#Silent Heartstrings [modern au]

[dragonofthestone]

( @aquaticsoul ; modern verse ) ->

There's just something about being done with the day that's all too pleasing to him.

Classes are nice and out of the way, his shift at the café is almost over with, and he can finally look forward to a hot shower to get all the stresses of the afternoon washed down the drain.

Whoever said that college was supposed to be the best four years of his life had certainly not been serious. Moving all the way out here away from everything he's ever known to a different timezone entirely is... rough, to say the least. He can barely even talk to his sister, and that's awful enough, but to make everything harder, he chose a major that's extremely demanding of him, picked up a job to pay rent at his apartment since his prior roommate situation had not worked out, and he still has to make time for himself somehow.

But tonight starts the weekend, and for once his weekend is free for him to just relax.

The bell chimes overhead, telling him there's at least one more person to serve before he can start closing - alone, damn his coworker - but...

Well, he can't be too angry with them. A kid shuffles in with an armful of books and a worn instrument case that looks pretty familiar given its odd green coloring.

Was this kid taking lessons with his friend?

Either way, the poor guy looks discouraged, and it's absolutely freezing outside anyway.

"Coming in to hide from the cold?" he asks. "I can make you a warm drink, if you want."

Glancing back down at the card his father had given with the address that his father had gotten through when talking with a patient at his clinic and simply urged Timaeus to take a look, at the very least it would get him out of the house for a bit.

Not exactly what he'd expected from a place that'd teach music, nor did he recall there being a cafe there in the first place but he didn't often come this far into town and the name was right so this had to be it.

Not that he saw any reason to bother, why would this turn out any different then the last four? And he'd managed this long with what little self teaching he'd done, what was so wrong with that.

Timaeus didn't even blame them, most of them had been fairly nice and patient, trying their best to explain something as basic as reading scales but it never made sense to him. Trying to memorize all those dots and lines, what went where, it never made sense and was almost as frustrating as reading and did almost as badly as when he'd had to learn Amestrian in school.

So after the last teacher turned out to be to be a to strict ass that his father quickly put an end not more then a month in he hadn't gone to any since.

That had been several years ago, back when Alec was still around, before the accident. With it taking both his brother and the sight from his right eye. After that he all but closed off to people and had barely even tried playing, sometimes it helped other times it just hurt to much.

With a sigh he adjusted the guitar case slung over his left shoulder, shifting the books the freckled, olive skinned boy pushed the door entering, a dark mess of waves and curly bangs partially covering the right side of his face.

After a small jump in surprise not having even noticed the man at first he removed an earbud looking over in the direction of the speaker, noticing now something of an accent to their voice the second time he spoke. Though couldn't place from where it might be.

He was always a bit impressed whenever he heard some able to speak another language not their own so well, he could only barely flounder through Amestrian.

"Um..." It seemed rude to turn him down but he didn't exactly have much on him at the moment, he gave a small shrug with a 'i don't know' sound "How..how much is it?"

Timaeus glanced around wondering if this really was the right place or if they were even working that day.

"I thought this was a music place,"

[naomeii]

Eclipsed Hearts.

—Pairings: Diluc x F!Reader x Kaeya

(a/n : i keep hurting kaeya cuz he reminds me too much of certain someone- oof. // definitely not reflecting my own messed up love life in the fics *cough* *cough*)

Content : Angst, toxic relationships, cheating, drinking, smut, f!reader, oral (f!receiving), modern au.

Synopsis : Kaeya and Diluc, find themselves entangled in a love triangle with Y/n. Diluc, harboring feelings for Y/n, steps aside when Kaeya confesses his love. However, as the years pass and college life introduces new challenges, Kaeya's immaturity leads to toxicity in their relationship with Y/n.

Diluc couldn't forget the day they moved into the neighborhood. The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over the streets as boxes were being carried into the new house. He was helping his parents, carrying items from the car when he caught sight of a figure peeking from behind a nearby fence. It was Y/n, a curious expression on her face as she observed him working.

As he made eye contact and waved, Y/n's cheeks flushed, and she quickly ducked out of sight. There was something about her shyness that tugged at Diluc's heartstrings. Little did he know, that moment would linger in his mind for years to come.

The next encounter was when Y/n's mother insisted she take over a box of homemade confectioneries as a welcoming gift. This time, it was Kaeya who opened the door. His mischievous blue eyes widened in surprise at the offering, and a playful grin spread across his face as he accepted it.

"Hey there! You must be our new neighbor. I'm Kaeya, nice to meet you!" he greeted cheerfully.

Y/n couldn't help but smile at his friendly demeanor, and that simple interaction sparked the beginning of their friendship. Days turned into weeks, and soon, the trio found themselves spending more time together, sharing laughs, secrets, and growing closer.

~

As the years passed, the trio's bond strengthened, but the dynamics were shifting beneath the surface. Kaeya's feelings for Y/n were becoming increasingly evident to Diluc, and though he had long buried his own emotions, it didn't make the situation any easier.

One day, as they sat on the rooftop of Y/n's house, Kaeya couldn't help but gaze at Y/n with a soft smile. "You know, Y/n, there's something about you that makes every moment brighter," he confessed, his usually playful demeanor giving way to a rare sincerity.

Diluc, who was sitting next to them, raised an eyebrow. "Kaeya, since when did you become so sentimental?" he teased, masking the sting in his heart.

Kaeya shot him a look, a mixture of annoyance and amusement. "I'm being serious for once, brother. Y/n, I... I really like you."

Y/n, surprised but not entirely unaware of Kaeya's growing feelings, blushed. "Kaeya, you're such a goofball, but I like you too."

Diluc's heart sank, but he managed to maintain a facade of indifference. He teased Kaeya mercilessly after that, making light of his brother's newfound romance. Yet, every joke felt like a stab, a reminder of what could have been.

Despite the pain he felt, Diluc couldn't bring himself to resent Kaeya or Y/n. Kaeya, in his own way, genuinely cared for Y/n, and Y/n was happy. Diluc buried his feelings deeper, a silent sacrifice for the sake of their friendship.

One evening, as they strolled through the neighborhood, Diluc couldn't shake the ache in his chest. "You two are disgustingly sweet, you know that?" he remarked, his tone playful.

Kaeya smirked, throwing an arm around Y/n's shoulders. "It's called being in love, dear brother. You should try it sometime."

Y/n laughed, and Diluc, despite the pain, smiled. "Maybe one day, Kaeya. Just maybe."

~

As they entered college, the once harmonious dynamic between Kaeya, Y/n, and Diluc began to show signs of strain. The demands of their studies, coupled with the distance from their childhood home, started to take a toll on their relationship.

Living in separate apartments, Kaeya and Diluc found themselves sharing a space again, but this time, it was different. Arguments became frequent, mostly stemming from Kaeya's carefree lifestyle clashing with Diluc's more serious nature. Y/n, caught in the middle, tried her best to mediate but often ended up feeling torn between her two closest friends.

Late-night conversations turned into heated disagreements, and more often than not, Y/n would storm out of Kaeya's apartment, tears streaming down her face. It had become a routine, and Diluc couldn't bear to see her hurt, but he was also grappling with his own conflicted emotions.

Watching Y/n leave yet again, Diluc sighed, knowing that Kaeya's immaturity was causing the rift. He had always harbored feelings for Y/n, but he had buried them to preserve their friendship. However, seeing her distressed because of Kaeya tore at his resolve.

He paced back and forth in their apartment, his thoughts in turmoil. Should he intervene? Confess his feelings? But the fear of ruining what little harmony remained between them held him back.

Finally, making a decision, Diluc grabbed his jacket and hurried after Y/n. He found her sitting on a bench a few blocks away, tears still staining her cheeks.

"Y/n," he called softly, sitting beside her.

She looked up, surprised to see him. "Diluc? What are you doing here?"

"I couldn't just let you leave like that," he admitted, his usual stoic facade softening. "Are you okay?"

Y/n nodded, but her eyes betrayed her emotions. "I don't know what to do, Diluc. Everything feels so complicated."

He hesitated, then gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "I know it's hard, but you don't have to face this alone. We'll figure it out together, alright?"

Diluc found solace in the reminiscing, a bittersweet comfort amidst the turmoil. Y/n's tear-stained face slowly transformed into a faint smile as they recollected the simpler times of their childhood. The only sound being the soft rustle of leaves and occasional cars passing by.

"It feels like a different lifetime, doesn't it?" Y/n mused, wiping away the remnants of her tears.

"It does," Diluc agreed softly. "Back when our biggest worry was the flavor of ice cream we'd get."

A gentle breeze swept through, causing a stray strand of Y/n's hair to dance across her face. Without thinking, Diluc reached out and tucked it behind her ear, a gesture born of care and familiarity.

Y/n's surprised gaze met his, and for a moment, the air filled with unspoken words. Diluc, realizing the intimacy of his action, quickly withdrew his hand, an apology forming on his lips.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—" he began, but Y/n interrupted with a gentle touch on his arm.

"It's okay, Diluc," she said softly, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "Thank you."

Their gazes lingered, a multitude of emotions passing between them in that fleeting moment. Diluc's heart raced, unsure of how to navigate his unspoken feelings. He wanted to say more, to express the years of hidden affection, but the weight of their friendship held him back.

"I should probably get you back home," he finally spoke, a hint of regret tainting his words.

Y/n nodded, a mix of understanding and curiosity in her eyes. As they walked back in silence, the evening's revelations hung heavy in the air, leaving Diluc grappling with his emotions, uncertain of what the future held for their tangled relationships.

~

The apartment was draped in an uneasy silence as Diluc quietly entered, his eyes avoiding the piercing gaze of his brother. Kaeya sat on the couch, his attention seemingly fixated on the TV, but his mind clearly preoccupied with thoughts that mirrored Diluc's own.

"Where were you?" Kaeya's question cut through the stillness, the undertone revealing a mixture of concern and insecurity.

"Out for a walk," Diluc replied, his voice steady but devoid of its usual warmth. He knew Kaeya was aware that he went after Y/n, and the unspoken tension in the room thickened.

"Really? At this hour? At least find a good excuse when you're trying to lie," Kaeya retorted, his frustration evident.

Diluc's jaw clenched, irritation simmering beneath the surface. He resisted the urge to snap back, realizing that this wasn't just about the late-night stroll. The unresolved issues between them were casting a shadow over the apartment.

Ignoring Kaeya's continued probing, Diluc retreated to his room, closing the door behind him. The walls seemed to close in as he grappled with conflicting emotions. Kaeya's accusations stung, but the real source of pain lay in the unspoken truth that Diluc had been avoiding for too long.

Kaeya, too, sat in the dimly lit living room, a frown creasing his features. He knew Diluc's feelings for Y/n ran deep, hidden beneath layers of brotherly camaraderie. The discovery of Y/n's picture in Diluc's diary once had been a revelation he chose to keep to himself, a silent acknowledgment of a truth that could shatter the fragile balance they had maintained.

As the night wore on, the brothers remained ensnared in the unspoken tensions that swirled between them, each grappling with their own insecurities and unexpressed desires.

~

Later in the middle of the night the soft glow of Kaeya's phone illuminated the darkened room as he swiftly typed out a casual "hey" to someone. His actions were shrouded in secrecy, a clandestine exchange that echoed the shadows of deceit.

Minutes later, the door closed quietly behind Kaeya as he slipped out of the apartment, leaving behind an atmosphere thick with unspoken tension. He navigated the quiet streets, his steps laden with guilt and a tangled web of conflicting emotions.

As Kaeya walked, his mind replayed fragments of his relationship with Y/n—the arguments, the unresolved conflicts, the fragile trust that teetered on the edge of doubt. His affair with another woman was a secret he buried deep within, a clandestine escape from the complexities of his relationship with Y/n.

Despite the trust she placed in him, their relationship had become a battleground of misunderstandings and disagreements, leaving Kaeya seeking solace in moments that promised temporary respite from the turmoil.

Arriving at a nondescript location, Kaeya's heart clenched with a mixture of guilt and desperation. His actions were veiled in secrecy, a facade carefully constructed to shield his indiscretions from the piercing gaze of the one he professed to care for.

The night enveloped him in a shroud of secrecy as he stepped into the dimly lit establishment, seeking solace in the embrace of someone who offered fleeting comfort amidst the chaos of his tangled emotions.

~

In the following days, Y/n remained unaware of Kaeya's clandestine activities. Oblivious to his indiscretions, she poured her heart into mending the frayed threads of their relationship. Determined to reconcile the rifts that had formed between them, she approached Kaeya with a genuine desire to heal their bond.

Their conversations became more heartfelt, sprinkled with laughter and moments of genuine connection. Y/n's efforts seemed to bear fruit as Kaeya reciprocated, his demeanor softer, his words carrying a sincerity that momentarily masked the shadows lurking beneath the surface.

They took walks in the park, shared meals together, and engaged in heartfelt conversations that hinted at a semblance of normalcy returning to their relationship. Y/n's heart swelled with hope, believing that perhaps they were finally moving past the storm that had clouded their connection.

Kaeya, too, found solace in these moments, the guilt of his actions momentarily pushed aside by the warmth of Y/n's efforts to mend their relationship. He immersed himself in these fleeting moments of tranquility, longing for a semblance of peace amidst the chaos he had wrought.

However, beneath the facade of reconciliation, lies the unspoken truth that threatened to unravel everything. The shadows of Kaeya's infidelity lingered, a ticking time bomb poised to shatter the fragile peace they were trying so desperately to rebuild.

As the days passed, the tension simmered beneath the surface, casting a looming shadow over their efforts to mend what was broken.

~

The following week there was a party for one of their mutual friend and the three were invited along with others, the night was alive with music and laughter as Y/n, Kaeya, and Diluc found themselves at a lively party. The atmosphere seemed to resonate with joy, momentarily pushing aside the shadows that lingered within their intertwined relationships. The trio immersed themselves in the festivities, trying to relive the carefree moments of their past.

As the night progressed, Y/n couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Kaeya's discomfort was evident, his usual charm overshadowed by an unspoken tension. Concern etched across her face, she leaned towards Kaeya and gently asked, "Is everything okay, Kaeya? Do you want to go home?"

Kaeya, attempting to mask his unease, dismissed her concern with a forced smile. "I'm fine. Just need a moment," he replied, excusing himself to the restroom.

But Y/n, intuition guiding her, noticed Kaeya heading in the opposite direction. Suspicion gnawed at her, and without a second thought, she discreetly followed him, weaving through the vibrant crowd until she overheard a conversation that shattered the illusion of their mended relationship.

"I told you! I'm done with you. Things are fine between Y/n and me now, so leave me alone, we're done" Kaeya's voice, laced with frustration and anger, sliced through the air. Y/n's heart sank as the weight of his words settled in, and she noticed a woman standing close to Kaeya, way to close for her likings, and she connected the dots.

Staggering back to the heart of the party, her emotions in turmoil, Y/n sought refuge in a cascade of shots, the bitter liquid offering a temporary escape. Diluc, sensing her distress, intercepted her path, a furrow forming on his brow. "Y/n?" he called out, concern etched across his face.

She looked up, her eyes clouded with a mix of pain and confusion. "Diluc," she muttered, her voice trembling. "I thought… I thought things were getting better."

Diluc, his gaze piercing through the facade of the lively party, guided Y/n to a quieter corner. "What happened? Tell me," he urged, his concern deepening as he sensed the unraveling of their carefully constructed reality.

Y/n just shrugged, intoxicated already, as her words were slurred, "Take me home please."

Diluc's worry intensified as he noticed Y/n's slurred words and the haze of intoxication clouding her usual clarity. Without hesitation, he nodded solemnly, supporting her as they made their way out of the party.

The night air was a sharp contrast to the chaotic energy of the gathering, the silence enveloping them as they ventured back towards their apartment. Y/n leaned on Diluc, her thoughts a tangled mess amidst the alcohol-induced haze.

They walked in a heavy silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Diluc's concern for Y/n deepened, his mind grappling with the weight of the situation. He wanted to ask, to understand, but the inebriated state Y/n was in made him choose silence, allowing her the space she needed in that moment.

Upon reaching their apartment, Diluc guided Y/n inside, settling her down with a glass of water. She sat on the couch, her eyes distant, the events of the night casting a shadow over her usual vivacious spirit.

"Are you okay?" Diluc finally ventured, his voice gentle, yet filled with worry.

Y/n's response was a weary nod, her gaze fixed on a distant point. "I just want to forget tonight," she mumbled, her words tinged with both sadness and frustration.

Diluc sighed softly, a mix of emotions swirling within him. He wanted to erase the pain etched on her face, to shield her from the hurt caused by the unraveling of their relationships. But in that moment, all he could offer was quiet companionship.

Sitting beside her, he draped a blanket over Y/n's shoulders, a silent gesture of comfort.

The apartment was draped in an unsettling silence, disrupted only by the occasional sound of Y/n's stifled sniffling. Diluc sat beside her, the air heavy with unspoken words. The glow of their phones intermittently broke the stillness as notifications from Kaeya flooded in.

Diluc picked up his phone, the screen ablaze with messages from his brother. The words flickered with concern, confusion, and a hint of desperation. Each message intensified the guilt that gnawed at Diluc. He hesitated for a moment, conflicted, before crafting a calculated response.

"Hey, have you seen Y/n?" Kaeya's message read. Diluc replied, his fingers moving deliberately across the screen, "I don't know. I haven't seen her, I left the party early." The next message came quickly, "Diluc? Where are you?" "I'm out for some fresh air. Don't worry about it," Diluc replied, a lie dripping from his words. "Are you and Y/n together?" Diluc's jaw clenched, the weight of deception settling in. "No, we're not. I don't know where she is either."

The messages kept coming, each one more desperate than the last. Diluc, feeling a mix of guilt and frustration, decided to take a drastic step. He turned off his phone, then reached over to Y/n's, silencing the incessant buzzing.

The room fell into a profound silence once again, the digital world shut out as Diluc contemplated the consequences of his actions. Y/n, still lost in her thoughts, remained oblivious to the web of lies being woven around her.

"You know, I loved you when I first saw you," Y/n murmured breaking the silence, her words slurred with the effects of the alcohol. Diluc's heart skipped a beat at Y/n's confession, her words lingering in the air like a delicate melody. He felt her soft touch cupping his face, her intoxicated gaze meeting his.

Diluc's breath caught in his throat. "W-what?" he stammered, unable to conceal the surprise and a flicker of hope that danced in his eyes.

Y/n giggled, her laughter echoing in the quiet room. She leaned into him, her words a cascade of raw emotions. "Yeah, but I thought you didn't feel the same, so I moved on."

The confession hung in the air, a revelation that seemed to stretch the boundaries of time. Diluc, grappling with the weight of her words, felt a rush of conflicting emotions. The revelation opened a door to a past that he had carefully locked away.

Still intoxicated, Y/n huffed, her expression thoughtful. "I wonder if things would've been different if…"

Diluc's curiosity peaked. "If what?" he pressed, the air thick with unspoken possibilities.

"If I didn't move on," Y/n mused, her gaze distant, lost in a world of 'what-ifs.'

Y/n's words flowed in a gentle, intoxicated cadence, her eyes glazed with memories of a distant past. "I thought your red hair was so pretty," she confessed softly, her voice carrying a wistful tone. "When you were carrying the boxes and caught me peeking, I froze on the spot."

Diluc's heart fluttered at her words, a rush of emotions surging within him. Her confession painted a vivid picture of their intertwined past, bringing to light emotions he had long buried.

Y/n, now lost in reminiscence, continued, "You looked so serious, but there was something in your eyes… I don't know, I just couldn't look away."

Her words wrapped around Diluc, unraveling the layers of his guarded heart. The memories of their shared past flooded his mind, a kaleidoscope of moments he had cherished and kept hidden.

"I remember that day," he admitted quietly, a hint of vulnerability seeping into his tone. "I was nervous, moving into a new neighborhood and caught someone watching me."

Y/n's gaze met his, a mixture of nostalgia and newfound understanding in her eyes. "I didn't think you'd remember," she said, a small smile playing on her lips.

Diluc's lips curved into a tender smile. "How could I forget?" he murmured, the weight of unspoken emotions lingering between them.

Y/n, her mood lightening, decided to break the emotional tension with a playful joke. "I mean, who would've thought, right?" she teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Me, falling for the guy carrying boxes like some romance novel cliche."

Diluc chuckled, the weight in the room lifting with her lighthearted remark. "Well, if life were a romance novel, we'd be in for quite the plot twist."

Y/n grinned, her laughter echoing in the room. "Plot twist? More like a rollercoaster with unexpected loops and turns."

As their banter continued, Diluc found himself caught in the current of shared memories and newfound openness. The air, still tinged with laughter, carried a sense of vulnerability that lingered between them.

He glanced at Y/n, her eyes sparkling with the remnants of intoxication, and a sudden surge of courage overcame him. "You know," he began, his tone sincere, "that day, when I caught you looking at me, something changed for me too."

Y/n's gaze shifted to him, curiosity replacing the playful glint in her eyes. "Changed? How so?"

Diluc took a deep breath, his words weighed with a vulnerability he seldom revealed. "I fell for you that same day, Y/n. But… I was scared. Scared of ruining our friendship, scared of what it might mean. So, I kept it to myself."

Y/n's expression softened, a mix of surprise and understanding in her eyes. "You… liked me back then?"

Diluc nodded, a rueful smile playing on his lips. "More than I'd like to admit. But I didn't want to complicate things."

Y/n, despite the intoxication, sensed the sincerity in Diluc's words. She reached over, gently placing a hand on his, a silent acknowledgment of the shared emotions that had long remained unspoken.

In the hushed aftermath of their confessions, Diluc's gaze inadvertently drifted to Y/n's lips. A subtle tension hung in the air, charged with unspoken desires that had lingered beneath the surface for far too long.

Y/n, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, felt her heartbeat quicken. The room seemed to contract, leaving only the shared vulnerability and the unspoken tension that wove a delicate web between them.

Diluc gulped, the weight of his unspoken feelings pulsating in the charged air. His eyes lingered on Y/n's lips for a fleeting moment, a silent admission of the desires he had long suppressed.

The silence stretched, a breath caught in the precipice of anticipation. The confessions, the shared history, and the unspoken currents of attraction converged in that suspended moment.

Y/n, her own heart racing, met Diluc's gaze with a mixture of understanding and a hint of something more. The delicate dance between them, once obscured by fear and hesitation, now unfolded in the quiet space they had created.

It was a moment suspended in time, a culmination of unspoken desires and shared emotions. Diluc, emboldened by the absence of discomfort in Y/n's response, closed the distance between them.

Their lips met in a gentle collision, a tender exploration that ignited a familiar spark, reigniting the embers of feelings long suppressed. The kiss became an intricate dance, their tongues engaged in a silent conversation, each movement a testament to the depth of their unspoken desires.

Y/n, feeling the rush of emotions, snaked her hand around Diluc's neck, pulling him closer, a silent plea for more. Diluc, overcome by the whirlwind of old feelings resurfacing, responded with a delicate urgency.

As the kiss deepened, a rush of familiarity intertwined with the rush of something new. Diluc gently guided Y/n back, the cushions of the couch providing a soft landing. Their embrace grew more passionate, the past and present colliding in a whirlwind of emotions and unspoken truths.

Y/n's hands moved with a deliberate slowness, undoing the buttons of Diluc's shirt one by one.

Diluc's hands roamed, a gentle exploration of Y/n's body. Fingers traced the contours of her skin, mapping the familiar terrain as if committing every curve to memory. The silence between them spoke volumes, a language of shared desire and unspoken understanding.

As the last button gave way, Diluc's shirt hung open, revealing a vulnerability that mirrored the emotions swirling within them. Y/n's gaze met his, a silent confirmation to continue, Diluc opened her shirt andas the fabric slipped away, revealing the canvas of Y/n's vulnerability. Diluc's gaze lingered on her, a mixture of desire and appreciation.

Diluc's lips traced a delicate path along Y/n's skin, planting gentle kisses that reverberated with a whisper of adoration. Each tender touch conveyed a silent admiration, a tribute to the beauty laid bare before him.

"So beautiful," he murmured softly against her skin, the words a breathless affirmation of the emotions stirring within him. His voice carried a tender reverence, as if acknowledging the intricacies of the moment they shared.

Y/n's breath hitched at his words, a rush of emotions coursing through her.

"Please love me, Diluc." Y/n's whispered plea hung in the air, a vulnerable admission that resonated with the depth of their shared intimacy. Diluc, his heart responding to the raw emotion in her voice, looked into her eyes, his own filled with a mixture of understanding and tenderness.

He cradled her face in his hands, his touch gentle yet possessive. "I already do," he confessed, his voice a soft murmur that mirrored the vulnerability of the moment.

Y/n's hands grazed through his hair, fingers threading the strands with a quiet desperation.

Diluc leaned down and wrapped his lips around Y/n's nipple, and his right hand continued to tease her other nipple between his pointer and middle finger. She whimpered feeling the cold touch on her sensitive area. Diluc then gently grazed his teeth against her nipple.

"Stop teasing..", She whimpered

Diluc, pulled away, making a pop sound, his gaze fixed on her, couldn't help but chuckle softly at her plea. "Teasing you?" He feigned innocence, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "I wouldn't dream of it."

Y/n peeked out from behind the cushion, her eyes dancing with a mix of amusement and a hint of anticipation. "Sure.." she countered, a smile playing on her lips.

Diluc moved closer, a soft grin tugging at his lips. "Okay, okay," he relented, his tone light but filled with affection. "No more teasing."

His lips traced a trail of soft kisses from Y/n's stomach down to her thighs. Each gentle caress sent shivers through her, a silent acknowledgment of the heightened intimacy they were exploring.

Y/n's breath caught, her fingers instinctively threading through Diluc's hair. The air was charged with a blend of desire and anticipation, a symphony of sensations that echoed the unspoken connection between them.

Diluc, his movements deliberate and tender, mapped the contours of Y/n's skin with a reverence that transcended words.

As he reached her sweet cunt, which was already dripping, he couldn't help but muse, "Already so wet for me?"

"S-shut up," She tried closing her thighs, but Diluc firmly held them apart, "Not so soon, love"

As he lifts her thighs, gently placing it on his shoulders, he then sucked and licked her cunt with a gentle insistence, as if savoring the taste of a cherished elixir. Y/n's breath caught at the intensity of the sensation, a shiver running down her spine. The air thickened with a heady mixture of desire and the unspoken connection that enveloped them.

Diluc, lost in the moment, continued his ministrations, Y/n felt a familiar knot forming in her stomach, as fingers tangled in Diluc's hair, gripping it with a newfound intensity.

"Diluc I- I'm close..", Y/n gasps, a mess of muffled moans flow, as he flicks his tongue over her clit harder, faster, alternating between circles, sides, ups and downs.

Moaning against her clit, Diluc licks all around her entrance and swollen nub, only slowing pace when he feels her hands tug harsh at his strands, an enticing moan filling the room.

He allows Y/n to ride out her high, as his hand grazes the inside of her thighs as she collected herself. He looks up as he glances at the throbbing cunt once again, and wipes his face. "Such a good girl for me", He teases.

Diluc's teasing words hung in the air, a playful provocation that added a layer of intimacy to the charged atmosphere. Y/n, her grip still firm in his hair, met his gaze with a mixture of amusement and desire.

"Oh, am I now?" she countered, a playful glint in her eyes as she leaned in closer.

Diluc chuckled, his voice a low murmur. "Very good," he affirmed, his words carrying a subtle intensity that mirrored the growing connection between them.

"But Diluc, I wanna make you feel good too," she expressed, her voice a delicate whisper that echoed in the room.

Diluc, meeting her gaze with a softness in his eyes, gently cupped her face. "No, Y/n, it isn't about me tonight," he responded, his tone carrying a quiet assurance. "Tonight is about you."

Their exchange became a poignant moment of shared vulnerability and selflessness. In the quiet space they had created, the unspoken understanding hung heavy, a mutual acknowledgment of the depth of their connection.

The room, now a haven of shared intimacy, held an atmosphere of tenderness and trust. Diluc's choice to prioritize Y/n's pleasure became a silent declaration of the genuine connection they shared, transcending the physical into something more profound.

~

The soft morning light bathed the room, casting a gentle glow on Y/n, still peacefully asleep after the night of shared intimacy. Diluc, having ensured she was comfortably cleaned up, stood by the bedside, a mixture of tenderness and determination in his eyes.

He bent down, pressing a gentle kiss on Y/n's forehead, a silent promise lingering in the touch. "I'll come by later," he whispered softly, as if affirming the unspoken connection that had unfolded between them.

Diluc took a moment to gaze at Y/n, the vulnerability of sleep casting her in a delicate light. With a final, lingering look, he straightened up, a sense of purpose guiding his movements.

The room, once a sanctuary of shared moments, now held the echoes of their connection. Diluc quietly gathered his belongings, leaving behind the quiet assurance of his presence.

~

As Diluc reached his apartment, his disheveled appearance betraying the events of the night, found Kaeya sitting on the doorstep of their home. The worry etched on Kaeya's face was unmistakable as his eyes scanned Diluc's disarrayed hair and the faint traces of lingering intimacy.

"Where did you go last night, Diluc?" Kaeya asked, his voice laced with concern, yet tinged with a hint of confusion. The realization seemed to dawn on him as he took in his brother's appearance, noting the subtle signs that suggested Diluc had spent the night with someone.

Diluc, weighing his words carefully, met Kaeya's gaze. "I had some things to take care of," he replied, a vague answer that did little to ease Kaeya's worry.

Kaeya, still trying to piece together the puzzle, furrowed his brow. "Things? Diluc, you look like you've been through more than just 'things,'" he remarked, the worry deepening in his eyes.

Diluc, maintaining a stoic demeanor, offered no further explanation.

Kaeya's worry deepened as he pressed Diluc for answers. "Why didn't you answer my calls? Nor my texts?" he questioned, a mix of concern and confusion in his voice. "I understand if you were with someone, but still..."

Diluc, feeling the weight of Kaeya's scrutiny, bit his tongue, torn between his loyalty to his brother and the unspoken events of the night with Y/n. The worry in Kaeya's eyes mirrored the unease in Diluc's heart.

"Y/n isn't answering my calls and texts either," Kaeya continued, his concern now extending to their shared friend. "She left without saying anything. I'm worried for her."

Diluc, caught in a web of conflicting emotions, hesitated before responding. "I haven't heard from her either," he admitted, careful not to reveal too much.

~

Kaeya, fueled with worry then declared that he would go meet Y/n himself. Before Diluc could interject, Kaeya swiftly left, leaving a lingering tension in the air.

As Kaeya reached Y/n's home, he rang the bell, anxiety coursing through him.

As Y/n faced Kaeya at the door, her expression masked the turmoil within. Kaeya, oblivious to the fact that she had overheard his infidelity, attempted to explain his worry. "Y/n, what happened? Why did you leave without a word? Are you okay?"

Y/n, wrestling with the betrayal she had witnessed, forced a tight-lipped smile. "I'm fine, Kaeya. I just needed some time alone," she replied, her voice betraying none of the hurt she felt.

Kaeya, sensing the distance in her demeanor, persisted. "But why didn't you answer my calls or texts? I was worried about you."

Her facade cracked momentarily, a flicker of hurt in her eyes. "I... I needed some space, Kaeya. I'll be fine," she assured him, her words carefully chosen to hide the anguish she harbored.

A realization dawned on Kaeya as he looked at Y/n's face, noting the subtle signs that mirrored his brother's appearance. The swollen lips, the distant gaze – it all clicked into place. The pieces of the puzzle fell together, revealing a connection that he hadn't considered before.

He remembered the silent phones, the early departure from the party, and now, the shared physical traces between Y/n and his brother. The weight of the revelation settled in, and Kaeya's expression shifted from concern to a mixture of shock and realization.

"Oh," he mumbled, the truth hitting him like a sudden revelation. The unspoken understanding unfolded before him, the shared secret that had eluded his awareness.

Y/n, sensing Kaeya's realization, met his gaze with a guarded expression. The air between them held a heavy silence, pregnant with the unspoken acknowledgment of the events that transpired the night before.

Kaeya's voice trembled with a mixture of shock, hurt, and disbelief. "You... cheated on me with my own brother?" His words hung in the air, barely above a whisper, heavy with the weight of the truth he had just uncovered.

Y/n, faced with the accusation veiled in disbelief, struggled to find words to explain. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on her, her heart pounding with the realization that the secret had been unveiled.

"I..." she began, her voice faltering as she grappled with the turmoil of the situation.

Kaeya's expression betrayed a mixture of pain and betrayal, his emotions raw and unguarded. The silence between them seemed to stretch, a tense pause filled with unspoken questions and shattered trust.

~

As Diluc arrived at the scene, a sense of impending turmoil weighed heavily in the air. Kaeya stood, his facade barely holding, emotions swirling beneath the surface. Y/n, aware of the gravity of the situation, stood there awkwardly, lost for words.

The tension was palpable, and Diluc could sense the brewing storm. He stepped forward, his expression a mixture of concern and apprehension, taking in the scene before him.

"Kaeya…" Diluc began, his voice laced with urgency, attempting to diffuse the mounting tension. "Let's talk, please." His gaze shifted between his brother and Y/n, a silent plea for a moment of understanding and resolution.

Kaeya's emotions were a tempest on the verge of breaking, his voice wavering as he struggled to process the revelation. "Did this really happen?" he managed to utter, his gaze shifting between Y/n and Diluc, seeking an explanation.

Y/n, caught in the swirling emotions of the moment, was suddenly reminded of Kaeya's previous infidelity. The realization struck her like a bolt of lightning, and she clenched her fists, a surge of anger and hurt welling up within her.

The atmosphere, already heavy with tension, became charged with the complexities of their shared history. Y/n's gaze shifted between Diluc and Kaeya, a storm of conflicting emotions playing out on her face.

"You cheated on me first," she blurted out, her voice laced with a mixture of accusation and pain.

Y/n's words cut through the charged atmosphere, a final declaration that severed the last remnants of trust between them. "Our relationship ended the moment you warmed another woman's bed, Kaeya. You do not have the right to say anything anymore." Her voice, a mixture of pain and resolve, echoed in the air.

Kaeya, faced with the consequences of his actions and the revelation that Y/n had overheard his conversation with the other woman, felt the weight of his mistakes crashing down on him. The gravity of the situation became palpable, and he stood there, a shattered expression revealing the depth of his remorse.

As Y/n closed the door behind her, the weight of the situation settled heavily within her. Her emotions were a tumultuous storm, unsure of where to settle amidst the chaos. Meanwhile, Diluc and Kaeya walked back home, the silence between them deafening.

Once they reached home, Kaeya broke the heavy silence, his voice tinged with remorse. "Treat her better than I did," he uttered, a mix of regret and resignation in his words. Diluc glanced at his brother, his gaze reflecting sympathy for the predicament they found themselves in.

"Diluc, our relationship is past repair.. there's nothing her and I could do. I messed up," Kaeya continued, the weight of his actions heavy on his shoulders.

Diluc, his voice a mixture of understanding and concern, responded softly, "We both did, Kaeya. It's not just you." He acknowledged the shared responsibility they held in the events that transpired.

~

In the months that followed, Diluc and Kaeya worked on rebuilding their brotherly relationship, each making an effort to bridge the gaps that had formed between them. Kaeya, wistful and remorseful, encouraged Diluc to pursue his feelings for Y/n, urging him not to repeat the mistakes they had made in the past.

As time passed, Kaeya and Y/n eventually found closure in their relationship, having come to terms with their shared history. Meanwhile, Diluc and Y/n's bond gradually deepened, blossoming into a love that had been simmering beneath the surface for years.

~~

Fast forward five years, at the wedding, Kaeya stood as one of the best men, witnessing Y/n's radiant presence. Her gaze, unwavering and filled with warmth, remained fixated on Diluc as she walked down the aisle, holding a bouquet of flowers.

As Y/n smiled shyly at Diluc, a pang of regret tugged at Kaeya's heart. He wished things had been different, that he had been stronger and resisted the temporary temptations that led him away from his chance at lasting happiness.

"Forever looks good on her," Kaeya whispered to himself, his gaze lingering on the couple exchanging vows. The ache of missed opportunities echoed within him, a silent plea for a different path taken.

~

In the evening, amidst the celebration, Diluc and Y/n, now happily married, gracefully interacted with their guests. Their joy was palpable, radiating as they engaged in lively conversations and shared heartfelt moments.

Kaeya, despite masking his own hurt, teased the newlyweds with playful banter, a facade to cover the ache in his heart. He adorned his words with humor and jest, ensuring the atmosphere remained light and cheerful for the couple.

"Ah, look at the lovebirds," Kaeya chimed in, flashing a playful grin. "Don't you two ever get tired of looking so incredibly in love?"

Diluc and Y/n exchanged a knowing glance, their smiles warm and genuine. "Never," Y/n replied, her eyes sparkling with happiness as she glanced at Diluc.

Kaeya continued to tease, diverting attention away from his own emotions, determined not to cast a shadow over the joyous occasion.

As the evening unfolded, amidst laughter and merriment, Kaeya ensured that the spotlight remained on the happiness of the newlyweds, even if it meant concealing his own heartache.

[albenyx]

Some things happen at the right time

pairing: diluc x gn!reader (Modern Au)

Warning: not proof-read, fluff, kinda short sorry abt that

note/tag: @greenfairy1gf tagging you bc i remember you asking for this

Part 1

And make sure of it he did, Diluc didn't rush you and helped you move on one step at a time. 

That night he had drove you home, ending his shift early so he could assist you more and hopefully lighten up your mood

The next day he comes over, suggesting you take a day off and hang out with some friends to get your mind off the things that stress you out, which you hesitantly agree. Next day he comes over to drop off gifts for your parents and you, then the next week he comes by to hang out suggesting you two go watch a movie or just stay at your house and watch a series you two would like to catch up on, and so on.

Diluc would come visit you either twice or thrice week or if he was quite busy he would visit once a week and would just check up on you by text

Soon it became some kind of habit for the two of you to give each other things and check up on one another.

You didn't expect Diluc to ask if you wanted to go on a walk today, nonetheless you agreed to it and here you were wandering aimlessly around the city  "So.. why the sudden hang out?" You ask casually as you looked at random stores windows 

"Just wanted to see you" He puts his hands in his pockets, looking down at the ground lost in thought

You hum in response before looking at him curiously, Diluc was unusually silent today as you observed.

He wasn't the type to be talkative but he also wasn't the type to be too quiet which made you wonder if something happened today, "Penny for your thoughts?" You smile sheepishly, as you jokingly offer him a penny 

He softly smiled at this and shaked his head, once again you successfully pulled at his heartstrings with little no effort "It's nothing to worry much about, it's just that.. whenever I'm with you I feel my heart beat rapidly and I feel the need to hold you close to me" He confesses and you stopped on your tracks "I think I didn't hear you clearly.. what was that?" You look at him expectantly

"Ah.. it seems like I've fallen" He blurts out, and you feel your heart flutter, he panics, his brows furrows as he seemed deep in thought before he speaks again "I'd.. I'd like to confess about my feelings" He stutters, and you notice his ears turning into a shade of pink

It takes his whole being to not look away from your eyes, the eyes that are staring intensely at him.

"I have fallen in love with you, I adore you a lot, though I can't find the right words to tell you why but I do" He looks at the ground This looks rather neat today

"Diluc" You call and he looks up to you in an instant to see you with a soft expression on your face he guesses you were beating yourself up for always seeking him when you needed him "I'm not sure if I can handle a relationship right now, I don't wanna hurt you while I try to heal myself" You pause, "Although this seems selfish of me.. but I'd like to give this a chance, to give us a chance" You smile nervously, and he nearly forgets to breathe

You always seemed to effortlessly make him fall deeper

"Though you'll have to wait for me to trust you with the key of my heart for awhile" You joke and Diluc couldn't help but smile, taking your hand in his he rubs your knuckles gently with his thumb 

"I've waited for 10 years, [Name]. A few months, or another year won't kill me"

[miekasa]

first mistakes

+ pairing: levi ackerman + (fem) reader (except it’s mostly about levi and his kid)

+ genres and warnings: modern au, fluff, includes details about an oc kid for levi of mine hehe (which i have a few of and will hopefully post about in the future)

+ notes: this is my writing and is something i’ve posted before for a completely unrelated fandom, but it’s been reworked to fit levi for this au (: if you recognize it, no you don’t 

+ word count: less than 1k

Levi should have known better, but in his defense he didn’t think anything too catastrophic could have happened in the two minutes and ten seconds he’d slipped away to the bathroom.

But as he stands in the doorway leading to the kitchen, he sees at least thirteen things wrong with the picture in front of him; and at least ten of which could have been prevented if he could hold his bladder better. Or if he would have realized that no matter how quiet and well behaved Holden was for her age, she was still a very curious, and self-proclaimed independent, three year old child.

“Holden,” he starts slowly, stepping over a puddle of—was that an egg? “What happened here?”

The child sits on the tiled floor of the kitchen, covered nearly head to toe in a mixture of strawberries, bananas, yogurt, flour, and orange juice, and with something uncomfortable and sticky-looking on her cheeks and between her fingers. Holden only silently points to the counter top, and Levi turns to find the roots of the many issues: an uncovered blender and an open carton of eggs.

He blinks carefully as he begins to understand the sequence of events that probably happened, and no matter how he pieced it, Levi finds himself to be the real cause of blame above all. He’s most relieved to know that Holden wasn’t hurt by any sharp objects, or the probably fall she took from stepping stool when she was frightened by the blender mishap.  

When Levi turns back to his baby girl, her chin is to her chest, head hanging as she observes the puddle of her own mess she’s sat in. Levi sighs. Holden is a bright kid; usually quiet and reserved, and always honest in intention. She doesn’t speak or act out much, and Levi knows the kid somewhat prides herself on her easy to care for demeanor. Knowing she’s made a mess this big—and moreover one that she couldn’t clean on her own—is probably weighing more on her than it is on him.

“I’m sorry I messed up mama’s breakfast,” Holden mumbles.

Levi crouches down, foregoing the discomfort of the sticky mess, and extends his hand for Holden to take. The toddler seems hesitant, knowing her father’s tendency to keep himself clean. Her reluctance tugs and pangs at Levi’s heartstrings simultaneously; her consideration of his feelings is admirable, but he knows that Holden is a little too self-aware. He fears that she gets the self-placed burden of responsibility from him. 

Levi’s heart flutters at her consideration, but also sighs internally at her actions; Holden might be a little too responsible and self-aware for a toddler.

She doesn’t seem to want to take his hand, so he takes the extra step to hold hers himself. This surprises her, as she looks to her father with wide eyes. He helps her to her feet, tiny, sticky hands secure in his palms as he balances himself on the balls of his feet in front of her. They’re just barely eye to eye like this, Holden’s damp and mess-coated hair taking away a bit of her usual height, and dripping into the puddle below her.

Levi waits for Holden to meet his eyes, before squeezing her small fists in his hands. “It was an honest mistake, Holden. Shit happens.”

“That’s a bad word,” she says; Levi knows. “I wanted to help,” she continues; Levi knows.

“I was supposed to be there to help you,” Levi tells her, “And stop you from falling on your ass.”

“I didn’t fall, I tripped,” Holden pouts, looking at her dad with steely-eyed determination to get her point across. Levi smiles, almost laughs, but holds it back, knowing it would only make her pout harder.

“You sound like Hange,” he tells her, watching the way the child’s eyes light up at the mention of her aunt. Holden was almost… excessively fond of the brunette, but always from a distance, as if embarrassed of her own admiration.

“Kinda look like her, too; a mess,” Levi tacks on. Holden tries to glare at him, but her grin gives her away.

“I’m going to tell her you said that,” Holden taunts. Levi raises an eyebrow, but Holden simply copies his expression. He finds himself holding back another laugh. Surely his child.

“How about this: we don’t tell Hange shit, and we get cleaned up before your mother gets home?” Levi proposes, letting go of Holden’s right hand to extend a pinky finger.

“You said a bad word again,” Holden points out.

“We also don’t tell your mother about that,” Levi adds with a small smile, wiggling his extended finger, “Do we have a deal or not, kid?”

Missing teeth and gums beam at him before a tiny pink is linked around his. “Deal, daddy.”

[hpalways]

A New World || Albedo

I decided to make it an AU, so it'll take place in the modern world, and not the Genshin world. 

The request: Albedo x Gen Z! reader (made on Quotev)

RAIN pelted against the glass panes, rolling down like blobs of slime and making the world outside a blur. Down below was the city, filled off honking cars and traffic. It was always quite the ruckus living here, but you supposed you had gotten used to it. Planting your arms against the sill, you leaned your chin down and released a sigh. What was planned to be a day for you to go on a date with Albedo was now cancelled. It somehow decided to rain at a 20 percent chance. Life sure liked to ruin you. 

The ashy blond haired male was sitting at your desk in the other corner of the room, completely focused on his current research. You could never get over how pretty he looked, hunched over doing the mundaneness of things. His hair tied up halfway into a neat braided ponytail, he was always ready for business. Teal eyes locked upon his large textbook, he was in his own world. He truly did not care that the date was cancelled, was he? Slightly pouting, you crossed your arms across your chest and slumped down to the floor. 

At the sound of your actions, his eyes flitted over to you and he gave you a smile. You were beginning to feel childish under his stare. Maybe you should just be glad that he was here to spend time with you. 

Slowly getting up from his seat, he lumbered across the room and sat down beside you. "It's raining," he murmured. "The soil is moist and it would be nice to collect samples of some of the plants I'm studying."

Your features contorted in slight annoyance at the mention of this. Research this, research that. That was all there was in his mind. Couldn't he please take a break? "That's it. You're not going to be researching for the rest of the time you're here," you snapped at him, a stern look on your face. 

"What...?" he uttered, growing blank as if no one had ever said that to him. "But... it's raining."

"We can still have a date at home, can't we?" you pointed out. Pushing yourself from the floor, you stood up and held a hand towards him. Lips curling upward, you were getting excited for the ideas that had entered your mind. And when his cold hands clamped around yours, you knew that this date was not yet a failure. Nodding in agreement with you, he stood up and followed you to the couch. 

The two of you sat down on the couch and you turned the TV on. "We're watching something?" he asked, seemingly confused as to why you would want to spend a date in front of the TV. 

"Yep. Anime," you told him, using the remote to enter Netflix.

"Anime? I have not watched anime before."

"I figured as much. You're quite the uncultured swine, aren't you? I can't let my boyfriend stay like this," you said, dramatically sighing with your hand placed over your heart. He cocked an eyebrow up, shaking his head at your remark. "Anyway, yes. We're gonna watch One Piece. Any objections? No? Okay, perfect. We would have to break up if you said no."

He chuckled under his breath. "You're something, [Y/N]. You never fall short of fascination."

Knitting your brows together, you burst out laughing. He blinked at you, his cheeks growing slightly red. "Is that supposed to be a compliment? Don't describe me like one of your studies," you said, laying your head upon his shoulder. "I appreciate the sentiment though."

The brightly lit show began on the screen and the two of you fell silent, focused on the show. Nostalgia began to brim out from you, reminding you of the days when you had first watched the anime. It could never fail to pull your heartstrings and belonged in a special place within you. It was why you so dearly hoped that Albedo would like it. 

An hour or so went by when you decided to take a pause. Giving a glance towards Albedo, you could see him scribbling something down on his notebook. Curious, you took a peek and saw that he was taking notes about the show. You dropped your jaw and had no clue what to say. He turned his head towards you and beat you to it instead. "I like it so far. The guy who ate that gum-gum fruit... I would study him some more later on."

Of course he wished to study Luffy, the main character of the show. But perhaps, this was also to appease the urge of wishing to study his actual research. To see his gaze flashing towards the window every so often to check if it was still raining was a no-brainer. Albedo was Albedo. Nothing could stop him from pursuing his ambitions... his truth. "Go do your research," you said, placing a hand over his. 

"You've noticed, huh," he breathed out, lowering his head in shame. "This is unfair to you--"

"Not really," you said. "Let me go with you. Walking under an umbrella sounds romantic. I've always wanted to do that with you, Albedo."

He immediately grew flustered at your explanation, now truly red as a tomato. Averting his eyes from you for a bit, he had managed to calm himself down, before giving you a kiss at the top of your head. His lips brushed your hair, leaving a warm aftertaste that reached to your core. "If that is what you wish for, I will do my utmost best to satisfy you."

"You're so silly," you giggled, stretching and yawning. Getting up from the couch, you found the umbrella hanging on the jacket rack, waiting to be used. He took it from you and with that, you left the apartment and entered the thrumming rhythm of rain. 

Bunching closely to him, you could feel his body heat waving off. The roof the umbrella pattered loudly and the gray pavement below were filled of puddles. Too much noise and water was seeping through your soles, wetting the socks inside. This was a lot less romantic than you anticipated. How unfortunate. 

“Watch out!” he suddenly hollered, pulling you towards him. Face stuffed into his chest, you could feel your heart racing at the close proximity. He smelled of pine and cinnamon, a scent that reminded you of home. He was your home, after all. A splash! interrupted your thoughts, bringing you back into the present. Pulling away from him, you saw that a biker had zoomed straight through where you were originally standing. It was a mystery why someone would be biking in such weather, but what angered you more was how Albedo had taken a hit from it. His long trenchcoat was soaking wet... and so was his hair. 

“You got wet for me...” you murmured. 

He wiped a side of his face off and looked off into the distance. “Of course I did. A promise is a promise.”

Leaning in even closer to him, you gave him a soft kiss, your lips brushing against his warm ones. It wasn’t long or deep, but it was enough to erupt flutters in your abdomen. You tilted away to find him taken off guard for the millionth time today, his hues wide, his cheeks blazing, and a hand covering half of his face. Adorable was an understatement to describe him. 

[dawnrider]

Can you tell us some more about "Please Remember" Dawn my dear?

Of course @hopidoodle!

So as @superpixie42 noted, I teased it a bit for #Thirsty Thursday last week... I think?  Anyway, it’s a modern AU where something has happened to Kagome such that she cannot remember her life. I shared a snippet before of Inuyasha and Shippou interacting that pulled a few heartstrings, apparently XD. But Kagome is desperate to know how she feels like she knows Inuyasha so well when she can’t remember anything about him or anyone else. All she knows is he takes very good care of her.

“She still doesn’t remember anything?” a soft voice asked of someone else.  The voice was male, and she knew it from somewhere, but her mind wasn’t linking the voice to a face.  She guessed that the reason for the muffled tone was because of the wall and closed door that separated her from the people speaking.  She was becoming used to people talking about her in hushed tones and behind closed doors but that didn’t mean it wasn’t starting to bother her.

“No.  She remembers my name, my face, that she trusts me.  But if you ask anything more than that…  Nothing.”  What don’t I remember?  The second voice she knew was Inuyasha.  Nothing could wipe his voice from her memory but there was a distinct tone to his words that she didn’t recognize.  Pain?  Despair?  “The doctor says that we just have to wait and see.”  Kagome groaned slightly, still unused to the persistent pain she had in her head upon waking.  One would think that after three weeks of the same throbbing she would have grown accustomed to it, but somehow knowing it shouldn’t have been there made her unable to push it aside.  She couldn’t remember her own life and that pain, that obnoxious ache, was the thing keeping her from remembering.  Or maybe it was not being able to remember that gave her the pain, she couldn’t be completely sure.  Kagome sighed softly, listening again for the two men speaking out in the hallway.  

“It will come back to her.”  The man paused.  “She’ll come back to you,” he said so softly she almost couldn’t hear.  “Go on.”  Kagome didn’t know where each of them were going but she got a pretty good clue hearing a faint knock on her bedroom door.  Kagome blinked a few times when she heard the door open followed by someone slipping in on near-silent feet.  Inuyasha.

[kakashi-tsukuyomi]

Venus

A/N: I made this as a gift for @sparkleswritings for a Secret Santa event in a Discord server I’m part of, @konoblog-simps . I had so much fun writing this! I took into account some things she likes/dislikes and incorporated them in this one-shot story. This was also the first time I wrote for Gaara. It was pretty challenging but definitely fun.

Pairing: Gaara x My friend; Modern-day AU Warnings: None. Just pure fluff ahead

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

Dusk fell, and the glow of the lights coming from the coffee shops lining on each side illuminated the street on a Saturday evening. Sidewalks were filled with people enjoying the weekend calm, grateful for the respite it brought after a week of toil as they catched up with friends and loved ones over a cup or two of coffee. It certainly was the case for Kira and her friends earlier that afternoon. Exams had just finished the day before, and what better way to celebrate their freedom than to spend the next day hanging out in their favorite café, discussing their favorite stories over cups of hot tea. They enjoyed each other's company so much that they did not realize that their afternoon rendezvous stretched towards the evening. After saying their goodbyes to each other and a few well wishes for the coming holidays, they left the café and parted ways. 

Kira walked down the sidewalk, taking in the sights around her as she listened to Sleeping at Last playing on her phone. The sky was now getting blacker than a few minutes ago, and the lights shone brighter and prettier in the dark. She had always loved evenings better than any part of the day, and this evening of solitude surrounded by the beautiful sight of nightlife, with the evening breeze caressing her face, was no exception for her. She had decided she wanted to stay and enjoy a little bit of it more, and so instead of going straight home, she continued walking and wandered around the shops nearby.

After a while, she stopped by her favorite bookstore along the way. As she entered the shop, the song "Venus" started playing on her phone, and she pressed her earphones closer to her ears to listen to it. She hummed to the song as she wandered towards the "New Selections" aisle, browsing the shelves for promising titles. When none caught her interest, she gave up and wandered towards the other parts of the shop. The bookstore had two levels, and after having visited all of the aisles on the ground floor, she rode the escalator, bringing her to the second floor. She got off the escalator and walked towards the shelves in front of her. She reached the Hobbies Section, casually browsing the books on display, and when she reached the Gardening Section, something interesting caught her eye.

It was a figure of a young man of about her age, standing a few yards before her in front of a shelf full of different books on succulents. He had short, spiky auburn hair, and he had a fair complexion. His frame was slender, his height not too tall, and he was wearing a maroon long-sleeved shirt on top of jeans and sneakers, which fit his frame perfectly. From where she was standing, she could only see half of the features of the young man. Although even with this limited view, she could tell that the guy looked cute.

The young man was holding a book in each hand, glancing from one book to the other. His forehead creased as he stared intently on one book as if to scrutinize it before switching to the other, and then back again. He let out a small exasperated sigh as if in defeat, and when he looked up from the two books, he noticed Kira's presence and turned to look at her. Kira felt her breath hitched and she panicked internally, quickly averting her gaze and turning to leave.

"Wait!" The young man called out. "I, uhh… ummm…"

Kira silently debated whether she should turn around and face him or just ignore him. She just wasn't used to situations like this. Normally shy, she wasn't the type of person to strike up a conversation with a stranger out of the blue.

"Excuse me, but, umm…" The young man hesitated as if choosing his words carefully. "I, uhh… wonder if you could give me some help, please?"

He seemed to be as embarrassed as Kira was at that time as he looked down, avoiding her gaze as he asked her. She felt a little bit sorry for the guy and was almost tempted to give in, but her shyness still held her firmly in her place. After a few seconds of awkward silence, the boy backpedaled and apologized to her. "F-forgive me, " he stuttered, "I shouldn't have bothered you."

Pity and guilt took hold of Kira as she watched the young man retreat from her, still clutching the two books in both hands. A silent resolve took place in her heart, and she thought that maybe if she could be bold today, it wouldn't hurt to try. After all, the boy did seem helpless.

"S-sure, I can help you. What is it?"

The young man's eyes suddenly perked up, and he turned to her, bringing the two books to her. "Ahh, thank you. I'm looking for a good book on taking care of succulents. I just started growing succulents, and I don't know which of these books is better." He stopped in front of her, holding out both of his hands to show her the books, and as she removed her earphones from her ears, she leaned forward for a closer look. Up close, she could properly see the boy's face. He had green eyes, and the edges of his lids were outlined with black ink. She noted he had no eyebrows, and had an unusual tattoo marked on the left side of his forehead. Though these features seemed strange compared to the usual standards of male beauty, they worked quite well on him, and Kira thought he was actually quite attractive.

Upon inspecting the titles, she immediately recognized them, and with ease and a bit of excitement, explained to the boy what each book was about. She pointed to the book on his left hand, "This one has useful information on planting succulents -- plus I like the visuals -- although, I think it lacks the explanation and tips a first-time succulent enthusiast should know." She pointed to the other one, "As for this one, I like this better because it has more information, plus I like how simple yet organized that information is laid out. It's very easy for a beginner to understand. I recommend this one."

The young man's eyes lit up once more, and he looked at her with a quiet awe. "Wow, I'm amazed how easily you picked one over the other. I assume you've already read both books and that you're into succulents, as well. You seem to be really knowledgeable on it."

Kira raised both of her hands in front of her, smiling sheepishly, "Ahh! No, not really… it's just that I had a lot of them growing up. Although, I don't really have them anymore…" The young man smiled at her, and Kira noticed how kind and gentle his face looked. She felt her heart skip a beat.

"But because of your knowledge, you certainly were able help me. I can't thank you enough, Miss… umm…" He scratched the small part of his cheek with his finger. "Forgive me, I didn't get your name."

"It's Kira!" She blurted out too eagerly, but then caught herself afterwards, a tint of pink coloring her cheeks. The young man had noticed but didn't say anything and smiled in return as he held out his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Kira. My name's Gaara."

Kira stared at the hand outstretched towards her and slowly took it. Her hand slipped into his, and it fit comfortably. His hand was a bit rough yet warm, she noted, and he shook her hand slowly, his grasp firm yet gentle at the same time. She liked how his hand felt against hers, familiar and safe, and when the movement stopped, his hand lingered on hers for a while. She felt her heart sink when he finally let go. 

"Well, umm… it was really nice meeting you, Kira. Thank you again for your help," Gaara smiled softly to her.

"Yeah, it was nice meeting you, too, Gaara!" Kira smiled back, and then muttered, "Umm, well, uhhh… I guess I gotta go…"

Gaara watched her as she turned her back from him and started to walk away. What a kind and gentle soul, he thought. He watched her as her dark hair swayed along with her every move, and he noted how pretty she looked in her pastel green blouse, complimenting her skin tone. He felt a foreign tug in his heartstrings as he saw her walk farther from him, and before he knew it, he was already calling out to her.

"Kira -- wait!" Upon hearing him call out her name, Kira didn't hesitate and immediately turned around to face him. "Y-Yes?"

Gaara immediately approached her and stopped two feet away from her. "W-well, umm…" he stuttered, "You see, I, umm, signed up for a free succulent workshop tomorrow downstairs. I, uhh... it's my first time to join and I don't know anyone there. P-perhaps... you would like to join me?"

Kira's eyes widened, not quite sure if what she was hearing was true.  

"Then uhh…," he continued, "Maybe, afterwards, we can talk about it over tea. I mean, well, I could really use your help. But that is, of course, if you're fine with it!" He seemed flustered as he said this, scratching the side of his cheek again with his finger.

Kira felt her heart warm up as a grin formed itself on her lips. This boy had just asked her out, and though she really couldn't believe it at first, she knew what she was going to answer him, anyway.

Her eyes lit up, and she smiled at him sweetly, her heart full of excitement and joy.

"Of course," she beamed. "I would love to."

 The night sky once ruled my imagination Now I turn the dials with careful calculation After a while, I thought I'd never find you I convinced myself that I would never find you When suddenly I saw you

-“Venus”, Sleeping At Last

[weyheyjxlya]

０４． Ｏｕｔ ｏｆ Ｃｈａｒａｃｔｅｒ

𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌

*•.¸♡ synopsis ♡¸.•*

You came to watch the Schweiden Adlers vs. MSBY Jackals with your childhood best friend Yachi and the squad. First-year squad. And that includes Tsukishima Kei. That tall, blonde, gorgeous, salty, and once was yours but you got to let go four years ago. With hearts thumping loud and thoughts screaming out on its own. “I miss you. I’ve missed you to the point that I can’t breathe. I miss you, please be back” These words are just waiting to be spoken like some kind of soulmates telepathy. Will they be able to say it? Will they still be able to fulfill that promise? or…

*•.¸♡ warning: manga spoilers! | curses

*•.¸♡ reminder: every chapter has its own music to listen to. just click the lyrics  which is the first quoted paragraph right after the banner. listen to it while reading the chapter if you want to. after this au is done, I'll compile all songs and create its own playlist in Spotify that you can listen to.

m.list | 03 | 04 | 05

“No matter where you are You'll always have my heart No matter where you are I'll love you from afar”

"and I refuse to drink with anyone who doesn't appreciate Kahlua and milk" Tsukishima exclaimed "Stingyshima," you mumbled thUd pshshshshshshhh Suddenly, the sound of magazine dropping startled the four as Tsukishima dropped his pamphlet due to the shock that the person that he didn't see nor hear for the past four years was now in front of him breathing and still, ever so lovely. His heart sung a lullaby as the sight in front of him tug his heartstrings. His ears rung as he heard your voice like it’s some sweet melody. He felt his blood rush through his veins as he registers your image through his brain. You've changed. Physically but not wholly because he hoped that you're still the same person that he fell in love with. You looked happier. He knows that you're a renowned writer now and now achieving the dream that you've discussed with him over the time that you're together. You looked blooming. With no hesitation, he fell in love with you over again. "Ahh, It's Y/N, she's here. Finally, you're here. I've missed you love." he thought to himself sweetly. "But you looked so fine right now. Maybe you've got someone greater right now. Damn, he's so lucky. Maybe I just don't dwell in your life anymore." he realizes as sadness pooled his heart suddenly from the thought that there's no more hope of loving you again anymore. His inferiority complex got its way again. ~~ "Uhm, earth to our Stingyshimaaa" you've jokingly said as you tried to keep things natural. You and Yachi waved your hands to him in unison whilst Yamaguchi's helping Tsukishima with his dropped business. Tsukishima pretended as if nothing happened as he fixed his posture as soon as he took the pamphlet from Yamaguchi's hand and adjusted his eyeglasses as he continued to dwell himself into the pamphlet. "Oh, you're back," Tsukishima uttered calmly but his stomach's lurching from the thought that he can never feel your hold again. 

Everything's kinda uncomfortable because you're not in the same class with your childhood best friend Yachi. But no, you've decided to be strong, like headstrong! "I'M AN INDEPENDENT WOMAN!" you kept on to yourself to the point that it's starting to be your daily mantra from now on. So you fixed yourself, your posture, and you got rid of that uncomfortable state of yours and have started to look around the class and just started observing.

From:  You

To:  Yacchan  (｡♡‿♡｡)

Subject:  Separated

Why are we separated Yacchan?? (-̩̩̩-̩̩̩-̩̩̩-̩̩̩-̩̩̩___-̩̩̩-̩̩̩-̩̩̩-̩̩̩-̩̩̩)

~~~

From: You

To:   Y/N-chan  (｡♡‿♡｡)

Subject:   Re: Separated

I don't even know but any guys over there? (´°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥ω°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥｀)

~~~

From:  You

To:  Yacchan  (｡♡‿♡｡)

Subject:  Simp

Hmm I see one. And he's beside me. 

He lookin sooo fineee...  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) (ﾟοﾟ人))

~~~

From: You

To:   Y/N-chan  (｡♡‿♡｡)

Subject:   Re: Simp

⊙.☉

Chattering voices flooded, arms linking its way to another, utensils clacking, and bentos making its sounds around the room, you felt uncomfortable again. "Urgh" you exclaimed to yourself as loneliness and sun rays kept making its way onto you. "Huh?" suddenly, heat crept its way onto your ears and cheek as this tall and blonde guy that you're talking about with Yachi opened his book and slouched his body onto the table with a book in his hand as he swiftly blocked the sunrays that have been annoying the hell out of you since earlier. "Tsuki!! let's eat lunch!!" the green-headed boy exclaimed as he happily approached and invited this unknown specie. "Shut up Yamaguchi" he swiftly shut him down. harsh geesh. "Gomen Tsuki!!" he apologizes "But may I ask? aren't you hot from that sunray that's been hitting you? how long have you been sitting there? Do you want to transfer at my seat?" he continuously asked "Nah, I'm focusing here and sunlight directly produces my body's vitamin d requirement. So just shut up." You silently giggled upon his response to who is it? Oh, Yamaguchi. It's so damn good but you're thankful. Thankful for his wonderful action for you. "Wait? is it really for me?" you stuttered, suddenly waking yourself up from daydreaming. "Nah, hahaha maybe that's just a usual setting for him way back junior high" you reasoned out as you thought that this wonderful boy's actions aren't for someone like you. So you just kept on observing people, but despite taking back your wonderful thoughts about him. Still, this so-called Tsukishima piqued your interest and started doting your attention to him.

Classes started fine and good. You got comfortable with people inside your class. You didn't encounter any problems because you are indeed an independent woman! You can carry yourself in all kinds of situations because that's how adaptable you are. You're adaptable to situations because of your environment and how you're supposed to be like that. Everything's normal until you came on par with somebody. Everybody in your class is scared of how heated your rivalry is when class recitations are starting. It's known among teachers and students. L/N Y/N who excel supremely in studies and does crazy stuff to get by. On the contrary, Tsukishima Kei who's calm, goes by the principles. and doesn't give a fight. Doesn't give a fight. Most frequently, Tsukishima, your rival always admits his defeat as he doesn't put up much effort as he always says that he cannot overpower you that has superior intelligence than him who just read and goes by the principles.

"Come! Sit here Y/N-chan!! Yachan!!" Yamaguchi shouted over the chattering sound around the gymnasium while pointing over the bench where Tsukishima is sitting. While settling down the bleachers and preparing for the match that's about to start in about 20 minutes. You felt your phone vibrating.

"Oh gotta go down for a while. Omi-kun just texted me and I'll surprise him from the back and wish him good luck for the game," you told Yachi excitedly "Omi-kun? Do you mean Sakusa Kiyoomi?" Yachi asked and you nodded excitedly "OMG, HOW COME?? AND OMI-KUN? THAT GERMAPHOBE? YOU GOT TO BE CLOSE WITH HIM?" Yachi asked shockingly and she cannot believe whom you're acquainted with.

slap

"YAMAGUCHI! Do you have any beer left there? May I take a little sip? Oh, Hitoka-san, you love museums, right? I can get you discounts for its admission fees. Even for its events and else. I can get it for you. You can even take Y/L/N-san with you. I'll be working there next year anyway." Tsukishima halted with the sound of a pamphlet closing combined with a clap from the sound of his hands clashing together.

*•.¸♡ a/n: ahck one week with no update huhu sorry minna-san!! got caught up with exam and job applications. gomen. will do my best for the next one. n e way, love my experiments with this chapter. i did two generations of texting. first is by email and next is the modern one. that's a cool experience, I would say haha. so ya, thank you minna!!  it's tomorrow huhu  (╥﹏╥)

*•.¸♡ taglist ♡¸.•*  @maviiiiic @differentballooncollection @keikink​ @kodzu-ken​ @soleil-sole (will still tag u hehe :3)

[sahbibabe]

So, I don't know why I want this pain... but here we go. If it's not too depressing, how about a modern AU following the musings of a terminally ill Young Xehanort? Chronicling the precious final days he's spent with his pure-hearted SO, who has refused to leave his side to the very end. Hospital visits... solemn walks along the shore... or whatever angst comes to mind, really. Maybe a ficlet or series? However much you feel like writing. Thanks! 🖤

anon, I'd be lying if I said I didn't cry while i was writing this. fudge. i hope i met your expectations. i'm gonna go find some ice cream now. much love! 💕

salt water tears. young xehanort x fem! reader.

🌊

SALT WATER, HANGING on the threads of humidity in the air, stung his chapped lips and tasted faintly sweet. The moon rose high in the sky, full and round, surrounded by millions of little stars that glowed a multitude of stars. Clouds might have drifted past, but he was unaware, watching the waves lap at his feet.

      How had it come to this? To spending his final weeks on a beach, watching an ocean that was perpetually alive every waking moment, a cruel reminder of what was going to happen to him the moment he relaxed too soon?

       "Xeha?" A quiet question, followed by a hand pressed to his chest. "Are you ready to go inside yet?"

      Xehanort couldn't bear to look at her. He reached up and linked their fingers together, comforted by the warmth she seemed to radiate. He was always cold now, unable to retain his own heat as his life slowly drew to a close.

       "Just a few minutes," he whispered lowly. "A few more."

  ✶   : · •

      [NAME] WOULDN'T LOOK at him. Not even when the doctor left the room, uttering his apologies and condolences, giving them a few more moments to consider their options, of which there was only one. She kept a firm grip on his hand, so tight that it hurt, and stared at the blank television screen until her eyes watered.

       "It's alright, [Name]." Xehanort held her hand fast when she made to pull away, hurt pulling at her heartstrings. "It's fine. I've had some idea that it wasn't working… for a long time."

       "How long?" She croaked. She steadily tried to pull away from him, anger and sorrow fueling her temper. "How long until you were going to tell me if the doctor didn't say anything first?"

       "I wasn't." He watched her face crumble, her lip wobble. "I didn't want to put a time limit on our time together."

        "There is a time limit! Gods damn it, Xeha, there's always been a time limit!" [Name] cried, slamming her free fist against the plastic footboard. It rattled the bed with the force. Tears started flowing freely down her face, shining in the fluorescent lighting. "I can't even look at you right now!"

        "I know." Xehanort's chest clenched when her tears grew heavier and she slumped against the bed. Her fingers wordlessly crept towards his, a desperate attempt to retain some sanity with the contact. Instead, her nails raked against the plastic arm band on his wrist, a solid reminder that his time was, indeed, limited. "I don't blame you. I shouldn't have hidden it from you."

      She buried her face in the crook of her elbow, rising to her knees. Awful, stuttered sobs wracked her frame, shaking her shoulders and producing mournful sounds from her mouth.

        "You can leave, if you want." As much as it hurt him to tell her that. "If it's too much for you to deal with."

       [Name]'s head jerked up, eyes narrowed and swollen and fixing him with a hard glare. "Fuck you. You're not a burden, Xeha. I'm not leaving, no matter how much you might want me to."

         He turned to face the window, peeking through the blinds at the people milling about outside. "I just don't want you to see me die."

    ✶   : · •

     The beach house was their final destination. The doctor had given them the tickets, bid them farewell at the airport, and gave Xehanort a bone crushing hug before they had boarded the plane.

      Xehanort laid on the patio swing now, [Name] holding him in her arms, occasionally pressing kisses to his sea soaked locks. In the secludedness of their villa, she had abandoned her coverup and bikini top, reaching out for him and drawing him into a hug, one leg hanging off of the swing to drag on the sand dusted floorboards.

        There wasn't anything sexual about it--it was just comfort, offered in one of the few ways she knew how, under a clear sky and witnessed by the moon and stars.

        He stroked the skin of her ribs lazily, resting his forehead in the curve of her neck and collarbone. She smelled of the sea, of that faint perfume she loved, and the spearmint toothpaste she had picked up at a small convenience store ten miles out of town. She smelled of home.

       "Tired?" [Name] hummed against his temple, following the ridges of his spine with her fingers, noting the weight he had lost without saying a word.

          "No. Just… content."

  ✶   : · •

      She rested beside him, breathing deeply, her energy spent. Every deep inhale she took to steady her labored breathing washed over the skin of his chest as she moved closer to him, pressing her nose to the dip in his collarbone. Sweat rendered the smell of her shampoo nearly odorless, but he closed his eyes and buried his face in her hair, sighing in content when she stroked the skin of his back.

        "Not tired?" she teased halfheartedly, giggling when he shoved his fingers into her ribs and assaulted her ticklish spots. "Stop it! I was just asking!"

       "I'm fine." It was a lie. But she never could tell when he was lying, not really. "Go to sleep."

          She shook her head. "No."

        They stayed up together, well into the morning, until the wind kicked up and ruffled the white curtains in the windows enough to stir them.

    ✶   : · •

     The moon was the same as it was when they had arrived. He still didn't look at her, instead relaxing into her grip and resting his head in her lap. She stroked his hair back soothingly, but he felt the tremble in her fingers, the salt of a tear drop onto his cheek.

       "It's almost time, isn't it?" she whispered, hoarse and choked over a knot in her throat. He laced his fingers with hers. "Xeha?"

        "I don't know what you're talking about."

       He was tired. So very tired.

        "I love you. You know I do, but… I just… I had to tell you one last time… you know?"

        "Yeah." He blinked sea water from his eyes. Or were they tears? "I love you too, [Name]."

       She sobbed, broken and petrified. "Xeha…"

       "Hey." He caught her hand, golden eyes still trained towards the sea. "When this is all over, I want you to look in my bag. The black one with the star on it. I left something in there for you."

         "You can't give it to me yourself?" [Name] blubbered. The tears fell heavier. "Jerk."

        Xehanort laughed, but it was weak, low. "I know. But it's this jerk's final wish."

         "Whatever." She sniffed, her nose clogged and stuffy. "Gods. I'm going to miss you. I don't know what I'll do with myself."

         "Go to college. Get a job. Do what you love?" He breathed shallowly. "Do it for me. If not for yourself, for me."

          "Yeah. I think I will." She went silent, moving her hand over his heart. Felt it beat once, twice, thrice. Slow as ice floes. "Isn't the ocean beautiful tonight?"

         He turned his head with the last of his strength. Watched a tear roll down her cheek, glinting in the moonlight, and land on his lips. He tasted it as vividly as he could taste the ocean.

        "Yeah," he agreed, golden orbs still trained on her face. "Beautiful."

fin.

[himbowelsh]

Thank you for answering my earlier questions! I know you've written for Grant and Talbert before (I cannot remember their ship name for the life of me) would you be willing to write any modern head cannons for them? Or any general relationship head cannons for them? Those two don't get enough love together! 🙂

gralbert.  talbant.  grantbert?  tabant?  fluck?   there are no good options here.

Modern Headcanons (this turned into a coffeeshop au i’m sorry):

Grant’s really just vibing through life, to be honest. Out of all his friends, he’s the one who’s got his shit most together, and that’s something to be proud of. So what if he’s still not sure exactly where he wants to be in ten years, or how he’s going to get there? It’s enough to just...  exist in the moment.

That moment, currently, puts him in charge of managing a small coffee shop which has become the social hub for his entire social circle. Not only is he making great cash, he gets to stay connected with old friends and meet new people every day. Plus...  he’s never short on coffee? Literally nothing to complain about.

It’s not that he doesn’t feel...  well, connected is the wrong word, because he definitely is. There are just times when he feels...  lonely. Chuck’s got a lot of friends, but he’s also the sort of guy who could stand in the middle of a crowded room and suddenly feel like he’s the only one there  ---  like no one’s really looking at him at all.

He craves attention, affection, warmth.

That’s when Dog Boy happens.

In Chuck’s defense, Dog Boy is a complete accident. The coffee shop is just supposed to be a canine free zone...  so he’s completely baffled to see a guy walk in with at least five dogs, all on leashes, and order an iced coffee to go.

The guy definitely seems like he’s in a hurry  ---  like he really, really needs a coffee  ---  but Chuck can only stare.  “Are those all supposed to be service dogs?” he asks.

“Um,” Dog Boy says.

Chuck points to the sign on the wall, which very clearly reads the coffee shop’s animal policy. Dog Boy lets out a weird noise somewhere between a laugh and a sob. “Okay, I’m sorry, I know, but can I please please just get an iced coffee?”

It looks like he has his hands full. More than full. This coffee is going to end up spattered on a sidewalk somewhere, and Dog Boy will probably cry. He looks like he might cry right now, just for the hell of it.

Chuck gets him an iced coffee.

That should be the end of it, but a few days later, Dog Boy comes back. He doesn’t have any dogs in tow this go ‘round, but looks five times as relaxed  ---  which is really, really a good look on him  ---  and promptly deposits a twenty dollar bill in Chuck’s tip jar.   “For you,”  he declares, and winks.

Chuck just stares at him.  “We, uhh  ---  we have to split the tips between everyone on shift, and there are, like, four other people here...”

“Christ,” says Dog Boy, and plucks the bill out of the tip jar  ---  can he do that?  is that allowed? ---   and tucks it in the pocket of Chuck’s apron.     “For you. You saved my life the other day, with the coffee. Can’t tell you what sort of day I was having, but...”

He smiles, and it’s the ridiculous sort of smile that shouldn’t be allowed to exist on anyone who’s not in Hollywood   ---   casually blinding, bright enough to leave Chuck feeling warm all over.

If he had to pick the moment he knew he was in trouble...  right there. There is it.

Floyd Talbert becomes a regular in the coffee shop after that. Turns out, he knows a startling amount of Chuck’s friends.  It’s not long before Tab’s popping in nearly every day to joke around with Bill and Babe, cause trouble with Liebgott, or even confer quietly with Mr. Winters in the corner. Seeing Tab becomes one of the highlights of Chuck’s day; they never really talk, but he’s got his coffee order memorized, and everytime that bold smile flashes his way, he feels a little dizzy.

Is this...  what it’s like to have a crush?  Strange.  Unnerving.  Chuck hasn’t had a crush since middle school.   Why now...  and why, of people, on Talbert?

One look at him and that becomes a stupid question. Who wouldn’t have a crush on Talbert?

Chuck comforts himself with that knowledge   ----   no doubt, Tab’s got girls lining up around the block. What interest would he have in a barista who always adds a little extra sugar to his coffee, just because that’s how he likes it?

Tab is the sort of guy who draws people to him like moths to a porch light; he’s dynamic and popular wherever he goes. Chuck has a tight group of friends who he sticks to like glue, and would do anything for; he’s always been more content to wait in the background, observing and working silently. He doesn’t enjoy the limelight. Tab attracts it.

There’s no way they’d work together, because Tab would never notice him.

Until the day Smokey Gordon comes up to the counter with a big grin on his face, and drops something in the tip jar.  “Just for you,”  he declares, and winks.

It’s a folded up piece of paper...  and there’s a phone number written on it. Chuck blinks for a moment, confused, before putting two and two together. Smokey gave him the number as soon as Tab left the shop.

He texts it that night.   “smokey gave me this number...  this is chuck, the barista from the coffee shop”   Waiting restlessly on his balcony with a cigarette in hand, bouncing his leg like it’s running a marathon...  Chuck has nothing to do but hold his breath.

Suddenly, the phone buzzes. It startles his cat into falling off the table. Chuck nearly jumps out of his skin.

“why am i not surprised?  typical smokey”    comes the response, followed by a startlingly accurate bitmoji.   (He uses those instead of emojis?  That’s kinda narcissistic but also really cute?)

After a moment of Chuck holding his breath, searching for how to reply  (he’s a very slow texter, and it drives his friends insane)  another message comes through from Tab.

“good thing he did tho, because i’d have spent a few more weeks working up the courage”

Chuck has a heart attack on the spot.

“honestly,”   he replies,   “i’d have skipped the number and gone straight to asking you to dinner”

“wow, a gentleman!!!”      His enthusiasm is adorable.       “sounds great to me.   are you free friday?   i know a great place for burgers”

It’s across the street from a 24-hour vet clinic.

That’s why Tab wanted to go there.

They make it through half an hour of the date with Tab obviously getting restless, and Chuck is terrified he’s boring him...  until Tab abruptly sets his glass down on the counter and turns to Chuck, fresh brightness in his eyes. “Can we actually go somewhere else? I’ve got some friends you might like to meet.”

Tab works at the local vet clinic, and he’s the one tasked with walking all the dogs each afternoon. Usually they go in shifts, but on that particular day, Tab was in a rush and decided to take them all at once.

“They ran me all over town,” he declares, a funny note of pride in his voice. “I was that close to passing out...  but then I saw the shop, and I saw you, and...”

He trails off, gnawing at his lower lip  ---   his hands are occupied roughhousing with a golden retriever, while a persistent beagle noses at his elbow. Chuck blinks at Tab over the head of an enthusiastic Yorkie, and feels something warm bloom in his chest.

“Next time, I decide the date location,” he declares. Tab grins, bright and blinding as a solar eclipse. To his own amazement, Chuck feels like he’s come home.

General Relationship Headcanons:

Chuck’s mellower than Floyd in a lot of ways. He’s less emotional, better at thinking things through; when their friends are causing havoc, Tab will eagerly be swept along in the chaos, while Chuck will follow to make sure no one causes too much trouble. They both know how to have fun, though, and have equally adventurous streaks that match well together. Hiking, rock climbing, bike riding...  these are all dates they’d enjoy.

Floyd appreciates Chuck’s honesty. Sometimes he can be too blunt (”What do you think of these jeans?” “Eh, you’ve worn better.”), but he never beats around the bush, and there’s never any question whether Floyd can trust his judgement. Chuck says what he thinks, and means what he says.

Floyd is gentler in a lot of ways, and this is something Chuck isn’t used to. He’s never...  been taken care of before. He’s never been doted on. Floyd loves doting on him, and this takes a lot of getting used to.

Chuck is the first one to say “I love you”, and it shocks them both. Sure, they’d been thinking it for a while, but...  Chuck never thought he’d find the courage to voice it, but it slips out almost unconsciously. Floyd pauses in the middle of making dinner...  then chuckles softly, almost to himself, and glances back over his shoulder.  “Love you too,”  he replies, like it’s the easiest thing in the world.  To both their surprises...  it is.

Floyd’s morals run deep, and he’s got a sensitive side that’s easily stoked. Tug on his heartstrings, and he’s open to anything...  which scares Chuck, who doesn’t trust as easily. Floyd’s more than capable of taking care of himself, but a part of Chuck feels like he needs to protect him from getting hurt. That’s impossible. The first time something hits Floyd hard, and he’s left pacing into the early hours of the morning, chewing his lip raw and agonizing over what he could have done differently, Chuck stays up with him. He doesn’t try to stop him, doesn’t try to calm him down...  but when Tab finally collapses in a chair, exhausted, Chuck’s the one who coaxes him up and to bed.

After that, it’s his turn to take care of Floyd.  This is a role he falls into with much more ease...  and Floyd, as it turns out, enjoys being pampered as much as he does giving the love.

[yoongi-sugaglider]

Daegu Quarantine

Jungkook x reader

Gang/ zombie apocalypse au

Warnings:

Gore, violence, zombies, mention of drugs and drug dealing, weapons discharge in self defense, possible future main character death, zombies, course language, zombies, drinking, did I mention zombies?

Summary:

They were the top of their game, known throughout the city as the smartest and most dangerous crew to ever hit the Daegu streets. But what’s going to happen when this group of young men encounter something right out of a horror film?

Word count:2586

Part 4 === Part 5 === Part 6

The hall erupted into chaos.

Jungkook and Jin immediately bolted for the basement, shoving through the door and disappearing downstairs as Namjoon and Taehyung began yelling at top volume at Yoongi.

“Why the fuck didn’t you say something sooner??”

“How the hell could you keep something like this from us??”

“BOYS!” I had to scream to get them to shut up but the effect was instant.

The three men turned to look at me, two of them with glares that would have sent a normal person cowering but the third just looked ashamed and terrified.

“Seriously? An outsider would think the three of you were children and not hardened criminals.” I frowned, arms crossed over my chest as I glared daggers into them.

“Now. Does this woman being pregnant change anything?”

The three men looked at each other before shrugging and turning back to me.

“The answer is no geniuses. Jungkook is going to stop Jimin and Hoseok.” I shook my head, shooting the basement door a quick nervous glance.

“I doubt the woman is a plant. Not with everything going on out there, those East side idiots don’t have the brains to plan something like that in advance. And she doesn’t exactly look like any of our other customers so I’m confident we’re alright on that front.”

“How can you know that though?” Taehyung demanded, his voice harsh as he spat the words at me.

“I’ve been in this since well before you came here.” I flashed him a look and he backed up a step.

“This shit don’t run without me and my instincts. So if you want to start questioning me and my feelings now you can just fuck off and dip. Go try to survive with those fucked up ass creatures outside.”

Taehyung paled instantly, shaking his head and raising his arms in surrender. “N..no fuck that. I’m staying my ass right the fuck here.”

“Well then, get to trusting me fuck head.”

Tae nodded and Namjoon did as well. Yoongi’d remained silent, head down for the most part as he listened to the argument.

“They’re not wrong though. I should have found a way to tell ya’ll sooner. It’s just…”

“Oh fuck off Yoongi.” His head jerked up as he stared at me in surprise.

“You did the best you fucking could, considering the circumstances. So Mister military sniper boy, get your shit together. And the lot of you need to get back to doing your jobs!”

They snapped to attention, eyes hardened as they waited for their orders.

“Tae, we need to get to figuring out who or what hacked our system. Is there anything you need from me or can you handle that?”

Tae shook his head. “Nah, I just need to figure out how they connected to us  without internet services because as far as I know everything outside of local military is all shut down.”

Waving my hand in dismissal I turned to Yoongi and Namjoon. “Alright, the biggest thing that little incident showed us is that we need to secure the windows on the lower levels. Stay together, but got those windows boarded up.”

“I think there’s some 5x9 boards in the shed. Should be enough to get most of them taken care of.”  Namjoon tilted his head, calculating the amount of supplies he would need.

Yoongi huffed a sigh, leaning against the wall and closing his eyes. “Worse comes to worse we can pull some of the boards off the fences out by the road, but we’re gonna have to be quiet about it.”

I smiled, patting each of them on the shoulder. “You boys got this. I trust you more than my own blood family. Now go on, get to work.”

The three saluted me, jogging off to their respective tasks as I turned back to the basement door.

***

The stairway down to the basement was quiet. I heaved a sigh as I made my way to the infirmary, rolling some of the tension out of my shoulders as I pushed open the door.

Hoseok and Jin stood off to the side of the door, arguing over the situation as Jungkook and Jimin helped the young woman sit up on the bed.

It seemed that Hoseok has already begun working on her. A dark bruise blossomed on her cheek and a small cut had split her lower lip, spilling bright crimson blood down the front of her hospital gown.

I shook my head, watching as Hoseok growled at Jin.

“I was doing my fucking job. How the ever loving fuck was I supposed to know the bitch was pregnant.”

“Doesn’t matter if she was pregnant or not, Jungkook ordered you to fucking stop and you just had to go and hit her one more fucking time.” Jin shoved the younger man into the wall to which Hoseok raised his fist as if about to retaliate.

“Boys…” My tone was quiet and all of the activity in the room ground to a halt.

“I think there’s been enough fighting tonight. Don’t you think so Hoseok?” I sent him a small smile and he slowly lowered his fist, allowing it to fall limply to his side.

“I was just doing my job…” The formerly aggressive man seemed to turn inward on himself, pouting for having been scolded in his duties.

Jeanette meanwhile, having been helped to her feet, managed to push past Jimin in order to face Hoseok.

I watched, eyes squinted as she took his hand and tugged on it to get him to look her in the eyes.

“I understand. Just like I get it that none of you trust me. I AM an outsider after all, and my having different skin color and an accent doesn’t help.” She smiled kindly, small dimples showing in the lower corners of her lips as she gave Hoseok’s hand a reassuring pat. “Thank you for worrying, and for doing what you had to to protect your family.”

Hoseok stared at her for a moment, bewilderment showing in his eyes before he returned her smile in kind. “I uh...I’m sorry for hitting you.”

She shook her head, a silent laugh poised to fall as she turned to us all. “I get it, really I do. I’m from a pretty rough neighborhood back home. I know how things run and I wouldn’t have it any other way knowing that my baby and I are safe here.”

Jungkook sighed, carding a hand through the hair swept over his forehead as he gave each of us a serious look. “Now that that’s all out of the way, we really need to get back to securing the base.” He turned to me, hard exterior softening as he reached his hand out to me.

I took it gratefully, allowing him to pull me close as he brushed a feather light kiss against my temple. I hummed in satisfaction, giving him a sincere smile.

“I’ve got the boys upstairs looking for ways to board up the windows. Tae is still working on the security breach as well.”

He nodded his thanks, knowing he could leave things in my hands when shit hit the fan and his attention was drawn elsewhere.

“Alright. We’re gonna head up there and help them out. Doc, see to that busted lip for me and then give her a full checkup. Make sure that baby is alright.”

I could see the way he struggled to suppress a flinch at the word and I squeezed his hand in comfort while giving him the sweetest smile I could muster.

“Go.Take care of business. I’ll stay here with Jimin and Jeanette.”

He huffed, uncertainty evident in the trembling of his hands as he cupped my cheek gently between calloused palms. “Are you sure love? You don’t have to if you don’t want to…”

“I’m sure Kook. Go on, I’ve got this.” I turned my head, kissing his palm before shooing him out the door with the others.

A soft giggle caught my attention, causing me to turn to the woman perched against the edge of the medical table.

“You two remind me of my husband and I when we first got together.” Her second giggle didn’t hide the pain reflected in her eyes. I moved forward, taking her hands in mine as I watched a single tear trace down the curve of her cheek.

“I am so sorry Jeanette…” I whispered, knowing nothing I could ever say would erase the pain she was feeling.

“Now, now. Don’t go blaming yourself for what’s happened to me.” Her motherly tone didn’t go unnoticed and I smirked when Jimin chuckled at my expense.

“I’m sorry Nonna. But she’s right.None of this is your fault.” He moved forward, pressure cuff in hand as he motioned to Jeanette to return to her place atop the table. “Mind if I get your blood pressure and the baby’s heart rate?”

Jeanette tilted her head, a look of confusion crossing her features as she moved to comply with Jimin’s request.

“The baby’s heart rate? Is that possible without an ultrasound machine?”

Jimin smiled proudly as I answered for him. “Aish, those things are modern tech. Our Jiminie here is trained in all sorts of ways. Including a lot of the old ways of medicine that don’t need high-tech gadgets to get his job done.”

His blush rose quickly as he inflated the pressure bulb and moved his stethoscope to his ears while placing the cold metal disk to the crook of her elbow. “I can’t help it. The old ways worked for us for so long before modern technology took over. I always had this feeling I would need to know how to do things without the help of computers and all that in order to get the job done. Finding a heartbeat shouldn’t be a problem at all so long as my ears don’t suddenly fail me.”

Jeanette and I both giggled, causing Jimin’s eyes to almost disappear in his joy at hearing our relaxed laughs.

“Hmm..blood pressure is a little on the high side. But considering the stress you’ve been under that’s to be expected. A bit of food and proper rest should have that right down by morning.” She nodded at his words, scooting back on the table and laying down carefully when Jimin motioned for her to do so.

I couldn’t help but stare, a broken longing tugging deep at my heartstrings as I watched the gentle rise and fall of her ever so slightly rounded belly that came with her calm breaths.

“Are...are you okay?” Her question broke through my conflicting thoughts and I jolted, wiping at my tears when I realized that I’d begun crying.

“I ah..yeah..I’m fine.” I nodded in Jimin’s general direction, dismissing the look of concern carved into his normally jovial features.

“Honest, I’m alright. I just… was remembering.”

I caught the question in her eyes as Jimin announced the presence of a healthy heartbeat before helping her return to a sitting position.

“You sure?” Her words were hushed, and the concern in her eyes cracked my facade further. Mocha eyes searching my own in such a way that reminded me so much of my mother that it left my breath ragged as I struggled to control the emotions welling up deep within my chest.

“Y/n…”

I clenched my fists, allowing the pain of my nails digging into the tender flesh of my palms to return me to the present instead of the broken memories I’d tried so desperately to bury.

With a deep and healing breath I regained my smile, wiping away the last of my tears before standing up straighter.

“I’m fine. I promise. Jeanette is far more important than what I’m dealing with. Now come on Doc. Tell us what we need to make sure this baby stays safe and sound where it belongs.”

***

“What do you mean the front gate got left open?? Is that how those fuckers got in? I thought you were watching the goddamn cameras?!?!”

“It had to have happened when the system got hacked. The gate's remote controlled. I sent Namjoon hyung and Hoseok hyung out to get it fixed and the security system is back online. Look I'm sorry oka…”

“Fuck that we coulda been killed! You're supposed to be the best. You bragged about how nobody could beat you.I trusted you with our lives I trusted you with HER life!!”

I’d come back upstairs after ensuring that Jimin would set Jeanette up with as much as he could before finding a room for her to stay in. I knew that if I left the boys alone for too long words would be said and fists would fly without me there to mediate, especially with the lack of sleep they’d been experiencing. And true to form I’d arrived to the screaming match that now played out before me. I rushed in, knowing that if I didn't stop this Jungkook might actually kill poor Taehyung.

“Babe please!” I grabbed his arm, pulling it down and away from Taehyung's face. To his credit the older man hadn't flinched.

“We can't be fighting like this. There's too much death out there as it is.”

Jungkook's breath came out ragged and harsh. He wouldn't even look at me,too focused on glaring death in Taehyung's direction.

“Jungkook, my love, my sweet bunny boy.” I grabbed his face,pulling his attention to my eyes. This time Jungkook did flinch. I'm sure he could see the pain and worry in my eyes. But what had to have struck him to the core was the fear. Something I never let anyone see.

“Taehyung did the best he could. If it weren't for him we would have never known about the gate. Hobi and Joon are out there fixing it now and Tae has a handle on the security system again. Please.”

I leaned up on tiptoes and kissed his nose gently,giving him a soft smile as I came back down. “Please baby. You need some sleep. We all need sleep. It's been almost 24 hours we've been at this. Come to bed with me? I won't feel safe if you aren't there.”

It seemed to work. My desperate words finally reached him as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close as could be. I buried my face in his chest, searching for that lingering scent of peaches and sighing deeply when I caught the barest hint of it.

“Alright..no no you're right…” Jungkook shot Taehyung an apologetic look. “I'm sorry Tae. I shouldn't be taking this out on you. You did the best you could considering the world's gone full blown undead cannibal.”

I stepped away, watching in satisfaction as the two hugged it out.

“ She's right though. We should get some sleep. We're gonna head. Once Joon and Hobi get back make sure all the doors and windows are secure and then get some rest yourselves. We've all earned it.”

Tae nodded, giving me a gentle pat of thanks on the shoulder as we walked by and out of the room.

I sighed heavily as we began to make our way up to our shared bedroom. “Ugh...this day has gone on long enough...I can hear my blankets calling.”

Kookie chuckled at my remark,wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me into a quick kiss once we'd reached the landing of the second floor.

“Ya know,I think I hear them too.Come on,let's shower and get some fucking sleep.”

[unfortunatelysirius]

Battle of the Bands ☆☆╮ {Sirius Black – Modern AU}

╰❂╮ prompt ╰❂╮ Y/N and Sirius were once bandmates, but that all changed with a simple misunderstanding. Now they’re duking it out the only way they know how: through music. And let’s just say it doesn’t end pretty. ╰❂╮ author’s note ╰❂╮ this idea just came to me and i couldn’t help but write it. hope you guys like it! i know it’s kinda rushed but if you want a sequel imagine, just ask and i’ll be happy to oblige :-) ╰❂╮ warnings ╰❂╮ Swearing ╰❂╮ word count ╰❂ ╮ 4k+

           You and Sirius Black had a history that was as confounding, and crazy, as they come. And the hate, the infuriation, all started with a total misunderstanding.

         -

         “We could be bigger than Lennon, you know,” said Sirius Black, this cheesy, smug grin on his face as he lounged back. He had a suave arm hanging around the recliner’s back, legs propped up on a large, sophisticated-looking Ottoman, like he owned the building and everything in it. He was never one to play it safe, nor humbly, just like he wasn’t one to apologize for being the biggest git in the room. “Maybe even bigger than Mick Jagger. That’d be something.”

         Swiveling around in your chair, you shot your bandmate—and partner—a look of disbelief. You were already feeling doubtful at the mention of John Lennon, but Mick Jagger, too? Really? “Yes, we’ll be as big as God. Everyone from the Himalayas to the Rocky Mountains will worship us,” you droned, unable to hold your tongue; when in doubt, be sarcastic. “Be realistic, Black.”

         Sirius threw you a scowl, which showed you just how much he appreciated you shattering his totally-unrealistic dreams, but it took less than seconds before his scowl was melting into a grin. “Actually, about that—I got a call yesterday. One I think you’ll love the sound of.”

         “If this is about one of your groupies wanting me in on the action, I’ll have to decline. I’ve taken a vow of abstinence,” you said, holding up your hand and drawing an imaginary ring on your finger.  

         A bark of laughter left Sirius. “Your adoring fans will be left heartbroken, knowing they’ll never the chance to know you in bed!” the idiot cried, throwing an arm over his eyes as he pantomimed a remorseful swoon. “On a serious note, though… I got a call from a record-label, Y/N/N. A real record-label.”

         Your heart froze. And everything seemed to stop, or go in slow motion. You looked at him, and you saw the vibrant grin on his face, the happy lilt in his high cheekbones. It was not something you could ever imagine for yourself, not when you knew the horrors that awaited bands the minute they were roped into a record-label’s clutches. You and Sirius were in a band, one that included Regulus, Sirius’s brother, and two of your best friends, Lily and Marlene. You weren’t extremely popular, but your music was, and you’d garnered a fierce fanbase just from what you were able to post on YouTube. You liked to think of yourself as a pseudo-manager, always taking care of the nitty-gritty details, doing everything you could because you never wanted the burden on anyone else, whether that be last-minute gigs, or plots for music videos. And you were content to keeping it that way.

         “Sirius…” You frowned. “You know how I feel about labels.”

         Sirius’s face crumbled. You could read the frustration in his eyes. “This is our chance, Y/N! Forget how you feel about bloody records; you want this just as much as I do. Our big break—it’s finally here, Y/N. In our hands. I can fucking taste it.”

         “Not everything’s about fame and publicity, Sirius,” you said, continuing to frown at him. It wasn’t uncommon for the two of you to disagree on something, but this felt a bit different. “I thought we agreed on being an indie band.”        

         “And rely on fans to get by? That’s no way to live, Y/N. You have to give up on this distrust you have for big producers, and just learn to live.”

         You didn’t like his tone. Or his words, for that matter. They didn’t sound like they were coming from Sirius Black. Who was this stranger sitting across from you? “I’m not going to change myself for money, Sirius. Maybe you would, but me? I’m not like that.”

         “Bloody fucking Hell, Y/N!” Sirius stood up; as did you. The two of you got up close—close and personal—and there was nothing but anger and irritation in your friend’s face. He was seething. “What the fuck is up with you? I thought music was your dream. Seems to me like you don’t give a damn about the process. You’re just along for the fucking ride. It’s all a game to you, isn’t it?”

         “If you think that way about me, then you don’t know me at all, Sirius!” you snapped, heartstrings being wrenched from their loops. You were completely crushed. “If you want a bloody record deal, then fucking go for it, you dick—but do not expect me to follow you to the ends of the earth for your own damn benefit.”

         Sirius sneered, grabbing for his hat and jacket as he stormed towards the door. “Oh, don’t worry, Y/N—you can sit here and chase a fucking waterfall. When you catch on me on MTV, well—we’ll see who’s bloody laughing.”

         -

         That was the last time you saw Sirius Orion Black. And well—good bloody riddance, if you had any say in it.

         After he left the band, you thought Regulus would follow in his brother’s footsteps, and you thought Lily and Marlene wouldn’t risk being in a band without their star guitarist, but to your utter surprise, all three of them stayed loyal—to you, and to the band. Regulus stepped up, and became the lead singer and lead guitarist, having an interesting, hypnotic voice that you’d never quite expected from him. And in the year that followed Sirius’s abrupt departure, it helped garner your band a loyal fanbase, one not too big but also not too small.

         Unlike Sirius’s new band, The Marauders, who were all that anyone could really talk about in this bloody hellhole of a town.

         Sirius was their singer, and their guitarist, and even though they’d only been together for a few months, they were already being compared to the Arctic Monkeys. Arctic fucking Monkeys! That was the biggest compliment any band could ever receive, much less an up-and-coming, very-much-fresh band like the Marauders. It made your blood boil, just thinking about it.

         It was jealousy, you knew—you couldn’t stand that Sirius got exactly what he wanted, a record deal, while you couldn’t say much for your own band, when you could hardly reach 15,000 views on one of your EP’s MVs. It made you want to pull your hair out. Sirius was definitely laughing about it, ha-ha-haing at you, for he was better than you; his view-count said so, as did his growing fanbase. The very thought of him, smirking smugly at his computer screen, having a laugh with his bandmates about your lousy track-record with hits. You could almost hear his voice; “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, but seems to me, Y/N, like you’re even missing the ones you do take.”

         “You know, Y/N,” said Regulus, obviously seeing the concentrated look of fury on your face and knowing it was never a good thing to let you think about something (read: Sirius Black) for too long, “you’ll need to let go of the past one of these days. It’s been a year. Why are you continuing to torture yourself?”

         You clenched your eyes closed, then opened them; you switched your gaze from the tabletop over to Regulus, dressed in nothing but a t-shirt and boxer shorts as he fiddled with a Rubik’s cube. You were fixing to give him a good talking-to, mind going haywire with all the hateful, spiteful words you could say, but the concerned look on his face made you backstep. “I can’t help it, Reggie,” you said with a sigh, A part of you was determined to be rash, and to hurt him, but you weren’t going to lash out at Regulus just to satisfy the churning rage inside. “I don’t miss him, but…” You were kidding yourself. You missed him. But you couldn’t admit that to yourself, let alone Regulus, the bastard’s kid-brother. “I wish we’d worked everything out. I regret being so rude to him.”

         Regulus tilted his head. “From what you said, it sounds a lot like he should be the one to apologize. He knew just how you feel about big producers. He knew why. You were just being true to yourself. We all know how Sirius is; he’d do anything to be famous.”

         He’ll do anything to be famous. You didn’t like those words, but you supposed they had a hint of truth to them. Sirius was always different from you and your bandmates; he actively sought fame, doing eccentric things he thought record-labels wanted. Being something he wasn’t. For publicity, for groupies, for a legacy—you couldn’t tell.

         It appeared you’d been silent for a long while, because Regulus eased up from the doorway and sashayed over to your side. He put a comforting hand on your shoulder. “Just try to forget about him, and have fun, Y/N. That’s what music-lovers do, right? Forget their worries, and just vibe along to the vibrations?” He smiled.

         You shook your head, about to give him your reply, but the sound of your cellphone ringing caught your attention. When you pulled it out of your pocket, the contact name made you go high-alert. ‘Richard Evans.’ Lily’s dad, and your pseudo-manager. The only reason you allowed him to manage your band was because you trusted the man with everything in you; if anyone was going to be reliable and totally-supportive, it would be Richard. You were surprised to see him calling, considering you and the band had a week off, but you supposed it wouldn’t hurt to answer. You swiped your thumb across the screen.

         “You won’t believe what’s happening next month, Y/N!” cried Richard.

         You raised your eyebrows, looking at Regulus bewilderedly. Did he know something about this? When he shrugged cluelessly back, you hit speakerphone. “What’s happening next month, Mr. Evans?”

         Richard was practically jumping at the seams, if his voice had anything to say about it; he appeared on cloud-nine. “Hogwarts is having their annual Battle of the Bands.”

         You froze. Battle of the Bands was a tradition for you and Sirius, even before you started a band of your own. You were meant to participate last year, but Siri left before you had any real chance to apply, and you’d lost heart in your music in the months following his departure, so the rest of your band (sympathizing with you for losing your best friend) decided they’d try again next year.

         And here was your chance. Laying right at your feet, just waiting to be taken.

         Regulus looked at you. You looked at Regulus. The two of you shared a grin.

         It was time for you to start living in the present, for life happens when you’re busy making other plans.

         -

         It was July 23rd, the day of Hogwarts’s 50th Annual Battle of the Bands. And you and your bandmates—the essence of your band, Carpet Lullabies—were ready. Wracked with nerves, but ready.

         You never even took a second to think Sirius would be here. With his new band. Anticipating a victory both of you wanted desperately.

         Yet, here he was. Standing in line, arms wrapped around two boys—one tall and one short—you remembered from high school. Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew. Behind them stood James Potter, a bespectacled, messy-haired guy you remembered as Sirius’s pal from grade-school. You turned to look at Lily and Marlene, nudging the two of them and surreptitiously nodding over towards them. Lily gaped speechlessly while Marlene snickered bitterly, muttering, “That’s ironic,” under her breath.

         “I shouldn’t have assumed he’d go out and find strangers to start up a band with,” you said quietly, hearing a defeated ba-dum from your heart that signaled returning heartache, one which you’d tried erasing from memory for over a year. “But I… I didn’t think he’d do it with them.”

         “Ignore them, Y/N,” Regulus muttered in your ear, pressing you into your side. It was comforting, feeling the warmth of his body against yours, as Regulus was like a brother to you, and you knew he was one of the only people you’d ever be able to count on. “Just think about the competition. We’ll have fans there, eager to hear us live. Doesn’t that excite you?”

         You swallowed hard, heartbeat slowing as you imagined it, being on stage again, this time a bigger stadium—and you had a shot at 10,000 pounds. Money you never dreamed of getting. “Yeah, yeah. I’m happy.” To prove your point, you smiled. The smile was weak, but there. You supposed that was all that mattered, at this point. “My mum’s here. She’ll get to see me perform tonight.”  

         “This new song, you’ll get to sing,” Lily pointed out, smiling gently at you. The three of them were being soft, knowing just how hard this had to be on you. You took notice, and the intense, overwhelming gratefulness that shadowed you was enough to make your eyes pool with unshed tears. “Your mom will be so proud.”

         Marlene saw the tears, and she came to your side, pulling you into a warm, comforting hug. Regulus was still at your other side. Seeing the two of them showering you in support, Lily decided to join in, hugging you—hard—from the front. It was enough to make you close your eyes against the strong sense of tranquility that suddenly enveloped you; enough that you didn’t realize the foursome creeping up on you.

         “Well, well—look who it is,” said someone from in front of you. You didn’t have to look to know who it was. Sirius. “I have to admit—I wasn’t expecting you guys to show at all, considering your best member cut the ties.”

         Regulus pulled back from the hug, cutting his gaze towards the smirking git standing tall beside his three silent, awkward companions. “Best member? You hardly did anything except strum a few chords,” he spat. “Didn’t you ever read the bloody forums? Not one mention of your talent. Just how attractive fans thought you were. That’s probably the only reason they even like you now. They pity you for being so, so handsome yet at the same time, such a brainless git.”

         Sirius sneered, raising his brows in a mocking gesture of So what? before he was looking at you. His gaze softened, but only slightly; he was still haughty, still angry, and still infuriatingly self-righteous. “We’ll let the music speak for itself,” he said, grinning. “And I promise—you won’t be the ones with the title at the end of this.”

         “We’ll see, Black,” said Marlene stiffly. Her fists were curled tight from her sides. “We’ll fucking see.”

         “I look forward to it,” the bloke said drily, turning to look at his bandmates. The one with glasses—James—was staring at Lily, looking totally gob-smacked—and the only thing that had him tearing away his gaze was the back of Sirius’s hand meeting his head.

         “Ow, Sirius! That bloody hurt,” James whined, clenching at the offended spot. “I wasn’t—”

         “Let’s go,” said Sirius, abruptly, throwing James a glare before he was striding off. Peter was the first to follow, then Remus, but not before the sandy-haired boy was throwing the rest of you an apologetic glance. James’s feet refused to move. He was having a stare-down with Lily, one that was nothing hostile—more along the lines of, You’re bloody gorgeous and I want to get to know you but Sirius will have my head if I even try. When Sirius yelled out his name, James startled, grinning and winking at the girl before he was running after his friends.

         Lily blushed profusely. Regulus raised an eyebrow. And Marlene waggled her brows.

         You felt no sense of obligation to really tease or brag on your friend; rather, you were feeling a bit devastated. Even after all this time, Sirius was still angry with you. He still despised you. And he was against you and your friends.

         -

         “Up first we have Miss Righteous!” called Albus Dumbledore, the olden, jolly man who always hosted Battle of the Bands. He was an avid music fan, and had a radio show you liked to tune into, every now and again. He had very thoughtful things to say about basically any music artist of any genre. “With lead singer and lead guitarist, Padma Patil; backing vocals and keyboardist Parvati Patil; and drummer Cho Chang. They’ll be singing a cover of The Pretender.”

         The band got into position. You were clenching hard onto Regulus’s arm, anxious to know just how big your competition was. The first keys started to play, and you felt your heart drop at the perfect beginning—

         Until the first verse, and the band fell right apart.

         They were terribly off-key, both Parvati and Padma unable to keep in tone with each other, singing different words as they played their respective instruments. Cho was so bad she ended up throwing up a drumstick in frustration—only to have it smack Padma right in the head, leaving her shrieking and flailing about.

         Dumbledore was trying to hide in his beard, and failing miserably. And the rest of the bands were in fits of laughter; you saw Sirius ripping a stitch into his side from grinning so widely and laughing so hard.

         The threesome stomped off stage, tails tucked between their legs. Dumbledore waited for their exit in silence, before he slowly leaned back into the microphone.

         “Yes, and our next act—The Marauders.” The four blokes, all ranging in their excitement and expression of nerves, walked up on stage. “With lead singer and secondary guitarist, Sirius Black—” The crowd went up into a frenzy of cheers and “I love you, Sirius Black!”’s. “James Potter, lead guitarist and backing vocals; Remus Lupin, bassist and backing vocals; and Peter Pettigrew on drums. They’ll be singing an original called Modern Gypsy. Give it up for The Marauders, ladies and gentlemen.”

         The four got into position. Again, you pressed yourself into Regulus’s side, nearly shaking at the feeling of trepidation in your body. You had never heard the Marauders play, not ever bothering to look up the band’s originals; but now was your chance to really get a feel for how good he was fairing. The lights dimmed, and that was when James began to strum his guitar. The first chords were beautifully hypnotic, and then they built into a crescendo; that was when Sirius joined, then Remus, and the hard hits of a drum followed shortly after.

         You forgot just how wonderful a singer Sirius was:

         “You tried to make me a man…”

         His voice got deeper, his strumming more intensive—

         “You wanna make a man outta me?

         Then blow your vapor and beat my chest;

         A single heart can beat for two.

         Trapped inside your daisy hollow,

         Your garden of tricks.

         Such a clever little minx—

         Just a modern gypsy.

         A damned modern gypsy.”

         You were nearly breathless at the end of their performance. Regulus was blinking in surprise, and he barely gave a wince when you tightened your grip on his arm, leaning so closely into him you could smell his cologne. You whispered, “They’re good.”

         “Yeah,” Regulus said back, just as quietly; “They’re really good.”

         The entire stadium was in a frenzy; all the girls were shrieking, jumping up and down in their seats. Even some of the guys were cheering. It made you want to cry, knowing your own negligence of your band’s needs was the reason you’d never truly get this experience yourself.

         He’s doing so much better without us, you thought, a shiver going through at you at the thought of it. No wonder he holds a grudge against us.

         The next few performances were lackluster, before a mind-blowing one from an indie group called Maestro. You were gaping and clapping hard by the end of it; you’d never seen such intense work on a drum-set. And then it was finally your group’s turn.

         “And our next act—Carpet Lullabies!” There was cheers all around the stadium, which greatly surprised you; Regulus wasn’t kidding when he said you had fans. “With lead singer and lead guitarist, Regulus Black; backing vocals and secondary guitarist, Lily Evans; bassist and today, backing vocals, Y/N L/N; and lastly, Marlene Evans, on drums. They’ll be singing an original called More than Ordinary. Give it up for Carpet Lullabies!”

         The four of you got into position; you first fumbled with the bass’s strap, feeling a tad-bit embarrassed at your own inept quality. But you couldn’t let that affect you, as you stood at attention, ready to give you’re all for this performance.

         Regulus cleared his throat, then nodded for Marlene to take it away. She fell into an iconic drum-solo, something you hadn’t seen from any of the other bands—and that’s when Regulus began to sing.          “An indie beauty, a dying breed,          Playing Russian roulette where I’m the revolver…”

         You strummed your bass, feeling yourself fall into the atmosphere—going deep into a catatonic state, where all you could do was strum a few chords and mouth along the words.

         And then it was your turn to sing.

         “Aphrodite never said beauty was pain.

         Aphrodite never mentioned I’d be the one ugly.

         Aphrodite never said I’d be all alone.

         All the lies, and all the ties,          They string me along.

         To the fates, I’m just a game,          Never the pawn.          Not the hero, nor the cause,          Just a fucking dog—”

         But as you sung, you never noticed yourself nearing the end of the stage. You didn’t notice the amplifier’s cord as it slowly got tied around your leg. And that’s when things got very ugly, very fast.

         Before you could notice what was happening, your ankle was suddenly strung tight, and you were slamming deep into the wood of the stage, head and arms hitting it hard. You felt something pop in your elbow as it hit the floor, and then you were falling off the stage, only being saved from imminent pain by the amp’s cord—until you were limply hanging off the stadium’s edge, too hurt to even begin to comprehend your humiliation.

         You felt your consciousness waver, even as you registered the stadium going stock-still with shock. You heard Regulus’s voice, as he yelled for someone to call an ambulance, as he pulled you up from where you hung, but you couldn’t care less. You were tired, and blood was oozing from a gash on your head, and there was nothing—literally nothing—keeping you here, in this dimension.

         So you did as you had always done, and slowly let go of your reality.

         -

         When you awoke, it was to the slow beat of a heart, and to a soft snoring in the corner. You opened your eyes, but had to shy away, for the light was almost blinding, and you were too weak to brave against it.

         You noticed a familiar bloke sitting in a chair against the wall, and nearly toppled off the bed when you saw just who it was. Sirius Black. What in the hell was he doing here?

         “Sirius?” you said aloud, quietly, nearly straining to hear your own voice. Jesus, you needed some water. You were near-parched. You tried again; “Sirius? Sirius?”

         The bloke startled in his sleep. He blinked open his eyes blearily, nearly gaping when he saw you staring back at him, awake—haze-driven and tired, but awake.

         “My God, Y/N—you shared the living hell out of me,” Sirius said, fumbling off the chair and instead falling to his knees beside your bed. You had to crane your neck downwards to see him, but you didn’t mind; him being close meant being able to hear him better, as your ears were still muffled, as though cotton was shoved inside them both. “I thought I was going to lose you, and just—I don’t know what I’d do if that were to happen. I’m… I’m so fucking sorry.”

         “I’m sorry, too, Sirius,” you said quietly.

         “You have nothing to be sorry about, Y/N. Fucking nothing. It was me and my damn pride that got in the way of us,” said Sirius, and you could hear tears in his speech. He was near hysterics. “I just—I bloody love you, Y/N. And I keep hurting you. That’s—that’s not what love is. Me being a dickhead, and you being nothing but nice. You don’t deserve that. You’re one of the best people I know, and I should have never expected you to change, not for me—not for anyone.”

         You slowly smiled. This was what you were hoping for—desperate for. You and him, making amends—and you being able to miss him and want him without feeling this sense of dread, like you were an idiot for even thinking to love him. For missing him. For wanting him. You and him had always been tight-fitted, too stuck in a skinny-love phase to really ever let it register just how much each one of you cared for the other. And you let a petty rivalry get in the way—a hatred that was much smaller than either of you could really comprehend.

         “It’s okay,” you said softly, feeling safe as Sirius’s gaze met yours. As he slowly stood to take your weak, pale hand in his, his eyes so utterly wrenched in heartache that you just had to squeeze back, you knew the two of you would be okay. You’d work through your struggles. You’d fix everything between the two of you. You’d make your last misunderstanding be just that--the last.

        And you were sure you’d conquer it all in the end.

[loveforpreserumsteve]

Summer In Your Eyes (Lifeguard!Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes Modern Summer AU)

Fifty-Four:

It was a Barnes tradition to see the fireworks on the lake. It was also a tradition to join the Rogers and Romanoffs in the lake where all the channels met up at. Steve, Natasha, and Bucky would climb up onto the top deck to huddle together in awe as the strategic and decorative explosions lit up the sky.

Growing up, it was Bucky's favorite summer activity. But Bucky knew that a large part of it was because he got to spend more time with Steve. Even before Bucky became consciously aware of his infatuation towards Steve, Bucky knew that Steve made everything better. Bucky had never been one who longed and looked forward to summer. Rather, Bucky longed and looked forward to the next time he got to see Steve.

Even now, Bucky's stomach was in knots to see Steve. To see a single Steve. A single Steve that Bucky hoped to be kissing under the fireworks.

Taking in a grounding breath, Bucky tried not to set his hopes too high. Glancing over at Sam who had Tibby secured -- and sleeping -- on his chest, Bucky smirked. Turning to look behind him to his parents, George smiled and winked at Bucky, silently letting him know that he saw the adorable pair in the seat beside Bucky's. Briefly, Bucky glanced even further back at the two teens in the back who were huddled together under a blanket with their ponytails flying behind them from the speed that the navy-blue 2008 Tahoe Q4 Sport was picking up.

Everyone seemingly content, Bucky redirected his attention to the front. Closing his eyes, Bucky remembered his childhood and how this always felt like flying. All Bucky wanted when he was younger was to be able to fly, so he could fly over to Steve whenever he wanted to. Which was always: all the time.

Slowing down, Bucky opened his eyes to see that they were leaving the channel and entering the lake. Other boaters were already taking their spots and Winifred easily maneuvered over to the Rogers' red 2008 Sun Tracker Party Cruiser. Once they were close enough, Bucky stood and tossed the rope to Joseph when he held his hands up for it.

Easily catching it, Joseph effortlessly looped the rope around the guardrail and tied it tight, so the boats were right beside each other. Making it easier for the families to be on the Party Cruiser together where there was enough comfortable seating, a kitchenette, a dinette, and a bathroom.

As Bucky took Tibby from Sam, Bucky spotted Steve inside the cabin. Steve hadn't spotted Bucky yet, but Bucky didn't care. He didn't mind silently watching Steve as he opened a bag of freshly popped popcorn and poured the contents into the large bowl on the counter beside him.

Going to set Tibby down, she clung to Bucky more and when he quietly glanced over at her, she whined, "I gotta go potty."

"Okay," Bucky reassured and situated Tibby on his hip. Sure, Bucky would be happy to assist his sister with anything, but he was even more happy that he had to enter the cabin where Steve was.

Opening the sliding door gained Steve's attention and he casually glanced over to smile at Bucky. Stepping inside the cabin, Bucky paused, bashful under Steve's warm gaze. Then, noting that the air conditioning was on in the cabin, Bucky closed the sliding door and carried Tibby further into the cabin.

"Hey, cutie," Steve greeted with an easy grin that tugged at Bucky's heartstrings.

Although Bucky was sure that the term of endearment wasn't meant for him, he teased, "Oh, please. The way you flatter me, honestly."

"I mean," Steve purposely paused to accentuate his words with a shrug. Almost as though he was agreeing with Bucky and had meant for Bucky to take the greeting as a personal compliment.

Bucky stepped closer. Knowing that he would have to squeeze past the muscular blond on his way to the tiny bathroom. All Bucky wanted to do was lean over and pepper Steve's skin with his affectionate kisses. To taste the day on his skin. To find and catalog all the little things that made Steve, Steve, right down to his very cells.

Successfully, moving past Steve -- while also managing to brush his backside against that desirable body in the small space -- Bucky stopped in front of the bathroom. Raising his hand, Bucky paused before he even got the chance to knock on the closed door as it cautiously opened. Bucky took a step back, and was utterly shocked to find Sharon stepping out of the tiny bathroom.

[blouisparadise]

Upon request, here is a rec list of bottom Louis fics where there is a wealth discrepancy between Harry and Louis. Note: We used a loose interpretation of the word “poor” for this rec list - one half of the pairing doesn’t necessarily have to be in poverty, but they have significantly less wealth or are struggling.

Happy reading!

1) And Still, He Takes My Breath Away | Explicit | 2774 words

The one where Louis sometimes gets paid to attend office parties and Harry, apparently, works for a firm where a lot of parties are thrown.

2) Put It On Me | Explicit | 14890 words

Harry’s bachelor party doesn’t go as planned. 

3) All The Lights are Full Of Colour | Explicit | 26727 words

So, fast-forwarding eight years from the day Harry met Louis, he is now a twenty-seven year old owner of one of the most up-and-coming eating establishments on the London restaurant scene, father of two wonderful boys and… separated from his husband. Now, that last part definitely was never a part of the original plan.

4) Brooklyn Saw Me | Explicit | 28537 words

In the cold and unforgiving city of New York, Louis doesn't have a home and Harry wants to give him one. But as their heartstrings become increasingly intertwined, and the snow continues to fall, home is getting harder and harder to find.

5) The List | Mature | 32094 words

In the weeks that follow, Harry opens his old journal more than he has in the past two years each time he remembers Venice or thinks about Louis. He always flips to the same random page in the middle of the book, marked by the picture of himself that Louis sent him a few days after they got home. There’s a message on the back that says, ‘Spontaneous looks good on you! See you soon,’ and it makes Harry’s chest warm each time he reads it. He wedges their list out from between the worn pages, and it feels silly staring down at a folded up piece of paper with a strange sense of nostalgia for experiences they’ve yet to have; for places they’ve never even been.

6) Give Me a Memory I Can Use | Explicit | 41653 words

Louis is a brilliant, yet broke PhD student, Harry’s a pretentious and arrogant vampire, and first impressions have never been more deceiving.

7) Million Dollar Man | Explicit | 47624 words

“I’m putting myself out on a limb here but…” Harry pauses, reaching out to grab a hold of Louis’ hands tentatively. Louis’ a bit taken back, but his hands are so warm and Louis’ hands are so cold from handling the ice in the back. “You shouldn’t have to work in a place like this, I could… I could take care of everything. You can quit here and pursue Broadway full time,” Harry says, voicing quivering and Louis can feel his hands shaking and Louis holds onto them tightly.

“I don’t understand, are you an agent or do you just invest money in young actors?” Louis asks, eyebrows furrowing slightly as he chews on his bottom lip.

“Let me take you out, hm? We can talk more about it. I can pay for your tuition and…” Harry trails off, and Louis gasps quietly, leaning in towards Harry.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but are you asking to be my… sugar daddy?” Louis asks, lowering his voice and Harry can’t help but chuckle.

“Something like that, yeah,” Harry replies, squeezing the boy’s hands and smiling at his flushed cheeks and innocent expression.

8) For the Sake of Propriety | Mature | 52358 words

Louis Tomlinson is the caretaker of an estate that is not truly his, and when his Uncle calls upon him to take it back, Louis knows he will soon be out on the streets with four overly zealous sisters to care for. His only solution: wed the eldest two off and pray for the best. When an even better solution unexpectedly presents itself in the form of the charming Mr. Styles, Louis is faced with a difficult choice. But as with all things in the regency era, reputation very well may threaten to outweigh the fleeting matters of his heart.    

9) I Hunger For Your Beautiful Embrace | Explicit | 57276 words

Legatus Harry is governor of Capua and Dominus of his estate. He governs with a firm and harsh rule and has never been known to be soft. That is until Louis comes into his life. A beautiful slave who creeps into Harry’s house and heart. But in the times of Ancient Rome, when sex, wars, and death are the entertainment of the times, life and love are rare commodities.

10) Nobody Does It Like You | Not Rated | 58520 words

Louis isn’t looking for a home, but he finds one in Harry.

11) Such Good Luck | Explicit | 66205 words

An Edwardian AU where Harry is a young aristocratic lord and Louis is a working class dairy farmer. Secrets are a necessary part of their relationship, but Louis has one that could topple their whole world.

12) Since I’ve Found You | Mature | 74005 words

Louis woke up on the morning he was meant to volunteer at the Feed the Homeless program at St. Mary’s church hoping for an opportunity to give back a little to a city that has given him everything he could ever want. Little did he know, there was one more great thing waiting there for him; a boy with radiant green eyes in a weathered jacket and a beat-up backpack slung over his shoulders.

13) And Down the Long and Silent Street | Mature | 86090 words

Note: This fic is locked and can only be read by AO3 users.

Wherein Louis and Harry are on the opposite ends of the social ladder, but their paths still cross on the filthy streets Louis calls his home. The odds are staked against them from the beginning, and even more when Louis’ past finally catches up with him.

14) Baby Heaven’s In Your Eyes | Explicit | 120925 words

A sixth form!AU where Harry is the fucked up bad boy with too many problems, Louis is the perfect rich boy with too much money and their schools are right across from each other. They meet at a party and that’s the last (and maybe the only) thing they need.

15) To Be Loved To Be In Love | Explicit | 129407 words

Where Harry thinks giving money, expensive presents and luxuries proves how much you love someone, but Louis is about to turn his world upside down.

16) Among The Humans | Explicit | 129435 words

A gothic, modern day vampire romance between a young human named Louis Tomlinson, and Harry Styles, ancient vampire and gentleman.

Creatures of the night come with more trouble than they wish to make it seem.

17) Cold Little Heart | Teen & Up | 194584 words

Louis is a soft omega with an abusive past and an alpha child. A few months after getting a divorce, Louis meets Harry, an ex-military alpha wolf that offers him something odd.

In exchange for teaching him how to cook, Harry will babysit his son, Abraham. Louis really could use the help.

Check out our other fic rec lists by category here and by title here.

[thenonsenseuniverse]

Coffee Cups & Leather Jackets pt 5

Hamilton Modern Au Thomas Jefferson x Reader Hamilsquad x Reader PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5, PART 6, PART 7 Summary: For your first mission, you find yourself face to face with a familiar enemy, but also making a new friend. You weren’t sure what Thomas had in store, but after your day at the cafe, maybe a little distraction wasn’t a bad thing.

         Thomas glanced worriedly at you as he began the drive back to the mansion. You were scarily silent, and your emotions seemed to be flickering between angry, sad, and regretful. He knew that today would be hard for you, and he expected you to be upset like this for the next couple of weeks. Heartbreak wasn’t an easy thing to get over and he respected that. However, he didn’t like seeing you so upset because of that group of idiotic baboons. You needed a distraction. 

“I was thinking,” Thomas began, stealing your attention away from the rainy window. “You’ve seemed to pick up on your training fairly easily. So how about when we get home, we set up your first mission?”

You frowned at Thomas’ words. “F-First of all the mansion i-isn’t my ho-home. I have my ow-own dorm.” Jefferson smirked at your sass. It was one of the things that made him decide to bring you into the team. “Sec-condly, I don’t th-think I’m ready. I could b-barely hold u-up against th-the boys today.”

He nodded in acknowledgment. “That’s to be expected though, Darlin’. Those boys were your friends for nearly a year, of course they’re gonna be your weak spot. What you need is a way to vent out your emotions. I bet you haven’t had a full night of sleep since they’ve left you.” He took your silence as affirmation to the statement. “It won’t be anything too hard, just something to get your mind off of those dimwitted morons.” 

You instinctively tensed at the insults being thrown at your ex-best friends. They may have hurt you, but that didn’t mean that you didn’t still care for them. You knew they weren’t even close to being morons. In fact, they were some of the smartest people you had ever met. 

You suddenly realized that this was exactly what Thomas was talking about. No matter what they did to you, you were still defending them, and deep down you still desperately wanted to crawl back to them and let them hold you again. You wouldn’t let that happen. You weren’t going to let them hurt you again. 

With a sigh and a stir of your drink, you gave into Jefferson. “You’re r-right. Let’s do this.” Jefferson simply grinned and continued to drive, the car fell quiet once more for the remainder of the drive.

   James placed four mugs of tea on the center table of what the boys called the ‘info room’ as you sat down to discuss your first mission. “Something easy, huh? It’ll also have to be someone who deserves it.”

You rose an eyebrow at that statement. “W-Wait. I thought we ag-agreed that I wasn’t h-hurting anyone.” 

Thomas sighed. “That’s right, you don’t want to be involved in the fun part. Alright then, someone we can use to our advantage. Someone who we can give leverage that will become handy in the future.”

“There’s Maria. We did just dig up dirt between her and Hamilton, but she’s still in that abusive relationship with James Reynolds. A friend who understands just might be what she needs to finally give her the strength to leave him. After that, I have strong feeling that she’ll blossom rather quickly, and can be another insider for us.” Aaron explained, pointing to the picture of the girl who’s folder he had hung up yesterday. 

James nodded in consideration and took a drink of his tea. “True, but that’s going to be one messy, and long case once we do decide to open it. I don’t think Y/N emotionally ready for that right now.” 

You opened your mouth to argue with him but closed it when you realized he was probably right. This was the second time they had associated this woman with Hamilton and you weren’t ready to deal with anything involving the boys right now. Work was hard enough.

“I was thinking something more along the lines of Peggy Schylur,” James started throwing the file onto the table. “A politicians daughter, and sister of two of the most popular girls in school, yet lives in a cloud of loneliness. She’s constantly in her sister’s shadows and is always forgotten. It’d be easy to get her on your side, the harder part would be earning the other two trusts. Eliza, and especially Angelica aren’t exactly the most trusting of folks, but they know a lot of information on a lot of people, and goodness knows they love to gossip. The only downside is that the older two Schylurs have been seen frequently with the Hamilsquad.”

You looked at the girl in the picture. In two out of the three picture laying in front of you, she was alone and had a small frown on her face. In the other one she was smiling, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. She needed someone to be there for her, and you could be that person. You also knew she needed someone who was her friend not because of some mission, but because they truly wanted to be there with her. 

“I’ll d-do it.” You said crossing your arms and leaning back into your chair. “But not as a-a mission. I kn-know people like P-Peggy, hell I’ve b-been one of th- them. She doesn’t s-someone pret-tending to be her f-f-friend just to use her. She needs a gen-genuine relationship, none of this faking bullsh-shit.” You the look you were giving them, told them that this wasn’t up for discussion. You refused to play with this poor girl’s heartstrings.

Thomas chuckled. “Your empathy is just what this team was missing.” He clapped his hands and pushed off the table to roll across the room on his rolly chair. He unpinned a file and came back. “But that means you still don’t have a mission. What if we give you one that doesn’t help someone, but doesn’t necessarily help them either?”

You frowned in confusion. “What d-do you mean?”

Jefferson slammed down a thick file with a crown stamped onto it onto the table. “ ‘King’ George Frederick the Third. A snotty brat who moved here from England about five years ago, and thinks that he rules the school. He has two people who he trusts more than anything, that being Samuel Seabury and Charles Lee, however, he does have some sway on a lot of people within the campus, especially the teachers. We need an inside man on his affairs and the different things that he plans. We also happen to know that he’s taken an attraction to our little Y/N here.” He set five picture onto the table, all of the had George watching, or walking towards you. 

You could feel your nose scrunch up in disgust. You’ve had many encounters with George since your first introduction. True, he was charming, but he was also extremely cocky and always seemed to be giving unwanted opinions on everything around him. Perhaps those opinions were precisely the type of things Jefferson wanted you to get through. You’d have to be careful not to snap at him, but maybe a little fire could help in this situation. It’d be easy to get to him. The King and his posse somehow managed to find you alone at least once a week, and would always try to talk with you before the squad could return. 

“Basically you n-need me to g-get close to him f-for information?” 

James watched you worriedly, as he took another sip of his tea. “Are you sure this is the best idea? I don’t trust Geoge and his obsession with Y/N shouldn’t be something we play around with.”

You gave James a small smile. “It’ll be f-fine. I’ll be c-careful. Besides, if someth-thing happens, I kn-know you guys c-can get him b-back.” 

Aaron nodded. “We need some insight on George. He’s powerful and gets away with too much. We need dirt against him.”

Madison narrowed his eyebrows and shook his head. “I don’t like it, but your right. The sooner we do this, the sooner we can take him down.”

Thomas grinned a scarily pleased grin. “Great! Now that we’ve agreed, Y/N you have to remember that George was attracted to your small, shy, weak self. He needs to think that he is in control at all times, and you need to act the part. If that means coming back here to drink and vent to us every week, then so be it. You have to timid, and quiet. A little praise every now and then wouldn’t hurt either.” Thomas flipped open the file to what looked like a calendar. “According to his predicted schedule, George and co. should be at the library until seven. If you head there alone, I have no doubt they’ll approach you. Focus on them today, and maybe even tomorrow. You can start on Peggy later.”

Your eyes widen at the information. You were actually doing this. You were actually going to spy on someone just so you can use them for information. You took a sip of your tea, and a deep breath before smiling up at the boys. “Then I guess I b-better get changed.”

    You sat down at one of the library tables now dressed in an oversized, pale blue sweater and black skinny jeans that were ripped at your knees. You figured it gave off the perfect balance of cute but ‘leave me alone’. You pulled a book out of your messenger bag and peeked over the top of it at a nearby table. George and Charles were talking up a storm while poor Samuel seemed to be struggling to work on something. 

Now that you had your target on sight you began to read, only occasionally looking over at them to see if there were any changes. This continued for about half an hour until you looked up to see George’s eyes already staring at you. The British man smirked and singled for his group to rise as they approached you. 

You forced a blush to rise your cheeks, and shrunk into your book as if your embarrassed to be caught. “It looks like someone finally gained an interest in the king.” George laughed as he sat down across from you.You felt your face become even more red, out of anger of course, but he didn’t need to know that. “Have you finally come to your senses, little mouse?”

You shyly looked up at him. “I-I-I was-.” You paused and bit down on your lip before sighing. “I-I’m sorry for bothering you. Y-You guys j-just looked l-like you were having f-fun, and-” You let out a sad chuckle as you fiddled with your book. “That’s s-something my l-life’s been l-lacking lately.” 

George’s eyes widened as if he realized something, and fake pity suddenly covered his face. “That’s right. Those mean boys left you didn’t they? Poor thing, you must be so lonely.”

You let a hurt expression cover your face, as you looked down at your hands. “I-I-I’m fine.” You forced your voice to crack on the ‘fine’ and let your bottom lip tremble as if you were about to cry. 

George took you into his arms and shushed you as fake sobs and tears flowed out of you. “There, there, Love. It’ll be alright. No need to cry over those maniacs.” He pulled back and gently wiped the tears from your face. “Who needs them anyway when you could be with us?”

You blinked in confusion at them, used you baggy sleeves to wipe at your eyes. “W-What?”

He chuckled and looked down at you lovingly. “I’ve always liked you, Y/N. But I couldn’t get near you with those idiots around. Come with us, and no one will dare to hurt you again. Everyone will love you.”

You allowed your eyes to widen with hope. “You m-mean that y-you’d take c-c-care of me?” You nearly winced at how desperate and defenseless you sounded.

“Of course. My friends only get the best, so once you’re with me you’ll never leave. You’ll never want to.” You began to worry at his words but quickly covered it with a timid smile. 

“T-That sounds a-a-amazing.” 

George smiled and gestured for Charles to gather your things. “Perfect. Well, we’re going out for lunch, and I insist that you join us.” 

On the outside, You nodded excitedly and allowed him to take your hand and lead you to his car.

But on the inside, you were already beginning to dread accepting this mission, and wonder if maybe Jefferson was using you the way you were using George. You could already see the similarities between the two interactions, and somehow everything began to be unclear. 

You flinched as George slammed the car door, and sat beside you in the back seat, with Samuel being on your left. He leaned forward to the driver and gave an address.

It was too late to go back now.

[thenoblehouseofdayne]

Odd {Oberyn Martell x Stark!Reader}

@future-ll-evans requested: “Stark! Reader and Oberyn in love”

warnings: brief mention of past smut, and use of alcohol. 

[I decided to stick with a modern!au on this one! I also altered the request slightly to add a narrative element, and I hope you enjoy it!]

Loving Oberyn was not an easy task.

Well, that wasn’t entirely true. Being in love with Oberyn was not an easy task. Falling in love with him was without a doubt the easiest thing she’d ever done.

Particularly, it was difficult being in love with Oberyn when he did not know it.

Years ago she’d accepted that Oberyn’s eyes wandered relentlessly. In fact, she’d been the sole witness of the parade of women who’d been japed by his charming smile and easy wit. 

It did not make it any easier to swallow her feelings when he flaunted his bedmates before her. 

Each account of his ‘night before’ seemed to wrench her further into her despair. The way he laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he retold the tale of whatever fantasy he’d conjured to nab another nighttime companion. Each word yanked on her heartstrings, making her stomach dance violently. 

So, one day, she left. 

Back to Winterfell, back to Ned and Catelyn, back to her brothers and sisters. 

She dodged the array of texts and voicemails, and even one letter, all asking the same question:

Why?

And after a few weeks of radio silence, he stopped trying. 

Y/N tangled her fingers in Sansa’s hair, softly tugging on the auburn strands. “What’re you thinking about?” She hummed lowly, beginning the pull the hair into neat plaits. 

Sansa was silent for a moment. “The Tyrell girl.”

“Margaery?” Y/N asked, pausing for a brief second and meeting her sister’s eyes in the mirror. “Why?” Upon receiving no response she continued. “The wedding isn’t for another week, why stress about it now?” 

Sansa twisted in her chair, staring intently at her older sister. “We were engaged for over a year, I know better than anyone what he’s like. Why won’t she listen to me?”

Y/N sighed quietly, and seating herself on the edge of Sansa’s bed, letting the braids slip through her fingers. “I don’t think she had much choice.” She confessed finally, pulling her knees up to her chest.

“Margaery could convince the sun to rise in the middle of the night, if she truly wanted to, she’d die an old maid.” 

Y/N opened her mouth to respond, cut off when the pale pink door abruptly swung open, her twin lingering on the other side. 

Robb smiled politely at his sisters. “Mom wants us outside in two minutes. Theon told me to tell you ‘the meter is running’.” 

Y/N got to her feet, holding out her hand for her sister. She offered a weak smile. “It’s only three days.” 

Sansa frowned, but squeezed her hand tightly.

Y/N blinked and tried to convince herself this was all a dream. There was no way in hell that Oberyn Martell was at a Lannister wedding. 

Sure enough, there he sat, leather-clad, a pair of aviators resting delicately on the bridge of his nose. His arm slung around a dark-haired beauty.

Her mood soured. Of course, he’d brought a girl to squeeze. Anger swelled, a red flush crawling up the back of her neck and lingering around her ears. 

Robb handed her a champagne flute and followed the path of her sight. “Y/N..” he warned quietly. “Don’t make a scene.”

She gripped the stem so tightly, it appeared as if she might break the glass. “I won’t if he doesn’t.” She retorted. 

Robb’s hand on her shoulder was steadying, but it did little to capsize her mood. 

Oberyn’s posture seemed to straighten for a second when he viewed her, slackening quickly before anyone could notice. A smug smile pasted on his features, his smoothly removed his shades. “Howdy, darlin’. I think I recognize you, have we slept together before?” He snidely teased. 

The weight of Robb’s hand left her shoulder as she surged forward, and time seemed to slow as the drink jumped out of her glass. 

Oberyn stared up at her in awe, dripping in expensive champagne. 

The party went silent around them.

She was left angrily clutching an empty champagne glass. 

Somewhere, Theon began to howl with laughter. 

Oberyn could only stare. 

She let her feet dangle over the curb, her heels discarded beside her. The bottle of cheap wine did little but further impair her weak judgment. Still, she took longs pulls from the bottle, enjoying how quickly time seemed to pass. Quickly, it seemed, the sun was below the horizon, and more quickly, the moon began its climb into the starry sky. Though her view was blurry, she adored it all the same. 

The click of designer shoes on the pavement was not lost on her, nor the scent of Oberyn’s cologne, but she still jumped slightly when she saw him. 

“Hey.” It wasn’t like Oberyn to bother with pleasantries. 

“Piss off.” Then again, it wasn’t like either of them. 

He chuckled softly, taking a seat on the curb beside her. 

She resisted the urge to lean into his warmth, taking another long pull of the wine. 

Then, he asked the question she was dreading most. “Why?”

She shrugged. It seemed like the only thing she could do. 

He scoffed, his eyes flashing with a pang of something unknown in the darkness. “Look, if you wanted to-”

She groaned audibly, rubbing her temples in a vexed way. She turned to face him, a foul expression on her delicate features. “Why can’t you just leave me alone?” The words were meant to harm, meant to hurt, meant to push him away from her. 

And yet in one swift motion, he clasped his hands on both sides of her face and pulled her in for a long and harsh kiss. Then, too quickly, he pulled back, holding her still for a sparse moment. 

She stared back at him with stars in her eyes. 

He nibbled on his lower lip, then got to his feet. Holding out a hand, he offered a terse smile. “You want to get out of here?”

She felt like she was drowning in a wealth of overwhelming emotions, each one more frightening than the last. 

But, she reached out and grabbed his hand regardless.