#I’ve heard/read him called a class traitor and I love the guy but he was

[qyburn-in-the-black-cells]

Again, I haven’t gone here in a long time -

But let’s talk Arthur.

He was not Uther. He was a better man and ruler than Uther but Uther forged him. It’s very difficult to be a healthy person when the foundation of your personality is cracked - affection starved. His worse impulses enabled or encouraged. Thrown in jail for fighting with his father. Participating in massacres at fifteen. Raised since birth to hate an entire group of people.

Who does he go to when he breaks his own laws to save an elderly woman from burning alive? The father who wrote those laws. The father whose legacy was genocide. It was his destiny to undo that legacy.

Fulfilling it required him to change as a person in a way that would’ve been incredibly painful. It would’ve required self introspection Arthur wasn’t fully capable of yet and something/several things to radically reverse his attitude toward magic. It would’ve required facing the fact that his only parent, who he can acknowledge wasn’t always good, was evil. Truly and deeply evil.

Season 5 made it clear it would’ve happened eventually (esp. if Merlin took the opportunities given to him to push for magic to be legalized) but it was too late. He was out of time the moment Aithusa was put in that pit with Morgana.

[viastro]

prove it | chwe vernon hansol

ミ★ synopsis: in which the university fuckboy does whatever it takes to prove that he genuinely has feelings for you.

ミ★ genre: slice of life!au, player!vernon, humor, fluff

ミ★ warnings: none!

ミ★ word count: 3,603

ミ★ pairings: vernon x female reader

ミ★ notes: hi guys! this oneshot ended up a lot longer than i originally planned. however, this always happens when i write oneshots so this isn’t anything new. i chose this gif because vernon’s blonde hair makes me cry a lil and i couldn’t find any other blonde vernon gifs that match the vibe of this whole oneshot uh help me :DD oh ! i also hope you enjoy the mini cameo from my characters in cafe chuu hehe !! anyways... make sure to give vernon lots of love !! 

You know those guys that are real sleazy? Like, the ones that know they’re able to get whatever girl they want and truly use it to their advantage? So they absolutely just… never settle?

that’s vernon.

You don’t judge, but that’s also a lie because you absolutely do judge since your poor best friend was a victim of his sleaziness. Can you blame her? No, the man is godly. Do you blame Vernon? 

yes! 

While Chaewon never told you the full story, all you needed to know is that she was hurt. Which is enough reason to despise the man, no matter how attractive he is.

You purse your lips in disgust as you watch Vernon walk into class late, silently cursing him when he says hi to his friend on the way to his desk. Chaewon stares at you with a bored look on her face, wondering why you’re so angry about the man when you claim you don’t care about him. She pokes your shoulder, and you turn to her with a big smile, a stark contrast to the previous glare on your face.

“Just say you love him and go baby.” Chaewon tells you, and you immediately pretend to vomit in your bag. She rolls her eyes, shoving you lightly with her hand as she giggles at your antics. “As if I could ever like a sleazy, gross, beautiful ass man like him.” 

Chaewon raises an eyebrow at the last adjective, and you choose to ignore the fact that you called him beautiful, as well as the heat rushing to your face. She lets out a sigh, turning towards the front of the room when your professor begins roll call. 

“We can all see you have a heart boner for him.” Chaewon mutters, and you have half the mind to reach out and slap her shoulder, only to stop when your teacher calls your name. 

“YLN YN?” You raise your hand up, flashing them a smile. 

“Here.” Your teacher nods, before carrying on with the list, and you lean back into your seat. You open your notebook to prepare your notes page, only to pause when you feel a pair of eyes on you. You slowly glance up from your desk to see Vernon staring at you with an amused smile on his face. 

Immediately you turn your eyes away and look at your journal, feeling warmth blossom across your cheeks at the fact that he’s still staring at you. Do you know why? No. Do you want to know why? yes. No!

Chaewon glances at Vernon, making eye contact with him. She points towards you as you focus your attention on your journal, and he shrugs at her. She tilts her head to the side, and he mouths,

“I’m going to ask yn out today!” 

To which Chaewon grins, shaking her head at him and turning to face the front of the room. She chuckles quietly to herself, knowing that it’s not going to be as easy as he believes it’ll be. While Vernon smiles, thinking of the different ways you’ll probably say yes.

“No.” You answer boredly as you walk towards the bus stop, Vernon following close behind you. You don’t bother to spare the handsome man a glance, and Vernon runs in front of you, raising both his hands up to stop you from walking. You let out a sigh, crossing your arms as you stare at him.

“When you said no, you were joking… right?” You raise an eyebrow at him, and Vernon feels his heart sink to his ass when he realizes you actually mean no. Something he hasn’t heard from anyone he’s asked out before. 

“I meant no. I don’t want to go out with you Vernon.” You tell him and he runs a hand through his blonde hair in confusion. Ignoring the fast pace of your heart, you flash him a smile, to which his eyes slightly widen at the sight. You fail to notice the tips of his ears turning red at the sight, and you let out a breath. 

“You’re the fuckboy of the University. I don’t wanna date you just for me to get hurt when you get bored.” You explain and Vernon lets out a scoff at the term you used. “Fuckboy?” 

“Yes. A fuckboy. A sleazy,” You step forward and poke his chest, causing him to suck in a breath at the close proximity between the two of you. “horny, promiscuous, fuckboy.” 

Vernon gapes at you, and you grin at the sight of him being speechless. You lean back, raising your hand up to wave at him. 

“Bye Vernon!” You say cheerfully, before stepping past him and walking towards the bus stop once again. Vernon turns around, watching your retreating figure as the sun begins to set. 

“I’m not gonna stop trying!” Vernon shouts from behind you, but you refuse to turn back. You know it’s all for show, he never actually puts in much of an effort on the rare occasion that a girl rejects him. Vernon lets out an amused smile, before turning around and walking back towards the parking lot. 

“What do you mean you and Vernon were never a thing? You guys hung out a lot last year outside of classes, and you even cried over him.” You tell Chaewon with wide eyes. She chuckles in response, shaking her head at you. 

“Yn, Vernon’s my cousin. We lived together for our first year of uni last year because we wanted to save money, that’s why we were always together after classes finished. I cried during class last year because I read his text telling me the news about his dog passing.” You raise a hand to your mouth in shock at the surprise your best friend just dropped. You don’t even know how you didn’t have any idea of this, because the more you look at her, the resemblance between the two begins to show.

“I-I thought you were dating your cousin?” 

“You absolutely did.” 

“So Vernon’s never hurt you?”

“Only when we played nerf when we were younger.” 

“So he’s not a fuckboy who hurt my best friend?”

Chaewon giggles, reaching her hand up and patting your head softly. She shakes her head, “He’s not a fuckboy who hurt me. He’s just a guy who happens to like a lot of girls but can never find the one to settle down with. AKA, a fuckboy.”

You glance down at your rice, picking up the spoon and shoving a chunk of rice into your mouth as you stress eat. Chaewon watches you with amusement, knowing that Vernon asked you on a date yesterday, to which you confidently told him no. However, you didn’t mention any of that to Chaewon, but Vernon told her the whole story.

“She said no?”

“She said no!” Vernon responds as he looks at Chaewon with betrayal and confusion stirring around in his eyes. She purses her lips, leaning back into her couch as she waits for the rice to be fully cooked. 

“I expected that.”

“How come she doesn’t like me? Usually all the girls I ask out say yes…” Chaewon rolls her eyes, reaching forward and smacking Vernon on the back of the head. He lets out a hiss of pain, rubbing the back of his head as Chaewon stares at him with a bored expression.

“If you didn’t build that type of reputation, then yn would’ve said yes. You honestly brought this whole rejection upon yourself.” You explain and Vernon lets out a whine, resting his head into his hands. 

“I told her I was going to keep trying.”

“You WHAT?!” Chaewon shouts, standing up from the couch and staring at her cousin with a flabbergasted expression on her face. Vernon slowly raises his head, giving her a nervous smile.

“I like yn a lot. I’ve always thought that she was really cute, smart, and kind, but after hearing you talk about her so much I started to like her even more. That’s why I asked her out on a date.” Vernon mutters, and Chaewon sighs. She sits back down beside Vernon, and rubs the back of her head. 

“God. Help me.”

“I’ve never experienced such a fat whiplash until this very moment.” You mumble to yourself, snapping Chaewon out of her memory. Chaewon lets out a giggle at your comment, and you glance at your best friend. Smiling at the sight of her shaking her head at your obliviousness. 

“At least I know you’re loyal.” Chaewon tells you, and you laugh, nodding your head as you give her a thumbs up. “Besties before stinkies.” 

“Nice one.”

“Order for Changmin!” You announce as you place the macchiato onto the counter. The cute boy comes up and takes his drink, giving you a grateful smile. You nod your head at him before turning back to head to register. 

“Hi! Welcome to Cafe Chuu. How can I help you-” You glance up, words dying in your throat as you lock eyes with Vernon, who happens to have a mischievous smile on his face. You feel heat rushing to your cheeks as he quirks his head to the side at your silence, and you immediately break eye contact. 

“Hi yn.”

“What are you doing here?” You ask through your fake smile, and he chuckles at how cute you are. 

“Just wanted to order coffee from my favorite girl.” Vernon states with full confidence, causing you to squint your eyes at him. To which it does not give the desired effect, for he just warmly smiles at you in response. “How’d you know I work here?”

“Chaewon.”

You grin at him, “Of course!” that traitor.

It’s been two weeks since Vernon asked you out on a date, and he’s continued to ask you that same question every single day since then. Whether it be during your break in between courses, when you’re eating lunch with Chaewon, or when you’re walking towards the bus stop. He’s asked you each and every day, but he would nod his head respectfully and leave right after you’d reject him. Letting you know that he’d try again tomorrow. It’s currently the weekend, and he hasn’t been able to ask you out while you’re at work because he doesn’t know what you do for a living.

so why is he at your workplace right now?!?!?!

“What would you like to order, Vernon?” You ask, and you feel your knees buckle at the small pout he lets out when he glances up to check the board. However, you are a strong. independent, woman who will NOT fall for a playe-

“I’ll have a mocha and a date with you please.” Vernon requests with a smile on his face, and you squeeze the counter until your knuckles turn white. You decide to ignore the last part, instead typing in his order into the computer as your other hand aggressively squeezes the counter. 

“That’ll be-”

“Did you hear what I asked for?” Vernon asks, and you glance up to see him watching you expectantly. You let out a smile, leaning forward onto the counter so that your faces are much closer. 

And this time, you do catch the tips of his ears turning red.

“You asked for a mocha,” You state, pausing as you rip the receipt off the printer. You stretch your hand out towards Vernon with a smile, “Which will be ready in five minutes.”

Vernon slowly takes the receipt from you, finding himself entranced by the sparkles in your eyes having increased tenfold when you smiled at him. You gesture for the next customer to come forward, causing Vernon to have to step to the side to wait for his order. 

He lets out a small laugh, shaking his head as he looks up at you. You catch his eye, feeling a burst of excitement flow through you at the small game of chase going on between the two of you. You won’t lie, it’s entertaining to have the university’s player try so hard to get you to be his. Something you haven’t seen him do before.

which makes you think he’s actually serious.

but alas…

Chan taps your shoulder, telling you to go work on the drinks and you give him a grateful smile. You nod your head, walking over to begin working on the next order, only to find out Vernon’s hasn’t been made yet. You let out a small sigh, before walking over to the coffee. 

Vernon waits by a table, watching with a dopey smile as you prepare his drink. He thinks of different ways to ask you out next, wondering whether or not he should ask Chaewon for help. However, there’s a small part of him that thinks you won’t ever say yes.

but he wants you to know that he’s serious about you.

You place the lid on top of the cup before walking up to the counter. You call out his number, and Vernon looks up and locks eyes with you. Feeling your heart stutter as a smile graces his features as he walks over to you. 

“What do you say about that date?” Vernon asks, brushing his hand against yours when he takes the paper cup from you. You chuckle at him before pursing your lips, thinking of what to say to him. He watches with hopeful eyes, as this is the first time you’ve ever pondered the question he’s asked you. 

let’s see if he’s actually serious, You think to yourself. 

So you smile at the handsome man, “Prove it.” 

Vernon tilts his head to the side, and you hold back your giggle at the confused expression on his face. “Prove it?” 

You nod your head, biting your bottom lip to control your smile from widening. Vernon’s eyes glance down at the action, and he squeezes the cup a bit too tight. 

“Prove that you actually like me. That you’re serious about wanting to date me. Then we’ll see if I’ll give you a chance, because I’m not going to get my heart broken due to your commitment issues.” 

Vernon stares at you with an indecipherable expression on his face, and you think that this is it. This is when he’ll decide that you’re not worth the chase. That he can find someone easier. However, he surprises you when he flashes you an excited grin, a competitive glint to his eyes. 

“You got it baby.” Vernon tells you with full confidence, taking a sip of the mocha before turning around and walking out of the cafe. You let out a breath, raising your hands up to your cheeks as warmth floods through your face. Chan and Soonyoung glance over at you, chuckling at the shock on your face. 

“Yn’s got a boyfriend!” Yeri sings from the sink, and you shoot her a glare. You wave your hands at the three to try and get them to look away, causing them to laugh as you turn away from them to hide your smile. 

“How cute.” Soonyoung says beside you, and you nudge him with your elbow. 

“Shut up!” 

“What’d he get you this time?” Chaewon asks as she sits down beside you in the cafeteria. You point at the unopened boba beside your lunch, and she giggles. She mentally prepares a note to herself to tell Vernon good job on getting yn the right flavor!

“When are you gonna say yes to the poor guy? He’s been bringing you your favorite snacks for the past week of classes. He won’t stop texting me either, getting annoying.” Chaewon tells you, and you smile softly at the fact that he’s actually trying. 

Vernon hasn’t attempted to ask you out on a date since the day he visited you at work. Instead, he’s just been stopping by during your blocks between classes and when you’re at work to bring you your favorite snacks. So far he’s brought you shrimp chips, donuts with rainbow sprinkles on them, hot chocolate, and now boba. If you’re free, then he makes sure to talk to you so that the two of you can get to know one another more. If you’re busy, then he just leaves your snack close to you. However, whether or not you’re free, he’s always attached handwritten notes to each snack, just saying he hopes you have a good day, or that he hopes the snacks bring a smile to your face. 

it’s fucking precious.

“But what if he’s just joking?” You ask Chaewon, the tiny bit of insecurity peeking through. She gives you a comforting smile, reaching her arms around you and giving you a hug. You pout against her shoulder, and she pats your head.

“He’s never been this hung up over a girl before. The way he talks about you? His eyes literally light up. Vernon’s always been afraid of commitment, but he wants to try with you. Everyone on campus thinks he’s serious too, considering he hasn’t been seen with any other girl since he decided he wanted you to be his girlfriend.” Chaewon explains, and you feel warmth rise up your neck at the honesty of her words. You raise your hands to your face, cupping your cheeks and she lets out a coo at how cute you are. She’s about to squeeze your face when you both get interrupted by a familiar voice. 

“Am I interrupting?”

“Vernon?” You ask, immediately dropping your hands from your face. You turn to glance at him, and he gives you a shy smile. Chaewon lets out a little giggle, standing up from her seat to walk to the bathrooms to give the two of you some space. 

“Can I sit here?” Vernon asks you, and you nod your head, gesturing to the empty seat in front of you. He smiles, sitting down and taking a look at your unopened boba. You watch as his eyebrows slightly furrow, and you let out an, ah, and take the straw, giving him a grin.

“I was just about to open it.” You reassure him, and Vernon lets out a breath of relief. He watches you shove the straw into the plastic seal on top, taking a large sip of the milk tea. He smiles when he sees your features light up when the taste hits you. 

“Thank you, it’s my favorite flavor.” Vernon feels his heart go crazy at the realization that this is the first time you’ve actually engaged in conversation with him rather than it being one-sided. He nods his head, “I’m so glad I chose the right one.” 

You smile softly, before glancing back down at your lunch. You take a spoonful of rice and place it into your mouth, avidly trying to distract yourself from internally imploding by Vernon’s presence. While he watches you eat quietly, feeling full now that he’s seeing you eat well. 

You swallow your rice, staying still for a moment as you think of how to phrase what you want to say next. You can be blunt and simply just ask him, or you can slowly go into the topic.

i’ll slowly go into the topic.

“Do you actually like me?” You ask out of the blue, and Vernon’s eyes widen slightly at how straightforward you are.

that was not going into it slowly you stupid bitch.

Vernon nods his head earnestly, and you feel heat rush to your cheeks when he gives you a smile. “I do. I really do.” 

You purse your lips and nod your head, trying to act cool even though you’re internally screaming at the moment. Vernon feels his heart warm, trying to hold back from cooing at how cute you are. He tilts his head to the side, “Do you believe that I genuinely like you?”

You stare at Vernon in silence for a moment, recalling everything he’s done to try and prove himself. How he’s persisted in trying to get you to go on a date with him for the past three weeks. You let out a smile, nodding your head at him.

“Yeah, I do.” You respond, and Vernon stares at you in shock, before his features finally morph into a smile. He bites his bottom lip, nodding his head as he looks up at the ceiling. You giggle as he stands up from the table, taking notice of his very red ears. 

“I’ll call you later so we can talk about our date, okay? You still have the note I gave you with my number on it, right?” You nod your head, and Vernon smiles at the fact that you actually kept the notes he gave you. He raises his hand up and waves at you, and you wave back, giggling at his timidness. 

You watch as Vernon turns around and walks away, letting out a laugh when he raises his hands up and lets out a loud cheer. Which causes everyone in the cafeteria to turn their heads to glance at him, but he doesn’t seem to care. 

“SHE SAID YES!!!”

Chaewon walks back over to you, knowing grin on her face as she watches her cousin throw his arms up in the air one more time before he walks out of the cafeteria. She sits down beside you, taking notice of the bright smile on your face. 

“I take it that you have a date this weekend?” Chaewon begins, and you let out a soft sigh, smile not leaving your features as you nod your head.

“Yeah, I guess I do.”

[tsukishumai]

Chemical Reaction - Kuroo Tetsuro

Summary: When the universe hands you a second chance, will you be able to move on from the mistakes of your past? 

college!Kuroo x fem!reader

a friends to friends w/ benefits to lovers type of deal.

Warnings: some light NSFW, slow burn, aged up characters, mentions of smoking, mentions of alcohol, fingering, cursing, and a little heartbreak. angst to fluff

Word Count: 7.3k (it goes by fast, I swear (′ꈍωꈍ‵))

A/N:  Jesus... this started out as a prompt, but it snowballed into whatever the hell this is. And it was supposed to be done by Kuroo’s bday T-T but better late than never! I poured in a lil extra love into this, pls give it a shot, lmk what you think, and I hope you enjoy !

Your history with Kuroo Tetsuro went back a little bit further than you’d like to admit.

He had been in your class for all three years you were at Nekoma, but you had really only popped onto each other’s radars second year.

He had been assigned the seat next to you, and while you were upset that your best friend, Eri, had been sat all the way across the room, you didn’t exactly mind the view.  

Right off the bat, you knew this was going to be trouble for you.

The guy was cute, funny, and smart. How hadn’t you noticed him before?

“Hey, L/N-chan,” he said, already making you blush with the addition of the honorific, “I have many chemistry jokes… but I’m afraid they won’t get a good reaction!”

You couldn’t stop either the face palm or the giggle that slipped out of your lips.

Kuroo was an easy person to get along with. He always greeted you in the mornings, and never really bothered you during class. On the rare occasion he stayed in the classroom for lunch, the two of you would strike up a conversation, but it never went past the surface.

Until about halfway through the school year. Your teacher had assigned a project that required a partner.

You looked to Eri, only to find the little traitor pairing up with the guy she had been eyeing since first year.

You sighed, not even mad at her for trying to shoot her shot.

“Want to be partners?” your head shot to the boy next to you.

“Uhm. Sure!”

And so it went like this; the project was due at the end of the year, requiring a research paper, and a 7 minute power point presentation.

Once or twice a week, the two of you would meet up at the school library either before school or after your club activities.

Kuroo was smart; smarter than you but you’d never say that to his face, so more often than not, the two of you would finish what needed to be done that day, and spent the rest of the time just talking, and getting to know each other.

By the third time the two of you had gotten kicked out by the librarian for laughing too much, Kuroo suggested meeting at his house on the weekends.

Surely that doesn’t mean what you think it means right???

It doesn’t, lmao. This guy was a good student, he made sure you guys finished your parts, because there was no way he was going to get anything less than an A.

Oh, you guys finished a little early today? Great! L/N-chan! Help me with my receives!

As the weeks pass by, there was a mutual progression in the relationship, neither of you seeing each other as project partners anymore, and falling into a comfortable friendship.

For Kuroo, that is. You, on the other hand, just became way too good at acting like you weren’t falling in love.

The school year is coming to a close, and you turn in your project.

Surprise, surprise! You guys got an A.

Seriously, the teacher said she was going to start using it as an example for the future students.

You couldn’t even be happy about your passing grade; you were too sad that your time with Kuroo was ending.

“Well, it was really fun being your partner this year,” you said, and Kuroo cocked an eyebrow at you.

“Why do you sound like someone’s dying,” he joked, “Anyway, Kenma said he bought a new game, but it’s multiplayer. What time are you coming this weekend?”

Bitch, ya heart nearly jumped out of your chest.

For a little while, you were content with things being like that. You had become good friends with not just Kuroo, but Kenma as well. You guys weren’t always together, but definitely made a point to make time for each other.

While you guys were usually busy during the week, club activities, homework and school taking up most of your time, Saturdays at Kuroo’s had become a thing well into your third year. As much as possible, you would try to attend his games, and he would try to bring you snacks when he knows you’re stuck studying.

You tried really hard not to read into the things he would do for you.

Surely, he’s also held Kenma’s bag while walking him home, right?

He’s memorized his whole team’s schedule; it’s nothing special if he also has yours memorized.

You know that he only brought you lunch today because he had to share half of his when you forgot yours.

All normal friend stuff, right! Right?!

“I met a cute girl the other day,” he said to you absentmindedly one morning before class.

Wait. Your chest shouldn’t feel so tight, should it? Your eyes are swimming, and your head is floating. Every breath feels like lead in your lungs, and you kinda wished the ground would swallow you whole.

“Oh, Really?” you tried to be nonchalant, and hoped he didn’t notice the shakiness in your voice.

He nodded. “Yeah… she’s kinda funny.”

But you were really funny, weren’t you? You were the one that made him laugh like a hyena, made him clutch his stomach and gasp for breath, right?

“Is that so?” your mouth felt like sandpaper, “Why don’t you try taking her out on a date?”

You wish you had never said those words.

You knew the girl he was talking about; you had seen Kuroo approach her in the hallway.

She was your teammate in the track and field club; not one of the fastest, but she was beautiful, kind, friendly, and Kuroo was right – she really was kind of funny.

“You should have told him first, you know,” Kenma had mumbled from next to you once, eyes never leaving his game while yours quickly shot him a glare.

It was just the two of you at the lunch table – Kuroo mumbling an excuse about having plans with another “friend”.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Kenma just rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”

You spend the next few weeks avoiding him; it was easier since he didn’t sit next to you in class anymore, you weren’t really replying to his texts as often, you stopped visiting him and Kenma at practice, and you had missed the game you had told them you would try to go to.

You were kind of starting to realize that it was mostly you that had to go and seek them out.

Now that you weren’t doing these things… where was he?

You would catch a glimpse of Kuroo when he would visit your teammate during practice; he would try to greet you but you’d only shoot him a tight smile.

So when you heard a loud knock on your door at eight o clock in the evening, the last person you expected was the roosterhead himself.

“Hey,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck, “I could tell something was bothering you, and I’ve been trying to give you your space, but… it’s been weeks now so, I just have to know… Are you avoiding me?”

You didn’t really know what to say, if there is even anything else to. Even with your head down and eyes trained to your feet, you could feel the burn of his gaze.

“I...” the deep timbre of his voice always managed to give you chills, “I miss you.”

Is he fucking serious right now? He’s so smart, yet he can’t put two and two together? He can see his opponents’ moves before they happen, yet he can’t even see you standing right in front of him?

“I have feelings for you, Kuroo,” you blurted out before you could stop yourself.

Kuroo’s eyes widened by a fraction, his mouth slightly hung agape, dumbfounded by your seemingly random confession.

Except, it wasn’t random to you. You’ve been harboring these feelings for months, and after hurting yourself by staying silent for so long, you decided that you deserve better.

You’ll accept whatever the outcome, if that’s the price for your peace.

“Y/N…” it took him a long time to finally speak, and you try to ignore the fact that this is the first time he’s called you by your first name.

His face clearly showed his struggle to get the words out. “I’m sorry, I didn’t… I –“

You raised your hand. You didn’t really want to hear any more than that.

“It’s okay,” you said, giving him a small smile.

And with that, you shut the door on Kuroo Tetsuro.

You do your best to move on, smiling and laughing with friends you wouldn’t usually talk to you, ignoring the ghost of your past that haunt you every time you walked passed by Kuroo and your teammate down the hall.

You throw back a laugh at whatever the person next to you had said, turning away to miss the fact that Kuroo’s eyes always followed you wherever you went.

Graduation day came and in the blink of an eye, your days at Nekoma were behind you.

The days passed, the seasons changed, the flowers bloomed, and then they died.

You started university, moving to a different city and living with the very same best friend whose betrayal to quench her own thirst became the catalyst for your greatest heartbreak.

You’ve forgiven her for that though, you guess.

Life in college was the breath of fresh air that you needed.

New things to learn, new places to discover, and new faces to help you forget the scars of old ones.

Years pass by, and while you’ve allowed yourself to feel the touch of others, allow them to make you laugh, allow them to make you cry, you’ve never really allowed yourself the luxury of falling in love again.

Who has time for that any way?

Definitely not you. You just needed to finish your undergrad, and get into med school.

You had plans for your life, you weren’t going to compromise your dreams just for another person, and no matter whom you dated or how much they liked you, this fact had always rubbed them the wrong way.

You were finally starting your last year at your undergrad, quite possibly one of the most important years of college, what with your thesis, med school applications, and your entire future pretty much on the line, no big deal.

Your first class of the day was chemistry. You had been avoiding the last chemistry class required by your degree, all of your friends telling you that it was one of the hardest classes they’ve ever taken, and so naturally, you ran away for as long as possible.

The class wasn’t due to start for another fifteen minutes when you walked in, giving you a perfect opportunity to grab a seat of your liking.

You ended up choosing one in the third row – you knew that if you sat in the back, you wouldn’t pay attention.

You take out your laptop, books, and all required materials, using this free time to check any emails from your professors.

You were checking the time – 5 minutes left until class started – when you were interrupted.

“L/N-chan?”

Your feel your body stiffen up at the sound of a voice you hadn’t heard in years.

You turn your head to your left, hoping to all the gods that maybe you were mistaken.

“Kuroo?” you said in disbelief, and oh honey… you could not believe he was standing right before you.

Kuroo seemed like he hadn’t changed at all. His hair seemed a little bit more managed, he was a little bit taller, his muscles filled out his shirt better… but he still had the same goofy smile on his face, and that undeniably mischievous twinkle in his eye.

“What are you doing here?” you blurted out. “I thought you went to a university in Tokyo?”

“I did, but I transferred this year,” he said, “This university has a great marketing program.”

“I can’t believe it,” you mumble out, more so to yourself than him, “It’s been years.”

He gave you a smile. “It has.”

He took the seat next to you, much to your surprise. You almost wanted to open your mouth in protest, but what could you say? ‘You can’t sit there’?

You were thankful that the class had only gone over the syllabus, because you didn’t hear a word the professor said.

When you told Eri about it later, she just laughed.

“I always thought Kuroo-san was a nice guy,” she commented, her back turned while she cooked the both of you dinner.

“I never said he wasn’t,” you said, throwing back the rest of the wine in your glass.

“What, you still like him or something?” Eri teased, plating the noodles she had created and setting it in front of you.

“Of course not,” you grumbled, stabbing at the plate with a fork, and the amused look on Eri’s face tells you that her silence was just to placate you.

The next few weeks of the semester went by without any incident.

Kuroo stayed in the seat next to you, and you didn’t let yourself wonder why.

You were proud at yourself for being able to talk to Kuroo the way that you were; he still made the same stupid chemistry jokes in high school, but now you felt like you could laugh at them without choking on the air around you.

It was easy.

Until it wasn’t.

“Alright everyone,” your professor began one rainy morning, “We’re about halfway through the semester, and this is usually around the time I like to assign a little project.”

All of a sudden, you felt a strange feeling of déjà vu.

“Now, it’s only going to be worth about a third of your grade in the class, so I suggest not slacking off on this one. This is going to require a partner, and before you go texting your bestie that you want to ‘link up’, I’ve taken the liberty of assigning your partner for you.”

Oh, Christ. You were praying you wouldn’t get partnered up with a dead weight.

“When I call your name, raise your hand so I could introduce you to your new partner.”

You waited patiently for your name to be called, but Kuroo’s had been called first.

“Kuroo Testuro.”

Kuroo raised his hand.

“Your partner will be... let’s see here… ah, L/N F/N!”

No. No fucking way.

Your arm involuntarily raised, the professor nodding his head in acknowledgement.

You slowly turn to face Kuroo, who had an unreadable smile placed on his lips, your professor’s voice droning on in the background.

“Well,” he said, laughter laced in his words, “Isn’t this familiar?”

At first, you felt incredibly apprehensive at the thought of being partnered with your high school crush, but at the end of the day, you were actually incredibly thankful.

Kuroo was just as smart and diligent as he was back then, and you had every confidence that your project was going to get the highest grade.

You tried to make it a point to meet in public places – cafes, libraries, and the like.

But soon, Kuroo suggested that it would just be easier and more comfortable to meet at either your place or his.

He only ever came by when Eri was home too, which would have been fine if the smirk on her face didn’t make you so nervous.

You noticed that his roommate was always around when you came over as well. You learned his name was Bokuto, and though he was a little loud, his presence was actually a little comforting.

Honestly, it all felt so… nostalgic. Whenever you would finish your work for the day, then the two of you would spend the time talking, catching up, and laughing at stupid jokes, almost as if the two of you were friends again.

Almost like nothing happened between you at all.

“Hey,” you started one day, curiosity getting the better of you after a particularly steamy conversation about past relationships, sitting on the floor with your iPad on your lap and homework strewn about all over the living room floor, “Whatever happened between you and that girl from high school?”

Kuroo just gave you a sad smile, and you thought she must have broken his heart pretty badly.

“Oh that…” he waved it off, “That was a mistake. A big one.”

You figured it was better not to ask any more questions.

Eri walked out of her room soon after Kuroo left that night, her arms crossed and leaning against the door’s archway as she watched you wash the dishes.

You guys are getting pretty close,” she mused.

She couldn’t see you roll your eyes. “Well, yeah, we were pretty good friends in high school.”

Eri let out a humorless laugh. “I stand by my statement that Kuroo-san is a nice guy,” she said, walking up next to you to place a hand on your shoulder, “But I haven’t forgotten how long it took you to get over what happened.”

Your hands stilled in the soapy water for a second, but you chose not to say anything.

“I’m just saying,” Eri started to walk back to her room, calling out her last words behind her shoulder, “Be careful.”

Eri’s words echoed in your head whenever you were with Kuroo.

Every time he offered to pay for your food, you made sure to insist you’d pay for it yourself. If he tried to grab your bag from your shoulder when you walked, you’d hold on tighter and say you were fine.

You didn’t avoid him like you did before, but you made every attempt to keep him at arm’s length.

It seems your attempts were all for nothing, however, when the semester ended.

“Amazing job,” were the words that came from your professor when giving your passing grade.

“We did it,” Kuroo said happily, the two of you making your way out of the class, “It’s finally over.”

“Thank god,” you laughed back.

“Hey,” Kuroo started, though he was looking at everywhere but you, “Bokuto’s gone and visiting his boyfriend for the weekend, but I was wondering if you wanted to come over for drinks later?”

You blinked, trying to even your breathing.

“You know, to celebrate the end of the semester, and acing that nightmare class.”

You should say no, right? Wait, but you’re grown now. You’ve moved on from what happened back then. The two of you did work really hard this semester, what’s wrong with celebrating your achievements?

“I think we’ve earned it,” Kuroo laughed.

“Yeah,” you said, and you were glad for it just from the smile that spread on his stupid face, “We really have! I’ll be there.”

“See you at eight?”

You nodded at his words as he waved goodbye, going your separate ways.

Ten hours later, you were sitting next to Kuroo on his living room floor, sake cup full to the brim as BNHA plays on his TV.

“Ah, Deku’s in the hospital,” Kuroo slurred, sake sloshing out of his cup when he pointed to the screen, “That’s a shot!”

The two of you threw back the warm liquid, and you were kind of worried that it didn’t taste like anything anymore.

“Kuroo,” you laughed, “We’re only on the second episode… and I think I’ve taken, like, twelve shots at this point.”

“This was your idea!”

“Well, I have another idea,” you started to get up, causing Kuroo to get up as well, “Let’s order take out!”

He laughed at your red face, agreeing with you.

You started to make your way to the couch, but all of a sudden, you felt dizzy, a head rush taking over your senses as you stumbled over your feet.

Kuroo caught you before you could hit the floor.

“You okay?” he laughed, and the sound of it elicited a laugh from your own lips.

In a second, the two of you erupted in giggles, snickering at nothing in particular while his strong arms still held you in place.

Suddenly, you were hyperaware of his touch on your skin, and you let your eyes trail from the strong hands around your waist, to the golden honey eyes that were already staring at your face.

You can’t exactly remember how, but the next thing you knew, you were pinned under Kuroo on his bed, his soft lips moving in tandem with yours while his hot tongue took over your whole mouth.

Your arms were looped around his neck, and he slid his calloused hands up your arm.

You felt his hands grip onto your wrists before he pulled them off his necked and pinned them onto the mattress.

You took in a deep breath once he disconnected from your mouth, planting a trail of kisses along your jaw line and down to your neck, before you slid his tongue across your supple skin.

You shivered, acutely aware of the fact that he has you trapped.

“Be careful,” Eri’s words echoed in your mind.

Fuck, you tried to think but it was hard when Kuroo just threw his shirt across the room, hovering over you with chiseled abs and defined muscles.

The heat returned to your body when he lowered his head, and popped a hard nipple into his mouth.

Your body arched at the feel of his teeth grazing against your skin, goosebumps racing when he dipped his hand beneath your underwear, a slender finger gliding down your folds before inserting into you.

You weren’t prepared for the intrusion, and he captured the gasp that came out of your mouth with his lips.

He was now holding down both of your wrists with one hand, never realizing that he was that much bigger than you.

He slid out his finger, bringing it to his mouth to give a long lick, before dipping his hand back down, and pushing in two.

You threw your head back when Kuroo curled his fingers, wondering how the hell he was able to find your g spot so quickly.

You felt like an animal caught in his trap, caged in with your arms pinned down, no choice but to let Kuroo draw out your orgasm while he pumped and curled into you, circling his thumb over your swollen clit.

Your legs were shaking while you screamed out his name, embarrassed that you were cumming so hard when he hasn’t even actually fucked you

He didn’t give you a chance to recover from your orgasm

In one swift movement, Kuroo let go of your hands and pulled out his fingers so he could grab a leg in each hand to fold you over in a press.

You don’t even know when Kuroo had taken his pants – or yours – off, and you didn’t have time to wonder.

A moan escaped your lips at the feel of his length filling you up, and you distinctly hear Kuroo tell you to say his name.

“Kuroo,” you moaned, bringing your hands to his shoulders, grasping at his body.

Every buck of his hips shot a jolt of pleasure throughout your body, unable to escape the feeling with Kuroo holding you down in place.

Who the hell would want to escape from here anyway?

“My first name,” he growled, quickening his pace when he felt your walls tighten around his dick.

“Tetsuro!” you screamed without a second thought, the brutal rhythm Kuroo has set driving heat onto your stomach, repeating his name over and over even after you feel your pussy gushing all over him, your cum dripping down from his shaft to his balls.

“Fuck,” Kuroo growled out, driving into you one last time before he spilled hot white, trying hard to catch his breath while coming down from this high.

The two of you lay together in the darkness for a while, your head on his chest and his arms around his shoulder.

The silence that surrounded the room was comfortable; almost like a bubble of peace that neither of you wanted to pop by saying anything.

“Be careful,” Eri’s fucking voice told you, yet again

While you didn’t regret what had just happened between you and Kuroo, doubts were beginning to creep in your mind.

What the hell was supposed to happen now? You’re not sure if Kuroo was expecting this outcome when he invited you over for drinks, but it happened, and you’re not really sure where to go from here.

You’ve already built a life for yourself – one that was truly yours – and you had a path that you had every intention to follow.

Would Kuroo be like every other guy and run away when he finds out you’re not compromising your plans for him? Would you even want to try to fit him into your plans?

You shake your head.

Jesus, get a grip. A guy dicks you down /once/, and all of a sudden you’re thinking about this shit?

“Y/N? You okay?” He asked from beside you.

You lift your head from his chest, sitting up so you could lean your back against his headboard. Kuroo was quick to mirror your actions.

“Kuroo,” you begin to tell him, and he frowned a little at the sound of his last name, “That was… amazing.”

Kuroo blushed a little at your compliment, though he knew it didn’t stop there. “…But?”

“But,” you bit your lip, “I’m not really looking for anything serious right now.”

Kuroo didn’t respond right away, but maybe that’s because you just kept babbling. “It’s just… I have so much going on with school, not to mention grad school applications are due in a few months, and who knows which university I’ll end up going to after graduation…”

You finally had the courage to look at him, and you caught a glimpse of what you would have thought was sadness in his eyes if it hadn’t been blinked away so quickly, soon replaced with that same unreadable smile.

“Whatever you want, Kitten,” he replied, “This doesn’t have to be anything more than what it is.”

You let out a breath of relief.

He walked you home that night (or morning, considering it was 1am), still trying your best to set boundaries even though you pretty much let him thoroughly wreck you.

He didn’t give you a kiss goodbye, instead sheepishly waving when he sees you entering the door to your apartment, saying he’ll shoot you a text tomorrow.

You thought things would be weird between the two of you after that night, but you were happy to find that it wasn’t.

You had managed to rekindle your friendship with Kuroo – meeting up to study, grabbing lunch if you had the time, maybe catching the occasional movie.

Though, you didn’t tell Eri about the added benefits.

(Kuroo Tetsu-hoe) Today: 12:37AM

You up?

[To: Kuroo Tetsu-hoe] Today: 12:49AM

Yeah, doing my Lit. paper.

(Kuroo Tetsu-hoe) Today: 12:50AM

Wanna do me instead?

[To: Kuroo Tetsu-hoe] Today: 12:58AM

Say less.

ou didn’t have to tell Eri about the added benefits – she wasn’t dumb, where else would her roommate be going in the middle of night?

You’ve had other men before, going through your fair share of sexual experiences before climbing into bed with Kuroo.

But he was still managing to show you new things, reaching spots you never even knew existed before, putting his mouth in places that made your eyes water and lungs burn from gasping for air.

You can’t explain the feeling you get when he’s running his hands across your body, and when he stares at you and nothing but you while he’s pumping into you and making you feel so full in more ways than one, it’s something akin to a chemical reaction.

There was one time, when he took a belt, secured it against his head post before he brought your legs up to –

“Earth to Y/N,” Kuroo said, waving a hand in front of your face.

“Sorry,” you said, shrugging your shoulders, “I was having a flashback.”

Kuroo smirked, knowing exactly what you meant.  

The two of you were lying in bed, your back against his chest and a strong arm wrapped around your waist.

You laid your hand on top of his, fiddling with his fingers and reveling in the calm that always came from being with Kuroo.

“What you thinking about?” You ask, and the way he stiffened up in your grip let you know that something really was bothering him.

It took him a little longer than you’d like before he replied.

“Do you ever feel like… you want more?”

This time, it was you that stilled in his arms.

“Be Careful.”

You turned around to face Kuroo.

“I thought we talked about this?”

Kuroo’s eyes searched your face, for what, you have no idea. But you stared back with just as much intensity, hoping that he would find the answer he was looking for.

Fear. That’s what was written all over your face.

Kuroo let out a humorless laugh. “Forget I said anything.”

He stood up to put his boxers on and slipping on a shirt before heading out onto the balcony that was attached to his room.

You gave him a few moments before getting up to gather your clothes from the floor, silently putting them on before you joined him outside.

You find him leaning against the balcony railing on his forearms, a cigarette lit in one hand.

He doesn’t turn his head towards you, but he does offer his cigarette, and you take it quietly.

You bring the white filter to your lips, taking a deep drag, closing your eyes when you feel your head get lighter, and releasing the smoke from your lungs.

“Kuroo,” you started, voice nothing but a soft whisper, “I’m sorry… I didn’t – “

He raised a hand to stop you.

“It’s fine,” he replied. “Like I said, forget I mentioned anything.”

He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

“Hey,” he said, taking his cigarette back from you and taking a drag himself, “Kenma’s having a party this weekend. They’re inviting over some old classmates from Nekoma. He says he misses you. You should come.”

Your ears perk up at the invitation, excited at the thought of seeing your old friend and a little happy that he’s moving past the subject.

"Kenma? Is having a party?”

Kuroo laughed. “Alright. Yaku is having a party, but we’re doing it at Kenma’s place. It’s actually not that far from here, just one train ride.”

You chuckled, shaking your head knowingly.

“Yeah, I’ll go,” you agreed, “But, uhm… I’ll just meet you there?”

Kuroo nodded. “Yeah. I’ll just meet you there.”

You didn’t see Kuroo the rest of that week.

You weren’t sure what it was – he wasn’t ignoring you, he replied to your text messages and answered your calls.

But he hadn’t once asked you to come over. And after what happened that night, you were scared to ask him to come over.

The night of Kenma’s party came, and you entered to find way more people than you had expected. You didn’t recognize more than half of the people there, but relief washed over you when Yaku threw an arm around your shoulder.

You didn’t see Kuroo right away when you arrived, but you were too distracted at the joy from seeing some of your old classmates.

You were half way through a game of beer pong with Lev as your partner before Kuroo was able to make an appearance.

He made his rounds, saying his greetings to everyone before stopping at you, giving you a friendly one armed hug.

You didn’t want to admit that you were a bit sad at the generic greeting.

Was it because maybe… you want…. mor –

“Y/N! Shoot the damn ping pong ball,” Lev exclaimed, and you were shook out of your reverie. 

Kuroo excused himself, saying he was going to the kitchen to make himself a drink, but you were too focused on winning your game to notice.

Before you knew it, you lost three to two against Kenma and Yamamoto, cursing at Lev for forcing you to carry the team on your back.

By this point, the alcohol had spread all through your system. You were still able to walk straight, but with considerable effort. The words that came out of your mouth were just a little slurred, and you were kind of having a hard time controlling the volume of your voice.

“Where’s Kuroo?” you asked Yaku, who instantly shot a hand up to rub his ear.

“Jesus, woman, you don’t have to yell, I am /right here,” he grumbled, but he still let you sling an arm around his shoulders for support. “I thought he went into the kitchen to get some drinks?”

That’s right, he said that. But that was hours ago. Where could he be?

You stagger away from Yaku, pushing your way past unfamiliar bodies to get to the kitchen.

The first thing you saw when you tripped into the kitchen was Kuroo, dressed in a fitted black shirt and blue jeans, looking every bit the Greek God he was as he leaned against the counter. His arms were crossed atop his broad chest, a drink in one hand.

He was talking to someone, and you thought you recognized the long black hair that flowed from the back of their head, but were too distracted studying the veins that protruded from Kuroo’s forearms.

You opened your mouth to call out to him when the person in front of him stepped up, pressing their body into his. She uncrossed his arms and snaked two long arms around his neck.

You recognized her in that instant.

It was his ex from high school.

Looking down, you were surprised to see your clothes dry, because it felt like someone poured a bucket of ice water directly on top of your head.

“Be careful,” Eri’s words echoed in your head for the ten millionth time.

Yet here you were

In the same exact place you were a little over three years ago.

You scoffed at yourself.

Well, there’s nothing else for you here now, is there?

You shoot Yaku and Kenma a quick text in a group chat to let them know you were leaving.

The air outside was cold, your breath coming out in puffs. You wrapped your jacket around a little tighter, cursing yourself silently for not wearing a scarf cause it’ll ‘ruin the outfit.’

“Hey, the party’s that way.”

The sudden voice behind you nearly made you jump ten feet in the air.

“Jesus, you really are like a fucking cat.”

Kuroo chuckled.

For some reason, the sound made you angry. You kept walking, following the path of dimmed street lights that led you to the train station.

“Yeah, but home’s this way.”

His heavy footsteps trailed behind you.

“Great, I was getting tired of the party anyway.”

“What are you doing here?” You finally turned your head to him and asked.

Your voice was surprisingly clear and even, despite the unsteadiness of the ground beneath you.

“What do you mean? I’m walking you home.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s late, and you’re my friend.”

‘Friend’. The word made you wince, even though you were the one that drilled the idea into his head.

“I saw you talking to your ex,” you grumbled, crossing your arms and turning the other direction.

You could practically feel his smirk.

“Oya? Is that jealousy I’m hearing in those words?”

You felt your face get hot.

“Of course not!”

- “I thought we were just friends?”

“Will you shut up for once in your life, idiot!”

He wanted to tease you some more, but was stopped by the pensive look on your face.

“Why would you leave the girl that broke your heart behind just to walk me home?”

Kuroo looked at you with a confused expression.

“Girl that broke my heart?”

You nodded. “When I asked you about her, you said she was a big mistake.”

Kuroo stopped walking. You turned your head back to look at him curiously when he doubled over in a full bellied laugh.

“Are you laughing at me?!” You asked incredulously, giving him a glare from where you stood.

“You... you think she’s the one that broke my heart?”

Kuroo wiped a fake tear from his eye.

“Wow. That was a good one.”

“What the hell are you going on about, Kuroo?”

The jovial look on Kuroo’s face slowly faded, the entertained smile on his face shrinking his lips into a thin line.

“Y/N, she didn’t break my heart.”

Now it was your turn to be confused.

“You want to know why I said she was a big mistake?” Kuroo took a step towards you, “It was because of her that I lost you.”

Your jaw dropped.

Kuroo ran his fingers through his hair, ruining the perfectly waxed locks that he had spent thirty minutes styling.

“Please don’t run away when I tell you this.”

You couldn’t move your feet even if you wanted to.

“The only reason I ever brought her up to you in the first place was because I wanted to see your reaction. I wanted to know if you would get jealous. But without hesitation, you told me that I should just go ahead and date her, and you know dumb young men and their pride... then... it just... snowballed into something I didn’t even...”

Kuroo couldn’t finish his sentence.

Your vision begins to shake.

“But... but I confessed to you!”

“Yeah, then you slammed the door in my face and stopped talking to me!”

You couldn’t deny that.

“Do you have any idea how confusing that was for a teenage boy? I had no idea what the hell was going on, one day, I blinked and I was stuck with a girl I didn’t love while I watched my best friend smile and laugh and walk passed me like I never even existed.”

You swallowed the guilty lump that was caught in your throat.

“All I knew was that you weren’t around anymore; you weren’t there to make me laugh with your dumb jokes, you weren’t coming over and leaving your presence all over my room, nothing, it was all gone, and it all felt so fucked up. Being without you felt so fucked up.” 

Had Kuroo always felt this way? Were you really so busy running away from him that you couldn’t even see that he was hurting too?

“Now the universe or the gods or whatever brought me back to you, and it’s like everything makes sense again, and fuck, all I want to do is just show you how much I’ve missed you, how much I care, how much I love you.”

You gasped, and you were waiting for Kuroo to try and take those words back, but the resolve was painted in his eyes.

“But all you do is just keep me at arms length. You wanted to be just friends when I wanted everything.”

You choked back a sob, tears were now steadily streaming down your face.

Kuroo closed the space between you, wrapping one arm around your waist while bring his other head to wipe at your tears with the pad of his thumb.

 “She wasn’t the girl that broke my heart. You were.”

He moved to place his fingers on your chin, tilting your head up to force you to look at his eyes.

He wanted you to see that he meant every single word.

“If this is all you’re willing to give me, I’ll take it. I’ll break my own heart. Every day, over and over again, if that’s what it takes to be with you.”

His voice was in a whisper now, bringing his lips to kiss both sides of your cheeks.

“Because I love you.”

He brought his hands to cup for your face before pulling you in for a kiss.

This wasn’t anything like you’ve ever experienced before.

Every time his tongue brushed against yours, you felt all the love adoration he was trying to convey in this one physical act, hoping he could transfer it all into your lips.

It felt like time stopped just for the two of you, to have this moment in the middle of the sidewalk, bathed in the orange glow of the street light that hung above you.

He pulled away finally, resting his forehead on yours for just a second before he engulfed you with his arms.

His head rested on top of yours, feeling the vibrations as he spoke.

“I’m going to ask you one more time,” he said nervously. “Do you want something more?”

You wiggle out of his grip just so you can move your hands up to caress his cheek.

“Tetsuro... I love you so much.”

Later that night, in the safety of your room and away from Eri’s judgmental eyes at the two of you stumbling in and giggling through the door, you trace small circles on Kuroo’s chest with your fingers while Kuroo had an arm wrapped around you tightly.

“Hey, Tetsu,” you broke the silence with a whisper, “What if I end up going to grad school that was... further away?”

Kuroo couldn’t help but smile and shake his head. You were never going to change.

Not like he would ever want you to.

“Y/N... we didn’t talk for three years, and not once did I stop thinking about you. A little distance isn’t going to get rid of me.”

You try to bury your face in embarrassment.

If he had to spend every day of the rest of his life reassuring you that he’ll be by your side no matter what, well - that’s just too easy.

You find yourself holding onto him a little bit tighter, making a silent vow that never again were you going to push away Kuroo Tetsuro.

[lollybliz]

bout to make a Monster of a fic rec post here we go

heyo @jinx108! We’ll start with the complete ones because sometimes you’re just not in the mood to wait for the last chapter, you know? I don't remember details of all of these so i’m just going to copy the author’s summary rather than write my own. I am literally just going through my bookmarks, I got 400 of these to sort through. if ive talked to or am familiar with the author im gonna mention them, but if I mention you and you don't want me to have Please tell me and i’ll remove it.

If you’re not into spoilers Please Tread Carefully, I don't watch out for that stuff so I wont know to label it

1>Crushing Truth by Bunzuku: Tododeku. “Romance is hard enough for a teenager to understand when they have a good relationship role model. For Shoto, it takes two excited meddlers for him to even realize what his feelings really are.“

2>Disowned by b00mgh: tododeku + others. Unrated, some traumatic elements. “Shouto freaks out under a bridge and I use the word "grass" a lot more than I really should. Izuku does his stupid martyr thing and everyone makes continuous references to his propensity to break his bones. Aizawa goes "oh FUCK my kids are dying again" and his students use him as emotional (and physical) support. A friend requests angst, I say what kind, she say idk make someone get disowned and i say oh this I can absolutely provide my good buddy.”

3>cotton candy hands by @chonideno: Kiribaku. I will take Any excuse to rec this fic, its the most fluffy pile of feels Good Lord. also the first fic I ever bound into a physical book. “Studying to become a hero requires knowing how to take care of yourself. Sometimes you might need help on the way so if your crush offers to do your hair for you or to give you a well-deserved back rub, it'd be stupid to say no. A series of soft vignettes in which a love-struck Kirishima and a touch-starved Bakugou care for each other and it's definitely not making their hearts jump through hoops, they’re never this close to kissing, no, they're totally best friends bro“

4>Catching Sight of the Storm by neo7v: Kiribaku, tododeku. A considerable amount of Whump and related angst, and kinda sad tbh. “Blind. Quirkless. Useless.The first two things were stated clearly by the doctor that sat about five feet in front of Izuku. The third was a word that Kacchan called him everytime he failed to make the jump on whatever forest excursion they were on or when he ran into a tree because he hadn’t seen it. “I’m so, so sorry, Izuku.” Was his mom giving up on him already? But he could still be a hero if he tried hard enough, right? Quirkless or not. Blind or not. Just because Izuku was useless now didn’t mean he would stay that way forever, right? *** A Blind!Izuku AU”

5>Yell Heah by fakecharliebrown: Chatfic. M a n y pairings. technically complete, but part of an ongoing series. “Iida creates a group-chat for Class 1-A. It doesn't go as planned.“

6>Sunshine by Rosey_Note: BIG SAD. tw- failed suicide attempt. KiriKamiBaku. “They didn't deserve to put up with his crappy mood. Because Denki Kaminari did not feel like Sunshine right now. And they deserved sunshine. In fact, Denki didn't feel much of anything right now.“

7>Electric Connection by  Onlymostydead: ShinKami. “Kaminari's quirk has always had... Weird side affects. Like his ADHD. And his constant energy. And his insomnia, which wouldn't leave him be right now, when he really needed to just get some sleep. But, thankfully, he has good friends.“

8>The Best (The Worst) by Onlymostydead: no romantic pairing. tw- rampant transphobia, both outside and internalized. “Bakugou Katsuki has known who he was since he was four years old. He was a boy, it was as simple as that. Around his friends, at school... But things couldn't just be that simple, could they?“

9>Lichtenberg Figures by Q_loves_you: no definite romantic pairing. “Kaminari Denki has a very powerful force of nature running through his body. Kaminari Denki doesn't want to hurt anybody. He doesn't always get what he wants, and "anybody" does generally include himself.“

10>Eventuality by KikaTouka: ill be honest I don't remember this one at all, I maaaay not have read it yet :/. anyway. ShinKami. “Shinsou learns more than just hero lessons after being transferred to 1-A.“

11>Pickup Lines for the Soul by MustardSoup: ShinKami. “Denki is twelve when he is flicking through the TV channels and lands on an old RomCom movie about soulmate marks – specifically the same type that he has. “I can’t believe I’ve had to walk around with a cheap pickup line written on my ankle my entire life because of you!” The leading lady yells at the leading man as he stares at her in awe. Denki laughs. “Oh no.” His mother says, watching him. “Oh no, indeed.” His sister repeats quietly.“

12>caught in my own web by @anxioussailorsoldier: ShinKami. “Shinsou needs some help after getting caught up in his capture weapon. Kaminari enters from stage left.“

13>not so summer love by nataliya: ShinKami. “Class 2-B’s common room, although typically quiet, was currently filled with five students—three slowly giving up on homework, one bitching about noise and another that rushes through the front door. “We’ve been waiting for you—” Mina starts, but Kaminari’s vaulting over the back of the couch, eyes wide as he practically buzzes out of his skin, emitting light like crazy as currents dazzle across strands of hair. “I have a big ugly crush,” He steps off the couch and onto the coffee table, much to Bakugou’s chagrin, “On big ugly Shinsou.””

14>Blamed by coldandhotsoba: ShinKami. Tw- they fuckin kill a guy and its a lil nasty. “This was not how the day was supposed to end. They were supposed to end the day like they do most nights.  Kaminari clutching onto him like a koala as he slept, wrapped in the millions of tacky blankets Kaminari had bought. Warm and safe in their bed. It was not supposed to end with both of them tied up in some cold metal room.“

15>Lightning Scars by Present-Mics-Scream (write_your_way_out): Shinkami. “It's hard to be confident in your abilities when you're surrounded by people with incredible quirks. Shinsou Hitoshi would know better than anyone. Sure, he was admitted to the hero course in his second year, but being admitted to the hero course, and keeping up with the rest of the class are two different things. Lucky for him, Kaminari is there to prove that the flashiest quirks come with the largest drawbacks.“

16>See No Evil, Hear No Evil by randomfan188: no romantic pairing. “Kaminari Denki is legally blind. When he forgets to wear his contacts and breaks down during math class, comfort appears in the strangest of ways.“

17>how not to enjoy the weather, an article by kaminari denki by dreamtowns: no defined romantic pairing. “If there was one thing Kaminari hated the most in a world wth villains, it would have to be thunderstorms.“

18>”Studying” by emmyrox22: ShinKami, EraserMic. “Shinsou and Kaminari have been “studying” together for a while (but not for school). Shinsou gets stopped by his dads on the way to another “study” session and mistakes are made“

19>Weaknesses by sunflowerstorm: ShinKami. “Kaminari's quirk and storms compliment each other in the worst way, but he's convinced he can deal with it on his own... until he really can't any longer. When Shinsou accidentally overhears Aizawa confronting Kaminari about recent changes in behaviour and hears about the hell his quirks been putting him through, he can't just pretend he never heard. He wants to help.“

20>it’s hurt denki hours by memeingfultrash: ShinKami + others. ““Certain members of our class are...under the impression that...you’re the traitor.” Denki’s body went cold and felt like he was going to short circuit. ~some of class 1a believes that denki is the traitor and avoid him”

21>Petition to replace Mineta with Shinsou- (signed by Kaminari Denki) by CharaTheQuartz: ShinKami + others. This is one of my favorites, I go back to reread it from time to time. It SAYS 41/42, but that's just a glitch cus chapter 36 doesn't exist for some reason, I talked to the author about it and its fine. “Mineta brings shame to the color purple. You know who does not bring shame to the rich color, but pride and sexual tension to one infatuated Kaminari Denki instead? Shinsou Hitoshi, aka sexy zombie man, aka the most perfect hunk of a man to walk planet earth, aka future husband. Shinsou has finally gotten his chance to prove himself to the hero course, and he did more than prove himself. The only question left unanswered is whether he will start in A or B, and how Kaminari can manipulate the end result.“

22>How to Get a Boyfriend (in Four Easy Steps!) by e1ana: ShinKami, EraserMic, + others. “Step 1: Get kicked out of the house by your homophobic parents. Step 2: Run headfirst into your brooding, mysterious crush. Step 3: Sleep in his dad’s (see: your homeroom teacher) house Step 4: Watch everything you thought you knew go to shit. This isn’t exactly the sweet, romantic plan that Kaminari Denki longed for. Will everything be ok, or will step 5 be to crash and burn?“

23>Bakugou and Todoroki’s Foolproof 5-Step Plan to Fuck with Mineta Minoru by Anubis_2701: Kiribaku, TodoDeku, + others. This is another one of my favorites, and the one I am currently folding and sewing into a physical book. you learn how to do funny things when bored and quarantined ig. “It was a simple enough idea; screw around with the resident bastard of Class 1-A to let him know that his medieval ways and perverted behaviour weren't going to be tolerated by even the most career-focused of UA's students. To say that things had snowballed was an understatement. Todoroki had no idea how he had ended up sitting on Bakugou's floor at 1 am, holding a dossier of incriminating material that would make the FBI slobber, but he wasn't sure he wanted to know. The long and short of it was, fuck Mineta.”

24>Colour Theory by chancellorxofxtrash: TodoBakuDeku. this one’s a series. “Midoriya/Bakugo/Todoroki slow burn soulmate AU. All three of them are nerds with their own emotional issues, trying to navigate their way through becoming heroes, and their own relationship with each other.“

25>Summer Sunshine by Mara97: TodoDeku. Ever want a Barbie in a mermaid tale/Bnha crossover? No? well here you go anyway! “Instead of worrying about college, Izuku spends his summer vacation finding out his father is, supposedly, a dead merman king and going on a quest to dethrone the current king, Endeavor. Along the way, Izuku becomes close to the three journeying with him, makes friends with strangers, starts crushing on an unattainable prince, and, in the end, learns to love himself. Oh, and he saves a kingdom, too.“

26>The snowflakes on our skin and the flames in our soul are one (and the same), my love by missunderstuffyou: TodoDeku, Kiribaku. this is one of the ones I keep a running reread comment going on. its at,,, 6, atm.  “Before your quirk begins to present itself, the soulmate link comes through, and suddenly whatever you write upon your own skin appears on the body of your soulmate. As your soulmate writes to you, the emotions they feel follow through the ink.Izuku Midoriya is four years and a few months old when he first feels the slight ebbing in his arms. It doesn’t hurt… he can just feel something, and it’s enough to make him sprint into his mother’s arms screaming that his quirk is coming. She had been washing in the kitchen, and the sudden screech as her son rockets into her side is enough to make her jump with panic, immediately grabbing at him and looking for cuts and bumps before she understands his words and the stupidly bright, alight smile on his face with large, watery, hopeful eyes. Shoto Todoroki doesn’t feel his soulmate connection open up. It is drowned in the aches of a small body worked far too hard.“

27>It was dark inside the closet by Chad_Champion69420: Pre-ShinDeku? maybe? its tagged shindeku but like. it’ll make sense if you read it. “Midoriya is invited to a party. He and Shinsou decide to play a little trick on the rest of the party during Seven Minutes in Heaven.”

28>how to woo your local trash gremlin: a comprehensive guide by Todoroki shouto by wonhaebunny: TodoBaku. this is the fic that dragged me into todobaku, fun fact. “five times shouto tries to confess to bakugou, and one time he doesn't bother tryingaka: wikihow is a scam and bakugou is a terrible, terrible boy“

29>top ten photos taken right before disaster by Shookspeare: ShinDeku. “Izuku participates in a harmless prank, only to end up ruining it and running for dear life.“

30>Secrets to Share by pechebaie: no definite romantic pairing. “Kirishima comes out first, and nothing changes. Kirishima and Kaminari still hang out to complain about class and talk about boys - and sometimes girls, too, in Kaminari’s case; he still plans stupid pranks with Sero that get them sent to the principal’s or nurse’s office every time; Ashido still kicks his ass at Mario Kart without hesitation; and Bakugou doesn’t get angry at him any more than he usually does.“

31>What One Hides by Pinalinet: TodoDeku. “All Might gives class 1-A an unusual assignment that results in Midoriya Izuku and Todoroki Shouto attending a weekly acting class. But with a mysterious villain targeting individuals without Quirks, and a developing issue of Todoroki's own, an after-school assignment is the least of their worries.“

32>whether or not we’re fated, we’re meant to be by juurensha: KINDA SPOILERY. TodoDeku + others. “Todoroki didn’t have a soulmark for most of his life.His siblings all did, but up until the day of the U.A. entrance exam, he had shoved the idea aside. It’s not like they could help him anyway. And then a 9 appears on his chest, and a green-haired boy barrels into his life with a fire and ice soulmark on his arms, and suddenly Todoroki cares very much about all this could mean.”

33>The Midnight Shift by meiishu @meiishu @totallytodoroki (idk which you’d rather I attach so I went with both): ShinKami. ““Hey Toshi,” Denki says, and he laughs, clearly embarrassed. He’s got on a jean jacket that did him absolutely no help and a white tee shirt that is currently stuck to his torso. It’s got a pikachu design in the center. “By any chance, do you sell umbrellas?” “You really went out in this weather.” Hitoshi deadpans, instead of dignifying that with an answer. or hitoshi works the midnight shift at the gas station, which also doubles as a pokestop for pokemon go. of course, denki is a regular.”

34>Rock the House by AkabaneKayo: ShinKami. “It wasn’t just his bed. It was his entire fucking room shaking. Only one thought crossed his mind at that moment: “Holy shit. My room is haunted.”“

35>Technically, they’re morning kisses by CharaTheQuartz: ShinKami. “Most nights, Shinsou cannot fall sleep. Neither can Kaminari. It seems counterproductive to have a sleepover then, but they try to make it work. And they fail, but that is okay.“

36>someone to call mine by nearly_theyre: ShinKami, EraserMic “From: Me wish you were here, denks From: kitten 💛💘💛 what if i was tho? OR Four times Denki snuck into Hitoshi's room and one time he walked through the front door.“

37>Pretty by Onlymostydead (noticing some repeat authors? me too): no definite romantic pairing. “(Or, Kaminari still can't figure out bra clasps.) Kaminari has never really felt good about himself. Herself? Whichever way, not knowing doesn't make anything easier. Especially when he (she?) and Mina have their bodies swapped during training, and everything seems too right.“

38>If I offer you my hand, will you take it? by bleukitsune: Kiribaku. SPOILERY. ““Why?” Kirishima leaned back on his hands, trying to create some space between them. Too close. The ash-blond looked really nervous, his usually arrogant and cunning demeanor gone. “What do you see when you look at me? Kirishima is worried. Bakugou is hurting. After his confrontation with Midoriya, he finally reaches out to him. “

Theres way more but I haven't tagged them properly yet so that m a y come later if I can ever finish going through and adding my sorting tags.

and then a last few that Are Not Complete but im really very fond of them. not as many as id like to add, but my hands are getting tired tbh.

39>State of Mind by GuardianOfTheLoaf: no relationship YET but its looking like it’ll be either tododeku or shindeku, probably the former. EraserMic. tw- childhood neglect and severe depression. Izuku’s not a happy kid. “Izuku was a late bloomer, his quirk lying dormant until his tenth birthday when in a fit of emotion he grabs his mother and she disappears. With All Might slowly restoring his confidence Izuku begins the difficult journey into becoming a hero.“ 18/? chapters.

40>Izuku Eats His Problems by CosmicAce: ShinDeku. Izuku’s a flerkin, what more could you want? “His whole life, Izuku Midoriya was taught to keep his powers, his Quirk, hidden from the world. His kind were feared, hunted to near extinction because of it. He just wants to show people he’s different. That he can be a HERO. And nothing is going to stop him. Even if his Quirk IS like an eldritch abomination.“ 43/? chapters

and then probably my current favorite bnha fic- although it fights with Apertum Mortem for that spot but that ones d a r k and not here-

41>family of the year by periiwren: EraserMic. “Hitoshi is done. Done with moving around every few months to a couple that will scrutinize him and eventually dump him right back where he started. Good thing he’s well past his strike limit now- at least he can stay in one place, be content to age out of the system and finish out his training with Aizawa. Maybe transfer into the hero course, maybe be a hero- but none of that was guaranteed. The only thing for sure was that he was going to stay in that center for the rest of his childhood. Or so he thought- because Aizawa Shouta and Yamada Hizashi have other plans.“ 24/? chapters. we’ve been informed that this one’s gonne be l o n g and im Very Grateful.

42>Here There Be Dragons by here_and_there: pre-ShinDeku. “Izuku looked at the small circle Aizawa had motioned to in front of them. "I won't fit," he whispered, thinking. He raised his hand, tentatively. Sighing, Aizawa grumbled, "What?" "I-I have a question. Actually, two." His teacher just stared at him, unimpressed. Izuku continued. "Can we activate our quirks before we step into the ring?" Aizawa looked up into the sky, muttering something Izuku didn't hear. "If you must." "O-Okay. Uh, second question. You said we have to stay inside the circle, right?" "Yes." The man looked disappointed, not only in Izuku but in himself for letting the kid speak. "Great. Uh... does that include tails?"“ 6/? chapters.

43>Another Option by sandersonsister: TodoBakuDeku, Touya/Hawks, Dabi/Hawks. Potentially Spoilery, depends on whether horikoshi has the guts to confirm Touya. this one is waiting around the corner with a baseball bat, its really cute, and then r e a l l y painful. it might be getting better though. maybe. it might be getting worse. “When Touya stops his mother from hurting Shouto, he decides enough is enough. He needs to get out of this house and he's taking his baby brother with him.“ 33/? chapters.

That's it i’m done for now, oof. maybe ill edit more onto this post later, maybe i’ll just make another one. hope some of these work!

[apparently-artless]

The Other Way Around - 3rd Chapter

A Daiya no Ace Fanfic

Warning: Not Beta Read, English Grammar Nazi be warned! ( `ε´ )

Summary:

Toujou have 'girl problems'. Kanemaru couldn't care less. Sawamura will come to the rescue.

Note: Different settings and timelines for each character. Check out source below for AO3 version.

Characters: Sawamura Eijun, Toujou Hideaki, Kanemaru Shinji, Furuya Satoru, Kominato Haruichi, Miyuki Kazuya, Kuramochi Youichi, Takigawa Chris Yuu, Yuuki Tetsuya, Isashiki Jun, Kominato Ryousuke

Chapter 3: Toujou Hideaki

Seidou baseball players were busy having their dinner. Some of the first years were gathered together in one table together with some first-string members. Sawamura, as he ate his food with gusto, couldn’t help but noticed that it’s Toujou’s third time letting out a deep sigh as he slowly ate his meal.

“Oi, Toujou. You keep on sighing. That’s not good, you know? Are you not feeling well? Is the food not to your liking?” Sawamura asked with curiosity and concern.

“Tch. Just let him be. He’s sulking because apparently, three girls from our batch kept on pestering him to be his girlfriend,” Kanemaru responded on his best friend’s behalf.

“Hmm? Is it just me or I can feel like you’re just envious of Toujou-kun’s situation? Kanemaru-kun, you’re not popular with girls, are you?” Ryousuke interjected upon hearing the freshmen’s seemingly interesting conversation.

“Wha – “

Haruichi blurted out “Aniki!” as he tried to stop his older brother from publicly shaming Kanemaru any further. He panicked even more as he heard the rest of the first-string members laughing at Ryousuke’s comment while he glanced from the red-faced Kanemaru to the sniggering members eating at their table.

“I see. That must have been tiring. If that’s the case, why don’t you just reject them?” Sawamura went on not giving a care to the other portion of the conversation – which was Kanemaru’s lack of popularity with girls.

“I already told them I have no time for a relationship right now due to club activities. But they just kept on bothering me,” Toujou answered with another deep sigh.

“You said it right! You’re not even part of first-string yet, do you think this is the time to get a girlfriend, huh??” bellowed Isashiki as he sat beside Toujou and placed his arm on the boy’s shoulder threateningly.

“Oya. Here’s another guy who’s unpopular with girls. Is that advice as a senpai, or is it your pathetic self, screaming jealousy? That’s not good, Jun,” Ryousuke commented.

“Shut up, Ryou! These first years should know better not to get ahead of their upperclassmen in getting a girlfriend! They're ten years early for that! Go bat a thousand swings every day first!” Isashiki added.

Toujou just smiled awkwardly at Isashiki and went on with his dinner.

“How about you, Sawamura? Aren’t you quite close with girls in your class? Is there someone in your class who asked you out?” Toujou decided to continue with the conversation. “Nope. I’m pretty sure all of my girl classmates just see me as a friend,” Sawamura answered nonchalantly.

“Besides, no one would want this obnoxious idiot to be their boyfriend. They’ll be deaf by the time they broke up,” Miyuki interrupted.

“Miyuki Kazuya! Who are you calling an idiot? And why are you even here dining with us?? Go away!”

“Then, how about you, Miyuki-senpai? Aren’t you popular with girls too?” Toujou asked without hesitation, not even caring about the bickering that started between the two.

And then, Sawamura and Miyuki paused as they looked at Toujou with wide eyes. The rest of the team was looking at Miyuki with menacing eyes.

Careful what you say, pretty boy catcher.

But before Miyuki could reply, Sawamura laughed as if what Toujou said was the best joke of the night.

“This?” Sawamura started while breathing heavily due to his unending laughter as he pointed rudely at the catcher. “This guy? This super evil and mean guy?? Popular with girls?? I bet they don’t know his true personality then! Oh my, those poor girls!”

Sawamura continued with his laughing and the menacing look that the other members were giving Miyuki transitioned to giggles. The boy with the glasses decided to break his silence.

To start, Miyuki let out a tiny cough. “Toujou-kun, leaving this idiot’s comments aside, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Eh? But I’ve heard Kuramochi-senpai complaining more than once that you received confessions from girls,” Toujou replied hesitantly.

“Huh? Kuramochi said that? When?” Miyuki reacted as he glared in Kuramochi’s direction.

“I can’t remember exactly when but he mentioned it during practice, I think.”

“During practice??”

“Yes, around three different times.”

“Three times??”

This time, it was Isashiki who reacted instead of Miyuki. Kuramochi just guffawed at the background, uncaring, like he’s not involved at all with the conversation.

“Miyuki!!! You jerk!!! You traitor!!!” Isashiki shouted as Toujou and Kanemaru tried to stop him from hitting the poor catcher.

“I’m sorry, Toujou. But I cannot give you any advice. I just tell them I don’t have time for relationships and they back off. You’ll have to deal with it another way,” Miyuki replied hoping this conversation will end with his body parts complete and unharmed.

“Ja!” Sawamura let out a loud voice as if to attract all the team members to listen to him. “Why don’t you ask a girl from your class to pretend to be your girlfriend instead? Look for someone who can agree with your situation so those girls you’ve mentioned will stop troubling you. It’s a brilliant idea if I say so myself. It’s like straight out from a shoujo manga! And then, the two of you will actually get together! And your true love story will begin! Hahahaha!”

The team turned silent, not sure what to make of what Sawamura had just blurted out.

“Hmm. A stupid suggestion from a stupid person. You’re getting there, Sawamura,” Ryousuke commented.

“Hyahaha! Ryou-san, that’s so mean!”

“Onii-san?? But that’s a good idea, no?”

“Well, if it’s got to the point that it’s affecting your grades and your performance during club activities, you can rely on us, Toujou,” Yuuki added with a smile. “We can even try to come up with a plan while playing Shogi.”

“T-Thank you, Yuuki-senpai,” Toujou replied at the captain awkwardly.

The next day was no different. The girls decided to ambush Toujou as soon as he went out of the men’s restroom. His initial plan was this – he’ll have lunch together with Kanemaru, Sawamura, Haruichi, and Furuya and make it look like they're having a club meeting during the break so they won’t get in the way. Unluckily, the girls got to Toujou first before he could meet up with the rest of the group.

Toujou’s head was starting to throb at listening at the girls’ bickering. No matter what he said, it seemed none of them would back down. He wanted to get out of this stupid situation. Some of the students are even looking suspiciously in their way.

He was trying his best to come up with another way to dismiss the girls and get them to back down but nothing came to mind. The best he could do was remember what Sawamura suggested, but there’s a flaw in that. He’s yet to find a girl who would agree with his condition. It has to be a girl who doesn’t have a boyfriend and someone who wouldn’t mind pretending to be in a relationship with him. For now, Toujou thought of telling the girls that he already had someone he likes and that he planned to ask her out. The name – well, it has to be anonymous for now.

“Uhm,” Toujou started as he scratched the back of his neck. “I’m so sorry to say this but, there’s already someone I like and I’m planning to ask that person out. As such, I can’t go out with any of you.”

The three girls stopped their fighting as they looked intently at Toujou, trying to determine if what the boy had said was a lie.

“Who’s the girl then?”

“What’s her name?”

“What class is she in?” “Eh? Uhm. You see…” Toujou replied while moving backward, unable to come up with answers to the girls’ questions.

“The name…”

“The name?” said the three girls in unison. “The name is…” Toujou replied once more as he moved another step backward, his back almost touching the window.

Then suddenly, his savior had arrived.

“Toujou! There you are! I’ve been looking for you! Where have you been anyway?”

“Sawamura?” Toujou whispered upon recognizing the boy looking for him.

“Sawamura??” the girls said in unison as they looked in the direction Toujou was looking at.

Then the idea struck Toujou like lightning. They just need to know that he’s in a relationship. It doesn’t have to be a girl!

Toujou went past the three girls and walked towards Sawamura.

Sawamura, I know you’re not good at reading the atmosphere. But please! Just this once! Remember what you said last night! I don’t have anyone else but you!

Sawamura stopped as soon as Toujou stood just a foot away from him. He then smiled at his friend.

“What’s stopping you? Lunch will be over in no time, Let’s go,” Sawamura said as he grabbed Toujou’s left wrist.

But Toujou did not move from where he’s standing. Instead, he just gazed at Sawamura with a serious look.

“What? You need to go to the restroom first?” the southpaw pitcher asked.

“Sawamura, there’s something important I need to tell you first.”

“O-Okay. I’ll listen to what you have to say,” Sawamura replied with a serious tone, his usual loud voice gone and the three girls right in front of him didn’t seem to matter. He then released Toujou’s hand.

“Sawamura, I like you. I’ve liked you for a long time. Can you please go out with me?” Toujou asked with determination, his internal self, screaming at the back of his head.

Sawamura was taken aback by Toujou’s sudden confession. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He closed his mouth and then pondered some more.

Sawamura, please get a grip of what I’m trying to do here!!

And then suddenly, a miraculous thing happened! Sawamura remembered what he told Toujou last night.

“O-Oh. I see,” Sawamura replied, astounded.

So, it has come to this, Toujou.

Sawamura!! Finally!!

Are you sure you’re fine with me? I’m a guy, you know??

I know, but I don’t seem to have a choice right now, do I??

Got it, Toujou, my friend! Leave everything to me!!

Their internal dialogue went on in less than fifteen seconds when Sawamura spoke once again.

“I like you too, Toujou. For a very long time now,” Sawamura smiled at him like the sun. “I’ll go out with you.”

Toujou, was of course, slightly taken aback by Sawamura’s words. He didn’t take the guy to be a good actor after all. A sudden warmth crept up Toujou’s face as he blushed unconsciously towards the boy. And when the girls noticed Toujou’s reaction, they were surprised but were convinced that the two boys who confessed to each other really liked each other.

Noticing the girls right in front of them for the first time, Sawamura looked at them with a smile too.

“I’m sorry. I was too focused on Toujou that I did not notice you there for a second,” Sawamura spoke, his jolly old self had returned as he scratched the back of his head.

He paused for a second, dropped his right hand, went for Toujou’s left hand, and pulled him closer towards him. Toujou, unprepared for Sawamura’s sudden action, slightly lost his balance as his body partially collided at Sawamura’s, his head perfectly placed in between the southpaw’s jaw and his chest.

“I’m sorry girls, but this guy here is mine. I would appreciate it if you could just back off,” Sawamura said in a deep voice, his warmth emanating and prickling Toujou’s skin.

Toujou, upon hearing Sawamura’s voice filled with sincerity, not the usual voice he’s used to hearing when they’re playing at the field, made him blush some more. The three girls were as surprised as well, their cheeks as pink as peach as they silently nod towards Sawamura.

“Thank you. Now, if you don’t mind, Toujou and I will be taking our lunch.”

Toujou automatically parted with Sawamura once he heard his final words. The boy placed his right arm on his left shoulder as they walked their way to the rooftop. Upon noticing that none of the girls followed, Sawamura decided to remove his hands from Toujou.

“You were so cool back there,” Toujou commented while scratching his cheek, a faint flush remained.

“Aren’t I?? It’s like straight out of a shoujo manga! Man! I’ve always wanted to say one of those cool lines being said by the male protagonists! I nailed it!” Sawamura beamed in response as he laughed, feeling proud of himself.

Toujou laughed at him as well. Little did they know, the three girls were still looking in their direction. But since they were unable to hear their conversation, they only appeared as two boyfriends having a happy conversation in their eyes.

“Should we still join them?” Haruichi asked Kanemaru.

Apparently, Haruichi, Kanemaru, and Furuya had witnessed Toujou and Sawamura’s ‘confession’ as well as they were also looking for Toujou at that time.

“Nope. Let’s not do that. I got the feeling we’ll ruin Toujou’s plan,” Kanemaru replied with a sigh as they observed the two disappeared in the corridor.

Furuya, who seemed uninterested in what happened, said nothing as he was more focused on the polar bear-shaped onigiri for his lunch.

“But is that okay with you?” Toujou asked as soon as they reached the rooftop. “What if those girls spread rumors that the two of us are going out?”

“What are you talking about, Toujou? Wasn’t it the plan to begin with??” Sawamura asked Toujou with dismay.

“Well, you see. I’m a guy. So I thought maybe, you wouldn’t want to be rumored to be going out with someone of the same sex.”

“Don’t mind the small things, Toujou!” Sawamura spoke in his usual tone as he tapped the other boy’s shoulder. “If you keep on thinking even about the small things, you’ll have grey hair at a very young age! Besides, my grandpa told me that you must help out a friend who is in need!”

"Thank you, you really saved me back there," Toujou added.

"But of course!"

Sawamura just laughed while Toujou smiled at him. He suddenly realized that that’s a very Sawamura-like thing to say.

“Eh? Where’s Harucchi and the others?”

“Oh, I just got a message from Kanemaru saying we can eat all by ourselves. They got impatient and ate without us.”

“Those guys! Geez!”

Two days after the incident, a practice game ensued between the first-string and second-string members. It was a peaceful game except for Sawamura’s usual obnoxious comments and a bit of complaint as he was selected by the coach to be the starting pitcher for the second-string members.

It was peaceful indeed. And yet, there is something, more like, some people whom the players can’t help but notice at the corners of their eyes. Eventually, the game reached its conclusion with the first-string team as the winner. Some of the players removed themselves from the field and went on with their stretching. Most of the first-string members, however, gathered at the bullpen.

“Okay! Okay! I’ll bite! Since none of you have the balls to say something! I’ll be the one to say something first!” Isashiki bellowed, slightly irritated at the fact that all the members were miraculously avoiding the elephant near the field. “Can somebody tell me why fangirls are cheering for Toujou and that idiot?? I mean, Toujou, I can sort of understand! But Sawamura?? Is the world ending??”

Some members laughed slightly and some members decided to keep quiet. Kanemaru and Haruichi, who happened to know the reason, were looking at each other, not quite sure what to do with the situation. Because apparently, Toujou decided to mingle with the quiet members as if it’s not his problem. And Sawamura – well, Sawamura is more concerned about the fact that he played as part of second-string instead of first-string for this practice game.

Finally, the silence was broken by no other than Chris.

“That group of girls is Sawamura and Toujou’s supporter. Apparently, Toujou asked Sawamura out and that Sawamura agreed,” Chris replied as he looked at his mini notebook.

The other members, especially the second-string members, couldn’t help but wonder just what kind of information Chris’ notebook contained.

“They’re here to support their relationship…” Chris added. “…is what I’ve heard.”

“Eh???” some of the members shouted in response.

Toujou, together with Kanemaru and Haruichi, was surprised that the catcher knows that kind of information.

“W-We’re really not going out,” Toujou interjected. “We’re just fake-dating. You know that last time we talked about it at the cafeteria. Sawamura just happened to be there when those girls were pestering me and then he kinda went on with the flow?”

The other members keenly listened to the boy’s explanation. Sawamura, who was busy stretching, noticed the other member’s sudden shouts so he decided to join in on the conversation.

“What’s happening here? Aren’t we supposed to do our stretching right after the game?” Sawamura asked upon noticing the surprise on the members’ faces.

“Sawamura! I can’t believe you’ve done it! You’re a true friend! A true man among men! My impression of you improved a little bit!” Isashiki commented as he slapped the back of the southpaw with his every statement. “Spitz-senpai! That’s rude! And stop slapping my back, it hurts!”

Miyuki and Kuramochi were, of course, sniggering in the background.

The baseball idiots, too busy congratulating their ‘new couple’ did not notice that the three girls were trying to go near Sawamura and Toujou who were pushed together so they can laugh at them some more as they noticed how Toujou’s face turned bright red.

“Are you here to speak to Sawamura and Toujou?” Yuuki, another oblivious idiot, asked the girls without hesitation.

The three girls just nod, but with great anticipation. Toujou, who was asked by another member to assist with stretching, was unable to indulge their request. As such, Sawamura was the only one who decided to talk with the girls.

“Oh, hi there!” Sawamura greeted the girls happily.

“Uhm, hi. It’s a bit frustrating that your team did not win but you and Toujou did great during the game!” one of the girls spoke.

“Ah, haha. Thanks. I’ll make sure to lead the team to victory next time!”

“W-we have a question for you if you don’t mind,” the second girl asked.

“Sure, fire away!”

“W-w-w-which one of you is the bottom???” the girl asked, sort of shouted in a high-pitched note.

There was a silent pause. The boys seem to get the meaning behind the girl’s question, except for one oblivious, Sawamura Eijun. Truthfully, almost all of them had seen that coming. Nothing surprising, really. Wait, scratch almost, all of them knows Sawamura had no idea whatsoever of what the girl was talking about.

“Bottom? Oh! Yes, I’m at the bottom and Toujou is at the top!”

The other members, who were pretending like they're busy with their stretching, but were actually listening to the conversation, snorted at Sawamura’s reply. Sawamura, the world’s most adorable oblivious Seidou southpaw pitcher, had misunderstood the girl’s sensitive inquiry. He thought the girl was referring to their batting order during the game where Toujou had played the 3rd batter whereas he played the 9th batter.

“Ohh! So you’re the catcher, then!”

“Eh? Ah, no, actually, I’m a pitcher. Well, Toujou’s a pitcher too but – “

“So you’re flexible??” the third girl blurted out before Sawamura could finish what he has to say.

“Why, yes, of course! I am in fact a very flexible player!” Sawamura replied with pride as he pointed his thumb towards himself.

“Kyaa!” the girls shouted upon hearing the pitcher’s response.

The members at the back were now laughing so hard, some of them were struggling at the ground. Chris, Kanemaru, and Haruichi were blushing out of second-hand embarrassment as they listened to Sawamura’s answers.

“Oh! My sides, it hurts! Sawamura, you really are the best!” Miyuki commented as he laughed together with Kuramochi who was snickering at his roommate.

Toujou’s brain short-circuited for a moment as he heard the conversation. Unwilling to have his dignity stained any further, Toujou walked towards Sawamura and the girls who were still busy squealing at Sawamura’s statement. Who would’ve thought that the girls who were initially asking him to be their boyfriend became fujoshi in just a day right after they had witnessed Toujou and Sawamura’s fake confession? Sawamura had done his part oh-so-well that it actually backfired.

“Sawamura,” Toujou called his name as he placed his left hand at Sawamura’s mouth.

“Hmpff – “

“Stop talking. You need to cool down. Like literally.”

Sawamura was about to say something but he was dragged by Toujou to prevent any further damage, to both their dignities. The girls bade their goodbye at the ‘couple’. Sawamura just waved his hand while Toujou just smiled awkwardly at them as he continued dragging Sawamura away from them.

When Toujou and Sawamura reached their other members who were still busy laughing, Toujou decided to remove his hand from Sawamura’s mouth.

“Eh? What’re you guys laughing about?”

“Kominato,” Kanemaru called Haruichi who was standing right beside him while looking at the southpaw pitcher. “I’ve made up my mind.”

“Huh? About what?” Haruichi asked, still worried at the chaos ensuing.

“I’ll make sure to protect Sawamura’s innocence within three years of high school,” Kanemaru responded, his face filled with determination.

Haruichi just smiled.

You keep on complaining, but in the end, you still look out for Eijun-kun like a mother hen.

“What’s this all about?? Stop laughing and just explain to me why you’re laughing at me?” Sawamura bellowed as he heard some words on the people surrounding him between laughs.

He’s not sure exactly why they are laughing but he can sort of understand that they are laughing at him. Miyuki, who had gained back his composure, wrapped his arm around Sawamura’s shoulder as he smirked at the southpaw pitcher.

“Sawamura,” Miyuki called in a sympathizing tone, a tone he seldom used towards the pitcher.

“What??” Sawamura shouted in response, already irritated at the laughs penetrating his ears.

“As your senpai” Miyuki started, emphasizing the last word. “I’ll be kind enough to explain what happened back there.”

Sawamura hesitated for a second but seeing no one was currently in their right minds to talk to him, he said ‘Okay’ in a soft voice. Kuramochi, who was listening to their conversation finally got what Miyuki intended to do.

“Miyuki, you bastard – “

“When the girl asked you who is the bottom, what she actually meant by that is…”

But before Miyuki could continue his explanation, a large warm hand landed at his left shoulder.

“Miyuki,” a deep but warm voice emanated across the bullpen.

The whole team became quiet when they noticed that Chris had already intervened between Miyuki and Sawamura’s conversation before Kuramochi could.

“Just what do you think you’re trying to explain to Sawamura?”

Chris was by no means angry, but his voice sounds so threatening it sends a chill on everyone’s spine.

“Chris-senpai?” Miyuki asked, bewildered at the other catcher’s reaction.

“Kuramochi,” Chris called.

“Aye, sir!” Kuramochi responded swiftly as if he understood Chris’ intentions.

The shortstop pulled Sawamura away from Miyuki which surprised the battery but did not make any movements and just went with the actions of the other members. Kuramochi stayed behind Sawamura as he placed both his hands on Sawamura’s ears to block any poisonous words that could taint their ever innocent southpaw pitcher.

“I’m so sorry, Miyuki-senpai,” Kanemaru and Haruichi apologized in advance as they grabbed Miyuki.

Kanemaru, like what Toujou did to Sawamura a while ago, placed one of his hands at Miyuki’s mouth as if to warn the catcher not to say anything. The pair then proceeded with dragging Miyuki outside the bullpen. Once they're done, they left the catcher without saying any words then went back to the bullpen.

“There, there. The evil catcher is now gone, you’re safe now, Eijun-kun,” Haruichi spoke in a soft voice as he ruffled Sawamura’s hair. By that time, Kuramochi had removed his hands on the pitcher’s ears upon noticing that Miyuki had indeed been removed from the vicinity.

“Phew, that was close,” Kanemaru said as he wiped the sweat forming across his forehead.

“Eh? What was close? What just happened? Where’s Miyuki?” Sawamura asked, still confused with his surroundings.

“Sawamura, for the meantime, come with me,” Chris let out a small sigh as he offered his hand towards the boy.

And as if it was enough to ease the boy’s frustrations towards his other teammates, Sawamura took Chris’ hand while he shouted ‘Shishou! I knew you cared for me!’.

Chris was emanating an invisible aura as they exited the bullpen. The others stayed silent before they were gone.

“Okay, Chris’ father instinct was triggered. Do not talk to Sawamura about this incident if you don’t want to incur Chris’ wrath. Do you understand?” Isashiki shouted so everyone at the bullpen can hear.

The rest of the members just nod and exited the bullpen as well.

“Aniki,” Haruichi called his brother as soon as the members started going back to their dorms. “Can’t you do something about Eijun-kun’s situation? If this continues, who knows how this might affect him.”

Ryousuke let out a small sigh. “Since when did you start caring too much about that idiot, hmm?”

“I know you’ll do something about it. After all, he’s our idiot.”

Ryousuke just smiled resigning himself at his younger brother’s request.

“Okay. I’ll see what I can do about it.”

Meanwhile, Miyuki, who was still surprised by what happened realized that he was now standing a few feet away from the bullpen.

“Wait, did I, the main catcher of this team, just get pulled out from the bullpen?”

“Oh yes, you did! Hyahaha!” Kuramochi bellowed in response as he dragged the catcher back to their dorms. “And don’t you dare touch Sawamura for now, Chris-senpai was really angry when you tried to pull that stunt on him at the bullpen.”

Miyuki laughed once more as soon as he realized that Chris-senpai did not want Sawamura’s innocence to be tainted.

“What’s that all about? I didn’t know Chris-senpai dotes too much about that idiot!” he laughed once again after he commented.

“I know, right? I was kinda surprised too.” Kuramochi replied.

“Says the guy who swiftly covered Sawamura’s ears when I’m about to explain to him what’s happening back there,” Miyuki smirked at Kuramochi.

“Shut up!” Kuramochi snapped as he tried to hide his pink-flushed face.

“Admit it, the boy’s growing on you,” Miyuki shouted when he noticed Kuramochi speeding up and leaving him behind.

“Miyuki, shut the hell up!!” Kuramochi shouted back in response to which Miyuki just laughed.

THE AFTERMATH

In their next practice, the three girls were no longer bothering Sawamura and Toujou.

Miraculously, the rumors about Toujou and Sawamura dating were only contained within the Seidou baseball members. Of course, this miracle was only possible with Ryousuke and some other third years doing a few things in the background. No one dared to ask how they did it but Toujou was very happy that the issue was now resolved.

Sawamura Eijun Protection Squad (aka SEPS) was formed with Chris as the president. This organization was in fact approved by Coach Kataoka and Rei-san after hearing Chris’ explanation.

Miyuki, up to the challenge, kept on trying to drop some hints at Sawamura regarding baseball innuendos that the girls previously asked him. He even left a BL manga on Sawamura’s desk which he managed to steal, ahem, borrowed from one of the confiscated paraphernalia he happened to find when they were tasked to clean the abandoned room. Fortunately, Kuramochi saw Sawamura and snatched it right before he could see the manga.

Since then, Isashiki made sure to check all the mangas being lent to Sawamura before he could actually read it.

[headfulloffantasies]

Birds Fly the Nest

Read on Ao3

Jim Gordon faces the unquenchable interest of the Gotham’s rogues into the romantic life of his daughter

1.

Jim Gordon heard that the Batmobile had soundproofing. That once a villain sat secured in the backseat, Batman drove in brooding silence. Gordon’s police cruiser was not the Batmobile.

Harley Quinn warbled into her hundredth verse of “One Million Bottles of Beer on the Wall” as the car sped towards Arkham at increasing speed. Montoya had a lead foot at the best of times. With a crazy clown singing off key in the back? She became a NASCAR racer. 

Gordon twisted in his seat. “Can you please stop?” He ground out at Quinn.

The clown grinned manically. “You’re no fun. I’m entertaining myself.”

Gordon rubbed his aching temples. “If I tell you a story, will you be entertained enough to shut up?”

“Yippee!” Harley bounced and clanked her handcuffs together. “Story time!”

Gordon cast his mind for anything at all to chatter about. “So, my daughter,” he starts. “Brought a new boy home last weekend.”

Montoya met his eye in the mirror. Gordon grimaced. 

He continued. “This kid is perfect. Like a glossy magazine, you know? Firm handshake, scholarship awards, good job, good family. But something about him felt odd. You know when you meet someone and you know they aren’t being genuine? And I think I’ve met him somewhere before. So I look him up. He’s a circus freak. Used to perform trapeze with his parents until they got murdered.”

Montoya raised an eyebrow. Harley gripped the caging between her and Gordon, utterly rapt.    

    Gordon swallowed and went on. “I like the kid, really. But what kind of guy can go through his parents’ murders and still be okay? Something has to be wrong with him, right? How can I let my girl keep seeing a guy like that?”

    Harley hummed. “D’you want my professional opinion?”

    Gordon faltered, forgetting that Harley had once been a renowned psychiatrist. 

    “I think,” Harley said. “That Papa Bear is too protective of his little girl. You gotta let a gal have her space. My daddy didn’t let me date. Not one boy ever looked at me my whole life living under daddy’s roof ‘cause they knew what daddy’d do to them if they tried.” Harley sighed. “I ran away from home, did you know that? I wasn’t there when mama died. And I missed daddy’s passing too. You gotta keep those ties if you don’t want to regret them.”

    Gordon suddenly viscerally remembered that Harley’s father had killed his wife and gotten the electric chair for it. He swallowed hard. “Right. Thank you, Doctor Quinzel.”

    “Oh sugar, call me Harley,” the clown laughed. She rattled the caging. “Are we there yet? Nine hundred thousand ninety- nine bottles of beer on the wall-,”

    Gordon groaned and buried his head in his hands.

2

    As the arresting officer, it fell to Gordon to interrogate Harvey Dent once he’d been cuffed to the table in police headquarters.

    Gordon set a cup of horrid cop coffee in front of Dent and took his seat across from the gangster.

“Harley says your daughter’s stepping out with some circus freak,” Two Face sneered. 

    Gordon slumped in his seat. What had possessed him to tell Harley Quinn, gossip extraordinaire, about Barbara and Richard? 

    “I remember your little girl,” Dent said. “You still keep her photo on your desk?”

    “Of course,” Gordon snapped. 

    “You ever lie to her, Jim?” Dent asked in a low growl. “She ever lie to you?”

    A shiver ran down Gordon’s spine. His mind flashed to purple bruises and shoddy excuses. “I don’t want to talk to you about Barbara, Harvey. Let’s talk about your attempted robbery.”

    Dent grunted. He leaned his elbows on the table. “You gotta be two-faced about men seeing your girl,” Dent advised. “Smile when she’s in the room and give him the what for when she’s not around.”

    “Thank you, Harvey,” Gordon said. “That’s very insightful.”

    “If you don’t, he’ll get the idea no one’s watching,” Two Face went on. “Think he can get up to something, if you catch my drift.”

    “Harvey,” Gordon forced his voice to remain even. “My daughter is a grown woman. I’m not sabotaging her relationships just because the guy is a freeloader.”

    “Freeloader?” Two Face laughed. The sound rasped between the halves of his ruined face. “You let your girl go out with a tramp?”

    “No,” Gordon corrected himself. “His family has money. He doesn’t work. He has a trust fund or something.”

    “That’s worse,” Two Face hissed. “Nepotism. Elitists!”

    Gordon abandoned Dent to his rant. He got up and walked out of the interview room. The door shut on Dent’s shouting.

3.

    Honestly, it was Gordon’s own fault. He leaned against the side of the police cruiser while he and Montoya waited for the arresting officer to bring Catwoman out of the museum. He complained to Montoya while they waited, not taking note of the approaching feline criminal with her escort.

    “This is the third time we’ve scheduled dinner with Richard, and he bailed every time. Last time, he got called into work. Tonight it was a family emergency. What did I say the first time was?”

    “Food poisoning,” Montoya responded automatically.

    “Sounds like a jerk,” Catwoman purred. 

    Gordon spun around. The arresting officer loaded the lady in her black catsuit into Gordon’s car. Gordon shot Montoya a panicked look. She returned a face that said “You started it.”

    Gordon got into the passenger’s seat hoping against hope that Catwoman wouldn’t feel up to chatting after her disastrous encounter with Nightwing.

    “Tell me more about Richard,” Catwoman suggested.

    Gordon groaned. “I regret every word I’ve ever spoken with Harley Quinn.”

    “So do I,” Catwoman grinned. “But tell me more anyways.”

    “I’m not discussing my daughter’s life with criminals,” Gordon said resolutely into the windshield.

    “You’ll tell Harley, but not me?” Catwoman pouted. “I’m hurt, kitten.” She leaned forward. “I’ll tell you this for free. Any man who can’t be bothered to meet his girlfriend’s parents is a cad. Break them off now.”

    “I said,” Gordon repeated. “I’m not discussing this with you.”

    Catwoman hissed. If she could, Gordon bet she’d dig her claws into his neck. Instead, they drove on in silence. 

4.

    Gordon placed a hand on a cuffed Edward Nygma and guided him into the back of the police cruiser. 

    Nygma flashed Gordon a grin over his shoulder. “Riddle me this, Commissioner. What has two sides and has everyone in Arkham talking?”

    “What the hell, Ed?” Gordon rubbed his eyes. “I don’t even want to guess.”

    “Spoilsport,” Nygma pouted. “I’ll tell you, but only because I am also curious about this scoop. Everyone wants to know about your sweet daughter’s trashy boyfriend.”

    It’s like playing that stupid telephone game, Gordon thought. Nothing he said came out right on the other end. “He’s not trashy, Ed. He’s bougie.” Gordon preened at his correct use of the hip word Barbara had taught him. 

    Ed scoffed. “A classist? You allow your daughter to date a class traitor?”

Gordon leaned his head against the car door. “I don’t want to get into it, Ed. I’ve had a long night.”

“So have I,” Ed shrugged. “Batman kicked my face in and I’m going back to prison. But your little story is much more interesting.”

5.

Transporting Poison Ivy gave Gordon the creeps. She was a literal walking biological weapon. The faster he could get her to Arkham, where they knew how to deal with her, the better. Gordon flipped the sirens on and stamped on the gas. They tore through Gotham, just Gordon and Ivy in the police cruiser.

“So,” Ivy purred from the back seat. “I hear there’s another ginger causing you trouble tonight, Jim.”

Gordon’s hands flexed on the steering wheel. “I’m not talking about it with you.”

“I would never let my daughter date someone I didn’t like.”

“You don’t have a daughter,” Gordon reminded her.

“But if I did-,”

“Heaven forbid it.”

“James, that’s unkind,” Ivy pouted. 

“Shove it where the sun don’t shine,” Gordon ground between his teeth. 

6.

    “Do you fear losing your daughter to another man?” The Scarecrow’s soft voice rose the hairs on the back of Gordon’s neck. Gordon gripped the steering wheel tighter. It was a long drive to Arkham. He’d rather nip this conversation in the bud.

    “No,” Gordon bit out.

    “Really?” Crane hummed. His handcuffs clinked together. “It would be normal for a man of your position and power to fear losing control of a loved one’s life. Especially one who has been dependent on you since her birth. You raised her. She’s your flesh. Yet she deigns to place her life in the hands of another man. Does that not scare you?”

    Gordon ground his teeth. He didn’t answer.

    “From what I hear,” Crane continued. “Your daughter’s new man has more money than you’d ever make. More prestige.” He paused. “And more trauma. Does it not scare you to think what kind of monster lies under his skin?”

    “He’s not a monster,” Gordon insisted. 

    Crane chuckled. “We’re all monsters, Commissioner.”

    Gordon swallowed hard.

    “I’m shocked you let her date him.”

Gordon slammed on the brakes. Traffic screeched around the police cruiser. Gordon spun in his seat. He stuck his finger in Crane’s face. “Listen up. I want you to deliver a message down your Arkham grapevine. Word for word, got it? My daughter is her own woman. She makes her own choices. I am not her keeper, her warden, or her owner. And if even one of you could get it through your fat skulls that people are not puppets to control, then I would weep for joy.”

+1

Gordon got the call just as he was leaving the office. Victor Zsasz was terrorising Nightwing and Batgirl downtown. Gordon grabbed his coat and raced for his car. 

He arrived just as the ambulance pulled up. Gordon’s stomach dropped. Zsasz had a terrifying body count under his belt. If anyone needed the ambulance… Gordon shuddered. He unclipped his gun, ready to storm the building. 

The door flung open. A hogtied Victor Zsasz tumbled down the stairs into the street. The other officers on the scene swarmed him, shouting and making the arrest. 

Gordon looked up. Batgirl stood proudly at the top of the steps, her hands on her hips and chest puffed out. She noticed Gordon standing there watching. She waved him over. 

Gordon trudged up the steps. A dark smear of blood stained Batgirl’s purple sleeve. 

“Commissioner,” Batgirl saluted Gordon. 

“Good work,” Gordon said.

Batgirl swallowed hard. “I need your help. Quietly.”

Gordon agreed without thinking. “What can I do?”

Batgirl grabbed his arm and pulled him with her back into the building. She led him through a series of business offices into a janitor’s closet. Even in the dark, Gordon noticed the drops of dark liquid on the floor. 

Batgirl pushed aside a rack of cleaning supplies. 

Nightwing slumped against the wall, his legs spread over the floor. He clutched a wound in his side bleeding all over his uniform. He didn’t look up when Batgirl knelt at his side. 

Gordon cursed. “Is he-?”

“He’ll be okay,” Batgirl promised.

Gordon wasn’t so sure. The blue bird emblem on Nightwing’s chest hardly rose at all with his breathing. An overwhelming amount of blood pooled underneath him across the linoleum floor.

Gordon reached for his radio to call the EMTs in. Batgirl snagged his wrist.

“He can’t go to a hospital,” she said. 

“But-,”

Batgirl interrupted. “If I can get him home, he’ll be fine. I need your help getting him to the Batmobile. Please.”

Gordon nodded. He passed a shaking hand over his brow. “Yeah, alright.”

Gordon crouched and lifted one of Nightwing’s arms over his shoulder. Batgirl kept her hands pressed against the bloody hole in his abdomen. Gordon couldn’t stop his mind from swapping the young man with Barbara. What if it was her bleeding out on the floor? Would he so callously help a vigilante sneak her out the back door to receive questionable medical assistance?

Together they half carried Nightwing out to the alley behind the building. The legendary Batmobile sat purring on the asphalt. The chrome gleamed under the streetlights. The canopy of the Batmobile slid open when Batgirl pressed her hand to it. 

Gordon grunted as he helped lift Nightwing into the passenger seat. The kid roused enough to meet Gordon’s eye through his mask. 

“Hey, Mister Gordon,” he said. 

“It’s Commissioner to you,” Gordon grouched good naturedly. 

Batgirl hopped into the driver's seat. 

Gordon reached out and squeezed her shoulder. “I’m proud of you,” he said.

She quirked a smile. “Thanks Dad.”

He wished fervently he could hug her right now. But Gotham had eyes everywhere. He settled for another squeeze of her caped shoulder. “Just take care of your boy. Tell him this isn’t an excuse to miss Sunday dinner.”

Barbara’s laugh as she drove off was worth it. 

[slapshot-to-the-heart]

Flatbush & Atlantic: part iii

Part iii is here! Read it, reblog it, text your friends about it, talk to ME about it, everything. 

part i part ii

part iii

November 13

From: Mat 

The tickets should be at will call! Let me know if you have any trouble, we’re headed out for warmups in a few 

Cass shoved her phone back into the back pocket of her pants, turning to Samaira. “He put them at will call, which is,” she scanned the front of Barclay’s, “right there.” Samaira followed her to the counter. “Hi,” she said as the ticketing agent called for the next in line, sliding her license under the glass. “There should be two for Cassidy Shaw.” The agent nodded, reaching over to leaf through a filing box and pulling out the envelope. “Enjoy the game!”

Samaira looked over as Cass handed her her ticket, eyeing the long line to get through the metal detectors. “What kind of seats did he get you?” 

Cass shrugged. “I’m not sure. He said they were good ones? Somewhere lower bowl, mid-ice I think.” Just got them, be in in a few! See you soon, she sent back to Mat. 

She tugged on the collar of her Rangers jersey, ignoring the occasional dirty look thrown her way. It was only one borough over, so she was far from the only fan in blue and red, and she couldn’t deny that there was a part of her that was looking forward to seeing Mat’s reaction when he saw her in their rival’s colors. It was too early into her and Mat’s relationship for her to be wearing his jersey to games; she wouldn’t want to curse anything prematurely, but jerseys could run upwards of two hundred dollars, and she didn’t exactly have that kind of money to go spending on just anybody. Not that Mat was “just anybody,” but Cass was someone who thrived on stability and she wanted to be sure. 

The usher at the doors scanned their tickets, and it was only then that Cass bothered to look down at hers to see where they were headed. She was familiar enough with the layout, it wasn’t her first Rangers-Islanders game and had been to a Lorde concert her first year in law school. Walking down the stairs, they kept going, and kept going, and kept going. Until they were right at the glass behind the home bench. Samaira whistled. “Boy came through.”

Cass nodded, smiling apologetically as the pair squeezed past the others in their row. “I’m not sure how he got them, these ones are usually sold out months in advance. Or some rich guy has them for season tickets.” 

Samaira raised an eyebrow. “As much as you hate to admit it, he’s kinda a big deal around here, Cass,” she said, leaning over to her. “I don’t think it’s that hard for him to get seats on a week’s notice.” Not only was Samaira one of her best friends at school and the only one who had the night free, but she was also a born-and-raised New Yorker — and a huge Islanders fan. Mat told her that he’d set aside two tickets, and it didn’t take Samaira more than a minute to respond in all caps when Cass asked if she’d be interested. The guys were nearly done with warmups, and it only took a minute or so for Mat to notice her, raising his eyebrows and looking pointedly at her jersey. 

“Sorry,” Cass mouthed, shrugging her shoulders. Smiling, he shook his head, skating back to the blue line to take another shot. Cass excused herself to go to the bathroom after warmups had finished, her phone lighting up with yet another text right as she finished drying her hands. Traitor. She laughed. You knew what you were getting yourself into, Barzal 🤷🏽‍♀️

She got back to her seat just as the players were skating back out, handing Samaira one of the two beers she had picked up on the way. “Don’t spill,” she said ruefully. “These were like ten bucks each.”

After lineups and the national anthem, they sat back down, and the puck dropped. 

---

Much to her chagrin, the Islanders had won 3-2, but Mat had netted two points, one of which was an absolute beauty over Lundqvist’s left shoulder. So she really couldn’t be that mad. As much as Cass would have loved to stay and congratulate Mat on the win, it was ten o’clock and she really needed to head home if she wanted to get back anytime before midnight. Walking back to the train, she figured Mat would be done with postgame interviews and risked a call. He picked up on the first ring. 

“What’s up?”

Cass smiled. “Hey, Mat. I’m sorry I couldn’t stay and see you after,”

“Don’t worry about it, babe, I know you’ve got a long ride home.” The pet name slipped easily from his lips, and Cass felt her heart skip a beat. “It means a lot that you wanted to come.”

“Of course, why wouldn’t I? You had a great game, that goal was incredible. I’m fine with you winning against my team if you’ll do it like that every time.”

“I’ll convert you if it’s the last thing I ever do.” He deadpanned. They talked for as long as they could, until Cass had to swipe her metrocard and was about to lose reception. “Talk to you later?” Mat asked hopefully.

Cass giggled. “If I’m not passed out, sure. Promise me you’ll get some sleep too?”

“Promise.”

Samaira lived on the same line as her, getting off with a hug and a promise to meet up for lunch on Monday. Cass had taken the route at night a hundred times, but it was just as much second nature for her to keep a hand on her pepper spray as it was to keep refreshing her Instagram feed. 

As soon as she made her way up the stairs into the cool Bronx air and back to the land of cell reception, a text from her dad popped up. It had entirely escaped her mind that sitting right behind the bench meant that she and Samaira would have had plenty of airtime on the networks broadcasting the game, or that there was a 100% chance her dad was watching. He had taken a picture of the TV when she just so happened to be smack-dab in the middle of the screen, grimacing at what she guessed must have been another Islanders goal. And how did you get those tickets? Were they from the internship?

Cass let herself into the apartment, waving goodnight to Ryanne, who was watching Netflix in the living room, and tried to formulate an answer. No, not from work. They were a gift.

From?

The person I’m seeing. Cass hadn’t told her family about Mat yet. It’s not that she thought they would disapprove, but she wanted to make sure that it was real, really real, before she let her family in on it. 

She could imagine her dad scratching his head. What kind of law student would have that kind of money? For that matter, what kind of person? Are you and Samaira together? Cass let out a laugh. Her parents knew Samaira and loved her to pieces, and she doubted they would have had any issue if she was dating her. But she wasn’t. 

“Rip the bandaid off,” Cass whispered to herself as she shucked her coat off, leaving her in the jersey and leggings. Hahaha no, not her. They were from Mat. She added as an afterthought, Barzal. 

You’re dating Mat Barzal?

I am. 

Huh. 

Guess the cat’s out of the bag?

Nov. 17 (tues)

Cass’s seminar leader for Native Law, Professor Davidson, had just emailed the class, cancelling that afternoon’s meeting. My daughter came down with the flu, she had said. It wasn’t the cancellation that bothered her; obviously, if you have a sick kid, take care of your sick kid. It was the fact that now she had four hours to kill and no idea how to spend them. If she went home, that was an hour’s trip either way, so what was the point? And as much as she genuinely did love the library (and she really loved libraries), she knew those chairs and knew that her ass would start hurting somewhere midway through hour 3. As if on cue, Mat called. He had left for a West Coast roadie a few days earlier, and wouldn’t be back for almost a week. 

“Hey!” She said brightly. “Congrats on the win last night, I would have called but I definitely fell asleep somewhere during the second intermission.” The Islanders had beaten the Ducks 4-2 the night before, but the time difference meant that it finished well past midnight, and Cass had been up early. 

She heard him laugh on the other end. “Nah, no problem. I’m glad you caught it though. How has your day been?” One of the things Cass had grown to appreciate the most about Mat, even in their short time together, was how deliberate he was. He didn’t just ask her how she was or how her day was going because that was the standard “boyfriend” question of the day, he asked because he genuinely wanted to know. Because he cared. 

So she was honest with him. “So-so. Yoga was great, they had my favorite instructor which was pretty nice. Good meeting after. Got a croissant. But then one of my classes got cancelled, so I’ve got to either find some coffee shop to work at or park myself at the library, neither of which is sounding too appealing at the moment.”

“Why don’t you just crash at my place?” Mat asked, like it was the most obvious question in the world. “It’s closer, I’ve got coffee and stuff if you want.”

Cass was taken aback for a moment. It wasn’t like the thought hadn’t crossed her mind, momentarily, but she didn’t think that they were there yet. She had been to his apartment before, once, under very different circumstances. Mat had tried, valiantly, to cook pasta and roasted veggies for dinner. Tried being the key word. The vegetables had all been burnt to a crisp, and he had thought the pasta was supposed to be cooked for 18 minutes, not 8, causing it to more closely resemble pudding than pasta. They ended up ordering Italian from the place down the street. But having a stay-in date at someone’s apartment and letting them crash there alone were two very different things, and Cass was touched not only by the offer, but by the fact that he trusted her enough to extend it. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah, of course, Cass. I want you to be comfortable. My spare key’s left with the front office, I’ll call them and let them know you’ll be picking it up. Shouldn’t be a problem. You remember how to get up there, yeah?”

“Mhm. Thanks, Mat, for real. You totally didn’t have to do this.” 

“But I wanted to. Listen, morning skate’s about to start so I’ve got to go, but text me if you have an issue getting up. Or, like, if you forget where the bathroom is or something,” Mat added as an afterthought. 

Cass laughed. “I think I can manage to find it, but thank you for the offer? Talk to you later.”

“Later.”

Half an hour later, Cass was curled up on his living room couch, a pot of coffee brewing in the kitchen and her books sprawled haphazardly on the coffee table. She spotted one of his hoodies slung over the armchair on the other side of the room. I don’t think he’ll mind if I steal it. 

---

Nov 23 (mon)

The team had gotten back from the roadie around noon, and Mat had insisted on taking Cass out for dinner after she got off from work. “It’s been almost a week since I’ve seen you,” he had bemoaned on the phone earlier. Shaking her head and laughing internally at how needy her boyfriend was, she agreed to meet him at a Mexican restaurant a few blocks away. 

She arrived just a few minutes before him, kissing him as they sat down. Grabbing a basket of chips, she headed over to the salsa bar. “How good are you with spice?” She asked Mat.

“I can hold my own, as long as it’s not like a Carolina Reaper or something crazy like that,” he answered, cracking a smile. 

She laughed in response, setting the cups down on the table. Her enchiladas and his pozole came later, and Cass blushed at the knowing glance their waitress gave her as she slid the dishes onto the table. “How does it stack up?” Mat asked after she had taken a few bites. 

Cass nodded happily. “It’s good. Really good. Obviously, I’d be disowned if I didn’t say that my grandma’s is better, but this is a close second.” Mat sipped his horchata. Cass had balked when he said he’d never tried the drink before, and his glass was now near-empty. 

“Yeah, glad to hear it. This is super good too,” he said, eating another spoonful. She could tell something else was on his mind. 

“What is it, chou?” Cass asked.

Mat bit his lip. “You’re still good to come to the game against the Canes tomorrow, yeah?” She nodded. “How would you feel about sitting up in the box?” Her brow furrowed. The box? Sensing her confusion, Mat continued. “Up with the other girls.” Cass knew that there was a box for the WAGs, obviously, but it hadn’t quite hit her that she was one now. She had met Paige, Beau’s girlfriend of six months, a few weeks prior, but that had really been more of an accident than anything. They had been walking around the Central Park Zoo one weekend, one of their first official dates, and happened to run into the other couple somewhere around the lemurs. It being lunch and the boys being boys, the group stopped for some sandwiches. Cass and Paige got to talking, chirping the boys for their sub-par “disguises” — “Since when has sunglasses and a baseball cap fooled anyone?” Paige had asked. Cass had laughed, they had exchanged numbers, and been talking ever since. 

So, there was going to be at least one person she knew there. Why not, then? “Yeah, sure, sounds fun!” Cass said, nodding and tapping her fingers on the table, trying to get her nerves out. 

Mat ran a hand through his hair, smiling nervously as if he hadn’t been too sure of what her answer would be. “Good,” he said, leaning down to pick up a bag. “Would have made this pretty awkward if you said no.” He handed it to her; she hefted it, trying to tell what was inside. 

“Ooooh,” she said, “I didn’t know we were at the ‘presents’ stage of our relationship yet.” Mat blushed. 

“Didn’t really cost me anything,” he mumbled. 

“It’s got some weight to it. Soft. I’m going to go with...a mink stole.”

Mat looked baffled. “I’m not even going to pretend to know what that is.”

Cass laughed, untying the piece of ribbon that held the handles together. She pulled out a navy and orange jersey. “It’s one of the ones from my rookie season, figured I couldn’t have you going up there wearing another Rangers jersey. Didn’t want to throw you out to the wolves.” It was only then that she shook it out and turned it over. Barzal - 13. 

Cass beamed, leaning over the table and kissing him on the cheek. “I love it, chou.”

---

Nov. 24 (tues)

Cass glanced at her watch. 6:38. The train was running on schedule, so she still had a little bit of time before she was supposed to meet Paige up in the box. She had offered to wait for her outside of the arena and walk her up, but she had driven Tito earlier and Cass didn’t want her to be stuck outside waiting for her. The car was packed with orange, blue, and white-clad fans, so nobody paid her any mind as she pulled out Mat’s jersey from her bag, switching out from the fleece she had been in all day. Are you sure it won’t be weird if I wear a jersey? Don’t most of the others show up to these things in dresses and shit? Cass had frantically texted Paige late last night. 

Don’t worry! She had responded. Some do, yeah, but it’s def not uncommon to be in a jersey. I’ll be wearing Beau’s :)

It didn’t take long to get through security, showing her pass to the employee at the elevator and shooting Mat a good luck text, she let Paige know she was on her way up. Mat had given her the box number, so she made her way up to the suite, nervously smiling at the usher. “Hi,” she said.

The usher gave her a quick once-over and a curt smile. “Hi. Name?” 

“Cassidy Cabrera Shaw, um, Mat Barzal should have added me.” She scanned the clipboard, making a tiny checkmark next to her name.

“Enjoy the game.” Cass tentatively made her way in, searching for Paige but still a little thrown off. It hadn’t escaped Cass the way the usher had looked at her, like there was something just a little off about her, like she didn’t quite belong.

It was a good thing that she didn’t have enough time to get too into her head, because Paige came barreling at her, wrapping her in a massive bear hug. “You came!!” She said, squeezing Cass’s hand once she finally released her.

Cass laughed. “Did you think I’d skip out on you?”

Paige shook her head. “No, I knew you’d come through.” She pointed to the hooks on the wall, where a mixed bunch of purses, scarves, and coats were hanging. “You can leave your bag there, let me get you a drink and introduce you to the other girls.” Cass followed Paige into the main room, where a dozen or so women milled about, sitting on couches and keeping an eye on the warmups below. Paige nodded at the bar. “What are you feeling? White? Red? Sparkling? I can make a mojito if you want. It won't be good, but if you’re desperate,” she shrugged her shoulders. 

Cass threw her head back, laughing. “If they’re picking up the tab?” She replied, tilting her head towards the ice, “Give me the best champagne you’ve got.”

Paige grabbed a flute. “Yes, ma’am.”Pouring the champagne, she handed it to Cass, leading her over to where a group was hanging by the window. “Hey guys!” She said brightly, one hand touching the back of Cass’s shoulder reassuringly. “Girls, this is Cass. Cass, this is Lauren, Kerry, and Karley,” she said, pointing to each woman in turn. Lauren pulled her into a tight hug. 

“Lauren Rodych Eberle,” she said, “Paige told us you’d be coming along. It’s great to have you.” The other girls introduced themselves, leading her over to a corner of the room. “These are the comfiest couches,” Kerry noted. “You always want to grab them as soon as you get up, they’re a hot commodity.”

Cass laughed. “Good to know.”

“So you’re Mat’s girl, yeah?” Kerry asked. 

“Yep,” Cass replied, trying and failing to roll up the sleeves on Mat’s — her? — jersey. 

She smiled. “I’m happy. He’s a great guy, don’t get me wrong, but could use a girl to balance him out. Bit of a himbo, but,” she lowered her voice conspiratorially, “almost every hockey guy is.” 

Cass nearly snorted out her champagne. “Fair statement.”

Kerry took a sip of her own wine. “So, Paige said you’re in law school, yeah?” Cass nodded. “What’s that like?” If Mat could talk about hockey for hours on end and still not get through half of what he wanted to say, that was Cass with the law. It was refreshing to talk with a person who wouldn’t constantly try to interject with their own theory of jurisprudence or Constitutional interpretation, just someone who was genuinely interested in what she had to say. 

---

The team had managed to extend their win streak to 3, a wraparound from Nelson that just squeaked past Reimer clinching the 2-1 win in the third minute of overtime. Everyone let out a collective cheer, some gathering their things and others hanging back to mingle. Cass meandered back over towards where Paige was waiting by the door; they didn’t have to rush since the guys probably hadn’t even finished showering yet, but the plan was to meet them down by the locker room. 

“How’d you like it?” Paige enquired.

“It was really nice,” Cass answered genuinely. “I love going to these things with friends, but it’s nice to be around people who know the game and know the guys.”

“That’s the whole point,” Paige said easily. “We’re all in the same boat, even if some peoples’ home or work lives look different, nobody quite ‘gets’ this whole thing like each other.” Paige led her down elevators and corridors until they were nearly at the home team locker room. “Oh!” She exclaimed, causing Cass’s to snap around and look at her, startled. “No, nothing bad,” she added hastily. “Usually once or twice a roadie, the wives of a veteran or captain will host a family watch party. A lot of the partners and kids will come over, it’s really cute. Obviously don’t blow off work or something to come, but I’ll let you know.”

Cass smiled. “That would be nice.” The locker room door opened, players starting to filter out. 

Anthony came out before Mat, giving Paige a kiss on the top of her head and smiling at Cass. “Mat should be out in a minute,” he added. She thanked him, congratulating him on his first-period goal. 

True to Tito’s word, Mat appeared soon after, embracing Cass. “What’s that dumb look on your face?” She asked, seeing Mat’s satisfied grin. 

“You’re wearing my jersey.”

“Well, yeah,” Cass said slowly. “You gave it to me.”

Saying their goodbyes to Tito and Paige, Mat tangled his hand with hers. “Nothing. You look good in it.”

---

Nov. 25 (wed)

The coffee tasted bitter in her mouth, but the much-needed caffeine jolt it gave her was enough for Cass to choke it down, shoving her cup  — the white-and-blue one Mat had given her  — into its spot on the center console of her white Escape. Cheryl had been with her since just before her freshman year of high school, the culmination of summer jobs, graduation gifts, and a used car lot. It wasn’t practical nor economical for her to drive most places in New York, so she usually sat in the parking lot of their apartment building unless one of the girls needed to run out at night or Cass was driving back home, as was the current case. It was the day before Thanksgiving, and she had a two hour drive (if she was lucky) and hours of cooking ahead of her before the clock ever struck Thursday. 

Digging into the CD holder, she handed over the toll to the attendant at the station, giving as grateful a smile as she could muster when the toll arm lifted. Mat was going to call after practice, promising to keep her company on the drive up. He had been a little pouty about her leaving for the better part of a week so soon after he had gotten home, but one reminder from her about how long his roadies could run had shut him up quickly. 

Cass loved family, so Thanksgiving had always been one of her favorite holidays. Their house was hosting this year, and if Cass had any money to bet, she’d guess that as she drove, her mom was frantically running around the house, pulling out napkins and silverware and trying to figure out how to fit fifteen people in a two-thousand square foot house. While her mom’s side rarely made the trip up from Texas and Hermosillo, her dad was from a big New England Irish Catholic family that never let a single holiday pass by without celebration. Her dad’s parents meant Grandma Maggie and Grandpa Joe, which meant an inevitable barrage of questions as soon as anyone let slip that she wasn’t single anymore. Cass loved her grandma to pieces; really, she did. But she was going to want to know his name, where he worked, where he went to school, and his mother’s damn maiden name before she would give it a rest. 

Her phone was hooked up to the car, so Mat’s call came straight through, interrupting her preferred driving music, a mid-2000s playlist starring copious amounts of early Lady Gaga. “How’s the drive going?” He asked.

“Uh, pretty good,” Cass replied, changing lanes to pass the sluggish Honda ahead of her. “Just crossed into Connecticut, I’m thinking it’ll be another hour or so? How was practice?”

Cass heard the door to his apartment close behind him. “Good, Coach had us run a lot of passing drills, so it’ll hopefully pay off next game.”

“Friday, right?” She asked. “Against the Caps?”

“Yeah, should be a good game. They’re doing really well this season, hopefully the boys come through, extend the streak a little bit.”

Cass smiled. “You’ll be great. I’m sorry I won’t be there to see you, but —”

She could imagine him shaking his head on the other end of the line. “Babe, you don’t need to apologize. Thanksgiving’s a big thing here, and I know it’s been awhile since you’ve really spent much time with your family.”

“Yeah,” Cass said, chewing her lip, “that’s true. Pretty much my dad’s whole side is going to be there though, so I’m prepared to spend a solid hour fielding questions about you and my whole ‘new relationship’ I’ve got going on. I think they’ll be disappointed you’re not there.”

Mat chuckled. “It’s fine, Cass,” he said, reassuring her. “Just promise them you’ll bring me next year.” Cass couldn’t stop a big, dumb grin from spreading on her face. Next year. 

“I promise.”

[mirkwoodshewolf]

Guardian of creatures; AU! Queen x oc female x reader Chap.5

*Author’s note*

And here we go with the next chapter. Again not much warning here but I do ask you guys to listen to the music I have set up for you all to listen as you read the scene that follows :) So until the next update my lovelies and I hope you enjoy this chapter (and yes I use Harry Potter spells in this cause I can’t make up words to save my butt that’ll sound like real spells).

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things​

@waddles03​

@psychosupernatural​

@ixchel-9275​

@simonedk​

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels​

@kinole009x​

@queensdivas​

@queen-paladin​

@dancingcoolcat​

@queendeakyy​

@geek-and-proud​

@wormzteef​

____________________________________________________________

Chapter 5,

The lessons begin

Monday evening, just as the sun was beginning to set, you had arrived back at the mansion of magic (kinda a cool name for it huh?) with your stuff packed. John and Serafina insisted that since you were to be studying magic, it would be wise to just go ahead and move in with all of them, so as to not draw attention to yourself as you practice the spells and incantations you were about to learn.

Brian and Roger greeted you outside the mansion and as you opened up your car door and shut it Brian tells you.

“We’ll take your things to your room. John and Serafina expect you in the library right away.”

“Are you sure you don’t need my help taking in my stuff?” you ask the Elf and the Nokken.

“Child we’ve taken down large ships and giant trolls long before you were born. I think we can manage a few dozen boxes.”

“Okay. But it’s not a dozen boxes. Just seven or eight really.”

“Alright, now go on. They’re expecting you.” you head on inside and walked towards the same library where you first found out the truth about the young couple.

The two of them sitting together with Serafina on the same red velvet chair she sat at last time while John was leaning against it with his back.

“You’ve arrived. And right on time to. Be thankful you weren’t at our school. If you were even a second late, you were punished with detention.” John said.

“Believe me. My elementary and junior high schools definitely didn’t take tardiness lightly. Once my teacher in the 4th grade would literally smack your hand for every minute or second you were late with her ruler.” You shudder at the memory.

“Be thankful it was just a ruler. When Serafina was late one class, she was forced to work in the Forbidden forest with the grounds keeper for a week.”

“At nighttime. But it wasn’t all bad. Hagrid was fun to be around.” Serafina said.

“Hagrid?” you ask.

“An old friend of ours back in school. He first worked the school grounds during our 1st and 2nd years but by the time Year 3 came around he was promoted to Professor of the Magical creatures class.” Serafina responds.

“But enough of that. Are you ready to begin your lessons?”

“I’m ready.” You said confidently before turning around to walk out.  That’s when John says to you.

“Uhh where do you think you’re going?” you turn back around and say.

“Aren’t we going out into the garden or something to practice some magic? Like flying or levitating stuff.” The two of them then started to laugh.  At this point you were confused.  Why were they laughing? You thought you were actually gonna be learning magic and the point of learning magic was to actually do it.

“Oh sweetheart. I think you’re mistaken. So long as John and I are your professors, you will be learning the same way we were first taught.” Serafina turned to John and he nodded before going straight to the bookshelves.

His long yet elegant fingers stroked across various book spines till he would pick out a book and levitate it in the air before going onto the next one.  The book would follow right behind him as he would continue his search for more books.

Occasionally he’d blow off some dust from a book before joining it on top of the growing stack.  Finally he picked one last book before walking towards you.  He allowed the books to fall gently onto the table beside you before walking back towards Serafina and taking her hand in his.

“Let us know when you’ve read all of those.” He said as he guided Serafina out of the library.

“All of them?!” you exclaim.

“Basics darling. Always start with the basics.” Serafina’s voice soon called out.  You turn to the six Encyclopedia-sized books and let out a groan.

“And I thought I could kiss homework goodbye after I graduated.” You whined quietly.

‘If you’d like I can give you some cheese with that whine.’ John’s voice suddenly said in your head.  You jump back fearfully looking around. ‘Telepathic connections. You’ll learn it if you get cracking on those books. And if you’d want my advice, it’s best to read all the books at once. Saves time.’ Then all went quiet.

Read all the books at once? How was that even gonna be possible? These didn’t even look like a full book series.  But John is your professor now so if he says it’ll save time, then I guess I don’t have any other choice.

Plus reading all those books one by one will take forever. Hell it took you 2 months just to finish Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. You pick up the books, oh god how you have not missed lugging around textbooks! And set them down at the desk nearby.  You pull up the chair and spread the books out one by one and you read each title.

The BOOK OF NOIR

The Incantations of Azarath.

The Enochian and Demonic hieroglyphs

Mythical creatures: Their origins and weaknesses

Hexes, charms and potions

Origins of magic

Okay then.  You turn the desk light on and open up each of the books and you start your reading, beginning with the “Origins of Magic”.

You decided to read at least seven pages for each book before moving onto the next one.  After reading the “Origins of magic” page limit you then turned to the ‘Incantations of Azarath’ which talked about white witch magic and how it can be used in battle as well as healing.

After that you proceeded with the Book of Noir which talked about the history of black magic and forbidden curses.  Followed by the Hexes, charms and potions, Mythical creatures, and stopping with the Enochian and Demonic hieroglyphs.  Page by page you devoured each and every single word and symbol.  You also took down some notes to ask John and Serafina to go in more depth about when you didn’t understand something.

You practically swallowed every bit of information you could. Of course Serafina would come in when it got so late that she felt you deserved a break and you could continue your readings tomorrow night.  Exhausted and tired from only reading a quarter of all six books, you allowed her to guide you back to your room and you just passed out right there on your bed. Not even bothering to change out of your clothes.

Weeks passed and by around the second week of May you finally finished reading all the books that your new ‘Professors’ had assigned you to do.  At first you thought they would then teach you how to do magic but wrong-o! Now it was quiz time.

Thankfully it wasn’t a written quiz, but your worst fear was that it was oral.  The three of you would walk around the gardens or go down to the lake and they both would quiz you on things from each of the books.

Like today for instance, you three were at the lake walking all around the perimeter of it and John asked you.

“True or false: A witch or wizard can freely mess with time without consequences. Say if they were to meet themselves from a past experience they had a week ago like talking to yourself when you had pizza?”

“False. It is forbidden for a witch of wizard to be seen by anyone at all when they mess with time. Terrible things can happen to wizards and witches who mess with time.” You answer.

“Correct. And—who was the first ever wizard to exist in history?” he asked again.

“Merlin. Born at the beginning of 24 AD. And he had three apprentices that made up the royal wizard bloodline that exists today.”

“And who were the three apprentices?”

“Balthazar, Morgana, and Archimedes.”

“That is absolutely correct.” John said impressed.

“Little fun fact, John here comes from Balthazar’s bloodline.” Serafina said.

“Really?”

“Yep. He is John’s great, great x11 grandfather.”

“So you’re like one of the royal wizard’s? That’s so cool!”

“It’s really not. Believe me I never really liked my own family history. At least up to a point. Don’t get me wrong Balthazar was a powerful wizard and a good one too. Never dabbled in black magic unlike Morgana the traitor. Thank god I’m not related to her.”

“I think we all are.” Serafina said.

“What about you Serafina? Are you tied with the royal bloodline?”

“Oh no, no. Not at all. My family—” she trailed off as she looked down at the lake.  Her eyes distant and solemn.  But quickly she recovered herself and said, “my family came around after the ties were broken. Long after Morgana’s betrayal.”

“After sealing Morgana away and burying his mentor and brother’s bodies, Balthazar was the only leading wizard to teach the rest of the witches and wizards of England. Soon families just started sprouting out but each of them had destined tasks to perform for the kingdom of Balthazar.” John explained.

“Now onto your knowledge of mythical creatures.” Serafina now took over for the quizzing. “Name the two weakness of a harpy.”

“You first need to strike them at the heart, but to fully be rid of them, you need to burn the body with fire.”

“Mm-hmm. Now which dragon is known to be the strongest? Fire or ice?”

“Fire.”

“Ahh! Which one? Blue fire or normal fire?”

“Blue fire because it’s hotter than even a bolt of lightning.”

“Correct. I dare say you must be as clever as I was when it came to magical creatures.”

Play video

“I’ve got a question.” John suddenly spoke up. “What is the one way to kill a Nokken?” we then heard an offended nicker as just ahead of us was a horse.  But it was made of pure water.

“John Richard Deacon! You know how Roger hates you asking that question.” You turn and could see Roger’s pure white glowing eyes narrowing down at John.

“I’m merely just asking a question. And Nokks are known to have one weakness and I’m curious to know if (Y/n) knows it.” The two of them turned towards you and you say.

“Well uhh—their one weakness is. Wait don’t tell me don’t tell me I know it!”

You all were so focused on your answer that you didn’t see Roger slowly walking up towards the three of you still in his water horse form. He silently snuck up and stood behind John who had no idea just who was behind him.  You stop answering as you just stare at John.

In a split second, Roger grabs John by the sleeve of his shirt and threw him in the lake.  John let out a cry as he was thrown like a ragdoll into the water before coming up for air.

Roger then pranced around behind Serafina whinnying out what sounded like a laugh.  He then reared up as he continued to neigh and whinny.  Both you and Serafina couldn’t help but laugh as Serafina said.

“I told you love. He doesn’t like that question. Especially coming from you.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah ha-ha you got your laugh. You happy now Roger?” Roger set back down and his head bowed lowly, but his eyes still narrowed slightly at the wizard.

“That’s a Nokken’s weakness. Saying their name. In some aspects it’s been known to be the very thing to kill them. But for this cheeky stallion here it gets him to calm down.” Serafina tells you.

“Now this may not be my place to ask but I’ve gotta know. I mean Rog did kinda say it but I wanna hear it from you Serafina. Has he ever won at winning you over? Cause the book said that Nokken’s power over women is impossible to break. Even married women who have claimed to love their husbands have fallen prey to the Nokk’s powers.”

“I’ll admit when I first met him he was—charming, attractive, and cheeky. Like he is now.” Roger then came over nickering softly as he gently nudged her back with his head. “And I’ll also admit I did fall for his spell so it’s not like I was immune to it. But my love for John was stronger. And when I called out a few various names to free myself from this cheeky stallion’s control, I called out the name Roger and from there I was freed. He let me go. And returned back to the waters, never again to take me as his prey.”

“But he still flirts with you whenever he can. Much to my dismay.” John says as he finally gets himself out of the water. “Even though he was one of the witnesses to our wedding.”

“Yes but it’s a playful flirt. Trust me my love when I say that I’ve seen him flirt. And what he does around me is not flirting.” Roger nudged her head softly with his as he nickered lovingly.  His glowing eyes closing and his ears bent backward as she placed a hand under his muzzle, stroking it.

Roger then suddenly melted away.  His horse shape turned into nothing but a puddle but you saw it move right underneath Serafina’s feet.  Soon his horse form came back as she was now riding on top of Roger’s back.  She giggled and said.

“Not now you cheeky stallion. Maybe later, right now (Y/n) needs to continue their quizzing.” Roger huffed annoyed and looked up at her with pleading eyes. “No, no, no. No. No and no.”

“You know he’s not gonna stop. Why not you go and indulge him for a while, I can handle the quizzing for today.” John said as he snapped his fingers and dried himself off.

“You sure?” she asked him.

“Yes, yes, yes no go on before I change my mind. Besides he could do with the exercise, he’s gotten fat in this form.” Roger then roared in John’s face.  His tail twitched in anger as he also snorted in John’s face.

“Steady Roger, steady.” Serafina eased him as she stroked his strong and powerful horse neck.  Roger immediately calmed down as he closed his eyes once more and straightened himself up. “That’s my boy. Now you want to go for a ride?” Roger huffed pridefully. “Then give me a ride I won’t forget.” Then with a flick of his water-like body, Roger and Serafina took off running down the lake and soon disappearing out of sight.

“And you’re sure that wasn’t flirting?” you ask him.

“He just does that to irk me at times. But I trust Serafina, plus all that there was just him wanting to get his way like a child having a tantrum.”

“It’s just from how you and Serafina are with each other, I’d hate to think a so called friend would get in the way of that.”

“I appreciate that someone at least agrees with me but you shouldn’t worry yourself over. A Nokken’s name is a powerful thing, once one has power over it, their spell is broken. And since Serafina spoke his real name, he won’t try anything. It’s their law. Come along, I think we’ve had enough fresh air for today, we’ll continue the quiz inside and wait for them to arrive back.” John then guides you back to the mansion and you proceed with the quiz inside.

*May 19th, 1926*

A month into the magic lessons, it was then you were finally deemed ready to perform some real magic.  First up was basic levitation spells.  With Serafina’s old wand, you and her were outside in the garden trying to levitate a feather.

“Now remember; the key to getting the spell to work is not just pronouncing the spell correctly, but also in the wrist.” She waved her wrist before flicking it downward in a fluid motion as she said. “Wingardium Leviosa!” soon enough the feather levitated in the air then as her hand glowed red, she allowed the feather to dance around in the air.

She set it back down and said.

“Okay, now your turn.” Taking a deep breath in then exhaling you follow the motion she did before to get the spell to work.

“Wingardium Leviosa!” you point her wand down at the feather but it just sits there.  Still as a statue.

“Again.” She told you.  You try it again but again the feather doesn’t move.

“It’s not working!” you whined.

“It takes time. John and I didn’t get it on the first try. No witch or wizard does. Plus I think I know what the problem is.”

“What?”

“It’s the way you’re saying it.”

“But I’m saying it the way you told me to say it.”

“Yes but that’s not what I was referring to.” She tells you. “You’re saying the spell like you’re impatient at a dog or cat when they keep doing something wrong. You are the only you in this whole universe, which makes your own form of magic that much unique. So John and I can give you the books, teach you the right spells but that last 1%. Comes from you.”

“So if I mean what I say, the spell will work?” she nodded softly. “How do I find that out?”

“It’s in there somewhere. You just have to concentrate and reach deep down. Now deep breath in.” you inhale deeply. “Slowly out.” You exhale slowly. “Wand at the ready.” You raise your hand and point it at the feather. “Concentrate. Reach deep within, and say it.”

“Wingardium Leviosa!” you say proudly.  Soon enough the feather slowly raises itself up.  You stand there with bated breath as it continues to raise up before finally dancing along the breeze. “I did it.” You mutter.  You let out a laugh, “I did it! I actually did it!”

“Well done, (Y/n). You’re on your way to becoming a bonified (witch/wizard).” Serafina praises as she catches the feather with her left hand and places her right hand on your shoulder.

“I wouldn’t have done it without you and John. Thank you, Professor Serafina.” She nods at you with a soft smile.

[heistmaster69]

pariet lilium (5)

 pariet lilium chapter five by @heistmaster69

warnings: a little self deprecation, blaise and theo making fools of themselves, otherwise none.

A/N: we are now in GOBLET OF FIRE1!!!11!!1!!!11! I have been waiting to get here, i wanted to start my story here but i thought i’d give some background before we get JUICY. enjoy loves!

a very nice and good and lovely 1.8k words

chapter one / chapter two / chapter three / chapter four

gif by @basicamenteno​

~

It was the same thing, every time. The same nightmare Frankie always had, ever since the second to last week of her second year. A third year boy, tall, with kind blue eyes, floppy brown hair and a smile that could give you butterflies. His name was Spencer, but everyone called him Spence. He was a Gryffindor, with strong shoulders and stronger bravery, playing as a Chaser on the team. Frankie met him in the Library, the sunset was shining through the windows-he looked like he was glowing.

“What are you reading?” Frankie looked up and her stomach fluttered. 

“I-uh,” She laughed. “Um, it’s a book on the spiritual plane.” 

“Advanced stuff for a second year.” He nodded towards the chair across from Frankie. “Can I sit here? The rest are full.”

“Hey!” She scoffed “I’m the same age as you, I just started late. My parents didn’t want me to be the youngest in the class, or something.” 

“August birthday, huh? Still, spiritual stuff is fifth or sixth year-you’re an overachiever.” He smiled, sliding her copy of Magic and Spirits: A Guide across the table, looking into the page Frankie was reading.

“I’m Spencer.”

“Is it weird to say I know?” They shared a chuckle, before she added; “I’ve seen you play Quidditch, of course. I’m Frankie.”

“Is it weird to say I know too? You’ve thrown one too many bludgers at my face,” He slid the book back to her. “You’re good.” Spencer winked. 

But after that, his smile gets distorted, twisted, sickeningly into a wicked grin. The butterflies, the fluttering, changes instantaneously into nausea. Heat rolls over Frankie, and she feels like she’s choking, not in the good way, either. 

“Spence?” Her eyes were glossed over, sore.

“What is it, doll?” He leaned against the stone of the Hogwarts corridor.

“Spencer, are you messing with me?” Frankie couldn’t meet his eyes. “I heard you. I heard you talking to Cedric.”

“He’s my best friend, I talk to him every day.”

“Did you ask me to Hogsmeade on a dare?”

“I-what?”

“Don’t lie to me, Spencer, please, I heard you.”

“I’m sorry Reed, they told me to.” He didn’t even care, his eyes were cold, barely the smallest glint of remorse.

“I trusted you. I hope the galleon is worth it.”

~

August 31, 1994. 15 years ago today, Francesca Josephine Reed was brought into the world at St. Mungo’s hospital by her mother and her father. Since that day, the two ‘parents’ have been waiting to ship their only daughter to a wealthy, pureblooded heir to a notable family name and fortune. They cursed Francesca for being a girl and spent every waking hour ignoring her existence, wishing she would be 18 already so they could try for a son, free of any distractions. But of course, no one could know of their contempt for their daughter, so, yearly on the last day of August, the day before students return to Hogwarts, her parents throw Frankie a ‘party’, which is just an excuse to show everyone how well they raised their kid. Only, they didn’t raise Frankie. Kendra did. 

Kendra, her tutor. Kendra, the kind woman with sad chestnut eyes that sparkled in the sun. Kendra, the one who taught Frankie everything she knew. Kendra, the one who acted like her mother when her birth mom pretended she didn’t exist. And Kendra is gone. Died in her sleep from Dragon Pox. The only family Frankie had, gone in her sleep, like she never existed. Her mother had insisted that Francesca was; “Better off without the blood traitor.” And Frankie had to bite her tongue, tasting metal and seeing red, while those who were supposed to love her most showed that they, truly, didn’t know her at all. 

This ‘party’ was more like a stuffy ball for uptight pricks with wallets bigger than their brains. A ‘show and tell’, per say, for those who had surnames worth showing. Her parents got a chance to play dress up with their favorite doll, spewing distasteful comments about everything they didn’t find up to par.

“This should be flattering, I guess,” She started, laying out an emerald green gown with long, translucent bell sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. It was gorgeous, but due to the way her mother had worded it, Frankie didn’t want to wear it. Yet, if Frankie refused, her mother would make her life hell. “Do you want to wear it?” As if I have a choice. If I say no, yikes.

“Yeah! Thanks.” Frankie ran her fingers over the soft fabric. A silk bodice with a flowing, sheer, skirt. She would look like a princess. “I’ll see you downstairs?” 

Her mother was already out the door.

~

The clinking of champagne glasses and the sounds of hushed conversations echoed into Frankie’s room. She laid on the bed, hands intertwined, unwilling to go greet the guests downstairs.

“I feel like I’m watching a muggle movie. A princess sprawled across her bed just to look cool.” Frankie sat up, seeing Cher and her smiling dark eyes, wearing a golden satin gown, contoured to her body. “You look amazing. The only thing missing is your tiara.” She cocked her head and outstretched her arms. “I missed you, Frankster.” 

“Cher, you whore, I missed you!” Frankie slid off the four poster bed and tripped into her friend’s arms. “You sexy beast, you get more gorgeous every time I see you-that includes when I blink.”

“Well I could say the same to you.  The curves on you are unreal.” Cher poked Frankie’s hip. “But you know why I’m here. It’s because you’re not down there.” 

“I know, I know. The longer I wait the more annoyed she gets. Every year.” 

“Let’s go, Frankie. Happy Birthday!” Cher held out her arm and linked it through Frankie’s. 

The estate had an exterior of brick, with white trims and pillars making it swallow the appearance of anyone approaching it. A tall fence encased in forest green hedges, locking the Reeds away, keeping them ‘safe’ from everyone and everything else. The interior was cold. Always cold. The long hallways and staircases were so dark. Wooden floors would creak below her footsteps and she was lonely. Always alone in the cold, dark house that felt too big and too small all the time. 

But tonight? Tonight she wasn’t alone. The first day all summer that she saw her best friends. She felt the fog leave her head as she saw them one by one. Cher, next to her, Daphne at the bottom of the staircase, standing next to Pansy. Theo and Blaise talking to a pair of French girls in silver dresses, and Draco.

Oh, Draco. How could he get more attractive? Frankie had hoped the lack of contact over the summer would etch away her feelings, but they remained, ever as persistent. 

His eyes lit up when he saw her, but they shifted quickly away from Frankie. Cher. She had to make sure her smile didn’t falter, so as to keep the perfect daughter facade from slipping. 

“Happy B-Day, Frankster!” Pansy crushed Frankie in a hug as soon as they reached the ground. “We missed you, as usual.”

“I missed her more!” Daphne wrapped her arms around her in a more gentle way, giving her a tight hug that felt like home. “Theo and Blaise better pull themselves away from those girls soon, I give them fifteen seconds before they find out they’re dating.”

“I want some love. Where can I get something like that?” Cher whined.

Daphne placed a hand on her shoulder. “Baby don’t worry about it, you’ll get that.” 

“Yeah, but at least in Wizarding France people can marry who they want. If only Bartemius Crouch Senior wasn’t a bigoted prick-”

“He’s on his way out anyway. His denial of You-Know-Who is going to give him the boot. We can just hope whoever comes in next will support us. If not, living in France it is.” The girls shared a sigh, looking over their shoulders to catch the end of Theo and Blaise’s conversation with the ladies, it appeared to have ended with an awkward handshake and a brisk walk away. Draco was caught up in a boring discussion with Torquil Travers and and a Carrow. Seemed to be very dull, as he kept sending glances towards the group of teens near the stairs. He was swirling a glass full of something dark, family ring adorning his hand. 

“I feel really bad, you guys.” Theo said, rubbing the back of his neck. “We were talking to them for like, ten minutes, I bet they think we’re creeps.”

“No, Theodore, the way that conversation was going, they probably thought we were dating.” Blaise wrapped an arm around Theo’s shoulder. “I don’t blame them. Sometimes I wish I could be in love with this sexy beast.” 

Theo patted Blaise’s arm. “I feel the same way.” 

“With that, my loves, I must go forth and mingle, or face the silent wrath of my mother. Happy birthday to me!” Frankie hugged Blaise and Theo, then moved throughout the room, having boring conversations about politics, how school is going, what profession she should choose, or just small talk to pass the time. She had an alright time, sipping chilled butterbeer and having quick, fun conversations with her friends in between long, drawn out ones with tired purebloods. Draco didn’t have the time to talk to Frankie.

After the party it was quiet. Quickly hugging her friends and returning to her room to check her trunks for her return to school. Frankie knew she didn’t foget anything, but she couldn’t seem to calm her mind enough to be tired. She also couldn’t unzip this dress to save her life, so she came to terms with the fact that Frankie would be sleeping in this elegant ballgown tonight. 

Her room was her safe place, smelling like lemon and vanilla, with candles on her desk giving it a calm, orange glow. Plush pillows on a four-poster bed, silk sheets and a velvet throw. It was luxurious. Too luxurious. She sometimes felt like an impostor in her own home, undeserving of the riches her family name allowed her. Sitting on the edge, Frankie pulled her journal out from her pillowcase. She outstretched her arm and opened her hand, palm towards the ceiling.

“Pariet lilium.” It came out as a whisper, but immediately, deep red rose petals materialized from her palm, unfurling into a beautiful bud, then into a flower. Frankie could feel the satiny touch of the petals on her skin and watched as the stem emerged from the bottom of the flower. It was beautiful. 

Frankie lifted the rose to her nose, inhaling the floral scent and beginning to relax from the long day.

She was just about to lie down when there was a knock on her bedroom door.

“Chess?”

~

TAGLIST I FORGOT PEOPLE LIKE MY WRITING OOF: @chaotic-good-gemini ily

[twaigfraggle]

Ledges are a great way to save your relationship.

Hi, so here’s my fic. It’s Robo and a tad hard to follow. It’s based on the season 3 episode Gobos school for explorers. @shadowthezombie here it is! Please excuse any out of character behavior. I’m sorry if this is bad. Love ya and thx for reading!

It had been like this all day. The petty back and forth arguing seemed a bit more angry then usual. Almost as if something had happened earlier. They were tense especially when they got closer together. Wembley found himself picking up on these small details Red seemed a little more standoffish which wasn’t like her. All of her aggression was directed at Gobo and his at her. It was definitely a lot worse then their usual stints of anger toward each other. Which was even more bizarre as they had been close for the past few months, so why the sudden tension? Wembley had tried to ask Gobo about it but he changed the subject with the latest post card from his uncle. When he tried to ask Red she acted like she hadn’t heard him and started talking about something else. Wembley asked Mokey cause she usually knew things but, she was just as unsure as he was. So Wembley just assumed that they had gotten into a fight over something and were taking the petty approach. It wasn’t until years later he had gotten the full story.

March 18th 1985

‘I’m newly single and I love it.’ That phrase replayed in her head over and over again. She and her now ex boyfriend had parted ways a few days ago. Red didn’t wanna be near him but they had to keep up appearances. They were friends after all. They didn’t want people to question why they were avoiding each other. So when Mokey had found her and asked if she wanted to come get the postcard with the group, she forced a smile and nodded. His eyes met hers they broke contact and red glanced at the floor. ‘I don’t know if I can do this much longer.’ She thought. She felt tears but bit her lip and blinked until they were gone. Mokey gazed at her.

“Are you Alright?” Her voice was soft. Red nodded

“Yeah I’m fine.”

“You seem sad.”

“I’m seriously okay Mokes.” Mokey nodded.

“If you say so. I’m just getting bad vibes.”

“I’m not sure why you’d be getting bad vibes Im fine!” Mokey sighed. She and Wembley exchanged a look. Red knew Wembley was worried too but, her relationship had been a secret. They weren’t sure how their friends would have reacted so they kept it hidden. It was only a matter of time before they had gotten into an argument over it. Which of course had led to the breakup. She heard Wembley asking Gobo about her but he feigned ignorance.

“Are you sure you don’t know what’s up with her?”

“No, why would I? She doesn’t tell me anything.” A bold faced lie. Red scoffed lightly. The other three shot her a look. Mokey and Wembley then shot an accusatory glare at Gobo. “What? I told you I had nothing to do with it!” He looked at her. “Right red?” Red huffed and nodded.

“Guys for real I’m Just brooding.” The two walked ahead leaving Wembley and Mokey who glanced at each other.

“Im not sure I believe them.” Wembley muttered. Mokey nodded.

“Something is definitely up.”

*later*

The water was cold. It was March so red assumed it would be. But not this cold. But, she submerged herself completely. She held her breath as long as she could and let herself float aimlessly under the water. When she came up for air she heard some sort of commotion. She rolled her eyes and went back under. When she had inevitably decided to see what all the fuss was about she was greeted by Boober.

“Red! Gobos going to teach us all to become explorers!” Her heart fluttered slightly. She felt proud of him.

‘No he’s your ex boyfriend. You will not be happy for him after the way things ended.’ Mokey had said something but red wasn’t actually listening. She chuckled. “Oh that’ll be the day! Gobo can’t even teach himself how to whistle!” His eyes widened. He had replied to her but red only heard her heartbeat in her ears. They hadn’t been this close since the break up. He tried and failed. Although it sounded fake she laughed as hard as she could. After announcing where they would be traveling too, Boober had pretty much roped everyone into laundry school leaving only four of them. Red didn’t want to go but she had to prove a point. He had given them hats and helped them with their bags. When gobo had helped her, their hands brushed together lightly. They flung their arms apart as if the touch had burned. The hat she was given was too big, red just assumed he did this on purpose. But she was getting pretty sick of those stupid rules. Poor Wembley had fainted from dehydration and he didn’t seem to care. Red was fuming. She took Wembley and Mokey back with her.

“Yeah, Yeah I guess It does take a certain kind of fraggle to follow these rules.” He yelled down.

“Yeah! One who can’t even teach himself how to whistle!” She shot back.

“Is that so?” He was silent for a moment. “You could prolly still get into Boobers school of laundry Red, I think it’s more your speed!” Her face reddened.

“You should stick those stupid rules back in uncle Matt’s sock box where they belong!” She was fuming her hands were shaking tears welled up in her eyes. She blinked them back. “He’s old enough to take care of himself. Let’s go down to the hill and get a drink!” Mokey pointed to the knot still tied around her.

“The last fraggle In the world Id wanna be tied to is Gobo!” She spat venom in her voice, and it was just her luck, the knot wasn’t coming untied. She felt herself be pulled backwards and she fell. She landed on her bag. Her head hurt and her ears were ringing. It was only fair that she was also stuck on a tiny ledge half way to who knows where with her ex. She silently cursed as she stood. As they awkwardly conversed red felt that butterfly feeling when they locked eyes. He was muttering something about the stupid rules and Red had turned away and she heard him whistle and the sound of falling paper. He had an Idea. She gazed In confusion as he mad what he referred to as a parachute. His uncle had written to him about it. Red rolled her eyes. ‘Guess I have to humor him if I want to live.’ Once he had finished he motioned for her to join him. She sighed and stood beside him, instinctively wrapping her arm around him, he did the same. His body was warm but then again hers probably was too. It was getting kinda warm up there. Red felt kind of sick. “This is the weirdest looking thing I’ve ever seen! It’ll never work.”

“It should work Red I’ve thought it out.” His tone was stern. “It’ll work! Well maybe.” After he said that She felt a lump in her throat.

“But what if it doesn’t.” Her voice shook more with each word.

“We’ll drop like a stone.” His tone was grim. Her eyes widened.

“But even if it does work, we’ll end up…”

“Who knows where.” They said it together. She turned to him. There eyes met. They were silent.

“It’s been good knowing ya Red.” She wanted to tell him she was sorry, but, the timing felt off. So she instead leaned into him. Next thing she knew they had jumped. His so called parachute was working. As they descended red began to recognize where they were going. Once they had landed they were swarmed with Fraggles. Their friends front and center. Red smiled at him as he spoke to Wembley. But red once again could only hear her heartbeat In his ears

‘wait can’t he whistle now?’ She thought. So she told the others and just hoped he could. An all too familiar tune came out of his lips. Red felt proud of him. Her smile wide. ‘But he’s your ex.’ Her brain repeated the reminder as Boober continued his classes. Red wandered off stating she needed to rest after all the excitement. She sat down on her hammock. “Oh lanford, you would not believe what happened to me today.” The plant tilted his head at her. “I was stuck on a tiny ledge with Gobo of all Fraggles. It was not enjoyable. Especially with all the tension between us right now. I thought I had moved on. Guess three days isn’t enough time Is it?”

“Red? You in here?” She gasped and hid. Gobo walked in. “Funny I thought I heard her voice in here.” Lanford tilted his head toward where Red had hidden.

“Traitor!” She hisses.

“Red?” He was stood in front of her.

“And to what do I owe the pleasure?” Her tone was sarcastic.

“I’m sorry.” He paused. “Not just for today, but, for everything Red.” She looked up at him.

“While I appreciate It greatly. I don’t need your dumb apologies.” He sighed.

“Worth a shot.” He shrugged. Her heart pounded.

‘Oh what the heck’ she muttered. She caught up to him and grabbed his arm. “I-Im Sorry too.” He glanced at her “I also said something’s that I regret. But, I know I’m not gonna regret this.” She cupped his face and kissed him gently. His lips were chapped. Red made a mental note to get something for that from Mokey. When she went to pull back it finally registered In Gobos head what was happening and he grabbed her around the waist pulling her back In. When they parted he pressed his forehead to hers.

“Can we give the dating thing another shot?” Red nodded.

“I’d. Like that a lot.”

Once Wembley had been told the full story the way they acted had made a lot more sense, But he was glad that they were able to fix things. He wasnt sure he could handle the pressure.

[makeste]

BnHA Chapter 242: SANTA IS REAL

Previously on BnHA: We said farewell to the League of Pliff and were finally reunited with the kids of U.A., an institution which I would just like to point out is so diametrical to the League that they literally took the polar opposite route when choosing their name, and focused only on the acronym. I’m 100% sure U.A. doesn’t even stand for anything. Anyway, so Bakugou and Todoroki went on whirlwind press tour following their ch 219 antics, and the resulting interviews were so disastrous that Aizawa decided to bring in Mt. Lady to give the whole class a crash course in PR 101. Meanwhile All Might scoured Ancestry.com for info on the past users of OFA, and Rat Principal announced that U.A. was going to resume its internship program. This is great news for Deku, who’s been taking his sweet time mastering Blackwhip. Like, we’re not even talking baby steps here so much as little tiny flea steps. Kid’s going to need all the help he can get.

Today on BnHA: Horikoshi targets all of my weak points at once. The My OT3 Academia arc gets off to an incredible, award-winning start with a Christmas party and the announcement of Internships 2: This Time, it’s Compulsory. Highlights include: (1) Kaminari and Mina forcing Bakugou to accept the spirit of Christmas into his heart and soul, (2) Iida rocking a Santa beard, (3) Eri holding a giant sword, (4) Bakugou reminiscing about his internship with Best MIA Jeanist, specifically the part where Jeanist was all “A HERO’S NAME IS REALLY IMPORTANT AND SYMBOLIC AND MEANINGFUL, SO YOU NEED TO THINK VERY CAREFULLY ABOUT IT” and oh my fucking god, and lastly (5) Todoroki inviting Bakugou and Deku to come intern with him at the Endeavor Hero Agency (known for its famous business slogan: “Got Plot?”). It’s like I wished on seventeen different falling stars and they all came true at once. I still can’t even fucking process this. kfkdslgk.

(All comments are my unspoiled reactions from my initial readthrough of the chapter. I did a quick edit for grammar and clarity immediately afterward, and added a few ETAs in the process, but aside from that there are no changes.)

I just got like three excited-seeming asks (I haven’t actually read them yet) in rapidfire succession less than an hour ago, and my dashboard is now filling up with filtered “bnha spoilers” posts, so I took this as a sign that I should read the new chapter ASAP. oh gosh

(ETA:

(1) SAMEEEEEE, and (2) YEEEEEEEEP. listen I’m not religious you guys, but I said “oh my god” so much while reading this chapter that I wouldn’t be surprised if he or she finally answers and is like, “YES!? WHAT IS IT???”)

what new state-of-the-art tomfoolery will our intrepid heroes engage in this week. what novel hijinks will they commence. what frivolous escapades will they embark on this lovely Friday morn?

HOMGAAAHHHHHH

THE TITLE IS LITERALLY MY FEELINGS RN. MERRY FUCKING CHRISTMAS TO ME. YES GOD I LOVE IT. I’LL TAKE A DOZEN

okay. so today, September 6th, is officially Christmas. you heard the man and who am I to argue

so we’re opening with a teacher’s meeting! probably about the internships. or the fact that they’re all screwed. I don’t really know what their priorities are nowadays

okay yeah it’s about the internships. also Rat Principal is nested in Aizawa’s scarf for absolutely no reason, and Aizawa is disgruntled about it. heh. tomfoolery already and it’s only the first panel

oh shit, Nezu’s saying it’s now a government requirement. I got so surprised I actually forgot to call him RP

because ain’t nothing safer than hero internships. if the Basement arc taught us nothing else. it’s that

that was sarcasm in case that’s not coming across. this is clearly a baffling decision. but what are government committees for if not for making baffling decisions I guess

and now Midnight is coming to the same conclusion I was starting to wonder at

can someone please tell me what the PSC’s goals actually are, then? is this not the same group that recently changed the rules of the provisional license exam so that an even smaller percentage of people would pass? so do you want more heroes or fewer? which is it?

how do they cope with it? does anyone even have any idea?? it seems to me like they’re just throwing them to the wolves. we have this problem that we have absolutely no idea what to do about, oh I know, let’s toss a bunch of inexperienced kids at it. and hope that none of them gets murdered I guess

anyway so The Sheriff is speculating that the League must have been involved in the Deika situation, and he’s wondering why the PSC is trying so hard to keep it on the dl

oh yeah. friendly reminder that the PSC, thanks to Hawks, probably knows exactly how powerful Tomura and the League have recently become. so they know full well how shark-infested the waters are, and they’re making it mandatory for the kids to all take swimming lessons. nice

lol back when I was brainstorming ideas for future arcs, I seriously thought Horikoshi would have to go out of his way to come up with excuses for the kids to have future encounters with the League, because the school was so concerned with their safety that they wouldn’t allow them to leave the grounds except on rare occasions. well I sure got that one wrong. though to be fair, for once it isn’t U.A. that’s doing the child endangering here

(ETA: and actually, regardless of how insane it is, I do appreciate that when shit inevitably hits the fan again, at least it won’t be U.A.’s fault this time. I’d like to be able to continue rooting for them, and that can be difficult when they keep doing reckless things that needlessly put children in danger. at least this time they’re not the ones driving the Stupid Bus to Bad Decision School.)

a message to who? the League?? “we’re not scared of you”?? did they seriously not think of all the numerous ways this could backfire?

oh shit Aizawa even went and said the d-word

well there you have it. the government is drafting teenagers to risk their lives dealing with a crisis they won’t out-and-out admit they’re actually having. on today’s episode of “Oh Hero Society, You’ve Got Problems”

anyway so RP is making the admittedly good point that “we’re fucked and everyone is in terrible danger” is hardly a new state of affairs for them these days, and so they’re all moving on. okay then. good talk. lol. gonna need my damn Christmas fluff after all of that

and also RP is mentioning some other mysterious new program to Aizawa too. I wonder what that could be

(ETA: oh yeah I almost forgot about this. thoughts??)

and now we’re cutting to “several days later” oh my god. it’s really happening. I need a moment here, I’m not even ready. gotta get all my Christmas headcanons lined up here. Satou baking cookies. Kaminari and Sero running around arm in arm singing “JINGLE BELLS, ALL MIGHT SMELLS” over and over at the top of their lungs until Bakugou screams at them to shut up. Mineta debating anyone who will listen over the merits of the song Baby It’s Cold Outside. the naturally Christmas-themed Todoroki savoring this, his time to shine

oh shit, we’re still with the fucking Rat Principal. for fuck’s sake

-- ooh but are they talking about the traitor??

will this put an end to the “Horikoshi forgot about it” rumors? several people have mentioned this to me here and there (sorry to everyone whose asks I still haven’t answered), but as far as I know, this was part of a fake interview with Horikoshi that was unfortunately circulated around as though it was the real deal. sometimes people are not cool and think it’s fun to take advantage of communities that are enthusiastic and trusting! always fact-check what you read on the internet just to be safe guys

anyway

so there definitely is one, then. got it

so the traitor is definitely a student in the hero class, then. got it

sob. I got an ask about the whole Kaminari traitor theory earlier this week, so I’m in the process of doing up a whole long post about that. but the cliff’s notes version is, it’s not him. it’s Hagakure. but I will actually go into detail in the post. it’s been a while since I’ve discussed the traitor thing in depth anyway

so RP is asking All Might if he’s coming back today, and All Might is immediately all “WHY, DID SOMETHING HAPPEN TO MY CHILD, OH GOD IS HE OKAY” which, omg. so much love for this man

and RP is like “geez relax” and OH MY GOD

[slaps on a paperboy cap and screeches at All Might in a bad cockney accent] TODAY, SIR?? WHY, IT’S CHRISTMAS DAY

OH MY GOD

I SPOT A GRINCH UP THERE AT THE TOP. SOMEONE NEEDS TO BE VISITED BY THREE GHOSTS FROM VARIOUS DIFFERENT TIME PERIODS

LITERALLY EVERY SINGLE CHILD (GREMLINS ASIDE) IS WEARING A SANTA CLAUS OUTFIT. DID U.A. JUST GIVE THESE OUT FOR FREE

AND IN THE TOP RIGHT NEXT TO SHOUJI, SATOU’S COOKIES! JUST AS THE PROPHECY FORETOLD

I SEE THEY HAVE THE REQUISITE KFC PLATTERS LIKE GOOD JAPANESE CITIZENS. WE SHOULD ADOPT THIS TRADITION HERE IN THE WEST TOO TBH

and last but not least, there are only nineteen children in this panel. it took me forever to figure out who was missing, but pretty sure it’s Iida. Iida where are you. clearly the traitor. certainly not off visiting his brother and the rest of his family, what kind of gullible fool do you take me for

looool

I love when the characters start to become self-aware that they’re the main characters in a story and that plot things keep happening to them at an unreasonable rate

oh my god they really are wearing the suits. it wasn’t just a title page gimmick like I half-wondered

ANSWER THE QUESTION, JIROU. INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW. do we even know where she did her first internship?? I suddenly desperately want to learn more about this

(ETA: she interned with Death Arms, the traffic cone-looking guy who notably chewed Deku out for trying to save Kacchan’s life in chapter one. Jirou my hope for you is that you find someone better this time around!)

also Tsuyu is observing that Momo doesn’t have a chair, and I honest-to-god was trying to count how much seating there was in the previous page. it seems to me like the common room got a lot bigger. it keeps adjusting to their needs like the room of requirement in Harry Potter

also does anyone else wish that Jirou would move her cup off of the armrest. IT’S GOING TO SPILL ffff :/ this is who I am at parties

oh shit wait, that was Iida with the beard?? I honestly thought that was Satou. well then Satou is the traitor. -- NOBODY TOUCH THOSE COOKIES!!

anyway so he’s all “well Deku not to bring up the elephant in the room but YOUR PREVIOUS MENTOR DIED A HORRIBLE DEATH so what’s your plan huh”

oh sweet god

listen, no offense to Centipeder, he seems like a really nice guy, but if I never see his repulsive face again I will count myself lucky

OH FOR FUCK’S

PLEASE GET RID OF IT IT IS CHRISTMAS!!! here I am trying to have a nice time and!!

god. and like, I feel bad, it’s not his fault he is A GIANT BUG and he has like, fucking mandibles and shit! but I can’t help the fact that my skin is trying to crawl off my body right now, and god but I can barely look at this panel long enough to read the dialogue sob why

(ETA: and now that I’ve forced myself to read it again, this doesn’t even make any sense lol. “we have too much work and not enough help, so we have to pass on you coming back to help us out. ...wait.”)

I want Iida to like. pat his lap and tell Deku in a big booming voice to cheer up and come sit and tell him what he wants for Christmas. not in a weird way you guys, come on. but just, he looks so forlorn. do you want Santa to bring you some cozy All Might socks

or wait, didn’t he want a PS Vita according to that one omake thing. what the fuck Deku. someone get this kid a Switch

anyway so Deku says that participation is mandatory this time, so the school will handle assignments if the kids aren’t able to find someone

meanwhile Kacchan is in the background accusing Mina of stalking him. I think she is trying to get him to wear his Santa outfit. doin’ god’s work

OH SHIT YOU GUYS I CLICKED TO THE NEXT PAGE, AND THIS. THIS IS MY CHRISTMAS OMFG

HORIKOSHI YOU DID GET MY LIST! BAKUGOU BEING TROLLED BY HIS SNEAKY DETERMINED FRIENDS AND MANHANDLED INTO A RIDICULOUS GETUP WHILST ANGSTING ABOUT BEST JEANIST BEING MISSING, YESSSSSS. IT’S SO SPECIFIC, I THOUGHT, “SURELY HE WON’T ACTUALLY DO IT,” BUT SANTA IS REAL, EVERYONE

HFMLSDKMGLKLKL!!!!!LKL:DSF

RED ALERT RED FUCKING ALERT PEOPLE!!! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!! GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!!

AHHHHHHHHHH HOLY SHIT YOU GUYS

“MERRY CHRISTMAS MAKESTE HERE’S A WHOLE FUCKING CHAPTER ABOUT KACCHAN’S FUCKING HERO NAME COMPLETE WITH A BEST JEANIST META ON THE TOPIC” mother fucker I need to start reading these chapters with a goddamn life alert and a defibrillator on standby

“your name represents your wish.” ladies and gentlemen, introducing the new number one hero... Number One Hero!

heh. just kidding. “what do you want to become?” this, though. this right fucking here is why I’ve been dying to know what name he’ll actually choose. because it does reflect exactly what Jeanist is saying. whichever name he chooses will be an insight into who he is, and who he is trying to be

and this meta is making me rethink all my chapter 223 feels, and tbh now I’m back to thinking that it’s not going to be Ground Zero, unless he comes up with a cool reason for why that name ties in to the image of the person he wants to be (because right now, that particular name is tied more to the past than to the future). but oh my god, if he does choose the name Kacchan I am going to spontaneously combust. I will fucking do it. I will fucking die from being a dramatic excited bitch

(ETA: because. listen. there is one person who has always looked up to him in spite of everything and has always seen his potential. “in the end, in my mind, you’re the image of victory.” this, to me, is the meaning that the name “Kacchan” would have if he did choose it. it would symbolize him choosing to be his best self.)

don’t mind me I’m just stanning this child so fucking hard it hurts

(ETA: oh hey, and more feels on the reread because it looks like the reason he’s having this flashback is because he was planning to go back to Jeanist’s agency to do his real internship, and to show him how much he’s grown. but then The Thing happened. Hawks I just want to talk why won’t you answer my calls.)

Mina and Kaminari are the MVPs of this fucking chapter and I owe them my life omggggg. THEY’RE HERE TO SAVE CHRISTMAS

what are you thinking about there, Best Friend?

are you thinking about your daddy angst. penny for your thoughts

(ETA: “how can I cheer up my new best friend? I know, I’ll make him a lucrative job offer.” actually that’s a good way to cheer up just about anyone in this day and age, Shouto.)

okay, is there some sort of perverted context to Christmas that I’m totally missing here?? or is Mineta just really into the holiday spirit?

I feel like I missed something. eh

anyway Mr. Traitor himself is walking out now and HE’S BROUGHT THE CHRISTMAS GOOSE! or turkey! but goose sounded funnier

of all the things to be shocked about?? “SATOU CAN COOK!?!” like um yes hello you’ve been living with this guy for four months already? like the only thing more ridiculous than this would be, “TOKOYAMI IS A BIRD!?!”

(ETA: like I know baking and cooking are two different things, but in a manga they’re the same thing. fact.)

now someone is making a dramatic entrance! IS IT ERI I WILL DIE!!!! BRING IT

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

I HEREBY SWEAR FEALTY TO THIS PANEL OF AN ADORABLY AND FESTIVELY DRESSED ERI MIXING UP HOLIDAYS WHILE DADZAWA PATIENTLY CORRECTS HER. I WILL PROTECT IT WITH MY LIFE. SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS CHAPTER SO THAT I CAN GO DO IT SOME MORE AGAIN, OVER AND OVER AND OVER

Ochako is me

(ETA: DEMONS OUT! DEMONS IN!! THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT!! YOU DO THE HOOOOOOOOKEY POKEY.)

and Kiri is out here asking the real questions, but sadly Aizawa says Mirio is spending Christmas with his own class. WELL FINE. I HOPE HE’S EXPERIENCING THE FOMO OF A LIFETIME. HOW DARE HE HAVE OTHER FRIENDS whatever I’m over it

sobbbbb

WELL HOW MANY FUCKING HOLIDAYS ARE THERE!? CAN SOMEONE HELP A GIRL OUT OR WHAT

oh my god I’m just going to reblog every single Dadzawa panel and none of you can stop me go on and try!!

impatiently waiting for fanart of Aizawa tucking Eri in and reading her A Visit from St. Nicholas. get on it, fandom

ohhhhhhhhh my goddddddd

I know it’s not a Christmas song, but I am this close to cranking up “I Gotta Feeling” by the fucking Black Eyed Peas. ya feel

do you guys see him sitting there next to Dadzawa. he finally gave in. Satou is feeding him chicken. his friends will not abandon him to be on the naughty list. motherfucker that’s it. I’m fucking doing it. fill up my cup. mazel tov

lol I don’t even want to click to any more pages because they’re all so happy and it won’t fucking last. :( noooo

good little boys and girls. noshing on that chicken. Kacchan continuing to be stalked by the Ghost of Christmas Friendship. Tokoyami what even is that. lol and is this their weird way of distributing random gifts. did Sero buy Jirou a scarf. did Deku buy Ochako a freaking All Might plush keychain!? FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, WHAT IS THAT THING AND WHY DOES ERI HAVE IT NOW AND WHY IS SHE MAKING THIS FACE

-- holy fuck, IT’S A SWORD. oh my god. THEY GAVE THE SEVEN YEAR OLD A FREAKING BUSTER SWORD AND SHE IS FEELING IT YESSSS THIS CHAPTER TRULY IS ALL MY DREAMS COME TRUE

“dad can I keep it.” Aizawa: [not even opening his eyes, all bundled up in his oogie boogie suit] “sure”

so now we’re cutting to afterwards and everyone’s cleaning up and Deku’s using his freakish super strength to lift heavy things impressively while Bakugou continues to stomp around with his hands shoved into his pockets waiting for someone to finally tell him he can go back upstairs

OH???

motherfucker. are you going to invite them to come intern with you and your dad!!?!?? I know I was all set on Bakugou interning with Miruko just last week, but I TELL YOU WHAT BITCHES, I’M FUCKING FLEXIBLE LIKE THAT

OH SHIT YOU GUYS!!!!

TODOROKI ARE YOU PLAYING THE OT3 SONG BECAUSE HONEY YOU KNOW THAT’S MY JAM, BRO

OH FUCKING SHIT YESSSSS

BAKUGOU DO YOU WANT TO INTERN WITH YOUR TWO BEST FRIENDS, EXCUSE ME, HATED ENEMIES. DEKU DO YOU WANT TO INTERN WITH YOUR TWO BEST FRIENDS. AND THE NUMBER ONE. WHO JUST SO HAPPENS TO BE BEST FRIENDS WITH THE NUMBER TWO. WHO JUST SO HAPPENS TO BE BEST FRIENDS WITH TODOROKI “I DIDN’T HAVE A FLASHBACK IN THE LAST ARC BECAUSE WE WERE SAVING IT FOR THIS ONE!” TOUYA? THAT’S RIGHT, IT’S BEST FRIENDS ALL THE WAY DOWN. OH MY GOD

it’s like Horikoshi made a long and detailed list of all of his regrets about the previous internship arc, and then said, “fuck it. do-over”

you guys. I’m all out of cans. we only have can’ts and cannots. I cannot

Christmas fluff. Dadzawa. Bakugou hero name meta. hints that the traitor plot will soon be relevant again. and the motherfucking OT3 of OT3s, MY SONS, MY THREE RESPLENDENT OFFSPRINGS, interning together at the motherfucking Endeavor Hero Agency because Todoroki is the sweetest most considerate angel, and because KNOCK KNOCK, IT’S ME THE PLOT, I’VE COME FOR YOU AGAIN AT LONG LAST AND I VOW TO NEVER LEAVE YOU ALONE AGAIN FROM THIS MOMENT ON

shit, y’all. I don’t know if it’s possible for an arc to become my favorite motherfucking arc only two chapters in, but damned if this sunnuvabitch ain’t trying

[tfw-no-tennis]

mtmte liveblog issue 14

oh boy Here We Go, its time to die

ngl I've been putting this off bc I'm not ready to be destroyed hhhhhh

oh god. overlords giant fuckgin face on the cover. I regret everything

ohhh some good ole functionist flashbacks 

is this momus the same guy as senator momus from the shadowplay stuff? lemme say...class traitor

and then some garrus 9 flashbacks, ft chromedome’s snarky interjections. my man you are Not gonna be on the ups much longer oh lord

this is reminding me that I really do need to read the wreckers stuff

chromedome, stop posing jauntily, I'm trying to prepare myself for emotional devastation and you aren't helping 

cd bringin that emo theater kid energy

and here's megatron! well, flashback megatron, but still

megatrons head looks so fuckin weird there

love the thematic (and extremely plot relevant) use of ‘til all are one’ here

WHY is megatrons bucket helmet removable. I hate it 

also overlord is so big gay for megatron its unbelievable 

the name ‘heretech’ is A Lot lmao. right up there w/rigor morphis in the puns category

cd hhhhh this is why you don't talk to your captives in this sort of situation...even to make snappy comebacks, but especially not to TELL HIM YOUR PLAN....now overlords all worked up over megs being alive and yall are screwed

ah, some good old weird birth/re-birth vibes going on here, classic jro

like he literally tells megatron ‘congratulations...its a superwarrior’ god hvbdkhjfbjsf what is it w/jro and pregnancy/birth/reproduction themes

but also like I Kinda Get It bc that IS a pretty intriguing thing to explore w/an alien species like the transformers, who are living machines...ok ill strap on my biologist boots later and get into that when its more relevant lmao 

cd is breathtakingly un-genre savvy here. my man you should have never gotten involved in this oof

overlords weird ab guns are weird

uh no! now overlord is in the drivers seat, and smiling unsettlingly with his creepy lips

its brainstorm!!! I love him

SOUNDWAVE I love soundwave sm he’s just the coolest and best

is that trepan that overlord grabbed? I'm assuming it must be but I have a terrible memory for these things so I don't really remember what he looks like lmao

IS THAT PHARMA

also damn cd rlly b out here committing war crimes/crimes against humanity (crimes against cybertronians? that phrase doesn't really carry over well). the fact that the secret government lobotomy & brainwashing labs populated the ‘good guys’ side is....hhhhhhwow

cant believe cd’s real name is tumblr 

also I love the misdirection from cd not disclosing his ‘real’ name, which leads the reader to think that he’s secretly a different established/important character...but nope!

ahhhh and the reversal of cd and overlords positions in-panel so we can tell that Things Have Gone Terribly Wrong even before we zoom out to see cd in the chair instead of overlord...nice

love how prowl & co made up the whole ‘whiteout vacuum’ thing to lie to the people about overlord...yall really do be breaking moral laws left and right huh

the continuing hilarity of prowl referring to rewind as chromedomes ‘friend’ despite knowing full well they're married...and now that it’s been revealed in-story that they’re married, its just str8 up funny instead of funny AND meta 

is tarn a phase sixer???? genuinely I don't remember lmao

I feel like I could write an essay abt how interesting it is that prowl is so insistent on figuring out the whole phase sixer puzzle and making autobot phase sixers, despite the war being over (and with the autobots having won it, too). like, that's yet another fascinating psychological reaction to the never-ending civil war ending

and the way that prowl is able to rope multiple people into this scheme, which shows that he’s not the only one who thinks that way

aw, bumblebee still has a few morals, unlike most of the rest of anyone. too bad it certainty didn't help anyone in the case of repairing overlord

like, cd is RIGHT, they don't need their own phase sixers - and especially cause like...they won against the cons without any phase sixers already, so whos to say they cant win again the same way? smh prowl 

god I love the exchange here....prowl subtly threatening chromedome, while also calling cd his friend and probably meaning it genuinely, and chromedome looming menacingly over prowl then pinning him down and messing with his head...ooooof. 

also that panel of cd shadowplaying prowl and prowls face is just super blank...sinister as hell, i love it

also also, I'm actually really glad that that plot thread of ‘cd was complicit in what happened to dominus and rewind doesn't know’ didn't end up happening

I also find it a little funny that this very intriguing scene didn't end up going anywhere in mtmte, but from what I've heard the whole ‘cd rearranged prowl’s brains’ thing had big consequences for prowl in exrid or w/e, which is interesting

brainstorm wearing a version of perceptors targeting reticle eye thing...hello....

also I like the fact that they subtly establish when this is taking place by showing brainstorm working on the humansonas, which means this was before the last issue 

drift brainstorm chromedome shaking hands meme: making stupid decisions bc they listening to prowl for some reason

drift, this is Not the way you should be going about showing your dedication to the autobot cause

brainstorm is on a totally different wavelength than cd and drift hvbfdskhfdskjf brainstorm is just here to have a good time and maybe cause some chaos

the tablet saying ‘project: end in tears’ TOO REAL the tears are from ME. AUGH

hhhhhhhhhh the fact that cd did all of this bc he wanted to protect rewind from the war maybe restarting....ouch :( love makes you do stupid things sometimes

I cant get over how h*rny overlord looks...like I cant even describe it, its not necessarily that overlord himself is h*rny, or even that he’s drawn h*rny in the sense that he’s sexy or provocative...he just has those Vibes. this makes no sense except in my head ok

overlord escaped....no way! who could've seen that coming! probably anyone with a brain who isn't blinded by trauma and/or a misplaced sense of duty/love....Ls

AND HERE’S OVERLORD, READY TO FUCK EVERYTHING UP. GODDD

never over the panel of overlord grinning maniacally and cracking his knuckles with the text ‘next: massacre!’ cheerily overlaid 

GODDD this issue god....I mean we haven't gotten to the soul-destroying parts yet but this stuff is so intriguing...the nuance is THERE! and this is basically what we’ve been building up to for all of mtmte so far, and Oh Boy is it gonna be a big one, you can just tell....

[honestlydarkcherryblossom]

Oblivious. J. Yunho

Yunho x reader Warnings: you and Yunho being oblivious asf Word Count: 1.9k Not proof read

  Walking through the campus with 8 of your best friends was a daily occurrence. Unfortunately, the envious looks from all girls on campus was also a daily occurrence. You didn’t mind them anymore, at first it made you feel uncomfortable, now it made you feel sad for these girls who were drooling over a couple of guys they didn’t even know. 

  “So game night tonight, Y/n’s place, we all in” San asked as the 9 of you walked to the cafe on campus. Everyone agreed to they plan, discussing who was bring what when Yunho spoke up, “I actually can’t tonight” “what, why not” Wooyoung whined, “yeah, Friday night game night has been tradition since 6th grade” you added as you rubbed Wooyoung’s back, who was now sulking. “He has a date” Mingi spoke for Yunho, sending the boy a smirk while jabbing his side. “A date?” You asked trying not to convey any sort of emotion in your words, suddenly all eyes were on you. All the boys knew about your crush on Yunho, all but Yunho apparently. At first you thought it was stupid teenage hormones, but as they years went on, the stronger your feelings got and you couldn’t pass it off as a stupid high school crush anymore. “Uh yeah, with Leslie Brown” “oh I know her, she’s in my literature class, she’s nice” you said with the best smile to could put on. Yeah you knew Leslie, all 5″9 of her. She was the gorgeous supermodel type with nice long legs, honey brown hair that framed defined her face perfectly, and possibly the prettiest smile you’ve ever seen. Of course Yunho would like her, you were stupid for thinking you ever had a chance with Yunho or any guy like him when girls like that existed.  “Well, have fun tonight, traitor” you teased as you made your way into the cafe leaving the boys behind.

  After having coffee with the boys, you went back to your apartment that you shared with 3 other girls that you rarely saw. You had all been dormmates freshmen year and decided to get an apartment together after that. 2 our of 3 of the girls were med majors, so they were always out late at the hospital. The last one might as well be a party major because that’s all she does, she rarely attends classes or does her work so you’re not really sure how she manages to stay in school. Right now you don’t care, all you want is to be alone. 

  It’s been a few weeks since Yunho went of his date with Leslie, and now they were dating. Yay. You tried to distance yourself from Yunho, just till you were over your feelings for him, but it just kept getting harder. 

  Now you sat at a picnic bench with all 8 of the boys and Leslie. Wooyoung could tell how uncomfortable you felt and tried to help, but nothing could get your mind off the couple who were sucking each others faces off directly across from you. You couldn’t take in anymore and stood up, “where are you going” San asked, which seemed to catch Yunho’s attention since he pulled away from Leslie. “to the bathroom, I didn’t think I had to announce it” you joked as you started walking away. 

  “Hey Y/n” a familiar voice spoke up from behind you. Turning around you saw Jisung, a boy from one of you classes. He was always nice and super funny, he was also attractive, definitely made class more interesting “Hey Jisung, what’s up” Jisung took in a deep breath and bit his lip nervously, making you smile, okay, maybe he was a little more attractive than you though. “Are you free this Friday” “depends, why” “Well, if you are, would you wanna go out with me.” Okay, maybe it was wrong, but in that moment, you thought going out with Jisung was the perfect way to get over Yunho. “I would love to” “really” he asked, his eyes lighting up like a kid in a candy store, and it just melted your heart, how could you possibly say now to him. “Yeah, here, give me your phone.”

  Little did you know, Yunho saw the whole thing, and he felt a pit rise in his stomach. He didn’t like seeing you talk to guys, but he wasn’t jealous. No. How could he be? He had Leslie. He was convinced he didn’t like it strictly because he was protective over you, no romantic feelings involved. Nope. 

  “Yunnie, pay attention to me” Leslie whined. All the boys rolled their eyes at the girl obnoxious voice, she really was a nice girl, just not when she was acting like a needy 2 year old. “I’m back” You announced, coming back to the table with a newfound energy which didn’t go unnoticed. All they boys just stared at you, making you confused, had you missed something? “What? Is there something on my face?” “How was your little trip to the bathroom” Jongho asked with a smirk. A blush rose to your cheeks and you quickly looked down, “what, do I have to tell you guys every time a take a shit” “no, but you have to tell us when you get a boys number” Seonghwa said like the protective “older brother” he was, “a boy that we don’t know” Hongjoong added. “It’s not a big deal” you tried to play it off, praying that you blush would go away, but as the boys kept teasing, the redder you got. This was your first date since highschool, and despite going on this date to hopefully forget about your feelings for Yunho, you were excited. 

  Yunho watched as the boys teased you, a he couldn’t help but feel sick, like something was wrong. Seeing how red you got, how bright you smile was when you were talking about your date, it all felt wrong. He shook his head and moved Leslie off his lap before standing up. “Yunnie, where are you going” “I’m not feeling well, I’m gonna head home” “let me come with you” Leslie tried to follow Yunho but he just shook his head. “Not right now, I wanna be alone.” 

  You and the boys watched in confusion, he was feeling fine not too long ago. “What’s up with him” Yeosang asked as he watched Yunho walk away. “I don’t know, should we check on him” you suggested, Leslie didn’t seem to like your suggestion at all, she sent you a dirty look and said, “he said he wanted to be left alone.” “Yeah, well he’s our bestfriend, he doesn’t get a choice, let’s go” Mingi said, all of you stood up and went after Yunho, leaving Leslie behind.

  “Yo, Yun, what’s wrong” you asked once the 8 of you caught up to him. “I’m just not feeling well” “bullshit, you were feeling fine 10 minutes ago” San spoke up, earning a glare from Yunho in response, “and now I’m not, I just wanna be alone.” He picked up his pace which made you reach out and grab him, “Yun-” “just leave me alone” he said, this time much more stern than before as he shrug your hand away. 

  Last night was your date with Jisung, and you had a really good time. He made you laugh and the smile never left your face, but you still couldn’t stop thinking about Yunho. He wasn’t answer your text or your calls and he’s been avoiding you, you know he has because every time you he sees you he quickly bolts for the nearest exit. It hurts, you’ve been asking yourself what you could’ve done wrong and come up with nothing every time. 

  So that lead you to now, standing outside Yunho’s apartment in the freezing cold at 1am, in only you pajama shorts and a jacket you tossed on before running over here. “Yunho open up” you finally started pounding on his door after three attempts of knocking. You heard a muffled response inside followed by some shuffling. “Y/n, go home” “not until you tell my why you’ve been avoiding me.” Yunho had sleep written all over his features, and his hair was tousled in all different direction, if you you weren’t so mad at him, you’d call him cute in this state. “Y/n-” “n-no Yunho, I’ve been worried s-sick about you these past few days and you’v-ve been ignoring me, I just want to know w-why.” You mentally cursed yourself for stuttering so much, but you couldn’t help it, you were freezing. That’s when Yunho finally realized the state you were in, you were paler than usual, you nose and cheeks bright red and you weer advisably shaking. “You’re freezing, get in here” he pulled you into his apartment and shut the door. He lead you to the couch and tossed a blanket on you. 

  “What the hell is wrong with you, coming to my house in the middle of the night in shorts” “I was worried about you, and I was finally fed up with you ignoring me.” Yunho just sighed, you were always so persistent. One night you showed up to his house in the middle of a blizzard because his first girlfriend broke up with him and she wanted to make sure he was okay.

  “I- I haven’t been ignoring you-” “lie” “-I’ve just been busy” “another lie.” You simply shook your head at him, you’ve known him for too long, he couldn’t lie to you. “I’m not San Yun, you can’t lie to me” Yunho let out a breathy chuckle, he knew you knew him too well, hell you probably knew him better than he knew himself. And god he’s missed you, he’s been away from you for 4 days and he’s never felt worse than he did when he was away from you. So he just sat there, taking in all of your features that he found so fascinating, and before he knew what he was doing, he was leaning in, and then so were you. When your lips touched it was like every unspoken word between you to was being let out, lifting a huge weight off your shoulders. He held on to you like you were his lifeline, pulling you onto his lap and then impossibly closer. 

  The two of you finally pull apart and your out of breath. He rest his forehead against yours and his fingers dance across your skin, taking in a savoring every detail of this moment. “I should’ve done that a long time ago” he breaths out, his eyes finally connecting with yours. “Why didn’t you” “I was too afraid to lose you, and then Jisung asked you out, and I realized I was gonna lose you either way” “you would never lose me, even if we’re on to different continents, my hearts always belonged to you.” Letting go of those words made you feel free, like you were floating in outer space. You’ve wanted to tell him that since you were a freshmen in high school, and now you finally could. For Yunho, hearing those words made him realize how dumb he’s been. He’s could’ve had you, the love of his life, in his arms for years, and he was to dense to realize you were in love with him just as much as he was in love with you.

  “Y/n” “hm” “will you be my girlfriend” “took you long enough.”

[alyasalias]

HeroAca Theory (response): Shinso Hitoshi will reveal the UA Traitor (I don't think so)

Note: SPOILERS if you're not caught up to the manga. S4 does not cover some of the events I am going to make reference to. You've been warned.

A while ago, I saw a theory that stated Shinso Hitoshi would reveal the UA traitor with his Quirk. I didn't give it too much thought for a while until I read the Joint-Class battle stuff where Hitoshi got to join them. Hitoshi explained his Quirk to the others--that he couldn't get someone to use their own brain while under his control. He used the example of asking someone to copy a name vs. asking them to write down information from their own mind. I think that explanation sort of shuts down the "Hitoshi's gonna use his Quirk, interrogating people believed to be the traitor and getting them to confess" and I don't think his Quirk works that way anymore. For example, if he were to take Hagakure Toru--someone suspected of being 'the UA Traitor'--get her under his spell, and start interrogating her/telling her to answer questions, I don't think his Quirk would work that way. It seems like he can't make people speak with his Quirk. He could probably make them parrot what's said to them in real-time, but every use of his Quirk so far has rendered the targets silent. Let's say he could get someone to speak under his control--I don't think they'd be able to decide which words to use--they'd be parroting back whatever's said to them at best...so I doubt they'd be able to actually answer any questions. Also, there are probably laws and stuff that render a coerced confession not valid. Being under the influence of Hitoshi's Quirk would probably call into question the validity of anything that was said.

In the battle-training arc, Hitoshi explained that he can't make someone use their own brain under his Quirk. He used "Asui Tsuyu" as an example--"copy this" and the person could do it...but "write down Froppy's real name" wouldn't work. Unless Hitoshi was with-holding the truth ('cuz investigation was supposedly underway), or he trains his Quirk up to the point where he's able to get people to answer questions, I don't think it's possible that he can reveal a potential traitor. "Are you the traitor?" "Did you tell the League about All Might supposedly making an appearance at USJ?" "Did you tell the League of Villains where Classes 1-A and 1-B were having their Summer Training Camp?"--it doesn't sound like Hitoshi's Quirk will allow the target to answer these questions. Using the "copy this" vs. "what's that person's name" example he gave, it seems like he can't get his targets to reveal any information that he doesn't already know/prompt them with. Even something like "we suspect you of being the traitor because your whereabouts were unknown for x moment--retrace your steps and allow us to follow you as you go back there"...I don't think that could work either in the event of trying to get the traitor to take them along on a meeting with a Villain contact or something.

I think that it's possible there's an inadvertent traitor at UA (Aoyama Yuuga being my top-choice for an inadvertent traitor...and potentially Hagakure Toru because the theories I've heard/seen are pretty convincing). However, I don't think Hitoshi will be the one to reveal them. I think his character/Quirk/story is there for other things. He shows us that there's still discrimination in the world of HeroAca. Like Bakugo Katsuki, he shows us that what the masses think of you doesn't define you. When Katsuki was kidnapped, he went in already with "I'm going to be a Hero and nothing will change my mind" in his head. It didn't matter that tabloids thought his conduct at the Sports Festival was clearly Villain-behavior. It didn't matter that the Villains actually tried to recruit him. He decided he wanted to be a Hero regardless of what other people said. I think Hitoshi is the same way. People call his Quirk that of a Villain's and he missed the mark on getting into the Hero Course the first time because the entrance exam is pretty clearly geared toward combat-type Quirks. Despite all that, Hitoshi is doing his best to become a Hero. I think that's what Horikoshi's grand narrative for Hitoshi is and I don't think revealing a potential traitor with his Quirk is in the cards. Maybe he will be the one to uncover potential traitors, but I don't think it'll be as a result of his Quirk.

Time will tell. It's possible that future events in the series will prove that nobody is a traitor and it's plot-thread that sorta fizzled out. We can't forget that there are shape-shifting Quirks too and it's possible that a Villain infiltrated via becoming one of the teachers or students. It's also possible that their costumes are another thing. Some of the students costumes appear to have the double-dot trademark of the Re-Destro dude. It's possible that their costumes contain a location-services tracker thing and that the villains got their locations that way. It's why they showed up to the USJ looking for All Might despite the fact that All Might wasn't there at the time--they thought he was because they knew 1-A was going to be at USJ and somehow heard that All Might would be there...so they followed the 1-A kids. They showed up to the Summer Training Camp intent on capturing Katsuki...and Katsuki's costume has the double-dots on it so it's possible that's how they knew.

I don't wanna believe that any of the characters we've come to love would sell out the others. Even the League of Villains shows loyalty to each other and we've grown to love the LoV even though they're the antagonists. Horikoshi has created an amazing story where we even feel for the bad guys (i.e. Twice). I think  that making one of the staff/students at UA a traitor would go against everything Horikoshi built up--the idea that the characters are loyal to each other. It's not just about being loyal to a regime or an ideal--proven with Iida Tenya's revenge arc and Stain. Tenya pushed away his friends for the pursuit of revenge for his family and he was saved by his friends, by 1-A. Since then, he hasn't been entirely loyal to his "class president" title or being a "model citizen"--it was shown when he went along with the Bakugo Rescue Operation (BRO ftw!). He knew they were breaking laws. He knew it was personal--especially for Izuku. Rather than telling them to stop or doing the "proper" thing and getting the attention of teachers/Heroes/the authorities, he went with them. He proved that he was loyal to his friends, not to laws and rules and whatever. It's been happening with the other students too. Asui Tsuyu didn't go with them on BRO, but she did tell them something along the lines of "leave it to the Heroes--breaking the laws and going out to try to save Katsuki on your own makes you no different than Villains". After moving into the dorms she didn't retract her words, but she was upset that her friends went anyway. She explained that she knew her words were harsh--she knew she was essentially calling them Villains, but she wasn't hurt by the fact that they broke the law(s) and were essentially 'villains' by her words--she was upset by the fact that it didn't stop them and it felt like a personal betrayal. Rather than being upset at them for breaking the rules, Tsuyu was more upset by the fact that she couldn't look them in the eye and laugh and have fun with each other because she was still reflecting on the whole "I told them that I'd see them as Villains if they went and did the thing...and they did the thing. They're not Villains--they're my friends...b-but what if they think that I think that they are Villains?" Tsuyu was upset with the fact that she felt like her friends had betrayed her, that they didn't care if she saw them as Villains because they cared about Katsuki more than her or whatever. It was a personal betrayal to her more than a betrayal of the law. I think moments like those prove (to me) that the people of 1-A at least are loyal to each other and that's why I don't want to imagine any of them as a willing traitor. Their bonds to each other seem to matter more to them than the laws of society or even what their parents or other adults would think.

[sparkly-angell]

Stuckony Fic Rec because why not

*= series

ATTENTION! LOST ARM (If found please contact:) by Fakesheep-luna Teen, 8k Bucky doesn't understand why everyone is so worked up. He just went out for a few drinks, made some new friends and passed out in a dumpster. No big deal! "No big deal??" Steve squeaks, throwing his hands up in the air "You lost your arm! And you don't even remember how!" "Well, at least it wasn't the good one."

Guys!! This fic is comedy approved! its really good, made me laugh a lot, and the plot? amazing. Go read!

Break In by Tenspencerriedplease 7k Scott Lang, at least, understood why Tony hated this stupid job so damn much. He had a Masters degree in engineering but Tony was working on a PhD. Unfortunately for him even with his previous experience and schooling- good schooling- he was stuck working in a knockoff version of McDonald’s meets Subway. At least he works there until he meets Steve and Bucky.

askfjnsfdjsn aaaaaaaa I love gang AU and this one is Great. Highly recomend!

Brooklyn Boys - Bakey Au* by Quicksylver28 Teen/Mature 27k Tony is a bachelor college professor who walks into Steve and Bucky's Bakery/ Cafe. Awkward Flirting ensues.... and fluff, we wont forget the fluff.

ITS SO SWEET! Pun intended. Gosh, I wish I could eat all those baked goods. Sounds delicious. Anyways, the fic is sweet. Peter is a good friend.

Bruises and Drunken Heart Tattoos by Akira_of_the_twilight Teen, 6k An older man in his thirties was standing over Bucky with a bottle of aspirin in one hand, and the fingers of his other hand still gripping the rim of the cup he’d set down on the nightstand. Amber eyes blinked at Bucky in mild surprise. The man’s lips curved into a teasing smirk. “I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

I wanna hug Tony so hard over the course of this fic. It’s cute the way they fall in love. And it’s also funny. 

Canvas, Ink & Paint* by Ficlicious Teen, 11k Bucky's got one goal: to rescue a captured SHIELD agent and get out before the guards realize he's not one of them. Unfortunately, apparently he's also got soulmates, and when their messages and sketches start appearing on his skin, his mission becomes a complicated mess of trying not to get caught covered in their ink.

!!!!!! I love soulmate aus and this fic is one of my favorites!! Poor Bucky, tho, he was just trying to do his work. Go read!! 

Carrier by Just_another_tinker Explicit, 49k Steve and Bucky gift Tony with their jacket that survived from the 1940's. Turns out that wasn't the only thing that survived.

YALL. SO. MUCH. ANGST. and with a happy ending? someone said Pining? PERFECTION. I love the group dimensions in this fic. 

Comic Books and Kings by Ashes0909 Explicit, 10k Tony Stark read Captain America comics and everyone knew it, but it was only ever about Bucky Barnes.

Freacking great! Tony having a crush on Bucky before his crush on Steve? Godsent. 

Coffee Love* by Syriala Good, 8k Tony thought his best day was when Steve walked into the coffee shop he was working in. That was until Bucky came in a few days later.

The fluff!! The flirting!! Their kind of pining! *heart eyes*

Cried For Love (Can’t Stand It) by Potrix Explicit, 7k Bucky braces his hands on his hips, and tilts his head to the side, expression caught somewhere between anxious, confused, and nervous. “Well, shit.” “Yeah,” Steve agrees, worrying at his bottom lip, and rubbing at the back of his neck. “That can’t be good.”

Steve and Bucky become spirits and Tony blames himself (which he shouldn’t but thats Tony for you). I love this fic a loooot! (and i wanna hug tony a loooot too)

Difficult Conversations by Yumekiumono Mature, 34k HYDRA had brainwashed their Asset into silence, and then muzzled him to boot. It's not that surprising that Bucky no longer considers talking to be one of his strong suits. So why does he keep having to have difficult conversations? Or, the road to loving Tony Stark is never an easy one.

!!! Man! Tony/Bucky is strong in this fic, but also Steve is there and he is cute. Ive read some WinterIron fics with a similar plot, but the fact that this is Stuckony makes it 100% better. 

Don’t Say It by Bibliomaniac Teen, 35k Tony Stark is autistic and nonverbal. Which is fine, obviously, except for it means that Steve and Bucky don't have his words, and it only takes him a few minutes to decide they don't need to know he has theirs. That's also totally and definitely fine, until he goes and falls in love with them.

So. Fuckin. Good! Soulmate au. Its a must read fanfic. For real. The pining and the angst. Gosh, Tony is the best fuckin person. He doesn’t deserve all this pain.

Eagles by Spqr Teen, 6k Natasha presses her hand over her heart, and – Tony has heard rumors, that her skin is blank, or that she killed her other half, but he doesn’t believe them. “They deserve to know, don’t you think?” “They’ve been together for ninety years, Nat,” he says. “They’re practically married. There’s no room for me.”

Gosh!! Another soulmate au. Me addicted in them? yes. This one hurts more. I think i really cried while reading it. But has a happy ending so its worth it! 

From Winter’s Cold by 27dragons Explicit, 64 Thanks to one of Thor's crazy stalkers, Tony finds himself stranded in the past. If he significantly changes the course of history, he might never get home again. The choice, when it appears, turns out to be not nearly as difficult as he might have expected.

I simply love this fic. One of my personal favorites! Tony is taken back to 1945 and he finds no one other than.... Bucky. Go read! 

Liebestraum No.3 in A Flat by Daecyan_Shikoba Teen, 10k I humbly request to the pianist: Liebestraum No.3 in A flat

Im actually just doing this rec because of this fic. sfdjnsdkjfsn i love it SO much. Pianist Tony has a crush on his neighbours and has anonymous requests to play the piano. Its great. This fic is so relaxing to read.  

Long Distance by Notevenclosetostraight Explicit, 44k At the end of a bad day, Tony gets drunk and texts Rhodey all his woes. Except he typed the wrong number, and has been texting someone named Steve– who is blond, 28, teaches art and somehow charmed by Tonys drunk rambles.

Go read!!!!!!!! Its cute, full of sexy times and fluff. 

Hands by ezazahaz Teen, 1k He pushed harder, feeling the suit start to crack under his metal hand, the arc reactor giving way. Just a bit more force, and it might push through the grafted skin and false sternum that had replaced the device that had once been a part of the man. This time, instead of saving the man's heart, it would crush it, and he could never hurt Bucky again, never hurt Steve again. Bucky has a nightmare.

I know this one is smoll. But! it’s full of emotion and hurt/comfort. It’s cute. Mostly Bucky/Tony

Hollowness by amobisan Explicit, 63k It feels like a hollowness, when Tony first realizes. First sees. And the first thought, the first thought his useless, traitorous, genius brain can come up with was "At least this time when he leaves, it wasn't your fault."

So. Many. Feels. Tony is so selfless and sad it’s painful. But there’s also so much fluff!!! And a Lot of sexy times. 

How Good You’ve Got It by Orphan Account Mature, 2k Tony was only trying to work on deciphering Loki's power signature, which admittedly what Steve would call 'poking an angry brown bear with a pointy stick'. But if he could just- Shit. It wasn't supposed to do that.

Goddamn. One of my favorite fics!! I’ve already reread this like, three times. It’s small, I know, but the plot? Incredible.

Me through Him to You* by sahiya Teen/Explicit, 71k “You’re sick, you need someone to look after you. This mission could take a couple of days, and I want you in one piece when I get home.” Tony sighed. “Why do you care?” Steve’s mouth twisted unhappily. “I hope that’s the fever talking.” He stepped closer. “When I get home,” he said, so quietly that Tony didn’t think even the nosiest of their nosy friends could hear it, “we’re going to talk, all right? Until then, please let Bucky look after you. Consider it me looking after you, through him.”

First fic: sick fic, sick fic, sick fic!! Fluff!!! Love! Second fic: all. the. angst. you never knew you needed, with ahappy ending, tho. 

Not Like That At All by Catchclaw Explicit, 8k One last gig. That’s what Steve tells himself this'll be.

Hilarious! I s w e a r it’s so funny. I mean- theres a lot of smut that happens but the end? comical. And sweet. Go read!

One Date Wonder by Arukou Explicit, 20k Every week, the same guy comes into Steve and Bucky's diner and every week, he's got a new date on his arm. Guy just can't seem to catch a break, and after a particularly bad date, Steve and Bucky start taking matters into their own hands to help him out.

Sweet, cute, fluffy! Poor Tony I want to hug him :’( Amazing Diner!Au, a must read.

Pretend You Don’t Know Me!  by Aknightofagoodking Teen, 16k Peter forgets that his class is taking a field trip to Stark Tower. Tomorrow. ["So you want us to pretend we don't know you that well?" Mister Stark asks, looking somewhat unhappy. "Yes! Exactly! Pretend I'm actually just an intern. Can you do that for me, please?"]

Ok, so this focus more on Peter. But Stuckony as Peter’s dad? Isn’t that just the best thing in the world? 

Scientific Heresy by Antigrav_vector Mature, 34k In the process of running the particle accelerator in his basement and fixing the arc reactor, Tony finds himself flung into the past where he has to take on a fight not his own if he wants to get home to stop Vanko. At least he had a chance to replace the old rector that had been killing him with the new one before everything went sideways... But now he has no choice but to face off with family, friends, and old heroes, and none of that sounds remotely appealing. Well, okay, getting to meet them all during their glory days kinda does.

AAAA Ok, I love time travel stories, so i might be biased a little, but this is the best!! There’s a lot of action scenes which are great and engaging. It’s a must read. 

That Damn Flight Suit by Orphan Account Explicit, 2k James and Steve make a very interesting discovery about what really is under the Iron Man suit. Cue awkward boners, oblivious Tony, and slightly possessive super-soldiers who really don't want to share his...assets... with the world.

I mean- It’s smut. 

The Sex Shop Around the Corner by sadieb798 Mature, 16k Tony really hates his job. When he tries to figure out what he wants to do next, Tony decides that instead of making weapons for war, he should make things for pleasure. So he decides he's going to open his own sex shop.

cmon, tell me this isn’t the best au out there. skdjfsdkfsn but for real tho, the fic is full of fluff, some pining and kind of a mis communication? perfect. 

The Shirt by Sailorchibi Explicit, 3k How an impulsive decision that Tony made at sixteen and an equally impulsive decision that Tony made at forty-three combined to have the best outcome ever.

Smut. Again. But its damn good as well.

The Stories We Write by Notevenclosetostraight Mature, 33k A question at an interview leads to Steve and Bucky discovering fan fiction, and after piles of coffeeshop au's and fake dating tropes (and screaming over ABO fics) they find an author that writes some of the best fics they've ever read-- reader inserts starring a dark haired, dark eyed male reader as their shared love interest.

This fic is so freacking amazing!! Steve and Bucky are such nerds. Tony is mostly unaware until--

Thats it!!! Hope you enjoy reading them all :) If you want more, you know where to find me ;)

[xxwinterchillxx]

Halloween Dance and Some Unfortunate Events

Summary:

Levi is willing to go all the way to get Eren to go with him to the Halloween Dance. But things get complicated since Levi cannot show any sign of intelligence around the German hottie. However, he isn’t taking no for an answer.

Rating - Teen and Up Audiences

Categories - M/M

Relationships - Levi/Eren, background relationships, Moblit/Hanji, Armin/Erwin, Krista|Historia/Ymir

Chapters - 5/?

Read below cut or read on AO3

Chapter 5: My place?

It was 11:55pm by the time I left the Jaeger residence with Erwin. He had on this really goofy smile which I didn’t want to investigate into further. So, we drove in complete silence.

I could tell that I was cold when I saw myself breathing out puffs of vapour. But honestly, I felt damn nothing. My heart was still pounding like anything and whenever I saw my reflection in the car window, I too had on that same goofy Erwin grin.

 I am dating Eren Jaeger.

 ~~oOo~~

 The first thing I saw when I woke up was an angry woman’s face. I got yelled at for like a full 10 minutes by mom for sneaking in late yesterday. But I couldn’t think of anything other than the events of last night.

It was kind of a haze, really. Once Eren asked me out, my mind became so numb. I couldn’t say anything but it’s pretty obvious that I liked him too when I leaned in closer to him, holding his hands.

Then it’s all a blur. I think a kiss was supposed to happen. But that’s when Erwin came in the scene. His hair was messed up and his clothes looked scruffy. That fucking sack of balls didn’t know what was going on so he told me that we should go home because his dad told him that his stupid car should be home by 10. I think that’s when it ended.

Mom’s still mad at me. She somehow missed out on the fact that the costume she spent a day fixing was for a party. It’s not like I drank or anything so I don’t get why she is so upset.

Now that I think about it, I should go and fix up a costume for the dance 3 days from now. Fuck, I’m going with the fucking Jaeger. Oh my gosh, I’m literally going to dance with Eren! It feels so weird thinking about it. But, like, a good kind of weird.

I wonder if we should do a couple costume….

What the fuck am I thinking? That shit’s for 5th graders.

 I think I’d look cool as Belle though. I make a good fucking princess.

  ~~oOo~~

 “…so yeah, still think Levi can’t talk in front of his crush?” I smiled smugly at Hanji, who was sitting in the middle of my room with a blank expression.

“Well, technically, short-stack, you didn’t say anything.”

I faltered for a second after that rude-ass comment, “O..uh, okay but that, like, totally part of my suave sooo yeah.”

Hanji stretched out her legs and lied down on the floor wearing the same blank expression, “Sure, whatever.”

I was about to reply when she interrupted, “So, are you guys going to the dance?”

Squinting, I stated as a matter-of-factly, “Obviously.” I grabbed her phone and texted Erwin to come over. “You know what? That reminds me. What are you guys going as? I don’t want any costume repetition or shit like that. This is the first time I’m going to dance with my cru– boyfriend.”

She instantly shot up from her lying position with an annoying air of dignity, “Yes, about that. Moblit thinks we shouldn’t participate in such chivalrous youth activities.”

“What?”

Smiling faintly, she tried to look cool and all, fixing her hair. It took forever for her to reply. “Moblit thinks that we should instead spend time with each other instead of doing whatever everyone else is doing. He’s so insightful like that.”

Honestly, does anyone else feel the need as much as I do to shove Moblit’s chivalrous dick down his throat?

“My god, woman, does any of your sentences start without his stupid name?”

“Hey, don’t start with me. Moblit’s insightful, thoughtful a-and…,” she couldn’t seem to find any other praises for her boyfriend, “And Eren’s a dumbass.”

I gasped and shot up from my bed, “Yeah? At least Eren isn’t a nagging bitch. Moblit’s a fucking ugly crybaby.”

I think we were about to get into a fist fight (friendship, amirite?) before Erwin appeared.

“Hey Levi. Hey Hanji,” he cheerfully greeted and sat down at the nearest chair. “What’s going on?”

Both Hanji and I immediately forgot our own differences and started picking on him.

Hanji made a face and nudged Erwin playfully on the side, “I’ve heard stuff about you, Erwin.”

Erwin grew pale and laughed nervously, “H-Hanji, what are you talking about?”

She reached her hand down Erwin’s inner thigh and squeezed it tightly, earning a yelp from Erwin. “Bedroom secrets.”

I sneered, “Oh my god, Erwin’s bedroom kinks. That’s so gross, Hanji. Tell.”

“Hanji, no-”

“Armin calls him ‘Daddy Long Legs’!” screamed out Hanji excitedly.

 ~~oOo~~

We’re not really on talking terms with either Erwin or Armin anymore. They’re so overdramatic, my god. The last thing Erwin said to us was not to bother him or his cousin anymore.

And also to stop calling Armin his cousin. What? It’s funny.

Anything involving Erwin’s eyebrows is funny.

On the other hand, Hanji told me that Erwin and Armin are going all Prince-and-Princess this year. So that totally rules out me going in an all-out yellow gown.

“Maybe I should put on my mom’s weird green facemask again and go as Shrek,” I said to Hanji as we ate (without Erwin) in the cafeteria. It was Monday. There were no classes as everyone was busy prepping the entire building for a horror-themed dance. The main hall was being decorated with plastic pumpkins and violet drapes.

Hanji hummed indecisively and took a bite out of her apple, “No, Eren should go as Shrek. You know, like a cool handsome Shrek.”

I laughed, “Yeah. His eyes are green-ish anyway. But I won’t look good with Fiona’s red hair”

“What are you talking about? Obviously, you are Lord Farquad, shawty.”

 Anyways, due to some minor inconveniences, I have decided that my costume isn’t going to be animation themed. That shit’s stupid to be honest.

I’m leaving the decisions to my boyfriend, Eren. My boyfriend Eren Jaeger. Hehe.

We’ve been talking to each other like all the time. Just today, he looked at me and smiled. It was so romantic. I just wish the others would pay more attention to the fact that I’m dating the hottest guy in school but no, they’re too busy trying to find their dates. Bunch of narcissistic fuckfaces.

I looked to the left and saw Eren and his group entering the cafeteria. Almost half the faces in the room turned to them. It was like a different aura spread out. Eren, Mikasa, Krista, Reiner…., the handsomest faces of the school. And Armin walking alongside them, as if he belonged.

I waved a hand to Eren but he didn’t see. I didn’t blame him though. There was a lot happening around him. They were all laughing, tripping each other, punching at times and making a lot of noise. I don’t know why but whenever I see Eren with them, I can literally feel my anxiety choking me.

“Fuck, is that Daddy Long Legs?”

As soon as I heard Hanji, my head whipped back and saw Erwin sitting at the popular table, laughing at whatever stupid shit the whole group was laughing at. That stupid meat-headed traitor. They were chanting ‘kiss’ ‘kiss’ over and over again. Then Armin gave him a peck on the cheek. In the background, Hanji just said, “Ew.”

“You guys are so cute!” Krista’s shrill girly stupid fuckvoice followed the kiss, “Couple goals!!”

I’m so pissed at Erwin. I mean, like, after you yell at your friends for absolutely no reason, you are supposed to repent and then stay sad.  You’re not supposed to laugh a-and fucking hang out with other people’s crushes. It’s totally rude. Like, what did Hanji and I ever do to him?

“Eren coming. 1 O’clock,” Hanji mumbled quickly before walking away.

I didn’t even have the time to react.

 “Hey, Levi.”

I looked up to see his stupidly gorgeous face. He kept a hand on my chair and the other on the table. His brown locks all messy, his hideously green eyes practically piercing through me. The light shining conveniently behind him made him look like a God. He’S sO hOt, fuck me.

“Can I sit?”

I nodded quickly. But like, not too quickly because I don’t want to look thirsty and not too slow ca- stop thinking, dammit.

He sat opposite to me, cupping his god-like face with one of his hands and just… staring at me. I couldn’t even look at his face, let alone his eyes. My eyes darted around to look at something else. Why am I so panicky?!

“Thanks, doll.”

My heart literally crashed and stopped working and I could feel my brain turning to mush. I breathed out heavily in response. Don’t ask me why, okay. I just prayed damn hard that he didn’t notice my antics.

“I was thinking about that dance, you know. About all that costume stuff.”

I sipped my juice pouch, trying to play it cool.

“Eren.”

I don’t know why I said his name. I just did.

Shit, I had his full attention now. His eyes looked up at me expectantly and his eyes literally lit up. If he had a tail, it be wagging.

I just looked at him, not knowing quite what to say. I was mentally trying to piece together a sentence… any sentence to break the tension.

His expression changed and he put up a hand to his cheek, smirking.

“Damn, Levi, you are so cute.” He smiled warmly before he held my hand.

“I was thinking of, you know, Marvel. I love their movies,” he continued, squeezing my hand. “Maybe Deadpool and Spidey?” He paused for a second then added, “I already have their costumes, by the way so like….?”

“Sure.” I replied, kind of proud of myself for saying ‘sure’ instead of some stupid pun about a sea beach.

“I’ll have it mailed to you. Anyways, could you give me your phone number? I don’t have it.”

“Oh! Uh… yeah, sure.”

I blushed when I saw his home screen. The picture was me in that stupid pink panther shit. I internally screeched.

“I hope you don’t mind.”

“Is okay.” I replied, typing in my number. Is okay…. Who says that?

“Cool, thanks.”

He moved his seat right next to mine and asked, “Do you have your phone?”

“Yeah, why?”

I placed my phone in his outstretched hand.

Putting an arm around me, he called my phone before I could stop him.

Panic rose up in me and I instantly yelled, “Wait, stop-”

 And across that stupid iPhone screen, there appeared the dreaded words-

 Futurehusbando    calling….                                           2:09 pm

 The background image just had a zoomed-in picture of me deliberately smiling like a pervert, courtesy of Hanji.

I felt my heart sinking and my face burning up.

Eren looked at the screen for a few seconds before looking up at me with a slightly cocky grin.

“I see you already have my phone number.”

He handed back my phone to me. I kept looking down mostly because I wanted to faceplant myself into the tile floors.

“Well, anyways, I have to get going. I’m sorry but the principal told me to come down to his office like two hours ago so yeah. I promise I’ll call you later.”

He grabbed my face and planted a soft kiss to my forehead before smiling brightly, “Wait for me after school! I’ll drive you home, okay?” He paused for a moment and looked back, “You’re so cute.”

  After he left, I groaned and felt a hand on my back, patting me.

“Damn Levi, you are one unlucky son of a bitch.”

“I know, Hanji. I know.”

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