#accidentally copy pasted this into the tags. hell.

[coffeeghoulie]

“Wanna practice?/You’ll have to teach me” with Swiss/Aeon. Particularly Aeon being a bit more eager than Swiss realized for the kiss prompts

i giggled when i got this prompt because it's so damn cute. god they're so good.

prompts from this list

divider by @ghuleh-recs <3

Swiss listens to the junebugs sing, eyes fluttering shut as he bites down into a blackberry. The dock is sunwarm under him, his feet trailing through the much cooler water, pant legs rolled up so they don't get wet. All and all, one of his favorite ways to spend a summer day with no responsibilities.

But what makes it better than normal is Aeon tucked against his side, lilac fingertips stained darker with juice as they grab a few berries from the bowl in his lap. The two of them had wandered through the forest surrounding the Abbey for the last hour, gathering enough fruit for an afternoon snack. And when the sun had gotten too hot, sweat soaking through their shirts, they'd retreated to the lake hidden in the middle of the woods to feast on their bounty.

Aeon's foot splashes through the water a little louder than they intended, legs dangling off the dock. Their boots and socks rest together in a pile on the shore. "You were right," they mumble through a mouthful of fruit. "This is so good."

Swiss grins, turning to glance at them. Their lips are stained ruddy violet, and his probably aren't faring any better. He ruffles their hair, and Aeon leans a little further into him. "Told you so."

They huff, rolling their eyes as they glance up to him, swallowing with a gulp. Swiss chuffs, grinning even wider as their mismatched eyes drop from his gaze to his mouth. "Oh, buggy," he teases, arm slung around their shoulders. "I know what you want."

Aeon's tail pats against the dock with a nervous rhythm. A blush spills over their cheeks, the exact same color the berry juice has stained their fingers and lips. "You're so good at kissing, and I'm. I'm not so much. I want to learn. I wanna kiss, well, the others, but I don't know really what I'm doing," they ramble. "I mean, I wanna kiss you too, you were my first and you're really good and I want to be good."

Swiss arches an eyebrow. Remembers the hotel the night after they'd given him their first kiss. The way they'd curled up together in a queen bed and done nothing but kiss until they'd both fallen asleep. He remembers the way they'd begged him to do it in Los Angeles. Waited for them to be confident enough to initiate themself.

But he's in love with Aeon, hasn't been able to leave their side since the end of tour. He grins, kind and easy. "Well, I see one way to make sure that happens," he says, slowly, like he's pondering it. Aeon perks up. "You wanna practice?"

They grin, even as that berry colored blush spreads on their cheeks, making the scar running over their eye stand out. "I mean, yeah," they say, crooked fangs on full display with the size of their smile. "You'll have to teach me. You're very good."

Swiss puts a hand over his chest, his tail curling around their waist teasingly. "Oh, of course I'll teach you, buggy. Gimme a kiss so I can see where I can help you improve."

The next thing Swiss knows is his breath leaving his lungs as his back collides with the dock. Aeon's, lightning fast, straddled his lap and surged up to kiss him. The force of it, the surprise, had let them shove him back with momentum. He only just manages to set the bowl of blackberries onto the dock next to him before they're strewn out with the sheer force of Aeon launching themself at him.

Swiss's eyes go wide as their mouths collide. His hands curl in the back of their shirt, their own cupping the sides of his face. He groans as the shock leaves him. He kisses back, letting them lead.

For all their apprehension about their skill, Aeon's a surprisingly good kisser. They shift over him, settling a little more comfortably above his hips.

When they pull back to breath, white and violet eyes wide, Swiss laughs breathlessly. Their face falls, and Swiss slides his hand up their spine to tangle in their dark hair. "Not laughing at you, bug," he says, petting through their hair as his chest heaves. "You just taste like blackberries."

They huff a little laugh, still straddling his hips. The sun haloes them. Strange, that a demon like the two of them could look angelic, but here Aeon goes proving the impossible once again.

They stare at each other for a beat, two, before Aeon shakes their head. "So, where can I improve?"

The corner of Swiss's mouth quirks up, pink tongue darting out over his bottom lip. He's not sure where the taste of the blackberries they'd been eating starts and where Aeon's natural taste begins. And honestly? Swiss doesn't want to find that line.

"Well, bug, you're very eager," Swiss says. "Not a bad thing!" he's quick to assure, smoothing a hand up their bicep as their gaze drops. "I thoroughly enjoyed that. It's very, sweep you off your feet."

Aeon laughs, pushing up against Swiss's chest and holding themself above him. "I'm looking for areas of improvement, there has to be somewhere to get better."

Swiss hems and haws until Aeon's cheeks dimple with the force of their smile. He reaches up and tucks a strand of white hair off of their forehead. "I think you need a little more practice with kissing slow."

Aeon raises an eyebrow. "Yeah?" Swiss grants himself one more moment to stare at them above him. "Are you going to teach me?"

Swiss doesn't respond. Instead, his hands find their waist with a playful growl rumbling in his chest. Their eyes go wide a split second before he's rolling them over until he's on top of them. He smooths his thumb over their cheek, delighting in the little chuff it draws from them.

"Of course I'm gonna teach you, buggy," he coos, slowly lowering himself until the tips of their noses touch. Aeon's eyes flutter, struggling to stay open. "What kind of help would I be if I didn't?"

[the-kr8tor]

Speed Drive

🎉500 celebration fic🎉

Pairing: Hobie Brown x gn! Reader/ Spider-Punk x gn! Reader

Word count: 6.2k

Synopsis: You come along with Hobie on a road trip to Glasgow. Aka the fic where I squeezed in multiple dream dates of mine lol

Tags: Use of Y/N sparingly, no specific physical description of the reader, cw food mention, reader is a history nerd (definitely not projecting), the reader can't drive, sunshine! Reader. Suggestive content, lovestruck Hobie, Established relationship. FLUFF.

A/n: I did some research on the places they went to, if there are any inaccuracies on the geography/ information, please note that I've never been to any of these places, I'm only basing my knowledge on what I've researched and what I've studied in uni.

* I don't consent to having my work translated/ published on other platforms and copy and pasted on any ai software*

Navigation

Masterlist

You grunt as you lift the heavy amp, back straightened so you don't accidentally sprain yourself. Waddling towards Hobie's van, amp sitting heavily near your waist. The sun is just about rising on the horizon, painting the pavement deep blue. The water laps at the house boat's side, the sound familiar, adding to the relaxed atmosphere where you and Hobie are the only ones awake in the entire city. The early morning air nips at your skin, leaving goosebumps on the back of your neck.

Suddenly, strong familiar arms wrap around the amp. "What are you doin'? Told you I've got them" Hobie clicks his tongue, taking the amp from you.

He's annoyed but not at you, he's irritated that he got the short end of the stick, ending up waking up early (too early) to load the instruments. You don't take it to heart, knowing his annoyance isn't because of you. It would've been better if he just helped his band mates load them in, but lady luck wasn't on his side. Unfortunately he also got driving duties, now he has to drive seven hours to get to Glasgow for the band's very first big gig. Leaving the rest of the band to take (a very comfortable) train ride at a later hour. Hobie's a bit jealous on that end, he would've liked for you to see the sights on a train instead of sitting on his old van that creaks when he steers a little too far to the left.

The only silver lining about the impromptu road trip is you. Seven hours on the road with just you is pure bliss, if only he didn't have to wake up in this ungodly hour, he would've been in a better mood.

"Sorry, you were busy loading in the drums. Thought I would help" you look up at him through equally tired eyes. A cloud of breath escaping when you talk. Hobie zips your jacket further up, keeping you warm.

He heaves the amp on one arm, effortlessly carrying it. "Don't be, you're just trying to help." Hobie feels guilty for clicking his tongue at you. He holds your cold hand, sharing his warmth.

"You're definitely not a morning person" you squeeze his hand. "grumpy" bringing his hand to your lips, you leave a chaste kiss over his knuckles. "Is that the last one?"

"Think so," he looks around the area, finding nothing else to load inside the van. "Don't forget to bring in the thermos, you're turning into an icicle"

"Okay, I made us sandwiches" you smile at him, swinging your intertwined hands.

"What kind?" He stomps down his grumpy demeanor at the sound of breakfast.

"Lots!" You grin excitedly at him, Hobie wonders where you got your sudden burst of energy.

"Fuckin' hell, no wonder why you were up so late. You made every conceivable sandwich in the world" he jokes, your happy energy spreading to him.

You chuckle, "not every single one. You have the first pick for waking up so early"

"Yeah? Even though you threatened to splash me with water?" He raises a pierced brow, a smile curling on his lips.

You wince, "yeah, sorry. It finally got you to wake up though!"

"Yeah, yeah, and here I thought you would wake me up with a kiss"

"I did! Like five fucking times. You wouldn't even stir, I got desperate, okay!" You laugh, it echoes around the silent neighborhood.

"I believe you, can you get our bags from inside? I'll warm up the van" Hobie reluctantly lets go of your hand. You feel cold already.

"Get it nice and toasty for me?"

"What are you? Banana bread?"

"Funny" you point at him playfully, walking backwards.

"Don't forget the bloody Thermos!" He yells after you, following you with his gaze, making sure you don't trip because you decided to walk backwards.

You wink at him, "okay, dad!"

"Lil shit" he says with a smile.

—

Munching on your sandwich, Hobie cranked up the heating, you're now warm and toasty in your seat. The leather squeaks when you move to feed Hobie a bite of your sandwich. He *insists that he prefers yours even though you made an identical one. Hobie's free hand is glued to your thigh, squeezing it from time to time, making sure you don't fall asleep on him.

Hobie keeps his eyes on the road, trying to take a bite of the sandwich that you've teasingly moved a few inches away from his waiting mouth.

He bites at air, "Oi, what the fuck" you snicker, biting your lip. Hobie immediately figures out what you're doing, "don't make me swerve this fucking car into that ditch"

"Jeez, okay!" You laugh, leaning closer (as much as the seat belt would allow you to) Hobie takes a generous bite, "you're still grumpy? Do you need more coffee?" You rub at the corner of his mouth with your thumb, cleaning the bread crumbs. He hums appreciatively.

"I don't think that coffee's workin' too well" he says while chewing. "We're not even out of the city yet" Hobie huffs.

"Do you want me to drive for a bit?" You wait for his reaction with a tiny smirk.

"You haven't got a license," He says matter-of-fact, "you don't even know how to drive" he doesn't sound condescending or making fun of you, his voice laced with endearment. He makes a mental note to teach you once you two get back home. His fingers pinches you through your pants.

"I'm a fast learner" you joke, Hobie cracks a sleep deprived smile, oh he's definitely not a morning person. "Give it time, you basically drank the entire thermos. Maybe some music could help?"

"If it's your music, I'm gonna fall asleep on the wheel" He squeezes your thigh, just in case you didn't get his joke.

"If it's your music, It's going to burst my eardrums this early in the morning" you quip back.

"Nice. Sandwich me, love" he opens his mouth, darting his eyes from the road to you before his gaze goes back to watching the road.

You lean again, holding up the almost finished sandwich. "Do you know who invented the sandwich?" Hobie eats the entire thing in one bite, almost taking your fingers off. You glare playfully at him.

He chuckles, mouth full. "No, who?"

"Lord Sandwich, the fourth earl of Sandwich in the eighteenth century"

"You're fucking with me" Hobie takes a left turn, the van creaks, instruments in the back sliding a bit. You watch his hand turn the steering wheel, mesmerized by how his large hand grips the wheel. His rings don't help, you tilt your head, watching intently.

He pinches your thigh, getting your attention. "Hey, where'd you go?"

"Sorry, I was trying to recall the rest of the fact" you blink back to reality.

"Will you be like this the entire trip? Watching my bloody hands, you perv" He read you like an open book.

"What– I wasn't, okay! I was–" you fumble with your words.

He has a playful smirk on his lips. "You were what? Fantasizing my hands wrapped around your–"

"Stop!" You hold his hand that's on your thigh, so he could stop his teasing.

"What? I was gonna say 'wrapped around your hand', honestly what did you think I was gonna say?" He asks you playfully, shoving your shoulder lightly.

"it's too early for this shit" you mumble with a playful pout, intertwining your fingers with his.

He laughs, eyes crinkling into a smile. Hobie brings your hand to his lips, placing a quick peck on your warm hand. "Ah, too early for it? Maybe later then?"

You groan but your smile and the twinkle in your eyes says otherwise.

"What were you talking about? 'Bout the sandwich bloke?"

"John Montagu, he invented the sandwich because he didn't have time to eat a proper meal while he was playing cards and working."

"Bloody rich lord" he grumbles with malice.

"Hey, if not for him you wouldn't be eating one of my Sandwiches"

"I love eating your sandwich" he raises a teasing brow, proud of his innuendo.

"What is up with you this morning?" You laugh, playing with one of his rings, twirling the metal around his index finger. "Seriously, did I accidentally make you coffee with something in it? Is that why it says 'special' in the packaging?"

Hobie laughs loudly, echoing around the van. "You think they'd put an aphrodisiac in coffee?" He lets go of your hand for a bit while he steers the wheel with both hands. "Like ginkgo biloba or somethin'?"

You reach for his free hand immediately after he lets go of the wheel to lay it back on your thigh. "No like pistachio nuts or–" you try to think of another example, "— crab" you giggle when the word escapes your lips.

"Crab?!" He rides with your bit. "Must be some expensive bloody coffee, lovey" Hobie rubs the back of your hand with his thumb. "No wonder I tasted something fishy in that coffee"

You gasp, feigning offense. "You did not!" contributing to the bit.

"Now who's crabby this morning, huh?" He chuckles.

You roll your eyes at his pun, "argh, can't believe I have to endure seven more hours of this" teasing him, your sentence has no ounce of truth in it whatsoever. More than happy to accompany him on the trip.

"It'll be the best seven hours of your life, sweets" He looks at you through the rearview mirror with a smirk.

You can read him like a book too. Narrowing your eyes, you can just tell he has something planned, but you can't quite put your finger on it.

"You've got something up your sleeves? Spill it, Hobart"

He sideways glances at you, hiding his knowing smile. "Don't know what you're on about" Hobie clears his throat, playing it cool.

"Nope, I know you, babe. That fucking smirk of yours, I know it!" You lightly poke at his cheek.

"Lovey, I haven't got a scooby doo. I'm just here drivin' trying to get us to Glasgow"

"You get very detailed when you're lying. I know your tells!"

"That so?" He makes a mental note of what you've said, which might be handy the next time he has a surprise. Hobie opens the radio, cd already inside, it plays a loud tune, drowning out your questions.

"Hey!" You yell through the loud music. Hobie almost gives himself away with a laugh, he bites his lip to stifle it. "Whatever– wherever you're planning to stop at some backroad tourist attraction, we better not be too late for the show!"

Hobie cranks the volume up, "What? Can't hear you through the music" he gestures towards his ear.

You press the 'volume down' button, covering your ears. Now you're definitely both wide awake. "You're an ass, you can't have any more of my sandwiches" huffing, you grab a ziplock of sandwich just to tease him more.

Banter fills the van, laughs and flirty words entertain you until sleep comes back to haunt you. Unexpectedly falling asleep, Hobie lets you snooze away in his passenger seat. Avoiding potholes, slowing down when passing a speed bump. He even uses his arm to act as your second seat belt whenever he turns sharply, hand cradling your head so you don't fall off the headrest.

Hobie has the urge to wake you though, but he needs you at full energy for what he's planning on taking you. Eyes drifting to the van's console, he gazes at your camera, taking a mental note to remember to give you the extra roll of films he bought for you.

—

Hobie shuts off the engine, eyes bleary, he clicks the seatbelt off of him. He has the urge to close his eyes and join you in slumberland. One look at your sleeping face almost pushes him off the edge.

He leans closer to you, hand cupping your jaw, he taps your face with his thumb. "Love" you don't stir, eyes still closed. Hobie's so attuned to you that he knows you're not faking it.

He kisses you chastely, warm lips puckering to wake you up. Hobie calls your name this time, poking your cheek. You still sleep, lips slightly parted. He's absolutely jealous of you right now. Peppering your face with kisses, he fully intends to wake you up. Defeated, you still lay asleep.

A bright idea pops up in his mind. Pulling away, Hobie grips the steering wheel with both hands, arms length away from him. He screams bloody murder like he's about to hit a wall.

You jump away, yelling for a second before seeing the parking lot bare, van parked safely. You clutch your chest, eyes now wide awake. Slapping his arm, you glare at him. Hobie has a shit-eating grin on his face, arm raised to shield himself. His laugh echoes.

"You fucker!" Slap "I could've" slap "gotten a heart attack!" You huff with a pout.

"I'm sorry, c'mere" he tries to hug you, standing your ground, you cross your arms on your chest. "You wouldn't wake up! I'm sorry, please?" Hobie flexes his fingers, face apologetic.

"Are we here? Did I sleep the entire time?"

"No, lovey. We're at a stopover" he points outside with his head. "'m really sorry. If there's any consolation I think you'll like this place"

Your eyes zero in on the sign, reading it loudly, "Stratford Upon-Avon?!" Screeching excitedly. You click off your seat belt with urgency, with the intention of leaving Hobie hanging as revenge. You'll kiss him thank you later anyway.

Opening the door, you step off, stretching your legs and breathing in fresh air. Warmer air greets you, a much kinder one from a few hours ago. Trainers bouncing off in excitement. Greenery and old timey Houses fill your vision, adding to your eagerness.

Hobie joins your side, your sling bag over his broad shoulder. Hiding his disappointment from your lack of hug, he only blames himself for scaring the crap out of you.

"Y/n." The lack of the term of endearment alerts you, whirling around, you see his shoulders slumped, face clearly hiding his true feelings behind a straight face. You know he'll feel worse if you don't try to reassure him. So you do, hand signaling him to hold yours.

He blames the early morning for making him all lovesick, if it was the later hours, Hobie would've stuck to teasing you about your reaction. With a sigh and a weak roll of his eyes, he steps in your arms instead of just holding your hand, head resting on your shoulder, yawning as you knead his aching back; you indulge him.

Good thing it's still too early for tourists to flock the area, save for a few scattered ones looking for a place to have breakfast at.

"Apology accepted," leaning back, you straighten the knots on his forehead. "You need better coffee" you scrunch your nose at his closed eyes.

"Or sleep" he grumbles.

"Do you want to sleep for a bit inside the van?" You feel bad for sleeping the entire time. "I'll stay with you don't worry. I won't fall asleep this time."

He shakes his head, slapping his own face to wake himself up. Jumping up and down with you still in his arms. You don't question it, jumping along with him. Metal accessories clinking together, boots thumping hard on the pavement.

Spluttering, he shakes his head vigorously. You giggle at his face.

"Alright, 'm good. Let's go get coffee"

—

You lead a very sleep deprived Hobie by the sleeve of his hoodie, too warm for his leather one yet too cold for just a t-shirt. He lets you drag him along, not because he's disinterested, sleepiness just got the best of him.

Gasping, you point at a unique streetlight. Little statues of a donkey and a man sitting on the metal sides, a curious owl placed on top, looking down on the street.

"Look at that donkey with a guitar!"

Hobie squints through the haziness, "think that's a lute. Kinda looks like you." He still finds the time to tease you even with heavy eyes. A smirk playing on his lips, watching you closely.

"You're the owl then" you let go of his sleeve, taking the camera from your bag, positioning and angling it for the best lighting. He watches your face full of concentration with a faint endearing smile.

Click.

"Got it" you smile, spotting a stand full of maps and information about the place. "Oohh" skipping over the display, you take one. "Hobie, look! Babe?" You look up from the pamphlet when Hobie doesn't reply back.

He walks towards you at a snail's pace. Grunting back in acknowledgement.

You wince, practically feeling his tiredness ooze out of him. "Let's get that coffee. There's a café near here."

"Overpriced coffee" he could only mumble out a protest. While you guide him towards the shop for some much needed refuel. It's not like he has any other choices, all the coffee shops near the area are unnecessarily expensive, save for gas station coffee– which is too far to get to right now, he might fall asleep while driving to it.

Hobie can't let himself drive through the fog of sleep, especially that you're with him. So he surrenders with the promise of getting his pep back so he can drive you safely to the next destination.

—

After gulping down two cups of coffee that made Hobie seethe after hearing the price, he leaves you on the table to go to the loo, your eyes glued on the leaflet, absorbing every word and information on it.

Hobie makes his way back, now wide awake, he watches you put too much milk on your cup, too distracted with reading– it overflows, spilling the hot liquid on the table. He has never loved you more when you jump in your seat, quietly yelping, clumsily wiping at the table with a napkin. He shakes his head with a fond smile and soft eyes.

Hobie asks for more napkins from the cashier, promptly heading towards your table. He helps you wordlessly, wiping, avoiding spilling any more expensive tea.

"Sorry" you expect Hobie to chastise you for spilling your drink, instead, he looks at you with concern and fondness.

"You alright? Didn't spill any on you?"

You smile softly, thankful eyes staring back at him. "I'm okay, it's not that hot anyway"

"Sure?" He takes his tea stained finger on the tip of your nose, leaving a wet patch over it. Green tea wafts your nostrils. "There's some on you"

"Ack!" Wiping it with a clean tissue, you roll your eyes; faint smile telling him otherwise.

"That's how it is then?" He chuckles, satisfied with your reaction. He sits down next to you, drying his hands on a napkin. Arm instinctively flying around your shoulder, holding you close. "Where to go next?"

"Hmm?" You hum, drinking what's left of your tea, "I thought you had it planned?"

"I planned on stopping here, thought you got the next part since you've always wanted to go here, y'know planned the entire trip in your head before"

For a second he thinks that you're disappointed in him for not planning ahead. The thought stops the second you beam at him, hands on his shoulder to anchor yourself on him. lips puckering to kiss him on the cheek quickly since you're in public. Hobie doesn't protest, leaning towards the kiss, angling his face so that your lips just about graze the corner of his lip. You know exactly what he's doing, you let him, moving slyly closer to his lips.

"Oh, you know me so well!" You say excitedly, pulling away, shaking his shoulder for emphasis. "First stop! The river Avon!"

—

"The ferry's closed" you come back to his side with a frown. Gusts of cool air rushes past, rustling your jacket, the leaves on the trees whisper and rustle in the wind, big fluffy clouds providing shade. The river laps at the dock, adding to your downturned lips. "The employee also said Shakespeare's house and the other houses are closed since it's too early"

"We'll just have to come back on our way home then" your frown turns back into a smile, poking his sides teasingly.

"You'll take me back here?" You say with a smirk, playful eyes smile back at him, finger poking his waist. "Ohhh, you're so smitten"

He takes your poking finger with a roll of his eyes, hiding the growing smile on his lips with a scoff. "Yeah, yeah. Where to now, tour guide?"

"The butterfly farm is open early. Is that okay?"

"Why not?"

"We have to walk there, it's a bit of a trek" you shrug, "it's okay if we don't have time for it"

He calculates in his head, if you only stay an hour more, you two can be right back on schedule; just on time to get to Glasgow without being late for the show.

"We've got time to spare"

"You sure? I don't want us to be late" toe to toe with Hobie, finger still encased in his hand, you ask him anyway even though you know what his answer will be.

"Yes, let's go before people flock this place"

Hand in hand, you take in the sights, stopping from time to time to shoot pictures of the historical houses and buildings. Hobie becomes your model, posing like a natural in front of the lens. He wrangles the camera from you to take your picture right in front of Shakespeare's home and school. Shyness slowly edging away for a while as Hobie hypes you up. Instructing you to pose here and there.

You ran out of film before reaching the butterfly garden, stopping right in front of the royal Shakespeare theatre. The red bricks and dome like structure looms overhead.

"Aww, I think we used it all"

"'ve got more" he takes an extra roll of film from his pocket. You stare at him like he just did magic right in front of your eyes.

"Where'd you get this?" You say, bewildered.

"Brought it with me" he says nonchalantly like he didn't do the sweetest thing just for you.

"Have I told you lately that you're really amazing?" You load film inside the camera, quickly snapping a picture of his smug face.

"No, maybe you should say it often"

So enamored, chest filled with love, you agree. "Mm-hmm, maybe I should. Now, can you stand right there while I take a picture of your amazing face"

—

You finally make it to the butterfly garden. An arch with a large colourful butterfly display greets you. Inside is a beautiful glass greenhouse with a dome ceiling, it shines brightly in the early morning sun, adding to your excitement.

Once paid for the tickets, you and Hobie head inside, you're practically jumping off the glass walls. Hobie's hand leads you inside, preventing you from sliding on the gravel and breaking your ankle on the rough ground.

You're in complete awe of the place, it looked beautiful outside but nothing compares to it once inside. The sun glows brilliantly, bouncing its rays on the glass ceiling and walls. Flora and greenery as far as your eyes could see, strategically placed around the massive greenhouse. The flowery and sweet smells entranced you to explore the entire place, not to mention the colorful butterflies in all shapes and sizes fluttering all around you. Birds make their morning sing-song adding to the fantastical atmosphere.

The look on your face makes waking up a few hours earlier than scheduled makes it all worth it for Hobie. He softly smiles at you, hands clasped comfortably over yours. Eyes sparkling, mirroring yours, he guides you further inside. You let him, neck craned up, watching as butterflies swirl overhead.

Gravel crunches under your footsteps, Hobie stops walking. You almost bumped into him, he tugs at your hand, pointing down on the shrubbery.

"What is that?" You squint, jumping when something green slithers further away from you two and into the thick greenery. "Woah!"

He chuckles at your reaction. You fumble for your camera to capture a photo of the iguana lounging in the warmth, scales as green as the leaves around it.

Click.

"Look, it's you!" You point at its sharp spikes, looking at Hobie with a teasing smile.

"Careful, he bites" he taunts back, making you retract your finger back.

Strolling around more, you take so many pictures, the film Hobie gave you is almost full. You've even snuck in candid pictures of Hobie, and by god, he looked great in all of them. While all your pictures looked like you were at a field trip with your parents, posing with a goofy smile on your face as a butterfly lands on your shoulder.

It's been almost an hour of exploring, so you hold his hand again to tug him towards the exit with a promise of going back, without a time constraint next time.

Crisp air greets you two, hand in hand, you walk by the river, watching as ducks and swans swim on the surface. Their quacking and honking gets louder and louder as they notice you, asking for food.

"Maybe we should've brought rice with us" You mumble, looking at the birds with an apologetic look as if they can understand you.

"Do you think if you fall in they'll eat you?" Hobie asks with a serious look on his face, a small smirk curling on his lips, the only indication that he's fully joking.

"I don't think they'll like me very much, I'm full of bread, which isn't nutritious for 'em" you playfully quipped back, squeezing his hand. He chuckles at your comment.

Hobie slyly moves you away from the river, just in case you actually fall in. He guides you to his right, so that he's the one nearest to the water instead of you. Hand holding your left one, you lean to his side, full of affection in your chest, you softly kiss his shoulder. Whispering softly a 'thank you'

—

You've been quiet for an hour, Hobie side eyes you from time to time. The sudden silence makes him concerned, moreso when your face has contorted into a grimace, eyebrows furrowed, you bite your lips with a sharp inhale.

He's worried since you've been extremely chatty an hour ago, voice filling the van, you help him stay awake. Well until he hit a speed bump that made you squeak out.

"You alright, lovey?" Hobie asks with a squeeze of your thigh.

You sit with a fluffy blanket over your lap, a neck pillow under your head. You look comfortable enough, so why do you look like you're in pain?

You exhale, looking at him through the corners of your eyes without moving your neck. "Mm-hmm"

"Mm-hmm? What's wrong? Is the seat not warm enough?" Hobie looks at you through the rearview mirror, seeing your knitted eyebrows.

You ball the blanket under your knuckles. "I'm okay"

He nods, unconvinced.

After a few moments of smooth driving on the highway, cars drive past, you squeeze your thighs together. Controlling your breathing, you try not to think of water.

"Love" he calls for you, "did you see that car with the flame decals on it?" Chuckling softly, he places his hand over your thigh again. Hobie feels the tight muscles under your pants, eyebrow raising in question.

"Y/n" he snickers under his breath. Hands kneading softly at your thigh. Hobie translates the squeezing of your thighs together and your elevated breathing, "I swear if you're hot and bothered, I can't park right here–"

"I need to pee" you say embarrassed, avoiding his eyes. Only finally admitting it so he doesn't actually think you're aroused for some reason.

Hobie laughs loudly, hand slapping the steering wheel. "I told you to go before we left"

"Hobie," you whine. "Not funny, I've been holding it for so long"

"Alright," he clams up, still smiling at your predicament. "There's no gas station near here, love. We're too far away to turn around but we're thirty minutes away from Manchester. We can stop there"

"Thirty?!" You're in agony, hands tucked in between your legs in an attempt to tamp down the need to go.

Hobie moves his hand from your thigh to the back of your neck, kneading softly. He presses the gas, if he hurries you can make it in twenty five without breaking any traffic laws. He makes a joke about you peeing in a bottle which you only glared in return.

Twenty minutes later, you're folded in half on your seat, head layed on your lap, trying to distract yourself by counting the threads in your blanket.

"Almost there, love. Hold on" Hobie pats your head in reassurance. You groan out a reply.

—

You jumped from your seat after a second of Hobie parking the car in front of a gas station. Hand tightening around your travel sized toilet paper.

Hobie patiently waits for you outside the door. Fingers fiddling with his web shooters tucked under his sleeve.

The door creaks open. His neck cranes up to meet your relieved face. "Success?"

"Remind me to not drink anything until we make it to Glasgow."

"You still need to drink some water y'know" he walks back to the car with your pinkies linked together.

"Are we still far?"

"A bit, let's stop by Liverpool to eat lunch" he opens the passenger door for you. You smile sweetly at the gesture.

"Thank you, sorry for being annoying" You hug his waist with one arm briefly just before you hop to your seat.

"Not annoying, tell me next time, yeah?"

"Okay" you lean down to press a kiss on his lips, savoring the moment. He hums into it, his hand right over your shoulder so that you don't fall off.

—

As the van passes through Manchester, you spot the canals, houseboats parked on the side, you get reminded of your shared home.

"Look! That one looks like ours, same color too"

"Missing home already?"

"Kind of. Wish we could stop here, they've got the oldest library in Britain" You lay your head over the window, watching as landmarks pass by in a blur.

"They also have a serial killer too"

You scoff, "in this day and age?" Looking at Hobie's face, you don't see any lie to his comment. Your face falls, "wait, you serious?"

He shrugs, side eyeing you. You have absolutely no idea if he's joking or not, Hobie's good at acting like that, especially if he's teasing you.

"Hobie, you're joking right?"

"Hmm?"

"Is there actually a killer on the loose here?" You instinctively check the door locks.

He doesn't respond, adding to your fear. You completely miss the mischievous look on his face though.

"I don't want to stop here anymore" you mumble.

"We could always take a detour right now–"

"Nope, no thank you" you answer lightning quick.

He hides his smile behind his hand. Maybe he'll tell you all about it on the return trip.

—

An hour later you're sitting down outside a local restaurant in Chinatown, waiting for your food to arrive. The air blows softly, fluttering your lashes. You close your eyes, head resting on your hand, elbow over the table. You can see the faint outline of the Liverpool cathedral underneath the fog. It's gotten a few degrees colder since you've arrived, the streets shine from the earlier rain, petrichor wafts your senses.

Two bowls of warm noodles are placed in front of you. Side dishes, dimsum and xiaolongbao makes your stomach rumble at the sight and savory smell.

"Thank you," you smile at the waiter.

Wondering where Hobie went, lo and behold, he emerges, walking towards you with a paper cup of convenience store coffee. "Food is here, you still need coffee?"

He sits down across from you. "Yeah, needed another boost" Hobie scrunches his nose before standing up again, moving his chair right next to you, avoiding it from scraping the concrete. He sits back down, arm thrown over the back of your chair.

You look at him with a fond smile, heart eyes staring back at Hobie.

"What?" He challenges you with a raised eyebrow and faint smirk.

"Nothin'" you shove him lightly with your shoulder.

"Hm" he hums, you translate it to an 'obviously'

You eat with content, letting him steal some of your broth from your bowl, in exchange, he gives you a dimsum from his share.

—

You do your best at reading the booklet about Liverpool that you've bought before leaving the city while the vehicle moves.

"The guy who designed the cathedral is the same person who designed the red telephone box"

Hobie listens intently with coffee coursing through his veins, stomach full of food, he's properly fueled to drive for more than four hours to Glasgow. His band mates better be there already when you two arrive or he'll wring their necks.

There won't be any more stops until you get to the destination since there'll only be the highway to drive on. It stretches far, cars whirring past. With Sprawling green hills, and mountains curved around the highway makes the drive much more serene. Powerlines on the sides ground you, making it all seem familiar. The weather is foggy, blanketing the England to Scotland border.

The van rattles as Hobie swerves the car to the right. He plants his hand back in your knee, palm circling the curve of it affectionately.

"Ohh, they've got a beach" you stare at the picture of the nature reserve with its sandy windswept dunes, and grassy knolls.

"Add that to the list"

"Okay" you take out a pen from the glovebox, biting the cap off with your teeth, you scribble it on the back of the booklet where there's an empty space. Using your thighs as a table, you add the destination on your little list right under 'old thatch tavern'

"There," you hum happily.

"Is there anything on there 'bout Glasgow?" He kneads your knee with his knuckle.

"A tiny bit" you flip to the back, "they've got a mural trail, we might pass through it on the way. Ooh they also have a glasshouse."

You two pass the time by giving him facts about the places you've passed. Hobie listens in, adding his own knowledge to the mix. An hour later, you're both jamming to his music cassette. You try to make him laugh by banging your head to the song. Whipping your head too hard, you end up banging it on the dashboard.

With wide eyes and laughter threatening to spill out, Hobie comforts you with his palm over your forehead.

You two chat about with you feeding him crisps in between, exchanging stories and playing 'I spy' Hobie ends up winning with his enhanced vision, you challenge him again with a huff. He still wins the second and third round. His prize? Hobie tells you he's gonna hold onto it until you reach Glasgow.

At hour three, the car makes a metal groaning sound in the middle of the highway, you and Hobie looked at each other in fear for a second, silent and waiting for the van to keel over. You both sigh in relief after a few good minutes of silence with the car still running smoothly. Good thing it did because you have no idea how you'll make it to Glasgow if it did decide to just die in the middle of the road.

Before you know it, Hobie parks the van near the venue. Clicking off his seatbelt while you stretch in your seat. Hobie leans towards you, elbow right over the center console, he helps you with your seatbelt before promptly moving his hand to your cheek to face him.

"Can I help you?" You giggle, pecking the tip of his nose. "Are you claiming your prize?"

"This isn't my prize, lovey." He softly says against your lips. "That'll wait for later"

"Okay," you feel like your cheeks are on fire.

"This is my thanks" He meets your waiting lips, moving with yours. Cupping his jaw, thumb rubbing his cheeks, you breathe through your nose so the kiss would last longer yet it still leaves you breathless. You feel his hand around your nape, deepening the kiss further.

Hobie pulls away, seeing your pupils completely dilated, chest heaving for air.

"Thanks for what?" You ask breathlessly.

"Comin' with me" with his finger, he wipes the sheen off your lips, it stays there for a second, savoring, longing. For everything.

"You could've asked me to go anywhere and I still would've gone. As long as it's with you."

He answers with another kiss, laced with so much love and thankfulness, you feel it all through it.

A sudden knock has you pulling away, Hobie clicks his tongue at the intrusion. Turning around, he spots his bandmates whistling and wiggling their eyebrows. One was making a gesture that made you hide your face.

"You fuckin' wankers!" Hobie opens the door, slamming it on his friends' faces, they scatter, hooting and hollering, taunting him.

You watch as Hobie play fights with them, arm choking his bass player. With a lopsided smile on your face, excitement bubbles in your chest, the return trip and his promise makes you excited more than anything.

A/N: this fic is long overdue that we're at 700 already! Thank you all so much for reading and interacting with my little stories! Love all 700 of you ❤️

[monstersandmaw]

Laces for a Lady - 18th century, poly, shifters x human romance - Chapter Two (sfw)

Disclaimer which I’m including in all my works after plagiarism and theft has taken place: I do not give my consent for my works to be used, copied, published, or posted anywhere. They are copyrighted and belong to me. 

Thank you so much to everyone who let me know that you enjoyed the first chapter through your reblogs and tags and comments. I don't expect people to feel like they have to engage in a way that I'll see, but I can only tell you how much it means to me if you do have the energy to do so!

Things have been pretty effing rough on this end of things for me lately, so this story had to take a back seat, but I'm hoping to be able to work on it more for you now. This chapter was originally 5k words but I broke up the 'action' of this one, so it ends on a bit of a cliffie... quite literally, almost. Sorry? Hope you enjoy it anyway??

Content: Nel settles in at Heath Top House, meets Lady Winnifred, accidentally witnesses one hell of a smooch, and finds a body floating in the water after a storm... Wordcount: 3067

Part One

If the housekeeper at Heath Top House was surprised to find a well-dressed, if slightly wind-blown and jounced-about, young lady trundling in on a village cart, she managed not to show it.

Tom drew his placid old horse to a halt and Nel hopped down onto the gravel outside the manor house and slid her case down before Tom had even turned around to see if she needed help. She tossed him a friendly smile though, and a quick thanks that made the old man’s cheeks warm beneath his grey moustache, before the front door of the elegantly proportioned, stone manor house opened to reveal a tall woman in her late forties, with her hair tucked neatly beneath a ruffled, white cotton cap trimmed with a light blue, silk ribbon.

“Miss Bywater?”

“Indeed,” Nel said, and a frisson of apprehension shot down her throat to her stomach, where it curdled with the churning remnants of her coach journey to make an altogether unsavoury sensation in her gut.

She glanced down at her travel-rumpled redingote, picked out some straw from the bed of the cart that had lodged itself in the embroidery, and smoothed out her skirts. She tried to adopt a more seemly and tidy manner before drawing in a long breath, holding it, and then releasing it with a smile to meet the woman’s eyes.

“I’m Davis,” the woman said. “Housekeeper.”

What her first name was, Eleanor may never learn, given that etiquette demanded she be known by her surname by her employers and their guests. As a hired companion, Eleanor fell somewhere between the two, but even so she was unlikely to be considered on the same social standing as a housekeeper.

“If you’d like to follow me, Miss Bywater.”

She cast one last look back at Tom, who was already gathering his reins to stir his chunky, grey horse back into motion, and she offered him a final smile. He tipped his cap to her and set off, and Nel stepped into the relative dark of the entrance hall.

Chequered marble in a sweeping expanse of black and white tiles stretched away and was met by an elegantly curving staircase. The walls were flanked with dark wood panels and stern portraits of past generations, and from a doorway to one side, a young woman in a pale yellow dress emerged.

She was as blonde as her dress, and her skin had the kind of pallor that suggested she rarely went out. She was slender too, and if Nel had had to make a guess at her health, she might have been bold enough to say that the lady was fragile. If she were being gracious, she might have opted for ‘delicate’, but as it was, she looked shy and wan and fragile.

“Oh, Miss Bywater?” the lady said in a slightly wispy voice, and Nel nodded and made a small curtsy.

Slightly behind her, Davis bobbed a polite and slightly deeper curtsy, and said, “M’lady.”

“Thank you, Davis. See to it that Miss Bywater’s things are taken care of. I will give her a tour of the house myself.”

“As you say, m’lady,” Davis said, briskly taking the travelling case that Nel set down on the marble floor, leaving them to it.

The Lady Winnifred Penrose looked to be in her early thirties, and, Nel discovered as she stepped forwards and took her hands in her own chilly, bird-like fingers to squeeze with only the faintest effort, she was terribly shy and a little awkward.

“You must forgive me for sounding so formal and stiff in my letters,” she said, her blue eyes sliding away briefly as her cheeks warmed a fraction. “I… I don’t know how else to write, and I didn’t know you. You must have thought me some dowdy old matron…”

Nel very carefully did not say that that was exactly what she’d been expecting, and instead masked her surprise by saying, “I’m honestly glad to find we’re closer to the same age.”

Lady Winnifred’s returning smile was genuine, and it didn’t fade as she floated back a step and said, “I must also confess that taking a companion was my mother-in-law’s idea. This, as you know, was my husband’s house, and he left everything to me in his will, which seems to have caused a bit of a stir among society, given that he actually has a younger brother who should have inherited it all.”

She sighed and spoke on in almost a whisper.  

“His parents live here with me, and they try to keep an eye on things, but should I wish it, I could turn them out and we could have the run of the place.”

She looked suddenly shocked by her boldness, and Nel would come to learn that it was uncharacteristic of her in the extreme to say such things aloud. At the time, Nel just offered a private smile, and allowed herself to be shown about the house by a woman who struck her by the end of their tour as painfully, heartbreakingly isolated.

Lady Winnifred slowly but surely came out of her shell in their first few weeks together.

She had bouts of weakness and days when she didn’t feel like stirring much beyond her own rooms in the house, but over afternoon tea a fortnight after Nel’s arrival on that blustery spring morning, she confessed that while she had been a little reticent at first at the idea of taking a stranger into her home, she was now wholeheartedly glad that Eleanor Bywater had been the one to apply for the role.

“I mean, we’re almost the same age,” Winnie said as she dabbed at the last of her scone crumbs on the porcelain plate with a delicate fingertip and savoured the lingering taste of sweet, strawberry jam and thick, clotted cream. “And it has been such a relief to find someone to share in my love of reading…”

For the most part, Nel remained at Heath Top House with Winnie, as she insisted on being called by her friends, among whom Nel was apparently now counted. What few friends Winnie had lived in either Bath or London, and that physical distance seemed to have left Winnie extremely isolated while she ran her late husband’s estates in Cornwall and tried to dodge her interfering father-in-law’s heavy-handed attempts to seize control once again.

Luckily, James Penrose’s last will and testament had been most adamant that Winnie be the one to manage the finances and the mines, and from what Nel had learned by leaning over her shoulder while she wrote letters to the board and shareholders, Winnie was more than competent despite her shyness in person. James had been killed only a year and a half prior, in a tragic tunnel collapse while inspecting one of the mines he owned, and Winnie had turned into something of a social recluse in the aftermath.

Gradually, during Nel’s first month at Heath Top, she managed to get Winnie out and about on walks across the heathland when the wild, Cornish weather permitted, and they grew very acquainted with the stretch of coastal path that hugged the cliffs and played host to a prolific number of soaring seabirds. Sometimes, way offshore, they glimpsed porpoises and dolphins, and once or twice, common and grey seals basking and playing in the shallows, and over a period of a couple of months, Nel watched the young, grief-riddled widow draw a little out of her shell.

Despite the fact that Nel was technically in her employ, Winnie had also insisted that Nel could come and go from Heath Top House whenever she liked, so Nel found herself frequently borrowing a horse from the stables to ride around Winnie’s estate and down towards the coast on a shaggy, black-coated mare named Blackthorn. As the unexpected offspring of an escaped racehorse stud and a pit pony mare, Blackthorn had the stubborn stamina of her mother and the will to run of her thoroughbred sire, and Nel found herself adoring the solid, fifteen-hand horse almost the moment she clapped eyes on her.

“She’s beautiful,” she told the head groom, a quiet-mannered man in his fifties named Joe, when he’d first brought the mare out into the yard for her to try. She stroked Blackthorn’s velvet nose with her knuckles and giggled as the horse’s whiskery lips mouthed harmlessly at her fingers in search of apples. “I think we’ll get along just fine.”

Late one afternoon in the searing heat of midsummer, when crickets kept up a tireless chorus in the bleached grasses and cows stood about listlessly in the scant shade of the trees and lowed plaintively, Nel took Blackthorn into town before the shops closed. Her intent had been to buy some more thread for an embroidery project that she had recently undertaken at Winnie’s suggestion, but she knew already that it was probably far beyond her limited skills with a needle.

After she’d stabled the mare at the Lantern and seen to it that Blackthorn was given fresh water and a cool place to rest, Nel headed off to walk around the seaside village on foot. With her thread purchased from the surprisingly well-stocked haberdashery on Clifftop Street, she turned and made her way down the steep, cobbled street towards the harbour in the vague hope of some relief from the heat with a passing sea breeze. The light was perfect, casting pearlescent shimmers across the still sea beyond the harbour, and gilding the white wings of the gulls as they wheeled lazily overhead, but the air was thick with the cloying scent of iodine and drying seaweed at low tide, and it didn't get any cooler as she neared the harbour.

For someone who had grown up in the country though, and who had rarely seen the sea, she was surprised at how much she had come to love living there, with its wild, rugged, independent folk and its landscape that fitted them perfectly.

Nel had just gained a glimpse of the muddy harbour at the lowest ebb of the tide, the view of colourful fishing boats listing to the side like beached sea creatures framed by the squat, white cottages of the village when, in the narrow space between two buildings to her right, a sudden movement caught her eye. There in the shadows not ten paces away, she saw a slender young man pressed up against the bare stonework of a house and crowded in by a much larger man.

She had barely had time to mask her gasp of surprise when she recognised the latter as Locryn Trevethan, as much by his sheer, hulking size and his thick ponytail of steel-grey hair as by anything else, but she was far too surprised to register anything else when Locryn put both his hands tenderly on the smaller man’s jawline and kissed him fiercely.

As she took in the skinny frame of the other man beneath him, she realised it was Edmund Nancarrow. She’d seen him around the village a few times in the months since she’d moved into Heath Top House and he worked as the tailor’s assistant near the haberdashery. She’d not had any need of a tailor since arriving at Polgarrack though, and she hadn’t spoken to him since their brief meeting in the doorway of the Lantern.

All thoughts fled her mind as Locryn rutted up against Edmund’s hips, growling and groaning and kissing him without pausing for breath. “Want you,” he hissed, bringing his hand down to palm Edmund’s crotch. “Come to me tonight. On the sands,” he grunted. “It’s been too long. I need you.”

Edmund gasped and tipped his head back, his pale cheeks flushed and his mouth open in a wanton display of lust, and he just barely managed a weak nod and a dazed smile in return.

With a flush of heat in her own face, Nel turned away.

Locryn and Edmund weren’t the first men she’d known to have an attraction towards their own sex — after all, she had been the first that William had told of his own preferences all those years ago — but to see two people so blindly engrossed in each other, so wrapped up in the sheer, honest pleasure of each other’s bodies, sent a rush of yearning and stinging jealousy through her that was so strong she felt almost faint.

At twenty five, it was not quite too late for her to marry, but it was unlikely that any man would want her now.

She had politely refused the few offers made to her by relative strangers back in London, and as a result, her father, for all that he loved her, had called her a flighty fool. It was hardly her fault that the men who had come calling for her after the various balls during the London Season had done nothing but inspire empty dread and, in one case, open revulsion. She would likely never know the kind of passion and desire that Edmund was experiencing, and she scuttled back to the Lantern with her mind in a spin.

Her journey back to Heath Top with Blackthorn passed in a blur, and she barely heard a word Winnie said to her over tea when she got back with the embroidery thread still crumpled up in her small, silk pouch.

The summer progressed in a series of walks with Winnie, afternoon tea, reading, and lonely rides along the clifftop with Blackthorn, but she didn’t see Edmund Nancarrow or Locryn Trevethan again, and she took to avoiding Polgarrack without realising that was what she was doing. The endless days of blasting heat gave way to nights of brilliant lighting storms that sent veins of white fire flashing across the sky and the sea.

On one such wild night, she woke with a start as thunder seemed to rattle the rafters and the roof beams above, and she walked wide-eyed to the window in her nightgown to watch the lighting dance over the distant sea. Great forks of it illuminated both the water and the undulating land between Heath Top and the shore, and in the searing flashes she thought she saw the dark silhouette of a ship coming round the headland.

A while later, while she still stood at the window with a shawl clasped at her collarbones and her eyes locked on the horizon, the door to her room opened with a whispering creak, and she turned to find Winnie slipping inside, wrapped in a delicate dressing gown of her own and moving like a ghost.

“It’s wild out there,” she said, wide-eyed and pale-cheeked. She’d been ill for most of the day with a headache, and looked worse than ever in the harsh light of the incessant lightning.

“Are you alright?” Nel asked.

Winnie nodded. “I hate thunder,” she added as she joined Nel by the casement, trembling. “James died the morning after a storm like this.”

“I understand.” She slid her arm around her new friend’s waist and they stared out at the storm for a long while. “That ship…?” Nel asked, staring at the shape of it out on the silver water.

“Probably a smuggler’s cutter from the Channel Islands or France,” Winnie said, and when Nel looked surprised, she laughed. “What? Half of the tea we drink, and surely all of my father in-law’s spirits come from the smugglers who are brave enough to labour through storms like this one. It’s a part of life round here. We look the other way and the townsfolk sell us the things we need, and all the while London never sees a penny of it in taxes.” ‘We’ in that case was the local gentry.

It should probably have shocked Nel a bit more than it did, but Winnie had informed her that thanks to those hefty taxes from Westminster, the price to buy imported salt for the pilchards was forty times the actual cost of the salt itself, so she couldn't find it within herself to object in the slightest.

“I suppose half the town will be out there on the beach, bringing it all ashore?” Nel asked, and Winnie nodded.

“I just hope the revenue men from Fowey don’t risk the storm,” she murmured. “They sent a captain down here in a cutter of his own to catch them. They’ve already rounded up a good number of men, though no Cornish jury has ever found them guilty.” She said it with amused pride in her tone too, as if that too was a joke played on Westminster.

They stood there a while longer, watching the storm and the ship before Winnie sighed.

“You should sleep,” Nel said. “Is your headache still bad?”

Winnie nodded and her friend scowled.

“Come, watching lightning flash across a dark sky isn’t going to help. Go and curl up,” she said, and Winnie smiled, climbing into Nel’s bed instead of returning to her own.

Nel watched the weather for another few minutes before joining her, and the two fell asleep within five minutes of each other.

Winnie remained in Nel’s bed the next morning, curled on her side like a child under the covers, but Nel felt restless as the still-churning sea after the storm, and took Blackthorn out for a ride without waking the lady of the house.  

The storm had blasted away the cloying, summer heat from the day before to leave a fresh, blustery day and a blue sky.

Just as she crested the clifftop at Rocky Point, where an old stone cottage sat on the headland like another watcher over the waters of the Channel, and joined the path that ran the length of Cornwall from Land’s End to Looe, she happened to glance down into the sandy cove below.

There floating in the water, was the unmistakable shape of a man. He was face-up, and even at that distance, she thought he looked vaguely familiar.

For a long moment, Nel sat stock-still in Blackthorn’s saddle where the mare had halted obediently on the path, and she stared down at the figure bobbing and drifting with the tide like a piece of flotsam.

Was he dead?

At the thought — at the faint hope that he might still be alive — her shock crumbled and gave way to something frantic. She burst into action.

___

Next chapter ->

Dun-dun-duhhhhh! Sorry. We'll see more from the two shifters next time, I promise. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it, as ever! (I hope there weren't too many typos but if you spot some, feel free to yell at me in the comments or my inbox - I'm quite tired when I'm posting this!!)

I hope you’ll consider reblogging as well as leaving a like if you enjoyed it. Take care, and I hope you have a lovely day/night wherever you are, and whenever you read this.

| Masterlist | Ko-fi (tip jar)

[meatballlady]

The Hidden Prophecy Hypothesis

Here I am throwing an idea into the mix for s2 theorizing. Maybe it has been mentioned before, lmk if there are related metas out there already!

(disclaimer to not tag Neil!!! I don't want this to be shot down if it's a real possibility)

Here's my proposition:

At its core, the idea is that there is an information disparity between A/C and the audience, based on some source of knowledge that was not directly mentioned in S2 (i.e. hidden from the audience).

Between the events of S1 and S2, A/C came into contact with some sort of information about the future/H&H's strategy(ies)/etc. I'm calling this the hidden prophecy, but it could really be anything at all! A copy of Hell's plans from Shax, human prophecies, thorough reading of past assignments, etc.*

Immediate interpretation of the prophecy: In order for the apocalypse to happen, Aziraphale and Crowley need to kickstart it together.

Another main point of the prophecy: The trigger for the prophecy's events will be that someone (some angel?) will show up alone unexpectedly and ask them for help.

Also included are some vague details/triggers for the prophecy (which end up happening in S2 but aren't clear until after they happen)

Obviously A/C are not fans of this idea. They have an ongoing disagreement about the interpretation above, in fact.

Aziraphale believes there is a deeper interpretation of the prophecy if they research it enough. i.e. that they can work together without accidentally starting the apocalypse

Crowley believes they shouldn't fuck with it - that they should avoid each other entirely once the triggers start happening, to completely avoid any risk of accidentally kickstarting the apocalypse by working/being together.

* my partner believes this has to do with the second Agnes Nutter book. There are still many many ways to get a prophecy to someone even if the pages were burnt.

Cue season 2.

Open questions this could provide answers for:

Do the characters have more information than the audience and if so, why does it still look like they're flailing? They don't know "what's actually going on", they just have different expectations/starting points than the audience.

Why Crowley reacted very poorly to Gabriel showing up, and why he was so angry about leaving "so. this is how you want to do it." He thinks Aziraphale has ruined it already by asking for his help; also he doesn't want to stop talking to Aziraphale yet (he never will ofc)

Why Aziraphale got so pissy when Crowley said he wouldn't help with Gabriel "but if you won't, you won't." He thinks they can work together on the Gabriel thing, so obviously they don't need to avoid each other yet!

The weirdness about the apology dance: There was additional context to it, even though it was, ultimately, about the Jimbriel thing. Crowley was apologizing for being wrong about needing to not work together, not for not wanting to take care of Gabriel

Why they continue to look for clues outside of the Jimbriel question. They are looking for other prophecy triggers/apocalypse triggers.

Why Aziraphale acts with urgency around the ball. He is suspicious that Crowley was right and this is his last chance to host something for him.

Why the Metatron wanted Aziraphale (and possibly Crowley) back in Heaven

The final fifteen. They finally realize that Gabriel wasn't the trigger; the Metatron was. Aziraphale is still desperately insistent on working together, despite "realizing" Crowley may be right that they shouldn't. Crowley wants to work together but thinks they can't. They're both conflicted - about being right or not, about what the prophecy actually meant, and about how they will move forward. Maybe they both now agree that they shouldn't work together (which in s3 we will find out is actually incorrect), but they also both don't want to stop.

Loose ends from s1, such as the second prophecy book, the lack of mention of A/C addressing "the really big one" (i.e. because they already have and just don't bring it up)

Why "they aren't talking" now, per Neil - they think that it would move the apocalypse along to do so.

Why I like this idea (so far):

It doesn't retcon the final fifteen (only provides additional context)

(the additional angst potential for the final fifteen)

It is easy to explain to an audience

It is an "elegant" solution, i.e. doesn't ask more questions than it answers

Understanding of S2 would not be required to understand S3 - it just provides additional flavor to s2.

Open questions this doesn't seem to provide (direct/immediate, at least) answers for:

Maggie

The flashbacks

The 25 Lazarii miracle

The Halo

What Crowley was doing in Heaven

The discontinuities

[lostelfwriting]

WIP TITLE ASK GAME

RULES: make a new post with the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! and then tag as many people as you have WIPs.

Here are all my WIPs. My punishment for having so many shall be writing them out by hand instead of copy pasting the lis. :D

A/B/O Single Dad Hob

Accidental Baby Acquisition

Agent 007

Body Horror

Caretaker

CEO

Dark Dream

Dark Hob

Depression Dream Human AU Minecraft

Dokument

Domestic Control 2

Ex-Corintheus

Fey Hob Curse Dream

Good Dom Hob

Hell

Hob summons Dream

Hobrinthian

Hospital

Mpreg

Pole Dancers

Primal Play

Retired Dream

Royalty

Runaway Prince

Separation Anxiety

Skaters

Son of the Fey

Soulmates

The Hunt

Vampire

I don't know who did this thingy already but tagging @tryan-a-bex, @phinofthestorm

[muffinrecord]

Rambling Thoughts (Negative)

Putting this under the cut and out of the main tag for reasons. Sometimes people will read my opinion here and then say it elsewhere-- to be clear, I just want to say my own feelings without influencing anyone about the state of the game.

(also I accidentally lost and rewrote this post twice so I apologize if it feels all over the place)

So yesterday I responded to a post about Homucifer and EOS, but my feelings are actually a little more complicated than that.

The truth is, I do think that this game has maybe another year left, but maybe not more than that. I'm not actually sure how it could keep going-- not because of Akuma Homura, but actually because of all the power creep. But let's talk about Akuma Homura first.

Everyone and their mom knows the issues that plague her release. First off, she didn't get a new shiny transformation video but a copy+paste of her rebellion one. Hell, even youtube was like "this shit isn't original" and gave me this:

This video is banned in Austria and Germany for its content, not because of music (for once) but because it uses footage from the Rebellion movie. Like jeez.

The game has been having issues with its transformation videos for a while now, so I don't think anyone expected something revolutionary for her video-- but to have it just be reused animation is very disappointing for an anniversary unit and such an anticipated one at that. Additionally her chibi poke animation looks super weird and offputting (which is such a stupid complaint but it really adds into every other problem with the unit). Her Doppel reuses more animation, which is a shame.

I think that's the big deal for me-- this is a massively anticipated unit, and she was an Anniversary unit. I think everyone, not just myself, expected more effort to be put into her. I say this as someone who wasn't hyped for Akuma Homura-- I didn't have massive expectations to meet.

All that said, I still don't think that Akuma Homura herself is an EOS signal at this point. I meant it earlier when I said that I think the game has another year left. The entire reason that Devil Homura was considered an EOS signal in the first place was because that was the "big" unit that could for sure draw in the most money. She was the one "oh shit" button that could draw in a crowd and force people to spend money.

And in a way... she kind of did, through some scummy tactics. We all know very well why they released Historia Yachiyo the way they did-- she looks like an Anniversary unit, she has gameplay like one, and her banner runs throughout Anniversary. I completely believe that they released Historia Yachiyo to drain folks' pockets of magia stones so that people would be forced to spend money to get Devil Homura.

All that said-- to go back to my earlier point, I don't think Devil Homura is an EOS signal. I think that Madoka & Homura and Kyoko & Sayaka would fill a similar role. They are also both very anticipated units.

Additionally, I don't think that Akuma Homura being released in such a state, no matter how pathetic, is an EOS signal. As mentioned above, the game is having issues with its transformation videos. If they're going to budget the game accordingly, I'd rather it affect the henshins than anything else.

Here's the thing that makes me think the game is starting to wrap up in this year: Gameplay.

This game is suffering from powercreep. No, it didn't start now, or even last year-- I think Madoka & Iroha definitely began a bad trend which has become more and more monstrous. But even before then, we had units like Yozuru and Mikage which just completely outclassed units before them (before getting outclasses themselves).

But imo, Madoka & Iroha were still at least fun to use? But then you get to units like Devil Homura and Historia Yachiyo.

These units are straight up not fun to play with. In fact, they're the opposite of fun-- you don't even need to play the game. I did all of the EX-Challenges with my Historia Yachiyo and... jeez, the hardest part about them is that I can't turn off magia/doppel animations or use auto. And maybe the answer is: well don't use Historia Yachiyo then.

But what did I roll her for? I want to play with this character. I got her four-slotted. I like her aesthetic. I liked Puella Historia and I want to use a character that encapsulates that.

It's just, it feels like lots and lots of parts of the game that used to be important simply aren't anymore. Remember when the poison used by that one uwasa boss was a murderer for teams? Or the curse inflicted by the little uwasa mail familiars? You don't really need to worry about things like that anymore.

I'm not just speaking as a whale either... I do have alt accounts that don't spend money that I play a whole lot of.

At a certain point, the gameplay gets really really stale, but investing in your characters isn't fruitful anymore either, because they're already maxed in episode levels, magia, doppels... The only reason that Spirit Enhancement isn't maxed is 'cause the middle to large fragments are artificially capped and you can't grind them out.

But how do you give players more ways to invest in their girls without increasing further power creep? Attribute Enhancement was introduced and god, the numbers are fun but also jesus christ. Like, in what possible way can you make the girls have new ways to be new?

....

This really is a ramble.

I don't think the game is going to eos in the next six months or so. I base this on all the promo this anniversary put out (that costs money to make money), all the new quality of life things put in place by anni, the announcement of Magia Day + Scene Zero, and the upcoming movie. These are all signs that the game is gonna keep going for a bit.

But man, it also just kinda sucks that this game I love is actively becoming less fun for me.

[absoluteaffirmative]

personal canon loredump don’t mind me lol

my canon is very divergent from show canon so there’s that too

also these are copy+pasted from discord

(might have a special tag for this maybe idk-)

i think ive figured out my canon maybe kinda

of course a lot of bad stuff happened but not to the extremes the show got to

the company, jcjenson, were behind a lot more events since in my canon the solver isn’t sentient or anything. idk how it “found” me but it integrated itself into my code and i figured it out, learned how it worked

maybe i was purposely exposed to it, maybe it was random chance. like i said idk

im incredibly grateful that tessa found me and not some company grunts because she gave me a proper name (she wasn’t too creative at naming tho lol) and fixed me up

hell, she liked me so much she gave me hair styled after her own hairstyle (i was secretly the favorite amongst us all, although j was found first and is therefore the “oldest”)

when i first actually used the solver accidentally, n was there and we learned about it together. v eventually got curious enough but j wanted none of it ofc

but tessa found out and thats how jcjenson became involved

i can understand her thinking; “one of my drones is exhibiting strange behaviors and has weird robot magic stuff that i can’t fully understand even with my technical expertise” and she didn’t know that the company would capture me that night at the gala, so i cant blame her but if she had simply asked i could’ve given her everything she wanted to know

but yeah, jcjenson were the ones who turned my “siblings” into disassembly drones, with my (very much non-consensual) help

see, i dont overheat and need to consume oil since i can handle the solver just fine

n, v and j can’t. jcjenson basically copied the solvers code and put it into them, before modifying them to be oil-extraction machines essentially

then theres copper-9, blablabla thats kinda all the same but it was tessa and i who went there together

our job was to remove the solver code from those three, but copper-9 (and cabin fever especially) was an entire can of worms we weren’t prepared for

and, fun bonus:

one good thing is that i have disassembly drone wings and tail because it automatically makes any drone look cool and im cool

plus also flying is fun

time for non-discord message stuff

in terms of who is more “stable” with the solver, it goes like this;

n, v, j & nori are/were the least stable; they all had the solver put into their code while still alive (ill explain myself later) and thus can’t handle the power/demands of it, leading to overheating

yeva and uzi surprisingly enough are somewhat similar; while yeva also had the solver put into her code, the patch she received nerfed the solver, thus giving her the abilities of the solver without much problem. uzi is different; because nori never got the patch, the version of the solver uzi got was kinda nerfed but not fully

next is doll; due to yeva receiving the patch, doll has the most nerfed solver version. she can’t overheat but she also can’t heal either

as for myself; the solver essentially revived me and became part of my own code, kinda changing it to properly fit the solver. i don’t overheat but i can heal

[sesshy380]

WIP Questionnaire

Thank you @late-to-the-fandom for the tag! This is so different from most WiP tags, which I love. It's definitely is a good way to step back and look at my WiP from its original iteration to where it's currently at. Going to be answering this about Tangled Web of Fate as a whole, seeing as it is my primary ongoing WiP.

No pressure tagging @resuri-art, @sowideasea, @crush3dmary, @bakawitch, and anyone else that wants to do this (easy copy/paste Questions list at the bottom)

1. What's the first part of your WIP that you created?

*nervously looks around* Uhhhh….the first chapter? Before that, it was just kinda all randomness in my head. I honestly had no idea where I was going with it aside from the basic setup of dynamics and getting Atem resurrected. TWoF was the 1st fic I had actually started writing and posting, and regrettably I did a lot of hot-off-the-press in the beginning. The chapters just kinda came to me, I wrote them, then posted. I did eventually start jotting down plot points, but there are several that are no longer applicable since either they were removed entirely or I went a completely different route.

2. If your story was a TV show, what would the theme song/intro be?

Okay, so when it was all just a ‘show’ in my head, it was meant to be more action packed and more focused on battles between the 3 elementals versus the gods (think Inuyasha with YGO characters lol). The intro I have always had in mind with that version is State of My Head by Shinedown. This still applies as a main theme to describe Bakura, Malik, and Kat’s existence prior to the story’s start. Overall, though, with the direction the story ended up in, I think Lost by Linkin Park is more fitting, as it describes the struggles of pretty much everyone in the story.

3. What are your favorite characters that you made? Why?

So, this might seem a bit surprising…but the answer would have to be Apep. I love writing Marik’s interactions with it and I love writing its dialogue.

(For those that haven’t read that far, or TWoF at all, Apep refers to itself as we/us, and others that know of its existence use it/its when referring to Apep, though I believe I may have accidentally used they/them once or twice and been too lazy to go back and correct it)

4. What other pieces of media do you think your fanbase would share?

Do the two backstories I wrote for this AU’s Bakura and Malik (Yamima) count? I know there is a small fan-following of my OC (which is still surprising to me), so I'm guessing anything she's included in lol

5. What has been your biggest struggle with your WIP?

Those uncomfortable hell chapters where the things in-story hit a little too close to home and feel too personal. Also getting over what the readers may/may not like and remembering that this is a self-indulgent fic that is meant for me, and that others reading and enjoying it is just a bonus.

6. Are there any animals in your story? Talk about them!

SO. MANY. ANIMALS.

You already have the obvious with the elementals (Kat, Bakura, and Malik), not to mention their offspring (Imhotep/wolf, Ryou/lammergeier). There’s also Kat’s horse/ka, Akasa, as well as all the fae realm creatures in chapter 87 (capricorn, kelpie, cockatrice, what I have dubbed the ‘fae weasel’, unicorns, ceryneian hind, and of course the phoenix egg). There’s also the lamassu encountered in Sumar, and Remi the werewolf (I swear he was just having an off day due to seeing Marik and it being a full moon week).

7. How do your characters travel/get around?

The elementals tend to travel via their element a lot, but they aren’t opposed to traditional travel methods. Kat is a classic muscle car enthusiast, as well as sports cars and motorcycles. Malik loves the feeling of the wind in his mane when riding motorcycles (he prefers the ones with loud engines that ‘roar’), as well as open-top Jeeps and military vehicles. Bakura is the group’s resident pilot, being that his element is wind/air (Malik refuses to step foot in any aircraft that he is piloting after falling out because Bakura is literally no different than Murdock from the A-Team).

8. What part of your WIP are you working on right now?

Chapter 111

9. What aspects (tropes, maybe?) will you think draw your audience in?

Uhhhhh….no clue? Maybe genuine curiosity of the oc x canon ship and how I go about putting a character that fanon has declared to be extremely hardcore gay into a relationship with a woman? The 'enemies to lovers in later chapters' tag? (I'm sure that last one is the main reason people decide to take a peek in the first place lol)

10. What are your hopes for your WIP?

To reach the end and post the Epilogue (The basic draft for the Epilogue has been written since just after Apep is introduced)

List of Questions:

What's the first part of your WIP that you created?

If your story was a TV show, what would the theme song/intro be?

What are your favorite characters that you made? Why?

What other pieces of media do you think your fanbase would share?

What has been your biggest struggle with your WIP?

Are there any animals in your story? Talk about them!

How do your characters travel/get around?

What part of your WIP are you working on right now?

What aspects (tropes, maybe?) will you think draw your audience in?

What are your hopes for your WIP?

[cringecannon]

idk what the hell is up with tumblr, it won't show all your posts on mobile app unless i click the notification! earlier i accidentally closed it. so i had to open tumblr on my phone browser, find the latest nsfw tagged post & copy the url and then paste it on discord and open it from there on the app.

like tumblr why r u making this so hard for me!

i've even tried using your tags on the blog, but ir just doesn't show some posts???

anyway sending this in case someone else has this issue

If you’re having trouble with specifically nsfw posts you might wanna check your settings and make sure you can view posts that have the mature community tag. If that doesn’t work I’m not really sure what else to do :( maybe someone more tumblr-savvy than me might have some ideas

[ironstrangeao3]

Magic or Tech?

by Genuka

Time Shenanigans can be a pain. Having multiple copies of different timeline memories running through your skull can be dangerous.

Getting drafted by cosmic stones that embody some of the basic forces of the universe?

Well at least Tony has Stephen next to him in the same boat.

Now, how the hell were they going to save the universe after accidentally outting magic while arriving in spectacular fashion courtesy of the Infinity Stones and a live stream of the event?

At least the local version of Wanda wasn't around yet...

Words: 10024, Chapters: 6/?, Language: English

Series: Part 7 of Marvel Madness

Fandoms: Marvel Cinematic Universe, Iron Man (Movies), Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme (2007), Doctor Strange (Movies)

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Characters: Tony Stark, Stephen Strange, Jarvis (Iron Man movies), Friday (Marvel), The Cloak of Levitation (Marvel)

Relationships: Tony Stark/Pepper Potts - Past, Tony Stark/Stephen Strange

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Time Travel, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Divergent Timelines, Time Shenanigans, Time Travel Fix-It, Time Travel, Sentient Infinity Stones (Marvel), Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Tags May Change, Rating May Change, Work In Progress, Random Updates, Bunny Farm Graduate, Not Wanda Maximoff Friendly, Not Civil War Team Captain America Friendly

source https://archiveofourown.org/works/45999067

[avocado-frog]

Headcanon tag

Thank u to @riveriafalll for the tag sorry that the url isn't lined up with the thank you but i had a really hard time spelling and had to copy paste and now i can't fix it 😔

Rules: use this headcanon generator to make headcanons for your OCs! Then talk about how accurate they are.

Going to do it for all of the main characters + the one side character

---

Logan could easily survive The Hunger Games.

0/10 I don't think he'd have it in him. also he's older than eighteen and he'd be even LESS likely to want to kill a kid when he's eighteen. also my man has got the survival instincts of a rock, I fear

-

Leo knows the lyrics to Never Gonna Give You Up by heart.

6/10 this is canon because Jaxon probably sings it all of the time every single day. Lily finds out that it annoys Leo and obviously that's her favorite thing to do so she gets in on it. so now Leo knows the entire song.

-

Cass chews her nails when nervous.

9/10 yeah I think so. but she'd see something online about how chewing your nails can Actually Kill You or something and it'd freak her out enough to quit (she's very me coded)

-

Kai stole a lollipop at the checkout when he was 5 and he still feels guilty about it.

8/10 it's really funny to me. The idea of accidentally breaking a rule makes him wither away

-

Lily likes board games, but no one else wants to play with her.

7/10 I think she's more of a card game person. She gets very competitive and got into a fist fight about monopoly at least six times

-

Jaxon can't spell resturaunt.

10/10 i'm pretty sure that he's illiterate, actually to be fair I can't spell it either

-

If Dylan likes someone, they will give them a pretty rock.

10/10 canon canon canon. They like to collect things that they find in the garden- especially rocks- but I think that they like going to gift shops to find polished rocks for their friends. Elliot has a box full of Dylan rocks. they're very particular about which ones they give to him. Elliot's favorites are obviously the purple and pink ones, but he likes the sparkly ones as well

-

Ryan is awful with technology and doesn't know how to use a smart phone

7/10 I don't think he has a phone until well into the first book. i don't think he knew about technology before that lmao

-

Sam knows FNAF lore

10/10 oh god. yes. He is an eleven-year-old in the 2010s of course he knows fnaf lore. his favorite is foxy. he was the kid in the movie theater going "har har har har har har harharharhar" the whole fucking time (if you listen really close you can tell that i was sat next to an 11 year old doing this exact thing when i went with my friends)

-

Elliot can play the kazoo.

10/10 I think that Elliot takes up a lot of weird hobbies and that he's got a kazoo in his pocket all of the time. He learned kazoo to annoy his sisters in particular and you know who probably got him one? fuckin jaxon

---

Another open tag because I'm doing a mass finally-posting-tag-games-that-have-been-in-draft-hell and don't want to spam the same six people lol. feel free though!!!

[romanticandupsetting]

PLATO KEYCHAIN

kise ryota x gn!reader ; soulmate!au

a soulmate au where your dreams are your soulmate’s memories. also, enemies to lovers.

warnings: reader cusses, like, once , mentions of food , mentions of academic pressure , little blood (a nosebleed is mentioned once) , fainting , kise being dumb

request by @carinacassiopeiae​​:  Hii! Yes please, go write knb fics ahhhh and please tag me!! Umm, for a request, soulmate au with kise?? But like at the start, they're enemies so cue the angst and whatnot, but they find out they're soulmates so yeah thank youu

word count: 3363

this is my first request and first one shot so i got kinda enthusiastic and ended up writing it immediately lol. i try to make the reader gender neutral, unless someone requests me a specific gender so if i accidentally typed a pronoun other than they/them for the reader here, please tell me :>>

Light blue hair.

Ah, you’re having another dream.

Dreams were pretty rare for you these past few weeks―maybe even months―all because studying hindered your sleep, messed with your energy, and you’re too tired to even dream.

But that doesn’t matter right now, clearly your mind feels good enough to show you a story in your sleep.

A tall boy with green hair and glasses took a small wooden box from his school bag.

Oh, his fingers are taped? What a weird guy.

“I wanted to thank you for letting me copy your notebook,” he said. “These are custom-made rolly pencils used as a last resort for tests.”

“Rolly pencils?!”

A cute girl with pink hair accepted them, smiling as she did.

“Custom means you made it yourself?” said your person.

The green-haired boy grins, lifting his glasses. “That’s what giving your utmost best is all about.”

“Nah,” your hand shook, denying what he said. “You put on airs and say all that stuff, but it’s still super lame!”

Who the hell is your soulmate. You can’t tell if he’s funny or mean.

“Ah! There are three of them! I’ll give you one, Tetsu-kun,” the girl said, handing one pencil to a boy with blue hair.

“Oh, are you sure?” asked he.

“Yeah!” the girl nods. “Studying for tests will be tough with a sprained wrist, right? So, it’s a little gift to cheer you on!”

The boy smiles, looking at the pencil. “I’ll take it then.”

You wake up with a sigh.

It was an adorable dream, honestly. You couldn’t help but be happy for your soulmate who had such fun friends.

Well, it was fun while it lasted. You wish you had those kinds of friends. Must be nice…

You shake the dream out of your head and started getting ready for school. You take a glance at your study table, still messy from your nightly study sessions that you force on yourself before you go to sleep. There are even nights when you don’t allow yourself to rest if you didn’t study at least three subjects.

It’s okay, though. Studying is necessary and you should be mature enough to understand and accept that. Yes, be mature, y/n. messing around wouldn’t get you anywhere in life.

You head out, feeling a little relaxed thanks to that one good sleep you’ve had in months.

The sky has the most perfect looking clouds, the wind feels nice as it moves past you, the neighbor’s dog is asleep, you didn’t forget anything at home.

You smile slightly as you walk.

Kise Ryota woke up with heavy breaths.

What was that dream? Oh, god, he just woke up and he’s already sweating.

As he gets dressed in his usual uniform and packed his things, he can’t get that dream out of his head.

No, no, it should be a nightmare, right? Why is that… oh god, I hope they’re okay.

During morning practice he ranted to his friend.

“Isn’t it horrible, Kasamatsu-senpai?” He pouts, sitting on the bench as he wipes his face. “Even Greek philosophers wouldn’t study so much that they’d black out.”

“Since when did you know anything about Greek philosophers?” his senpai spouts.

Kise blinked. Right, since when did he know about those? “Maybe it was in my dream? Oh, there was that one cute Plato keychain my soulmate has…” He smiles dreamily, thinking of how cute the keychain looked. “No, that’s not important! What’s important is that my soulmate had a nose bleed and fainted because they were overworking―oh my god, they could be dead by now!”

“They’re not, you moron. Shut up already.”

In the classroom, you stare at the window past the boy to your left. You know you should be studying right now for your next class but you wanted to tone it down since you were still scared of exceeding your own limitations.

You wouldn’t forget how humiliating that hospital room is. You should’ve known better.

“Staring at me, l/n-chan?”

“Oh, how annoying,” you speak in a monotone voice. “I was admiring how beautiful the view is if only you weren’t there. Mind moving, Kise-kun?” You scowl at him.

“Tsk, tsk, l/n-san you should learn your manners. We’re in high school, we should be mature.” The blond grins, lifting his chin up.

“Huh? What do you know about maturing, you muscle for brains? I don’t think you can even spell that word. You piss me off, could you leave right now piss hair?”

He gives you a dirty look and sighs. “Back then, you avoided me and now you’re bullying me? Aren’t your academics making your head kinda big?”

“Hmm…” you cross your arms. “And what are your idiot brain cells doing? Playing basketball with your brain?”

The science teacher walked in before he could make a comeback.

You turn your back to him, honestly, why the hell is it so upsetting to argue with him?

He’s so irritating.

“I’ll return your pop quizzes now,” the teachers announced as the abundance of sighs mixed together in the classroom.

Your nerves started getting to you. What if you did horribly? What if you answered an obviously easy question wrong? But you study hard every day, there’s no way you could do poorly on such a simple quiz.

You take your paper and sigh in relief that you got a perfect score.

The blonde peeked at your result and pouted. “Perfect, as always.”

You smile at him. “Well, yeah, I’m not you.”

He glares at you. Why did you have to rub it in like that? You’re a genius, he gets it, so what? He scoffs.

“So what if I have low scores? At least I don’t validate myself using high grades,” he mutters.

Oh, but you heard it. God, his voice was so clear in your earshot.

You glare at him, which he felt. You felt anger, rage, hate, vexation, and every other synonym for those words.

How dare he talk about you like that? You never liked him form the start because you thought he was just a dumb jock. You got seated next to each other in class and sure, there was this banter on the both of you and you thought to yourself, it’s pretty cute, maybe he’s not that bad, but how dare he say those words.

It hurts because it’s true but it also hurts because it came from him.

“You wouldn’t understand it, Kise,” you spit out, your voice felt dark and meant for him. “You’re talented.”

It hurts.

Chest feeling empty and tears threatening to pour out, you both avoided looking at each other.

As you walk home, the sky still had the most perfect looking clouds, the wind cool as it blows past you, the dog is quietly wagging its tail in the front yard, and you didn’t forget anything.

You don’t feel good anymore.

There was a bitter taste in the back of your throat, your legs feel sluggish, and your bag feels a little heavier that it did this morning. You should study as soon as you get home, snacks are irrelevant as of now. So long as you don’t faint, you’re good.

The next morning, you wake up not caring about the fact that you didn’t have a dream.

Kise took a glance to his right, seeing you quietly study during break time. Were you not going to mock him as usual? You’re not even heading out to buy a snack or a drink.

Was it his fault?

Maybe what he said was too far.

Honestly, the daily arguments with you always felt so bittersweet. He looked forward to talking to you during breaks even if all that talking are just petty fights. He wished it was different, that you both would talk to each other about your day or how you’re craving for a certain item at the cafeteria, but no.

He just has to fight back like that every single time and look where it led him.

Kise remembers the dream he had.

Oh god, he feels even worse about it now. What if that was also how you act behind closed doors? No, wait…

You act like that even when you’re right beside him.

Always studying, not even taking a snack break, hell―you’re doing it right now.

He tries looking at you discreetly.

Did you get thinner? No, he’s imagining it. You don’t look well but you don’t look sick.

At least, not yet.

Kise is scared but as he was punching himself in his mind, he took notice of your open bag and his eyes―usually playful, fun, with a soft gaze, only serious when he’s playing basketball―went wide. He exhaled sharply, trying to look calm. He shouldn’t bother nor alarm you but you…

Your Plato keychain.

He placed his arms on the table and buried his head in it, biting his lower lip harshly just to stop whatever noise he’ll make that would signify his desperate need to stop himself from crying.

He’s going to apologize―

 ―is what he thought but Kise Ryota has no idea how. He, or his friends, never truly apologized for what happened in middle school, and he’s not even familiar with this kind of feeling because he never really gets into emotional quarrels.

He’s actually thinking now. So that’s why your arguments felt so bittersweet.

L/n-chan’s my soulmate and I… I did that.

He failed you.

“Kise, what are you doing?! Stand up already!”

The sounds of his teammates and coach calling for him felt like background noise at this point.

Ah, he’s thinking too much, his brain is gonna hurt.

“And what are your idiot brain cells doing? Playing basketball with your brain?”

Kise clearly remembers your sneer as you said that.

He should really get on the court now but how in the world is he going to confess to you when all he’s ever experienced is being confessed to? If that’s not enough of a challenge, you literally hate him right now.

You look at the time on your phone.

6:01 AM

Gosh, you forgot to sleep.

You honestly feel so tired but that doesn’t matter right now. You need to do better. You need to do so much better so that stupid dumb blonde can’t even speak in your direction anymore.

You need to be better than him. You have to beat the audacity that his talents gave him. It’s fine if you don’t play basketball but you are going to have to be better than him in everything else. As for now, nothing matters but making him shut up.

So you walk to school not noticing the weather or the dog.

Kise fidgets in his seat. He’s imagined the scenario a million times in his head now.

He can do it. The technique is to strike first.

But when he saw you walk inside the classroom, his face felt frozen.

You look so tired.

Did you even sleep? Why are you… it’s his fault. It’s his fault, oh my god, shame on him. He’s going to talk to you now.

“L/n-chan!” he exclaims as soon as you take a seat, making you jolt on your chair. He faces you with a serious expression. Good, you’re looking at him, even if you’re looking like he’s an ugly blob fish that your uncle brought home after a long day of fishing. It’s fine. He has your attention.

“I’m challenging you to a battle!” He points his finger at you. “In the next two weeks, I’ll beat your scores in the exams.”

Ha?

What is he talking about? God, he really is arrogant. Defeat you? Your scores? In the exams? It’s like he knew that you wanted to shut him up and is now wanting to make you shut up.

You glare at him.

His whole-body freezes but recovers immediately.

Why did he say that?! Wasn’t he supposed to apologize and confess to you? Oh my god, Ryota, how in the world are you so famous with girls?

He clears his throat. “I-I won’t lose so… there!” And immediately turned his back to you.

If I win, I’ll tell them how I feel.

Oh, but he has to study now.

But just to make sure, he grabbed his phone from his bag and sent an email to his friend.

‘Kurokocchi can I please please borrow your rolly pencil next next week?? >.<’

Thank god his friend agreed after three days of him begging because there was no way in hell Midorimacchi would lend him his.

Despite the rolly pencil, he still studied his hardest for the remaining days even during his break time in practice. Kasamatsu didn’t have the heart to kick him for it because it was shocking to his friend studying no matter how many times he saw it.

You slouched as you deadpanned the big poster revealing everyone’s exam results.

Of course he didn’t defeat you―actually, he wasn’t even close.

You were at first place and he was at 29.

Now, where was the idiot who decided to challenge you? Ah, he’s behind the tree.

You stare at Kise, waiting for him to reveal himself but he didn’t. He stayed behind that tree and was late on 4th period.

When lunch time arrived, you smiled. “Congratulations on 29th place, Kise-kun.”

He felt like crying but his lips remained in a pout as he ate his lunch. Kasamatsu might look for him right now because he’s been slacking with practice but he doubts his senpai would go out of his way during lunch.

“I really thought you had some sort of genius hiding in that skull of yours. Is all that’s in there is a deflated basketball?” You mocked a laugh. “It must be, it even suits your posture right now.”

He kept blinking, trying to block your mocking voice.

Why the hell do you sound so sweet? He knows he lost but right now he’s honestly just feeling so giddy that you’re talking to him, though upset that you’re still making fun of him as always.

Maybe he should just be the dumb guy if it means you’re going to talk to him again, though.

Well, he is the dumb guy.

“I swear, if you hate me, just say it to my face. You don’t have to go to such drastic measures―”

“L/n-chan, I like you! What are you talking about?!” he exclaimed, eyes wide. You thought he hates you? Why would you think that? “Even if all we really do is fight, I absolutely adore you! I didn’t really get it myself at first but the more I tried to think, the more I realized how much I like you.” He sniffles.

“Fucking pardon?” Kise flinches. Why does your voice sound like that? He thought even if you didn’t like him very much, the fact that your soulmates would at least make your reaction a little nicer. Why do you sound so angry?

The nerve! Oh my god, for how long could his arrogance make him live in this earth? Surely, he must be running out, right? But he said he likes you and he sounds like he means it.

Who cares? He’s pompous, stupidly tall, and just overall stupid! How dare he challenge you only to then declare his feelings after losing?

Do jocks really not have any manners?

But you wouldn’t deny that it felt nice to hear his feelings for you.

Just maybe…

“‘At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet’,” you recite. “Plato once said that.”

“Huh?”

“But clearly, you can’t be one even if you’re in love,” you sigh. “Denied.”

“Huh?”

Who are you kidding? Even if, let’s say, he’s your soulmate, you wouldn’t want to be in a relationship with a man who can’t even get to the top ten in the charts.

“L/n-chan?”

You give him a sharp glare. “You’re really expecting me to be all blushy and kind just because you said you like me? You must be kidding. Aren’t you supposed to beat me first before you confess your feelings?”

He blinks, then he blinks again.

And again.

And again.

“T-then…” Stupid Ryota! You should’ve known this is how they are! They literally tease you whenever they look at your direction and does nothing else, of course this won’t be easy! “could you help me out?”

You chuckled. “Now you have the nerve to make me help you? What chivalry!”

You relax in your seat, still facing the flustered blonde, not removing the smirk on your face. “But, well… can you even keep up with me?”

The fact that he reached 29th place is nowhere near impressive for you but the improvement of his scores is definitely noticeable. This guy usually fails all his exams.

His face brightened.

“What? Too much of a dummy to speak?”

“I’ll follow you forever y/ncchi!” he beams. “I promise I’ll do my hardest even if all you do is teach me while mocking me―”

“Kise!” The booming voice of his senpai suddenly shook him out of his lovesickness.

“Uh―Kasamatsu-senpai?! Why…?”

“Exams are over so you can practice now, right…?”

Oh god, he can feel his senpai’s anger to the point that Kise’s considering jumping out of the window.

He looks at you, readying his pouty face so that you’d help him only to see your sneering face. “Oh my, oh my, you should go talk to your teammate, Kise-kun~”

Should’ve known you’d react like this.

“Yes, senpai!” the blonde huffs and jogs toward his upperclassman.

“Say y/ncchi,” Kise spoke as he takes your bag. “Can we stop by somewhere? It won’t be far, I promise.”

“Where is it?” you ask. “It’s only been two days and you already want to take me somewhere?” You grin as you wiggle your eyebrows.

He laughs. “It’s not like that―”

“At least take me to dinner first, honestly, how are you so popular with girls? Is the only requirement being an athlete and a model?” you grumble while crossing your arms.

He smiles softly at you. It’s honestly funny how you both still get into petty arguments but instead of that bittersweet feeling, he’s now really happy to have a nonsensical banter with you.

“I swear, my intentions are pure.” He raises his right hand to a salute and continued on walking with you. “I just have to return something to a friend.”

You hum in response.

“Ah, but if you want, we could stop by for dinner,” he mumbles, looking down while playing with his fingers. “I mean… if you want to, of course, but if you wanna go home that’s totally fine too!”

“Oh, but I have to study today,” said you. You took a peek at his expression and it was obvious that he was about to pout but is stopping himself from doing so. “Kidding,” you giggle.

He softly chuckles. “Well, let’s go now.”

“Are you sure I can wait beside you?” you mumble.

“It’s fine, it’s fine! Kurokocchi wouldn’t mind meeting you―”

“Good afternoon,” a soft voice suddenly greets.

Blue hair?

“Kurokocchi! Here’s your rolly pencil,” Kise chimed, handing him the pencil. “Thanks for letting me borrow it.”

“It’s no problem. Did you get the perfect score you were aiming for?” the boy, ‘Kurokocchi,’ asked in which the blonde sighs.

“No, but I have y/ncchi helping me study now!” Your friend smiles, pulling you closer to him by your shoulder. “This is l/n y/n-chan, y/ncchi, he’s Kuroko Tetsuya-kun.”

“It’s nice to meet you, l/n-san,” the boy greets.

“Yes, nice to meet you too, Kuroko-kun…”

Tetsuya-kun…

“It’s nice meeting the both of you but I’ll be going now. I’ll see you both some time.”

“Yeah,” Kise nods. “Let’s hang out sometime with Midorimacchi!”

The blue haired boy smiles and nods as he walks away.

You stare at that shade of blue until he slowly disappears in the distance.

“Hey, Ryota-kun,” you call.

“Hm?” he looks at you, you look back.

“Are we soulmates?”

“Huh?”

“It’s just… that Kuroko Tetsuya-kun and the rolly pencils…”

“Huh… so that’s what you dreamed about me?”

“What? You know? That we’re soulmates―wait, we’re actually soulmates?”

He blinks. “Did I not tell you?”

[xoxo-teddybear]

Denied - Bakugou Katsuki

Bakugou x f!reader

Warnings: Cursing, Fluff, Crack, slice of life

Summary: Bakugou taught Eri how to swear....Y/N found out.

BAKUGOU’S MASTERLIST

For the past 2 weeks, Mr. Aizawa had been having staff meetings back to back and as a result, you and Bakugou have been babysitting Eri. Or more so, you have been babysitting Eri but Bakugou being your boyfriend, he’s usually around. Don’t worry though, like the good boyfriend he is, he usually helps.

Over time, Eri has grown very fond of you and Katsuki. Matter of fact, she loved you both so much, the second she found out you two were dating, she ended up calling you “Mom” and “Dad.” It was adorable, really, and the entire class saw the 3 of you as a little family. Bakugou couldn’t fight the blush that grew on his face everytime Eri called him “Dad” but he got used to it. Now, the two of you even refer to her as your daughter.

Now being around the little girl so much, she has grown to copy some of your behavior and traits. For example, she takes after your love for dance and singing. She’s also learned to play with makeup after watching you apply it so many times. With Bakugou, she’s learned how to defend herself more and be a little more confident. Sadly, she is exposed to his vulgar mouth and attitude and therefore picks up on that a lot. And once you found out, hell broke loose.

—

It was a casual Saturday at the dorms. Some students went home for the weekend while a lot happened to stay behind. Visiting the dorms was sweet little Eri and you were currently having a little play date with her in the common area. Usually, Bakugou would be there with you and her but he’s having his bro time with the boys of the Bakusquad. Understandable. Just means more Eri for you.

Eri was currently drawing a little doodle on some scrap paper while you snacked on apple slices and played on your phone. The white haired girl was filling in her yellow sun when she accidentally split the paper.

“Shit.” She cussed. She didn’t cry at the ruined drawing but she did sigh in disappointment before grabbing a fresh piece of paper.

You on the other hand choked on your fruit slice once your heard the word come out of her mouth. You didn’t bother asking her where she learned the new word. You already knew.

“Eri, sweetie. Stay here for a sec’ okay? I’m gonna go find Dad and talk to him for a bit.” You said with a smile as you got up from your seat on the couch.

“Dad? Ouu, can I go too? I wanna see Dad.” She said with excitement. You smiled at her cute behaviour and ran your fingers through her hair.

“Sorry love, but Dad is in trouble right now. He doesn’t deserve to see his precious little Eri.” You said. She laughed and nodded her head before going back to her drawing. You walked away and once you were out of sight, you dropped your smile and a pair of angry eyes along with a scowl formed on your face. “Oh, Daddy is in so much trouble.”

—

Bakugou was currently in his dorm room with Sero, Kirishima, and Kaminari. They were all going at it with each other on Mario Kart until Bakugou’s spidey senses started kicking in.

“Do you guys feel that?” He asked, stopping his movements on the controller. He looked towards the door and he could hear faint footsteps coming towards them.

“What’re you talking about bro?” Kirishima asked as he stopped his game to look at his friend. Kaminari did the same and grew nervous at the frantic look on Bakugou’s face.

“Woah! What’s with that look?” Kaminari asked the shaking man. Bakugou was trembling as he had an idea of who was coming.

“I’m gonna die,” the ash blonde whispered out but still remained loud enough for his friends to hear.

“B-Bakugou! What’s going on?!” Sero asked as he stood up.

“S-Somethings coming!” Bakugou shouted in fear. His friends watched as the bravest guy in the world stood in fear and trembled as he carefully watched the door. Loud footsteps could be heard coming closer and closer and so naturally out of fear, the 3 hid behind the blonde who owned the room.

“What is?!” Kirishima asked.

“Something lethal!” Bakugou replied in fear as he took a step back. The footsteps got louder and louder causing the friends to freak out even more.

“What is coming?! BAKUGOU, WHAT IS COMING?!” Kaminari shouted in fear.

“The devil herself..” The footsteps got louder, got closer, until eventually..they stopped. The 4 friends watched the door until it was busted open to reveal and angry Y/N. “My girlfriend....EXCEPT SHE’S PISSED!”

“KATSUKI BAKUGOU!” You screamed at the trembling blonde who was in front of his cowering friends.

“Wait, wait, wait!” The blonde shouted with his hands up. “....Can I get a head start?”

“Denied.” You bluntly said.

“Figures. RUN!” Bakugou said to his friends. With the dorm room being so small, the 4 friends had nowhere to go. In a bold move, they ran to the exit that you were currently standing in and pushed you out of the way, breaking free from your sight.

“Pathetic.” You said and slanted your eyes at the friends as they ran down the hall. You followed after them and chased them all around the dormitory. From the 4th floor, to the 3rd, to the staircase, to the 1st floor (avoiding Eri), and back up to the 2nd.

The friends all ran together in a group, thinking there would be safety in numbers. They ran together for a good amount of time before a realization came to Kaminari.

“Wait a minute! She’s not after us! She’s pissed at Bakugou!” The electric blonde said while running.

“So, what? Do we ditch him?” Sero asked while they all continued to run.

“Yes!” Kaminari said. The wanted blonde looked to the other blonde in anger.

“What?! You idiots can’t just abandon me!” He said. Kaminari was going to respond until they heard a voice behind them.

“Katsuki!” You screamed. The friends turned around as they continued to run and saw you right on their tail.

“AHHHH!!!!” They all screamed.

“Sorry man! We like living!” Kirishima said.

“Well so do I!” The blonde replied. His best friend just shrugged his shoulders before answering.

“SCATTER!” He said to the other 2 and Bakugou’s 3 friends all went separate ways. Just like they planned, you ignored them and followed your boyfriend’s trail.

“Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! FUCK! FUCK! FU-“

“SHUT UP KATSUKI!” You said before jumping onto him and tacking him to the ground. You pinned your boyfriend to the floor and he didn’t even open his eyes to look at you.

“ImSorryForEverythingIDidISwearI’llFindAWayToMakeItUpToYouTeddyBear,YouAreTheLoveOfMyLifeAndYou’reSoBeautifulAndILoveTheOutfitYou’reWearing,YouLookBeautifulInEverythingPrincess,I’mSorryIBrokeYourGivenchySunglassesAndBlamedItOnDunceFaceI’llBuyYouNewOnes,ISwear!ILoveYou!” He blurted out with his head facing the other way to ‘dodge’ your attack he assumed you were going to throw.

You sighed and rolled your eyes before getting off of Bakugou and helping him stand to his feet. “Okay, first of all, thank you for the compliments and I love you too baby,” you said and pecked his cheek. “Second, the reason why I’m so mad is because Eri learned a new word today. She fucked up the paper she was drawing on, and cussed. I wonder where she picked that up from..Katsuki.”

Your boyfriend only laughed nervously while shrugging and you sighed some more while throwing your head back. “Okay look, I would punish you, but I’m too tired from all that running and I’m pretty sure all the adrenaline and fear you were feeling before is punishment enough.”

The blonde nodded his head quickly like a puppy trying to agree.

“Just, don’t do it again Suki. Please? At least try to restrain yourself around Eri.” You said. Bakugou nodded again and you huffed before opening your arms up for him. He smiled and quickly took the offering. He held you in his embrace and peppered your face in quick kisses.

“Thank you!” He replied with gratitude. You smiled at him and took his hand to lead him to the common rooms. He happily followed and took a seat on the couch with you, where Eri finally noticed his presence.

“Mom! Dad! You’re back!” Your “daughter” said as she jumped the two of you on the couch. Bakugou pulled her into his lap so you could all be together.

“Listen kid, there’s gonna be a few words that’ll occasionally slip out of my mouth from time to time and it’s important for you to not say them. Okay?” Bakugou said to the little girl.

“Okay! But what are the words?” She asked him. Bakugou just chuckled and placed a hand on her head before speaking.

“We’ll speak about that next time, for now just get back to playing.” He said.

“Okay!” Was all she said before jumping off his lap and going back to her crayons. You scooted closer to Katsuki and squeezed his hand that you were still holding. This grabbed his attention and he turned and placed a quick kiss on your lips before throwing his arm around your shoulder. You leaned into his touch and you both cuddled up on the couch. Some time passed and you both talked, watched Eri, and played around with her until you two cuddled up again and you turned to ask him a question.

“So...about my Givenchy Sunglasses,” you questioned him. Bakugou froze up in fear again before releasing a nervous chuckle.

“Hehe...”

Tag list: @sxcker4you @aomi04 @tessabrown101

[heyhihellowhatsup0]

Hooked On Your Feelings - Chapter One (FWB! Tom Holland x Reader)

Prologue

Warnings: Some angst, language, eventual smut in future chapters, fluff

Word Count: 4155

Summary: After a bad breakup, making an agreement with your womanizing neighbor, Tom to be friends with added benefits and no strings attached seemed like the perfect idea. Until things become messy, emotions caused your agreement to crumble.

A/N:   I have been dying to post more so the day is finally here! I am so happy everyone has given my such amazing and sweet feedback! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. Needless to say, this chapter does have smut! DM me to be tagged and I cannot wait to hear everyone’s thoughts! (Also .gif is not mine. DM me for credit please, I found on google!) Thank you xx -N

You woke up the next morning with your head pounding while the sun hit your eyes as you opened them. Turning on your back you let out a sigh once you realized where you were. The same bed you figured you would be in even though you were hoping it was all a dream and what had happened didn’t actually take place. 

Remaining underneath Tom’s dark and satin sheets since you knew you had nothing on, you pivoted your head upward and saw his eyes opened and staring up at the ceiling. Clearly, neither one of you had any idea how to address what the hell happened between the two of you last night and you certainly weren’t going to be the one to initiate.

Tom licked his lips as he adjusted himself from under the covers. Did he really just sleep with you? Sure, he thought about having that moment with you. Countless times, actually. It was no secret you were breathtakingly beautiful and he always had that fantasy about you. But you were always dating that idiot for whatever reason and Tom always thought you were never into him in that way.

None of it was planned, of course. It just happened. One minute, you were both drinking and just simply there next to each other. The next, Tom and you were stumbling into his bedroom. Laughing in between kisses as you removed one another’s clothes and experiencing what was probably some of the best sex he’d ever had. His entire body was vibrating still from how he had felt and he never in a million years would have even thought you were the least bit interested in him like that. Then again, you were both clearly going through some really weird stuff last night.

You were both vulnerable and feeling things you didn’t want to admit to other people but for some reason, Tom was alright with admitting it to you and you both found a way to get rid of the feeling, even if it was temporary. He didn’t want you to regret it, because he sure as hell didn’t. He certainly wasn’t expecting any of that with you but it was a hell of a night and he was far from complaining about it. He was just worried you regretted it.

A lot could be said in your silence with Tom as you lay there, the both of you now staring up at the ceiling and neither of you were speaking. You couldn’t help but feel a little awkward while you tried to figure out what to say. Do you just thank him for the night and leave? Should you just say you had work and grab your clothes or just maybe not say anything at all? The silence was killing you for a variety of reasons and you were still trying to rack your brain trying to figure out why you initiated the first kiss to begin with. You weren’t drunk at all but for some reason you just wanted it. You wanted him. And in that moment last night, you were glad he wanted you too.

Tom cleared his throat, the stillness between you both was causing a rise in his anxiousness, “Well...we had sex last night,” he stated the obvious as plainly as possible. Maybe he should have just kept his mouth shut.

“Yeah,” you answered in an obvious tone. You held back from your laughter as you pushed your hair out of your face, “I should probably go,” you told him as you tried to cover yourself up with the sheets even though you already knew Tom saw you naked last night. There were no more secrets between you both. Clearly.

Tom sat up from the bed and began looking for his sweatpants to throw on before he started to help you find your clothes across the bedroom floor. He handed you your t-shirt as he politely turned away while you changed, “Do you want coffee or something?” he offered, something he would never offer another girl who stayed the night.

Offering any girl any type of breakfast or anything of the sort automatically made them believe Tom wanted them to stay longer. To go out on a date or to get a phone call from him later. Commitment. So he always avoided it and usually had you kick them out if they couldn’t get the hint. But obviously you were different being that you were a friend who he just so happened to sleep with. He was grateful you were there with him and he’d never dismiss you as quickly. He cared about you in the same ways you cared about him. Neighborly love. Who he happened to be attracted to and vice versa.

“Nah, I’m okay. I have some back at my place,” you answered casually as you grabbed your leggings as Tom handed you one of your shoes, “Thanks,” you said to him with a small smile as you tried not to act like you were rushing out of there.

You tried to make yourself presentable as Tom began to walk you out of the bedroom, unsure if he should thank you for the night or not. You turned to him with a sarcastic smile and pointed towards your messy waves, “Wow, I guess this officially makes me a notch on your belt, huh?” you tried to joke to make it less weird between you two.

“For the record, you are not a notch or anything like that, Y/N,” Tom said sternly to make sure you knew that last night was actually a night he didn’t regret at all, “I uh...actually had a pretty good time,” he felt his cheeks tinge a hint of pink as he admitted that to you. Another thing he knew to never say to a girl he brought home. Ever.

Making a face at him, you breathed out a small laugh while you nodded your head in agreement, “Yeah, I did too,” you told him honestly.

The two of you just stood in the kitchen by Tom’s door for a minute. Waiting for the other person to say something but neither of you did. You rocked back and forth on your heels as Tom slid his hands into his pockets, “This isn't weird, is it?” you questioned in a light tone.

“What? No!?” Tom chuckled nervously. He crossed his arms in front of his chest in an attempt to be nonchalant while the elephant of the deed you two had done remained between you both, “Wh-why-why would it be weird?” he stammered.

Leaning in a bit closer towards him, you narrowed your eyes in on Tom, “We had sex,” you whispered as if somebody else was in the room and could overhear your entire conversation.

Tom copied your motion and leaned in in the exact same way, “I don’t think it’s a secret now,” he teased you with a playful smirk, making you laugh as he pulled away. He gave you a nudge against your shoulder, “It’s only weird if we make it weird, right?” he reminded himself.

Lots of friends sleep together and continue to be friends. This was nothing out of the ordinary. Besides, you were more neighborly than friends. So it was a completely different situation than what typical friends had dealt with in the past. Tom was right, you reminded yourself.

“No weirdness on my end,” you told him with a smile as you held out your palm as if you were swearing in a courtroom, “Promise,” you added with a playful wink.

Tom smiled back, leaning forward to get the door for you but you accidentally mistook his gesture for a hug and wrapped your arm around his neck. You cussed under your breath at your embarrassingly stupid moment while you apologized profusely to Tom as he tried to save the awkwardness by giving you a half-assed hug in return. You tried to hide the wincing your eyes were making from the hug but you knew he noticed. Of course he noticed.

Looking down at the floor because you were now too embarrassed to look in his direction, you said your goodbyes as Tom promised to swing by this week with his usual pizza while you began walking faster towards your apartment. But you didn’t want Tom to think you were that flustered by your interactions that you quite literally ran away to hide out. 

You finally got inside your door and realized everything remained untouched since you had kicked Justin out last night. The bottle of wine was still open and sitting on the counter, the television was still on in the living room and there were still a bunch of clothes he had left behind that you needed to desperately get rid of.

Everything in your apartment remained frozen in time while you felt like you jumped lightyears ahead of it from your one night spent with Tom. It was a strange feeling as you walked over to turn the television off but you didn’t feel angry like you had felt last night. You weren’t exactly over the events that took place with Justin but you were on the path to accepting it and you weren’t sure if Tom had something to do with it or not.

There was no denying that you were still hurting from everything. It was still a fresh wound and you had felt so betrayed from it all, you weren’t sure how you would bounce back from it or if you even would. You never dealt with a breakup as ugly as this one so it was a new feeling for you that you were still trying to wrap your head around.

And even though when you were with Tom for the brief time that you were, it felt like it was almost exactly what you needed last night. You didn’t hold back from him and you were comfortable enough around Tom telling him exactly what you needed. Letting your frustrations and anger out on him and Tom letting his feelings out on you led to an explosion between the two of you that surprisingly left you possibly wanting more.

Wanting more from Tom.

Changing into a fresh outfit from last night, you continued to replay the night over and over again in your mind. It was unexpected to say the least, but not in a bad way. Not by any means. If you thought it was bad or awkward, you probably wouldn’t be standing in front of your closet still thinking about the things Tom made you feel.

He made you forget about the drama, if even for one night. But he still managed to make you think that you didn’t need Justin anymore. Maybe you didn’t need anyone right now other than a simple fix here and there to make you feel good. Maybe something without any strings attached was what you needed right now in order to move on and numb your pain for a bit.

You knew Tom was dealing with his own commitment issues and neither one of you were looking for anything complicated. It may not be the best idea in the world to be thinking about something like this but clearly neither one of you knew how to be alone at the moment. You didn’t really want to be fully alone anyway, and you were both comfortable enough with each other where you could be honest about this stuff. Maybe Tom was right, there shouldn’t be any weirdness between you.

Maybe some great sex and not an ounce of attachment was the elixir to the chaos Justin caused for you. No formalities. No planned out, stuffy dates. No mingling with friends and their significant others. No justin. And certainly no types of feelings that would get you in a mess you clearly weren’t looking for right now.

Just good fucking sex. And...it didn’t hurt that your neighbor might be looking for the same type of thing that you were. At least you had hoped.

And when the thoughts and memories and god, downright blissful remembrances of his touch kept invading your mind, just standing there in your apartment thinking about it wasn’t enough. The anxiousness vibrated through your body and you knew what you might be needing from down the hall.

You pulled on a new t-shirt before grabbing your keys. You had never done anything like this before, what if Tom said no? Maybe it should just remain a one time thing between the two of you. Your nerves were attacking you relentlessly as you locked your door, slipping your key ring around your finger and securing it tightly.

But if Tom could do things like this, what was stopping you? The pure rush of anxiety and adrenaline...but it was stupidly guiding you right back to his door. This was insane. Completely stupid. He’d never agree to this. 

Your mind was telling you to turn around and go back home. But that side of you that you never let come out was saying ‘fuck it. Have some fun for once. You’ve been through enough heartbreak and this is something for you.

The safe way got you hurt. More than once. And as you lifted your hand to tap your knuckles against the door, you knew you were done playing it smart. 

Barely getting through the first knock, the door swung open. You let out a yelp as you practically hit Tom in the face while he almost walked right into you. The two of you running into each other as your bodies slightly crashed into one another.

“Oh shit!” Tom exclaimed as he pulled back with an awkward laugh. He ran a hand through his still messy curls, “I was actually on my way to see you,” he admitted, pressing his lips together as he looked at you in the doorframe.  

You reached up and crashed your lips against Tom’s without warning, “Let’s make a deal,” you told him through your hungry kiss as you began to feel Tom start to kiss you back. He moaned into you as he captured your top lip in between his.

“W-what?” Tom mumbled against your lips once again, bringing you inside of his place as he kicked the door shut. He was surprised this was happening so suddenly. Especially since he was just about to be on his way over to your place to ask you for just about the same thing. He knew it didn’t feel right when you left this morning and it was because he wanted to feel this way again. With you. 

“I can still help with your horrible conquests but...in the meantime, we make up for our shit love lives with damn good sex,” you explained while catching your breath from your last kiss. You stood in the living room with Tom’s hands resting on your hips with lust for you in his eyes. 

He pulled back from his embrace with a quirked brow, “You’re serious,” he noted as he smirked at you. He was honestly surprised considering he never saw this side to you. You were always with the same guy for as long as you lived here. It was strange and new to him to see you wanting something that he did.

“No strings attached, of course,” you added. The words sounded ridiculous but you ignored that thought. 

“I...christ, Y/N. I can’t say I haven’t thought about having endless mindblowing sex with you,” he said as his eyes rolled over you. 

“Mindblowing?” you chuckled, “Someone’s cocky,” you teased. 

“Rude. But back to the point...are you sure about this?” Tom got serious. His focus on you as he stepped back to give you some space. He didn’t want to be overbearing or act like he was trying to just get you back in bed. Even though that was basically what he was doing regardless of the situation.

The bottom line was, he had an amazing time with you. And unlike the random girls he brought home, you knew him. There was an understanding between you and him that he knew you got. And he could be open with you by saying he didn’t want anything serious. He wouldn’t need to find a way to get rid of you in the morning. He could distract himself from the nonsense he would think about while ravishing you in the process. It was the perfect idea.

You took a moment. Wondering again if you were just crazy to suggest this. But the way his brown eyes were studying you, it just felt right. 

“I’m sure if you are,” you finally answered. 

Tom was silent but it didn’t take him long to make his mind up. Taking a few steps forward, he picked you up in one swift motion and brought you over towards the couch where you straddled his hips before going in for another kiss. His hand was already slipping underneath your shirt and up your back as he helped you remove it along with his, tossing it towards the empty side of the couch you weren’t using.

Helping you out of your leggings, you found your way back towards Tom’s lap and grinded your hips against him in between your kisses. The cravings you both shared for one another grew wilder as you continued, “We’re really doing this?” you muttered against his lips with another gasp as you helped release him out of his already bulging boxers.

“Think so,” Tom laughed against your skin, trailing his lips down to your neck as he pushed your hair to one side, “Unless you want to stop?” he pulled back for a minute, not wanting to overstep if you were having second thoughts.

Biting your bottom lip, your hand went down to Tom’s hardened length and ran along it. Rubbing the pre-cum seeping from his tip as you watched Tom throw his head back against the couch with a low moan, “Does it look like I want to stop?” you asked him with a playful grin.

“Fuck, Y/N…” Tom hissed as his hands gripped your sides to release some of his frustration. He breathed out a laugh as his fingers went to your clit, beginning to circle you slowly, “Let me give you what you came here for. Hm, darling?” his voice grew raspy as he looked you in the eye, his pupils black the longer he waited.

Your eyes went down towards Tom’s waist, gasping as you watched him begin to tease your entrance with his tip. Cussing under your breath, you grabbed onto his shoulders tightly as you braced yourself for his impact. Tom pressed his hand against the small of your back as he waited for you to let him know it was okay. You nodded your head silently as you gave him an amorous look, “I want you, Tom,” you whispered lowly.

That was all it took before Tom guided himself into you. Going slow as he took his time to let you get used to him while you clenched around him. You lowered yourself deeper as he filled your core up entirely while you began to roll your hips against his slowly, letting out a moan as Tom hissed against your ear while twitching inside of you.

“Mmm, Y/N,” Tom breathed out a moan as he matched his thrusts with yours. His lips parted, moaning against your neck while he pressed open, sloppy kisses against your skin as he continued to rub your clit with his opposite hand, “You feel so fucking wet,” he praised you breathlessly.

“Keep touching me, Tom,” you cried out to him while you started to ride him faster. Even though you and Tom had just started these escapades, you certainly felt comfortable enough to tell him exactly what you wanted to make you feel good. Pressing the pad of his thumb against your swollen bud, your eyes clenched shut while you pushed yourself deeper into him, “Shit! Yes, right there,” you reassured him with another moan.

Guiding you down on his cock, Tom felt his entire body tense as soon as his lips met yours once again. His breaths getting heavy like yours as your name fell from his lips while he watched you bounce up and down on him, making him feel absolutely incredible as you continued to moan in his ear.

You felt your body beginning to tense as you kept going. Everything inside of you was aching for a release and Tom was giving it to you without a doubt. Rocking your hips into him more, you knew you were getting closer to your edge and you could feel Tom about to release as well.

Opening your eyes, you cupped Tom’s face with your palms and gave him one last fiery kiss. Your tongues finding each other wildly and tangled up before you both finally reached your highs together as you whimpered Tom’s name while you finally let go for him.

Tom cussed as he unraveled from beneath you. His body writhing while he watched you bury your face into the crook of his neck, muffling the sound of your moans against him. The vibrations from your sounds set him off further while he continued to reach his bliss, still thrusting into you while you rode out your tremor together.

“Holy….” Tom trailed off with a heavy breath, finally slowing down while his back hit the couch as he tried to pull himself together. He saw you pull your face away from his body, giving him the same exact look that he knew he had on his face, “Umm...yeah, holy fuck?” he laughed.

“That just about covers it,” you agreed as you kissed his cheek with a smile. You pushed Tom’s now damp and sweaty curls out of his face to capture his lips while you brought him closer to you, “So we have a deal?” you confirmed as Tom kissed you back.

Tom chuckled as his hands fell to your sides, his thumb creating small circles against you while he pursed his lips, “You’re really serious about this? No strings? No titles? Just like...just sex?” he clarified, still trying to wrap his head around you asking for this. It felt like a godsend and that it was too good to be true. Why couldn’t more girls be like you?

Tucking a loose strand of your hair behind your ear, Tom’s eyes went from your eyes, to your lips, and back as he sat there admiring you looking this way. You looked so effortlessly beautiful to him and even just as a friend, he was lucky to have you in his life. But now that he had you in other ways, you felt almost intoxicating to him. He couldn’t understand why that piece of garbage cheated on you. Tom had done some shady things to girls in the past and he didn’t see himself in ways others might but he knew he would have never done what that guy did.

You nodded as you turned your head to the side, “Do we have a deal, Tom?” you asked again, raising your eyebrow at him.

“Justin really did a number on you, huh?” Tom teased with a chuckle.

“We’re not talking about him,” you shushed Tom. Pressing your palm against his chest, you gave him a stern expression, “No talk about exes or...your conquests. We do this,” you gestured towards you straddling his legs before looking back at him, “Whenever we...feel like it. I guess,” even you weren’t sure of the rules but you figured you could make them your own anyway.

There was a pause as you quickly felt like you should add more, “We’re friends. Nothing more, nothing less,” you told him, wanting to be clear of at least one title throughout this whole pact the two of you were about to agree to, “Friends who...happen to jump each other’s bones?” you stated despite it sounding like a question.

Tom chuckled at your timid expression. His hands still at your sides as he leaned up and captured your lips again. “Deal.”

Taglist @osterfield-holland-andcompany @giuls-394 @missmulti @hazmyheart @lauras-collection @iamapersonwholikesunicorns @detroitbydark @mcuassemble @blahhhhhhhaaa @lonikje @beiroviski @ruefulposts @desir-ae @kayla-m1996 @unicorn-princess-1999 @asmilinghopelessromantic @itsjusttor @azaraspirit @whatareyouhidingpeter @when-marvellous-things-happen @mannien @lilostif16 @u-rrose @ninjalex1d @baby-unidorn @astoldbydanid @honey-sea @fallingforfics @lulueliott24 @mikalakat @babebenhardy @coni-martina @captainemrys @mktravelbuggie @underoosmarvel @pluckypete @hollandfanficlove @lookalivefrosty @lightmelikeacigarette @msmarvel-19  @parker-holland-osterfield @thwip-it-real-good @shirukitsune @justanotherusername80 @dangerdolns @jwolfesblog @jjayyc  @ifilosemyselfagain @axisnpalma @londonspidey @just-a-littlebit-of-everything @bookgirlunicorn @kfcyum @thenoddingbunny-blog @buzzbuzzitsmeagainbitch @herondale-snow-carstairs​ @marvelobsessedteenager @unlimitedd​ @dramaholic18​ @softholand​ @panicattheeverywherekid​ @emotionally-unstable23​ @quackeroos​ @unbelievableholland​ @holyhumorliteraturelight​ @spideyyeet​ @katiekinzs​ @fanficparker​ @ifntelyinspirit​ @rubberducky-jrr​ @xguardgirlx​ @selfcarecap​ @localfangirlx​ @xxpeachyxo​ @hazardosterfield​ @xstarbae​ @justanotherusername80​ @photoshopart15​ @spiderbibby​ @the-fandom-life-forever​ @jannine00742​ @parachutepantswedgie-blog​ @decadentwastelandtrash​ @anythingthaticareabout​ @outshineallthestars​ @captainamirica​ @thehauntingofmymind​ @watermelonsponge​ @sinisterspidey​ @adayasgeorgia​ @obliviatevamps​ @damnrancidchicken​ @lolooo22​ @cocoamoonmalfoy​ @spideyspeaches​ @hollandprkr​ @peachitofu​ @quacksonholland​ @itscaminow​ @ohtobelovedbyyou​ @diffind0​ @tomhollandsslut​ @chipot-lol​ s @outerbanks-fics​ @agustdowney​ @305weasley​  @shrutipatel08

[aobawilliams]

Tagged by @kiwilart ! I am shamelessly copy/pasting my WIP list from the last time because it has, somehow, not really changed.

Rules: "post the names of all the files in your WIP folder regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them and then post a little snippet of it or tell them something about it! And then tag as many people as you have wips. I have deemed that this isn’t just for writing either. Sketch titles? Comics? Dnd campaigns? If you have an unfinished project, it counts!!"

(Not part of the rules but I’ll only ask that you make a new post instead of adding to this one please)

1 - DC The Time Travel Who The Hell Is This Kid Case

2 - MHA - Ghosts AU

3 - MHA Reincarnation AU

4 - MHA the accidental izuku time travel - Dad For All

5 - MHA Vigilante Yagi AU

6 - DGM Blorbo (not exactly a wip though)

7 - Eeby Deeby February Prompt

8 - MHA - AfO dies AU

9 - MHA - aizawa rooftop scene sewer might au

10 - MHA - Role Reversal Izuku Rody Just Remembered

11 - MHA - Todoroki Shoutos ten step plan for expulsion

12 - MHA Changing fate by your side

13 - MHA Nana reborn as Inko - the flowers have water

14 - MHA role reversal izuku shigaraki

15 - MHA Wash the mentor Izuku didnt expected but still deserved - the big importance of small things

16 - PKM AU isekai arceus

17 - GI Diluc Reincarnation

(...I still haven't cleaned up my WIP folder)

Tagging! @achairwithapandaonit and @bloustorm and @figurativepieceoftrash and @guesst and @reneneedtodie and uuuhhhh

Whoever wants to do this. Take this as my permission to do it, and even to tag me in it.

[cyhyr]

There’s Happiness Here, Chapter 1

Fandom: Naruto

Rating: Not Rated

Relationships: Hatake Kakashi/OFM, Hatake Kakashi & Umino Iruka, Hatake Kakashi/Umino Iruka, Minor or Background Relationship(s)

WC: ~7275

Warnings: Choose Not to Warn (Because I don't know yet what I will need to warn for)

Additional Tags: One Night Stands, Accidental Pregnancy, Identity Issues, Miscommunication, Panic Attacks, Unrequited Crush, Co-Parenting, Hatake Kakashi is Not Okay, but he's doing his best, Cheating, Minor Character Death, Endgame KakaIru, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Hatake Kakashi-centric, One-Sided Relationship

A/N: So back at the end of April 2022, I messaged my bestie: “What if Kakashi got stuck in a relationship he thought was going to be good, that seems good on the surface, and gets baby trapped and shit idk.”

Thus, this story was born!

And now that I’m finally over my seasonal depression and we’re back to just the Regularly Scheduled Depression, I finally have the spoons to write this now. I have no update schedule, and I don’t quite know what to set the rating at yet or what to add for tags and such beyond what are there.

But

I hope y’all will enjoy exploring this story with me! Enjoy 💛💛💛

Read on The Archive

| Next >

~

Kakashi watches from across the bar as the group he had followed in takes another round, toasting one of their own and giving him congratulations and condolences in equal measure. He takes a quick sip of his own drink, lowering his mask with one hand and replacing it easily in one smooth motion. He can't help but smile at their raucous laughter; a new batch of Academy teachers, celebrating their last night of “freedom” before their every social interaction is heavily scrutinized.  

And among those celebrating, Umino Iruka—Kakashi had been present when he’d asked Sandaime for permission and a recommendation to take the teacher’s exam. Hells, he’d captained the mission that had led to Iruka’s decision to leave active service and become a teacher in the first place. And Kakashi truly thinks he’ll excel at being a teacher, once he’s got a bit of experience. 

Iruka takes another shot, courtesy of his fellow exam graduate, Mizuki. From what Kakashi understands, Mizuki got through the exam on a technicality; the Academy needs seven new teachers, and he had the eighth highest score. But luckily for him, one of the other candidates backed out at the last moment, saying she’d rather pursue civilian work and leave the life altogether. It’s sad though; that particular candidate had very strong scores, and from what Kakashi had heard on the gossip line she was excited to get to work with the youngest children in the Academy.  

A drop of alcohol slips out of the corner of Iruka’s mouth, and his tongue darts out to lick it away. The bar is humid, warm, and there’s a light sheen of sweat across his brow and collecting in his collarbones. Kakashi forces himself to turn away. 

He downs the rest of his drink, fixes his mask, and lays a handful of ryō on the bar to pay his tab. Hands in his pockets, he shrugs his way through the crowd, past the celebrating chūnin, and very nearly makes it to the door without an issue. But it’s there, at the door, that his world flips upside down for good. 

“I’m all done for the night, really!” 

“C’mon, you can’t be serious.” 

“Shizu-chan it’s my birthday!!” 

A sweet, high-pitched giggle. “Yes, but I still have to work in the morning! I’ll see you all later, promise! Happy birthday again, Kaoru-kun. Have fun!” 

Kakashi holds the door open for the woman following him out, smiling pleasantly down at her when she smiles up at him.  

“Thank you!” 

“Of course.” 

They happen to walk side-by-side down the street, going the same way. Kakashi feels the anxious pull of awkwardness, and pulls out his worn copy of Icha Icha Paradise, flipping to a random page and beginning to read while he makes his way home. He gets through half of the page before the woman speaks up. 

“I’m sorry, but is that Jiraiya-sama’s work? Icha Icha Paradise?”  

Kakashi lifts his brow and glances over at her. “It is. Glad you can read a cover.” 

She smiles. The streetlamps highlight her warm, chestnut hair, pulled back in a thick ponytail at the back of her head. “I love that series though!” 

He chuckles. “Perhaps announcing to the Village at large that you greatly enjoy an adult romance novel series isn’t—” 

“But it’s not his best work, is it? Have you read The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi ? That one was so good!” 

Kakashi closes Icha Icha and slows his pace. “I have, actually.” 

She lights up, her grin growing as she digs into it. How the worldbuilding was so thoughtful, the characters felt real, the action sequences were riveting and the political struggles were exasperating. Naruto was amusing and funny, Tsuyu was inspiring and sweet, and Renge’s betrayal was heartbreaking to read even through the filter of Naruto’s point-of-view. 

Kakashi doesn’t even notice that they’ve walked past the jōnin barracks three times, cycled the block as they discussed various books, moving on to talking about her and what she does for the Village. 

“Oh, dear, I’ve talked your ear off for over an hour and never even introduced myself,” she giggles. “Kame Shizukana. I’m a chūnin, active duty.” 

Kakashi nods. “Hatake Kakashi. Jōnin.” 

She flushes. “Oh, gods, you—I’m so sorry, I’ve been such a bother all night and you must have somewhere important to be and—” 

“No, no, it’s… it’s been nice, getting to just talk with someone. A friendly chat. I don’t… my schedule doesn’t allow for it very often.” 

She smiles at him and the silence that falls between them is almost comfortable. She looks up at the sky and says, “Can I tell you something I haven’t ever told anyone else, Hatake-san?” 

“Would my saying no really stop you?” 

She laughs, and barrels on. “Jiraiya-sama’s book? It’s what inspired me to become a ninja. I’m from a civilian family, and it was always assumed that I would just end up marrying some big strong shinobi, keeping his house and raising his children. But I’m much happier as a kunoichi, I think. And it’s all thanks to Jiraiya-sama.” 

Some part of Kakashi feels… floppy. Gooey. He doesn’t particularly like the feeling, but it’s not going away the more that they walk, and so he speaks up. “I was born shinobi, raised as such. I don’t think I ever could have become anything different.” He looks down and over at her, Shizukana , and asks, “Can I walk you home?” 

She giggles. “We’ve actually passed my apartment twice already,” she says, turning them around and leading the way back to her apartment. “I just… I’ve had so much fun, getting to talk with you. None of my friends are into reading as much as me, and half of them are still civilians so I can’t talk ninja stuff with them, either.” 

“I’ve been having some crises of my own that I can’t talk about with my… my friends,” Kakashi admits. “But this truly has been a wonderful reprieve.” 

They stop in front of a well-lit building, and Kakashi follows her to the door. His mouth goes dry as she turns back to him and shyly asks, “Did you… wanna come inside?” 

From behind, he hears the soft laughter he had followed earlier in the evening, and turns once more to the noise. Coming around a corner, Iruka and his friends stumble over each other, holding one another upright and laughing about something .  

Shizukana reaches out for his hand, gently wrapping her fingers around his wrist. She’s so slight, small, demure; and she gives him the lightest tug. Kakashi turns back to her and steps inside, and once the door shuts behind him, she leans up on her toes to kiss him over his mask. He’s able to slip one arm around her waist and pull her close, pulling down his mask to kiss her properly. 

They don’t make it to bed, not the first time. He takes her right there in the genkan, her legs around his waist and his hands pressing into the backs of her thighs to hold her up. She kisses him sweetly while he works them both to completion, and after they’ve finished, he lets her down and holds her at the waist until her legs stop quivering. 

By the time they make it to bed, Kakashi’s finally unearthed the condoms he keeps in the bottom of his pouch. Nearly every kunoichi in Konoha has the implant, but this will be easier to clean up. They spend much of the night chatting about their favorite Icha Icha scenes and reenacting the ones that they both agree on. Just after midnight, Kakashi finally picks himself up and dresses himself.  

“You don’t have to go,” Shizukana says. “I don’t mind.” 

He shakes his head, and leans down to kiss her again. “It’s not you. I have a mission in the morning. If I stay, I won’t rest before I leave.” 

She nods. “Alright, I understand. Can I see you again, when you get back?” 

Kakashi hesitates. “ If I get back… sure.” 

Shizukana bounds up to kneeling on the bed and smiles wide. “That’s so exciting! How long?” 

“I can’t tell you.” 

“Oh,” her smile drops. “Oh, it’s… It’s really an if , then?” 

He nods. “It always is an if . But if I return, I’ll come visit you.” 

Kakashi finishes dressing and then steps over to the window. He looks back at her and smiles once more, “Good night, Shizu-chan.” Then he hops out the window and runs across the rooftops to his apartment, where he settles down for the first good sleep he’s had in… a long time. 

*~*

His mission takes him out of Konoha for six weeks, tracking down and eliminating an unknown threat that was kidnapping and ransoming back small children of the villages around the Land of Fire. Kakashi is able to take out the entire organization, a small operation of barely thirty people, and return the currently captured children to their homes.  

Only two of them were too young to be able to tell him where they came from. The mayor of one of the affected towns offered to foster the two children until Kakashi could find their parents. It took him about two additional weeks to figure out which of the reported incidents hadn’t been resolved with their child’s return, and also to travel to those people and confirm that the children currently in foster care belonged to those individuals. He brought the last two children home, was thanked profusely for his diligence, and then turned his feet back to Konoha. 

Three weeks dealing with parents and small children is more than enough. Hopefully, Sandaime will have something easier for him upon his return. 

He spends his last night outside of Konoha camped in a tree, his eye closed and imagining what is waiting for him back in the Village. Warm, chestnut hair, a sweet laugh, someone well-read and intelligent; a thin waist, strong legs, generous mouth— 

Kakashi gets himself off to the memory of Shizukana, and doesn’t notice until he’s gasping the wrong name that his fantasy had shifted to feature someone else. He settles down to sleep feeling uneasy, but wondering if it could ever work out… 

*~*

Once back within the Village, Kakashi’s first stop is to the Mission Desk to turn in the report he’d filled out on the way home. He’s patient enough, stands in line and waits his turn; and if he reads a few lines of Icha Icha Paradise while he’s waiting, he’d like to see anyone bring it up. Finally, the next available desk worker calls for the next in line, and Kakashi slips his book back into his pouch before approaching. 

What luck— 

“Oh, hello Kakashi-san,” Iruka smiles. “You’ve been out for a while; seven weeks, right?” 

Kakashi nods. “Mopping up a kidnapping operation,” he says, offering the report to Iruka to peruse. He’s not going to check actual mission details; that’s for the archive team to study and the Hokage to receive any particularly pertinent information. Iruka glances over the report to ensure that it is complete, and that Kakashi didn’t wander in his description of what happened. As they stand there quietly, Kakashi clears his throat and says, “I didn’t get a chance to congratulate you. I heard you passed your teacher exam.” 

Iruka looks up at him and grins wide and bright. “I did! Actually, the day before you left was when the scores were announced.” 

Kakashi chuckles quietly. “You remember when I left, sensei?” 

The flush that dusts Iruka’s nose is so very fetching. “Well, I work at the Desk, and I… well. Yes, I remember.” 

He doesn’t push it any further than that. Just lets his eye crinkle with the smile hidden by his mask and says, “Either way, congratulations. You will make a fine teacher, I’m sure of it.” 

Iruka ducks his head and smiles softly, going back to the report. “Thank you, Kakashi-san. I hope I can live up to your expectations, someday.” He finishes, stamps the report, and rolls it back closed before tucking it into the basket behind him marked A-rank. “Thank you for your work, Kakashi-san.” 

“Of course,” Kakashi nods. “Ah, before I go, perhaps you have another mission for me?” 

Iruka chuckles. “You just got back! Surely you’d like at least one night in the Village before getting sent back out?” 

Kakashi winces, but makes sure that the motion is almost playful. “Sure, sure, but that doesn’t mean I can’t grab the mission for tomorrow?” 

The flush is still just barely there on Iruka’s cheeks as he turns and picks a new mission from the pile of A-ranks before unrolling it and giving it a glance. The door to the Desk room opens, but Kakashi is watching Iruka, focused solely on him, and so he doesn’t notice the other person slinking up behind the Desk until they’re already behind Iruka and preparing to drape themself over his shoulders. Kakashi stiffens, feeling oddly nauseated as Mizuki kisses Iruka’s cheek and tries reading the mission scroll over his shoulder. 

Iruka, though, quickly rolls it back up before turning his smile up to Mizuki. “You know you can’t look at these, you don’t have clearance from Sandaime,” he scolds playfully. 

“Oh, come on, Iruka,” Mizuki scoffs. “It’s not like knowing where Hatake is going is gonna make a difference anyway. He has, what, a five-percent failure rate?” 

Kakashi’s hackles rise and he just about opens his mouth to answer, but Iruka beats him to it. 

“Hatake-san has a zero-point-eight-percent failure rate, and that’s a generous estimate. Better than your fifteen-percent, Mizuki. Back up, please, and wait until I’m done assigning this mission.” 

There’s a flash in Mizuki’s eyes, but it’s there and gone too quick for Kakashi to figure out what it was. But, the man steps back with his palms up in a placating gesture, and Iruka reopens the scroll and turns it around on the desk to let Kakashi read it. 

“Is this one alright, Hatake-san?” 

Kakashi nods. “It’ll do. I’ll need to put together a team before I leave though; is this time-sensitive at all?” 

Iruka checks the request sheet that came with the mission and then nods, “Yes, but it’s very generous. They’re requesting that the mission be completed before the end of next month.” 

“Then, maybe I’ll see you around before I leave?” 

Iruka grins and says, “That would be nice. If you don’t mind, there’s—” 

“Iruka,” Mizuki whines. “C’mon, I don’t have long before I have to get back to my post, and your break was supposed to start five minutes ago. Hurry up .” 

“Right, yes,” Iruka murmurs. “Sorry, we’ll have to make plans some other time, Kakashi-san.” 

“That’s,” his voice catches in his throat, and he starts again, “that’s alright. Some other time. Best go visit with your friend.” 

Iruka’s smile turns soft and sweet, and oh it hurts to see him so happy but for someone else. “Boyfriend, actually. But thanks. I’ll finish the paperwork for you when I’m back from my break, if you could just sign here in the book?” 

Kakashi quickly scrawls his name on the line next to the mission’s call number, takes the scroll, and gives Iruka a final salute as he stands up and goes to Mizuki. Kakashi watches from the side as Mizuki wraps a hand around his waist and leads them out of the room. Iruka looks back over his shoulder and waves to him as they turn the corner. His heart flips, and his stomach turns, and Kakashi leaves to go out into the Village. 

Ah, well. 

There’s always the other cute brunette he can go visit. 

*~*

He paces back and forth across the rooftop opposite Shizukana’s apartment building, wondering if he even should go and knock. Likely, the girl forgot all about him, after almost two months of his being gone coupled with them having only met the one time.  

Plus, he and Iruka had something going on earlier at the Mission Desk. Tension, or whatever. And gods, he’s so damn attracted to Iruka it’s ridiculous. Shizukana is sweet, and she’s pretty enough, but… 

Then again. He did say he’d come back, if he came back. And, well. If nothing else, maybe she’d be interested in having sex again. It was very good the first time, and he can only imagine that it’ll be just as good the second time.  

He pulls himself together and hops over to her door, hoping that there’s not a social construct he’s missing here where he should have brought flowers, or extra condoms, or whatever. He knocks, and then steps back and waits. And when the door opens just a little bit and Shizukana’s big brown eye peeks around the wood of the door.  

He waves, “Hello again, Shizukana-san. I’m… I’m back.” 

The door opens the rest of the way and—well, he was expecting her to be happy to see him, if she remembered him at all. But the look of sheer relief that floods her face is a little bit… odd.  

Before she can say anything else, he drops his voice to a cautious murmur and asks, “Is now a bad time? Are you alright?” 

The relief doesn’t fade, but her lips do open up in a genuine smile. “No, no, everything’s… everything’s alright! Would you like to come inside?” She steps back and brings him inside, and he steps out of his sandals as she shuts and locks the door behind them. He shrugs out of his vest and she clears a spot on her rack where he can hang it up. He turns to her, expecting another frenzied encounter like their first, but she just smiles shyly at him and asks, “Tea?” before moving along to the kitchen. 

He sits down on her couch and waits for her to get back. This isn’t going at all like he thought it would. Gods, he hopes he’s not going to get a love confession. They only spent one night together, and she’s only two years younger than he is. Neither of them are ready for something so life-changing as love , and to be honest, Kakashi is fairly certain he’s incapable of the emotion anyway. 

She does, finally, come back with two cups of tea, handing him one of them. “I didn’t add anything sweet,” she says. “I remember you mentioned that you don’t like sweets.” 

He thanks her and then takes a sip. Hot and smooth, slightly bitter; it’s oddly perfect. He raises a brow at her while she simply cups her mug and stares down at the steam silently. “Shizukana-san,” he starts, “if you have something to tell me, then please just—” 

“I’m pregnant.” 

The words hit him like ice, over his head and down his back and all he can seem to say is, “…What?” over the ringing and roaring in his ears as the words seem to echo behind his eyes. 

“I haven’t been with anyone else,” she continues quickly. “It has to be yours.” 

Kakashi carefully sets his cup down on the table in front of them before his shaking hands force him to drop it. Then, he sits back. “You haven’t been with anyone else since me, or…?” 

“Well, no; but also, I hadn’t…” She blushes furiously and admits, “You were my first, not counting missions…” 

He stands up to pace, stalking around the living room in a circle.  

“You’re pregnant.” 

“Yes.” 

“And I’m the…?” 

“Father. Yes.” 

He stops and stares from across the room at her, finally losing his temper, just a little bit. “Why didn’t you get a morning-after treatment?!” 

“I didn’t think I needed to! We used condoms!” 

“Don’t you have the implant?” 

She looks down and away, sheepishly. “Well, I…” 

He groans. “We fucked unprotected the first time,” he says. “Every ninja with a uterus above the age of sixteen is supposed to have the implant!” 

“I never got one because I—I was scared that it would make me… want .” 

“That’s not how they work, though!” Kakashi says, exasperated. How could any kunoichi, let alone a chūnin, believe something so conservative and old-fashioned? 

He continues, “They’re supposed to protect us from situations just like this. What if it hadn’t been me, but some enemy nin in the field??” 

She starts crying, quiet tears slowly drifting their way down her cheeks as she sets down her own tea so that she can cover her face with her hands. “I don’t know what to do,” she admits. “I tried going to the women’s health clinic, to schedule an abortion. But they did some scans and asked me if I knew who the father was, and when I mentioned your name—” 

“They denied your request,” Kakashi sighs. “It’s because I’m the last of my clan. Legally, any children I… help to create… can’t be aborted unless the health of either the child or mother is at risk.” 

“I’m sorry,” she cries. “I shouldn’t have said anything to them. I’m so sorry.” She sniffles and looks up at him with a wet half-smile and says, “I mean, it’s not all bad, right? We’re… we’re going to be parents!” 

Kakashi stills and his mouth goes dry. 

Oh gods .  

He’s going to be a parent. A father. 

“Where… is your toilet?” 

Shizukana wipes her eyes and points aside, confused. Kakashi doesn’t explain, just throws himself into the water closet and kneels over the toilet, pulling down his mask at the same time as the first heave of bile and vomit rises. He does his best to throw up quietly, but he has a strong stomach on the battlefield and that’s really it . When he’s finished and flushed, he hears Shizukana on the other side of the door, asking if he’s okay. 

He’s not. 

He’s very much not okay . 

There’s a small window above the toilet, just barely big enough that he could flicker out through it. It would leave Shizukana alone in her home for a time, but Kakashi needs to leave. He needs to…  

Fuck. 

He needs to get his affairs in order. 

He’s going to have a child. 

He opens the window and flickers out into the Village, and once the fresh air hits him he runs . 

*~* 

His feet eventually stop at the entrance to the old Hatake Compound, and Kakashi groans and scrubs his face with his palm before opening the long-closed gate and stepping inside. The perpetual twilight of the clan barrier sets the overgrown gardens in a wash of pink and orange, the shadows long and lonely stretching out from each bush and tree. Kakashi hasn’t been here in years—well over a decade now. Hands in his pockets, he strolls along the stone path through the empty Compound. 

Someday, this place will have life in it again. And that thought, above even the idea that he’s to become a father, scares him so much. He’d just finally accepted that his ancestral home would remain abandoned until reclaimed by the Village, some day long after his death. But now… 

Now it’s supposed to become a home again.  

Kakashi can’t—he can’t live here. Not with the ghosts of his memory pressing in on him from all sides. 

Maybe his child can inherit this place and live here when they’re grown. He’ll have to see about retaining a gardener and getting the buildings back up to livable condition. But that doesn’t have to happen today. 

No, today he needs to finally find the old Hatake seals, their Clan lineage scroll, and arrange for Shizukana to have access to the funds she’ll need to… to take care of their child. He finds the scrolls he needs in the main house, the one he enters by holding his breath and hoping that he’s fast enough that he doesn’t need to breathe in the smell of rot and death that still lingers on the edge of his memory. 

The lineage scroll falls and rolls open across the floor and Kakashi sucks in a breath as he stares at it. A once mighty family tree, focused down through the years and reduced to one final, pathetic limb. The last name on the scroll is his own. Kakashi stares at his father’s neat handwriting, the characters that make up Hatake Kakashi , and follows the little line leading backwards from his name to his father’s, and the line that connected his father to his mother. 

Hatake Kakashi. Hatake Sakumo. Hatake Airi, his mother.  

These were supposed to be the last names ever written on this scroll. 

And now. 

Now Kakashi will have to add his own line. He’ll have to write Kame Shizukana next to his own name, and draw the line to the next generation, to where he’ll place his child’s name. 

Their child. 

Kakashi scoops up the scroll and runs outside, dropping everything haphazardly and slamming his knees on the ground while he fumbles for his mask. He holds his stomach with one hand, hoping that he won’t throw up again, and monitors his pulse with the other. He feels his heart pounding in his neck, his eye goes blurry and his cheeks become wet, and he can’t take a good breath in.  

He can’t do this. 

He can’t .  

He doesn’t know how; and this isn’t something he can simply read up on and do his best. There’s a small human who will be relying on him, Shizukana will be relying on him, and if he fucks this up it’s not just a failed mission and a decrease in his mission rating. He could hurt them both if he… 

Fuck.  

He doesn’t have time for a panic attack. He has shit to do. 

He forces chakra through his heart to make it slow down, sucks in a breath and holds it for a few seconds before letting it hiss out through his teeth slowly. He stands up, looks back at the scrolls on the ground, and cleans everything up. Righting his mask over his face, he leaves the compound with the pieces he’ll need going forward. 

This place is no home for him, and certainly not for raising his child. But maybe someday they’ll bring him back here, and when that day comes, perhaps Kakashi can make it through the day without the pressure of memory.  

The next place he goes to is the bank. He only knows Shizukana’s name and address, so it’s difficult to add her as an authorized user to his accounts. Ultimately, he sets up a trust under Hatake Child with a note that the name is to-be-determined, and makes it so that Shizukana has access to that account in particular. She’ll still need to come in and personally sign some paperwork before she can make withdrawals, but Kakashi finds himself able to breathe just a little bit easier after moving his money around and making sure that the child will be financially taken care of. 

While at the bank, he also speaks to someone regarding a home purchase, but iterates that he’s not sure yet the particulars of such. He’s assured that with his funds he should be able to purchase any house in the Village, or even have one specially built to his needs and wants. Kakashi is fairly certain that a custom house won’t be necessary, but he takes the information anyway.  

It’s late when he finally returns home, scrolls and brochures from the bank end up scattered on the table. He should have gone back to Shizukana, to at least let her know he’s not abandoning her. But he… he can’t, not yet. 

He needs to sleep off his mission he only just got back from. Sleep off the panic attacks he’s had on and off all day. Sleep away the anxiety and the frustration and the anger, until all that’s left is a clear head and a steady hand. He lays down in his futon and closes his eye, begging his body to relax enough that he can fall asleep.

*~* 

Saturday morning comes and he sits up, exhausted. He didn’t sleep much at all, save a few long blinks. But at least he doesn’t feel… 

Well, no. He’s still terribly anxious, his heart fluttering in his chest and his stomach cramping with the desire to turn over. He hasn’t eaten since yesterday morning, before he got back from his mission. The few sips of tea at Shizukana’s house don’t count—he vomited that up so soon after ingesting it.  

What he needs to do today is much harder than collecting some scrolls and seals from the Hatake lands. He gets up, uses the bathroom to wash and relieve himself, thinks for half a second about making something to eat but then casts that thought aside, and then heads out into the Village. His first stop is the Mission Desk—and what does it say about him that he’s rushing across the rooftops to the Hokage Tower, to the Desk, running because his one-night-stand is going to have his child in about seven months, and still there’s a part of him that is excited at the prospect of seeing Iruka again. 

The Mission Desk is deserted this early in the morning, save for the lone chūnin filing scrolls and setting up for the day. Kakashi approaches the Desk and clears his throat; Iruka turns around and smiles so brightly. “Back so soon, Kakashi-san?” 

Kakashi winces and fishes out the scroll from his pouch. He sets it down on the desk as Iruka comes over and takes his seat, but looks up at Kakashi with confusion. “I’m afraid I can’t accept this mission after all,” Kakashi says, pushing it towards Iruka. 

The look of confusion dissolves into a frown as Iruka lays his hand over the closed scroll. He reaches for his assignment book and flips to the section with the A-ranks, and crosses out Kakashi’s name on the assigned column beside its call number. “Is everything alright?” he asks as he does this. 

The ringing begins again in his ears, numbing pain behind his eyes, and the chill settles back over his shoulders. It’s not as bad as it was yesterday, but Iruka’s wide eyes looking up at him with such blatant concern, along with how alone they are in this room, makes his anxiety shoot up once again. Gods, nothing is ever going to be the same. 

For the first time since leaving Shizukana’s home yesterday afternoon, Kakashi says it aloud. “I’m… going to be a father.” It’s no announcement, not a loud phrase, but simply saying it to someone else makes it so real. 

Iruka’s eyebrows go all the way up, looking nearly as stunned as Kakashi feels, before he fixes himself and resets and smiles. Kakashi can tell that the smile is forced, but he’s not sure why Iruka feels the need to force himself to smile in this situation. “Um, well then, congratulations, Kakashi-san!” 

Kakashi is able to nod, feeling the rise of vomit in his throat, and says quickly, “I’ll… come back for a new mission once I’ve… I’ve…” 

Iruka chuckles softly and shakes his head. “This is wonderful news, and I’m sure the Hokage would love to hear of it, once your partner is ready to share their status. Don’t worry about taking a new mission right now, you have more important things to take care of.” 

“I just… right. You’re right,” Kakashi stammers. “Thank you. I do need to go and see Sandaime anyway.” 

“But make sure your partner is ready to announce,” Iruka chides him gently. “And take a deep breath. You look like you’re about to topple over with how stiff you’re holding yourself.” 

Kakashi loudly sucks in a breath and Iruka laughs and smiles at him for it. The pit of anxiety in his stomach eases just that little bit, hearing Iruka’s soft laughter and basking in the warm glow of his smile.  

“I… thank you, Iruka.” 

“Of course. It's no problem at all.” 

“I have to… go. I’m sorry.” 

Iruka waves his hand. “I’m sure there’s plenty of things you need to do. Nine months can go by very quickly. If you ever need help, with anything, let me know and I’ll see what I can do.” 

Kakashi can’t find the words to properly thank him again, and so simply nods and turns away to leave. He’ll see Iruka again soon enough; fatherhood or no, he’s not planning on giving up his duty and profession. As Iruka works here at the Mission Desk, Kakashi will continue to see him. 

*~*

Kakashi wanders the Village, trying to muster up the confidence to go back to Shizukana, but finds himself instead outside of the Nara compound. It’s unlikely that Shikaku is home today, especially in the middle of the day, but there are only a few people he thinks he can ask about this and get a straight, firm answer. He waves to the two at the Nara gate, and they let him stroll inside without any interrogation. The main house is in the center of the compound, and Kakashi approaches slowly upon seeing Shikaku and his young son sitting on the porch with a shogi board between them. 

Shikaku notices him before the boy does, humming and grumbling, “Well, you’d better come on inside. Yoshino just put away lunch, but you don’t look like you can stomach much anyway, hm?” 

Kakashi shakes his head silently and waits while Shikaku wins the match. The man smiles fondly down at his son while he studies the board to find where he went wrong. Then, Shikaku gives him an inviting wave of his hand and brings him inside. Kakashi follows, and feels the boy’s eyes on him as he passes. 

“You look like shit,” the kid says in a bored tone. 

Before Kakashi can say anything, Shikaku growls over his shoulder, “Watch your mouth, brat. Go find your mother, see if she can find something for an uneasy stomach.” 

He can hear the kid mutter something under his breath, but they’re already inside and gone down a hallway before it can properly register. They turn into Shikaku’s study, and Kakashi drops onto the floor beside the chabudai, bracing his forehead against his raised knees while he waits for his stomach to settle once more. 

Shikaku is watching him barely hold himself together, but he can’t find the energy to care right yet. He feels ill; worse than he did this morning.  

A soft knock at the door sounds out in the room before it slides open. Nara Yoshino comes in and sets a pair of chopsticks and a bowl, lightly steaming, on the chabudai beside Kakashi. She says nothing to him, but he can see that she and Shikaku exchange some sort of look before she leaves again. 

“You do look like shit, though,” Shikaku finally says to him. “What’s going on, kid?” 

Kakashi can’t find it in him to touch the food, even though he’s sure that Yoshino will have his head later for wasting it. The bowl has soft rice and steamed vegetables, along with one slice of pork. He’s sure that if he did have an appetite, it would be delicious. 

His father used to often remind him to eat the meat offered at mealtimes, not just the rice and vegetables. He usually suffered through it because it meant that Sakumo would take him to the park after dinner, or let him have extra time in their dojo. And that’ll be him, too, someday soon—bribing his child to at least taste everything offered on the table before they can run off and play. 

“How did you react, when you found out?” Kakashi asks, unable to lift his head. 

“Hmm?” 

“That you were going to be a… a father. How did you react?” 

Shikaku shifts, perhaps a bit uncomfortably, but he answers, “Well, we knew it was possible. Choza had announced his wife’s pregnancy, and I had a good feeling about Inoichi and his partner as well. We were trying to have a child, to set up the next generation of our clans. When Yoshino told me, even though we were actively trying, it was still a surprise.” 

Kakashi draws himself in tighter. Maybe this was a mistake. He and Shikaku are nothing alike in this regard, he had wanted Shikamaru, had actively tried to create him. Kakashi and Shizukana’s child is a complete accident— 

“If I’m completely honest with you, Kakashi, when Yoshino told me I was going to be a father, I was scared shitless.” 

Kakashi perks up a little bit, peeking over his knees. “But it was still… Shikamaru was still planned?” 

“Well, as planned as these things can be, I suppose,” Shikaku allows. “Every child is a surprise, I think, even if you plan for them.” 

A surprise doesn’t even begin to describe it. Gods, Kakashi can still hear it, plain as if she’d just said it to him: I’m pregnant. I haven’t been with anyone else. It has to be yours.  

“Kakashi—?” 

“My father,” Kakashi starts, horrified briefly as his voice breaks. He starts again, “My father k-killed himself before I could ever ask him… if I was a surprise. If he… If he wanted me.” 

Shikaku gives him a few moments to pull himself together before he says, “Sakumo always spoke well of you. I don’t think anyone who knew him for more than an hour could get out of the conversation doubting his love for you. Even if you were a surprise, your father wanted you, Kakashi.” 

Kakashi shakes his head, feeling like something is trying to claw its way out of his chest. “He left ,” he manages to spit. “How am I—? How am I supposed to do this when I didn’t have—?!” His phrase breaks off with a choke, his breath and pulse coming fast and making him lightheaded. 

A firm hand rests on his shoulder and Kakashi listens carefully as Shikaku guides him out of the panic attack. Deep breaths, refocus your chakra, listen to my voice , all of these things Shikaku says in a low, careful tone as Kakashi shakes and gasps for breath. “I’m going to pull down your mask, to let you take a good breath,” Shikaku warns him before he does it. His thumb strokes the base of his skull and Kakashi lets out a pitiful whine as he leans into Shikaku’s side. “What’s going on, Kakashi?” 

For the second time today, Kakashi murmurs, “I’m going to be a father,” and it feels like being struck across the face, leaving him in a state of vertigo. His ears start ringing again. “It was an accident, I barely even know the girl, but she can’t—can’t get rid of it, because I’m the last of my clan. Or I was, I guess.” 

Shikaku nods and lets Kakashi stay against his side. “Your anxiety is understandable, in this situation. Are you going to stay with her, raise the child?” 

Kakashi shrugs. “I don’t know. I don’t know her, but she… she’s growing the next Hatake.” 

“Maybe don’t phrase it like that,” Shikaku chuckles softly. “From my experience, women don’t like their pregnancies to be referred to as ‘growing a child’.” 

Kakashi lets himself smile, just a little bit, just for a moment. “But as for the child,” he says, his smile fading, “I think… I think I do want to be involved with them. Help raise them. I’m not sure how to do that if I’m not… involved, with her.” 

“You need to go and talk to her, then,” Shikaku says. He pushes Kakashi to sit up and then grabs his jaw to make Kakashi look at him. “For what it’s worth, I think you’ll be a great father.” 

“I had a really shitty role model,” Kakashi mutters. “What’s to say I don’t… leave them, the way he left me?” 

Shikaku sighs. “If it ever happens that you feel like following in Sakumo’s footsteps in that regard, you come to me and I’ll set you straight. I can promise you that.” His demeanor hardens then, and he continues, “But don’t you dare say he was a shitty role model. He raised a fine young man, for the time he had in this life. And if you turn out to be half the father Sakumo was to you, then your child will be just as fine as you.”

*~* 

For the second time in as many days, Kakashi paces nearby Shizukana’s home. This time, though, instead of wondering if he even should go and knock, he’s wondering how he should approach this. He does need to go and tell her that he’s committed to raising the child with her. However, he also needs to impress upon her that he’s not willing to get married to do this, or even to tie himself down to her at all. 

He’s committed to the child, not to Shizukana. This will be fine. She’s a ninja, she’ll understand. 

He flickers back to her door and knocks, and although he can tell that she’s inside because he can sense her chakra thrumming within the apartment, she doesn’t come to let him inside. On a whim, he tries the knob and finds the door unlocked, slowly entering with the full expectation that something is horribly wrong and that someone has already come for her because she’s carrying his child— 

But instead, she’s simply curled up on the couch, hugging a throw pillow and crying quietly into the cushions. Kakashi crosses the room and kneels down in front of her, checking for injuries, “Are you alright? What’s wrong, what happened—?” 

“I’m sorry!” she hiccups. “I’m sorry, I knew you wouldn’t want the baby, I’m sorry, but I just thought that maybe we could—could be happy and… and…” She devolves into sobbing again. 

Kakashi, confused and alarmed, gently puts his palm on her waist to try and soothe her. At the same time, he also pushes a slight amount of chakra into her abdomen to check on their child; the embryo is fine, as far as he can tell with his limited knowledge of medicine. “It’s alright, I… Can you explain why you’re crying, though?” 

She rubs her eyes and looks up at him with the same kind of confusion he’s been giving her. “You left!” 

He cringes, because she’s right; he did leave. And now that he knows why she’s crying, coupled with the likely addition of pregnancy hormones, he feels awful for doing so. But still, “I’m sorry,” he says. “I panicked. I shouldn’t have left, but I did and I’m sorry.” 

“I knew you didn’t… That you wouldn’t want anything to do with me,” she whispers wetly, “I didn’t expect that you… I just wanted you to know.” 

The relief he feels must be similar to the kind she felt upon seeing him yesterday. She doesn’t expect anything from him, which is perfect; he’s not ready for a relationship, certainly not with someone he barely knows. Thank the gods she already understands. 

“I do appreciate you telling me,” he says. “I just… I’m here to let you know. That I’m going to stay; that I want to be in the child’s life. I… I’ll never leave them, not willingly.” 

She sniffles and sits up, Kakashi’s hand slipping from her waist to her lap. She smiles at him shyly and asks, “R-really? You’ll… with me?” 

Kakashi nods. “I want to help you raise this child, if you’ll let me. Whatever way you want me to help, I’m prepared for—be that simply a silent financial beneficiary or a more hands-on co-parenting situation.” 

Shizukana nods rapidly. “I don’t mind, really! Whatever way you think is best!” She flushes as she continues, “I… I have a doctor’s appointment in two days, to verify the due date and such. Would you like to come?” 

He fidgets a bit, and she takes his hand on her lap and threads their fingers together. After a deep breath and a loud exhale, he nods. “That… yes. I would, if you truly want me there.” 

“It’s your baby, too, Kakashi-kun,” she giggles wetly. “And it’ll be the first time we get to see them!” 

Kakashi nods and accepts her leaning forward and kissing his cheek. That’s… fine. She’s affectionate, and high on pregnancy hormones. He’s not sure why he had been dreading telling her that he wanted to be in the child’s life. She’s smart, and she understands.  

He never should’ve worried. There’s a reason he liked her so well. 

He figures that the idea of moving and perhaps buying a home for their child can be put off for another day. They have seven months before the birth; plenty of time. 

“Would you like to go and get dinner?” he asks. 

She nods. “Oh, let me go and clean up first,” she says.  

As she walks away, he watches her go and wonders how she will look in the months to come, swelling with his child, and thinks that somewhere, buried underneath the panic and the stress and the anxiety, there’s happiness to be found here.

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