#I’ve forgotten to name of the shrimp

[candycryptids]

Felt bad abt stuff I’m not abt to talk about lol but then it reminded me of something that just made me equal parts anxious insulted and angry and it’s now impossible to sleep.

[sommerbueckers]

HI BABY OKAY SO I HAVE A LITTLE ONE SHOT IDEA⁉️⁉️

so basically reader and paige know each other but aren’t exactly close just flirted a few times wtv wtv. so reader goes to a game and she’s wearing the other teams jersey😋😋 after the game paige sees her, they hang out have a few drinks and hookup.. and paige is like “take this shit off” then pulls the other teams jersey off reader

ALSO CAN I BE 🤍 ANON??

yes ofc you can !!

𝐚/𝐧: okay i literally love this idea , and congrats on being my first anon love !

𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞

➪ 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭

THREE DAYS AGO you had been sitting quietly in your apartment, the tv displaying an episode of Gilmore Girls that you, if prompted, could recite word for word. Leftover Chinese food sat cold upon the coffee table, your roommate occasionally returning to her forgotten bowl of beef broccoli.

“What’re you doing this weekend?” her voice abruptly cut through the silence, drowning out the show which could hardly be heard to begin with.

You leaned your elbow against the arm of the couch, shrugging your shoulders. “Probably nothing.”

“Per usual,” she snorted, amused. After reaching to pause the tv, she pulled her legs up under her and twisted around to face you. Her face held a look of mischief and you typically tried to steer away from any kind of conversation with her at this point, but there was nowhere for you to go. “Do you wanna take a little road trip?” she raised her eyebrows, hopefully.

“A road trip?” you repeated, your tone laced with confusion. “It’s the middle of February and you wanna take a road trip?”

Excitedly nodding her head, she scooted closer to you. “You know how i’ve been talking to Noa a lot lately?” She hadn’t even given you a chance to respond before she continued on. “Well her school plays UConn on Friday night and she said she could get me courtside tickets! How sick is that?!”

Courtside tickets to any game would be exciting, but courtside tickets to see UConn Paige play was an entirely different level of excitement.

You had met the basketball star at a penthouse party last summer. It was being hosted by some trust fund NYU student whose parents were out of town. It was said to be ‘select invite only,’ the hierarchy groups of the social food chain would be there along with whoever else they wanted to bring. You originally weren’t supposed to go, but after finding out your name was on the invite list, you and a few friends couldn’t think of any better way to spend the night.

Paige had been wearing a white crop top and a pair of jorts, and she looked far too good not to entertain for the night. All night you two had mingled and flirted, dancing together and taking shot after shot. Nothing came out of it other than another follower on Instagram, but you were just happy to have made the night a good one.

“Yeah, that’s pretty cool,” you admitted quietly. You leaned forward to grab the box of shrimp fried rice, aimlessly picking at it with your fork in an attempt to hide your clear interest in the conversation.

“Pretty cool?” your roommate gaped, “it’s fucking awesome! I finally get to meet her and you get to see Paige play in person.” She was practically bouncing off the walls at this point, her cheeks red from how hard she was smiling. She was biting her lip, no doubt to keep from squealing.

You sucked your teeth unconvincingly, your mind scattered as it tried to provide you with a quick response. “Why would I wanna see Paige?” you frowned, avoiding her eyes.

“Aren’t you guys friends?”

“Why would you think that?”

“Well you follow each other on Insta, and you’re always watching her games,” she shrugged innocently, thankfully not picking up on the way your eyes refused to meet hers or the blush that had unknowingly crept onto your face.

“Oh,” you mumbled, “well we aren’t.”

Unfortunately, it was the truth. You and Paige hadn't interacted with each other since the party and you chalked the night up to the two of you just having some drunken fun.

"Oh, so, do you wanna come down or no?"

You weighed your options, though the answer was clear. Stay in your apartment with nothing to do other than binge watch shows by yourself or join your roommate on a trip down to good ol' Storrs, Connecticut. You sighed and leaned back against the couch, crossing your arms.

"When do we leave?"

⋆｡˚ ☁︎ ˚｡⋆｡

That was how you ended up sitting courtside at a UConn versus Creighton game, a white and blue jersey over your sweatshirt, the number seven displayed on the front. Your roommate had insisted that you both wear Noa’s jersey, that way she felt ‘double the support.’ You didn’t mind despite the fact that you couldn’t name a single player on the team.

The game ended with UConn sweeping Creighton, you had tuned out sometime during the third quarter after accepting the fact that the blue jays wouldn’t be able to come back. You hadn’t even noticed the game was over until the blonde beside you stood up with a groan, throwing her hands in the air.

“That’s it? It’s over just like that?” she turned to you with wide eyes.

You shrugged your shoulders, “Guess so.”

She was beyond upset, you would’ve thought she had been the one on the court. She went on a tangent after the teams disappeared into the locker room, expressing her opinion on why the game should be longer and what Creighton should’ve done. She had no idea what she was talking about, and you knew that, but still listened nonetheless.

“Are we getting something to eat?” you asked when you were sure she was done talking.

“Yeah,” she sighed out, “not sure what Noa wants to do but we can figure it out when she gets out here.”

“Okay, ‘m gonna use the bathroom real quick.” You stood from your seat, brushing off your jersey and heading toward the bathrooms.

Never before had you been to Gampel Pavilion, and curiosity got the best of you as you disregarded the large ‘Restrooms’ sign for a more enticing place. You ambled down one of the corridors, looking at all the pictures and awards that were up on the walls. Pictures of alumni in all the different uniforms through the decades, different championship trophies and plaques.

Your eyes stopped on one picture in particular; it was from the 80s and the men had bright smiles on their faces as they held up a large trophy. Their shorts were incredibly short, and you laughed to yourself as you wondered how they’d ever played in them. Before you could bring your attention away on your own accord, a familiar voice did it for you.

“You’re not supposed to be back here.”

There stood Paige Bueckers in all her six foot glory, her eyebrows knitted together as she stared at you. For having just played a game, she looked amazing. Her hair was still pulled up in its usual braid and ponytail but it was now partially covered with a gray beanie, she had put on a jacket and sweats over her uniform and looked about ready to slip out without being seen. That’s probably what she was doing.

“Oh sorry, I—I didn’t know,” you shook your head, embarrassed.

“Nah it’s cool, usually it doesn’t matter but they’re tryna clear the place out now,” she explained with a shrug, a keychain jingling from the movement of her bag on her back.

You nodded your head, silently walking past her to make your way back to the gym.

“Wait,” she called out.

You whipped your head around quicker than you should’ve, your face holding a look of innocence as you waited, no, hoped for her to say what you thought she was going to say.

“Don’t I know you?”

‘Yeah, we met last summer,’ was what you would’ve said had you been able to think straight. Instead, you stared at her dumbly until she finally spoke again.

“I think I do, we met at that one kid’s party last year,” she said. Was she trying to remind you? Like anyone would forget meeting Paige Bueckers at a party.

“Yeah, yeah I remember,” you nodded. You rubbed your forehead with a breathless laugh, thinking of what to say next. “That night was pretty blurry to be honest…”

That’s all you could come up with?

It wasn't even the truth either. You remembered everything from that night; every look, every touch.

“No yeah I get what you mean,” she laughed, “don’t even remember how I got home.”

You nodded your head to feign agreement because you knew exactly how you had gotten home.

“Creighton fan, huh?” Paige asked, gesturing to your jersey.

You glanced down, pulling the material away so you could examine it yourself. “No uh, my friend’s girlfriend or — whatever is on the team and we just came down to support her.”

“Ah, so I take it you’re not a UConn fan either?”

You laughed, “I’ve watched a couple games.”

Another lie -- you've watched every game.

“I’ll take it,” Paige smiled. “It was good seeing you again,” she said, beginning to back up. Had you not been so captured by the shade of blue that her eyes held, you would’ve missed the way they'd scanned your body. Running up and down your legs, gently biting her lip. Her eyes once again met yours and she flashed you that signature smirk before she turned around and headed out.

⋆｡˚ ☁︎ ˚｡⋆｡

"This place is fucking packed," Noa commented, surveying the bar with narrowed eyes.

"Yeah, i'm gonna go see if I can get us a table."

Your roommate left your side and approached the hostess podium, you and Noa now being alone near the door. She awkwardly rocked back and forth on her feet, hands resting comfortably in her pockets. "Y'all came down here together?" she asked suddenly.

"Yeah, got here a little bit before the game actually," you smiled.

Noa hummed, "Hope you aren't driving back tomorrow," she said with a small laugh.

"What do you mean?"

"The couch at the apartment isn't the most comfortable," she sighed, scratching the back of her neck, "so I was just saying you'd probably be better off making blondie drive."

As if on cue, said blondie motioned for the two of you to follow her. "The wait was like forty-five minutes but the bar has the full menu," she said and gestured to three open seats right beside each other. You all gladly took them, sighing as you finally put your feet to rest.

The bartender came around and took your orders and the three of you finally settled in. Conversation came easy, you and Noa bonded over all things basketball. You discussed the calls that were made during the game, how a lot of them were made in favor of UConn because it was their home gym and all. While it hadn't been a complete lie, UConn would've won even without those calls.

You sipped casually on your martini, letting your two friends fall into their own conversation while you busied yourself elsewhere. Your gaze moved from table to table, scouting out someone who could turn your night around from the eventful one it had been. Once again, as though the man above had been listening solely to you, Paige and her teammates waltzed right in.

She had changed out of her basketball uniform, now dressed in a pair of cargos with a long sleeve and a vest.

Instinctively, you straightened up in your chair. They'd seated themselves on the other end of the bar, Paige sitting perfectly in your line of view. You felt like a creep the way you were watching her, but you couldn't help it. There had been a point in time where Paige had been focused on you. Her hands roaming your body as you danced together, her eyes locked on yours only, determined to make you laugh. You smiled unconsciously at the memory of that night, wishing over and over that you could relive it.

When you looked up again Paige was gone, missing from the rest of her group.

"If I didn't know any better, i'd think you were following me," her voice came from close behind you, and you found her standing there with an untouched drink in her hand.

"Well if I remember correctly, I was here first," you smiled, tilting your head. You were hoping you looked cute doing it and not dopey like you had pictured yourself. "So who's really doing the following?"

Paige chuckled, "You got me there." She moved to take the seat beside you, glancing around for a sign that someone was already sitting there. When she didn't find one, she proceeded to get comfortable. You watched contently, sipping your drink with crossed legs and waiting for her to settle. "That's the girlfriend?"

You nodded your head without looking behind you.

"Whatchu got?" you pointed at her glass.

"Dirty Shirley."

"Ah, your favorite."

Paige pursed her lips, a smile threatening to break through. "How'd you know that?" she asked.

"It was all you drank that night," you reminded her.

"Hm," she smirked, "thought you said you didn't remember much."

'Fuck,' you thought to yourself.

"I remember bits and pieces," you shrugged, distracting yourself with your drink.

The blonde playfully narrowed her eyes. She remembered everything from that night, she had only pretended not to because she felt embarrassed that she remembered everything and you didn't. She had visited your Instagram multiple times in the weeks following that, cursing herself for not having the courage to ask you out or do anything other than pointlessly flirt with you.

But here she was, being presented with the opportunity to turn things around, and she planned to take advantage of it.

"So tell me, what else do you remember?"

⋆｡˚ ☁︎ ˚｡⋆｡

Two martinis and four rounds of shots later, you and Paige found yourselves in an intense game of pool. She was currently beating you, her only objection to sink the eight ball in while you still had a few balls left to knock in.

You leaned over with focused eyes, carefully lining up the stick with the ball. You could feel Paige's presence beside you, her breath hot on your ear as she spoke. "She's crumbling," the blonde teased. She sensed your stress and she was feeding off it, a thrilled expression upon her face. "Will she sink it? Or will she fumble?"

You pulled the stick back, and with a swift movement, jolted it forward. The ball flew quickly across the table, ricocheting off the side and rolling back toward the middle.

"Oh! She shoots, she misses!" Paige commentated enthusiastically, the alcohol running through her system and giving her a buzz. She pointed her finger annoyingly in your face as she backed away, getting closer and closer to her position behind the eight ball. She mimicked the stance you had done; leaning over the table and zeroing in on the ball.

A beat of silence passed and Paige still hadn't moved, her eyes slowly moved upwards to meet yours. A smile broke out onto her lips, she stood up and twirled the stick around in her hands. "How about we make this a little more interesting," she suggested lowly.

"Interesting how?" you snorted, leaning against the table.

She stepped closer to you, towering over you with a gaze that had you practically foaming at the mouth. If Paige wanted to take you on the pool table right at that moment, you would've let her. Of course, that was just the alcohol talking, and there was quite a lot of it.

"I need one shot to win, and I want a reward when I do."

"A reward, huh?" I raised my eyebrows, noticing her step closer, "What kind of reward do you want?"

"I can think of a few things..." she murmured. Paige was trying hard to be seductive right now, and she couldn't tell if it was working or not. She had already failed to hookup with you once last year at the party, and she'd be damned if she failed again.

"Like what?" you took a step closer, batting your eyelashes at her. You were teasing her and she knew it. The alcohol coursing through your system was giving you a confidence boost like no other, and you couldn't think of a better way to make use of it other than flirting with Paige.

"Well for starters," she sighed, pulling gently on the Creighton jersey that you had yet to change out of, "I don't wanna see this anymore tonight."

"Oh yeah?" you quirked a brow at her.

"Yeah, and when I win, i'm gonna take it off you," she said confidently.

You could feel yourself sweating beneath your clothes, the pool stick in your hand suddenly becoming difficult to grip. You cleared your throat when she finally stepped back, a knowing smile tugging at her lips as she repositioned herself on the other side of the table and focused on the ball. With a quick and calculated shot, the ball swiped cleanly across the table before falling into the desired slot.

The noise from the bar seemed to fade away as the realization of Paige's victory sunk in. People drunkenly moved around; dancing, singing, cheering at whatever was playing on tv, but none of that mattered to you anymore. You were unable to focus on anything other than Paige's blue eyes staring into yours, the color seemingly darker than it was just moments ago.

You rolled your eyes and set the stick down on the table, reaching for the hem of the jersey to take it off. Paige's hands quickly found your wrists, her face contorted in utter confusion. "What're you doing?" she asked.

You were playing with her.

"Taking the jersey off, isn't that what you wanted?" you frowned innocently.

Paige scoffed, "Don't test me. Let's go back to mine, you can take it off there."

You both bid your goodbyes to your friends, your roommate tossed you a questioning look that you dismissed with the wave of your hand. You waited impatiently outside for an Uber, Paige holding you close in attempt to shield you from the cold. Her eyes were fixed on your lips, the very ones that were trembling, begging to be warmed up by hers. From the moment she had seen you in the hallway she immediately recognized you, she'd recognize that ass anywhere. She had planned to send you a message tomorrow, running into you tonight had been unexpected but not unwelcome. It just gave her less time to think of what to say.

The car ride back to Paige's house left the two of you bright eyed and rosy cheeked; the radio was switched off and the driver spelled like he had just played in a basketball game and didn't bother to shower afterward. The backseat windows appeared to have a child lock on them, preventing either of you from breathing in fresh air. Between the buzz from all the drinking and toxicity of the car's air, you and Paige couldn't stop yourselves from laughing the whole way there. Her hands didn't leave your legs, but in the midst of all the welcomed chaos you hadn't even noticed.

You rolled out of the car, basking in the cold air with open arms. Paige trailed closely behind you, her hand on the small of your back as the two of you made your way up to her apartment. The second the elevators doors shut and you two were alone, your lips met hers in a searing kiss. She tasted sweet, like Dirty Shirleys and peach CÎROC shots. With your hands tangled in her hair, you pulled her closer, wanting needing to taste more of her.

Her tight grip on your hips, fingertips pressing into you, sent shivers throughout your body. She backed you into the wall, her tongue exploring every inch of your mouth while you lowered your guard and let her. So caught up in the taste of you, she almost missed the elevator opening up to her floor. Hardly even breaking the kiss, you two made your way out. Paige knew exactly where to go and you were blindly being led by her, stumbling over your own feet.

Paige fumbled around in her pocket for her keys, roughly jamming them into the lock and pushing the door open. The apartment was dark with the exception of a few city lights pouring in through the windows. Standing in place for a couple seconds longer, you felt the kiss slow down before Paige stopped it completely.

"Fuck," she spoke breathlessly, running a hand through her hair. She reluctantly backed away from you, turning on the lights. With the apartment's kitchen now being fully lit, you could see into the living room as well. The place was beautifully furnished, with little fake plants placed around on the shelves and pictures of Paige and her friends framed up on the walls. Her couch looked far more comfortable than the couch Noa had described earlier and you were dreading having to return to it later tonight.

Paige appeared in front of you, her hands coming up to cup your face. "I want you to go into my bedroom, turn the light on, and then sit down on the bed and wait for me," she instructed lowly. You nodded silently, backing up in the direction of the bedroom while giving Paige the sexiest smile you could muster. In reality, you were absolutely panicking.

Once you got to the bedroom, you switched on the lamp that rested on the bedside table and seated yourself on the edge of the bed. You were unsure of how to sit, or maybe you should try lying down? You decided on taking your shoes and socks off first, neatly dropping them on the side of the bed. You didn't have time to further your thoughts on how to sit because just as you had finished putting your things aside, Paige entered the bedroom and shut the door behind her. She was carrying a bottle of water that she set down on the nightstand, laughing when she noticed you awkwardly staring.

"You look uncomfortable."

"I'm not, just waiting for you," you replied, hoping the shakiness in your voice didn't betray you.

Paige walked over and stood before you, enticingly biting her lip. She leaned down at the same time that you leaned back, a seductive game of cat and mouse as she crawled forward whilst you crawled backward. Your smiles grew when your back hit the headboard and you realized you had nowhere else to go.

"You've been staring at me all night with those eyes," she murmured, and you felt her breath on your lips.

"What eyes?"

Paige rubbed her own nose against yours before she reconnected your lips. She pushed your legs apart with her hands, running them up and down the smooth material of your leggings. You let out a soft moan into her mouth when her knee came in contact with your heated center, bucking your hips in order to feel more of her.

Paige took it upon herself to quicken the pace, instinctively grinding into you. Her lips eventually left yours, trailing down your neck and leaving wet pecks all over. Her teeth bit softly into your skin, marking you as hers. You pressed her further into you, hands snaking under her shirt and roaming all over her back. Her attack on your flesh was violent, the pain pulling a pathetic whimper out of you.

"Fuck, do that again," Paige mumbled against your skin, repeating her actions a little rougher this time to gain a bigger reaction from you.

"Ah, Paige!" you slammed your hand against her shoulder, screwing your eyes shut.

She yanked harshly at the jersey still clinging to your body, "Take this shit off," she spat out. She pushed you down into the mattress, ripping the garment from your body and discarding it somewhere in the room. Your sweatshirt came off next, leaving you clad in only a bra and your leggings. Paige pulled her own shirt over her head, her necklace dangling over your face. You used it to pull her back down into you, hungry for a taste of her again.

Her fingertips crept underneath you and she hooked them onto your bra strap, skillfully unlatching it and pulling it off you. Dilated pupils gazed down at your exposed breasts, her hands hastily coming up to touch them like a child in a toy store. She kneaded, sucked, licked, kissed, her attention focused solely on your hardened nipples, leaving your neglected pussy uncontrollably dripping.

"Paige," you whined desperately, your back arching so far off the bed that Paige's hands forced you back down.

"Hm?" she hummed inattentively.

"I need you..."

A loud popping sound came from Paige letting go of your nipple, holding your stare as she lowered her body closer to where you needed her most. Just as she had hooked her fingers on your bra strap, she hooked them on the waistband of your leggings and slowly pulled them down.

Your panties were downright soaked, earning a mocking laugh from the blonde.

"So wet for me mama," she purred, a smirk on her face.

She took her thumb and ran it straight down your clothed slit. You sucked in a sharp breath, hands already grabbing at the sheets on the bed. To Paige, you looked like an angel lying there, like a good girl with those pleading eyes as you waited to be fucked senseless. Finally, Paige removed your panties and tossed them aside with the rest of your clothes.

She shamelessly played around in your slick, soaking each and every one of her fingers in it.

"Tell me you want it."

"I want it Paige," you breathed out.

Paige's face appeared overtop of you, her jaw clenched tightly in disapproval, "Beg."

You were so turned on you didn't even protest, instead just propped yourself up on your elbows to be closer to her. Her fingers danced around in teasingly slow circles on your clit, a knot gradually forming in your stomach. "Please I want you to fuck me, please baby I need it so bad. Want your fingers inside me," you exhorted pathetically.

Without wasting another second, the blonde inserted two lengthy fingers inside of you. It was like looking into a mirror the way Paige's face copied yours; when you bit your lip, she bit hers, when your mouth involuntarily gaped open, so did hers. She was taunting you, forcing you to see how undone you were becoming. Tightly gripping her bicep, you dug your nails into the large muscle.

Her fingers pumped in and out of you, thumb doing work on your clit to bring you closer to the edge. The squelching noise that filled the room sent heat to your cheeks, and if it wasn't that then it was the look Paige was giving you as she fucked you. She was proud of the mess you were becoming, the mess she was making you. She kissed your lips over and over again even though you couldn't kiss back.

Your head was spinning with thoughts of Paige, the feeling of Paige inside you. Your toes curled involuntarily, noises you had never heard yourself make before echoed off the walls of the room.

"Yes yes yes, i'm close," you cried out, "fuck just like that!"

Paige hurriedly kissed her way back down to your pussy, replacing her thumb with her tongue. She mercilessly sucked you like a starved woman enjoying her first meal, or a guilty one enjoying her last. Her tongue moved nimbly against you, fingers fucking in and out of you and feeling the tightness as you clenched around her.

"You gonna come for me, huh?"

"Uh huh," you fervently nodded.

"Hmm," she hummed into you, the vibrations nearly sending you over the edge, "let me hear you say it. I want to hear you say it."

"Yes! I'm gonna come for you..."

Paige expertly curled her fingers inside you, lying her tongue flat against your clit and forcing you to do none other than let go. The knot that had been building in your stomach finally fell apart, your legs snapping shut and trapping Paige's head there. You pushed and pulled at her, your desires becoming fuzzy as the orgasm swallowed you whole. Moans and strings of curse words unconsciously spilled from your lips. They were a stark contrast to the sweet things Paige cooed as she left kisses along your stomach, and your chest, and back up to your lips.

"Such a good girl," she whispered on your lips, "you were so good for me."

You shivered at the empty feeling you got from Paige pulling her fingers out of you, they were covered in the same slick that her chin was, glistening under the lamp's light. You smiled tiredly at her, snaking your arms around her neck and pressing your lips to hers.

"You tired?" she asked, observing your face.

"Yeah."

She pulled away from you and reached for the water bottle on the nightstand, twisting it open and bringing it to your lips. "Sleep here tonight," she said, "I can take you where you need to go in the morning."

Swallowing the water you said, "You sure?"

"Yeah, you probably can't walk after that anyway."

"Shut up," you snorted hitting her chest.

The two of you settled in bed together, your naked body finding warmth against her clothed one as she cuddled you close to her. You smiled to yourself, nuzzling your face in her neck and drifting off to sleep.

[talesfrommedinastation]

My redneck neighbor Doug reads my fanfiction for 'The Bad Batch'

Proverbs 11:2 “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

I made the gross error of telling Doug that I was writing a novel length fanfiction crossover of The Bad Batch and The Expanse. It's here if you'd like to take a gander yourself.

A massive fan of both, Doug practically hooted with joy when I mentioned it at a barbeque. So, like a dumbass, I sent him a link to the fic, thinking he’d wax praise on me.

I had forgotten how aggressively irreverent this man is. I was in for a beating.

Hint: I quickly sketched this up and sent it to Doug asking if this is how he imagined Tech and Sjael Drummer in the story. He said yes, and was ECSTATIC. I'm 99% sure it's on his fridge now. Next to @amalthiaph's piece of course.

CW: It's Doug, he's not child friendly. Y'all should've figured it out by now.

They're looking at me like 'We're a clone commando genius and a pilot with a Ph.D in chemical engineering. WTF is this hillbilly shit?"

Anywho, here’s the delightful exchange we had after he finished up the current chapter:

Doug: So, lemme get this straight. We got a nice pretty Belter scientist-engineer, Sa-Jail Drummah, –so the lady’s a space Cajun. She got an undercut, tattoos, some Indian blood in her, and a crazy bitch sister who was in the Navy! Yup, pure Gulf Shore girl, got it. Sa-Jail’s a chemical engineer, I bet she got her degree at USM* like a good gal. And she meets Ryan-from-Accounting, who is a space redneck, because the boy’s a Mandalorian clone. And they’re all out camping, nice. It’s a white trash love story in space, awesome. Love it.

Me: It’s not a white trash love story in space, DOUG.

Doug: Oh, it ain’t? Let’s see here…the first time the boy meets the girl, she’s setting up a shitty perimeter fence around her trailer in the woods and he holds her up at gunpoint in the middle of the night. That’s some bayou romance right up in there. Did she show him her shrimping boat after that?”

Me: …that is true. No shrimping boat, but he joins her on a hike the next day.

Doug: Taking a girl out into the woods to show her what a rough rugged redneck you are! That’s classic white trash mating rituals right there. I’ve seen it in action my whole life, I know it when I see it. Did the boy talk about his guns?

Me: No, but he does talk about his time in the armed forces and his brothers. His guns are in his backpack. 

Doug: Guns on the first date? Seriously. And bragging about your time in the USMC is like, the first thing a redneck does to impress a lady besides talking about his truck and his smoker and how much he goes to church. This is real redneck courtship happening in this story. Oh, and the part where they finally start banging?”

Me: (takes deep breath) What about it? 

Doug: First of all, my wife, she loved that part!

Me: YOU READ THIS TO YOUR WIFE?!**

Doug: Well, yeah! She loves a good romance and we had a long drive that day. Anyway, Sa-Jail had just been bitching about her ex-oyfriend, or was it ex-husband?

Me: Ex-fiance.

Doug: Same difference. Anyway, Toby***–clearly named after Toby Keith like a good Southern man–left her for some other chick after he joined the Navy because that’s how the Navy man rolls. Just like Toaster Strudel's daddy. Wasn’t Toby a pilot? Yup, sounds like an average day in Pensacola to me. Flew his Blue Angel to different poon. Then, Sa-Jail, well, she needed somebody else to wash her mouth out, per se. 

So, after knowing the man for what, two or three days, she flings herself at Ryan-from-Accounting and they proceed to hump like coked-out rabbits all over her trailer. And in TRUE Cajun fashion, Sa-Jail is so impressed by Ryan-from-Accounting’s pipelaying skills that she makes him DINNER. And what does Ryan-from-Accounting do that any self-preserving redneck man would do with a woman he just started dating?

Me: Enlighten my Yankee self, Doug.

Doug: HE CALLS ALL HIS HUNGRY RELATIVES OVER TO JOIN THEM FOR THEIR FIRST DINNER TOGETHER. Which they all enjoy outside the trailer! Cookout style! Nothing says ‘redneck romance’ like ‘Hey sugar, you and me just started getting serious five minutes ago, now HERE IS MY WHOLE FAMILY. FROM MY BROTHER CLAYTON THAT JUST GOT RELEASED FROM ANGOLA TO MY COUSIN CAROLLYNN WHO HAS FIVE BABY DADDIES. ALSO WE ARE GOING TO CHURCH TOMORROW AND GETTING CRACKER BARREL AFTER THAT SO GET A NICE DRESS OR MEEMAW AND MY AUNTIES WILL JUDGE.” 

Me: Jesus Christ, Doug, that is not what happened.

::Doug screenshots my longfic and sends it to me and I am deceased because he’s not exactly wrong::

Doug: And of course, Sa-Jail is a good Cajun woman, just rolls up her sleeves and feeds everybody because that’s how the bayou babe do. The rest of the story might as well be called ‘Real Housewives of Space Slidell’ for all of the white trash shenanigans that follow. Let’s see here…there’s knife chasing, screaming, someone gets pregnant out of wedlock, a fist fight while someone’s driving, lots of guns, tattoos, motorcycles, a cowboy bar, a hot Southern nurse, lots of cussing, baby daddy drama, biscuits and gravy, Navy veterans, Ryan-from-Accounting’s various brothers from different daddies show up and they all want food and a place to stay, hooch-making, pimp-slaps, more guns…this is a real Cajun-Redneck tale of love. With spaceships. It’s great!

Me: I’m speechless, Doug.

Doug: Jenny loved the scenes where they cross a river with the motorcycle and then they do the nasty next to it. That’s 10/10 on the redneck  Was Ryan-from-Accounting playing ‘Fishin’ in the Dark’ in the background on his phone, too?” 

Me: I AM GENUINELY SPEECHLESS, DOUG. 

@eyecandyeoz, did he do a good job capturing the essence of the story? LOL

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

*=In Doug’s defense, University of Southern Mississippi has an incredible department regarding chemical engineering and specifically, polymer science. So he’s not far off.

**=I DIED, I’M DEAD, A GHOST IS WRITING THIS RIGHT NOW. 

***=HIS NAME WAS NOT TOBY FFS. 

[comingback2earth]

ode to my love

a bird flies by

and i’ve lost my train of thought 

i’ve forgotten my responsibilities 

my obligations 

my to dos 

but you

i could never forget you

i know your heart sparkles like moissanite

it is a million colors 

ones i have never seen 

until i met you

shrimp could only dream of the opulent spectrum i behold

the soft pink curve of your cheek

the stronger curve of your smile

the turn of your lip, magically kind with a warm glow 

like the orange panes of an ice-capped house

with smoke billowing out its chimney

a light bright enough to chase away the darkness 

to make you forget it was ever there 

a beacon of peace

you run laps in my mind when i am feeling down

lifting my heart from life’s despair 

can you hear your name echo? 

it works its way into all my thoughts 

chest swelling with your every passing through my mind

others say their lover’s eyes are of the ocean

but they’ve never seen yours 

the pacific could never compare 

hope and eternity swim in there

i want to dive in

and butterfly-stroke through the pools of your mind

-my love for you

[wylde-attributions]

Kai & Anna pt 1

“...What do you want, shrimp?” 

Kai’s thoughts broke through his blank mind at the question. He’d stopped dead in his tracks without realizing it. Oh god, how long did I just stare at her?

“Um, nothing, I mean– sorry. I got…distracted..” He nervously laughed as he trailed off, mindlessly adjusting the hem of his shirt, not bothering to try moving again. The girl with the curly sand blonde hair Kai had found himself struck by just waited for him to continue speaking before turning her deadpan expression back to the wall before her, raising a cigarette to her lips.

“M-my name’s Kai.” He paused, unsure if the girl was listening anymore– or if she even was in the first place, really. “What’s yours, if I may ask?”

“That sounds like wanting somethin’ to me, kid.” She spoke with a steady, measured tone to her voice as she looked back to the smaller boy. She looks uninterested, but her hazel eyes might as well have been staring into his soul.

Jeez, she’s kinda scary. “...You don’t seem like you’re that much older than me; I’m sixteen, so why’re you calling me ‘kid’? Plus, why are you smoking? We’re too young for that.”

The girl took a drag of her cigarette pointedly and stood from the alley wall she was half leaning against. “Because you are a kid, and it’s none of your business. Why would I bother answering some random guy on the street I’ll only see once in my life, anyway?” She sighed and zipped up the large black bomber jacket she was wearing. “Now fuck off before I break your nose or something.”

“You don’t know we’ll only meet this once.” Kai retorted, looking away nervously. God, why are you saying that? You’re just gonna make her mad! His thoughts screamed at him to end the pathetic attempt at friendly conversation here. He managed to listen. “But um– anyway, sure. Yeah, I was on my way to, um– I have to go anyway.” Flushing slightly, the boy finally turned away and carefully started walking again, genuinely remembering where he was supposed to be. He glanced behind before turning a corner to get one last look at the girl standing in the alley– jeez I probably do seem like a random weirdo– before running off, just in case she decided she wanted to go through with her threat.

*

*

*

Anna had forgotten about the weird black-haired boy completely by the time they saw each other again. She was on the way to pick up her little sister when he ran right into her. “Watch where you’re going you–” Oh great. Haven’t I seen this kid somewhere before?

The boy took a startled step back. “I’m so sorry! I was just– oh! Hey, I remember you! I never got your name; I’m sorry.” He smiled sheepishly up at the slight glare Anna met him with.

Right, the annoying question boy. Kai, I think. “I didn’t give it. Learn to pay attention, kid.” She huffed and tried to ignore him and keep walking, but he stepped to the side in front of her. “Move. I’ve got somewhere to be.”

“Then I’ll walk with you!” Kai beamed and turned to do so. “I’m not busy, and I still need to learn your name. I can’t exactly just call you ‘girl’ all the time, right?”

“You don’t need to call me anything. Just leave me alone, or I’ll beat the hell out of you. You’re gonna make me late.” She walked faster, shoving her hands in her pockets. There. Dealt with. Now go get Rosie.

“You said you’d break my nose last time. I decided- well, I said to myself, ‘Kai, if you ever see her again, you better learn her name, even if she does break your face for it.’ So, that’s fine, I guess. I really would rather not get beat up, obviously, but–” he was interrupted by a punch to the face.

“Fuck. Off. We’re not friends.” Anna turned away and kept walking. What a weirdo. Who the hell would trade a broken nose for a name? He didn’t even get it. Though I guess I didn’t break it either. He seems too soft to do that to over somethin’ like this. She rolled her eyes and swept her hair back under her beanie before Kai came rushing to walk alongside her again.

“We could be friends. That really hurt. Do you punch people a lot?” The boy rubbed his face where she’d struck him, but still gave her a small smile. “I told you I’m sixteen, right? You seem like you could be older, but I think you’re probably my age. Am I right?”

I could just knock his lights out. Is that worth the trouble? Officer J said I’ve had good behavior lately; maybe she’d look the other way. The blonde glared at the raven-haired boy walking happily beside her. No, stop that. He’s just an idiot. Just let him get bored; you gotta get Rosie home. “No, we could not be friends. I don’t do that. Now fuck off; I’m not telling you shit.”

Kai just hummed and continued walking next to her. “What do you mean you don’t do friends? You need friends! I’m sure friends are good for you, right? Are yours just mean? Or are you just not looking for new ones? I haven’t seen you hanging out with anyone.”

“You don’t know me. I said I’m not answering.”

“Fine, fine. I’ll just keep you quiet company, okay? I know I’m annoying you.”

Anna huffed lightly at this but continued staring straight ahead. “If you know you’re annoying, leave.”

“Not until I learn your name! It’s not fair you know mine, but I don’t know yours. I want to get along!” The boy sighs and looks up at her maybe just a second too long before glancing away.

“Then don’t tell randos your name, idiot. I could be a murderer or some shit. Why the hell do you think you want to be friends with someone you’ve seen once and were immediately threatened by?” She grunts in annoyance and slows her walking pace gradually, realizing they’re getting close to her destination and hoping the boy won’t notice and will leave first.

“I don’t think you’re a murderer. I bet you’re nice on the inside, and how am I supposed to be friends with someone if I don’t tell them my name? You’re strangers with everyone you know before you know them. Any random person could be important to you one day.” Kai smiles gently, seeming to forget all about the bruise that will surely be on his face tomorrow.

Yeah, this guy’s weird as hell. Maybe he’s abused or some shit; it would make sense. Seems desperate and lonely. Thank fuck I’m not like that. The girl sighs and rubs her face as she nearly slows to a stop. “...sure. Whatever, kid. Just go be weirdly optimistic somewhere else. I told you, I gotta–”

“Anna! There you are! Someone’s getting impatient~!” A woman called across the street, waving over a group of people. Kids and their guardians say their hellos and goodbyes to friends as they meander away from the daycare building.

“...Anna’s a pretty name.” Kai looks over to the frustrated blonde next to him “...It suits you, you know.” He smiles and nods. “But I’ll leave you alone, Anna. I hope I see you again. I really do think you’re nice.” Anna just groans and waves dismissively at the annoying boy. “Yeah, whatever, creep. Congrats. You got my name, but you’re wrong. Now just go.” She doesn’t bother looking back to Kai as she crosses the street and goes inside. Did that idiot just try to call me pretty?

[gayerthanevertbh]

conversations with your demons - part 4.

pairing | step-mom!natasha x fem!reader (romantic)

summary | you and her have finally have heart-to-heart and you didn’t expect the outcome of it.

warnings | DARK THEMES INVOLVED! jealous!nat, hard tensions, and consensual kissing and touching. 18+!

notes | i hope you enjoy this one! this was a little hard to write, i tried making it perfect. anyway, i hope you enjoy! mwah mwah mwah x

series masterlist | masterlist | taglist for this series (GIF not mine!)

Natasha and I drove to the seafood market to buy the food we need around dinnertime since Steve and her are going to be making a delicious treat for tonight. When I woke up, she was already knocking on my door and I had to wear my cardigan quickly to not disappoint her – maybe she’ll think I’d forgotten our little trip to the market.

“I’m glad that you’re here with me today,” Natasha mentions to me while we walk around to find a big fish. There were many fishes except that they were smaller than I expected. Then she added, “No one dared to come with me since they hate the smell of the fresh market.”

“I don’t see that’s a problem,” I responded, which was a fact. She exchanges chuckles.

“You’re right, it’s not a problem. Although people do prefer going grocery shopping rather than food marketing. Here, it’s cheaper and fresher than the grocery store.”

“They don’t have a taste then,” I joked and I wasn’t surprised that she laughed. “Should I buy shrimp? Steve said he needed one kilo of those.”

She nods, turned to me, and asked: “Yeah, could you get those for me? Here’s some cash.”

My whole body ignited when both of our skins touched like it was a foreign feeling that I have never felt before. Maybe it was because I was still sleepy, but I can surely say that it felt a little off or different. I can’t choose. I decided to not mind it and went to the shrimp aisle when I saw someone walking toward me.

“Are you a foreigner?” a woman asked, who has nice blonde hair all the way to her shoulder.

“Yes, I’m not from here,” I responded with a rejoinder laugh, finding it amusing when they could tell that I wasn’t from here. Then, she smiles – although widely this time.

“It’s nice to see a foreigner here,” they say. “I’m Carol Danvers, I’m also a foreigner. But I’ve lived here for almost five years.”

Carol Danvers. It sounded like an American name, a local one. And she didn’t look like any other French people so I was not that surprised that she was also a foreigner just like me.

“Nice to meet you, Carol Danvers, I’m Y/N.”

We stared at each other. I liked the way her smile reaches up to her eyes, it felt genuine and real – as if she was happy that I’m in front of her. She looked more vulnerable than anyone else did, so I was sort of taken back by surprise somehow. And as soon as we were going to exchange hands, Natasha came up to me with an edging face.

“I already bought the shrimp,” she mentioned to me, and I turned around to see that she does have a bag of shrimp – which made me feel bad since I didn’t focus on my task. I looked up and gave her an apologetic smile, completely in full regret.

“I’m so sorry, Natasha–”

“It’s fine,” she cuts me off with a deeper voice, her eyes didn’t leave Carol’s. She then averts her eyes back to me and added, “I’ll go back to the car.”

Natasha was definitely not amused, it was probably because I so succumbed to my conversation with Carol. But I didn’t seem to understand why she had to react that way, so I sighed and turned to Carol, who looked a little confused – which I could tell from her face.

“I have to go Carol but it’s so nice to meet you.” I didn’t even let her say a word as I turned my back and marched my way back to the car. I see Natasha in the front, who has a cigarette out of the window with her fingers with no expression on her face. Or that was just me considering that I’m thinking of the worst-case scenario. I sat in the front, closing the door beside me quietly, and smiled kindly at her. “Shall we go?”

She didn’t respond and threw out the cigarette – it wasn’t even finished – and turned on her engine, driving away with a screech that I’m almost certain that she is upset with me. I knew I was being reckless, I should’ve bought the shrimps first before being flirtatious with someone – I’d say it that way – and done as I was told. But the more that I try to look at her, the more that it seems like she didn’t want to talk to me. So I just sat back and stayed quiet.

On the way home, we didn’t speak. Well, I was trying to make a conversation but Natasha only gave me a simple nod and kept her eyes on the bumpy road. The embarrassment runs through my veins and I realize that I was annoying. I looked out of the window and watched as the car moved at a faster pace, but not in a dangerous way. When we arrived at the beach house, she came out first and walked briskly to the kitchen while I was holding the bag and followed her there.

As I placed the bag on the countertop, I asked timidly: “Are you mad at me? If you are, can you please just say it–”

“I’m not,” she cuts me off with a nonchalant tone, turning around and giving me a quick smile – then turning back as she washes the fish on a silver bowl. She added, “You can go now. Have fun.”

She was beyond upset, I knew she was. It all says on her face and her body posture – it was broad but also slouchy. Her voice range changed too, turning into this kind of a dominant person when she wasn’t like that with me at all. This was the first time I’ve upset her, and it’s making me feel guilty and a bad kid. So, I just turned around and went back to my room – trying to hold the tears in my eyes. I was a very emotional person, especially when someone is angry with me or mean; even scolded, I may add. I sat on the edge of the bed, wondering what went wrong. I could feel a thump in my temple each time that scene replays in my head, then it hits me.

Was she jealous?

Can’t be, it was ridiculous for me to think that way. I’m sure she wasn’t, what kind of a person would assume that way quickly? But it was a simple assumption, it’s not like I’m making it a real theory. But it could also be that, maybe. I was confused and disheartened a while ago that I think I wouldn’t see her for the whole day.

I hope I don’t, I felt ashamed.

A few hours later, all of us were in this lake – a few minutes away from the beach. Michelle and Peter were by my side while we walked through the forest, noticing that there was much higher grass surrounding us. And once we were by the lake, my legs were itching really bad. As expected, Natasha wasn’t still talking to me. In fact, she won’t even look me in the eye and didn’t respond much to Steve’s questions or his little stories about New York. I think Michelle noticed my distress, but hopefully, she won’t ask anything about it.

My body was in the water while the others were on the other side, playing and swimming around. I could see Tony splashing Clint (I’m not sure if that’s his name) on the face, which made me giggle wholeheartedly. Peter was with them while I was with Michelle, feeling the waves hit our faces.

                                                       —

“Are you not going to take a swim?” asked Steve while taking off his white shirt. Natasha sighed and sat down on the towel that was placed on the sand, admiring the view instead. Because if she swims today, she knows that her sudden urge for Y/N will get worse. It’s not like she hated the girl – probably far from that. It’s because of how envious she was when the girl that she’s not supposed to admire, was talking to a woman that was probably her age – or maybe younger. It felt utterly ridiculous and childish, but can she blame herself for it? Y/N was an attractive young adult with glimmering eyes that everyone was staring at. She has a kind heart and voice, which makes Natasha comfortable whenever they have a chat. But most of all, she was everything that a woman could ever be. Natasha merely thinks she’s the perfect girl.

Why?

“No,” Natasha says, shrugging her shoulders to interpret what she’s trying to say. Her eyes never left her book. “I’ll be sitting here for a while.”

Steve notices the way his friend’s response and posture, it’s obvious that there was something wrong – and he already has an idea of what it is about. So, he sat by her side and asked: “She’s too young for you, Nat.”

“You don’t have a say in that,” Natasha grumbled, closing her book audibly and turning her head to the side to look at Steve. “Tony fucks women who are in their twenties. Sometimes even eighteen-year-old girls, and yet – you don’t say anything! So why is it different for me?”

In Steve’s defense, he and Natasha have had heart-to-heart ever since they were children. With Tony, it was only business until their friendship grew into a great bond. With Natasha, it was like his family. Natasha was his family, and he didn’t want to see Natasha being fooled by a younger girl who will experiment on their life. They were pushing their forties, and it was time for them to settle down – so he always had a say on those things, especially whenever it came to Natasha.

“You know why.”

She scoffs loudly, rolling her eyes with slight annoyance.

“I don’t understand, you’re supposed to be like my brother,” she says, shaking her head in response to her statement. She added quickly: “What’s wrong with loving a younger woman who’s the right age? It wasn’t like I’m defiling her, plus–I don’t even know if me and her will ever happen. She probably likes that woman in that fucking market.”

“Then let her talk to the girl,” said Steve with a stern voice, acting like he has more authority than Natasha does. It makes the redhead think that everything she’s feeling or thinking is awful – which it was in the first place. She shrugs her shoulders, probably her way of trying to at least apologize for having these unexplainable feelings that she feels toward Y/N. It was getting harder for her every day, especially a while ago when she behaved like a child.

She whispers almost inaudibly, “I can’t. I don’t want her to fall in love with someone who might not be me.”

The air thickens between them as the tension grows like a fire, spreading everywhere. Natasha looked quite upset, while Steve was disappointed – but with a solemn look. She stands up and walks away, thudding her feet against the sand while she averts her eyes to the girl in the sea; who was having a fun time. She felt guilty, disgusted, and horrific. Natasha would never go this far with liking someone – but in her eyes, Y/N was different for her. Everything about that girl was on a whole other level. She was beautiful and breathtaking and it was hard enough for her not to lean her lips against her warm cheeks or her wet lips. She thought about it every day and night, every given moment.

And that’s what makes her sick.

                                                   —

The rest of the people were by the campfire while I was cleaning the table, looking at Natasha’s back. She was very quiet today, especially since that morning when everything changed like crazy. I don’t know what else to do nor even approach her and ask: are you upset with me? The thought goes by on and on until it bugs me, making me think I’m possibly insane – or perhaps, I was.

My body made a few steps toward her and I curved a tight lip smile on my face, asking: “Can I help you with that?”

There was a quick pause until she shook her head, still cleaning the dishes on the sink. It got too quiet for us and it was my sort of queue to walk away. So, I sighed – on purpose – and added with a trembling voice, “If you’re upset with me, just say it. I don’t like it when you don’t talk it out.”

I felt bold and also ashamed for some fucked up reason. I didn’t know what else to say other than just telling her to approach me with good intentions – hopefully, that could happen. I walked away without looking back, somehow hoping that she’ll have a heart-to-heart with me later tonight or tomorrow. If not then, I might just be stuck in my room for the rest of the month until we all go on with our lives.

Closing the heavy white door behind me, I decided to take off all my clothes and bathe myself with cold water for tonight. There was warm water too, except that I wanted to feel the sudden prickle that shocks my skin severely. I wanted to cry until I fell asleep, which was a little dramatic but I’ve never felt this much burden inside of me for years. Perhaps she only makes me feel this way – that sometimes I get so nervous around her that it almost makes my stomach twist into knots. It was funny though, too. Although it was also true. I could be a comedian out of this story.

My hair was still a little damp once I laid my head on the softest pillows, sighing through my nose. I could feel my chest shaking, even my throat. I try not to fall asleep crying tonight, it would make my face all dry when I wake up. I could hear the faint whooshing of the sea as I tried to imagine my feet on the water, feeling the sand all over my heels. I could smell the fresh saltwater and inhale it, feeling the peacefulness that warms all over my body like a bear. However, Natasha was my bear. She’ll always be my bear.

I don’t even know if she’s still my bear.

It’s cliche and stupid, calling her bear sounds like an immature child. But I’ve always called her that name ever since I met her since she was all cuddly and soft, but I could feel her hardened arms whenever she wrapped them around my tiny waist. Still, she was like a bear that likes to hug. And then I realized how much I’d been thinking about her so I shook my head and played with my fingers until I did my best to fall asleep.

Except that wasn’t the case, because someone is knocking on my door right now – in the middle of the night. I rolled my eyes hypothetically in my head and stomped my way to the door, opening it with such surprise on my face; but it wasn’t plastered.

Natasha came in without saying a word, but a soft smile crept on her face. I closed the door behind us as I watched her sit on the edge of the bed, her other leg tucked in her thigh, and waited for me to come towards her. I could feel my heart beating like a loud bell with each step I make, with every glance I take. She looked very tired with her hooded dark green eyes and her wrinkled gray shirt. I sat down by the headboard and pulled up my knees, pressing it against my chest – as if trying to protect myself, not really knowing why.

She coughs, her voice deepens, and says: “I’m sorry, Y/N. I know I was being an asshole this day but I’m very sorry about what happened.”

A moment of silence hung awkwardly between us. I tuck my lower lip through my teeth and play with my thumb, anxiousness popping out of my veins. She looked at me with her teary eyes, it looked like she was about to cry which is something I don’t hope for tonight. Because if she does cry, I know I’ll get myself in that situation too.

Before I could even say anything, she said in a whisper, “I was jealous of your conversation with that woman at the market, I don’t…Well, I do know why it’s just that–I don’t think I can say it.”

I breathed the air inside of my lungs and asked with such intimidation inside of me: “Try at least, I just want to understand why you were… jealous.”

I have a feeling that I know where this was going, it was like reading a book that you love and you remember every sentence and every scene that was played out in that story. And with this, I had a feeling that this story was similar in my head to what I’m reading. Not in a literal sense, but it also could be that way. I watch the way she shakes her head – as if denying it to her own self. Natasha took a deep breath and inched closer to me until both of our faces were near each other, like intimately.

I could feel my heart stop when she spoke those words.

“I have feelings for you that I don’t know how to interpret. Ever since you turned eighteen a few months after your birthday, I could feel myself lingering closer to you. The more that you comfort me at my lowest, the more that I’m attracted to you. Remember when your mother was not home and I was drunk because of our fight? You were there to take care of me, especially my bruises.”

I tried to speak but she didn’t let me finish, her face coming closer to mine dangerously, and continued: “I know I shouldn’t, God you have no idea how much I’ve fought this feeling inside of me. But when you were talking to that girl I just can’t keep this feeling inside of me anymore. Y/N, I think I’m falling in love with you and you gotta tell me to stop in order for me to move on. Please, tell me to stop. Because I will.”

We stared right into each other’s eyes, and it got my breath hitch the full minute of her confessing those feelings. My lips felt chapped as my eyes were becoming watery at this point, it almost felt too pathetic. This was spritely wrong in so many ways, yet behind closed doors – nothing was wrong with whatever this was between us. She gulps, slowly trailing her eyes to my lips and I could sense the desperation inside of her that she wanted to kiss my lips, we were utterly close.

She whispers again hotly into my mouth, “Tell me to stop, detka. Please tell me to stop, tell me to stop loving you.”

“Don’t stop.”

She enclosed her lips into mine, pulling me in with her hands that were now attached to both of my waists. Her mouth and hands felt possessive, a good kind of way that makes me feel so alive and real – it almost felt too surreal at this point. She tilts her head and groans, sucking my bottom lip with her teeth nibbling at it. If I was going, to be honest, this was my first kiss. And she probably doesn’t know that, especially the way my mouth felt so still when she kissed it. Natasha brings her hand to my cheek, caressing it softly with her thumb, and pulled away – our foreheads now touching.

“That was my first kiss,” I whispered to her, my eyes still closed from our session that we just made. I could hear a hoarse quiet laugh and it made me giggle, not feeling so ashamed about it anymore. I always thought about guys or girls kissing me for the first time, and this was better than I expected.

“I know,” she responded, her pelvis now pressed against mine – like we were molded. I opened my eyes slowly and saw that she was gazing at mine as if she was in awe of me. I was definitely in much awe of her. She kept thumbing my cheek, bringing it up and down in motion, and kissed my lips again – although it was a peck this time. “I’ll take good care of you, baby. I promise.”

Baby. It was such a cute name that it sent shivers down my spine – in a very good way. The way it rolls out of her lips so perfectly well makes my heart swell with joy. I cupped her cheek with both my hands, gasping quietly when it felt warm. Was she blushing? I hope so because I was too.

“I also haven’t had sex.” I mentioned, it's almost making me regret that I have said that. Although she smiled in the brightest way possible, letting her tell me silently that it was okay.

“I haven’t had sex in a year so, I guess we’re kind of the same.”

“Except that you’re no longer a virgin.” I humored.

She laughed in such an angelic way and responded with a nod. Leaning her lips to the corner of my lips and whispered, “Will you allow me to take yours, doll?”

I swear my core starts to beat rapidly as she says those words to me. I looked down between us and saw how her core rested against mine, almost feeling her heat. I moaned quietly when she started thrusting upwards gently and slowly, being a tease. I’ve watched women do this on videos, and it was even better in real life. I got to feel the way she was holding me like a fragile girl while her warm core was molded with my tiny shorts. She groans, pulling me closer until our fronts are pressed hard at each other.

“Yeah,” I said, nodding while I peck her upper lip – making her smile. “Yeah, you can take it. I trust you enough to do that.”

Natasha holds me close, leaning close to my face until she captures my lips once again – although this time, it felt more passionate and intimidating. And when she holds me down by her hand, I could feel my heart bursting into something magnificent, yet so challenging and risky.

“Let’s get naked, yeah?”

let me know if you want me to write the whole first-time thing in the next chapter. <3 

taglist: @sayah13 @lizzieolsen89 @marvelwomen-simp @when-wolves-howl @cmfouatslota77 @riles-is-an-idiot @ygtft-chen @aru-son @karmasgxrl  @natszn @d14n4ol @hitthatsnappy @natasharomanoffswifeyyy @simpforolderwomen @fluffypanda1603 @whore4nat @trashbod​ @katherineromanova​ @aliancvnas​ @its-just-geek​ (i’m sorry i can’t tag any of you, it won’t work :( )  

[boysbellyrubs]

I’m back with another Caine/Quinn request! Caine and Quinn finally go on an actual date, no interruptions or minor annoyances, that is until Caine comes down with a bad case of food poisoning while walking around the park or something similar?

here we are thank you for the request, very proud of this one actually. hopefully it won't flop.

---

“Looking dapper.” 

Caine swivelled around, hands awkwardly flopping around his body. He twitched, smiling a bit like he was being watched under a microscope. He cleared his throat, 

“Ya think? I don’t wanna look too overdressed.” He ran his hands down his coat. 

Lincoln laughed, “Nah, you look good. I don’t know much about dating but I think you look good.” 

Caine looked in the mirror again, “One day it’ll happen, Link.” He joked, though Lincoln didn’t really laugh. He looked a little uncomfortable if anything, and Caine was good at reading people. However, his phone buzzed before he had any time to question it. 

Quinn was outside and Caine didn’t even have his shoes on yet. He yelped and scurried around to find his shoes. 

They were going on a date, no issues, no worries and no illness. Caine hoped that everything would turn out fine. They deserved a good date, didn’t they? He manifested good luck while walking to Quinn’s car, hoping any God was listening. 

—

Nothing was happening. Well, nothing bad was happening. Lots of stuff was happening, all good things though. The restaurant wasn’t too busy, the waiters were lovely and no one was giving them funny looks being two men out on a date. Caine was thrilled, maybe his manifesting had finally worked. 

“How’s your food?” Quinn asked, slowly making his way through his own meal. 

Caine was pleasantly surprised with his, it was something he had never tried before. It was some sort of shrimp meal that he had forgotten the name of. 

“I like it, I’ve never had shrimp before and this is a good first experience.” He ate another mouthful, getting every flavour on his tongue. 

Quinn laughed, “I’m glad. I really like this place so I was a bit nervous about bringing you here.” His cheeks flushed a little and he seemed very interested in a lettuce leaf. 

“Oh, don’t even worry about that,” Caine started, swallowing his mouthful, “I eat pretty much anything.” 

Quinn’s mouth twitched, a habit that Caine had picked up on the longer he had spent with him. It was sweet, and it often meant that he was a little embarrassed. The conversation lulled and they both ate their fill, scraping their plates clean. Caine felt a little fuller than usual so he didn’t order any dessert. Quinn didn’t either, so they stacked their plates and left. 

The night air washed over them both. A slight breeze tousled Caine’s hair and caressed his cheeks. It was refreshing after being in a stuffy restaurant for so long. It wasn’t too dark either, that perfect time when the sun was just setting and the clouds looked like candy floss. 

Caine felt Quinn’s hand graze his own, and without thinking he intertwined their fingers. He felt his shoulders drop, feeling comforted by his touch alone. Their relationship had been slow going, they hadn’t even kissed yet, but Caine couldn’t care less. Just being around Quinn and learning about his quirks made him fall deeper in love. 

They were quiet, and they found their way to one of the gazebo looking things in the park. It was empty, and there were fairy lights strewn around the rafters. It was very romantic. Caine wondered if Quinn had planned this. 

“Do you wanna sit for a bit? Before it gets too cold.” Quinn pulled Caine into the centre of the shelter, and dragged him to one of the seats when Caine nodded. 

The two sat quietly, simply breathing next to each other with Quinn’s thumb rubbing along Caine’s knuckles, jumping between the grooves. 

Sitting down, Caine felt a little off. Not like when someone was watching you, but within himself he felt strange. The fullness from his meal hadn’t really died down, even after their walk. It felt like his meal was sitting like a stone in his stomach. Was he secretly allergic to shrimp? There was no way he could be though. Wouldn’t an allergic reaction come on much quicker? 

He looked down at his and Quinn’s hands, focusing on Quinn’s thumb. Thankfully, the boy seemed content to sit in silence. He swallowed, a tingling feeling spreading across his tongue and lips. Fuck, he hoped he wasn’t allergic. This was just an extreme anxiety reaction. It had to be. 

“I’ve always liked your hands. They’re very pretty.” Quinn remarked, now bringing Caine’s hand higher in between them. He traced the bones and the veins, and the touch only served to increase the tingling feeling in Caine’s fingers. 

“I’ve always thought they were too bony.” 

Quinn shook his head, kissing it like a Disney prince, “No, they’re very nice.” 

Caine couldn’t take his eyes off Quinn. The tiny smile playing on his lips, the twinkling in his eyes, his hair falling just perfectly on his forehead. He was wholeheartedly in love with him. 

The sweetness stopped there though. Caine’s stomach seemed to finally want to try and digest his food as his stomach gurgled, not loud enough for Quinn to hear but Caine felt it deep inside his belly. His fingers twitched involuntarily. 

Quinn regarded the twitch as his fault and he quickly stopped tracing patterns on his hand, “Oh, sorry, got a bit carried away.” He laughed, another soft blush rising on his cheeks. 

Caine instantly felt bad, “Oh, no don’t worry about it. I’m just uh-” 

Quinn looked at him then and all his thoughts evaporated. Quinn’s pupils were massive, the black swallowing his iris whole. His cheeks were dusted pink, and his mouth was slightly open to reveal his two front teeth. Quinn’s eyes were flicking down to Caine’s lips, holding their gaze and then returning to stare at Caine. 

Caine was frozen. Was this about to be their first kiss? The tingling amped up, and his stomach cramped a little. Shit, that did not feel good. He had very conflicting thoughts, one was his horny young adult brain thinking of kissing his boyfriend, and the other was his sick brain saying he was feeling worse and worse by the second. 

He had never eaten shrimp before but surely an allergy can be picked up in childhood, right? It tasted fine, the texture was a bit slimy but other than that there was nothing. 

While Caine was having his crisis, Quinn was mustering up the courage to lean in and kiss Caine. 

It took everything in him to say what he said next. 

“Can I kiss you?” 

Caine short circuited. Was he dreaming? Fuck, and now his stomach chose the exact moment to start cramping even worse. His stomach felt squeezed tight, and he bent forward a little to try and relieve the ache. It didn’t really work, but it didn’t matter because Quinn took the movement as a yes and leaned in. 

Everything erupted. It felt like a cliche movie scene, where fireworks would go off and another couple would wolf whistle at them. Their mouths seemed to fit perfectly together, and Caine let Quinn take the lead. He pulled back and smiled, 

“I love you.” Quinn said, grinning. 

Caine forgot all of his ailments, “I love you too. So much.” 

They kissed again, Quinn’s hand coming up to cup Caine’s jaw. He was a good kisser, Caine thought to himself. He leant into it, breathing in the scent of Quinn’s cologne. 

The bliss came to a screeching halt, however, when Caine’s stomach decided to cramp again, a deep grumble echoing from it. He groaned without meaning to. 

Quinn must’ve not heard his distress as he deepened the kiss. He pulled away for air, and that was when he saw Caine’s grimace. He frowned, 

“What’s wrong? Do you want me to stop?” 

Caine smoothed his features as best he could, but the pain only grew in intensity. He put a hand to his belly, feeling how bloated he was under his button up. 

Quinn followed his movement, and held his face with the other hand too, “Are you not feeling well?” He kissed his forehead, and kissed both of his cheeks. Caine couldn’t hold back a smile. 

“A little stomach ache never killed nobody,” He grumbled, another twinge forcing him to hunch over, “Okay, maybe more than a little stomach ache.” 

He felt extraordinarily embarrassed. Everything was going great, then he had to go and fuck it up by getting sick again. He licked his lips, the tingling still there. 

“Are your lips tingling?” 

“Uh, no, why?” 

Caine shrugged, “Mine are, and my tongue and hands.” 

As he relayed his symptoms, his stomach only got worse. The cramping was slowly but surely evolving into churning, and with churning came nausea and Caine knew all too well what that meant. His weak stomach was about to expel everything inside it. 

It gave another gurgle, deeper in his intestines and kick starting the real swirling in his stomach. He moaned, pulling his head out of Quinn’s grasp to lean forward onto his knees. Quinn’s hand rested on his back, 

“Are you alright?” He sounded panicked, rightfully so as Caine wasn’t really giving him much detail. Groaning and doubling over weren’t exactly good signs either. 

He shook his head, “Nah, my stomach is killing me and I think I’m gonna throw up.” He heard his own voice shake. He sat back up, wanting to look at Quinn as he felt sicker. His face helped calm him down a little. 

His hands tingled like they had pins and needles. He had never experienced that before. 

“Hey, Quinn, do you think you could search up why my hands and mouth are tingling?” He moaned at another gurgle from his insides. 

“Oh, uh yeah.” Quinn quickly pulled out his phone and got to typing. Caine was beginning to feel like vomiting was very close on the horizon. His stomach was beginning to feel bubbly and burps were travelling up his throat. He let out a tiny one and even that got his stomach churning like crazy. He groaned, rubbing his hand along his upper belly. 

Another burp and another churn. A hiccup. A moan. And finally, Quinn had the answer. 

“Caine, I think you have shellfish poisoning.” 

Caine looked at him like he had said it in a foreign language. Fuck, he should’ve just stayed with something he knew for dinner. No wonder the shrimp felt so slimy, it was rotten. 

He tossed his head back, “Fuck, isn’t that super bad?” Now his health anxiety skyrocketed and his leg began to bounce, which only upset his stomach more. 

Quinn’s solid hand landed on his shoulder, “Not always, but if you wanna go to the hospital just in case, we can.” His voice was so calm Caine wondered how he did it. 

With all of his emotions at their peak, his stomach was forgotten. Alas, the nasty shrimp reared its black eyed head and a gag suddenly caused Caine to lurch forward with his head between his knees. The only thought he had now was ‘I’m about to puke all over these nice shoes’. 

And with that, the poison in his body shot up his oesophagus and onto the concrete. He coughed, another round joining the puddle. It was the most painful puking he had ever experienced. His stomach was cramping and burps that hurt his throat were coming up just as fast as the vomit was, the bigger belches bringing up more sick. 

Quinn’s hand was the only thing keeping him from crying out. He was alternating between patting and rubbing roughly upwards. It helped despite it being rough. 

Caine moaned after a particularly harsh retch, “This sucks.” He mumbled, coughing up saliva. 

Quinn hummed, “I’m so sorry, love. We won’t go there again.” 

Caine’s stomach had decided to stop vomiting, but all that was left was intense cramping and the most insane tingling feeling on his lips and mouth. It was like he had eaten a spicy pepper, except it was much worse than that. 

He sniffled, “I wanna go to hospital. Just in case.” He told Quinn, sitting up and flopping into Quinn’s neck. His smell grounded him. 

“Of course. You’ll feel better in no time.” Quinn kissed his head, and despite feeling like death, Caine relaxed a little. Even though he was going to the hospital, if Quinn was there he knew he’d be okay. 

[the-writers-labyrinth]

Introducing the Writer

=================================

Last updated: 01/31/2024

Heyo!

I’ve made an intro before, but I decided to remake it cause why not. I pop in and out of here and I haven’t really posted much, so I’ll start being more active :)

Also I was inspired to redo my intro by @pens-swords-stuff

• Basic Info •

Name: Arden

Likes: writing, drawing, basically anything fantasy-related, shiny things, sometimes the oceans and sometimes the mountains, reading, Supernatural, Merlin BBC, dogs, analyzing songs with my favorite characters

Dislikes: writing and drawing (about half the time), seafood (except shrimp), coffee, working in customer service

Time zone: EST

• Blog •

- Basically anything to do with writing? Tips, resources, stuff about my WIPS, occasional random non-writing related posts, reblogs, stuff about books I’ve read and tbr list

- If you are transphobic, homophobic, ableist, sexist, racist, or anything else that’s hate-related, kindly leave this page and never show your face again. For good measure, you can sit in a corner until you realize how absolutely stupid you’re being :)

- If you ever want to tag me in a tag game, feel free to do so. My inbox is always open, so if you ever have any questions, feel free to drop in an ask! If I don’t get to you right away, just know that I haven’t forgotten and will reply as soon as I can.

• Tags •

#haven writes fantasy

#haven’s rambles

#haven’s asks

#haven’s writing

• Writing •

- Funny story, I actually used to hate writing when I was a kid. Despised it with everything I had. It was boring and took up time, and I just wasn’t interested. Younger me would look at me in complete disgust right now and ya know what? I don’t regret this at all.

- I write both original works and fanfiction (although I’ve actually finished multiple drafts for my original works. Fanfiction is a bit ehhh for me at times). Most of the fanfiction has to do with my unhealthy obsession with Ranger’s Apprentice, so if you like that, then feel free to check out my Ao3 and Wattpad!

- Main genre: fantasy

- (I will eventually make a writer masterlist)

Onto the WIP’s!

(When I say WIPs technically I mean one but I have third drafts of my entire series but I’m working on the first one right now)

Awakening (Vol 1)

Genre: Dark Fantasy

Series: Morsai’s Bane

Intro

WIP tag: #morsai’s bane

Synopsis:

The Dissemblers have one goal: Destroy everything that keeps Ikira stable. With little resistance met from the four lands, it's a simple matter for their poison to spread.

No one knows who their leader is. Few know of the true power they possess, and even fewer would dare to believe it. After all, Dark ad Light don't meddle in the affairs of mortals.

Quinn Shander is the youngest son of Silvus and Carrie. His older brother, Lauren, is the only reason he's still alive, and both boys would take the first opportunity to get out of Braken as soon as it was offered.

When the Dissemblers land their strike, the brothers are tossed into the middle of it. Every little detail they've ever known of their life has been a lie, and now they share a common goal with their new companions: Revenge.

But even as they find their way through the web of lies, Quinn learns that nothing is as it seems. Soon, the group of four turns into a much larger team of misfits, and they must learn to trust one another before they can find their way out alive.

There's much more at stake than their feeble lies, and it comes down to the decisions of this strange group. They all have the choice to walk away, and yet there's something keeping them from straying down a wayward path.

Anyways, that’s really it for now. If anything changes I’ll update it, and I’ll make note of it on the post whenever I do that. Again, my inbox is always open, and happy writing!

You can also find me at:

TikTok - thewriterslabyrinth (also if you like anything related to Ranger’s Apprentice, Deltora Quest, or the Unwanteds, I also have another tt account - unwantedrangerofdel)

Main tumblr blog: @unwantedrangerofdel (more dq and ra stuff there)

[kaistarus]

The Nishinoya Family’s Chaos

Pairing: Nishinoya X Reader

Words: 2.6K

Summary: You’re spending time at Noya’s house and all of his sisters are home for the holidays. Noya can’t seem to catch a break, but you’re easily amused by his family’s chaos.

Notes: Apparently Noya has 3 older sisters? As someone with 3 siblings I absolutely could not let this information exist and not write a fic with Noya sibling dynamic. The name and info on his siblings is all made up, as far as I know the only canon is that they exist! :)

Masterlist // Ko-Fi

The first weekend of winter break you and Noya had decided to spend Saturday relaxing and watching movies. Tanaka had given Noya several Netflix recommendations, so with plenty of options you were currently attempting to toss popcorn into Noya’s mouth. You had forgotten what Noya’d selected, but whatever it was had already lost your attention. Noya needed to inform Tanaka his taste in movies sucked.

You snorted as your popcorn kernel missed Noya’s mouth entirely and poked him in the eye.

“Nice catch,” you said sarcastically, closing one eye to aim your next shot.

“Nice throw,” he countered, tossing the dropped piece in his mouth.

“It was a perfect throw. Excellent arc and speed.”

“My reflexes are beyond human comprehension. I would’ve been able to catch a mediocre toss,” he lightly squeezed one of your shins that lay across his lap. “It’s okay. I’m sure you’ll improve with time.”

You grabbed a handful of popcorn and threw them at his face. “I think a few of them went in! You’re right, I am improving.”

Noya picked up some of the pieces on his chest and tossed them back at you with a glare, but you shielded yourself with your arms. You tried to pick up another handful, but he’d already tugged the bowl away from your hands to hold protectively against his chest. What a cheater, you thought, as he mischievously smirked at you.

“Hey, Yuu. Can you do me a fav-Oh, hey (Y/N)!” His eldest sister, Yuki, appeared over the back of the couch making you jump. You had nearly forgotten his sisters had all come home for the holidays.

“Depends.” Noya threw another piece of popcorn at your face while barely acknowledging his sister’s presence. After the piece hit you in the forehead you gave him a small kick to the stomach that he over exaggerated with a groan and an arm slinging over it, letting his tongue hang out the side of his mouth.

What a baby.

“I’m going out to eat with some friends,” she said, smirking at your guys’ display before pushing herself away from the couch. “I started a load of laundry though, so I need you to switch it to the dryer in like half an hour.”

“Why can’t Mina or Sayori do it?” He passed you back the popcorn bowl so he could look over the back of the couch and question Yuki properly. You had only met her a handful of times, but she was absolutely ethereal with her beauty, like, just not fair level attractive. Not that you didn’t find Noya attractive, but what the fuck. How had he lived with that for so long and still have self-esteem?

“Because they’re busy.”

“I’m busy,” he gestured toward the television with his thumb.

“You’re not actually watching it.” She said irritated as you heard a lot of drawers sliding open and closed. “It’ll take three seconds, Yuu. Stop whining.”

“What are you looking for?” Noya leaned onto his crossed arms.

“Dad wants me to take his car because of the snow, but I don’t know where he keeps his keys anymore.”

“Drawer by the fridge.” He said lazily as he flopped back down, picking up your feet to lay them across his lap again.

“Thanks,” You heard the rustling of a coat as she likely prepared herself for the weather outside. “Do you guys want me to pick you something up while I’m out?”

Noya drummed his hands against your legs as he thought before raising a brow toward you, but you lifted your hands while shrugging. You weren’t really hungry at the moment, so you wouldn’t be any help.

“Not sure,” he said without looking back. “Can you text me when you’re heading home?”

“Will do,” she said, and you felt a chill over your skin when she opened the door letting the cold air inside. “See you soon. Thanks again, Yuu. Love you.”

“Yeah yeah, you too.” He said while rolling his eyes. Noya shook the bowl around while he searched for the few edible ones left since throwing pieces around didn’t leave you with much actual food. When he glanced up he raised a brow at your fond smile. “What?”

“I just like seeing you be a younger brother,” you said, poking him in the nose. “It’s cute.”

“Don’t demean me. I’m the farthest thing from cute,” he pouted while grabbing your hand to make you cup his cheek. Yeah, leaning against your hand really helped prove his case. You leisurely rubbed your thumb along his cheek as he rested against the palm he held in place.

“My mistake.” You whispered. Noya’s eyes narrowed at your obviously teasing tone, but when they flickered down to your lips you figured he must’ve decided on giving you a pass. 

“Yuu did you steal my fucking laptop charger again!?”

His hold on the back of your hand tightened slightly as he squeezed his eyes closed. After a long shuddering breath he gave you a quick apologetic smile before leaning back to glare at the ceiling where you heard aggressive stomping.

“No, I don’t have your goddamn charger!” Noya shouted while cupping his mouth. His head fell against the couch when the stomping moved toward the staircase.

“I told you to stay out of my room!”

“Why would I even want to go into that ugly ass mess!?”

“I’m in the middle of a fucking quiz and my laptop is dying.” His other sister, Mina, came stomping into the living space with murder in her eyes. You shrunk into the couch, but Noya just sneered back at her.

“I don’t even have it.”

 “Well it’s not in my room and you always steal my shit.” Mina menacingly marched to stand in front of him with her hands on her hips. “My chargers, my leftovers, my clothes, my-”

“We’ve been over this,” he stood up so they were nose to nose. “If they were your favorite sweatpants you would have taken them to college. They were free game.”

“That’s not how it works!”

“Is too.”

“Is not you fucking shrimp!”

“You’re one inch taller than me!”

“One more inch I can use to kick your ass!” She actually cracked her knuckles before her eyes flickered to you. “Oh my god, (Y/N)? When did you get here?”

“Uh, I’ve been here.” You laughed awkwardly.

“Really?” She furrowed her brow before turning back to Noya and both pinching then twisting his bicep. 

He squeaked. “What the hell?”

“Give. It. Back.”

“I. Don’t. Have. It.” He sneered, ripping her hand off him. They glared at each other for a few seconds before Noya sighed dramatically; leaving down the hall to his room with obnoxiously loud steps and slamming the door closed when he got there. You just shook his head at the childish display.

“So, how’s life?” Mina asked while taking a seat on the coffee table across from you. “Yuu treating you good?”

“Yeah, we’re great. He’s amazing.” You said, glancing down the hall where he was probably cursing up a storm.

“He’s a brat, but he’s a great kid.” She pointed a finger at you sternly. “Don’t tell him I said that.”

“Never.”

Noya came back empty-handed and you glanced back to Mina nervously. “It isn’t in my room.”

“You lost my charger?”

“That’s not what I-” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Are you listening to me? I don’t have it. Maybe you just lost it.”

Her jaw dropped. “So, you lose my charger and then try to blame it on me?”

“I didn’t fucking lose-”

“Hey Yuu. I need your help.” Came the voice from his final sister as Sayori wandered into the living room with her face in her phone.

“Oh my fucking god!” He dragged his hands down his face. “So, when I asked everyone to stay out of the living room did that just go over everyone’s head?”

“Jesus, who put a stick up your ass.” Sayori scoffed.

“The brat’s upset because I found out he lost my charger.”

“I didn’t lose-”

“For your laptop?” Sayori clarified and Mina nodded. “Oh, I borrowed that yesterday. It’s in my room.”

Mina blinked and turned to a fuming Noya. “It appears I may have been mistaken.”

“No shit.”

“I will be going now.”

“And stay away.”

She glared at him, but didn’t say anything as she went back to the stairs. Noya, however, like the bigger man he was, stuck his tongue out at her back as she was leaving. You shook your head again. Mina was double the hothead Noya was, so she was absolutely terrifying when angry. And Noya being as stubborn as he was just loved to walk the line.

Once Mina was gone Noya pushed past his other sister to plop sluggishly onto the couch and lay face first onto your lap, wrapping his arms around your waist. Your smile softened down at him and your hand automatically came up to run your fingers through his hair. It was one of your favorite things to do.

“Hey, (Y/N).”

“Hello,” You felt Noya’s annoyed grumbles against your stomach and you lightly tugged on his hair. He whined and tightened his grip around your stomach.

Sayori sat on Noya’s legs on the opposite side of the couch, making him yelp in pain. He tried kicking her off, but Sayori stubbornly didn’t move until Noya just ended up with his legs on her lap. You smirked at the scene while you just continued to play with Noya’s hair. Sayori was probably your favorite among Noya’s sisters because she had the same chaotic nature.

She also had the same blonde streak of hair and you thought that was really cool because it made them look like twins.

Sayori began poking Noya in the calves repeatedly until he whined dramatically and peeked down at her.

“What.”

“So, I matched with this guy on Tinder and I told him that I really love volleyball, but apparently he used to play it and now I don’t know what to do.”

He gave her a look of disbelief before flipping over on your lap. “Why would you do that?”

“I don’t know. I mean I like watching you play it so it wasn’t a complete lie.” She said as she offered the phone to him.

“Yeah, but you don’t understand it,” he took the device from her hands. You pushed his hair back away from his forehead and fiddled absentmindedly with the blonde strip of hair. Noya began scrolling through something before typing against the screen.

“Okay, well you told (Y/N) that you liked to read,” Sayori rolled her eyes. “I had to research book synopsis while you were texting her and that’s infinitely more pathetic.”

He turned red and kicked Sayori in the stomach. “What the hell? Shut up.”

“Noya, I knew you were lying right away,” you said. “We’re in the same class. You complain about lit class every day.”

“Then why’d you go along with it?” He said, sounding betrayed.

“‘Cause it was funny,” you smirked. “I honestly didn’t know half the books I talked about. I just wanted to see how far you’d go.”

“That’s evil.”

“That’s hilarious,” Sayori added, patting you on the shoulder in approval. “I’m so glad you two worked out.”

“Me too,” you brushed your knuckles along his cheek and he paused to give you a dopey smile.

“Okay, but be mushy somewhere else.” Sayori said, while fake gagging.

“You’re the one invading our space,” he snorted. “This could’ve waited until later, Sayori.”

“What are you even doing?”

“Oh, he’s flirting for me.” Sayori shrugged like it was completely normal.

“And you… want the guy to like you?” You asked, ignoring the half-assed glare Noya sent you.

“He’s actually a great flirt as long as there’s no emotional attachment.”

“Seriously?”

“Stop acting so surprised,” Noya furrowed his brow at you. “I flirted well enough to get you to date me.”

“I guess.” Although if you were being honest you actually fell for how bad he was at flirting with you. You were way more attracted to his awkward attempts to impress you than if he’d been super suave or something.

“This guy’s a loser.” Noya grimaced. “I don’t like the way he’s treating you.”

“Really?” Sayori slid down so she laid beside him on your lap and you lifted your hands awkwardly. He just tilted the screen to her and she tsked. “Man, boys suck.”

Noya nodded in agreement as he handed the phone back to her before she hoisted herself off you.

“So, this is normal then?” You asked.

“Yep, he pulls most of my dates. It’s only when he has crushes that he’s a wreck.” She snorted. “Like, it took three days for him to confidently text you by himself.”

“Don’t tell her that!”

“You were nervous? That’s so cute,” you smashed his cheeks together and Noya furrowed his eyebrows annoyed.

“Isn’t it?” Sayori squeezed his feet and bounced them playfully. “I mean, I had to text you the first day while he paced around panicking and ranting about how cute you were and how he was gonna fuck it up. I’ve never seen him so-”

Noya kicked her in the stomach. “Sayori, leave.”

She rolled her eyes, “After all I do for you…” She got up from the couch and sent a peace sign over her shoulder. “See you guys later.”

“Whatever,” he mumbles under his breath.

“Thank you! I love you!” She screamed from her doorway while Noya reached his hand up to pinch your nose and wave your head around.

“Whatever, love you too!”

You captured the hand on your nose and brought the back of his hand to your lips. “I also love you.” You said softly against his hand.

“I love you, too.” He whispered.

You let yourselves enjoy the first moments of silence together as his eyes drifted closed and you leaned against his hand. The only noise came from Mina’s muffled study playlist drifting through the floorboards as even the television had long fallen quiet-the movie ending a long time ago without either of you noticing.

“I like having you here,” he said, peeking an eye open.

Your eyes softened. “I like being here.”

The washer buzzed and he squeezed his eyes shut while taking a deep breath. He rolled off your lap with a whine, giving you a quick peck on the forehead before he went jogging down the hallway with a promise that he would be right back. You watched after him as he sock slid on the hardwood floor to make a sharp turn and continue running toward their washroom. You couldn’t contain the dopey smile on your lips.

You relaxed back against the couch as your cheeks turned a rosey shade of pink. You stared up at the ceiling fan spinning around and chewed on your bottom lip, mulling over your thoughts.

You really did love being here, being a part of the family chaos. As you heard the dryer start running and a door sliding shut somewhere in the house a nice thrum ran through your heart because… you especially loved being a part of the family chaos with him.

[sohotthateveryonedied]

You Gotta Fend for Yourself

Read here on AO3!

Summary:

Bruce is Tim's emergency contact. He gets a call to meet Tim at the ER.

“I’m looking for a patient.” The woman behind the ER desk looks bored as she eyes Bruce, takes in the pressed suit and diamond cufflinks. The way he fidgets, drumming his fingers on the desk and trying very hard not to look as anxious as he feels. It’s easier to reign in his worry when he’s wearing the cowl. “Name?” “Tim Drake.” “Give me a minute.” She types his name into the computer, and Bruce can’t help but wonder how she manages to type with such long fingernails. “Your son is in bed eight. It’s over there, against the far wall.” She points him in the general direction. Bruce considers correcting her on the fact that Tim is certainly not his son, but he doesn’t need to tell this complete stranger that. Let her think what she wants. He thanks her and goes where directed. His chest loosens when he finds Tim sitting on a medical cot, neither bleeding out from a gaping wound nor missing any limbs. Instead he’s playing some sort of racing game on his phone, indifferent to the bustling emergency room around him. An oxygen mask sits beside him, forgotten. He and Bruce should really have a conversation about the importance of listening to medical professionals. “Hey, kiddo.”

Tim looks up and his eyes go wide. “Bruce. You...actually came?” His voice is hoarse, like he’s been gargling sand. “Of course I did. I am your emergency contact, after all.” Tim blushes. “I told them not to call you. You really don’t need to be here if you’re busy, I can get a cab home. And I’m sure I can talk the doctors into letting me check myself out without an adult, so—” “It’s okay, Tim. Really. You actually saved me from a board meeting.” Tim doesn’t look at all reassured. Bruce sits on the side of the cot beside Tim, who moves over a few inches. “Your teacher told me you went into anaphylactic shock in the middle of geometry.” Tim rolls his eyes. “I got a candy bar from the vending machine and the wrapper forgot to mention there were walnuts in it. It’s not that big a deal.” “Oh, sure, not that big a deal. You just stopped breathing for two minutes. Totally normal.” “I’m breathing now, aren’t I?” Tim takes an exaggerated breath. “See? I’m fine. And, for the record, it was the teacher’s fault. I had my hand raised for a whole minute trying to tell her that I couldn’t breathe, and she didn’t even look at me. Eventually I just passed out.” Bruce blinks. “You raised your hand? While your life was in danger?” “I didn’t want to be rude.” Lord, beer me patience. “I’ll get you an EpiPen to carry with you from now on.” “I usually have one, but I used it up a couple months ago and kept forgetting to ask my dad for another one.” A shrug. “Don’t you keep one in your utility belt?” “That’s for civilians.” Bruce’s eyebrows crease. “It’s for keeping people safe, not just civilians. You’re a person, so I want you to use whatever you need to keep yourself from dying in the middle of class. Got it?” Tim nods, a little sheepishly. “Yes, sir.” “Good. Now, how are you feeling?” Tim flicks the IV tube. “Cortisone and a shot of epinephrine earlier. I’ll be fine.” Even so, Bruce can’t stop himself from checking Tim over anyway, just to be sure. He needs to see that Tim is okay with his own eyes. He feels Tim’s throat for any residual swelling, checks his pulse. “Can you breathe okay?” “Yep.” “What about your mouth, does it feel numb or tingly? Any swelling?” “No and no.” “Are you dizzy at all, nauseous?” “You do realize we’re in a hospital, right? Surrounded by actual doctors?” “Yes, and I don’t trust a single one of them unless their name is Leslie Thompkins, Alfred Pennyworth, or Bruce Wayne.” “You’re insane.” “Good. Maybe then you’ll stay alive long enough to see the new year.” Bruce takes out his cell phone and drafts the beginning of an email in his notes app. “I should call the school and give them hell for not looking after you. Or at least for not being more aware of their vending machine snacks.” He knew Tim never should have been allowed in a public school. That’s like locking the most perfect, innocent kitten in the world in a cage with rabid coyotes. Completely irresponsible. “You’re overreacting, B.” “You could have died.” Tim scoffs. “Stop being so dramatic. This isn’t even the worst allergic reaction I’ve had. My parents were terrible at remembering to tell the nannies about my walnut energy, so there were a lot of close calls.” Bruce should be more surprised at that information. After he sues the school for the wrongful almost-death of a student, he should sue Drake Industries just for the hell of it. “Where are your parents? Are they on their way?” Jack Drake is as disagreeable a man as disagreeable men get, but he’s always revving for conflict. Bruce will definitely be able to sway him to his side of this matter. They can bring it up to the board of education, draw up new regulations for the school’s allergy protocols. Tim scratches absently at the rash on his neck. Bruce swats his hand away. “Dad brought Dana on a business trip to Philadelphia. It was only supposed to last the weekend, but they decided to stay a few extra days.” “A few?” “Eleven, to be exact.” Yikes. Big yikes. “You at least called them, right? They’ll want to know you’re safe.” “I called Dad when I first got here, but he didn’t pick up so I left him a message. I’m pretty sure he got it, because Dana keeps texting me to make sure I’m okay and asking if they should come home early. Dad still hasn’t said anything, but I’m sure he’s worried too.” Even as Tim says the words, it’s clear he doesn’t believe them. Never mind, fuck Jack Drake. Bruce can find another parent to start an alliance with—one who actually cares about their kid. Maybe Crystal Brown is free tonight… Bruce flags down a passing nurse. “Can I get some discharge papers for my son, here?” Might as well throw that in, give himself some extra authority. Whatever gets them out of here quicker. “Thank god,” Tim says. He plucks out the IV and swings his legs off the bed. “I’m sick of this place. You can just drop me off at home and I’ll be all set?” “Drop you off? You’re coming home with me, Tim.” Was that part not clear? “It’s cool, really. I’ll be fine after some rest. You don’t have to look after me.” “I know I don’t have to. I want to.” Bruce thanks the nurse who brings over the discharge papers in record time. People really don’t appreciate nurses enough; he should donate a few million to boost their salaries. He pushes the clipboard into Tim’s hands. “Here, fill these out and we can get going. I’ll call ahead and have Alfred make supper.” “And then I can go home?” Bruce shrugs, eyes fixed on his phone screen as his thumbs fly. “You already have a room made up at the manor, so I don’t see why you can’t stay over tonight. Besides, I’d like to keep an eye on you, just in case.” Anaphylaxis can be a tricky thing. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re a mother hen?” “Once or twice.” “Well, they’re right.” Bruce snorts. He works more on his email draft to the school, making a mental note to censor out the swear words during revision. He’s getting flashbacks to years ago when Jason had a close call with some shrimp at a party for a museum opening. Bruce nearly decimated the catering company for not putting out warnings for potential allergens. “Tim?” “Hm?” “How come I’m your emergency contact?” Tim freezes. He doesn’t look at Bruce and twiddles the pen, quiet for a moment. “I don’t know. I guess I didn’t know who else to put? I figured it would never actually be needed, so it wasn’t like you’d ever find out about it anyway. But don’t worry, I’ll change it tomorrow so you don’t need to do this again.” “No,” Bruce says, a little too quickly. “Keep it. It’s...more logical for it to be me. And I really don’t mind.” “You sure? You don’t have to.” “I want to. Partners look out for each other, right?” Tim’s cheeks are flushed under the allergy-induced redness, but he nods. “Right.”

[archonanqi]

fragile as dust / 4

🔖 [first] [prev] [next] 

—

ch 4 | a deep hunger

   In the moments after you dredged yourself back into consciousness, there was always a brief moment of panic. The part of the city that you’d grown up in was full of unpleasantries, and it wasn’t uncommon to wake up to find a knife at your throat, a hand where it did not belong. You’d once woken up face to face with a hulking, growling hound that had chased you for almost an hour through the alleyways, while its owner laughed.

   On the best of days, you woke up cold, alone and sore from sleeping on the floor. You’d always considered that a blessing.

   But today, you were comfortable. Something wasn’t right. You scrambled to your feet, realizing where you were just a little too late to stop yourself from tipping over the side of the bed and tumbling to the floor with a loud thud.  Groaning, you picked yourself up, peering around the strange place you’d just woken up in. Curtains, window, a bed—

   Zhongli.

   The memory of last night sent ice through your veins. Of course. You’d begun a new chapter of your life, a never-ending one of servitude and humiliation. And when he turned his Archon-granted strength against you (and men like him always did) what would you be able to do to stop him? You reached for the Vision at your chest; but it was not there. Ah, right. You’d hidden it deep, deep under the documents in the bedside table.

    You hadn’t really learned how to use it, but its absence was like a hole in your chest. How would you find the chance to train with it now, in between serving and entertaining Zhongli?

   Just as you thought that all the worries and fears swirling about in your head might spill through your lips in a scream, your thoughts were overtaken by the smell of something absolutely divine. You took a deep breath, a tentative step towards the door, then another, and another.

   It was the unmistakeable scent of Liyue’s harbor food, fried dough, roast meat and fresh baked bread.

   You opened the door just a crack, everything forgotten aside from the furious rumbling of your stomach and the saliva pooling under your tongue. In the living room, you saw Zhongli setting out silverware on the table. He looked up and met your curious gaze.

   “Good morning, Hansi,” he said. How was it fair that his voice almost swept you off your feet, that even after a good night’s sleep, his lips on your name still sounded like sweet, dripping honey? “How did you sleep?”

   You briefly weighed your options and decide that slowly closing the door again and going back to bed is not one of them. You opened the door a little more, slipping out into the hallway. “Very well, thank you, s— Mr. Zhongli.” For good measure, you accentuated the end of your sentence with a stiff bow.

   “It’s a little past noon,” he said, “but I did not want to wake you. I’m glad to hear that your first night here was pleasant.”

   You weren’t really listening. It was all you could do to keep yourself from drooling at the lavish array of food that was laid out on the table. A heap of youtiao, crystal shrimp wrapped in layers of translucent dough, mora meat buns stuffed with glistening, fatty meats, bowls of steaming congee and cold noodles--

   The kind of food that hawkers sold from their carts on the harbor, the kind you’d stared at for ages, mouth watering, until you got chased away. You realized that you were staring right now, and tore your gaze away from the table to meet Zhongli’s.

   What would you have to do to earn your share of scraps, in this household?

   “I’m not sure what your dietary preferences were,” Zhongli waved a gloved hand at the food laid out on the table, “so I got a little of everything that the morning hawkers of Liyue had to offer. I hope that one of these is to your liking.”

   What? You realized that there were two sets of silverware on the table, two sets of every food.

   Even for a rich nobleman, this was a cruel joke to play.

   “Do you mean to say that I’ll be eating at the same table as you, Mr. Zhongli?” You asked, as though the sheer absurdity of hearing it spoken aloud would cause the man to stop messing with you.

   Zhongli fixated you with that piercing gaze, again. It felt like a billion thoughts ran behind those eyes, as though in his head, he was calculating every movement you made and every word you said.

   (The only thought going through yours was “fuck”, repeated over and over again like a mantra.)

   Finally, Zhongli nodded slowly. “Yes, I would like you to join me during meals. It seems that we do have much to discuss about our situation, after all.”

   Any disbelief was strangled effective immediately by the realization that food food foodfood??? You would be able to eat? You were surprised at your own self control, that you did not immediately leap upon the table and start grabbing.

   “Please, sit,” Zhongli said, as always, painfully oblivious to the effect of the things he had said. He pulled out the chair in front of you, gesturing for you to sit. Mind abuzz and whispering your thanks, you sat down and he pushed your chair gently closer to the table. Zhongli made his way over to the opposite side of the table, and you realized that you were shaking only when you tried to pick up the chopsticks.

   “Can I really eat?” You said, in a small voice, terrified of the answer.

   “Of course. Please, dig in,” Zhongli smiled, and it almost looked more beautiful than the food. Almost.

---

   It was a testament to Zhongli’s composure: how calmly he ate his meal with that same amiable expression, as you tore through your side of the table like a whirlwind from Lord Barbatos himself.

   The food was hot, salty, exploding on your tongue, filling your nose and lungs with thick, savory flavor. You had never felt anything like this before — warmth in your throat and a strange fullness in your stomach. You took enormous bites, scarcely swallowing; if Zhongli changed his mind about feeding you, there wouldn’t be much he could do about the food that was already in your stomach.

   “I take it,” he said, finally, putting down his chopsticks, “that you are enjoying the food?” In your frenzy, you hadn’t seen him eat — couldn’t imagine someone as dignified as him eating, and certainly not in the wolfish manner that you had just inhaled three crystal shrimp with.

   “Yeshshuh,” you blurted through stuffed cheeks, swallowing your mouthful with much difficulty. “Yes, sir.”

   “Zhongli,” he corrected.

   “Yes, Mr. Zhongli. Thank you very much.” You briefly ripped your gaze away from the bun in your hands to glance at him. He met your gaze squarely, and you had to look away. You didn’t think that you’d ever be able to handle the weight of those amber eyes. Yet in that brief moment, you saw nothing reminiscent of disdain or disgust, anger or pity in them.

   You couldn’t remember the last time someone looked at you without those things.

   “You mentioned wanting to talk about our… arrangement, Mr. Zhongli?” You reluctantly put down your food. Best to have this conversation while he was in a good mood, you thought. Besides, your stomach was beginning to cramp just a little, and the last thing you wanted was for all this food to come out of you the wrong way.

   “Yes,” Zhongli said. “I’ll deign to bore you with the details. I have been living alone for a long time, but as of fairly recently, I’ve had to undergo some… physical changes, that have in turn made my lifestyle quite troublesome.”

   This wasn’t what you were expecting, but what else was new? What did he mean? Had he gotten into an accident, gotten hurt somehow? He certainly seemed physically fine — much more than fine.

   “I’ve been looking for someone to help me around the house, especially since work has kept me rather... busy,” he sighed, and this was the closest you’d seen him to frustration. What kind of job did he possibly have that could cause such distress to someone like him? You wanted to ask, but you knew better than to speak without being spoken to.

   So instead, you nodded intently to show that you were still listening. You didn’t have the slightest clue how to begin doing housework — you’d scarcely ever even been in a house before today — but you certainly weren’t about to tell him that. You had always been a quick learner, and so you would learn; you would survive, just like you always had.

   “However, I must say that you’ve been brought to me in a state that I was not expecting.” His brow had furrowed, his voice growing a little tight. “You were on the brink of collapse last night, and now, I can see why. When was the last time you ate?”

   Feeling the warmth of shame creep onto your cheeks — you’d been hoping that he, by chance, hadn’t noticed your mealtime conduct. You scoured your brain for an answer. Something about his gaze made you want to be honest — dredged the truth from your throat.

   “Th-three days ago. I think.”

   You swore that his eyes visibly flashed. There were only the slightest vestiges of anger on his face, but just like before, the air seemed to fester. This was the most emotion you’d seen from him since the night that he’d sent your escorts away. Fear scorched your veins at the sight of a nobleman’s displeasure.

   “I’m very sorry,” you whispered.

   “No, no. It is not you who should be sorry.” Zhongli shook his head, closing his eyes briefly in thought. When he opened them again, there was no sign of that anger, his features once again unreadable. “What I mean to say is, until you have gained some of your health back, your only responsibility in my household is to recover. Is that agreeable, Hansi?”

   The only thing this arrangement bordered on was perplexing. You bit your tongue to keep from saying as much. You didn’t understand the game he was playing, but you certainly didn’t believe for a moment that he had paid those traffickers what must have been more Mora than you’d seen in your life, just to keep you around like a trophy.

   He was hiding something, wanted something from you; and you didn’t want the day to come when he finally revealed it. You had a pretty good guess that it wouldn’t end well for you.

   “Yes, Mr. Zhongli,” you said instead. What else was there to say?

[denkithunder]

memories

Pairing: Katsuki Bakugou x Reader

Summary: “If I could go back and change everything, I would do it in a heartbeat.”

A/N: finally finished re-writing this request! honestly i love it 100% more than the first version i wrote (i re-named it a couple of times oops)

⌲

Staring at him from across the table, you silently picked at the appetizer you ordered before he got here. 

He stared back at you from his place next to the table, standing still as if afraid to move.

You chuckle at the irony of the situation, breaking eye contact as you roll your eyes and pick up your wine glass.

‘Just my luck to be set up on blind date with my ex.’ You think to yourself as you drink from your glass.

                                                        __

You laid in bed with your boyfriend, the rhythm of his heartbeat slowly lulling you to sleep. You smile to yourself, these were your favorite moments. Just you, him, and the occasional, distant sound of a car driving by.

“We need to break up.” His voice was low and soft, almost as if he thought you were already asleep and he was just practicing saying these words.

You shift in his arms, feeling him freeze as you sit up from your place in his arms and turn to look up at him.

He stared ahead of him, refusing to make eye contact with you, so you stood and moved to stand in front of him.

“Are you going to explain what you mean or are you just going to keep avoiding eye contact with me?” Your voice trembled as you crossed your arms over your chest and kneeled on his bed.

“What’s there to explain?” He grumbled, annoyance in his voice as he moved to sit on the side of his bed next to your kneeling form.

“What’s ther- may be why you think we need to break-up?” You stood up once again as he stood up and walked across the small room.

“We just need to, okay? What’s so hard to understand about the fact that I’m breaking up with you?” His back was to you as his shoulders shook.

“Because I don’t understand why?” You cried out, running your hands through your hair as tears silently ran down your face. “There has to be a reason as to why you’re breaking up with me out of nowhere.”

“Because I need to focus on becoming the number one hero, nothing else beside that matters!” You flinched as his voice grew louder with every word he spoke, silently hoping it didn’t wake any of your classmates.

“Nothing?” You cowards away, the pain brought from his words slowly spreading throughout your body. “Not even me, not even us? Not even a three year relationship?”

The hurt slowly turned into anger the longer you stood in the middle of his room. How could he say that nothing else mattered when you had spent the last three years by his side, doing nothing but support him?

You both just stood there, staring into each other’s eyes with nothing but anger.

“I don’t need this right now. You’re being selfis-” He tried to whisper, flinching as your voice cut him off.

“Selfish?” You couldn’t believe what you were hearing, you were being selfish?

“How am I being selfish, I have every right to be upset after you told me that our relationship isn’t even important to you? How else am I supposed to react?”

He just stared at you, not even bothering to correct you as he watched the angry tears fall down your cheeks rapidly.

“Three years really means absolutely nothing to you? I spent three fucking years doing nothing but support you and this is how thank me? By telling me our relationship meant nothing to you?” You gather your belongings, stuffing everything you had in his room into a bag as he just watched, hands twitching to stop you.

“Have a good life, Bakugou.” You spit out, slamming the door as you walk out of his room and out of his life.

                                                         __

He cleared his throat as he sat down, body stiff as he waited for you to go off on him.

You just glared at him, surprised that he had the guts to sit down after what he did.

“I think there’s been a mistake. Goodbye.” You move your hand to call the waiter, yanking your hand away when you felt his touch as he tried to stop you

“Pleas-”

“I don’t want to hear whatever pathetic excuse you have. You got what you wanted, you got the number one hero title. You don’t need this.”

“Are you ready to order?” A waiter comes up to the table, waiting patiently for your answer.

You go to ask for the check but Bakugou interrupts you. “Actually, can we have a few minutes?”

You stare at him in annoyance as the waiter nods and walks to a different table.

“I’m sorry.”

“Why do you suddenly feel the need to apologize?” You murmur, going back to picking at your appetizer.

“I always felt the need to apologize. I regretted everything that happened, the second it happened.” He muttered, calling the waiter over to order.

You eyed your plate as he ordered for himself, only glancing at him when he motioned for you to order.

“I’m fine.” You muttered, smiling softly when you heard him order your favorite dish.

“You remember?” He stares at you before reaching for the glass of wine that was near him.

“Of course I do, it’d be hard to forget after that stunt you pulled.” He mumbled into the glass, chuckling when all you did was roll your eyes.

                                                          __

“Babe!” You banged softly on your boyfriend’s door, smiling innocently when he swung it open with eyes full of anger.

“It’s nearly midnight, what the fuck do you want?” He grumbled out, trying his hardest not to yell in the middle of the night.

“I’m hungry.” Your wide-eyed expression made it hard for him to stay mad at you, so he simply grunted and walked back into his room.

“You couldn’t go into the kitchen yourself?”

“I want pasta!” You exclaimed, rushing inside his room and sitting next to him on his bed.

“There’s left-over pasta in the fridge.” He laid back, closing his eyes as you started tugging on his arm.

“But it’s not shrimp pasta!” You whined, tugging a bit harder on his arm as you stood up with him following you.

You walked over to the elevator with his arm around your waist, his face snuggling into your neck. You giggled as you both stepped onto the elevator.

“I think I like it when you're sleepy, you're a lot more cuddly.” He tickled your sides, muttering a shut up before you felt him lean more into you.

“Might wake you up in the middle of the night more often.” You felt as the elevator came to a stop, waiting for the doors to open.

“Don’t you fucking dare.”

Walking over to the kitchen was kind of difficult, seeing as Bakugou decided to make you basically carry him there.

“Maybe I won’t.” You grunted as you softly pushed him off you, pulling out everything you knew he would need out.

“Can’t believe you woke me up to make you pasta.” He rubbed his eyes, stretching and yawning to wake himself up.

“Make us pasta, it’s gonna be like a date!” You exclaimed with your hands in the air, sitting on the stools as he moved towards the ingredients.

“Yeah, yeah. Just don’t do this shit again.” He began chopping everything, moving so fast you could barely see what was going on.

“Or what? You’ll cuddle me to death?” You stuck your tongue out at him, smiling softly when he did the same.

                                                          __

You guys made small talk while waiting for the food to arrive before bringing up the topic you both wanted to discuss.

“Thank you.” You waited for the waiter to leave before you brought it up first.

“Did being number one hero really mean more to you than our relationship?” You whispered, tapping your fingers on your glass of wine as you put your fork down.

He bit his lip as he debated on what to say, not wanting you to storm out like the last time you two talked.

“I mean, I thought being the number one hero was the only thing that mattered back then. What can I say? I was a stupid eighteen year old boy who didn’t know anything.” He grabbed his own glass and drank from it, glancing at you to wait for your reaction.

“Back then?” Tilting your head, you stared at him in confusion.

“If I could go back and change everything, I would do it in a heartbeat.”

“Even if it meant you’d never-?”

“Even if.”

You both sat in silence, as you tried to understand what his words meant, and after a few moments you spoke up confidently.

“Well, I wouldn’t.” He stared at you, stunned that that was your response.

“What?”

“I wouldn’t change anything that happened.” You simply stated, continuing to eat your pasta.

“Are you going to explain?” He looked bewildered, his food long forgotten.

“What’s there to explain?” You joked, grinning when all he did was glare at you.

“Breaking up, it made us into who we are today. I learned a lot from it. I learned things that I probably wouldn’t have if we had stayed together. For example, I learned how to put myself first. I realized that for our entire relationship, I would put you before myself in situations where I needed to put myself first. I don’t blame you for it at all, but the love I had for you blinded me sometimes.” Everything came out at once, and it hurt you to see his pained expression. “What’s wrong?”

“Had?”

“What?”

“You said, ‘the love you had for me’.” You chuckled at his words, biting your lip to stop yourself from laughing out loud.

“That’s all you got from what I said?”

“Obviously not, but I guess a part of me hoped you still had some sort of feelings. I guess I shouldn’t have since you are going out on blind dates but so am I and I’m still in love with you-”

“Katsuki!” You chuckled again, cutting off his ramblings. “Have you been spending time with Midoriya?”

“No...”

“Uh-huh, sure. Anyway, I guess I said it because I don’t really know you anymore. You’re not the same person who you used to be, the same person I used to love.” The hurt expression on his face made you rush to explain yourself.

“You’ve changed for the better, Katsuki. I can tell that much, but it’s hard to know if you still love the same person after not speaking to them for nearly ten years. And I’ve changed too, we can’t be sure if we still feel the same way we used to if we’re not the people we used to be.”

Staring into each other’s eyes, you waited for him to say something, heart beating quickly.

He reached over to lay his hand on top of your hand that sat on the table, rubbing the back of your hand with his thumb.

“Well then, let’s take the time to find out. I’m not letting you walk out of my life a second time.”

                                                           __

You opened your door, head tilting in confusion when you saw the path of rose petals.

“Babe?” You called out to your boyfriend, following the petals out of curiosity.

“What’s this?” You mumble to yourself, bending down to pick up the sheet of paper from the floor.

You smile as you carefully dust off the picture, thinking back to the memory the picture held.

“Come on ‘Suki, I just wanna make sure the puppy’s okay!” You whispered yelled, huffing out in frustration when he stopped you yet again from exiting the dorms.

“I told you to stop calling me that and it’s pouring rain outside, you’ll get sick if yo-”

Before he could finish, you charged at him, making him stumble as he tried to stop both of you from falling.

“What are you crazy!” He began yelling before you shushed him with your hands over his mouth, running past him and out the doors when you noticed you took him by surprise.

When managed to sneak out the gates without being caught, stopping to catch your breath when you realized you were near the alley you saw the puppy in.

“You’re a brat you know that?” You jump at the sound of Bakugou’s voice, turning to see him hold an umbrella over the both of you.

Instead of replying, you smiled at him and began walking, hearing him scoff at you as he followed.

You hear a whimper 5 minutes later, coming from the same alley you remember seeing the puppy.

“Oh no, baby.” You call out, seeing the scared animal drenched and alone. You carefully walk over to it, stretching out your arm so it could sniff your hand.

You frown as it whimpers again, scuffling away from you.

“It’s okay buddy, I’m not gonna hurt you.” You whisper, slowly moving towards it. Once you were close enough, you moved to grab it.

“Don’t grab it with your hands, it’s all wet!” Bakugou whispered loudly, hitting you on the head with a towel.

“You don’t have to hit me!” You whine, grabbing the towel and wrapping the baby dog in it, drying it off as best as you could. You pull the towel away from the puppy, frowning at how soaked it was.

You shrug as you go to grab the puppy with your bare hands again, feeling a softer material hit you on the back of the head again.

You decide to ignore him, taking the blanket and wrapping the puppy up. You stand fully with the small creature in your hand, turning towards Bakugou and smiling enthusiastically.

“It’s like a baby burrito!” You force him to take a picture of you with your new pet, smiling widely at the camera.

“I still can’t believe Aizawa made me take it to the shelter.” You grumble out, absentmindedly flipping the picture to see writing on the back.

This was the day I accepted that what I felt for you wasn’t just platonic.

You continued your search, following the petals that you realized were leading you towards your backyard. 

You bend down again to pick up another photo, frowning when you see the picture was of you with the rest of your friends, holding up your provisional licenses with giant smiles on your face. 

“What...” You whisper, turning the photo around to read the back.

Later that day, you held me in your arms as I cried to you about all my mistakes and fuck ups. You comforted me and always made sure I was okay. That was when I knew I loved you.

“Babe?” You called out softly, knocking gently on the door as to not wake everyone else up. “I know you’re up, I saw when you left with Midoriya and came back. Come on, open up.”

You heard the faint sound of the lock unlocking. You twist the door knob gently, pushing the door open as you try your best to be quiet. 

Closing the door behind you as quietly as you could, you take the time to look at your boyfriend. 

You rush over to him as you see the bandages on his face, taking it into your hands carefully. “What happened to you?” 

“Nothing. I’m fine.” He grunts slightly as he attempts to move himself back, away from your touch. 

You watch as he tries to blink away tears that begin to form in his eyes, rubbing his eyes in frustration. 

“Hey.” You whisper, grabbing his wrist to stop him from furiously wiping at his face. 

“Don’t-” His voice cracked, causing him to cover his face with his arms. “Don’t look at me, not like this.” 

With your heart breaking, you gently pulled at his wrist yet again and forced him to look at you.

“You don’t have to hide from me. I don’t care if we’ve only been together for a couple weeks, you don’t have to bottle up your emotions when you’re with me.” 

You both stared at each other in complete silence for a while until you decided to lay down on his bed and pull him down next to you. 

You laid his head on your chest and caressed his hair, not saying anything when you felt your shirt dampen. 

“It’s my fault.” You held him tighter as he began to sob quietly, letting him cling onto you. “It’s my fault All Might had to retire.”

“Baby, no.” You gently pushed him to sit up as you sat up yourself. 

You held his face in your hands as you forced him to look at you yet again and listen to what you had to say. “All Might having to retire is in no way your fault.”

It pained you to see him like this, eyes bloodshot red as tears spilled down his face. His eyes are full of guilt and regret, along with shame for letting you see him like this. 

“If I wasn’t so weak and let myself get captured-” 

“No.” 

“Huh?”

“Don’t say that, don’t say you were weak for getting captured.”

“But I am-”

“First, you didn’t let yourself get captured. You were kidnapped, taken against your will and held captive for days. Second, you are not weak. You are strong and you fought ‘til the very last second to escape.” 

You kissed him softly, pecking his lips after and resting your forehead on his. 

“You can’t say I’m not weak when I’m crying my eyes out.”

This caused you to brush your lips against eyelids as his eyes fluttered close and he leaned into your touch.

“You’re one of the strongest people I know, but that doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to cry.”

By the time you made it to the end of the petal path, you had picked up ten different photographs that captured memories of different stages of your relationship. 

You glanced up to see Bakugou standing in a tux, holding a bouquet of roses and one last photograph.

You walked to him and took them from him feeling your eyes water when you saw the picture you took the day before he broke up with you.

You turn the picture to look at the back, frowning when you see nothing written there. 

“What is this?” You ask him as you let your hand fall down, confusion clear in your voice. 

Glancing at him, you gasp when you see him kneeling down on one knee.

“Letting you go was the biggest mistake I ever made in my entire life. I let go of the person who taught me what it meant to love. Even though I’m not the same person who lost you, I always knew I was meant to spend the rest of my life with you creating memories. So, will you marry me?” 

“You… want me to marry you?”

“Yeah, that’s kind of the whole point of all this-”

You throw your arms around him, knocking both of you to the ground as you kissed him deeply.

“Yes.”

[guiltysecretpasttime]

Blended - 2

As you can see - so I decided to pursue Blended. Originally, there was no serious plot to this, I swear. I was just winging it but before I knew it - I was exploring this interesting new AU that I’ve unearthed and I thought, eh why not? Now, I have quite a backstory for our main characters here. Which, unfortunately, will not yet be revealed below but just the same, hope you like this!

---

Title: Blended

Previous installment here.

Legend of Korra, Lin/Tenzin, Modern AU, no bending

Multi-part, WIP

—

Narook’s

Lin sucked in a deep breath. She released it slowly, counting up to five.

Her eyes blinked, wishing for all the strength in the universe not to forsake her.

She had taught her sons never to play the break-up one-up game but good Agni, she wanted to say that she is winning this particular break-up even a decade or so after.

Yes Lin, you can do this. You have won this break-up.

She tried to give herself an imaginary fist pump.

Yes, sure. Real mature of you.

Feeling that she had done enough pep talk, Lin plastered a smile on her face. She had gotten good at this in the past years after all.

Now or never. For Jinora.

She crossed the room quickly. “Hey kid, sorry I’m late.” Lin pressed a kiss on Jinora’s hair, not meeting the eyes of the other occupants of the booth. The young girl faced her to give a kiss and a hug in return. “Of all the days, I know.” Lin focused on tucking some stray hair strands behind Jinora’s ear. “I don’t even know why Mr Sato has an assistant if the man barely follows his own schedule.”

She finally took a seat and faced the now gaping man across her.

“Ah – this is my mom –,” Jinora started to introduce her at the same time that Lin extended her hand.

“I’m Lin, Jinora’s mom. Nice to meet you.”

The bald man automatically reached to grasp her hand to shake it He was a beat too slow to release her hand and Lin involuntarily frowned at that.

Ikki elbowed her father. “His name is Tenzin.” She added helpfully. “He’s my dad.”

No kidding.

She put up the menu as a shield between them to prolong the inevitable conversation; a ruse of reviewing the food and beverage lists even if the diner has yet to update it in the past five years.

Belatedly, all her uncharitable thoughts about the faceless man that was Ikki’s father came to the forefront of her mind.  

Figures he would be that stuffy businessman who did not have his kids play with the neighborhood kids.

Speaking of kids…

The two girls were sharing a plate of waffles beside them. The waffles were slathered with butter, whipped cream, maple syrup and sprinkled on with chopped peanut butter cups. She frowned and glared at the man across her from behind the menu. That was a sugar overload and sugar crash waiting to happen. And happen it will when the two girls would be in her care later today. He would not have to deal with that.

Tenzin only had a cup of coffee in front of him. She eyed the porcelain canisters at the side containing cream and sugar. The sugar bowl was only a third full and she would bet that it was full earlier before he had his hands on it.

She put down the menu and decided they have had enough time.

Lin waved a waiter over and requested for a tall glass of lemonade.

Tenzin was still looking at her apprehensively.

As he should.

If he thinks I will cash in on this 'renewed' connection, he is very much mistaken.

“So, I believe you have some concerns about Ikki staying over?” Lin was pleased to note that her voice did not even waver at any point.

She felt the curious eyes of the kids turn to them; their own conversation turning into whispers.

That seemed to snap Tenzin out of his thoughts.

“That is - that- no I don’t -.” He stammered unbecomingly.

Lin briefly wondered how this man managed to lead a conglomerate with this level of eloquence.

Ikki pounced on this. “Does it mean I can stay over at Jinora’s and Ms Lin’s? I promise I will behave, Daddy. And I swear we will produce the best project ever – with glitters, and sparkles and all the colors.” She beamed from the side, clutching at her father’s arm in excitement.

“It’s not our first sleepover at the house,” Lin interjected gently. “But I understand it’s Ikki’s first time to sleep over that is not with family. So you might have some questions for me – about the overnight stay.” She amended quickly, if the look in his eyes meant that he did have questions - just not related to the sleepover.

He motioned to speak but was interrupted by the serving placing a glass of lemonade between them.

“Well,” Lin calmly took a sip. “I could probably start with my questions and just chime in if there’s anything that comes to your mind.” She pulled out a pen and a small notepad from her bag. “Does she have allergic reactions to food -?”

“Shrimp and crab.” Tenzin responded in a subdued manner, absentmindedly stirring his coffee. A habit that Lin knew to indicate his nervousness.

“That won’t be a problem because,” Lin began but was interrupted by her daughter.

“Me too!” Jinora pointed to herself with a grin. “I’m allergic to crab and shrimp as well!”

There was a small shriek as the two girls began chattering about being besties and twinsies.

Tenzin’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion at the display.

If that was how they would react over a common allergy (of all things that they could get from their father, it would be his ironic allergy to shellfish, which was to his mother’s consternation – but that’s a different story), wait until they realize they were sisters, Lin idly pondered.

She froze.

Sisters.

It did not dawn on her until then, put in simplistic terms, the two girls are related. She looked at them thoughtfully now, trying to see similarities in their features.

Half-sisters.

Lin corrected herself. Everyone knew how much she had clung to that particular distinction in her own family.

She clicked her pen and noted down in neat precise letters about Ikki’s allergy. “How about emergency numbers or any medicines that she needs to take regularly?”

Tenzin lifted Ikki’s bag, he showed her the bag tag which has all the emergency numbers. He also stated that there were no other allergies or any meds that the kid needs to take.

The pen continued to scratch on the pad.

Pen scratched on the pad.

“Bed time?”

“I'll leave it to your judgment to what's reasonable.” The fingers continued to hold the spoon that stirred the coffee. “They are bound to stay up later because of the project, I suppose.”

A back and forth of more questions and answers continued in the same vein.

When Lin (and Tenzin) was satisfied with the childcare information, flipped back the note pad and kept it and the pen back in her bag. “Alright then, are you really okay with Ikki staying over? If not,” She peered at him, gauging his reaction. “I can easily bring her back to your house later tonight.”

Tenzin shook his head with conviction. “No need, I mean, yes, it’s okay for her to spend time with you.” His face looked stricken at what he said. “No that’s not why I’m implying – I mean.”

Lin resisted rolling her eyes. “I get it.”

 ---

“I get it.”

Did she really, though?

Tenzin tilted his head down, stirring his coffee again, which has gone cold really. He did not dare ask for another refill as he had lost count of how many he had drank in his nervousness.

He inattentively watched the interaction of his daughter with Lin and her daughter.

Lin laughed at something Ikki was talking about.

If nothing else, Lin looked –

Happy.

Contented.

Tenzin was happy, truly, that his childhood friend (among other epithets he had for her, he thought heavily) is in a good place. He would be lying to claim that she did not cross his mind once in a while. He did wonder what had become of her. Their parting was not…ideal. And that was putting it very very lightly.

Now, here he was years later, sitting across her, having finished a conversation about their respective daughters. Lin was warm to Ikki, and he was thankful that she did not seem to bear a grudge against his daughter because of their past.

It was a surreal scenario, to say the least.

If Bumi had told him that was what he would be doing that Friday afternoon, he would have probably slapped his brother upside the head. Or checked his breath for the stench of alcohol.

This was not a normal Friday afternoon for him.

When Lin sat in their booth, he felt a chill run up his spine. The air left his lungs, as though someone had punched him suddenly.

No, it can’t be. Was his first thought.

And yet – he knew it was her.

He would recognize her anywhere. There was no mistaking the way she carried herself, the smirk, the flashing of her grey eyes – only a moment of emotion before it was hidden by the veneer of politeness.

It was cold but his palms turned sweaty. It was an odd feeling really, like a memory that was at the fringes of his mind suddenly before him. He did not know what to make of it.

As much as he was sure he has not forgotten her – when she started introducing herself, he wondered if the same can be said for the other way around.

He had moved far to start a new life with his children. Figures, that, with his luck, he lands at the very town that Lin lived at.

But if Lin wanted to keep it like they did not know each other, fine then. He could handle that. It would be simpler that way, he supposed, especially if Jinora and Ikki would remain friends (bffs, Ikki had said).

It was a cliché but he really did think the years were kind to Lin Beifong.

Is it still Beifong?

He surreptitiously peeked at her hands on the table. One of her fingers was sporting a ring.

So maybe not a Beifong…

He took a sip of his coffee and made a face, forgetting momentarily that it was little more than sludge.

 Before long, the bell at the diner’s door tinkled, announcing that more customers had entered.

Lin turned to face the door at the sound. Her face brightened up and Tenzin craned his neck to see who had arrived.

There was a young man with yellow-orange eyes, a messenger bag slung across his body. His eyes alighted at their corner booth and he smiled, more of lifting the corner of his mouth really than an actual smile.

Tenzin barely heard Lin excuse herself from the table; the two girls, still eating their pile of waffles and chatting about some singer or actor (he wasn’t exactly paying attention), took no notice of her.

Lin went to the newcomer, who raised his hand slightly as greeting.

He watched them with curious fascination – or horrible fascination, he wasn’t sure.

There was that odd tug at his stomach (that he would rather not explore, no, thank you) when the young man (boy, really now Lin? He grumbled internally, never mind his own ex-wife was years younger than him) moved to hug her and give her a kiss on the cheek.

Yes, it was definitely not Tenzin’s usual Friday afternoon.

---

Note: I enjoyed writing this. Pretty cathartic - did you like reading it too? Let me know! 

[azurevi]

on land where we can touch the moon (1/?)

Ok, so this is a really random idea, but it’s basically The Little Mermaid with Azul. And I wish I could excuse myself by saying that I was drunk writing this, but really I was just rushing it because I’ve been sitting on it for far too long. Anyways, enjoy!

Pairing : Azul / genderneutral reader

Characters : Grim, Ace and Deuce

Warnings/Triggers : none

Word count : 3,371

PART2 PART 3

“Isn’t this great,” you made a show of strolling along the railing, the beer in your hand threatening to spill. “The salty sea air, the wind blowing in your face. Perfect day to be at sea!”

“Yes, well-” Jack paused mid-sentence to lean over the side. He sounded as though he was retching. “It is indeed a favourable weather, your royal highness- urk!”

“Now, what did I say about formalities, Jack?”

“You said, and I quote, ‘Call me by my first name, if only for today. It’s a direct order.’”

You went up to soothe his back. When he pulled his head up, his eyes were glossy and cheeks purple. “It’s inappropriate for you to see me in this state, your majesty,”

“So you’re defying my orders now? And on my birthday, no less?”

“That man is all work and no fun,” Ace commented bitterly. He and Deuce were on the opposite side of the ship, holding their respective mugs of beer.

“That’s what makes him the knight commander,” Deuce said.

“A knight commander who’s seasick, huh?”

“Shut up, both of you!“ 

You chortled blatantly, chest light and hair spraying in the wind. 

"Fireball Attack!”

There was a sharp yell, and Grim’s fur was all up in your face before you knew it.

“Hey, hey! Someone’s in a good mood!” You cradled him in your arms. His fur was fluffy and sticking up in the air in all directions.

While you were entertaining your attention-starved familiar, your personal knights had managed to get into yet another fistfight. Jack, the poor commander, was cornered on the edge of the ship, his golden, distinguished pin somehow threatening to slip off in his fingers.

“If I drop my badge, I swear on my wage you’re getting extra morning training and night patrols for the next whole year-!”

He gagged slightly before turning sharply, elbowing Ace in the process. His arm jolted, and the badge escaped his firm pinch, glistening in the air. Time seemed to slow as it made its way downwards, all the while the knights’ mouths grew rounder and rounder.

It plummeted right into the sea, made an insignificant plop and continued sinking quietly, slowly, until the sea muted the screams on deck and the light dwindled.

“We should really stay away, Rory,”

“Quit being a chicken,”

Lovett was falling behind. Rory had insisted that they visit this deeper and lesser known part of the ocean due to a half-hearted dare. And Rory, headstrong that she was, would never back down from a challenge.

“Haven’t you heard? Deep where the light doesn’t reach lives the evil Sea Merchant! A force to be reckoned with! It’s-”

Lovett swivelled swiftly. He was pretty sure something had just swam past from behind.

“Oh, for the love of Poseidon, please don’t eat me for I’m just a standard merman!”

“Will you zip?” Rory was already a few feets ahead. Lovett continued to mumble prayers as he flapped his tail harder.

There was almost no light now, but they could still make out the outlines of rocks and corals. It was uncanny how there was nary a sign of life, not even a lanternfish.

“What’s- what’s the dare anyways?”

“To steal something from the evil Sea Merchant’s collection,”

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Lovett gasped. He had yet to notice how they’d swam into a forest of seaweeds. Some clung to their tails as they swam by and tickled their sides.

Something strong and somewhat slimy wrapped around Lovett’s arm. Presuming that it was just another irritating weed, he swung his arm back and forth. It only seemed to grow tighter.

“Great seas, what-” he turned to inspect. “Oh- oh- ten-TENTACLE!”

Rory sprinted around at the scream. “Holy-” she murmured, speechless and shocked to the core. 

Wrapped around Lovett’s elbow was no doubt a tentacle lined with suckers. For a while, it didn’t seem to be moving, but then Lovett was yanked away like lightning.

“Lovett!”

The first thought that came to his mind was that he was going to be eaten. That was until he was met with a frowning face. One under silver messy hair. Then his eyes traveled down the seemingly countless slithering tentacles that stretched out from the man, and he was trembling in fear again.

“Please-! Don’t eat me! I have the least nutritional diet!”

The man didn’t answer. Instead, he squinted at Lovett for an agonizingly long time before finally letting him loose. Lovett squirmed and backed away. The area where he had been held had become swollen red.

“Lovett?” Rory had just gotten into the scene. Lovett didn’t wait a second to break into a run, but Rory caught him by his elbow where it was still hurting.

“We gotta run, Rory-”

‘Huh. What, it’s just Ashengrotto? Have you forgotten about him already?“

Lovett whimpered when Rory advanced on the man. He narrowed his gaze behind a neat pair of glasses. Lovett half expected Rory to be squeezed to death on the spot.

"You’re lurking down here now? How lame. And I see that you still got those hideous fingers of yours,” Rory gestured at his tentacles. “You seriously don’t remember him, Lovett? You have shit memories. Does Azul Ashengrotto from college ring a bell?”

It took Lovett a long, long time to get it. “That’s right, you’re Azul! Man, how you’ve changed- wait, are you the Sea Merchant?”

There was nothing that could rival the bitterness in Azul’s voice. “Pleased to see you again, Lovett,”

“Is it easier to prey on fishes down here? Or are you just that insecure about yourself?” Rory paid no mind to their conversation.

“… It’s none of your business,”

“It actually is. You see, knowing that an ink-blasting octopus lives in the same water as I do is really unnerving-”

“Then make your leave.”

Rory’s smug look faltered. 

“Why should I? You don’t even own this part of the ocean-”

“Oh? Who are these friends of yours, Azul?”

A singsong voice once again interrupted Rory. She turned on her spot, only to find herself face to face with a grinning face.

“Eek-!”

“Oh! If this isn’t Rory~ how kind of you to visit us!”

Lovett backed away quietly. He wasn’t going to stay for anymore of this horror. When two hands slammed onto his shoulders, he shrieked a key higher than any other that’s been sung by opera singers. 

“Where do you think you’re going?” a far more stern and solid voice asked. It was one of those voices you hear in persuading commercials.

It was the Leech brothers, in their long, slender eel forms.

Lovett thought that was it. This was his doom. He was either going to get eaten alive or squeezed to his demise. He should never have agreed to come here. And now he was going to die. He didn’t even get to experience life-

“It’s fine, Jade, Floyd,” Azul said calmly. The hands on Lovett’s shoulders retreated, and Rory rushed towards him hastily and pulled him up and up until they were out of the seaweeds.

“I can’t believe you let them off that easily!” Floyd complained, pouting hard. “We could’ve had some fun with them first, and yet you decided to play good guy?”

Azul didn’t reply. The three of them travelled between rocks and reefs, and while Azul seemed to be in search of something, the twins were merely accompanying.

“I believe he has his reasons,” Jade said, pausing in anticipation. When Azul didn’t soothe his curiosity, he sighed and decided to drop the topic.

Azul rummaged through the swaying weeds and peeked into the slits of the rocks. Nothing seemed to have piqued his interest. Then they swam even further away from where they’d started and reached a sunken ship.

While almost the entirety of the hull had rotten away the structure of the ship still remained intact. Anemones and sponges had claimed the pieces of wood. Tiny shrimps traveled freely between poles and debrises.

Jade and Floyd followed tightly like bodyguards. They were at least mildly worried after the encounter with Rory and Lovett. They could still recall vividly how notorious Rory was and what a relief that they never had to meet again.

If anything, Azul seemed frustrated. His tentacles worked individually, shoving aside inconvenience hastily just like his hands. It was as though he’d lost something priced and valued.

“Let’s split up, alright? Treasure hunt’s no fun if we’re just following one another,” Floyd said as he rounded a corner and out of sight. Jade hesitantly stayed behind as well, leaving Azul to his own.

He’d been here so many times that he’d lost count. There was always something new and from the land somewhere between the ruins. But this time, it seemed to have become just another bland, boring place without any aesthetic value.

That was until something flickered in the corner of his eyes. It was so weak that it would’ve gone unnoticed by, say, Jade and Floyd, but Azul had always been delicate in treasure hunting. Nothing ever slipped his sight.

It looked like a badge. A golden brimmed badge with two crossed swords in the middle, and at the bottom carved two grand words - 'Knight Commander’.

“Oh, what’s that you’ve got there?”

“Ahh!" 

Azul spoke up finally in a long time. The brothers had at some point started following him again.

"Looks like a badge,”

“Bet it sank just a few hours ago. It looks very intact,”

“Yeah,” Azul flipped it between his fingers, eyes tracing in fascination. “It’s not everyday you see something like this,”

His mood seemed to have lightened after this discovery. He was gratified. It’d been a while since he last found anything worthy enough to add to his collection of trinkets from ashore. It put a smile to his face just remembering his towering shelves of tiny valuables. 

Azul owned a secret grotto that even the Leech brothers knew nothing of. He’d made sure that it was known only to him.

It was where he stored all the human objects he’d found undersea. Things like a trident but with four tips or a shallow, handled bowl. There were items as big as a golden pot and others as small as a hairclip. Everywhere he turned they were shimmering and singing about the unknown world outside the water, where mermaids had legs and walked instead of swimming, where they could dance instead of just swaying and flapping tails. Where they could go so many different places - forests and deserts, mountains and caves - many more than what the ocean held.

And they could reach the moon. The ageless, pensive moon that Azul could only wish to caress. But no matter how hard he stretched, it was only in his dreams where the moon would come down in all its glory, close enough to blind his eyes.

He needed to reach it. There was no other way. It was the single entity in the world that knew all the truths and lies, all the corruptions and praises. He had to see it, then he would get the answers - the truth he’d always hungered for. 

Muffled rumbles snapped him out of his intensity. When he looked up from under the grotto, he’d thought he was hallucinating.

The usually azure (and rather bland, may he add) current was now painted with red- no, yellow- purple- it was changing with every muted clap. It might have as well been the end of the world with its bizarreness. However, there was something else stirring in Azul’s heart aside from confusion.

Curiosity. A haste force that was tingling in all his eight tentacles, as if there was no way to rid of the sensation except to swim towards the source.

It was wrong on so many levels. He’d been taught by teachers, friends and his parents that to go beyond the water was basically pleading to be killed. Humans are nothing but greedy, spineless, nasty fish-eaters who are incapable of emotions, that’s what everyone said.

Was that really the case, though? As Azul surveyed his collections, he found it harder by second to believe in the lore. How would they explain all these sparkling and antique cosmetics? How could a world that made so many wonderful things be bad?

And so he pushed aside all doubts that were chaining his limbs and flew towards the surface.

The moment he broke the fabric of water and chill air entered his ears, he was taken back by the sight before him.

A colossal wooden ship was sailing right above. Behind it, lights and fire burnt themselves in the sky then fell into the water dimly. There were singing and whooping aboard where he couldn’t see. The grandness of it all was so deafening that Azul failed to hear the voice of reason in his head as he neared the boat.

There was an opening at the side of the ship. Azul carefully stuck his head up so he wouldn’t be seen. At least not without squinting.

There were about five people dancing and hollering, some holding drinks in their hands while the others blowing into their snarfblats with reddened cheeks. 

“Encore! Encore!” a red-haired guy yelled. Then there was an airy laugh in response. Azul turned sharply towards where it came from.

Azul was… awestruck, to say the least. You were grinning from eye to eye, which were diminished into slits. As you laughed on, Azul felt his chest lighten little by little. It was one of those laughs that pulled you closer and assured you that the world around was but a facade. He could listen to your laugh for the rest of his life and he’d never be distressed again.

“Alright, but can we first reveal the massive unknown that’s been standing here for the past hours? You know I can see it right?” you asked with confidence, and this confidence was just humble enough not to be arrogant.

“As you wish, mademoiselle,” another man with dark blue hair bowed with a flourish, then approached the object in question which was covered with a drape. He was at least tipsy with his wavering and unsteady steps.

“Presenting-!” he hollered before yanking the drape off. Surprisingly it was a golden statue made to resemble you.

You recoiled in mild distaste, but your smile remained. Azul pondered about how you still managed to radiate a cheerfulness despite your negative reaction.

It also occurred to him that it was made in gold. Out of all his collectibles there was rarely even a gold necklace. You must have a reputation for someone to make you such a big deal.

“Well, here’s your birthday present, milady,” the tipsy man was throwing names spontaneously now. The red-haired had to drag him away from the railing several times. You had all resumed singing and dancing. Azul was so captivated by your figure that he didn’t even notice the fireworks dying down.

You and a dark-skinned man were leaning right next him now. What looked like a cat but with flame shaped ears and a devil’s tail started sniffing in the vicinity. Azul was having a hard time staying out of its way and eavesdropping on your conversation.

“You sure you don’t want some?” you raised your mug to his face, which he declined respectfully.

“I’d prefer to stay sober,” he said. “You know, I don’t wish to spoil your birthday, but the king’s being more pressing than ever,”

“Yeah? About what?”

He stared at you for a moment before answering, as if he was trying to look pass your display. 

“About marriage, of course,”

You didn’t answer. Though the corners of your lips were still raised in the aftermath of all the previous hypes, you were obviously unhappy to be there. Azul wished the man would shut up and bring your smile back instead.

“It’s not just the King, your highness. The whole kingdom wants to see you happily settled down with the right person,”

“Jack-” you took a deep, deep breath. “It’s not something that can come quicker just because you’re anxious. I have to find the right person-”

“I understand…” Jack mumbled under his breath. He didn’t look like he understood at all.

“- and they’re out there somewhere. I’m sure. I just haven’t found them yet,” you turned and dangled your arms over the railing. Azul quietly swam under your hands. He could probably touch your fingertips if he stretched hard enough.

“When I see them, it’s gonna hit me. Like bam! Like lightning-”

As if hearing your prayer the sky cracked open with a loud cry and grew darker still. The other men scattered out hurriedly, looking as though they’d never drunk anything.

“Hurricane coming in! Stand fast, secure the rigging!”

It all happened so fast. The wind was so strong that Azul could almost feel himself being blown away. The sky rumbled again and lightning started a rapid fire where it’d striked. He noticed a rock looming just ahead, but no one on board seemed to have noticed it.

He should probably go. It’s the safest under the sea. The sky couldn’t hurt a hair of his. But then he heard your screams of commands, and suddenly he was a brave knight willing to give up his life for the princette.

You weren’t on the ship when he neared. Instead, you were already secured on a piece of log, as well as the other men. He exhaled a relieved sigh, but it didn’t last as he heard cries from the ship.

“Ah! Get away you nasty fire- help!” cried a high-pitched voice.

“Oh no, Grim!” you gasped. Without a second thought, you let loose of the log and rushed towards the burning ship. The broken ship gave you better access as you hopped on, but the moment you’d secured your familiar, the ship roared and you tripped and fell.

“Look out!” Azul yelled out futilely. The ship ran straight into the rock and BOOM, everything was set ablaze. Azul dodged between dropping debrises mindlessly as he roamed around in search of you.

When nothing was found above, he dived back into the water and there you were - sinking into the water, growing darker and darker by second. He was next to you in a blink - thanks to his fast-moving tentacles. 

Your group had already gone out of sight when he emerged again, but to his best luck there was a piece of land just near, and he raced there like he was going to lose his own life if he was too late. It was only when you were pulled up on the dryland that he could soothe his pounding heartbeat.

He was bewildered at the fact that he could breathe on land just as well as he did under water. Aside from the sand that had started sticking to his tentacles the moment they touched, nothing seemed to be out of place.

“Hey,” he’d never rescued a drowning human before. He didn’t even know what drowning was. 

“Are you dead?” he slapped your cheek lightly. Your chest didn’t seem to be heaving, and your lips were as pale as snow.

“Hey-”

“Blergh!” Your head jerked up and suddenly you were coughing up water. Azul squeaked before scurrying over to hide behind a rock.

Your head was drooping back and forth as you held yourself up with wobbly arms. Then you started turning around and locked eyes with Azul’s as he peeked out tentatively.

Oh, it’s bad. This is very bad.

“Who-” you started to stand, and at the same time Azul began to reach for the water stealthily so you wouldn’t notice. He knew he’d be screwed if he was spotted.

“Y/N!” someone cried from far away, and you turned to look. The split second was just enough for him to crawl back into the water and out of sight.

The water washed the sand off him quickly, erasing all the evidence that he’d been out there violating one of the strictest rules under the sea, but despite all, he found himself already missing the crisp air above.

If any, he’d grown more fond of the unknown world that you lived in.

[nonsensical-twistedriddles]

Ooh! If asks are open, can I ask you for a mermaid reader x dorm leaders+ octanivelle? Like, its canon that the mc is from another world, so what if she is a mermaid from a world where magic barely exists? Like, she can freely turn human at will but that's about it. Assuming that everyone has a crush on her, but hasn't confessed, how would they react to the reveal?

hello hello ! asks are usually open since i don’t have request limits and i write down all the ones i wanna do in my notebooks (or save them as drafts)ヾ(＠^∇^＠)ノ i get this strange sense of happiness when writing them all down with their categories and specific highlights. i hope you enjoy ! unrelated but someone said that lilia was like rei sakuma and hshshsh ive pulled out all my undead albums and started jamming to all the songs again,, call name, call name, we are undead!

📝to note: (1) i couldn’t write anything about vil ˚‧º·(˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ )‧º·˚ (2) length (and possibly comprehensibility) varies because i ran out of coffee at home and was half-asleep for most of these.

riddle rosehearts

Riddle had been reluctant to even participate in today’s swimming lesson but begrudgingly put on his attire and stood at the edge of the pool, glaring at the water as if it were an old enemy. It wasn’t a total loss, you were there-- nervously fidgeting beside him. He’s been crushing on you hard, to the point that his ears turn red and his stomach flutters with butterflies just with your presence.

From the corner of his eyes, he could see you anxiously eyeing the pool. “Are you feeling alright?” he asks you, voice laced with worry. Your reply came out garbled, like you were trying to say something but somehow forgotten how to speak. He leaves you alone then but would occasionally glance at you, concerned.

When it was time for you to showcase your swimming capabilities, all the worry Riddle had for you simply washed away the instant your legs transformed into a mermaid’s tail fin. 

He tries to be nonchalant about it but couldn’t help gawking at you as you did your laps. When you finish and settle to prop yourself up on the edge of the pool in front of him, you catch him staring at you. “It’s strange, isn’t it,” you say, sheepishly smiling to yourself as you collect your wet hair into your hands then wring all the water out of the strands.

“N-No!” he shakes his head with raised hands. “You don’t look strange at all, if anything you’re probably the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen-!” he blurts out, before bringing his hands up to silence his traitorous mouth. You stare at him with wide eyes. “O-Oh, I-,” you fumbled for words as your cheeks tinge red like blooming roses. “I see.”

After that, a silence settles itself in the air, rendering the two of you into amiable discomfiture.

“Rosehearts, it’s your turn!” 

Ashton’s booming voice makes you both jolt, ruining the moment. Reluctantly, he smiles at you and heads off.

leona kingscholar

You always had a weird fishy smell to you. 

At first, he thought nothing of this and continued to hang around you from time to time. “You know what her scent reminds me of?” Ruggie had told him once while handing him a sandwich from the cafeteria. “She kind of smells like the Leech brothers.” 

“What do you mean?”

Ruggie scratches the back of his head. “They’ve got that sea smell to them, you know? Like how most merfolk do.”

Since that day, he’s been trying to find out why you smelled that way. You were magicless so he wasn’t about to jump into conclusions but after doing a little digging and investigating on it for weeks, all evidence pointed to one thing. He didn’t want to pry anything out of you so he kept his mouth shut until the day you revealed it to him.

It was during PE class. You had told Leona that you wanted to tell him something before going over to the school’s swimming pool. He had played it cool and quietly waited on you to say what you wanted to tell him. 

“Leona, I’m actually a mermaid,” you say with downcast eyes while twiddling your thumbs.

“Yeah, I know.”

“I know it’s hard to believe but— wait what? You know? How?”

The surprised look on your face makes him chuckle. He gives you a moment to take it all in before going into full detail on how he found out; “You honestly reek of fish.”

azul ashengrotto

Azul thought he knew everything that there is to you. From your hobbies to your favourite music genre to your secret comfort place inside Night Raven College. You happily indulged all of his impudent questions. Yes, you preferred ice cream over cake. Yes, you were losing sleep because of Grim’s snoring. No, you don’t hate him and never thought any less of him after his overblot episode.

He liked your transparency-- admired it even. Around you, he felt like he was underwater but instead of having the constant sense of dread, he was at ease in the waters of your presence. There was never any need to worry over being judged. 

Now when you had asked him to show you around his hometown and he had told you to wear something casual, he hadn’t exactly expected you to show up as a mermaid. You were so stunning that he lost his composure just from the sight of you.

“Did you-,” he clears his voice, “Did you drink a potion?” 

Laughing, you reply, “No, this is what I really am.”

What you really were. Azul shamelessly examined you for a while as he took you to see boutiques and cafes, envious of your tail’s pale rounded scales and stylish web-like dorsal fins but all the while swooning over how breathtakingly beautiful you looked. When you had asked him if he was comfortable enough to change forms, he lets out a nervous laugh then hides his flustered face. 

“I’d rather not embarrass you.”

floyd leech

Floyd had always found you interesting, it’s why he liked to keep close to you.

Whenever you were around, his heart would thump so fast in his chest that he’d grin and run up to you. “Little shrimp~!” was his usual greeting, his voice jingly as he takes you into his arms. He’d never tell you but he liked having you in his arms, as much as it terrified you to even be enveloped in them. 

“That’s what you do when you hunt down people!” you complained, “I’m never sure if you’d just like to greet me or if I’ve done something wrong every time I see you.”

“Ah~ That’s the fun in it though!” he said, flashing his sharp teeth at you. 

When you transformed in front of him, his eyes widened in delighted surprise. He takes your mermaid form in, ooh-ing and aah-ing at “-how pretty you looked!” before taking you around Octavinelle’s waters and making you participate in make-up competitions just so that he could get to see how fast you swam or strong you were.

jade leech

Jade always had his suspicions. 

He wasn’t sure when it started but subconsciously he kept note of the things you did and said before coming into the realization that you have become someone very dear to him. You always spoke about the sea with a fondness that made it seem as if it were your home and frequently asked him to tag along with you to swim around and explore his dorm despite having already done so before. When you had asked him to wait then transformed in front of him before taking him out around Octavinelle, he couldn’t help but feel comforted at the fact that you trusted him enough to reveal this long held secret. 

“You’re not mad?” you asked him, shyly peering at him from behind a bed of seaweed. He gives you his signature Jade Leech smile, one that made it seem like he was laughing at your very notion and finding you amusingly silly. 

“No, not all,” he says, his eyes crinkling, “in fact, I feel very honored that you’ve told me.”

kalim al-asim

Kalim grew up in the land of Hot Sands where, instead of water, the waves were made of gold shimmering grains and that “swimming” in it would leave you parched and drenched in sweat (he would know, he learned that the hard way!). Now swimming always brought a smile to his face. Partying in pools and sharing laughs with your friends, those were certainly fun!

Though today’s visit to the pool was more of an academic requirement than a time for leisure, Kalim still beamed brighter than any star because he was taking his PE swimming class with the light of his heart: you!

Like a toddler, he swung his feet over the edge of the pool and dipped them into the water beside you. “Aaahhh~ Today’s going to be a really great day!” he twitters on, making you chuckle at his childlike enthusiasm. “Really? Why’s that?” you ask him, sinking your own two legs into the pool and looking at him intently. Kalim, suddenly growing self conscious because of your gaze, looks away and rubs the back of his neck. “Well-” he starts, letting his confidence ease back into him as he meets your eyes, “because I’ll be swimming with you!”

You blink at his words. For a second, you stare at him in surprise but his smile gets to you and makes you laugh. “Yeah, it does feel kinda great.”

When Ashton calls you up to the platform, Kalim positions himself at the other end of the pool and cheers you on. “Go Y/N! Go~!”

Ashton’s whistle blows a second later, making you jump. Kalim eyes widen as he watches you transform mid-air before plunging into the pool. When you surfaced, his heart was sent into a frenzy. Your hair and scales twinkled and your eyes, bright and demure-- you looked like a goddess, emerging from the sea to claim his soul. 

The second you change back and dried off, he pops up beside you with gleaming eyes and bombards you with countless praises and questions: “You looked so cool!” “Can you control your shift?” “Your scales were such a pretty bright colour!” “Do you think we can go to sea adventures together?”

idia shroud

Idia didn’t really want to be here.

The only reason he was was because his brother insisted on it and managed to drag him to class before he could properly lock the door. If he knew that PE today was going to be a swimming class, he would’ve persisted to not come at all.

“Ah, this sucks,”Idia mutters under his breath as thoughts of what could have happened if he weren’t here swarmed his mind, feeding into his growing bitterness. Clicking his tongue, he folds his legs into his chest and frowns into his knees then stares at the clear shimmering surface of the pool water.

“What sucks?”

Idia jolts at the sound of your voice in his ear. He moves his head a fraction to the right and somehow almost kisses you with how close your face was to his. Instead your noses touch, surprising you both. “Y-Y-N?” your name sputters out of his lips as his face flushes at the sight of your smile. He squirms to get away from you but only manages to get a few breaths in before slipping.

As he lays on the ground, feeling completely defeated, he brings a forearm over to cover his eyes from the sun’s mocking glare. Ah, the gods are so cruel.

“Idia, are you okay?”

“Aghhhhhhhhhh...”

You helped him up and, though he kept his head low while quietly cursing the gods, he seemed okay. Idia knew you wanted to stay with him out of kindness but when Ashton signaled your group to the platforms, you gave him a small smile and reluctantly headed over to the other end of the pool. 

Without you near him anymore, Idia found the strength to breathe again. Quietly, he makes his way over to a secluded corner to rest while keeping his eyes trained on you in the distance. He watches as your complexion changes and thin colourful appendages grow out of your arms and intertwined legs. Along with the heated gaze of the sun, all the shimmering lights that bounced off your scales and illuminated the tiles into a frenzy of dancing colours dizzied him to the point of passing out. As he slips into the depths of his consciousness, a thought echoes in his mind that was far too overwhelming for him to even continue to think about. 

My crush is a mermaid.

malleus draconia

You and “Tsuno tarou” were running away from a couple of students that he claims to be after him and somehow managed to to end up hiding behind a rock formation in the outskirts of the Octavinelle dorm. He had used some kind of magic of the two of you to prevent drowning and getting wet and though you were impressed by his incredible magic capabilities, you had no time to express your amazement as he quietly drags you away to hide.

“Why on earth are they after you anyways?” you asked Tsuno tarou, who shrugs from behind you. “They like to keep me under close surveillance.” he replies curtly before peering over your shoulder to watch your two chasers bicker and look around the area. You puckered out your lips at his complete lack of explanation, turning to face him with folded arms, “What do you mean by that? Just-,”

“There! I see someone!” one of them exclaims from behind you, causing you to turn back around and catch a pair of blue eyes staring right at you.

You internally groan as the two of them start swimming towards your hiding place. “Well, I suppose there’s no way out of this. It’s a shame that I’ll have to stop seeing you every night,” Tsuno tarou says from behind you, disappointed. Huffing at his gutted attitude, you face him and take hold of his forearm.

“You and I both know that it’d just be the gargoyles you’d miss because you think that the moonlight ‘encapsulates their pulchritude’,” you tell him before taking in a deep breath and closing off all of your thoughts. “You better start talking about all this later, Tsuno tarou.”

He gives you a confused look then opens his mouth as if to tell you something but you look away and concentrate on transforming. When bands of scales erupted to replace the soft surface of your skin and your legs coiled into each other, you pulled on his weight and began swimming away as fast as you could.

To Malleus, you looked mystical. He didn’t know that you were a mermaid but wasn’t all too shocked to see you transform and gracefully dart across the ocean floor with him in tow. “I meant what I said about missing you Y/N,” he says, catching your attention. You let yourself look back at him for a brief moment before averting your gaze from the intensity of his stare; he told you the truth. Your cheeks grow warm despite the coolness of the water. 

“Oh…”

[dumbass-mha-simp]

Hawks x Reader

This is very self indulgent tbh. Mostly gender neutral but does mention make up. Also the reader has mega family trauma cuz same.

Warnings: mentions of food, alcohol, reader is drunk but keigo is vv respectful & doesn't try anything, reader doesn't talk to their family, past family abuse, reader is kinda mean to him at first

I wrote this at like 4am and my phone is wonky and keeps autocorrecting "you" to "he" for no reason but i did like one quick pass through before posting so hopefully it's good enough, this is probably one of the first times I've actually published my fanfiction so hopefully it ain't shit,

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

For the last couple months you've been teasing him. Practically any other girl in your position would swoon in your position. But where's the fun in letting him get what he wants so quick?

Pro Hero Hawks, had seemingly everyone wrapped around his finger. With eyes pierced in deep gold and, blazing, ruby red wings, it's hard for anyone to not be attracted to him.

You stood in the back corner of a "special hero party," trying to discern if you should sneak out and do anything more interesting than standing with a bunch of other heros.

"Hello there, beautiful." A thick and sweet voice called as you turned your head to them. "Looking lonely all alone back here, let me join?" Hawks, the number two hero was offering to stand with you. Staying it is I suppose.

"I admire your work, you're really dedicated kid. I like watching your stuff." He says taking a slow sip of his drink.

"You? You watch me?" The disbelief of it rung through in sarcasm. How were you to expect someone like him watched your work. You continued sipping from your drink, even if it was a boring party there was free fancy alcohol and that's all a hero could ever need.

"I wanna see more of you, and not just on the screen or anything. I want to get to know you, you know, maybe take you out a bit, hottie." He uses his middle finger to gently lift your chin up.

"And why do you think I'd immediately just accept some date from a guy I've never even talked to?" You dryly laugh out taking another sip.

"C'mon pretty thing, you know me. Your friendly neighborhood Hawks. The hottest, and most loved person you'll ever meet."

"Ah that's what you are, the hot, amazing, charming, hero to any and all." You scoffed

"The one and only."

You spent the rest of the night either playing hard to get, or annoyed at him. You couldn't exactly tell.

This carried on for months, every event you attended, he was right there on your heels like an abandoned, clingy puppy. He's even started patrolling with you.

"Say when are you gonna quit and just accept a date dollie?" He charmed up behind you.

"I'm at work, Hawks." Your boots cracked on the wet pavement as the last bits of rain desperately clung to the air.

"Why do you play so hard to get?" He questioned in a more serious tone. He was genuinely curious about you. "Most people would kill to have me begging for them, let alone after giving me to cold shoulder so many times." You could hear the upturn in his lips as he spoke.

"Why do you happen to find me the one person worth going for?" You retorted back.

"You interest me. There's very few people I'm genuinely curious about, but one of them's you, kid." He looked up into your eyes from the street. Something you'd never thought you'd see in Hawks' eyes was sincerity over such a topic. He genuinely wanted to know you.

".........Let's just say letting people in isn't my forte." You say quickly but with a slight hint of pain. You begin to walk off again and he doesn't question. He doesn't push you to tell him why. But you could see the way he processes your words on his face.

A bar, on a Thursday night, alone. How pathetic of you. Luckily you had no work tomorrow, a big mission the week before let them cut a couple weekends longer. As you downed your refill you questioned how many you've had.

"How long have I been here?" You whispered slightly to yourself before bringing it to your lips.

The warm rush reflow through your body as you let yourself fall to it. The bartender looked at you from the corner of his eye.

"I'm cutting you off for the night." He looks earnestly at you.

"Now that's not very nice there." You laugh back at him.

You pull out your phone and attempt to call some friends but lucky enough for you, you chose a night they were all at work to recklessly get drunk in the middle of the city. The only other contact you could think of was Hawks.

There's no way he'll pick up. He's gotta be busy. I could find literally anyone else to do it. You mutter in your brain as you go into his contact and start a call.

It rings twice before his voice calls out to you. "Hey this is hawks. ... (Y/h/n), are you there?"

Okay act cool and sober. "Heeeeyyy bird." Shit.

You could practically feel his shit eating grin across the phone. "You in need of a hero babe?"

"Can you please pick me up?" A whine took over your voice. You hated being drunk in front of people like him. That soft affectionate side seems to burst its way out when the alcohol takes control.

"Tell me where you are birdie." He said as you heard some ruffling. "(Bar name idk)." You rough out tiredly.

"Be right there angel." He called before hanging up.

You put the phone down on the counter and groaned. Why him? You try so hard to make sure you don't fall for people. They always end up like the last. You feel like they stop caring once they really meet you. Like they don't want the cake after the first bite.

Used, alone, and forgotten. It's a stabbing feeling that your used to. A feeling of burning heaviness in your stomach.

You sit slumped down onto the bar contemplating your feelings for the winged hero for awhile. Why can't emotions just be controlled?

"Hey-o!" You heard a voice from behind you break through the thoughts corrupting your mind. Hawks smiled and thanked the bartender before reaching his arms around you and helping you off the stool.

I didn't know he could be so gentle..

He walked you out the door and held your arms softly, but supportedly as he looked you in the face. "I'm gonna fly us okay? Don't wriggle to much." With that he picks you up and starts beating his wings.

"Hawks?" You call slurred and quiet.

"Yeah, kid?" He glances down at you with a light smile.

"What's your real name?"

"Well why would I tell you that when you refuse to tell me yours so often?" He chuckled.

"(Y/n) (y/l/n)"

"W..what?"

"My name. It's (Y/n) (y/l/n)." You replied back.

You could see the confusion of your open demeanor. But there was something else in his eyes. Something you couldn't put your finger on.

"Soooooooo....." you trailed off with a smile.

"Keigo Takami." He chortled at your ridiculous smile.

"That's a lot prettier than I thought it would be." You stared into his face. How could anyone not find him attractive. The perfect mix of facial hair, jawline, that dumb grin that was insanely attractive, those eyes that were the perfect gold.

"You're gorgeous, Keigo." You whisper more to yourself than him.

"And you apparently drank a lot more than I suspected." He tried to brush off but you could feel a bit more heat from his face.

"Here it is." He lands gingerly and places you down on the ground, wrapping his arm under your shoulder and holding onto the small of your back. "Let's get you in bed."

"Have you eaten today?" He calls after setting you on the couch and going to the kitchen to get you some water. You shake your head and he looks a little concerned but doesn't push it. He hasn't either so late take out it is.

"What do you want?" He looks to you above the old paper menu he has saved from a place not to far from here. "Cuddles." You pout looking through your phone.

"I meant for dinner (y/n)." He laughs at you. "Oooh that makes sense." You laugh too, "anything with noodles and shrimp, I reaaaaally like shrimp." You smile at him wholesomely as he looks at you with the same missing thing as earlier in his eyes.

He orders for the both of you then takes you to the bathroom and sits you on the counter with your bag. "Makeup remover?" He asked placing your bag on your lap. You pull out some individual wipes as he gentle pulls them from your fingers and moves the bag to the side.

He softly wipes at your face as you close your eyes and focus on the feeling of his hands. After wiping the makeup off he wipes down your face with water to make sure there's no remover left either.

"Beautiful. Now do you want to go watch something while we wait for the food?"

His eyes gleamed at you and it filled you with that feeling of admiration. He was being so considerate and kind. Nothing like you imagined. You were safe. Safe here with him by your side.

You placed a kiss to his cheek.

"(Y/nn)," he closed his eyes softly taking in the tingle of where your lips pressed. "You're drunk off your ass, baby. Lets get you fed and in bed, dear." You nod tiredly as he pulls you down from the counter.

You sit back down on his couch as he answers the door and takes the food. "Someone order shrimp?"

"Oooo!" You clap your hands rapidly and look to him excitedly. He giggles at you and hands you the food.

You sit and eat together. Talking about whatever comes to mind first and building on from wherever it wandered.

"So, what's your family like?" He asked innocently enough. "Eh." You brushed off. A subject you never liked was family.

"I get that." He tried to laugh but it seemed forced. "I was born with two parents and couldn't get a single one to even care about me." You laughed to him.

"Do you talk to them?" He looks like he wants your answer. Like he cares about what you say.

"I try not to. I cut them off when I was a teen, everyone blamed it on me being a dumb rebellious kid. No one ever tried to see what happened in those walls." You trailed off.

"Were you hurt?" He tilts his head as concern covers his features. "That's an understatement." You force a smile back at him and take a bite.

"I...I think I kinda understand what you feel in a way." You meet his eyes as they lazily traveled to the floor. His thoughts stiring from behind his pupils.

"No parent buddies?" You put out your hand for a fist bump. He laughs and fist bumps you, "Yeah, no parent buddies."

You lean a bit closer to him. "I'm sorry you were hurt. They didn't deserve the control they had over you." You went a bit more serious as you draw your eyes up to him.

"Im sorry for you too." He breathed out to you. "Now let's get you in bed." A smile took over as he moved your empty food package onto the table and picked you up.

"PUT ME DOWN KEIGO!" You laugh and softly hit your hands against him. He laughs with you then throws you onto the bed.

"Why am I on the bed?" You frown. "Why wouldn't you be?" He looks as he places your water on the night stand next to you.

"It's your bed."

"And I get to choose who sleeps in it."

He places a feather-light kiss on your temples then goes to the door.

"Keigo-" he turns, "cuddle me?"

"I'll clean up and be back here soon okay?" He smiles at you. "Okay"

After twenty minutes of struggling to keep yourself up you feel a weight press into the mattress, keeping some distance.

You roll up next to him and wrap yourself around him.

"Sweet dreams Keigo."

"Goodnight, (y/n)."

And there he was when you woke up. Right beside you. After awhile you got used to seeing his face when you woke up. Always being able to see the look in his eyes you tried so hard to put your finger on. The lovestruck stupid he was for you.