I try and make him watch Digimon Tamers with me again. You said it first, remember?” His voice was low as he recalled your exact words from your first meeting. “You’ve doomed yourself. There’s no ditching me now, not even at sea.”

“I did say something like that, didn’t I,” you smiled wryly. 

He didn’t say anything back, but you could guess that he was likely thinking something along the lines ‘yep, that you did. No take backsies.’ A comfortable silence fell between the two of you, his eyes staring up at yours. It’s then you swore you saw him glance at your lips from where he laid and just when you considered the idea of kissing himー the sprinklers turned on.

Even worse, in your surprise his head clashed into yours as he tried getting up with a start.

Then there was a dash of bullshit on the side when your beers spilled over into the grass.

Great, you thought as Satoru tossed your emptied cans into a nearby trash can after you got out of the line of fire. You shook your arms, droplets of water flying off your soaked sleeves.

You should have taken that as a major sign from the universe that you would be making a mistake of gargantuan proportions if you kissed that man.

Instead, the two of you looked at each other and laughed. “God I hate this park, why do we even come here? Nothing good ever happens when we do,” Satoru said with a shake of his damp hair.

“This is the first time we’ve ever even come here,” you snickered.

“And see what a great start we’re already having with it?”

“Come on,” you tugged him by the wrist. “Let’s just change at my place, you have some clothes somewhere over there.”

A smarter person would have left it at that once you got home and showered, placing your clothes in the wash. It could have been a pleasant end to the evening, the two of you crashing on the couch while watching some dumb movie you never heard of on Netflix.

But the same atmosphere from the park came back with you when he came out of the bathroom at the same time you planned to knock on it to ask if he wanted something warm to drink. “Oh, sorry-” you say when your fist lightly landed on his chest instead of the door. “I was just gonna ask if you wanted tea or something. I bought your favorite brand of honey.”

“Sure, I’d like that,” he answered but you made no move to go to the kitchen and he made no move to ask when you would.

Who kissed who first, you weren’t sure. It didn’t really hit you that you were kissing until Satoru tore his lips from yours with a pant, “hey how drunk are you because I really just wanna make sure-”

“I’m not,” you pulled his lips back onto yours and Satoru hadn’t wasted time in hoisting you up by the legs.

ii. neap tide

When does one stop sleeping with their friend? You suppose it is probably when you realize you have feelings for them.

You didn’t do that.

If it had been anyone else doing this to themselves, you would have told them to cut the cord while the feelings were still manageable.

Or maybe you at least tell the other party how they felt.

You didn’t do that either.

Maybe that was why it was all catching up to you one day when you woke up feeling like crap. The physical manifestation of your stress coming back to bite you in the ass. Right before the trip you were planning on taking with your friends, you started feeling like crap only exacerbated when Satoru was in your presence.

But you still went despite your physically manifested stress because you’re a pushover. Or more specifically, if it involved Satoru, you folded faster than Sunday morning laundry. You had to when he looked at you in concerned disbelief you were trying to drop out of your plans last minute.

“Satoru, it isn’t the end of the world if I stay home. It’s just a week long break.”

“A week long break from your friends? From me? Your best friend?”

You struggled not to laugh, “last week you said I was kicked from that position because I watched one episode of Love is Blind without you.”

Satoru scowled at the memory, “because that’s our show, we started that together, there’s no watching ahead,” he reprimanded you. “And clearly I’ve forgiven you since you’re back in that position because I can’t believe you’re trying to leave me to survive with a couple and Suguru for a week!”

You puckered your lips and shrugged, “if it’s any consolation, Suguru is your boyfriend like 95% of the time.”

“Well right now Suguru is that asshole Kenjaku’s boyfriend and Kenjaku is supposed to be coming and I do not want to fourth wheel that by myself.”

You flicked his nose softly, “so you want me to third party fourth wheel with you so you don’t have to be alone with two couples?”

Satoru grinned and you stopped yourself from rolling your eyes. “Third party fourth wheel with benefits, yes.”

You stared at him for one, two, three seconds before you relented. “Look, I’m only going because I want the sex, not because I’m happily agreeing to fourth wheel with you.”

Satoru whooped regardless in his victory, “works for me!” He chortled as he went back to scrolling on his phone.

Silence fell over you as fiddled with your pointer finger and thumb.

“Hey,” Satoru spared a glance from whatever he was staring at on twitter. “What are we supposed to be?” Blue eyes grew to the size of saucers and you continued, “Classic no strings attached? Or is this supposed to be going somewhere?”

That made him set down his phone, “why,” he licked his lips before grinning, but it looked forced even to your eyes. “Why are you asking me that so randomly?”

You deserved an Oscar for how smoothly you delivered what came from your mouth. “Well what if the receptionist there is hot? I don’t need to make things between us awkward because it turned out we aren’t on the same page,” you thumbed behind you in the direction of the hotel. “‘What the hell, [First]’,” you deepened your voice, puckering your bottom lip as you whined. “‘I thought we had something special and you fucked the receptionist? What if they end up fucking with our reservation now?!’”

“First of all, that is not what I sound like,” Satoru stuck his tongue out at you but his shoulders were relaxed and subtle he tried to be, you could feel the relief rolling off of him in waves. “Second, fucking the receptionist does sound like a terrible idea because what if they do fuck our reservation because things go south? Just find someone at a club like the rest of us. But fucking someone else is a non-issue, get all the ass you want.”

“Well glad to know I have the Gojou Satoru thumb of approval,” you smiled and Satoru grinned in return, giving you a nudge with his elbow and you nudged him back. Underneath the calm, you were a storm of turbulent emotions. You weren’t surprised, your feelings had been confirmed. This wasn’t a Disney movie. You weren’t Tiana and he wasn’t Naveenー you weren’t going to turn this commitment-phobe into something he wasn’t. Yet the pain of the confirmation echoed in your chest. “Well, not when it comes to the receptionist.”

“Because no one fucks someone with the power of their reservation at their fingertips, that’s like,” Satoru searched his mind for the perfect example. “Handing over the poison to a chef and that chef was the person you were planning on poisoning.” So is continuing to sleep with someone who didn’t want the same things as you.

You couldn’t help laughing at your idiocy, relieved that Satoru took it as a humorous dig at his less than perfect metaphor. “I’m still fucking the receptionist if they’re hot.”

“I hope they’re married and old, how about that?”

“I’ve always liked them with a little salt and pepper. I fucked your prematurely whitening headass, didn’t I?”

“First of all, this is all natural-”

You’ve doomed yourself.

iii. red tide

Denial.

Anger.

Bargaining.

Depression.

Acceptance.

Those are the five stages of grief. It was certainly the steps that you experienced when the fact your period was late hit you while you were floating when Utahime gasped about the sea turning red.

Red tide, it was the first you’d ever seen it. But that excitement or concern about the possibility of what that meant completely subsided as you stared at the reddening shoreline when you realized a noticeable absence of red that week.

There was no way you were late for any particular reason. This was one of those flukes, your period always had a tendency to be finicky. It would be early or late at its convenience, never mind you being the one suffering. That’s why it was absolutely ludicrous that you left the beach to buy a pregnancy test.

And if you were the word you refused to think, it was your own damn fault for playing with karma the one time you decide to trust Satoru’s pullout game. Both of you were stupid, very very turned on and stupid and you should have just waited to get a condom.

But in the chance you weren’t pregnant, you swore you were going to remain celibate the rest of your university experience. You’d focus on other things, like journaling consistently like you said you would when you were writing your New Year’s revolutions.

Bargaining means nothing to biology, however, that was what you took as the universe’s answers when you were forced to look at the positive result staring back at you.

A lot of thoughts would run through a person’s head at an unplanned pregnancy resulting from a very ill-advised friends with benefits relationship.

Were you still in depression? Or had you reached acceptance yet? You weren’t entirely sure as you stared out the sparkling sea. Your sight blurring the stars above and the stars below did little reassure you as the possibilities ran through your mind.

What would you tell Satoru?

How would he react?

Would he think this was why you asked him about where your relationship was supposed to be heading?

Would assume the worst of you and accuse you of trying to trap him into a relationship when it was clearly supposed to be no strings attached from the beginning?

You didn’t know which unknown would hurt you more.

I should really decide on whether or not I’ll keep it to begin with before I start with all the scenarios, you inhaled deeply with shudder but you didn’t bother to wipe your tears. The blurriness was your own punishment. If I don’t, I never have to tell him anything. We can just cut this off and he’ll be none the wiser.

It was the most optimal scenario when you were still in college. You were barely handling the fees you currently had to pay for school, a child definitely wouldn’t help with that.

Was it too late to find something unhealthy to use as a coping mechanism?

“Yo,” you could have laughed bitterly. Of course, this is when Satoru shows up now. Right after you’ve isolated yourself away from everyone else on the more populated part of the beach. He was grinning, you could hear it in his voice. “[Fir]- hey are you alright?”

Great.

“Yeah, it’s just, you ever see something so beautiful you want to cry? It’s one of those things,” when he looked unsure, you grinned widely and wiped your tears. You didn’t need him to suspect a damn thing. “Seriously, dude, this was the reason I wanted to go into marine biology as a kid. I saw a picture of it once and decided, I wanna see that too. It’s just a surreal moment for me.”

At your reassurance, Satoru sighed, “geez, don’t freak me out like that.” You snorted as he settled next to you and you couldn’t think of anything humorous to say.

“Pretty cool, right?” The blue of the bioluminescence was reminiscent of his eyes, the thought crossed your mind now that he was in front of you.

Satoru whistled, impressed, “yeah but what is it?” He slapped a foot down on the ground, whistling again at the additional sparkling at the stimulus. “You’re the marine biologist, explain the science to me.”

“Sea sparkle,” you told him with a snort, heart drumming all the while. “I never thought I’d see something like this in my life. Red tides are signs of algal blooms are going to happen. They can be harmful but sometimes, completely harmless. This is the completely harmless kind,” a sparkling wave rolled across your feet as if to prove your point. “Well, technically harmless, there’s some conflicting evidence on whether or not it’s okay to swim in. We shouldn’t touch or swim in it to be safe. It’s just been a childhood dream of mine to do this, so don’t tell my friends in the not-dumb-scientist community. And wash your skin really really well tonight before going to bed.”

A grin blossomed on his face in his usual expression of mischief, “I ain’t no snitch.”

“Good because if you do I’m telling Shoko it was you that ate her leftovers,” you stuck your tongue out petulantly and Satoru kicked a splash at your thigh.

“Anyways,” Satoru drawled, observing the glow of his footsteps in the sand. “How long will it last?”

“It depends, sometimes a week. Sometimes a month,” definitely longer than the two of you and the situationship you’ve maintained thus far. “Once the food source runs out, they’re out. But hopefully they’ll be here the rest of our vacation, it’s pretty cool, right?”

“Yep, pretty damn cool,” he repeated like you hadn’t already asked that question earlier.

Satoru wasn’t yours, nothing was going to change that.

iv. ebb

If I’m not going to tell him, I need to leave.

That was the conclusion you came to after ultimately deciding to keep your child. Gojou Satoru wasn’t yours to keep, that was more than apparent. You wouldn’t force him to stay by means of a pregnancy.

You weren’t the first single mother in existence, you doubted you’d be the last. You’d do everything, without his help. Everything would be figured out in due time, it didn’t matter the run around you would have to take.

It took a week after the trip for you to come to that conclusion, packing your bags so you could head home. You’d transfer to a different school, there was no way you’d be able to keep a pregnancy underwraps on campus. Especially not from your friends.

You tried to distance yourself from your friends slowly, but even an inch was noticeable.

You alright?

What kind of sadists are your professors if you’re this busy?

Just let me know if you need me to come over some kind of distraction. Sorry for coming over earlier unannounced, I shouldn’t have assumed. Just wanted to make sure you were okay.

Those were the texts Satoru sent you the most. If any your friends doubted you, it seemed Satoru doubted you the most despite your reassurance that once you got your workload more manageable you’d be more available. You told him things were fine, maybe he just doubted you because you never told him he couldn’t come over whenever he felt like it. That was how things had been since you became friends.

Your place was his place, his place was yours.

That’s why Shoko had to be at your apartment, arms crossed and looking thoroughly tired.

“What’s been up with you anyway?” Shoko barged into your apartment before you could stop her. “Satoru’s been driving me insane asking me to check on you.” So she said, but you saw the worry on her face even if she tried to hide it. “So what’s going on? He says he’s pretty sure something is going on and you don’t want to tell him. Are you failing a class or something?”

“Nothing,” you told her a little too quickly and the brunette gave you a look that said ‘girl, please’. If your attempt to look as composed as possible wasn’t doing you favors, neither was how messy your room was. “Seriously, Shoko, I’m fine. Satoru’s just being overdramatic. It’s Satoru, you should know this. He went to your clinic once for almost breaking a nail.”

Shoko rolled her eyes at the memory, “yeah but now he’s pestering me to see if you’re actually fine or if you’re just trying to shut him out,” she sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose before the concern peeps out of her face. “He said once in high school Suguru pushed him away and stuff went bad between them for a while. He felt like it was his fault for not trying hard enough to see what was bothering him. The rest of us are being chill about everything but we are worried too, you know. Just considerably less dramatically than others.”

That made your heart twist in both in the best and worst ways.

“It’s…” you took a step back and held yourself. “It’s fine. Tell Satoru he’s just being dramatic.”

“Then why is your suitcase out?” [Color] stared into brown as Shoko’s look told you that she wouldn’t drop it until you came clean to her. “Is it that serious? I won’t force you to talk about it, but I at least want to know how okay you are and it’s something you can manage on your own. That’s all, I promise I won’t say anything to Satoru if you really don’t want him knowing,” she’s the most gentle you’ve ever seen her. Only Utahime is privy to the softest of Shoko’s expressions but you can’t help but appreciate the look of worry she has. But I don’t want you to just up and disappear on us either.”

You opened your mouth, closed it, then opened it again. “I,” you licked your lips and sat down on your couch. “I’m thinking of transferring to another school.”

Shoko peers into your face, “and you’re worried about how we’ll take it?”

You shook your head. “I am worried about that but, I’m more worried about the why I need to leave. My parents will probably freak out too, but I’m going to promise them this isn’t going to stop me from pursuing my education.” Wide as her eyes already were, Shoko’s eyes were practically the size of dinner plates. You cut her off before she could say anything else. “I’m pregnant. I found out on the trip we took.”

…

“It’s Satoru’s,” it wasn’t a question.

Your silence was enough of an answer.

“You’re plan was to transfer schools because you don’t want to tell him you’re pregnant?” Shoko’s eyes were wide and you looked away from her. “[First], you can’t expect me to not tell him about-”

Your eyes snapped back to look at her, “you can’t tell him about this.”

Shoko shook her head, “this isn’t just your kid-”

“I’m the one who’s pregnant, I’m the one who decides what to do with it! It’s none of his business!”

Shoko probably would have slapped you if you weren’t expecting, “it’s his kid too, of course it’s his business!”

“Fine,” you muttered coldly, fixing your friend with a cold stare. “I’ll tell him if you can tell me you genuinely think it’s going to go well. That you can really Gojou Satoru dropping everything to become a father for a kid he never planned on having with someone he never planned on being with. Mr. Heir of the Gojou Conglomerate Satoru,” you remember his genuine fear and subsequent genuine relief. “Hell, that he won’t think I tried babytrapping him because I asked him recently if he saw what we had going anywhere and he clearly didn’t want that. And even if he doesn't, do you think his parents would be happy with this? Truly?”

Shoko couldn’t say anything.

You shook your head with a humorless huff, “yeah, that’s what I thought too.” You paused to close your eyes and inhale deeply before looking at your friend once more. “I’m not telling him anything. I don’t need his help to raise this baby, I can do this myself.”

Shoko eyes are dark and you knew she was second guessing everything. “[First]-”

“You can’t tell him anything. Not even Suguru, especially not Suguru. He’d tell him right away.” Suguru was your friend, he was a great friend even. But you knew where his loyalties lied. He’d tell Satoru in a heartbeat. “Please,” you pleaded. “I’m asking you as your friend.”

Shoko reached for the pack of cigarettes sticking out of her pocket before dropping her hand to the side. Right, your pregnancy. 

You looked at her in desperation, biting your lip. “Please, I’d never ask you this if it wasn’t important. Satoru doesn’t want me,” your eyes stung at the admission even if you accepted that truth ages ago. “Not the way I want him.”

“I,” Shoko released a shaky breath. “I won’t say anything. I promise.”

You dropped out of school without a word to your friends before the month ended.

v. moon

五条・五月。

Gojou Itsuki; you considered writing that on her birth certificate when she was born. Instead, it was your last name Itsuki received.

五, that was the only part of Satoru you would give her, the ‘five’ in Gojou. You promised that little girl you would love her five times as much for his absence.

vi. flow

That all brought you back to now in the present, Gojou Satoru sitting beside you on a park bench while you daughter looked nervously between you both. “Go on then,” you sweep your hand in the direction of the swings. “I’ll be sitting right here, okay? Have some fun with the other kids.”

Yet like moth to a flame, the man with snowy white hair is all your daughter can focus on. “But who is he?”

Satoru opens parts his lips and you beat him to the introductions, “he’s just an old friend of Mama’s, that’s all. Like Aunt Shoko. We haven’t seen each other in a while and we just want to catch up, that’s all. Right?” You shoot Satoru a pleading look.

“That’s right,” Satoru beams. “Maybe I can push you on the swings later.” That makes Itsuki grin back widely. She looks so much like him that there is no denying who she is to him. You know it and so does he.

The smile drops the moment Itsuki is out of an earshot. “You really never planned to tell me about her,” his eyes that normally remind you of crystal clear seas look more akin to frigid chips of ice as he looks at you. “You stop talking to me, you block me on everything out of nowhere and when you dropped out of school, I had no idea where you were-”

“Satoru, you have to understand,” you start, it sounds weak even to you.

Satoru looks at you with a look of pure offense. You can read his mind clearly, “What is there to understand?”

“This was the best outcome for everyone involved. You, me and Itsuki.”

“That isn’t the kind of thing you decide on your own, it takes two to make a child, [First]!”

“We’re not arguing in front of my daughter, Gojou Satoru.”

“No,” the smile that spreads across Satoru’s face is feral. You’ve seen that smile before, one he had whenever he was on the brink of swinging and starting a fight. Never before had that smile been directed at you. “She’s our daughter. My daughter. And I had to find out from Shoko five years after she’s been born that she ever existed in the first place!”

“Like you wanted to be a father anyway,” you hiss, glancing at the growing concern on Itsuki’s face.

“You didn’t even bother asking me what I wanted,” Satoru snaps back. “I would have helped. I want to help.”

“I didn’t want or need your help then and I sure as hell don’t need it now,” you stand up, swinging your wrist away from the large hand that tries to stop you. “You aren’t even her birth certificate,” Satoru flinches like you shot him. “Not your name, not your birthday, not anything. Itsuki’s never even asked about her father,” a lie. It isn’t nearly so frequent as to be considered a problem, but Itsuki did ask about the whereabouts of her father every so often. “It’s just us, Itsuki, I keep telling you that.”

“Do I have another mommy then?”

“No, it’s just us.”

Still, she asks. But Gojou Satoru didn’t need to know about that. “Just go the hell away and leave us alone. I’m not asking for your help, I’ve been doing this alone so far and I plan to keep it that way.”

You take Itsuki home, telling her not to mind the sad-looking man you left on the bench.

“Before you say anything,” Shoko starts when she answers the phone. “I know you’re pissed off.”

“No shit,” you all but seethe at your closest friend. Itsuki is asleep and it takes all of your willpower to not turn a firm but loud whisper into shrieks of hysteria. “Shoko, what the-”

“[First], I had to tell him,” Shoko sighs and you can practically smell the nicotine through. “I get it, you were scared back then but Satoru deserved to know he is a father. Itsuki deserves a chance to get to know her father!”

“You don’t get to decide what my kid needs,” you retort immediately. “We have been doing just fine without him in our lives and that’s how I wanted to keep it. Now she keeps asking about the man with the white hair and why he looked so sad and-”

“This isn’t one of those situations where you had a surrogate and did this all on your own, [First]. And he isn’t some random stranger you met some campus party years ago, this is a friend! Why on earth would you tell him that you never put him on the birth certificate.”

“Was. He was a friend,” you correct her. You push back the memories of late night study sessions gone awry by Satoru shoving his phone in your face to show you some video in his recommended list. You ignore the creeping reminders of sharing shit-eating grins, waiting for the moment Suguru learned that you changed his autocorrect for chocolate into something stupid. “We haven’t been friends in years, we’re just old school acquaintances at this point. You know why I never told him about her. And I said it so he would have an out; he doesn’t need to stick around to be her father.”

“And what if she gets tired of you skirting around her questions about him?” Shoko shoots back without giving you a moment to reply that you would handle it if it ever got to the point that it became a problem. “You might be able to skirt around it now but when she gets older she is going to ask and ask and askー and she is going to keep on asking before she does research of her own! There was no way you’d be able to keep this a secret for the rest of her life, what were you planning to do then?!”

“… I was going to figure that out by then.”

“Right and that was going to go by so smoothly and Itsuki wouldn’t feel hurt or betrayed you took away the choice for her to get to know her dad. That could ruin your entire relationship with her.”

“You couldn’t have at least asked?!”

“You never let me! I’m sorry, I’m sorry I betrayed your trust and said things behind your back. I told him to at least let me call and tell you that he knew, but he wanted to meet Itsuki.”

“I just…” your back hit the wall and you slid to the floor, resting your head on your knees. “I don’t know what to do. I didn’t think I would ever see him again.”

There’s silence when Shoko hesitates to reply to your tired voice, “look, I get it. As much as I can try to get it, anyway.” There is only so much that your child-free doctor of a friend can relate to when it comes to your situation. Things worked out perfectly for her when she fucked a friend, Utahime and Shoko’s names were written in the stars. You only admit your envy on lonely nights when thoughts of university days past make a reappearance.

“Satoru is a lot of things. He’s a clown, he’s insufferable and he’s Gojou Satoru that’s enough trouble as it is,” much to your chagrin, you can’t help snorting at her comment. “But he should have a chance to get to know his daughter. You’re a great mom, you’ve been doing great without him. I’ve seen you handle everything, you even went back to school to get your degree. You’ve got the job, everything. I’m not trying to say you need his help, I just want you to be open to the idea of letting him get to know her.”

You think of Itsuki and her questions and the look of hurt that graced Satoru’s face earlier that afternoon. “I don’t want Itsuki to get attached to him only for him to take off,” but a bitter taste fills your mouth at your words. I’m only using Itsuki as an excuse, you can only admit to yourself. The one who doesn’t want to see her father is me.

Fearful you may have been, it was no excuse to keep her away from her father.

“If he does that, I’ll kill him myself. But he wants to be there,” Shoko promises, her voice the softest its been the entire conversation. “He wants to get to know her. She looks just like him.”

She does.

You grab a baby wipe, rolling your eyes in amusement, “Itsuki, you’re getting syrup all over your face, hold still,” gently, you wipe away the sugary mess on her face before it dries and becomes even stickier. Itsuki always leaves the table looking like she’s been off to war. “You definitely don’t get your messy eating habits from me. Let me clean your hands and the fork too.”

Itsuki’s eyes sparkle curiously, “is Daddy a messy eater?”

You look at your daughter, her white hair pulled into pigtails by pastel knockerballs and her blue eyes that sparkle with hope that you’ll have some sort of answer as to the mystery of her secret parent she doesn’t realize she’s already met. “Yeah,” you whisper softly, the ghost of smile on your lips. “He got pretty messy whenever we ate.”

“Really?”

“Yep, and he would always steal the chips out of my bag whenever he thought I wasn’t looking,” you smile knowingly. He isn’t the only one guilty of such a crime. “Kinda like how someone always takes extra bites out of my pudding cups when she thinks I’m not looking.” Itsuki erupts into giggles as you pinch her cheeks now free of syrup. “You really want to meet your papa, don’t you,” you ask almost weakly, resting your hand on the table.

With a nod of excitement, Itsuki answers your question with an unmistakable yes.

“What if Mommy brings Daddy to pick you up from daycare soon? Would you like that?”

Itsuki gasps in disbelief, “Really?!”

Your nerves don’t show as you grin in return, “really.”

The first few rings you wait for Satoru to pick up the phone later in the day are painful.

I should have just asked Shoko to do this, you pace anxiously in the employee parking lot of your job. A childish part of you wishes you had asked your friend seeing as she had already spilled the beans to you. But you remember the more than subtle tone in her voice when she mentioned the other day that Satoru’s number hadn’t changed in all the years you spent out of his life. He’s the father of your child, [First], you scold yourself. Get a grip.

A second later when he picks up the line, you almost hang up in a panic.

“… Hey, [First],” he sounds like he’s grinning but it lacks his usual bravado. “You didn’t change your number.”

“Neither did you,” you reply nervously, fiddling with the fabric of your uniform as the expected awkward silence filled the air. Five years ago, Satoru was one of the easiest people in the world to talk to. Annoying and arrogant at times, most of the times even, but still easy. He spoke his mind clearly; it’s hard reconciling that person with the silence on the other side of the phone. “I shouldn’t have kept Itsuki from you,” you finally begin. “And I shouldn’t have said what I did yesterday, you have a right to be mad at what I did. I’m sorry.”

Satoru’s sigh is slow, “why didn’t you tell me in all these years? If Shoko never said anything, were you really not going to tell me about her at all?”

“Can we not-”

“No, I get to know why you didn’t want to let me know I had a daughter,” Satoru’s voice hardens and you know that running away isn’t an option. Old habits seem to die hard. “You didn’t even tell me you were pregnant.”

“I was scared, okay?” Scared and pathetically in love with someone who didn’t want you back. “I didn’t know how you were going to react… and I didn’t know if you would want to be part of the baby’s life if I decided to keep it. We weren’t even a couple. I freaked out and thought this was best course of action.”

“I would have helped, I would have been there. We were friends, [First],” you can’t tell if he sounds more angry or sad with your younger self’s line of reasoning. “You really thought I would have let you done everything on your own? I would have had your back from day one.”

“…. I’m sorry, I can’t take it back but I’m sorry,” you rest your back against the side of your car. The breeze on your skin doesn’t calm you as much as you’d like.

Satoru sighs again and he’s quiet, contemplative and your heart races wondering what is going through his mind. Would he curse you? Maybe he would take you to court for his parental rights. Instead, Satoru peacefully asks, “what’s she like?”

“Adorable,” your lips quirk slightly at the thought of your child. “I’m pretty sure Shoko’s probably shown you some pictures, so you probably know that already.” Painfully adorable and the entire world knew it, it’s a blessing she isn’t nearly as much of a troublemaker as her father. If she were, you don’t doubt Itsuki would get away with most of her ‘crimes’. “She’s a sweet girl, if she sees a caterpillar on the neighbor’s strawberries, she’ll pick it up and ask if we can take it to the park so it can eat there instead.”

You both share a laugh at that. “She’s smart too, she just sucks things up like a sponge. And she’s popular at daycare, you know,” she gets it from her father, that is easy to admit. Satoru definitely surpasses everyone you know, yourself included, when it comes to attracting people to him. Even when he’s annoying you can’t help but be drawn in. “She’s good at making friends, always looks out for the ones there who have a harder time connecting with people.”

“It’s nice to know she got all her charm and good looks from me,” Satoru chuckles smugly. “It’s a no-brainer the people love her, I expect nothing less from my kid.”

“Oh shut up,” yet you can’t deny his claim. She is Gojou Satoru’s daughter through and through. “She’s a lovable kid; Itsuki was born for it.”

“Was Itsuki the only name in the running?”

“It’s a pretty name, isn’t it? There were others in the running though,” you count down on your fingers the various options you ultimately decided against. “Itsuki stuck out the best.”

“What characters did you use to write her name?”

“The characters for ‘Five’ and ‘Moon’,” you answer softly, remembering the various combinations you could have gone with. Ultimately, there was only one that you could have gone with. “I got the idea from your last name, I… I wanted her to have a part of you with her even if she didn’t know you.”

There’s a pause then a shaky breath. “Gojou Itsuki,” Satoru says finally, sounding a million miles away despite being just on the other line.

“She has my name,” you tell him gently.

“I know,” Satoru replies softly yet there’s a tinge of emotion you can’t quite place. Melancholy? Acceptance? Perhaps a little bit of both. “I just wanted to try it out.”

Silence falls over you both again and you hug yourself despite the sweltering heat of the afternoon. Shoko is right, your secret wasn’t one that was sustainable. “Do you,” your lips suddenly feel too dry and you lick your lips. “Do you want to pick her up from daycare with me today? She wants to meet you, she always has. She even asked about you this morning.”

He does. It shouldn’t surprise you that he does and it doesn’t. Still, your heart pounds when you see him show up at the daycare your daughter spends a large portion of her time at. “Hi,” you greet him nervously.

“Hey,” even though he’s grinning, his smile is a bit off kilter. A sugary pink bag hangs from one his arms. “I uh, didn’t know exactly what sort of things she like but I got her a present. You said she’s really into whale sharks, right? So I got her a plush.”

You don’t have the heart to tell him Itsuki already has five. She’d love his gift anyway. Maybe the one he got her would become her favorite.

“She might adore that more than you,” you joke but you give him a nod a beat later. “But don’t worry about what happened last time. She’ll be happy to see you in a better mood, she was worried about you when we left the park.” Maybe that was the father-daughter bond at work, or maybe it was your child’s empathetic nature.

Maybe both.

You already discussed things with him after he agreed to come meet her properly. He could get to know Itsuki, could even meet the daycare attendants. It would just be a while before you’d be able to trust him with being an emergency contact.

“Hey, Choso,” you wave at the man with pigtails. Intimidating as he looks, his daycare is surprisingly popular due to the low rates. He wanted a place where his youngest brother could grow up happily with his friends. “This,” you start before Choso can question you, gesturing to Satoru. “… This is Itsuki’s father. You’ll uh, probably see him coming around a lot more when I pick her up from now.”

There’s a lengthy pause.

“Nice to meet you,” Choso’s tone says otherwise. If it were possible, Choso’s face would be place right under the definition of judgement. He is definitely deeming Satoru a deadbeat that was finally crawling out from the woodworks.

Satoru ignores it with the air of confidence he didn’t have a few minutes ago outside, “thanks for looking after my kid while [First] was busy. I haven’t been around but I’m hoping to make up for all the lost time.”

You doubt that was meant to be a dig, you still take it as one. “Itsuki’s playing with Yuuji and the rest of their friends right now. You’ll see her at the playground,” he gestures at the infant in his hands. “I have a diaper to change.”

“Don’t worry, I got it,” you wave. “And tell Kechizu that he needs to stop cooking better than me. The other day Itsuki said she liked his lunches more than mine.” That manages to get a snicker out of the man. 

“Itsuki!” You call out once you’re on the playground and you see her eyes light up with recognition and a ‘Mommy!’ Even funnier is her little excited jig before she runs over to hug you although she stops as she recognizes the man beside you.

She glances between the two of you and you smile reassuringly. “Why are you getting so shy? Don’t you remember what I promised at breakfast?”

Itsuki’s eyes widen and her jaw drops wordlessly. You suppose she might not have truly been expecting you’d make good on your promise. At least, definitely not so soon.

“Itsuki, this is Satoru, your father,” you tell her gently, smile small. “Although I suppose, you already met him yesterday. It just didn’t go at all the way it was supposed to.” But what was done was done; Itsuki deserved to know her father. You wouldn’t take away that choice because of your own fears anymore.

“Daddy?” Itsuki asks Satoru, voice just above a whisper.

Satoru nods, settling down on one knee to look her in those familiar blue eyes. “That’s right, kiddo,”

“Daddy?!” Itsuki hops in disbelief, looking between the two of you before her eyes settle on yours again. “It’s really Daddy?!” You aren’t sure if Itsuki knows whether she wants to cry or run away in disbelief that this moment is finally happening.

You knelt beside your old friend, “say hi to your father, Itsuki.”

The tears suddenly well in her eyes but despite Satoru’s panicked voice, you can tell they aren’t sad ones as Itsuki throws her arms over Satoru’s shoulders. And if your eyes are warmer than they were a few moments ago, you don’t mind it as you watch you’re daughter hug her father for the first time.

Itsuki adores Satoru, that’s what you learn in the span of a single afternoon. And yes, she does love the whale shark plush he got her more than the other five you already purchased. She cried even harder when he hugged her back, softly promising he wasn’t going anywhere. That he’d always be there and he would come see her as much as she wanted.

She adores how he took her out for ice cream before dinner and how even after dinner, he purchased even more dessert. 

He was weak to her with no immunity built up over the past five years.

This was why he couldn’t say no when she pleaded he stayed over to at least watch a movie with her before bedtime. Not that you had any room to talk considering how easily you agreed.

“So she had to get Merlin’d?” Satoru asks incredulously as the credits roll across the screen.

“That is not what was supposed to happen, the beautiful girl is subjective to the one who got cursed!” You tell him, flabbergasted that that was the conclusion he came to. Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarves is far more than a comedy. It’s social commentary! “Not to mention the body positive message it sends with the fact that shoes represent societal standards of beauty along with the objectification and idolization Snow experiences while wearing them which further supported the fact that had she had gone to the F7 as herself they wouldn’t have he-”

“Nope, too late. I like my idea better,” you could strangle this man.

“You’re going to ruin Itsuki’s perception of love,” you shoot Satoru a look of amusement and annoyance. At the very least, you know he enjoyed it.

“Good, I don’t need some snot-nosed brat trying to win over my kid that’s obviously aroace,” Satoru says firmly as he picks up your very much fell-asleep-before-the-movie-ended daughter. It’s almost uncanny how natural it looks to you, like he had been around from the start. He probably should have been. You were the one who took that choice from him and made him an unintentional deadbeat.

“Satoru, she’s five and doesn’t even know what that means yet,” you say instead, Satoru oblivious to the thoughts running around your head. One day you’d tell Itsuki the truth, once she was a little older.

“What? She told me she was aroace when I asked earlier today,” Satoru tells you petulantly, moving away when you try to hold her. 

“Only because you told her you’d give her ice cream if she agreed to be,” ice cream she wasn’t even supposed to eat because it would spoil her appetite for dinner in a moment you weren’t supposed to see. “It means you’ll love Daddy forever and think everyone else is gross,” Satoru happily exclaimed, holding a cup of Itsuki’s favorite salted cookie dough ice cream. The five year old happily obliged to his whims.

Maybe Satoru will be right in his hopeful predictions that romance will be the last thing on your daughter’s mind in the future thought. On the other hand, maybe he’d be dead wrong and forced to tolerate whoever she brings home in the future.

“They’re just like you, Dad, but they’re brilliant!” She’ll say, hearts in her eyes.

You almost wanted to manifest the opposite of his wishes, only to see the face Satoru would make. It is far too early to be thinking about such things however.

“I don’t want my kid to date anyone, sue me. So I’m manifesting early,” Satoru pouts as he starts takes her to her room to lay her across her bed.

“You’re so stupid,” you roll your eyes and shake your head in exasperation, but a look of fondness is apparent in your expression.

Maybe you were born to see this moment, the moment you could see that Gojou Satoru is absolutely smitten with his daughter. You can see it in how he presses a kiss to the temple of her forehead as he takes her to his room.

Itsuki was born to be loved, she makes it too easy just by being herself. Suddenly your fears from before felt unfounded. You knew underneath the rejection of Satoru in your life that he would have been there and he would have been more than happy to shoulder the burdens of parenthood even in a platonic way. You stop yourself from wondering what that path might have looked like. You made your choice and this is path you’re on now, there is no other way but forward.

“I’ll have you know,” Satoru points a finger gun at you smugly when he returns, child-free, “my kid thinks I’m the smartest man in the world. So one of you is lying and I know it’s not her.”

“Your kid is biased and spoiled from snacks and gifts,” you retort softly with a grin.

“I don’t hear the voices of the naysayers praying for my downfall, sorry,” you both release a chuckle at your exchange and a comfortable silence falls between you both. “I should probably get going I guess.”

You smile at him politely, “we should do this again sometime, I wanna see what else in our movie collection Itsuki will have you watch next.”

Satoru grins, “it better be the Digimon reboot DVD set I saw in the corner,” he pauses before asking you seriously, “our kid does like Digimon, right?”

“You’ll be happy to know that her favorites are Palmon, Kokomon and Wormmon in that order,” you tell him smugly. How could he think otherwise? Did he forget who you were? “The plushies are just in the toy chest she has at the foot of her bed.”

Your child had to be a fan of Digimon, she had no other choice.

translation:

五月 five moons (same character in Gojou as well as a radical in Satoru) ⤷ 五 ・ いつ - five ⤷ 月 ・ つき - moon

part 2 ->

[reccyls]

The Robin Who Grazed the Reaper’s Secret Eagerly Awaits His Words (Epilogue)

My translation of Victor’s 2025 birthday story.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Epilogue (Victor’s POV)

---

Rain dripped down her hair, running across her slightly reddened cheeks and down to her lips. Every inch of that was as precious as a gemstone, because I’ve come to know Kate. Slowly, my mouth formed my next words. Kate waited for what I was going to say next with an earnest look in her eyes. As if she was straining to hear my words over the sound of the relentless rain.

Kate: -Achoo!

Victor: Huh?

Kate: Um.

That moment that seemed to stretch on for eternity was abruptly broken. Kate’s sneeze brought me back to my senses.

Kate: Uh, ah- that wasn’t–

As Kate frantically shook her head, her face reddening in embarrassment, I could not hold back my building laughter.

Victor: Ahaha!

It was loud enough to drown out the sound of the rain.

(To sneeze at such a time… it’s as if fate did that on purpose.) (...And what a relief it was.)

My true feelings that were close to escaping me were forced back down.

Victor: You’ll catch a cold if you stay out any longer.

Pretending as if nothing had happened, I tugged my coat up over Kate’s shoulders so that it covered her head as well. …So I did not have to see what expression she was making now. Kate wouldn’t be able to look up without dislodging my coat, so I extended my hand towards her.

Kate: Huh?

Victor: Shall we make a run for it?

Her small hand reached out for mine. I intertwined our fingers together tightly, so that there was no gap between them.

Victor: Let’s go!

And we began to run in the rain. I’m certain that the reason that the freezing cold rain that fell on my head still felt so pleasant was all because of Kate.

Victor: It’s been a while since I went for a run in the rain. It’s fun. Victor: I think I understand how William feels now.

As we ran I turned to look at Kate. And she nodded, but–

(She’s decided not to ask.)

There was a somewhat uncertain look in her eyes that seemed to pierce through me.

(It’d be for the best if you pretended you never noticed anything.)

Kate was earnest, and kind. I’m sure she wanted to ask how I killed that man… …What I was about to say just now. But she knew that I didn’t want to answer, and so she chose to never ask.

(You have no idea how much more that makes me adore you.)

When would be the day that I could explain everything to you? A part of me wanted to say that day would never come, but another part was saying, “Never say never”...

Kate: …I’m going to do my best.

Victor: What?

I found myself stopping where I stood, looking back at Kate’s brilliant smile.

Kate: I’m going to do my best, work as hard as I can. So that when you’re hurt, or need help, I’ll be the first person you turn to. Kate: So keep watching over me, Victor!

(Ah, that’s right.)

And now it was Kate who took the lead, and ran ahead while pulling me along with her.

(I think that someday, surely. Someday you’ll know everything there is to know about me.) (Somewhere along the way, I’ve even started to hope for it.)

The sight of Kate running forwards was dizzying in its brilliance. As if she was lit from within by an undying, unchanging radiance.

Victor: I will. Victor: Always.

…

(Where is Kate?)

The next day, after we had returned to the castle, I was searching for Kate.

Kate: The plan was a complete failure. I’m so sorry!

The door to the lounge was left slightly ajar. As I heard Kate’s voice through the gap, my feet came to a stop.

William: It wasn’t your fault. Letting that man slip away back then was my mistake.

I peered through the gap. I could see William seated on a chair, And then there was Kate, looking downcast that their plan had not worked. I knew that William had deliberately let the man who attacked Kate escape during his mission. But he would certainly not sit idly upon hearing that the man had gone after Kate.

(If I hadn’t killed that man while rescuing Kate back then…) (I’m certain an equally unfortunate end would have come to him regardless.)

Kate didn’t ask William how I killed the man, and I felt my mouth curving into a smile.

(Still not prying. Always so considerate.)

As I basked in that warm feeling, William raised his gaze.

William: Victor probably had another reason for dealing with that man, you know.

Kate: Did he?

His eyes met mine through the gap in the door. An amused smile settled on his face.

William: Who would be able to stomach having someone else lay a hand on what they consider theirs?

His grin was blatant provocation. I returned with a smile of my own, and…

Kate: Ah!

Victor: What are the two of you talking about?

Kate startled as I hugged her from behind.

William: We were just talking about you, about how our grand plan failed.

Victor: Regardless of whether things went according to your grand plan or not, knowing that the two of you wanted to celebrate my birthday makes it count as a success in my book!

And then, I looked to Kate, explaining my reason for looking for her in the first place.

Victor: But I was wondering if we could have a redo of my birthday.

Kate: A redo?

Her large eyes blinked rapidly, making her look like a startled little animal.

(Adorable…)

I met William’s gaze. After a moment, he suddenly chuckled and looked away.

William: I don’t have any interest in stealing people’s things, so feel free to do as you like.

Victor: I’ll kindly take you up on that.

Taking the stunned Kate’s hand in my own, I put on my best look. Just a little.

Victor: Kate, will you go on a date with me?

Kate: Ye– …Huh? Kate: A date!?

…

Kate still seemed bewildered as I led her to a recently-opened coffee shop.

Victor: Liam told me that Harrison recommended this cafe. Victor: Their cakes are delicious, apparently.

As Kate looked around the cutely-decorated shop, she smiled.

Kate: Thank you for bringing me here.

Victor: You’re very welcome. I’m glad I can see you look this excited, too.

(I knew this was the right choice.)

Kate still looked a little dejected, likely because she wasn’t able to properly celebrate my birthday yesterday. But I didn’t bring her here to lift her spirits. Kate looked puzzled as a cake with candles on it was brought out. I found myself smiling in response.

Victor: Maybe you might be thinking I chose this place to try and cheer you up. Victor: But I’m not kind enough for that.

(No, I’m not a kind person at all.)

Victor: I brought you here due to my own selfishness. Victor: Because I want you to celebrate my birthday again.

I had thought that just holding hands with her was enough.

(That as long as you were by my side, I would be satisfied.)

But somehow, without my notice, a desire I thought I had long-since lost had emerged once more. I wanted her to think of me. I wanted her all for myself.

Kate’s eyes curved into crescents as she beamed. Seeing how happy she looked, I made another request.

Victor: Will you sing ‘Happy Birthday’ for me?

Kate: Of course!

In high spirits, Kate jolted as she remembered something. She grasped my hand which was resting on the table.

Kate: Happy birthday, Victor. Kate: Let’s celebrate your birthday together again next year, and the year after that, and all the years after that, too.

She spoke so freely about the notion that our lives would still be woven together in the future. Unable to confirm her wish, I could only smile back at her. After Kate’s lovely singing and I had blown out the candles, perhaps she thought that this redone birthday would soon come to an end. However…

Victor: After this, we’ll head to Harrods and get you a dress.

This was only the start.

Kate: For me?

Victor: And after we pick out matching shoes and accessories for you, we’ll take a carriage to a restaurant just outside of town for dinner. Victor: And when we get back, let’s drink and chat in the lounge until midnight. Victor: You will celebrate my birthday with me, won’t you?

At my last request, Kate beamed. Her smile was like a blooming flower, and I couldn’t look away.

Kate: Of course I will!

(If someday, I find someone who will never let go of my hand…)

…Perhaps it would be her. At the gentle touch of her hand, I closed my eyes.

[weirdgenetic-fuckup]

Okay so…

Maybe like 90s era James, he’s being all sweet but also so rough with you and you’ve been married to him for awhile and he finally wants to get you pregnant?? And like in the end he puts a plug in to make sure none of his cum falls out?

Just a random mash of ideas 😭

Warnings: smut, breeding kink, if you think I missed anything let me know otherwise enjoy!

You always wanted kids, they were just so cute and squishy, and you knew James would be a great dad. However, between touring and Lars being Lars, he didn’t know if it was the right move, so you held off for a long time.

You didn’t have forever, James knew that, you knew it better than anyone. You talked about it more and more frequently, but Metallica was touring so it was all over the phone and often those calls would end with James snoring and you having to hang up.

Now, you were sitting in the living room, waiting for James to get back from the airport. You heard his keys in the door, his bags landing with a few thumps as he dropped them. You looked over the back of the couch to watch James as he staggered over to you, he looked tired but more than anything there was a darkness in his eyes that you recognized from your years together.

He fell back next to you, throwing an arm over your shoulder and pulling you to his side. He leaned his head back on the couch and let out a heavy sigh. “Tired?” You asked, already reaching over to undo his jeans. He didn’t stop you and just gave a small nod.

“I’ve been thinking a lot.” He mumbled, adjusting himself so you could palm him through his boxers after you got his zipper down. “I wouldn’t be a great dad, you know?” He said, making you pause.

You looked up at him, brows furrowed slightly. “What do you mean? You’d be a great dad, Jamie.” You moved to sit in his lap. You wrapped your arms around his neck and kissed his forehead. “What makes you say you wouldn’t?”

James shrugged, accepting your little affectionate touches. “My dad walked out, my mom died, I moved in with my brother and he was… a brother.” He explained. “I didn’t think I’d be a good dad.” You couldn’t hide your expressions. This is what was keeping you from your dream life? You had the perfect man, financial stability, a great backyard. To you, everything was perfect. “But,” he continued, smiling when he saw you perk up at the news, “some of the crew brought their kids along.”

You waited for him to say more, anything else to add to that cliffhanger. “You-you’d be a great dad, Jamie, you know that.” James' smile widened and his muscular arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer to him so he could litter kisses all over your face.

“They gave their kids to me whenever they needed someone to watch them.” He explained. “And… you know, I love you, you’re not getting any younger, though you look it.” You chuckled at his compliments, hiding your blushing face in his neck. “I’ve been away for quite awhile… how is it that we always celebrate tours?”

You didn’t need to respond. James lifted you up and carried you to your shared room, tossing you onto the bed and climbing on top of you, his lips locked on yours.

He tugged your pants down along with your panties, you always made sure to wear something nice underneath for James but you kept your comfies on over top since he was usually exhausted. You were pretty sure he was no better now, he just had more pressing matters to focus on.

His hands were cold as they slid under your shirt, pulling it over your head and tossing it to the ground. His own clothes followed shortly behind, his lips barely leaving yours.

His kisses trailed down your body, placing open mouth kisses just above your cunt. “James.” You purred, voice coming out all airy.

He moved back up your body so he was hovering over you, holding himself on his elbows planted on either side of your head. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, I can’t wait.” He mumbled, kissing along your neck while aligning his throbbing tip with your needy cunt.

He pushed into you in a single thrust, a low groan leaving him as he did. Your jaw dropped as he stretched you out, the familiar sting making your stomach twist. Of course he knew just the angle to drive you insane, he smiled down at you as he adjusted himself, listening for that little squeak you made when he hit it.

He stared down at your stomach, eyeing the bulge that formed. “You’re gonna look so beautiful, sweetheart.” He gleamed. “All swollen, pregnant…” His mind wandered to thoughts of you with his babies, one on your hip while the other hid behind your leg, maybe a third baby bump for the next.

His hips snapped up into yours, the start of an onslaught to your neglected cunt. James’s muscles tightened and relaxed, you watched in close detail as his body rocked into yours, making you bounce on the bed.

James let out a rough growl and leaned down, taking your tit in his mouth, lip encircling your nipple as he sucked and flicked the sensitive bun with the tip of his tongue, eyes on you the whole time and watching you fall apart so easily.

He cupped your other breast in his big hand, pinching and tweaking your nipple in his calloused fingers. Your back arched, you did your best to look at him but the pleasure he forced on you made it hard to not throw your head back.

“James!” You moaned. “James, m’so-m’so close!” He just stared at you, not changing anything about what he was doing to you, letting your high wash over you, the warmth that spread over your body, legs shaking on either side of him as he continued to rut ruthlessly into you.

A moan escaped him when you clenched around him. It had been too long since he felt you cumming on his cock, since he felt your gummy walls fluttering around him.

His high was quickly coming up on him, thrusts losing their rhythm as he mumbled something about babies. “Gonna fill you up so good, gonna-gonna get you all fat and-and- fuck!” With a few final thrusts he spilled himself into you, but he didn’t stop.

Your body was sensitive, cunt all puffy and used as his cock dragged against it, making you whine. “James- Jamie…” You looked up at him with pleading eyes and a pout.

James shook his head with a grunt. “M’not done yet.” He muttered, using his own cum as lube. “Not done until- till I’m sure…”

[megumiluvv]

“Oh, by the way, what are you getting your partner for Valentine’s Day?” Choso hears his coworker ask him.

Valentine’s Day. He had almost forgotten. What is he going to get you? Should he plan a date? He can’t, you’re Yuji’s babysitter. He doubts Gojo will let the boy stay the night during Valentine’s of all days. What is he supposed to do?

“Uh, I’ll show you next time I see you.” He quickly covers for his coworker.

“Hah, can’t wait, see you later.”

He can’t believe that the coworker bought that poor excuse. Now he just needs to come up with something. He’s scrolling through his phone when his phone dings. A message from Sukuna.

Of course! How could he forget that he has an uncle? Sukuna can handle watching Yuji for a night, right? As if he has plans anyways. He checks the text from the older male.

“Are you needing a babysitter for tonight or do you not have plans?”

“I was just about to text you.” Choso replies, though he obviously just got the idea. “Can you watch Yuji for the night?”

“I guess, you’re so inconvenient.”

“You messaged me first, uncle.”

He can imagine the scoff his uncle just let out.

“Fine, but if he cries and asks to FaceTime you, it’s not happening.”

“Fine by me, I’m hoping I’ll be too busy to answer anyways.”

“Enjoy your date, wear protection.”

“Don’t be inappropriate, uncle. And thank you.”

With that handled, he hurries home and packs a bag for Yuji. The pink-haired boy enters the apartment with a big grin and a bag full of candy. He had a Valentine’s party in class today.

“Choso, guess what?? Megumi gave me his special present! He said he only gave it to me!” Yuji shows off a small stuffed tiger.

“Aww, that’s sweet, did you have fun?”

“Yeah! Lots and lots of fun! And I have a lottt of candy!”

“I see that. I’ll make sure it’s safe. You’re going to uncle Sukuna’s house tonight.”

“Why?” Yuji tilts his head.

“Because I have plans for Valentine’s Day.”

“Okay!”

Yuji plays with his new stuffed animal and you step into their apartment. The boy’s eyes light up and he runs to you.

“Look look! See what Megumi gave me? He gave it to only me! It’s a tiger!”

“I see, I see, Yuji. It’s amazing.” You reply and ruffle the boy’s hair.

Choso smiles and watches you two interact. Your smile is always full of kindness, so full of affection… Yuji giggles and tries to fix his disheveled hair.

“I’m going to my uncle’s tonight!” Yuji grins.

“Oh? Why’s that?” You tilt your head to Choso.

“I was planning a date for us.” Choso explains.

“Aww, how sweet! I can’t wait to see what you’ve got planned.” You smile to the ravenette.

Sukuna picks up Yuji, and you go to your apartment to dress nicely. Now Choso has another dilemma. Every restaurant he would rather take you to is reservation only tonight. Talk about bad luck. He refuses to go somewhere less than five star, so he quickly sets up his table to look like it’s ready for fine dining.

When you re-enter Choso’s apartment, you smile a bit at the gesture. “Dining in tonight?”

“Sorry, it’s last minute. But I do have some meat ready to be cooked. Anything you want. We can even try making a cake again.” Choso rubs your hips with his thumbs, a little nervous for some reason.

“Hmm, let’s share a pasta. Like that dog movie Yuji watched.”

Choso grins and prepares the pasta while you make a cake. You decide to play some music so the kitchen isn’t silent. An hour later, everything is ready. You let Choso sit you at the table and he takes the seat opposite you. You both share a large plate of pasta and a slice of cake topped with strawberries.

“I think this is nicer than any other date I’ve had for valentines. Most guys just gave me flowers and chocolates and then took me to wherever they wanted for the date.” You think out loud.

“Yeah, this is much nicer than other dates. And we haven’t really had a date since that first one. Since I’ve been busy and Yuji hasn’t really been out of our hands.”

“I haven’t even realized that much time had passed. Feels like no time passes when I’m with you.” You smile.

Choso’s heart flutters. How can you continue to be so perfect, all the time? The two of you wash dishes and the music changes to a slow dance song. Choso dries his hands and offers one to you.

“May I have this dance?”

You grin and take his hand. “You may.”

His other hand meets your waist while yours rests on his shoulder. You keep eye contact as you both sway in the kitchen, soft music filling the moonlit room. The quiet click of heels on the tile matches the beat of the song.

“Thank you for tonight, Choso. You always manage to sweep me off my feet, no matter what you do. Cooking dinner with you and sharing it is more intimate than some restaurant, and I appreciate it more.” You smile as he pulls you closer.

“I should be thanking you for agreeing to everything last minute. I honestly forgot what today was until a coworker talked about it.” He huffs out of annoyance of himself.

“Things are worth waiting for if it’s you. Last minute or not, I’m glad to spend Valentine’s with you.”

“…you’re an angel after my heart.”

“Would you let me have it?” You giggle.

“Gladly.”

You both smile and share a kiss, lips pressing and molding each other’s as if they were made to connect. He carries you to his room, ready to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a different way with you.

Happy Valentine’s Day!! ᰔᩚ

Masterlist

Taglist (ask to join anytime): @samaraxmorgan @cherriee-ee @auor4 @chaotic-ish @meowsannie

@mediokerrv @mysteriaqueen @flooftoof @dazaisfavgf @theirlgarfield

@jasminelee324 @t-candy @luvdella

[organic-bloodbath]

Heyyy I was wondering if I could request a little smt smt from you

I’ve just found out that National Shower with a Friend Day is today (I think its an American idk) and I was wondering if we could pretend its an international day and write a story about Kang Dae-Ho discovering it and asking his friend (reader) to shower with him 👀👀👀

Friends to lovers vibes yk

No pressure if you dont want to do this lol

Shower confessions

Dae-ho x Reader

Summary: A moment in the shower together takes a turn in your friendship.

A/N: I'm European so i had never heard of that before lmao. But i had fun writing it and i hope you have fun reading it ♡

☆☆☆

You and Dae-ho had been friends for the past 5 years. You knew everything about him and he about you – he was your best friend in your entire life. You were closer to him than with any other friend of yours, some people already thought that the two of you were dating but your friendship had always been completely platonic. Dae-ho had never implied or made it seem that there was anything romantic going on between you – or maybe you were just totally oblivious.

At the moment, Dae-ho was hanging out at your apartment, like he did almost every day. You lived only across the street from each other, so it took only couple of minutes to walk to your place. Often he'd rather come visit you or you him instead of texting or talking on the phone when you could easily come inside.

For Dae-ho, your friendship had been just platonic as well, nothing romantic, even though you would hug a lot and cuddle during movies at home. He saw you as his best friend, though during your entire friendship, he hadn't been in a relationship with any other girl. Neither had you with any other guy.

For your other friends? Everyone knew that the two of you were just in denial of your real feelings towards each other.

You were in the kitchen, cutting cucumber into pieces on a chopping board for a salad you were preparing to eat with your lunch soon.

"Y/N?" Dae-ho said by the door, making you lay the knife down on the counter and turn around.

"Hm?"

Dae-ho was unsure if he should suggest it or not, not knowing what you would think about it. He knew you were really close, but where would you draw the line?

"You heard what day it is today?" Dae-ho asked.

"Um, Friday?"

"It's the Shower with a Friend Day," he informed you. "It's pretty self-explanatory."

"Oh, really? That's a thing?" You raised your eyebrows. "Huh, I wasn't aware of that."

"Any plans tonight?"

"Well, i did plan to have a movie marathon in the evening. Where you are more than welcome as well, obviously," you told him and then smirked, putting your hand on your hip. "What, you want to shower together?"

"Well, it is an official day for that," he shrugged, trying to act all nonchalant and like he didn't really care. He wanted to make it seem like it was your idea.

"Hmm," you hummed, amused. "Well, i'm going for a run so i do need to shower tonight," you thought outloud. "And you're joining the movie marathon with me, hm? It'd be upsetting to eat all the food alone."

☆☆☆

You and Dae-ho had seen each other without clothes before. Many times when you were wearing only your bra and underwear and once or twice without any piece of clothing. You weren't worried about Dae-ho seeing your body, you weren't self-conscious and he had already seen you, though it was a couple of years ago. It wasn't a big deal - right?

After your run, you stopped by a store before going back home. You had to buy more shampoo, you had squeezed the last bit of the previous bottle. While standing by the shelves full of different brands and scents of shampoo and conditioner, for a few seconds your mind somehow wandered to one question.

What scent would Dae-ho like?

You didn't know why the question popped in your mind. Surely he didn't care what kind of shampoo you used. Your shower wasn't very large, but two people were able to use it, though there wouldn't be much space left. He would be close enough to be able to smell your hair when you were washing it. You knew he disliked coconut, atleast, but so did you.

Ugh, he wouldn't care, so it was whatever. You still chose one you hadn't used before, just to try it out.

☆☆☆

When you stepped into the shower behind the plastic curtain, joining Dae-ho already standing there, Dae-ho's gaze wandered on your bare body, but he quickly looked away when you stood in front of him and looked towards him.

You were beautiful, all of you, there was no denying in that. Seeing you without clothes on did fluster him a little but this wasn't the first time. He could see the small tattoo of a frog on your left hip, which was covered by your jeans or sweater most of the time, unless you were wearing a crop top during summer.

You turned the water on, letting it hit your head and back, leaving Dae-ho almost dry.

"Oh, right. I suppose we'll have to take turns," he said, but you grabbed his elbow and pulled him closer to you so that you were both able to get wet.

"Nah, we'll both fit," you chuckled. There was only an inch between you, but Dae-ho soon moved a step away after a moment when he had become wet enough to start washing himself.

You turned the water off as you started putting the shampoo on your hair. It was the new one you had bought from the store.

He took a small step closer to you again and for a second you were confused why he was leaning towards you, but he only grabbed his bottle of shampoo behind you over your shoulder.

"Have you changed your shampoo?" Dae-ho asked when you had rubbed enough of it all around your hair, sniffing his nose above you.

"How did you know?" you asked, furrowing your eyebrows. You doubted he had put attention on your hair product collection.

"It smells different than usually," he stated.

"You've smelled my hair?"

"I mean, not on purpose obviously, that'd be weird. But i do smell it every time we hug," he explained. You were shorter than him, the top of your head reaching just below his nose.

"Oh, right," you chuckled.

"I like it though," he blurted out.

"Well, i'm glad you do," you smiled, not knowing what else to respond to that.

You washed your hair and were about to start adding the conditioner, taking the pink bottle in your hand.

But then, the bottle slipped off from your hand when you were trying to squeeze a little bit of the conditioner out. It landed on the tiles right by your feet. You both looked at it and knew that there was very little room to kneel down on the floor without hitting the other person.

You and Dae-ho's gazed met.

"So, i suppose i'll have to go down to get it," you mumbled.

"I guess," he said, his cheeks turning slightly pink. "I can get it too."

"No, i'll get it," you shook your head. "Um, could you turn around for a second?"

He did as told and you kneeled down to grab the bottle, then getting back up, allowing Dae-ho to turn around again. However, you hadn't realised that as the bottle fell on the floor, it had stayed open and a little of the conditioner was spilled on the floor, making the tiles slippery.

Accidentally, you stepped right on the exact spot and slipped backwards. Dae-ho managed to grab you before you'd either hit your head on the wall or fall completely on the floor on your butt.

His hand was around your waist, your back against his chest. Sure, you had hugged him countless of times, almost daily, but you had always had your clothes on. Sure, you had seen him naked before, but you had never touched his bare skin before, besides his arms.

You were frozen on your spot, as were Dae-ho as well. You were suddenly extremely aware of every inch of his skin, his hand resting right under your breasts.

"Um," you mumbled and stood back up again, Dae-ho helping you. "Thanks."

"No problem," he stuttered. As you looked at his face, his cheeks had turned burning red.

You continued rubbing conditioner into your hair in silence, until moved to grab the body gel.

"Yeah, sure," he said and took the bottle in his hands.

"Could you rub this on my back?" you suggested. "I can't really reach all of it with my hands. You know, having this little space left to really move my arms around now."

You turned your back towards him and moved your hair over your shoulder out of the way. Dae-ho laid his hand on your left shoulder, taking it slowly across your neck to your right shoulder. His movements were so slow his touch gave you goosebumps on every spot he touched, tingles radiating all around your back.

He slowly lowered his hand towards your lower back, making sure not to miss a single area. The lower his hands wandered, the faster your heart started to race. His left hand was on your hip, fingers touching the frog tattoo, when he had reached your lower back and then he pulled his right hand away. You felt disappointment rise in your chest, wanting to have him touch you again. His other hand still rested on your hip though.

"All done," he said quietly and feeling his hot breath against your shoulder made you more aware how close he really was to you at the moment.

You stretched your neck to look at him over your shoulder, not turning your body towards him. Both of you had frozen still on your own spots, your bodies automatically pulling each other closer like magnets.

Dae-ho's heart was beating so fast it was about to burst out of his chest. He was barely able to breathe and had to concentrate on his breathing more than usual to stay calm. Being this close to you, having no distance between your bodies anymore, was making him crazy - absolutely insane.

Dae-ho wanted to know what you were thinking. He also wondered what would happen when you'd step out of the shower. Right now you were in your own intimate world which felt like being separated from the reality. It was only a shower, but having you this close to him and having this feeling inside his chest and stomach made it feel much more than just a shower – it felt almost magical.

"Could you wash my back too?" he asked quietly, breaking the thick silence lingering between you.

Your eyes were locked with each other, neither of you saying a single word in a while, only drowning into each other's eyes.

"Yeah, of course."

He turned around like you had previously, and you were now facing his back, which was a lot larger than yours. You took his body wash and started rubbing it across his shoulders and back. When you first laid your hand on his shoulder, he flinched a little.

"All done," you whispered, your hand resting on his shoulder, unable to let go. It was like your hand was suddenly glued on his skin.

Dae-ho eventually turned around to face you again, but you still kept your hand on his shoulder.

Eventually you managed to get out of your trance and turned the water back on, letting it pour on your body.

"Come on," you said and motioned him to come closer. "Hop in."

He hesitated for a moment until came to stand under the water, having barely an inch between your chests again like in the beginning.  He was about to lift his hands to wash his hair, but you stopped him mid-way, putting your hand on his.

"May i?" you asked, lifting your hands to hover over both of his ears, trapping his head between your palms. He only gave you a small nod, giving you the permission to start brushing your fingers through his short hair, massaging his scalp as the water poured against his head.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. You weren't sure if you had ever examined his face this closely, seeing all the smallest details clearly. You had always thought he was handsome, one of the most good-looking men you knew.

When you were finished, Dae-ho opened his eyes and looked into your eyes. Your hands had slowly fallen on his cheeks.

"Is it too weird to kiss you right now?" he asked softly, for a moment not realising he had actually said those words outloud.

You swallowed the lump in your throat and took a shaky breath in, until you gathered all your courage and pulled his face closer. You pressed your lips softly on his, the water still hitting your heads.

He kissed you back immediately, resting his hands on your lower back. As your kiss deepened, and his tongue found its way inside your mouth, you wrapped your arms around his neck.

"Oh, wow," you breathed out when the kiss ended and bit your lip.

"Yeah," was the only thing he managed to mumble.

"Why do i think we should have done that sooner?"

"Because we should have," Dae-ho chuckled. "Why don't we get your hair washed and we can continue that somewhere... dryer?"

You chuckled and nodded. "Good idea."

He started brushing his fingers through your hair, rubbing your scalp which made you feel so good. You looked into his eyes the entire time, loving to see him look so concentrated.

Dae-ho turned off the water, and both of you stepped out of the shower.

Eventually, you had to pull away to breathe.

When you had dryed yourselves and dressed up, before Dae-ho was able to say anything, you crashed your lips on his again. Your hair was dripping water on the floor, creating a small puddle by your feet, but at the moment you didn't care. Your hands explored each other's bodies, not able to get enough of the other.

"Could i, maybe, i don't know - take you on a date this weekend?" Dae-ho asked, still nervous even though you had kissed him twice already. "A real date. Not a platonic one, you know. More than just as friends."

A smile spread on your face. "I'd like that."

He smiled widely as well.

"I hope it's somewhere dry though this time," you suggested.

"So, you're not up to go swimming?" he asked jokingly, raising his eyebrows.

"Well, i'd go anywhere with you, but for our first date i'd like to dress up a little," you said. "You know, atleast put a shirt on."

"I'll plan something," he smiled.

☆☆☆

[livixbobbiex]

Translating the Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney Fanbook! Article 1

So, I recently managed to buy one of the old fanbooks. This one is a compilation of magazine articles and blog posts written by Shu Takumi. It's also where a lot of the really iconic official promotional art pieces are from. I know that there are some translations out there of a few pages, but I don't think anyone has done the whole thing.

The pages are typically formatted with a written entry from Shu Takumi, followed by a dialogue between various characters. I will be posting the character dialogue first (even if not on the image page) as it's probably the most interesting. You can also access the full raw text and images here.

Dialogue on artwork

Phoenix: If you’re just hanging around, go home. 

Edgeworth: Hm, I’m thirsty. 

Phoenix: This isn’t a cafe. Maya, don’t serve him tea. 

Maya: Nick’s stinginess…

Dialogue page

In Wright and Co Law Offices: On the theme of ‘Summer’ 

We asked Mr Takumi about how things are going in the Wright and Co Law Offices recently! Are Phoenix and Maya still the same as ever…!?

Maya: Everyone, it’s been a while! I’m Maya Fey. 

Phoenix: Hello. I’m Phoenix Wright. 

Maya: We did it, Nick! We’re  finally making our magazine debut!  

Phoenix: We’ve got to get into the spirit of things here, don’t we. 

Maya: That’s right! Let’s get going! 

Phoenix: Should we start without delay? The theme is ‘Summer’. 

Maya: Summer, huh? Summer is… hot, isn’t it? Every day. 

Phoenix: You’re so normal all of a sudden. 

Maya: If you’re Japanese, it’s surely time for somen noodles and barley tea. 

Phoenix: They’re nice and refreshing. 

Maya: I made the mistake of dipping the noodles in barley tea and I was like ‘it’s flavourless!’. 

Phoenix: What's with that iffy failure story? 

Maya: Hey, hey. I wonder if Detective Gumshoe is also slurping up somen noodles today. 

Phoenix: I don’t think the season matters, in his case. 

Maya: The image of Detective Gumshoe and somen noodles has become completely stuck. 

Phoenix: That’s true for you too, Maya. With miso ramen, huh? 

Maya: I’m going for it this year. “Best Miso Ramenist.” 

Phoenix: A good idea? 

Maya: In any case, in the summer, light types of noodles are the best! 

Phoenix: …Speaking of which, what does Pearls like? In terms of noodle types. 

Maya: Ah, Pearl. She really loves soba. 

Phoenix: Oh. Good choice. Feels a lot like summer in Japan. 

Maya: Right, right. By the way, how about Prosecutor Edgeworth? 

Phoenix: Knowing him, he’d probably say something like spaghetti. 

Maya: Eh! That’s so normal. How boring. 

Phoenix: No, no. I don’t actually know much. It’s just my own image of him. 

Maya: In any case I would have thought that he’d like ‘kishimen noodles’ or something. 

Phoenix: Kishimen noodles…? 

Maya: Here. The flat noodle sticking out of his mouth would suit the frills he wears. 

Phoenix: ……I’ll recommend them to him next time. 

Maya: Well, well. What about you, Nick?

Phoenix: Me? What type of noodle do I like…

[TL note: this is hilarious because of the way everything is written. The line could literally read as ‘what kind of men do I like?’ and I’m not sure if intended].

Maya: You have one, don’t you?

Phoenix: I guess. Maybe vermicelli noodles. 

Maya: …What’s that? 

Phoenix: Ah. You don’t know?

Maya: I’ve never heard of it.

Phoenix: Baked vermicelli are delicious. The feeling of them sticking down my throat is indescribable. 

Maya: ‘Vermicelli’ doesn’t sound like the name of a noodle in the first place… 

Phoenix: It doesn’t matter, really. I like them. 

Maya: You know what? The image is important. The should call it something safe like “squid yakisoba”. 

Phoenix: …Why are you putting squid in it? 

Maya: If you attach it to an awkward image, you’ll have trouble like I did. 

Phoenix: Eh? But, you like it, don’t you? Miso ramen.

Maya: I like it a lot. This time of year too, I really want to eat chilled ramen. 

Phoenix: But you can still eat it. 

Maya: But, but. Won't everyone expect that of me? 

Phoenix: Expect it…? 

Maya: Like, “look over there. There’s Maya, with the same miso ramen as always.” 

Phoenix: …Haa. 

Maya: So then you’re slurping down ramen as a last resort. It’s really hot. 

Phoenix: That’s being excessively self conscious, Maya.

Shu Takumi article

Ace Attorney and Summer 

Takumi Shu (??): The director and screenwriter of ‘Ace Attorney’. Rumour has it he’s fueled by alcohol.

Nice to meet you. I’m Takumi Shu from the Ace Attorney team. I have responsibility for the planning, directing, and screenwriting for the three works in the series. On this occasion, I’m pleased I was able to greet everyone in this Dorimaga magazine. I hope that you will enjoy reading. 

Now, onto the theme of ‘Ace Attorney and Summer’. Thinking of summer… every year, it’s the busiest season. 

First… frantically writing proposals. 

Second… frantically scripting. 

Third… frantically making final adjustments. 

…These are my fundamental memories of summer. 

The series releases in October, which means that during this period each year, it’s our last scramble. By the way, the third game was released in January…. This is because that last scramble dragged on. 

In ‘Ace Attorney’, there’s actually only one story set in summer. ‘The First Turnabout' begins on the third of August. The details… aren’t particularly summery at all. There’s probably no themes like “the sea” or “bon festivals”.

It seems like we’re not very well versed with summer. I wonder why. Perhaps it’s because I have no air conditioner in my room, so I spend every day in a red-hot hell, cursing the world. If you fail to buy seasonal goods like that once, it’s hard to find the right time to get them. 

That’s about it for this volume. I would like a change from the feel official website column, at to make here more relaxed… or, rather, I think freer. Everyone, if you have any requests or questions, please send them to me here! 

Godot box 

Prosecutor Godot compilation: Showcase of various cut content. 

Here we showcase various cut content. First is Prosecutor Godot. Here are some rejected phrases extracted from my ‘punny lines notebook’, which I prepared when writing his hard-boiled lines. I hope you’ll read them out loud as you imagine the situation. (Takumi) 

….Trite. You look like… a begging monk too naive to steal a kiss from the courtroom goddess. 

A man’s worth is determined by the smile he shows in his last moments. …Look. The coffee… smiles bitterly… 

[cherryblossompink303]

Patience *Bonus Chapter*: ~degrees of seperation~

➼ pairing: Kyoya Ootori x Reader ➼ summary: Oceans apart can be very far away, and Kyoya never expected how far it would actually feel ➼ what to expect:  "If i didn't know better Kyoya Ootori I would think that you miss me" ➼ warnings: n/a

A/n: when someone comments that the next chapter will be y/n and Kyoya being masterminds and I already had this chapter written T-T

You had to admit that the flutter that you felt in your chest when you heard the familiar jingle of the video call on your computer. The summer is going incredibly since you left Japan for an internship in Italy, you found yourself counting down the hours for Kyoya to call.

"Hello?" it is already dark for Kyoya when you answer, a symptom of the time difference. "Hi" you smile, still unpacking your bag as you had only just got in from work that day. "How did talking with that competator of your father go?"

Kyoya takes a sharp inhale at the mention of the meeting "As well as we could hope. I've sworn them to secracy even if they do not accept our offer" you nod "Good, I'm sure they will, they've been looking for a way to get back at the ootori group for years" Kyoya laughs through a hum "Very true"

"How was work?"

"Alright, in full honesty if they were paying me I probably could have fixed half their issues by now, but I also don't want to work for them long term so what would be the point?" Kyoya smirks "Sounds about right"

A comfortable silence overcomes the two of you as you both basque in your combined success. "Are you being well looked after?" you roll your eyes "Yes, you know that I am" Kyoya had insisted in you staying in one of his families properties while you were in Italy.

"Do you have enough money?" you laugh "I don't think money has ever been an issue" it is kyoya's turn to roll his eyes. "I am just making sure, the less you have to rely on your parents money the better”

You huff “yes Kyoya I am fine”

“Good.”

You shake your head at kyoyas expression “what’s got you so worried?”

“Your father called today.”

Oh.

You try to seem unbothered, looking away “oh really?” Kyoya hummed, leaning back in his seat “he’s wondering why you haven’t gone home”

You raise an eyebrow “and he called you?”

“He thinks I’ve kidnapped you” you laugh at the reply “in a way he’s not fully wrong” Kyoya scoffed “like you didn’t leap to stay at the villa instead of with your nonna”

“What did you say?”

“That you are extremely busy with work placements”

“Good”

Kyoya cleared his throat “he also mentioned something else”

“Hmm?”

“Now that we’re going into third year…he said that the l/n and ootori group are going to release a joint statement confirming our engagement by the end of the year”

“What?”

This was a strange move, even for your fathers of all people.

“I would have thought that they would have waited until we graduated to announce….why move it up?”

Kyoya hums in agreement “something must have prompted them”

You wrack your brain for any idea on what would trigger them to hasten the arrangement. “Well if my father is the one that is moving it up…possibly he is sensing that your father is getting cold feet?”

He raises an eyebrow “I mean possibly but I don’t know where he would get that idea, I must admit I haven’t really spoken to my father on the matter”

It is only now that is hits you exactly what you had just been told. “Wait Kyoya, if the engagement is announced what about the host club-“

“I’ll handle that, don’t worry”

You sigh, leaning back, shaking your head “I mean…I guess if it’s moved up then it’s still happening…that’s good right?”

“I suppose, it does mean that you won’t be with them for as long after we graduate” Kyoya sighed, taking out his notebook and scribbling something down that you can't see onscreen.

You keep forgetting somehow that this engagement is actually going to end in marriage despite that being the entire point. It makes you wonder actually what life being married to Kyoya would even look like.

You always used to picture it as being cold, that the two of you would just live in the same house and for the most part mind your own business. But that was before you actually started talking to each other now you have no idea.

"How are the host club?" Kyoya groans, leaning back in his seat "As infuriating as ever, they're even harder to handle without you here to keep them in check"

You laugh "It is still the summer I am sure that they haven't been that bad" you shake your head, taking a sip of your coffee. "Tamaki's delusions ae unfortunately not seasonal i'm afraid"

"I can imagine"

"That does remind me however, our said great leader has asked for your proposed events calendar for the next semester" You have to restrain yourself from laughing midsip at kyoya's newfound nickname.

"Ok, I'll have to get started on it then, I've been a bit busy planning corperate sabotage to work on it"

"It will work out, I am sure of it"

You pause. "There is...still one more thing that we still don't know"

"Hm?"

"What exactly my father is covering up for the ootori group"

Kyoya sighs "yeah, I've been trying to look into that, the problem is trying to investigate within the ootori group without exposing our plans"

you hum in agreement "true, it is just concerning that if the group is so desperate to cover something up that your father would arrange a marriage with the head of a media empire for his daughter then it is serious, the ootori group is in medical..."

"I dread to think aswell"

Things were just going to get messy this next year, you just knew it.

"When....are you returning to Japan?"

You're head shoots up at the question, surely he already knows, a detail like that does not slip under Kyoya's radar.

"I...my placement ends on the nineteenth, you know that"

"I know...I just...thought I have may have gotten my dates wrong"

"Why would you think that? your notes as meticulous I know that much"

"I know it's just, it feels like you've been gone for a long time so..."

You raise an eyebrow "If i didn't know better Kyoya Ootori I would think that you miss me"

"More like I need someone else to deal with tamaki and the twins" You roll your eyes "You love them don't be so mean"

"If you say so"

You roll your eyes "Okay well if they are that unbearable it will be one more week until I am returning to Japan, and then your torment will be over don't worry"

Kyoya lets out a small chuckle "Good"

"Goodnight Kyoya"

"Goodnight y/n"

The room all of a sudden feels all too quiet as the call ends. One more week.

Next time on patience 'Kyoya's reluctant day out!'

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