#I'm sure it'll enjoy having a warm beverage

[friend-crow]

I HAVE JUST HAD AN EXPERIENCE

So I'm outside putting cozies (rags and duct tape) on the faucets and it's starting to snow, and a hummingbird comes up and is all up in my shit, so I'm like "okay boss, one refill on sugar water coming right up."

So I take down the hummingbird feeder, and the little dude comes and lands on it while it's in my hand. It keeps flitting away and then coming back to see if it is somehow refilled now. Zero apparent fear of me (it might be the hummingbird who has nested in my back yard the last couple years, or one of its offspring, but at any rate it seems to know that I refill the sugar water, and am generally on its side).

I can't WAIT to put the feeder back up, but I have to wait for the sugar juice to cool down a bit first.

[wrenwreads]

not-so-perfect perfect first date

your first date doesn’t exactly go as planned

pairing/s: edmund pevensie x reader

warnings: nothing?

genre: fluff

word count: 349

a/n: this doesn’t necessarily follow the original timeline of either books or films. anyway, thought i’d start writing for our king edmund the just bc there’s not that many tbh. and also after yrs of just being a reader on tumblr i thought why not start writing on it as well. so any form of constructive criticism is hugely accepted as it is my first time writing on here.

2 hours — you have been stood outside for almost 2 hours.

You mentally scold yourself, knowing from the very beginning that going on this blind date was a bad idea. But you're so ever determined best friend was set on saying that this supposed blind date would be the one.

Oh how you wish she was right.

Too lost in your own thoughts, you almost didn't register someone acknowledging you from behind. Turning around, you face someone — around your age — sat in one of the cafe's table. "Hello?"

You watch as his face slowly relaxed, dark brown eyes starring at yours with curiosity. After a moment, he finally spoke. "I don't mean to intrude — or sound like a creep — or anything like that at all actually...!"

He rambled, causing a short chuckle to escape from you. Your eyes widen, before you calmed yourself again and explained. "It's alright... I probably looked that depressed after being stood here for so long."

"I'm Edmund, by the way. I just thought that maybe you'd like to join me for a cup of something warm? Hot chocolate perhaps?"

In that moment, everything your mum told you about stranger danger flew out of your head, for you excused yourself to get yourself a cup of hot chocolate before coming back to his table to sit down again. "I'm Y/N, and thanks for... this. May or may not have gotten stood up and was ready to go." You smiled, taking a sip of your beverage.

Edmund smiled in realisation, looking around the area before meeting your eyes again. "So... you too, huh?"

It went well. Too well that you and Edmund ended up exchanging numbers in hopes of seeing each other again. He also insisted on walking you home.

After making sure the door behind you was locked, you walk into your living room apartment seeing you best friend already waiting for you.

"So... how did it go?"

You decided to keep the first part of the story a secret for now.

"It didn't go as planned..."

They frowned.

"But it still went well."

thank u sm for staying till the end! this will be one of the many one-shots i'll soon write (which means i'll be taking requests) and i also have a narnia rewrite coming soon. from current drafts, it'll be edmund pevensie x reader as well.

i hope u enjoyed it xoxo

[chrissypoox2]

𝑻 𝑼 𝑹 𝑵 𝑰 𝑵 𝑮 𝑷 𝑨 𝑮 𝑬 (chapter 2)

Genre: Fluff, Angst

Pairing: Bangchan x Female Reader

Word Count:2,111

A/N: SOOOOo I'm back with the pt2 of turning page, I genuinely don't know how many chapters or seasons or whatever this series is gonna have, but I hope you guys stick around for it most of it. the storyline is going to be a little messy at first, it's more about giving information than focusing on Chris's past so then when the relationship comes up you can see and understand why he acts and does the things he does. The series does get pretty grim I think, but don't worry yall it'll be good I promise. I'll still be writing oneshots. Anyways please enjoy guys (˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧

TW: suggestions child abuse, violence

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"Chris? Is that you?" You come to a full stop when you reach the end of the stairs, everyone takes a sip of their beverages as they look at the interaction that you two share.

"Y-yeah-... you look amazing Y/n. I see that the city has been treating you well" He scratches the back of his neck with his left hand. Chris' body language spoke for itself when words failed him, he was nervous. 

"Yeah, I guess it has, you look amazing yourself Chris." You couldn't believe your eyes, seeing your once best friend, and first love standing right in front of you, it left you going through a rollercoaster of raw emotions. You continued down the stairs and could see everyone looking at you guys in awe, almost like the meeting between you two was planned out.  

"Well then now that, that's over. Let's carry on everyone" Your mom said flashing you a wide smile, she was up to something for sure. As the evening carried out, more and more people from the town began to pour into your house, and greetings from all the neighbors reminded you of the warm environment you had growing up. But something was off, while everyone was in the kitchen and living room enjoying the welcome back party, Chris wasn't anywhere to be found. Remembering when Chris was troubled or just needed to get away from large gatherings he would sit on your back porch and watch, listen to the crickets at night, and bask in nature. 

You made your way towards the back porch and heard him on the phone, you didn't want to interrupt but he sounded upset, he sounded more than upset, he was mad. Making sure you were unseen you listened in on the conversation.

"Well, what am I supposed to do? I didn't create this mess you did. So why should I have to deal with the consequences? I'm not selling the farm regardless of what you say. It's under my name, therefore, it is my property if you need money that bad get a job." Chris was pacing back and forth, you couldn't help but smile, even though he was upset, you were happy to see that he grew up being able to stand up for himself instead of being pushed around. You weren't able to hear what the person on the line said but it did set off a fuse in Chris. 

"WHY DON'T YOU JUST F*CK OFF ALREADY?!" Chris hung up and sat down letting out a huge sigh. 

Should I give him some space?

Your feet moved before you could finish your thoughts.

"Why aren't you enjoying the rest of the party?" You looked over to Chris from the door frame and when he turned to face you his expression changed completely. 

"I just had something to take care of, want to join me?" He scooted over making room for you on the bench and looked up at you with a warm grin. you nodded in agreement to accept his invitation and walked over to sit next to him. As you sat down Chris' arm was around you but leaned up against the bench, you felt a little tense, but it reminded you of your teenage years. You couldn't help but let out a little giggle which made Chris look at you. 

"What's so funny?" He looked at you concerned as your giggle turned into a laugh, which then turned into hysteria, you were laughing so hard that your stomach began to hurt and tears were coming from your eyes. 

"Are you okay? What got you laughing so hard?" Chris himself let out a giggle too. You try to compose yourself as the sentence forms together in between each laugh.

"Remember-...remember when back in high school-...you-...you pissed your pants in the hallway because you got jump scared by the mascot before the football game." Your cheeks began to burn with all the laughter. Chris also started to laugh with you. the laughing fit lasted for at least 3 minutes before both of you guys began to calm down. You looked up at Chris.

"I missed this, laughing at stupid things with you. How have you been? And don't give me some bullsh*t answer" You turned your entire body to face him, not breaking eye contact which you knew was the only way to get information out of him. 

"I've been good. Really. My dad moved out but gave me the farm which at first was hard because of the amount of debt he left for me, but I finally got it paid off so it's just easy cruising from here." Something else was bothering him, you wanted to ask about the phone call but not now, now wasn't the time to ask questions. You just wanted to catch up with him. 

"That's good to hear, I always wondered how you were doing when I left. Actually, sometimes I even thought about coming back just for you" You looked down and twiddled with your fingers, Chris looked at you with innocent eyes, almost resembling puppy eyes. 

"Of course you did, but I'm glad you didn't. I had to do a lot of growing after you left and it was something I needed to do on my own, I'll always be grateful for you Y/n. Actually, I wanna show you something, would you mind taking a drive with me?" Chris stood up and held his hand out, you quickly accepted it, but you didn't stop there. You pulled Chris into an embrace. 

"I'm grateful for you too Chrissy." Chris was a bit shocked by the sudden hug, but he hugged you back. You could feel the muscles from his biceps and when you touched his back you could then feel the back muscles he had developed. Your mom always told you those farmer men were either all muscle and hard work or no muscle and tended to cattle. 

TIME SKIP -

You and Chris hadn't been driving for too long, when you realized where you were headed too, you saw something incredible as he drove into the driveway of his renovated farm. Before his home was huge but looked just as dead as the inside did, and the field was empty, not a grain of wheat to be seen. What you're looking at now is the complete opposite of that. His home had color (of course it was the obvious white and blue wrap-around porch home he loved looking at in catalogs). The fields were not only filled with wheat but also sweet berries and orange and apple trees by the ton. Chris' dad inherited the farm from his dad before him. After Chris' mom's death, the farm turned into a wasteland, and his dad's mental health went with it. 

Before you could even realize it, Chris opened the passenger door helping you get out of his truck. 

"Chris this is so beautiful, I knew you would be good at stuff like home Renos, but this?! This is a full property flip!" You looked in awe at his home, you walked up to the front door and looked behind you, seeing that Chris was also looking at the house. He looked down at his shoes and then kicked the gravel on the floor. No one gave Chris that sort of appraisal, it was the first time in years that someone even complimented his hard work. He was so used to girls from the town telling him how good-looking he was but no one ever said anything about how hard-working and determined he was. Only you did that. 

"Hey! cmon, I wanna see the rest of your masterpiece" Chris looked up and walked towards the door unlocking it and opening the door, as you both stepped inside he turned on the lights, and although the design was nice, it was empty, barely any furniture or anything. You looked back, Chris was no less than 5 steps behind you, and then averted your gaze to the house again. 

"Why is there barely anything in here?" you walked back to Chris looking up at him, his gaze meeting yours. 

"Well, that's just the thing. When you told me about that whole high school thing it reminded me of why I couldn't finish the inside..." You looked puzzled. Why would you have anything to do with Chris decorating the inside. 

"I don't understand, why can't you finish it?"

"Because you promised me, to help make my house a home." Chris looked away from you and started walking into the house down each hallway, you closely followed. He stopped before he went upstairs to look at you. 

"Listen, before we go upstairs, my room is really messy and I'd just prefer if you didn't go in okay?" You nodded saying yes.

A man needs his space, but why does it feel like he is hiding something from me.

You continued to walk into the rooms and then he opened the door into his studio, he loved making music, it was his escape sometimes when you came over you would sit on his bed on your phone, and then he would play you something asking for you to rate the performance 1 out of 10, no matter what he produced and wrote they were always a 10 even more than a 10. You walked into the studio before Chris could close the door. In the corner was a desk with a bunch of paper splattered all over it. You looked down at them and then at Chris.

"Still making music I see." Teasing him. He blushed and then walked over to fix the papers.

"Yeah of course, what else would I be doing." Leaving a grin on his face.

"Are these all of our photos together over the years?" You stopped looking at a wall covered in framed and unframed pictures on the wall. Chris came up behind you and looked at them still with a smile on his face.

"Yeah it is, like I said, you're supposed to help me turn this house into a home." You looked at him and flashed a wide smile. Then you heard a thumping sound. Walking towards the sound Chris stops you and signals for you to stay put. Doing so, you watch as he walks into the other room across from the studio, looking in from the doorway of the studio, you could see a woman in the room. A pregnant woman. 

Why is there a pregnant woman in Chris' room? Does he have a girlfriend or even a wife perhaps?

You turn so that your back is facing the doorframe and your mind begins to run a madness, then Chris touches your shoulder and you shudder. 

"Sorry, sorry...I'm just a little psyched out right now. Would you mind taking me back home? I got a headache out of nowhere and it's starting to hurt a lot." Chris looks at you worried, not only for you but also for himself. He nods and guides you down the stairs. As you both enter the car, Chris stops and looks at you. 

"Hey before we get going-..." You looked down at your fingers and began to twiddle with them. 

"Would mind keeping this a secret. No one else knows about her, and I'm not sure what or how I would even bring it up." You had so many questions and you needed the answers to them now. 

"Who was she? Your girlfriend?" Chris looked at you then back to the wheel. 

"Well technically she is my stepmom but she is young enough to look like my girlfriend. A lot of things happened after you left and my dad became messier. I guess his alcohol really did have a death grip on him for him to impregnate a young girl." You let out a sigh but also looked at him concerned. Chris' dad was no younger than 50 and you both were in your mid-20s now. So for his dad for him to impregnate a younger woman, was a big deal and also kinda creepy. 

"What happens in vegas stays in vegas." You side-eye him holding back a laugh. You both start laughing and Chris drives you home. 

As you arrive you notice most of the cars aren't there anymore and you can hear the sounds of someone screaming and yelling inside. You hurry out of the car into the house Chris follows behind you in a hurry. As you open the door you see your mom on the ground bleeding and some tall guy right there on top of her.

TO BE CONTINUED

[kiri-ah]

“Oh my gosh, Chenle,” you say, letting him lead you out from the elevator. When he asked you to dress nicely you knew it was special, but this is more than you imagined. You’re up high, high enough that you’re able to see the rooftops of more than a few buildings from this vantage point. A cool breeze wafts around you, bringing the smell of fresh air. It’s rather unusual. 

You step onto fake grass, like a very high quality version of the turf on your high school football field. The place absolutely reeks of wealth, people of all genders bedecked in fancy jewellery and clothes you would never consider wearing but which are apparently high fashion. White metal tables are protected from the warm sun by mint green umbrellas, and tall straws protrude from milkshakes topped with gold leaf. Chenle leads you to a table marked with his name on a placard covered in what looks like silver glitter but is probably real precious metal. You wouldn't know how to tell the difference, this isn't really your scene. 

Chenle himself walks the fine line between chic and too dressed down for where you are. He has on a heather grey silk shirt that billows in that way that silk does when he moves, complemented by a pair of black slacks and his green hair. An absurd amount of rings rest on his fingers, but that's just to make sure the other patrons of the café recognize that he is not someone to be messed with. You actually feel like you dressed appropriately, with him next to you. Not too much, not too little. 

You open your menu and Chenle chuckles lightly. “So? What do you think of Café Geum?”  

You look around again before answering. “It's... Well, it definitely lives up to its name,”  you say, eyeing the gold leaf and fancy details on most of the food being served. “And the views of the city are amazing from up here. I've never been up to this level.”

“Well, there was that one time that you came up to my office, that’s pretty high up too,” he says. You blush at the memory.

“I wasn't paying much attention to the city on that occasion.” He laughs, loud and high pitched, and a few people look around at the noise.

“I know.”

 You look down at your menu again. “I have no clue what to get,” you admit. “I can't even pronounce half of these foods.”

“Okay,” he says easily. “I'll order for you, you just get yourself a drink.”

“Thank you.”

 When it comes down to it, you're a simple person, so you get the same thing you would order at a Starbucks, despite the extravagant options. You know it'll come with accoutrements anyway, so it'll be a safe sort of new. Chenle orders food for both of you, one of those dishes that you have no clue how to say. Once the waitress has walked away, you turn to Chenle. “So why are we here?”

He looks at you, confusion evident in his features. “I thought you said last week that you wanted to go on a café date? We’re at a café, and it's a date.”

You roll your eyes. “Well, yes, but why here specifically? Our food probably costs, like, half of my rent!”

He scoffs. “First of all, you know that I'm paying. Second, we came here because I thought you'd like it. I know high-end isn't your thing, but look at the buildings, look at the tiny people down below us! I thought you might be able to enjoy the experience, rather than worry about the prices of stuff.”  He offers you a small smile. “And also, my mom is always on my back about making sure you know your worth and stuff.”

 You smile back at him. “You're right. Seeing tiny people is totally worth it.”  A pout flits across his features and you laugh. “Honestly, Chenle, you could take me to any place or just sit me on the couch for takeout, I really don't care. Spending time with you is always appreciated after a long week.”  Another look settles onto his features.

“You know, you don't have to work, I could support us!” he says. You roll your eyes. 

“And do what, just sit around all day waiting for you at home? No thank you. Besides, you missed the point. I love you, and no amount of money, large or small, will change that.”

As he opens his mouth to respond, the waitress comes back with your drinks and you smile at him across the table, eagerly sipping your beverage. He smiles back.

“I love you more.”

All Rights Reserved kiri-ah 2021

[sparkleswritings]

Prompt 12 -> Cuddling by the fireplace + Kakashi Hatake

I think this might be one of my favourite works for him- But you guys can be the judge of that.

And yes, reader has some history with him, but what that consists of is up to your imagination ;)

Enjoy!

Word count: 959

Tags: Angst, fluff (?)

"Y/N," Kakashi's eyes widened upon seeing you, at his doorstep, looking rather dressed down considering the weather. "I have so many questions."

"I didn't think it'd snow and your place was the closest," you grumbled, not even bothering with the manners and pleasantries at this point. The cold can really make one snappy. "Now, are you going to let me in or what?"

"Well, I don't really want you freezing to death if I could help it," the door widened and he stepped to the side. 

You mumbled a thanks and rushed in, only to find that the interior was not as warm as you had thought.

"Kakashi- do you even turn on your heater?"

Said man shut the door behind him with a click before replying,"ah yeah, they're on. Is it not warm enough for you?"

"Not really…" you murmured, but you didn't exactly want to complain. Considering your vague relationship status with him, him letting you in was already something to be grateful for.

"Can I just, maybe, make tea for myself? Or anything you have really, I'll be out of your hair as soon as I'm warmed up."

And you meant it. You wanted to get out and come back home as fast as possible, but with the winds picking up and the snow falling faster and thicker, it doesn't look like you could anytime soon.

"You know, funny thing is I ran out of hot beverages. I would go out to buy some but," Kakashi gestured to the window then bent down to open a drawer. "Will warm water do?"

"Yes," you said, cupping your hands around your mouth and breathing into them. A minute longer out there and you'd surely turn into an icicle. This is why you need to read up on the weather report sometimes.

You could hear Kakashi rummage around for a glass, pouring some water into it, but other than that the room was silent. So silent it made you uncomfortable. But what were you expecting? Asking him about his plans for the holidays? Or even worse, asking him how his life was at the moment? Such small talk would've been possible if it weren't for-

"Here you go," your thoughts were interrupted by him handing you a steaming cup of water. 

"Thank you," you said, making sure your hands did not touch while he was passing the cup to you. The warmth instantly made you loosen up a little and for the first time since you got here, you took a good look around.

"Never knew you had a fireplace."

He was out of your sight, so you didn't know what he was doing or even where he was, but you assumed he was by the window where you saw a plain wooden chair had been.

"It's built in. I never use it though, except during Christmas day when the kids come to visit."

At that, a small smile tugged at your lips. Before you could stop yourself, you had asked yet another question.

"How are they? Naruto, and Sakura? And Sasuke?" 

You heard Kakashi let out a breathy chuckle,"Naruto's grown quite nicely, still as spritely as ever though. Sakura's in med school now as far as I'm concerned. And Sasuke's...well, the same as he's always been."

"I'm glad to hear that," you pulled the now empty cup close to your chest, its warmth cooling rapidly now that its heat source was gone. 

As if on cue, the doors and windows rattled slightly. The snow looked like it was getting worse. You shivered.

"I'll be right back," Kakashi said all of a sudden. You turned round and saw him getting up from that wooden chair you pictured him sitting in. Ah, he was reading that god awful book series. Was he still into that kind of thing? Thinking about just how much you missed made a pang of nostalgia echo from your chest to your ears, much like how the physical cold had made you feel. 

You shivered.

With all that was going on inside your head, you didn't notice him come back, but you were forced to notice when the fireplace blazed into life.

"You didn't...have to do that," you squirmed in your seat, now comfortably warmed by the roaring flames. Why did he have to be so caring? When you were the one who technically barged in unnoticed. 

Kakashi just shrugged, before sitting beside you with a distance in between, reopening that book you saw him reading earlier.

Silence again. And you couldn't bear it. This god be damned snow had brought you to face old memories you thought you forgot, but still deeply cared about. Curse it all. 

You were warm on the outside now. But why were you still feeling cold? Where was it that the flames couldn't reach?

"Kakashi."

Through your quickly blurring sights, you could see him turn to face you out of the corner of your eye. 

"You don't have to...and I-i'm being selfish but-" you struggled to say the words without quivering, tears that should have fallen a long time ago now falling down the sides of your cheeks. "Would you hold...me?"

It was a ridiculous request. And you wouldn't even be upset if he didn't comply, but as those oh so familiar strong arms wrap around you and the feeling of his head on your shoulder, the something that has been keeping all the hurt back broke. And you broke. But it was looking like it'll all be alright now, because he was here now.

Even if the heartbreak was your own fault, even if this relief was only temporary, you were glad he still embraces you like he did the first time.

[justrandomselfships]

Little steps- my self insert Fic (S/I POV) with a bunch of silly illustrations! Oh did I mention that this involves Kaeya? Well he's the main focus here even though Lisa is mentioned shit ton of times! Might write something for her focus too someday.

I finished it ages ago but I was afraid to post it- I'm not anymore and also✨ it's my birthday ✨

~~

Ever since I joined the knights I decided to write in a diary, it helped me keep track of time. Lisa told me that it can help me in various ways, like for example remembering names of the other knights, or checking my personal progress. Now that I think about it, it was long since I checked my old entries. Nothing interesting happened today anyway so I might as well read some. I don't really remember anything that was going on when I started so I suppose I could refresh my memory.

Today Lisa wanted to introduce me to someone- she probably wanted to help me by looking for training partner for me, however I had to refuse. You probably remember why was that, I got scared of meeting someone new again. I couldn't get that mess on her shoulders when she has so much to do as it is! And there was no way I'd meet them alone it'd be too akward for both of us!

I remember the exact moment I tried to come up with an excuse for future me... It kinda made me giggle how stupid I am sometimes, but let's look at something else...

I've never felt as lonely as I do now, I don’t even know why. I don’t miss anyone nor I ever craved any interactions... But to make that feeling go away I thought about talking to Amber but when I left the house she was talking to Noelle and I got scared to approach them... Instead I decided to sketch something and stay inside for the rest of the day.

I immediately looked at my sketchbook, I don't even have to look inside, I was drawing what's outside my window like always. Maybe I'll find some better memory if I keep looking?

During my patrol I got a bit lost... It was scary... But I wasn't alone, an Adventurer found me... However he got lost too. It was a bit unlucky day since I picked the wrong maps, we also got attacked a few times by monsters. I kinda feel bad for him since he tried his best to cheer me up but I stayed silent. It should've been other way around a knight shouldn't le

Bennett! How could I forget his name when I was writing this? He was such a sweetheart I obviously had to mess it up and make him feel uncomfortable... But I did make up for it! Maybe I'll finally read something positive? I somehow can't remember how exactly that went... Or if I was daydreaming about apologizing?

I decided to bake something for Bennett as thank you and apology for acting so cold towards him. But I had no idea on how to find him... Or what to say... So after thinking for few minutes I decided to talk to Katherine and ask her to give it to him. After "talking" to her I locked myself in my room out of embarrassment, I messed up again. I just said "Bennett" placed my pastries and left. Now I probably won't be able to face her for at LEAST two months.

I cringe at the memory... Gosh now this will keep me up at night for sure... I finally forgot about it and now it'll haunt me.

Wait a second... Did I really not made any progress at all!? I was trying so hard to socialize with others and get out more but I seem to still not be able to do it right. No, it's impossible. I'm good friends with Lisa! So I definitely made any progress... Or is she just so easy to talk to? Time to take a final look at something recent for a change...

Capitan Kaeya Alberich wanted to talk to me outside work... It might not sound like a big deal but somehow I just froze... I wasn't able to respond properly and he probably guessed what I was going to say, not that he ever can't do that... I might be too predictable. Either way I feel bad, my behavior was really disrespectful and I knew better than that to just ignore someone like him. I still have much to learn and I'll need to properly apologize for staying silent.

I only ever failed... There is no mistaking it. Great way to note down progress huh? Too bad there is none.

Think, what do I need to do to finally do better? I am the problem for sure but what do I really need to change? Maybe I should just start observing how others act... After all I never bothered to do that. It might help in one way or another...

Obviously there's only one place where there is a lot of people and I won't look like a total creep if I'll just listen in the conversations and look at random people... It's no other than the tavern. I'm scared to go there alone... But I don't have to!

Lisa would be willing to go right?... Then again I rely on her a bit too much and going out like this could be an opportunity to break the ice with someone else...

Jean is always busy, Amber will be way too distracting and we might end up somewhere else, Eula is too scary, Venti... I don't even know why I'm considering him.

Maybe that offer from capitan Kaeya still stands? It's from bearly 2 weeks ago so maybe if I get lucky and he happens to still be interested, I can actually go...

What am I even thinking!? I didn't even apologize for the last time... But being around so many drunk people is terrifying... However I can't bet on the fact that he won't drink too much... On the other hand he seems to handle people and I'll definitely learn something.

Screw it. It might be scary but I need to do it. Tomorrow I'll ask him! That's for sure! He's the most respectable and trustworthy person who isn't always busy and will not distract me.

~⏳

I'm scared to do it but I have to! I need to... Did I really say that I'm gonna do it today? Or should I just pretend that I never thought of it. He's probably busy today. Yup definitely that no need to feel stressed.

I haven't seen him back at the headquarters nor did I see him around town when I was coming back from my patrol- that's a good sign. It's still pretty early but I don't think that I'll see him today... What a relief!

Before I left the headquarters after finishing some paperwork I hear a voice that belongs to a beautiful librarian I am lucky to be able to call a friend.

"Hey there cutie, are you okay?"

"Just a little bit nervous that's all, nothing new haha"

"Do you need me to pass a message again?"

"No need! It's something I need to say myself..."

"I see..."

"But if you happen to see capitan Kaeya it would be nice if you could tell him that I was looking for him" out of habit I grab my hair and begin to play with it. Lisa's warm soothing voice blessed my ears as she said "No worries darling, I'll let him know" before she left and giggled to herself...

Wait... Oh no.

Why did I say anything!? Is she that magical that I can't say anything but what's on my mind.

If she happens to meet him my request will be unavoidable! Even if I tried thinking of something else Kaeya will know that I'm lying. I can't avoid him either... Can't waste his precious time...

How do I even ask him!? Do I need to change from my work clothes before I go? What should I do...

I didn't realize that I started walking in circles before someone approached me.

"Heather?"

I turn around and see the man I was thinking about all day. Dammit... I have to say it. I can't think of an excuse and staying silent is now unacceptable.

"Oh-uhm... Greetings Capitan Kaeya"

"Lisa informed me that you were looking for me"

"Oh right!... That... Haha..."

"I don't want to rush you, however I do have some business to attend to"

"I'm so sorry! I mean- since you're busy then my silly request is irrelevant"

"Come now, I believe that I should be the judge of that" his smug look made it ever so slightly more challenging to say anything.

"I just... Ugh..." I took a deep breath "Look as you know I was trying to loosen up recently and well I realized that I wasn't making any progress at all. So I remembered that one time you asked me to go to the tavern with you and I refused... I mean ignored you, which I am VERY sorry about but now I think that it was a mistake and today I wanted to ask you to accompany me but since you're busy let's just forget about everything" I felt relieved getting that off my chest.

"I don't think that will do, in fact I was heading towards the tavern so if you really want to I suppose you can join me" Oh right... I forgot about him gathering some information there from time to time. So it might work after all! He won't pay too much attention to me and I could investigate without tons of distractions.

"Let's get going then capitan" I say before he smiles softly in response "Wait do you want to get going now or-"

"Yes" he cut me off, which was fair and I'm glad he did it before I said something dumb.

We're almost there. Before we get closer I suddenly stop.

"That reminds me!" I realized I spoke out loud, as he looked at my direction my confidence dropped dead "I've never actually tried any alcohol so would you be so kind to recommend something for me? I figured that since I'm already getting out of my comfort zone might as well try something new" I said under my breath but he definitely understood what I meant judging by his facial expression and well... response.

"Absolutely" my heart skipped a beat. I desperately tried to start a conversation topic... But choosing alcohol might be something I'll regret...

Kaeya started listing few drinks I could enjoy his words were poetic as he described the beverages, however the names of the drinks went over my head. It wasn't that bad but I just felt stupid over how clueless I was. He definitely knew what he was talking about and I'm more than interested in hearing more. The more he talks the less likely I am to say something I'll regret.

"Obviously since I don't know how much you can handle I won't be forcing you to try too much too soon" he paused "Your father probably wouldn't be happy either if you returned drunk" he said teasingly. It invited me to respond less seriously.

"Oh no! This means that we'll have to do it again, how awful"

"We didn't enter yet so you can feel free to leave now before you regret spending time with me of all people" his voice was now suddenly much more hostile... Did I mess it up!?

He laughed softly "I'm sorry did I go too far? While I don't want to force you to do anything, I won't lie... I'm a bit curious to learn something new about you tonight"

We were still outside standing right in front of the entrance to the tavern if not for chatting we could hear from the inside there would be total silence.

"I'm sorry for being quiet again! It's just that you caught me off guard haha" I look away "There isn't much to know about me so I feel like I'll only disappoint you"

"I'm not so sure about that part"

"Wait... Did my father tell you anything about me!?"

"Look let's just get inside, We'll discuss it later"

Nervously I followed him yet again. The atmosphere was warm and I could see different kinds of people all over the place. We sit down.

"So did he tell you anything?" I ask immediately.

"Relax, he didn't" he seemed amused by my desperation to know. It's understandable... And I'm probably overreacting anyway. I collect my thoughts "I'm sorry"

"What are you sorry for?"

"I'm just making this into some big deal for no reason. Maybe the reason is the huge amount of respect I have for you that makes me freak out"

"I see, well I don't see the reason to be so formal now. We aren't working after all" his soft smile was enough for me to calm down.

"Thank you" Maybe it was all I needed to hear, after that everything went smoothly.

I start feeling proud of myself... Maybe I can change after all? Either way it only shows that I have to write it down! And once I was back home I did just that.

Today I had enough courage to take a step in right direction! I went to a tavern with capitan Kaeya. It was fun and for the first time in years I wasn't that scared. It wasn't totally perfect but it was definitely worth it.