#also all my mistakes were silly + avoidable + i wouldn't have made them if the car hadn't been unfamiliar

[a-tiny-sloth]

(through gritted teeth) third time's the charm

[cheeseceli]

Shut me up

Pairing: Choi Soobin × Gn!reader

Genre: fic, fluff, friends to lovers, (1.1k)

Prompt: "I know I talk too much, so honey come put your lips on mine and shut me up"

Warnings: the rest of txt make a slight cameo, soobin is a loser (affectionate)

A/n: thank you for requesting this with him because I was hoping someone would😭 enjoy! | Join the 1k event

Yours and soobin's first kiss was... Kind of a hopeless mess.

It all started with a date you didn't even know was a date. Following his friend's advice, he invited you out. Just keep it casual, they will love it. That's what Yeonjun said.

Soobin wishes he could punch Yeonjun right now.

That's simply because you were both sitting side by side on a bench in the park, and you've just asked when the others were coming along.

"Probably soon, I think they might be stuck in traffic."

You nodded, thinking it probably made sense. But it actually didn't. Because no one was coming. Maybe keeping it so casual was a mistake, considering you thought it was so casual that it would be just a normal outing among friends. Not a date. Not that Soobin was stressing over it, of course not.

He just casually wants to punch Yeonjun.

But he also should kick Taehyun since it was his idea to come to a park this weekend. Saturdays are always great for dates, there's no better day than this one. Taehyun was a very smart guy and, since he told Soobin that the place and weather would be perfect, he was most likely right as always.

Except it started to rain.

You and your clothes, that made you look more ethereal than you already were, were getting wet. And so was your date friend. When you got up from the bench, Soobin swore he heard his heart get broken thinking about how you were going to bid your farewell. Happily, you just said "Let's go to some cafe, we can wait for them there".

You were way smarter than Taehyun, that's a fact.

Buy them something to drink. Now that was Hueningkai's advice. Soobin thought to himself for a second before complying; that one couldn't go wrong. He had the money - he made sure to avoid his wallet around the guys. He also knew your favourite drink by heart and the place was very nice. Okay, that one really couldn't go wrong.

"Go find us somewhere to sit, I'll have something for us to drink" he told you smiling, hoping to look confident and cool.

You smiled back at him. Oh my God that must've worked right?? Soobin was about to kiss kai for giving him the only right advice until now.

In his opinion, everything was going on pretty smoothly. They had your order there, it smelled good and it looked nice. For a second, Soobin thought he could really impress you, even if it's with a silly thing like that.

That is, until this random guy dropped his coffee in his shirt. Yeah, that really sucked.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" the person said. The coffee was kinda hot but not enough to hurt him, but sadly it was enough to ruin his shirt. Of course he had to wear a white shirt that day.

"It's okay, don't worry" The stranger even paid soobin's and yours coffee as an apology but he doesn't know if that made him feel better or worse about the whole situation. Sorry Kai, I couldn't pay for the drinks.

But once he sat down next to you, your eyes turned confused at the exact moment, and you didn't hesitate on taking some napkins to try and help soobin's shirt. A win is a win, he thinks when he feels your hands trying to dry his sleeve. His skin was getting hotter and redder. He hopes you assumed it was the hot coffee.

Don't forget to compliment them, Beomgyu said. Usually Soobin wouldn't hesitate on ignoring any possible advice his friend could give, but this one felt like the sanest thing he had said in a while. Maybe it was worth the risk.

He started to look at you, still focused on trying to clean his shirt. There were just so many things he could compliment. He loved the way your eyes would squint when you were paying attention to something. He loved how your skin felt delicate when you were touching him. He could spend hours talking about how your hair framed your face perfectly or how your voice was adorable. He also really liked your lips, a lot. If he could, he would kiss you right on the spot.

"What?"

"What?"

You were looking at him confused, like you were solving the hardest of puzzles in your head. But Soobin doesn't understand. He didn't do anything, nor said something that could make you have his reaction. He just...

His hand flew to his mouth, covering it and only showing his wide eyes in total horror. No way he said that. He couldn't have said that.

"Did you just say that..." you tried to formulate it without sounding weird, not that the situation itself wasn't already bad enough "that you wanted to kiss me?"

He laughed. Little giggles started to get past his lips, but it was extremely clear that it was a laugh filled with panic. How can someone screw things up so badly?

"No, no. I mean yeah I did but no! I shouldn't have said that, it was a mistake. Not that I didn't mean it, because I did, but in a sense that I shouldn't have said it, you know?" he looked at you trying to find a string of hope, any sign that he was on his way of fixing things, but damn he was so lost. "Like, I won't actually kiss you! I wanted to but then, no hold on. I wouldn't do it like this, in something like... You understand what I mean right?"

He doesn't know for how long he kept on speaking any random excuse he could think of. At some point, his panicked laugh got mixed with words and the only thing he could say were unintelligible sounds. You could almost see a little smoke getting out of his brain. He only came to a stop when you kissed the corner of his mouth, shutting him up immediately.

Did you just... kiss him?

You giggled lightly, probably at how awestruck he was right now. It wasn't even a kiss on his lips - unfortunately - but he felt like he could die a happy man at that moment.

"I can't believe I'll have to thank the boys for that."

"Weren't they tagging along?"

Oh.

"Now that's kind of a funny story..." You could see he was collecting his breath to start yapping again, but he stopped right when he saw you smile. Apparently, both your kiss and smile had the ability to stop his brain.

Suddenly he started to talk again, not knowing exactly what he was ranting about this time. His words probably weren't even coherent, but maybe you'd kiss him to shut him up once more.

Maybe this one kiss would land on his lips instead.

Masterlist | you'll probably like: So Sweet

Thank you for reading 💛

Taglist (open!): @zzzzzwicked @yuyubeans

Credits for images 1 , 2 and 3

Dividers by @thecutestgrotto

[doe-eyed-fool]

Prey | Chapter Seven

Alastor x Fem!Reader

Warning(s): Mentions Of Murder

The silence, was worst than rejection. This was a mistake. Probably the biggest mistake you've ever made. Of course Alastor wouldn't feel the same. You two had been friends for a long time. If he really felt the same way towards you, he would have done something by now. Wouldn't he?

Then again, Alastor had never shown much interest in relationships of the romantic type. You've not once heard him talk of a special lady in his life. And he most certainly could have any of them. So maybe it just wasn't meant to be...

"I-I'm sorry! I don't know why I asked that!" You say with a light laugh. "I mean, I know you like me. We're friends after all. That was a silly question, I'm sorry..." You try to blink back the tears forming in your eyes as you continued.

"Um, I think I'll be alright by myself for now. You can leave, I'll be fine." You motion your hand to the door and turn away from him. "I really should get to tidying up the place. It's a mess, like I said. And anyhow, I should be focusing on what I'm going to sing for my next performance. Can't be distracted, so if you'll please-"

Alastor caught your hand and spun you back to face him. "Y/n." He said firmly. You go quiet and avoid his eyes. Great. Not only had you confessed and gotten rejected, if that wasn't embarrassing enough, you just made a fool of yourself by rambling on like an idiot.

There were no hiding the tears now. You inwardly sigh and await for the worst.

"It seems you've misunderstood me." Said Alastor. Yes. You know that. You are more than painfully aware. Why did he have to rub it in? "And it seems I've been less than gentlemanly. What kind of man treats a woman on like I have been?"

Wait, what? You glance at him, a bit confused. Alastor sighs. "Y/n, I'm sure you know how I feel about these kinds of things. Romance and all that. So, I'm sure you also understand how this might feel for me, indulging in such things."

Now you were really confused. You face him properly. "What are you saying?" You ask. "I do like you, Y/n, to put it simply." Alastor says, making your heart stop for a moment. "It's just a shame I couldn't, and still cant, tell or show you properly."

"Alastor..."

"Why must it be me?" Alastor asks. "Has there be no one else that's caught your eye?" Your expression soften. "No." You says simply. "It's always been you. I'm not sure if anyone could compare, to someone like you."

"Someone like me..." Alastor repeats under his breath. He shook his head with a light chuckle. "Y/n, I don't think you understand just what you're asking for. 'Someone like me'...I can be...a bit much. You know that."

"Yes." You nod. "And I'm fine with that. There are so many great things about you Alastor. I'd be talking all day long just listing it all off. It's just...I don't want to ruin this. Us. You've been more than an amazing friend to me all these years. I don't want my emotions getting in the way of that."

"We have been friends for a while, yes." Alastor smiles softly. "Nothing will ever change my view of you, my care for you Y/n. Nothing. And as I've already said, I do like you."

"Do you?" You ask sadly. "Maybe I'm just mistaking your care for love. Maybe you are too." You try to move your hand away from his. It was too good to be true.

And yet, Alastor didn't budge. "That is entirely my fault." He says. "It was a constant back and forth with myself. A part of me wanted to give in, and the other, wanted to keep you at an arms length..."

"So...Which is it?" You ask. The uncertainty was worse than flat out rejection. Suddenly, you felt Alastor pull you close. "I'd love nothing more, than to give in." He says softly. The two of you were but inches from each other.

"Then why don't you?" You ask. Alastor's eyes glanced down at your lips for a split second, before trailing back to your eyes. Maybe it was build up from years of longing for Alastor that made you so bold.

You leaned up to kiss him gently. It was short and sweet, only lasting for a few seconds, before you pulling back to figure out his reaction.

You weren't parted long, before Alastor pulled you back in for a deeper, longer lasting kiss. Your chest felt like it was filled with butterflies and a soft warmth. You wrapped your arms around his neck, a soft sigh left you.

After a moment, you part once again. "By the way." You start. "Your charm has always worked on me."

Luck truly must have been on your side. Not only were you able to confess to the man you loved for years, and he return the feeling, but your career as a singer was really taking off. You were bringing in crowds of people any night you were preforming.

Mimzy would be the only person more happy about it than you, as it did wonders for her lounge getting more and more popular. Oh, and the money that was made from it too, of course.

But she wasn't the only one getting paid. For once, you were finally able to make a decent check. You had enough money for necessities and some extra spending money to have some fun with.

Before, any amount of money you made went right towards rent and food. But now, you didn't have to worry about keeping the lights on, or making sure you had something to eat at the end of the day.

You're weren't rich, but you had money to live off of now. And honestly, you might as well consider yourself rich, knowing that. 

More than the money though, you just enjoyed singing. You loved lighting up the room when you walked out on stage, hearing the applause of the crowd, the music in your ears, and of course, singing your heart out. 

And to top it all off, you were finally able to be with the man you loved. Being Alastor's partner was a dream. He was there for you, to hold your hand, to keep you close.

Never a day went by, where you not loved and appreciated. Even though a week had gone by, you still felt as giddy as the day he accepted your feelings. Yes, nothing could bring your mood down.

Except for maybe one thing...

"Oh my gosh..." You say under your breath, as you read over the news article for the third time. "Alastor, have you read this?" You ask, holding up the newspaper slightly.

You were over at Alastor's home this morning, as he offered to make breakfast for you the previous evening. And you weren't about to pass up that kind of offer.

"Afraid not, dear. Haven't gotten the chance to sit down and look it over yet." Alastor says as he turns off the stove. "What's it say?" He asks.

You look at the article again, furrowing your brows in grimace as you read. The article read of mysterious blood stains in an alleyway downtown, as well as a few strands of hair. So far, the police have no leads to what happened, or any potential suspects. 

Alastor froze a moment before speaking. "Are you sure that's not another fake article, to spark panic or interest? You know, there's been quite a few of those lately. Seems some will do anything to catch the attention of the easily fooled." 

"I don't think so Alastor." You mutter. "It seems pretty serious. Who could have done such a thing?" Alastor joined your side, sitting down at the table. "I'm sure it's fine. Perhaps some drunkard fell and injured himself. Or it could have been a disagreement between two people, that got out of hand."

"That's what I'm afraid of." You tell him. "Do you...Do you think it might have been a murder?" You say quietly. Alastor took your hands with his. "No dear, I don't think so. This side of the city hasn't had a crime that serious in a while. There's nothing to worry about." 

"But, it's still a scary thought. That something like that could have happened..." You say, not wanting to think too hard about it. "Well." Alastor starts. "If, and I do mean if, something like that were to happen. You won't need to worry yourself about it. And do you know why?"

"Why?" You ask. Alastor took one of your hands and raised it to his lips, he kissed it before speaking again. "Because you have me to keep you safe. Nothing will harm you as long as I'm around, dearest." 

A small smile found it's way onto your face. "I know. You always have protected me, Alastor." 

"And I always will." Alastor says with a soft smile. "Now, let's not have this food getting cold." 

A potential murder, one would have to admit, can inspire a man such as Alastor to speak on the topic. He can't let the papers get all the attention, now could he? Though, perhaps he would have to fight for the attention, had this accident gone unnoticed...

Oh well. He was in need of new things to talk about on his radio show anyhow. 

"Good evening all! It's your beloved radio host, Alastor Thurman here to give you all another outstanding broadcast, for you eager listeners. How about we jump on the topic that's gotten everyone in a tizzy." Alastor leans forward slightly in his chair, his grin ever present, even when alone in his studio. 

"A potential murder case, and the unknown suspect still in hiding!" He begins. "The location of the victim's body is unknown." Alastor says lowly, to amplify the intensity. "No leads on a potential suspect either. Yes, this is quite the tricky case indeed. Careful on your way home tonight folks." He chuckles. 

"Now, onto a lighter subject!" 

Honestly. A mistake like that was unforgivable. The fool deserved to be locked up for that alone. It was like he was trying to get caught. 

However, it was almost worth it. 

Alastor's grin grows sinister as he recalled that night. That horrid man's screams, the fear in his eyes, and the pitiful last breath he took. Alastor had finally gotten rid of him. Now his beloved would have nothing to fret about. But he'd be lying if he said he didn't do it for himself too. 

He wanted to kill that man the moment he had the misfortune of meeting him. And that day he dared to put his filthy hands on you only amplified that want. The world was better off, without people like him around anyhow. 

As delighted as it made him feel, that mistake could have ruined everything. It's bad enough you were worried by it, but if you were to ever find out about his...hobbies, there is no doubt that you'd leave him. 

And he knew it. And so, mistakes like this will never happen again on his watch. 

The tension among folks would only rise when there was an official missing person case out in the open. A local owner of a small diner had mysteriously disappeared without a trace. Cops weren't the only ones linking the disappearance to the scene in that alleyway. 

And despite law enforcements best efforts, there was no calming the every growing concern among the people. 

Especially you. You hated the fact that your former boss might have been murdered, as much as you disliked the man. No one deserves that. But you couldn't allow yourself to stay frightened, you had a show coming up. You couldn't allow your nerves to get the better of you and ruin that night. 

Besides, you had Alastor to keep you safe. And as long as he was around, there would be nothing for you to fear.

Tags-

@martinys-world

[kira-fluff]

….. can you please do “sleep with no pants” for our birthday boy kita shinsuke??? …… and make it extra spicy?? 🥹

a/n: oh. my. god. YES. i could commit tax fraud and embezzlement if he asked me to. of course. yes. yes. also, I have high alcohol tolerance so I'm not really sure how much is too much...

drunken mistakes | kita shinsuke

pairing: kita shinsuke x reader yes, this is a continuation on "sleeping with no pants on" but I decided to make it longer/special for some reason. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KITA!!! tw: fem!reader, alcohol misusage (drunkness), swearing, mutual pining, grinding, nsfw, dom!reader, sub!kita pt 1 pt 2 pt 3

it was only supposed to be one drink. that's what you'd told yourself at the beginning of the night, but you would be lying if you said you stuck to what your convictions very often. for example, you told yourself not to fall for your best friend, kita. and yet here you are, drunk and in love. anyone looking at you around your friend's apartment could see the misery on your face. they turned to each other, speaking in low voices as if you couldn't notice because you were too far gone. well, you weren't. and you knew now that they knew you're downing your eleventh shot of casamigos because of something other than "for the vibes". honestly, your facial expression probably gave it away, too, with the lame, pouty lip and mopey eyes. the thoughts and conversations surrounding you only made you yearn for another glass of something to dim the sound of your increasing heartbeat. reaching for the bottle of tequila, your eyes met with the last person you ever hoped to see that night.

fuck, and why was he checking his phone like he'd received an invite? you swore in your muddled mind you'd wring the neck of whichever piece of shit thought it would be a good idea to invite your best friend despite all of them knowing (at least, now) that you are head over heels in love with him. you cursed as he took immediate notice of you. kita.

kita

to be quite honest, I don't care much for parties or really any celebration that involves an exuberant use of alcohol. ever since high school, in fact, I'd done my very best to avoid them rather than allow myself to get sucked into caring for vomiting, regretful teens (or adults, if we're speaking in the now). still, when I'd received a text saying that she was wasted and needed a ride who could take good care of her, I already was putting on my coat and shoes, as if I wasn't awoken to my phone vibrating numerous times at 2am. I can't help it. whenever it comes to her, there's nothing I wouldn't do to get a chance to even be around her. she's my best friend, so it's not like it's a mutual thing. just me being an idiot and getting sucked into those eyes of hers. the way she looks at me. the way she smiles. it were those thoughts and memories that had me sliding into my seat at 2:15 and on my way to one of her good friends' house. when I arrived at the address and walked through the entrance, my first instinct was the text once again to find where she was at that current moment. it was a need. I needed to know she was safe. that she wasn't crying or confused or sick. my skin prickled as I felt a pair of sharp eyes on me. I lifted up my head to see two languid pupils blinking slowly at me, lips downturned and mopey.

you blinked slowly up at him. "so," you hiccuped, "you're here kita." his brows furrowed at you. you grimaced. you knew he wasn't much for alcohol, but a more rebellious part of you thought he deserved to suck it because you didn't even want him here anyway. "mm...kita...." you trailed off, unsure where you were planning to take the start of your sentence. "mm?" kita replied quietly, patiently (like he always was). "'m startin' to think I'll die single." he let out a little scoff, "stop being silly. you're drunk. go to bed." you pouted, "but no one wants to go to bed with me." he flushed, thankfully it seemed you were too drunk to notice, and asked, "how many people have you been going around asking to sleep with?" you grinned at him, "just you." kita swallowed down the words does that mean you want to sleep with me? and instead opted for a choked "ok". you leaned closer. "hey kita...? since I'm drunk..." you ran a finger up his arm. he raised an eyebrow, waiting for you to go on. "since 'm drunk, I was wonderin' if you'd indulge me for a little while..." you said, the last syllables of your sentence coming out in a sigh. "what're you-" the next sound that came from kita's throat was a moan as you lifted your thighs up and placed their plush, softness on his hard, toned ones. you leaned in, whispering in his ear, "j-just.... for a while.... b-but stop me if..." you breathed many of your words in but fuck, he didn't want you to put an end to what he'd literally been dreaming of for so long. you then began your slow, languid pace of rolling your hips against his thighs. at this point, you weren't sure what was real and what was fake... but you knew you were dreaming. but there was no way in real life his thighs were that fucking hard. scratch that, you must be in heaven, because the little pants you're hearing from him are more than you could've ever asked for. his quiet "ah"s made your drunken rhythm turn faster, causing you to snap your hips and begin to roll them against his groin, eliciting a sharp groan from his mouth. "a-ahh... w-we sh-shouldn't..." you licked a stripe up the column of his neck, shutting him up. next, you made your way to the hem of your shirt, pulling at the fabric, all whilst rolling your hips against him. in a few seconds, all that was on was a shear bralette - lingerie, of course - and all that was below. kita took inhaled a sharp breath. he was already rock hard and he had no idea what he was supposed to do other than let you have your way with him. he swore he wouldn't do anything in return. you were drunk... but he couldn't bring himself to pull you off of him. he was enjoying it all too much. he blushed again, but this time in shame. he was disgusting, getting off on your drunken mistake. suddenly, you got off of him, leaving him in a strong feeling of want. he could still feel the ghost of your thighs on his legs. but then you reached for his arm lazily, dragging him over to a bedroom. you weren't sure whose it was, just that you wanted to have your way with your best friend, just for a little while, in this lovely dream. he was so compliant. his reactions were better than you hoped for, and you were living for it.

pushing him onto the bed, he let out a grunt of surprise. "you know... I go to sleep without my pants on every night... but tonight I just might not wear anything..." kita swallowed thickly, unable to stop himself from imagining your nude form in all its glory, riding his cock. he distantly wondered if you knew what you were doing. you had something in your eyes besides that heady lust and drunkenness that had him questioning something... that maybe, just for a second, there was something there like attraction... like love. slowly, you slid your panties down, exposing your naked cunt. kita took another sharp breath at the sight of you. then, you began to go at taking his own pants off. slowly, you rubbed your hands against his erection, eliciting a groan from him, and reached for his button. unclasping it, you moved onto his zipper, slowly - painfully - moving it down. when his cock sprung free, you gasped at its size. you were shocked that something so big and thick could be hiding in his pants that now seemed entirely in the way. so, you pulled them down, now angling yourself, your entrance and the head of his cock. you both let out a groan when you sunk yourself down onto him.

kita awoke to you in his arms, naked, and his dick pressed hard against your ass. guilt washed over him again, and he wondered whether he should take his chance to escape before you could wake up and yell at him. thankfully, nothing you did was something he'd forced upon you... he had merely let you do what you wanted to him. when you moaned his name last night he thought he might lose his mind. he leaned forward, careful not to stir you awake, and kissed the top of your head. maybe you would wake up, and instead of horror... just maybe, you'd blush.. and he could tell you how much he loved you, and not just because of what you did last night. it was wishful thinking, but maybe, just maybe, you felt the same way he did.

[maochira]

hi mao!! i hope you’re doing well!! can i mayhaps request the father figures helping the reader learn their native language 🫣 ive been nonstop thinking about this and i think it would be so cute ishdjrjje can u maybe add loki too (he doesn’t have to be a father figure! it can just be like a friend type of thing) thank you so much if you do accept my request!! (also sorry if this has already been done fhrjhf)

THIS IS SO CUTE HELP 😭😭 Also I know you already found out but yeah KJSHJD I don't write for Loki yet but!! I will at some point in the future. Oh and. I uh. Was a bit stupid and... wrote headcanons for the coaches learning the reader's native language first... Sometimes I don't read stuff properly enough. SO YOU'RE GETTING BOTH LEARNING EACH OTHER'S NATIVE LANGUAGES HAH! (imagine I wouldn't have noticed that... GHKJKJGD... anyways)

Requests open! - father figure coaches masterlist

Tags: gn!reader, reader recently moved to the country in the Chris and Snuffy ones, me being a bit stupid resulted in twice the amount of headcanons, praise my stupidity

They teach you their native language!

Even though he's been playing for Bastard München for a long time, occasionally French words still slip into Noa's sentences. It's a bit funny but also makes you want to learn the language better. You've been learning French in school for a while, but always struggled with it. At first, it started with Noa helping with your homework, but it quickly turned into him teaching you the language in an attempt to get you to speak somewhat fluently. Because of his help, you end up becoming one of the best students in your French class.

Chris noticed quickly how you still struggle with your English a lot. You're good enough to properly communicate and have conversations, but every now and then it takes you a while to find the right words. Chris always remembers which words you fail to keep in your head and in which situations you usually struggle. If that happens, he's there to help you and makes sure you don't feel bad for any mistakes you make. He also always points your improvements out and praises you for getting better.

Lavinho missed having someone who understands all his silly and funny Portuguese phrases and curse words - so that's the first thing he taught you. Initially, that's all he wanted but it got you interested in learning more words and phrases until Lavinho just decided he'll teach you to know enough for basic conversations. Teaching you is fun because it means you're the only one around him who understands his curse words, but he also adores your dedication to learning his native language.

Snuffy noticed you tend to avoid speaking Italian because you're ashamed of how bad it is. You tend to speak in English instead, and while Snuffy doesn't mind that at all, he wants to encourage you to speak Italian more often so you'll improve. It took a bit until you got the courage to speak Italian more often, but you were happy when you did and started noticing more improvement. Snuffy always makes sure to not make you feel embarrassed if you make a mistake. Instead, he calmly corrects you and lets you continue talking.

They learn your native language!

Noa has often thought about learning another language, but there just wasn't one that got his interest, until you mentioned your native language to him. He didn't tell you about it right away, but he felt an urge to learn it. He didn't know where to start, so he ended up asking you about it. It made you very excited and you were happy to teach him!

Chris always thought it was cute how you mixed in words from your native language whenever you talked. He quickly picked up the things you say most commonly, but he figured out it'd be cool if he learned more. He asked you to teach him more phrases, and he learned them quicker than expected! He's nowhere near being fluent, but it's nice to see how much effort he puts in for you.

Lavinho was intrigued by your native language the first time he heard you talk in it and immediately asked you to teach him a few words. As time progressed, you went from teaching him words to teaching him full sentences until he was able to have a short conversation with you. He promised he'll learn it more seriously at some point, but of course, that takes time and he hasn't found the time to properly study the language, but until then he's happy to learn from you!

Snuffy knew you had nobody except your family who spoke your native language with you, so he decided to learn a bit to surprise you with it. He originally planned to only learn a few basic phrases, but then he got lost in it and learned a lot more in the span of two months. At first, he was a bit unsure how to tell you and never found a proper chance, but after your team won an important match he praised you in your native language, and it made you even more emotional than you already were.

[dreambunnynotes]

daily reflection: nov. 17th ❤︎

whoops, i didn't post my to-do lists or check-ins this week, but that is okay! my usual instinct is to give up and restart when i don't do something perfectly, but the whole point of documenting my self-improvement journey is to break the habits that don't serve me. i'm in the early stages of trying out this blog and it's okay to make mistakes, and i'm going to avoid the perfectionist loop by posting what i wrote up for the 17th of november! 🥰 it was a really successful day for my mental health and so i want to document it. here is what i wrote a few days ago:

accomplishments:

today i primarily focused on my social health, and i absolutely killed it!! it's actually making me tear up writing this reflection. i am currently dipping my toes into meeting new people, rekindling old friendships, and loving myself enough to show up as myself, which is my absolute biggest hurdle in my self-love journey due to my own trauma and life experiences. wonderfully, the successes i have had so far in trying to be myself and pushing through my fear and shame have been SO rewarding, which only encourages me to keep going and reminds me that it is safe to try! one of my most wonderful manifestations right now is manifesting my dream friend group where i feel loved and also have FUN, since i have had very low standards for friendships in the past. i kept receiving the message of "being true to myself" this week, and i set the intention that i was going to try to be my bestest, silliest, most authentically neurodivergent self no matter how hard it was. so many beautiful things have happened since setting that intention, and here are the results from just yesterday:

i hung out with my sister for an hour or two (which doesn't take energy for me, she is my best friend and the person i wish to base all of my future friendships off of!! c':) and even though i was nervous and apprehensive, we went to hang out with her theatre friends before their show that evening. i decided to try being authentically me despite the fear of being judged, and not only were they super lovely and fun, they also laughed at my jokes and made me feel very valued for being there! i felt really grateful to have that experience, and grateful to myself for giving it a try.

i hung out with my friend "ac" at their house for a bit while we got ready for a show, and it was really nice to see them again! i had been feeling a bit bummed about our friendship lately because they had been treating me in a way that felt pretty triggering, but i reconnected with the law of assumption and realized that it was because i expected them to show up that way, which helped me heal my relationship with them a little.

we went to pre-game at their partners house, though i wasn't drinking. i met several new people, and they were all so sweet and nice! instead of feeling lonely that i was a new person being introduced to a very longstanding friend group, i chose to ask those at the house party questions about their friend lore (lol) and was my sweet and silly self. i found myself laughing along to things i didn't find funny and not really enjoying myself, which ended up being helpful; instead of listening to the internal voice that often says "you'll never find your friends," i was able to witness the voice and reply with, "you're trying new things, and you're learning about your preferences; how beautiful is that!" i was really proud of myself for this witnessing and not-shaming, and i did end up having quite a few wonderful conversations after that. i was able to see that the situation was not black and white, and that there can be multiple perspectives per experience!

i had a negative interaction with someone i knew there that made me feel embarrassed because of the way they responded to me. instead of internalizing it, i remembered that real friends wouldn't make me feel that way, which was another win for connecting with my authentic self despite the fear!

i made a new friend who i had never met before which was so, so beautiful! we talked about vocal stims and musical theatre karaoke lmao it was so great, i felt really accepted by them and it was just such a treat to hang out and laugh with them! it's so nice to meet new people you instantly feel connected to, and, again, was proof that by being my purest self, i will meet the people i connect with.

at the venue, i put on my massive ear-protectors because i am very overstimulated by sound, and it was just so comforting to know that none of my friends there in the big friend group were judging me. it was safe to do what i had to do; in fact, it was celebrated!

anyway, i'm feeling really positively about my social experiences today. it was the biggest part of my day and i feel proud of myself for overcoming my biggest fears. it's so funny to me that my body reacts to seeing a friend the same way it would react if i was being attacked by a lion; the nervous system is a funny thing, but i'm glad it wants to keep me safe!

other accomplishments:

i didn't cancel work even though i really, really wanted to. i showed up and did my job, which shows that i can trust myself to get things done when i need to!

improvements to make:

i need to set clear goals so that my days are easier to navigate, because without clarity i wander pretty aimlessly with the time i have. i will improve this by getting specific about my dreams and desires, and planning my days accordingly!

woo! kind of a long and rambly post today, but it's alright, it's important for me to document. hope everyone is doing wonderfully and taking care of themselves the best they can!

[racfoam]

Honestly everytime I went to your tumblr page you have something new posted. Like I left you for 2 hours and there'll be 3 person who asked you for a snippet and you delivered it flawlessly.. Like honey, are you REAL?? Are you actually not an AI? How can a human be this creative and fast?? It's both impressive AND concerning, like, do you get rest? Don't forget to rest hon!!😔

I'm not an AI. Trust me, no AI can do this. 😤

I'm a real person. I'm going to prove it. Here are some silly memories of kid Rac when I was just a baby capybara.

I like swimming and freediving. I learned to swim when I was 2. I have gotten bitten by a cat when I was 9 but I also took care of stray kittens at that same age 😅 I got a permanent scar on my front lower part of the leg from crashing straight into a stone veranda on rollerblades when I was 10 I think. Idk.

I watched the DH Part 2 in the theaters when I was 11 and it was the greatest cinema-going experience in my life. I always had a crush on Harry. I watched the movies too young (when I was 8) and couldn't sleep from dementors. On the graveyard Voldemort made me hold my breath for the entire 8 minutes he was on screen, that was how scared of him I was. Shipped Harmione big time, they were so cute, especially in Prisoner of Azkaban (PoA Harry is the Harry 8-year-old Rac got a crush on). I didn't read the books until I was 14 and that was only an audiobook of GoF and I only listened to the graveyard scene. But I do remember the US covers. I remember that cover art; the image of Harry, in a sort of red cloak, the background of ruins, reaching his hand out, with the orange colours around him, like a sunset, or sunrise. I remember the sharp letters of Deathly Hallows. I remember seeing Voldemort's skeletal hand right to the left. Magnificent cover.

I think that art of Harry on that cover really stayed with me. I grew up on those US covers even though I'm not from the US. All the libraries had those covers, but with translation to my country's language, even the cover itself, with the font remaining the same. I knew every cover of every book, blue for OoTP, green and purple for HBP, the GoF, too... Yeah, those are the covers I grew up on. :) They're classic.

Unfortunately, all the libraries have now sent them to the shredder because the hardcover got worn (no respect for books sometimes, ugh) and torn. They're redoing it with the newest covers now as they come out and translating those. I don't have these covers at home. I'd really like to have those, but dear Merlin, the shipping cost from US by Amazon is so expensive. I do have some of the DVD boxes from the HP movies, though, so that's great :)

I take hot chocolate as bribery. I was actually pretty tired yesterday (I took a morning shower, big mistake, showers leave me sleepy the entire day) Yes, I sleep and get enough rest 7-8 hours per day. Thank you for worrying 😭❤️ Oh, I wouldn't say all snippets are flawless, but thank you for saying so. I just like writing and sharing stuff with you guys. I’m glad to know people enjoy my writing. I am also slightly avoiding writing nynn 40 cause I feel like it sucks writing-wise.

Sending love to you, anon! ❤️❤️

[masonalexanderparkconfession]

Hi! I just wanted to thank you first of all, I recently joined a LGBT+ support group, and I’m doing better :)

You mentioned in one of the, ‘dating Mason headcanons.’ That they would be bitchy as fuck in arguments? Can you…elaborate on that? I don’t know if that makes sense. It’s just for the sake of my daydream plots haha :) thank you again

-French anon ❤️

I am very happy you are doing better, French Anon! :D

About the headcanon, yes, of course. I can elaborate. ^-^ As much as I see them as a loving and caring partner, I also think they aren't afraid of conflict and would not avoid it. They wouldn't give you the "silent treatment", nor would they get into raising their voice... Instead, I imagine their defensive reaction to be b*tchiness. Their words would definitively sting, and they would be unfairly using things against you. Not your identity, or your vulnerabilities, or anything important like that, but more... You know, the little routine things of a daily life. Such as the moments you may have felt embarassed, the mistakes you have made - that one time they took the public blame for something you have done, or that you accidentally shredded a script they should have been learning, or that you were late for a date.... Or what not.

They would never be insulting or turning against you the secrets/vulnerabilities/insecurities you would have confided to them, but the rest? Be ready to hear about that one time you lost their bracelet when they had let you borrowing it.

It would sting, but just for a while. Because once they would have calmed down, well, they would apologize. Kind of. Do not expect grand apologies, they are rather proud and proud persons... Have difficulties apologizing. But you would know the conflict time is over, through cuddles and kisses.

With time, learning to know them, you would also learn not to take those little sharp arguments to much at heart - their b*tchiness would be just that: The heath of the moment and of the emotional, words one doesn't mean, during silly conflicts ending up solved. ^-^

But yeah: They scratch and bite. ;)

[gerudospiriit]

[Okay we all knew it was coming. I've got to go on a ramble about the Gerudo (edit: it ended up being about TotK in general oops). I'll go ahead and put it under a read more because there will be some spoiler-y things BUT--]

If I didn't have a million and six questions about the Gerudo in BotW, TotK did nothing to answer them and added another billion.

For starters, I was so glad to see that Ganondorf and the Gerudo together. Working together. The Gerudo loyal to him. I, of course, wish we got MORE because again, more questions and no answers, but I've always been fascinated by the position the Gerudo are in, ESPECIALLY Nabooru, and how their attitude toward Ganondorf evolved from pretty much OoT to BotW (I know they're in like four swords but). I loved seeing it even if it brings in a ton more inconsistencies and anxiety for me as an OoT/Nabooru fan.

So what am I on about. From seeing the scenes from the geoglyphs, seeing the Lightning Sage and how she reacts to news of Ganondorf I guess attacking the desert settlements, which may include Gerudo Town or whatever it might have been back then (which brings up more questions of course), I was immediately like "wait what happened then?" Did Ganondorf turn on the Gerudo? Did they turn on him? Was the sage a single actor, similar to Nabooru? IS she supposed to BE Nabooru, introducing a whole other can of worms for me specifically? Why would Ganondorf attack his own region when the Gerudo were obviously loyal to him? What changed their minds or what changed his? There's just soooo much there and they just....never explain a thing. And I get they MIGHT address a little more with the old sages in DLC but DAMN IT. I just want to KNOW.

All of that said, it also makes OoT more complicated because, unless this is like...the beginning of New Hyrule like the concept introduced in Phantom Hourglass after the flood, it doesn't fit. The obvious thing is looking at Ganondorf. If this is the BEGINNING, and Ganondorf is sealed away in the imprisoning war until Zelda and Link find him again in TotK, we couldn't have OoT, TP, WW, or any other game that features him. Like...my doom and gloom reptile brain can't help but wonder if this is meant to REPLACE OoT and therefore make all the other stuff irrelevant but that can't be because, again, Nabooru is mentioned by name and in a historical context. She existed in other words. So akdkjrbr.

But then bring in the Gerudo too. So they're loyal to Ganondorf here. Then they're...maybe not? But then they are again in OoT. And then, if we go by Urbosa's scorn, his memory is a despised one. The inconsistency is the same brand as a friend pointed out to me: with the scene looking so similar to the one from OoT where Ganondorf surrenders and pledges loyalty to Hyrule, why tf did the Gerudo and Hyrule fall for this AGAIN? Which makes my reptile brain again fire up and wonder if this imprisoning war stuff is meant to replace OoT. Like I get it's dramatic, but making the same mistake with the same man on both their parts is just...silly. And i guess you could argue that the Zonai history has been a lost one but like was it really? Rhoam and rulers before knew not to go down beneath the castle and apparently that was respected until the second Calamity messed things up and the gloom started causing problems. So the royal family, especially closer to the events of the imprisoning war, should know SOMETHING about it all. And yet they still APPARENTLY made the same mistake. Same goes for the Gerudo...and that's just being generous and saying it's a possibility they would even SEE Ganondorf again considering...you know....he's supposed to have been sealed up under the castle by the time OoT comes around, meaning the Gerudo would have never seen him after that and therefore their idea of him wouldn't have changed to what we see in OoT.

And you know, as I'm writing this (welcome to my stream of consciousness I guess lmao), I thought of an easy way they could have avoided all of this: don't involve Ganondorf and just use Demise. Don't get me wrong. I love Ganondorf and was very very happy to see him back. However, his return AS GANONDORF makes things so janky and complicated and I known it's just fanservice. I know why they dont, and the short answer is they've overly connected Demise and Ganondorf to the point they're just one person, but hear me out. They almost STRICTLY call him the Demon King anyway, suggesting the tie to Demise. The look after he transforms is Demise. Sealing Demise away again and him having no connection to Ganondorf at this point would keep everything following intact still, and they could just do what they have been doing with the curse and working in Demise's curse and influence like choosing Ganondorf as the vessel when he's born (as much as I still kinda hate that). Basically, Ganondorf should have just been Demise HIMSELF returning. And if you really wanted to bring Ganondorf back, fine. Tying them so tightly together as basically one in the same in this context is just a mess, so it would have been better if it was back to the sort of vessel idea. So I think it would have been better if

1. It was DEMISE they showed in the flashbacks to the beginning of Hyrule and the Imprisoning War (also isn't that what they called the events from SS? Does this stuff predate even THAT?). No Ganondorf for, as it stands, he couldn't exist yet. This solves the inconsistency of Ganondorf being in other eras when he should be sealed away. It makes how Demise and Ganondorf get involved a little squickier to work with, but that whole thing was already weird and hard to explain anyway.

2. Demise, then, is who gets resurrected beneath the castle. If you want Ganondorf back, to be like a physical body for him or whatever, make that another plot point. Make it to where someone finds a way to resurrect Ganondorf SPECIFICALLY, whether that's Demise himself or another actor like the Yiga Clan (ugh don't get me started on the damn Yiga Clan and the little sense they make god). Sprinkle in hints that this is going on, along with the historical context of who Ganondorf was. That maybe even part of the main story is TRYING (and failing) to stop Demise from getting Ganondorf resurrected because then he would be at actual full power or something like that.

Basically, just...separate Demise and Ganondorf more. Like I get there's the curse and I guess Ganondorf becomes some kind of vessel for Demise, but this game has basically just made them the same person and it makes everything all fucky and confusing with how they've presented this new founding of Hyrule and the imprisoning war. We would have a little bit better cohesion and sense at least.

And yeah I know people are going to bring up time traveling Zelda and that maybe this is just an entirely new timeline altogether from even BotW, and the past she ends up in is a completely different past than that of OoT's or something, but....idk. I also heard this was supposed to tie up all the timelines so????? And that she just fixed everything in the past is another theory??? It's all just really bizarre and adds nothing to the established story and lore. Too much fanservice and too little thought and consideration for plot.

Anyway. Maybe I'll figure some explanation out for at least the Gerudo. Or I'll eventually just stop trying to make it work. Maybe something will come out that helps in the DLC. and don't get me wrong: for all my criticisms on these points, the game was super fun and was a huge leap forward from botw, which always felt sparse and unfinished to me. This game did so so soooo much good and I still think it's an amazing game. But I love the story of the Zelda series. I love the lore. And I don't even hate what they did with all this, necessarily. I just wish they either cut these two games off from the previous games entirely without making all the historical references (and I'm not referring to place names, the outfits, or easter eggs necessarily) or did a better job of showing how these events related to the past games and lore instead of just tossing something out there with zero explanation of why it matters.

[slytherintragedy]

Blaise knew eventually that he'd have to return to Romania, after all he had a job. Had somewhat of a life there, not an all that exciting life if one were to ask his mother. But she didn't count because he ideal of exciting was completely different from his, had found it weird that he hadn't even consider having at least flings if he didn't want to settle down. Even if she thought it was a bit ridiculous that he hadn't, had the nerve to joke that if it didn't work out then she could always help make the problem go away. He had refused to talk to her for a week after that, he had to deal with enough growing up due to her reputation of being a Black Widow since her husbands kept ending up dead. He used to hide at his mate's home for a few weeks during those times when he was younger, almost wish he still could but now that he was dead and gone that would be impossible.

But he still had Hermione, the only person Blaise had truly ever loved. Although he tried avoid his mother and her from interacting, not because he was ashamed of Hermione but because he was ashamed of his mother. And she was the only one who that now besides him since the only other one was gone now, though Hermione used to know practically all of his secrets except the fact Blaise was deeply and truly, head over heels in love with her. And being back here with her now, those feelings were still ever so present even if one would have thought he'd move on by now. Like he hadn't been away from her as long as he did, which was almost humorously sad to think about but he had to shake himself out of his thoughts, just focused on comforting her. ❝Of course I am, besides if I find out anyone dares judge you then I'll hex them.❞ He joked half heartedly, despite being almost serious. After all he's hexed several idiots for their rude comments about her plenty of times throughout their school years, he was just careful not to get caught. He didn't even tell her because he knew she'd disapprove but did he regret it when those people stopped their remarks about her? No.

Dark hues widening slightly when it was turned to him but that didn't last long, a soft melancholy but rueful expression settled upon his features within a heartbeat of a second later. A tremulous, mournful smile tugged at his lips. ❝You don't have to apologize Hermione, it's fine. In situations such as these, things like that can slip the mind. Even if the male has been my best mate since we were infants, you were married to him and was expecting to spend your life with him so can understand it in a way.❞ Zabini voiced softly before a slight shrug was given moments later, a sigh falling from his lips. ❝If I'm being honest then I don't want to believe that he's gone, that it's like a bad dream that I'm going to wake up from eventually. That he'll walk in at any minute and say a mistake had been made because it's certainly a mishap cause he certainly isn't dead but I know that's denial in it's finest. But I also feel tremendous guilt for not being around to see him more often, for not being there when he needed me. I feel like if I was then maybe this wouldn't have happened but that's silly I know but it's how I feel, also feel like the dam is going to break at any second and the flood gates will open. And when that happens, I don't know if I can get them to close. I don't know, I'm just a mess but I'll be fine, eventually I hope. But I'm sorry for not being around more often, I really am.❞

hermione returns the smile weakly. it was small moments like these as the years drew them apart that hermione remembered and deeply missed how it used to be between them. blaise had always been a solid support system — someone she could without a doubt rely on in the most trivial of circumstances. it was just a shame that it took her husband kicking the bucket for life to pull them back together again. hermione doesn't even want to think about how long she had until blaise inevitably travelled back to romania. she pushes those thoughts away and focuses on his hands on her cheeks. almost instantly, she relaxes, leaning into them. she doesn't think about how odd the two looked to anyone passing by. "i guess you're right." hermione sniffles, and she feels a bit silly for worrying about how she'd appear in the papers at a time like this. "how are you holding up? i'm sorry — i forgot to ask. i've been so wrapped up in myself... i know he meant a lot to you too."

[ygrworld]

Everything for my lady

summary: when eddie finds you at the library, he makes you an offer that turn into something else when you reach his house

word count: 3,4k+

warnings: none unless you count both you and eddie being huge ass virgins

author's note: its my first fanfic! at least in this blog, bc i used to write queen fanfic too T.T anyways, i hope you guys enjoy it and that you can forgive my grammar mistakes since english isn't my first language

Eddie couldn't stop looking at you.

He wanted to feel how soft your skin was, how your hair would feel under his hands caressing, and most important of all: how your body would react against his.

Don't get him wrong, he wasn't a creep, even though most girls would call him that because of his style, he tried to be respectful towards woman, never daring to target a girl with his silly jokes about D&D or social hierarchy. But whenever he thought about you, he felt like one. It felt wrong to know about you, and not even know what your voice sounded like.

He knew you liked to read a lot, always being seen with a book hold tightly in your arms. He knew you liked wearing skirts, seeing how much you were seen with them at school. He also knew you never ate at the cafeteria, taking your lunch somewhere else to eat. But if someone were to ask how your voice felt going through his ears and straight to his heart, he would never be able to answer, because your voice was never directed to him, or someone else in this case. You were quiet, shy, avoiding any eye contact when walking down the hallways.

Eddie had lost the feeling of fear of the judgmental looks long ago, but he knew how nervous you got when you had to get out of the cafeteria with your lunch tray, so he always made sure to make a scene, to attract all eyes towards him, so you could leave more calmly and not having people wonder where the silent girl would go.

He just wouldn't imagine that one day, the only thing he wanted to keep hidden, would be the same one that would make you finally grace him with your sweet voice.

︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨♡୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶

"Hey there Melissa, looking good as always, aren't we?"

Eddie said, pointing two finger guns towards the old librarian, who only pointed to the 'Keep your voice down' sign and kept doing her work. Kind as always, aren't we? he thought to himself.

Turning around one of the library corners and holding his papers and pens, Eddie eyes went looking table from table, trying to search one that was far away and unoccupied. Only that he stopped dead on his tracks at the sight of you, sitting alone on one of the tables near the window, with the sun reaching down on you and making you glow on his vision.

It took him an big amount of prep talk – thirty seconds of him saying to himself that he could do this, that it was as easy as traumatize children that thought that they finally killed his villain on a campaign only for him to return with nothing but a missing eye – to get close to your table. He wondered if this would annoy you, since there was a big amount of empty tables around yourself, since no one visited the library after classes ended.

Deciding to shut off his thoughts before they made him run away in anxiety, Eddie approached you and tried to think about ways to talk to you on his most calm demeanor, not wanting to make you feel like a cornered animal caught by their predator.

Sensing eyes on you, you looked upwards to find a guy staring at you with big puppy eyes. Your brows furrowed, and you noticed that this guy was in the same class as you were, and it was also the metalhead that repeated senior year for two years in a row. Was that really Eddie Munson in a library?

As if he was finally getting out of a trance, Eddie finally saw that you had noticed his presence before he was able to think of something to say.

"Ah, hey! I didn't notice you were starin- I mean, I was staring. Like, you weren't staring, I was totally staring, unless you think this is creepy because then I was totally NOT staring"

Facepalming himself mentally, Eddie decided that maybe the girls didn't find him creepy because of his style, but because he couldn't control his mouth to shut up when it was necessary. That seemed like a more reasonable theory after what just happened.

With a little smile that made Eddie's heart flutter inside his chest, you gave him a little wave. He decided that the first smile you gave him was his best memory from now on.

"So, can I sit here?" You only gave him a fast nod, that did not quite match the rate his heart was beating right now.

"Y/N, right?" He scolded himself at how creepy he sounded knowing your name out of nowhere "I mean, I guess?"

"Yes, I'm Y/N. You must be Eddie, right?"

In that moment, Eddie felt that he was on Cloud 9. No weed could ever bring him the peace that your voice gave him – which when he thought back, was a weird thing to compare with a pretty girl –. He finally had his dream of hearing your voice, which was there for almost two years, come true. Right now, he decided he could never let you shut up near his presence, either by hearing you laughing or talking, he needed to have your voice on his life from now on.

"Y-yeah, totally me. Unless you think I'm a freak. Because then that's not me"

You put your book down, with the pages still open, and Eddie took this as a sign that he should do his best to distract you from going back to the pages that were marked.

"I don't think you are a freak"

"Then I'm Eddie, that's me" He gave you a smile, which you reciprocated. Was he having a heart attack? A stroke? Did he had butterflies for lunch? Or was this the feeling he would have everytime you smiled near him? And oh God, he really had to stop with the weird comparisons.

After a quick moment of silence, he heard your voice again, and hope filled his body thinking that maybe, you didn't wanted your little chat with him to end so abruptly.

"I didn't think you were one for libraries, Munson"

"You can call me Eddie" He replied, a little too quick "I like to come here to make some new stories for my campaigns"

"Campaigns?"

As he saw your confused face, with brows slightly frowned, he remembered that not everyone was aware of his D&D world.

"As in Dungeons and Dragons campaign?" Noticing that he wasn't ringing any bells, Eddie decided to take his chance to bring his chair closer to your side, ready to explain every detail of his life-long hobbie

Seeing him so ready to explain something that perked his interests made your cheeks feel warm, specially since his attention was all focused on you. Truth to be told, you had noticed the boy that got up on the cafeterias tables every time you were about to leave, and you would linger a few moments to hear more about his bickering with other social groups. His loud voice would reverberate each time through the walls, and his dramatic actions would always make you laugh a little once you were on the corridors.

Turning your attention back on Eddie, you laid your head on your hands, making sure you could hear all the boy was about to say

"So..." This time, you could notice Eddie was slightly more relaxed, since this seemed to be a subject he could talk about for hours, probably due to being so habituated to the game and its terms. "You know what D&D is, right?"

For that, you shook your head yes, since you had actually heard some of the news channel talking about the new wave of players that the game was attracting

"A campaign is basically a set of adventures that are intertwined during the game." Eddie tried to explain to you in the simplest way, not wanting to get your head confused by using some terms that only players would know

"Would I, maybe, be able to get a cute maiden like you to join my adventures this time?" He said, offering his hand towards you. You tried to ignore the goosebumps on your skin at the mention of him finding you cute, instead taking no time in accepting his hand, which felt oddly warm agains yours.

"It would be a honor"

"And for me it would be a honor if you two would finally get away from here. We are closing in ten." You heard the librarian voice reaching you, which made you smile fade immediately.

"Hey, it's not fair, you only want to go watch your soap ope-" Eddie was interrupted by a reprehensible look, which made him immediately shut up.

Deciding that he couldn't lose this chance – and feeling that if he did, he would never gather the courage to talk to you again after being this close –, Eddie decided to throw all away and focus on enjoying the opportunity

"Should we proceed with our affairs on my home?" Eddie says, with a very theatrical voice, trying to make you give him one more smile before the rejection he was sure was coming his way

"I..." you couldn't speak, thinking about what people would think when seeing the goody two-shoes getting on the 'freak' van.

As did Eddie moments ago, you decided to shut off your thoughs and throw your caution out of the windows. For just this once, you felt happy being on someone's side, and you didn't want this to end so soon because of an old lady that couldn't keep the library open for more thirty minutes

"I would love to proceed with our affairs in your home, sir Eddie" you answered, in his same theatrical manners, which earned you a laugh from the boy.

You and Eddie got out of the library side by side, remaining in silent after the little scene you made for the librarian. But as soon as you were out of the lady's ear range, you looked at each other and started laughing.

"She can't see two teenagers getting on well, she hates happines, I'm so sure of this" Eddie kept saying, making your laugh get louder and louder each time. There was something about the way he said that so outraged that you found so funny. His facial expressions were very remarkable, and he couldn't hide his disappointment on the old lady that he treated so well, only to end up betrayed by her.

"She must think we are going to your home to do something..." You pause, approaching his van

"To fuck?"

"Eddie! That's so..."

"Rude, right? I'm sorry, my lady, I will keep my composure in front of you from now on"

You noticed that his smile couldn't hide the fact that he was not sorry at all.

A cold drizzle started to fall, making you both run towards Eddie's car. Still holding hands, which neither of you took notice

Hopping on the passenger seat, you searched for a belt to put around you, noticing that his van was going against everything you thought a man's car would be. He certainly wasn't one of those weirds that treated his car like a person and wouldn't let anyone even eat inside, judging by the amount of dirty there was on the floor.

"I gotta warn you, my place isn't exactly the best thing in Hawkins. Is just a trailer where I live with my uncle-" You interrupted him

"I can't believe I'm not going to a palace" You tried making a joke, which made Eddie turn to you and give him a smile and shake his head

"I know right? I'm such an orc"

That set the atmosphere of the rest of the ride, where he kept informing you about the basics of D&D, always looking towards you to make sure he wouldn't miss any expression you could make.

When finally arriving to his place, he was the first to get out of the car, and before you could even reach towards the door, it was opening with an Eddie on the other side, gesturing for you to get down

"Trying to reedem myself since I don't have fortunes waiting for my lady inside our palace" You felt butterflies on your stomach at the mention of being his. Surprisingly enough, the thought wasn't scaring you.

"It might be working, Eddie" You said, hopping down his van and walking towards his trailer door. You didn't want him to see how your face had responded to him calling you 'his lady'

"As I was saying, I think you should choose your race as an half-elf, because you-" He stopped talking to fumble with his keys and open the door for you "-would have the beauty you have as a human already, plus the grace that both you and elfs share, what you think?" He finished, opening the door for you to get inside

"I... this would be great!"

Ignoring the way your heart skipped a beat because of his words, you decided to get inside his trailer already, not wanting to spend any more time outside in the cold drizzle that was slowing becoming a rain  in Hawkins. Another reason to get inside quickly, was for Eddie to not see the effects his compliments had on you.

"So, ready for the show?"

With open arms, Eddie guided you to his couch, and went quickly to his room to grab some other essential stuff, in his words, to the best thing you would discover in your life. It didn't take him too long to appear with dices, a handbook, and some printed sheets.

Sitting down on your side, he started to explain the way everything worked, and it was mostly easy for you to pay attention to everything. That was, until he decided to lay more relaxed on the couch, and opening his legs, Eddie put his arms behind his head. The action was enough to make your breath get caught in your throat. You could only imagine what sitting on his lap would feel like

Trying to get those thoughts away, with the excuse that this was not usually yourself, you decided to go back to paying attention to his words. The task proved to be difficult when everything you could see was the way his lips moved, with the sound that came out of them being silenced by your head that could only think about how warm he must be. It also didn't help how cold it was getting now that the night was approaching, and how sleepy you were feeling after a more agitated day with Eddie talking the whole time

"Are you paying attention? You have this glassy eyes expression" Eddie asked, coming closer to you and putting his hands on your knees to support himself. He was so excited to talk to you that he forgot how you caught some rain on yourself. It wasn't enough to soak you down, but definitely made your hair a little wet and gave a few wet spots in your clothes

Feeling how hot his hands are didn't helped your case, specially since you were wearing a skirt, which made you feel each part of his hands on you. Looking down at where you two were touching, you focused on how many rings he was wearing, almost all of them with a shape of some form

Thinking that maybe he did it wrong touching you, Eddie went to get his hands away from your skin, already missing the contact, when you put your hands above his and surprised both him and yourself

"Your hands are very warm" You said, holding one of his hands and bringing towards your face. He couldn't control himself, and his fingers started to trace patterns on your cheek, finally feeling how soft your skin truly felt to him.

"Are you feeling cold?" Eddie asked, finally taking notice that your skirt wasn't doing a great job of protecting you of the rain you caught when walking with him "Here, let me take you to my bedroom and there you can cover up and rest a little, how does that sound?"

Eddie thought that this was a bold step, that you would quickly push him off and say what a pervert he was – God knew he had his best intentions at heart, though – and storm off, but you only got up and nodded slowly.

After sitting for so long, only hearing Eddie talk, even if it was the most cool thing you've heard, combined with the cold feeling and how your original plans after getting out of the library was to get under your blankets at home, it did made you sleepy. So the though of finally getting a good rest before going home appealed more to you than the though that maybe Eddie's offer could be take both ways if you were awake enough

"I would love that" was your only answer

You both felt how the atmosphere changed. It was as if eletric bolts were cursing through each other's veins, making you both aware of the tension that was growing between you both. Eddie guided you to his room, and upon entering, he quickly run to discard something that was hanging on his bed frame, and turned back to you

"Welcome to my humble cave, m'lady"

Going straight to his bed and laying on your side, you didn't took much notice of your surroundings, wanting nothing more to cover yourself and finally get rid of the shivering that was taking over your body

Eddie stepped closer, covering you with a blanket that was lying around his bed, and sitting on the opposite side, started to look at you. He could only think how he would never wash his pillowcase again, wanting nothing more than to keep your scent for himself. He also took notice of how your hair fell around your head, making you seem like an angel to him.

"Could you..." You started, voice low as if you were scared of being caught saying that "...lay down with me? You could keep talking, your voice relaxes me"

An silent followed your question, and you thought that you had got the signs all wrong, that Eddie wasn't actually reciprocating your feelings, but just being nice.

Truth being told, you did had feelings for the older boy. That was the only reason you lingered for a few moments to watch his little show on the cafeteria, the only reason you started listening to metal bands (even though you felt that the style wasn't for you), and the only reason you were so quick on accept his requests. But maybe, that was only you, so why were you being so eager to feel him by your side and scare him off with your question and then lose the friendship that was building during the last hours?

You only got out of your line of thoughts when you heard the bed cracking on the other side, and felt a presence besides you

"It would be a pleasure. Even though that means that my voice makes you sleepi" you heard Eddie voice saying, feeling the grin on his tone

You could be wrong. He could just be happy to have a new friend, he could maybe just being nice to you, not knowing how to act near a girl, or maybe, and that was your favorite option, just maybe, he reciprocated your feelings

Feeling bold with your new theory, you went as far as you had gone with a boy, asking him one last question before closing your eyes

"Could you hug me, Eddie?"

He felt like the luckiest man alive. How could he deny you anything when you spoke with your soft voice that he wished for years to hear. Eddie knew that the thing he wished the most would end up being his downfall, already accepting that now you held imense power over him

Eddie put his hands around your waist, coming closer to you and daring even to put his head on your neck. You could feel his breath down your skin, making goosebumps appear. You could feel the heat from his hands going straigh to your waist and flowing through your body. You went a little back with your body, pressing yourself further in his hug and relaxing more in his touch

"Thank you, Eddie. You saved me from a very boring day" He heard you saying, your voice muffled on the pillow. He could sense you slowly drifting to sleep, and decided that he should say something before being too late

"Anything for my beautiful lady"

And in that moment, Eddie promised to himself to never let you go out of his reach.

[rooster-the-love-of-my-life]

Two miracles.

The next day was filled with tension. Rooster and Y/N sat as far as possible and didn't dare look at each other. The rest of that gang was hell bent to keep them away. As of now they all were stiing in the debriefing room. Admiral Bates had just finished explaining the basics, that they were attacking an unsanctioned Uranium Plant that threatened NATO.

"Time will be your greatest enemy in this mission. You'll be flying through a cavern to avoid these SAMs. They are lethal. The height limit on the day of the mission will be 100 meters. No higher." Pete Mitchell came on next. He turned to the pilots explaining to them what exactly they were supposed to do. All eyes were on him.

"Then comes the hard part. You'll need to go up and do an inverted climb to hit the the Uranium plant on time. You'll do an inverted dive before going straight." He paused to let the diagram catch up. "Now here is where we need two consecutive miracles. Miracle #1 is hitting the uranium plant, now the single plane will launch the bomb, with the second plane providing a laser lock aim. Then the pilot will do a steep climb out. That's Miracle #1." 

"Now, Miracle #2 will be doing that second time. The second duo of planes will deliver the kill shot. And then they will also climb the steep dive out." He finished, as Hangman raised his hand.

Maverick nodded, pointing and motioning towards the hot shot blond. "Sir with a climb that steep you'll be pulling like 7 to 8 g's." He spoke.

"10. Minimum." The captin responded before continuing. "And right after you pass the climb, These SAMs will instantly be on you." He motioned.

"Assuming we even survive the climb, those SAM's will take out all of our defensive missiles. It'll be a dogfight all the way home." Rooster said from the back of the class.

"Excatly."

"Is this mission even possible sir?" Question Phoenix.

"It is. And that's waht I'm gonna teach you." Maverick replied. "I want Phoenix and Bob to go first, with Sparrow."

Upon hearing the orders, they all got up from their places and started getting ready for the filght. While Y/N was walking up to her plane, the voice of her father called from behind.

"Y/N. Y/N." She stopped in her tracks and truend around to see him. "Be safe okay."

"I always am." She answered.

"Good." He replied. "Now about yesterday-"

Y/N cut him off "Whatever happened happened. Let's not dwell on it."

"You should be glad that he didn't press charges or you would have been dishonorablely discharged."

"Well that would have been for the best." Grumbled Y/N.

"No, it wouldn't have." Maverick now started to get a little angry. "I need you on my team. I need you with me. Now go out there and be careful. I don't want to lose you."

To this Y/N just nodded and went her way. Soon her, Phoenix and Bob were in the air. Navigating the cavern was harder than they expected. All the power they had was not enough for this.

The force of gravity was too much for them to handle and flying so low was making it even harder.

"Come on guys, we're 20 seconds behind schedule." Said Bob.

"We gotta picknup the speed Sparrow." Phoenix said.

"Alright." Repkied Sparrow, doing as she was told . What she didn't anticipate was the turn she almost crashed into. Because of that she had to stop making Phoenix and Bob to be killed by going over the solo pilot, leaving them to die.

"Fuck." Y/N screamed over the comms as she remover her mask, flying back to the base.

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

"Why are you dead?"

"We didn't contemplated that turn. We should have waited, it's our fault." Phoenix answered the question of the angry captain.

"Is that want toure going to tell their family at the funeral?" He now turned to his daughter. "I'm sorry sir, ma'am, but it was your daughter's fault. Your son fault."

His voice got louder as he spoke.

"I didn't anticipate the turn." Replied Y/N in a soft voice.

"Why?" Maverick was close shouting. "You were breifed about the terrain, yet you still made silly mistakes. What if it was you who died huh? What do you expect me to believe?"

Sparrow didn't answer. She kept staring at the ground. She had seen this side of her father before, when her mother died. He would have mood swings and would often scold her. She didn't blame him for it though, she understood what she did was wrong and what the consequences of her actions were.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you." Screamed Maverick. Now everyone was at high alert. "Do you not understand how important this is? Not only to you but to me? I've already lost enough people I'm not going to loose you too. Any of you. Hangman, Yale Coyote toure next."

With that he was off, with the three guys hot on his tail. The people left were all staring at Y/N. Bon slowly got up from his seat and sat on the empty one nex to her.

"Are you okay?" He asked softly.

"I'm fine Bob Bob." She said patting his cheeks. "Nothing I can't handle." After saying that she fot up and went to the hall.

The last person you'd ever expect followed her. He was walking behind her, trying to catch up. When he got closer he started saying her name. Upon hearing she stopped dead in her tracks. Turning around she found no one otherwise than Rooster.

"Are you okay?" He said catching up to her and standing directly in front of her.

"Yes. Why do care all if a sudden?" She questioned, shifting her weight to another leg.

"I know how you get when Maverick does that." He said looking down at the floor. "I was just worried."

"You don't need to be." She replied.

"Can you just except the fact that someone might just be worried about you?" Rooster asked annoyed.

"No." She answered quickly.

"God, you haven't changed at all." Rooster said while shaking his head.

Y/N just nodded. They stood in awkward silence for a few moments when Y/N said "I'm sorry for yesterday."

"It's okay. I was out of line."

"I shouldn't have hit you."

"It's good to have a reality check once in a while." Rooster replied nonchalantly.

"Glad to be of service." Y/N fake slauted, to which Rooster chuckled. With that she started walking again.

"Where you going?" Rooster called from behind.

"The ladies room. You wanna pester me there as well?"

"Nope."

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

The same exercise went on for.a few days. Everyone would go up in the air and would fail to finish the mission. The only one who had done it by now was rooster, but he was a minute late.

"He's the only one whos finished the mission till now." Said Phoenix.

"Yeah a minute later. He gave time to the enemy's SAM'S to intersept him on his way out. He is dead." Maverick said.

"You don't know that." Retaliated Rooster.

"You not flying fast enough." Commented Hangman. "You don't have a minute to waste."

"We made it to the target."

"And superior enemy aircraft interspersed you on your way out." Maverick said again.

"Then it's a dog fight." Rooster replied.

"Against 5th generation fighters?"

"Yeah. We stand a chance."

"In an F-18?"

"It's nit the place sir its the pilot."

"Excatly." Maverick said loudly.

"There is more than on way for this mission to be flown."

"You don't get it do you?" Butted Hangman. "On this mission a man Flys like Maverick here, or a man dosent come back." He then nods toward Sparrow and Phoenix. "No offense intended."

"Yet you always manage." Bob replied.

"I get it." Hangman continues. "You're conservative. But we're going on a highly dangerous mission son. No living pilot has ever seen anything like that. Not even him. It not time to be dwelling at the past."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Rooster asked.

"Don't tell me I'm the only one who knows that Maverick flew with his old man. And that he was in the plane when his old man-"

Before he could finish thw sentence, Rooster was on him. Upon seeing this everyone got up as well. Payback, Fanboy and Yale were holding Hangman back while Bob and Sparrow was hoping Rooster back.

"Hey Rooster that enough." Siad Bob.

"Im cool. I'm cool." Hangman said and walked out if the room.

"You're all dismissed." Sighed Maverick as everyone left. Everyone except Rooster and Maverick.

Taglist:

@4margaritasalex @futurecorps3 @thisisgracetrying @clairejpg @fangirlinc @airhogger @ashewontcare @jonginvlog

A/N: this is a shorter chapter compared to tbw other ones. Thank you sooooooo much for liking my story. It means the world to me. Taglist and requests are open. Love ya!!!

[marvel-m-lee]

Here's a prompt: Camilo was tickled very often by Pepa and Felix but as he grew up he thought it was embarrassing (teenagers... deep down he still liked) so as teen he refused to admit he was even ticklish until his parents decides to give him a sweet tickle attack. sorry about my english :/

Are you t!cklish? No- that's childish-

Words:4472

Fandom: encanto

Summary: *prompt* Camilo thinks being t!cklish is childish and enjoying it it even wirse- his parents show him otherwise though...

Warnings: angst-t!ckling, the tword has also been banned so I censor it now x

A/N: HELLO. I've been sick all day with a headache and this was the only thing keeping me going- I wrote another one like this too but with Mira and Bruno, so hmu if yall wanna see it??

Also this is MUCH longer than expected- like way longer- but I love it so much 🥲

Also your English is great! I don't believe you mare any mistakes in the prompt! <33 hopefully you emjoy this or its at least similar to the idea haha :D

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

It was a normal day in the Encanto, Camilo was going round, making everyone smile, laugh, and teasing his family, winding his siblings and cousins up the wall as per usual.

Everything was great... until just around tea time.

Camilo was the playful cousin. That was it. He was followed up by Mirabel and recently Isabela in his antics, no matter how childish or silly they seem, as long as they made his family and village happy and brought a smile to someone's face, he didn't care. Though there was one thing Camilo tried to stay away from-

T!ckling.

Why you may be asking? Well, when Camilo was younger, he would love the activity; it wouldn't be rare to hear a squealing Camilo somewhere in the house. He would usually go round and cause mischief, earning him the said t!ckles, and go round in that circle. Many of the adults had realized the boy enjoyed the activity so they would find any way to get him, give it a ball left outside or a sock on the floor, they would give the boy any reason to be wrecked into a giggly puddle on the floor.

Camilo would love every bit of it. Then his tio Bruno left... After that, he was still t!ckled sure, but it became rare enough that by the age of 10 and his younger brother Antonio being born, he never received any t!ckles, unless it was from his elder sister or Isabela- even so, it would only be a poke to the side at most.

By the age of 15 though, Camilo still seemed to enjoy the activity. Some days he'd just wake up, craving t!ckles for no exact reason other than waking up! It's like this secret joy taunted him because deep down, he also thought everyone had stopped because it was childish. If they knew he enjoyed it, why would they stop? He could never think of any other reason other than how everyone must have looked down upon him or how it was childish and embarrassing.

So he buried it deep inside him, whenever the activity arose he would always try to stay away or avoid it somehow, and if the dreaded question ever came up he would shrug and say no, then leave, not being able to stand a minute more in case he would be looked down upon again.

He wanted to make people smile. Not think he was a little kid.

It all came tumbling down right before dinner. Camilo was walking to his room after coming back from the town. He'd seen some kids a bit younger than him running around and chasing each other, then tag teaming and t!ckling one of them to the ground. That scene sent Camilo into a whole other mood and he needed to calm down in his room. 

On the way, though, he bumped into his tio Bruno and Mirabel. The two were chatting about something and Camilo was so focused up in his mind that they all walked into each other.

"Woah, hey Camilo!" Mirabel said, smiling at her primo who seemed to be in a weird daze after the bump. 

"h-hey? Hey Mirabel, Hey Tio Bruno" The chameleon didn't make eye contact but he still said hello, trying to not act suspicious or too weird, even though he couldn't help it.

"You okay Camilo?" Bruno asked, realising the boy seemed to be a little out of it. Camilo shook his head, as though trying to rid the thoughts that threatened his mind. 

"hmm? Yeah- no, yeah. You okay Bruno?"

Bruno tilted his head a little, both he and Mirabel sensing something was up but not wanting to upset him further. "Yeah... if anythings wrong, you can talk to us" Bruno explained, smiling a little at his nephew. Mirabel nodded agreeing with Bruno.

Camilo still made no attempt at eye contact, knowing his face would flush the minute he did. He just nodded and rubbed his neck awkwardly. "Yep... Thanks Tio, Thanks Prima- can i- Can I just get through please?" Camilo asked, jestering to his room.

Bruno turned around to see where Camilo had pointed, "Oh! yeah! sorry Camilo,  here" Bruno span back around and turned slightly so the boy could walk between Mirabel and he.

"Thahanks- AH" Camilo couldn't help but laugh nervously as he walked through, then feeling a poke at his side from his prima to get a smile on his face. Camilo jumped back and blushed, covering his mouth from the yell he'd given out.

"Uh...? Are you okay Camilo?" Bruno asked, looking at the boy who was horrific looking at a grinning Mirabel. Camilo quickly shook his head between the two, then avoided looking at them all together and tried to compose himself, shaking his head.

"Uh- Yeah! Yeah, Its fine-"

"T!cklish~" Mirabel wiggled some finger at him, making him roll his eyes and try to hide a whine as he began to hate the situation.

"noho- no." Camilo couldn't help the quick response or the nervous giggle within it. 

Bruno looked surprisingly between the two and smiled at his nephew, quickly remembering how when he was younger he would love the activity. "Oh yeah, like when you were younger and loved it! Are you still that t!cklish?" Bruno asked, not meaning to fluster the boy any more than he already was. Camilo looked away once more covering his face with a hand as he pretended to look annoyed- though he secretly was hiding his blushing red face.

"Ugh- No. Im not- its so babish" Camilo groaned. 

"T!cklings not babish! Tio Bruno's 50 and look" Mirabel begin to poke Bruno's sides and he jumped back, giggling and laughing, gently swatting his neices hand.

"Nohoht right nohow Mirahabel!" Mirabel stopped with a smirk but still turned to Camilo.

"It's okay to be t!cklish primo" she encouraged, trying to make the boy feel better, though the whole topic was sending him to hell.

"Y-yeah- I know- obviously it's fine. I'm just not-"

"Not what exactly?" Camilo jumped out of his skin when he saw his mother walking out of her and his father's room, Dolores too surprisingly.

"I- uh- nothing mami" Camilo had accidently made eye contact with his parents, showing his blushing and embarrassed face.

"Camilo's said he isn't t!cklish" Dolores explained, oh how quickly he cursed her gift once more.

"No- well- yeah- I'm not. It's dumb- I just wanna go to my room please?" Camilo stuttered and whined, looking over to his room.

Why was this becoming such a big thing? Why couldn't he just go to his room and calm down? Why did he have to be like this?

"It's not dumb hijo, its perfectly normal" Felix explained, wanting to reassure his teenage son.

"Yeah, anyway Camilo, you used to love it when you were younger" Pepa explained, quickly remembering her son who loved t!ckles.

Camilo grunted, why did they all suddenly care now? Why remember now? He had mixed feelings about the whole ordeal.

"Yeah- and that was like almost a decade ago. I've grown up since then, matured-"

"Pfft" Dolores couldn't hold back her snicker, she walked over and began poking her brothers side, knowing fully well he was still just as t!cklish as he was ten years ago.

"Hehey!" Camilo jumped back, his face blushed as he almost bumped into Bruno again.

"L-leave off- I'm not t!cklish!" Camilo slightly yelled, feeling embarrassed- yet something within him seemed happy? Excited almost?

"You're not t!cklish?" Pepa asked, raising an eyebrow at her son as Dolores let off with a sweet smile, knowing exactly what would go down now.

Camilo was a mischievous kid. He was cheeky, playful, dramatic; and where did he get this? His parents.

Pepa and Felix were both pretty playful people, even when they were younger they would be the out going ones! It wasn't a surprise one of their kids would take their playful and teasing traits.

Camilo trued to hold back his nervous giggles and blushing face, groaning at the whole situation.

When he was younger, his parents were ruthless. He loved it, but right now he just wanted to yell or hide or anything so he didn't have to feel so trapped and flustered. It was so dumb. He hated how he wanted to run, yet also hated how his mind seemed to slowly be travelling to cloud 9. Why why why!?

"Camilo, you used to love being t!ckled! What changed?" Felix asked, slightly teasing the boy as he wiggled a finger at him. Camilo ran a hand through his hair and groaned, trying to seem confident but failing as his voice cracked.

"N-nothing- I grew up and now I just- I just wanna get to my room! So please, please move?" Oh yes. Very confident. Zero eye contact, voice breaking, asking rather than demanding, MANNERS.

"Nothing changed?" Bruno asked, rather blunt as he smiled at his nephew.

Camilo span around, surprisingly close to his uncle as Dplores had made him almost fall onto him previously.

"What?! I- no- I- oh come on! I'm 15, this is so childish and stupid-"

"Camilo, are you embarrassed by t!ckling?" Bruno asked, interrupting his rambling and luckily making him stop before he blurted something he didn't want to.

Camilo stopped and his blush grew by 50%, unable to speak for a second.

"I'm not t!cklish, so why would I?" He asked, a little defensively. Honesty, no one knew who he was trying to convince, everyone had already seen his giggles at a few pokes, his blushing face was a grand tell too.

"Oh really?" Pepa asked, mischief in her voice as she smirked at her son.

"Mami-" Camilo watched as she stepped forward a little, making him step back and walk into Bruno who just held him lightly, feeling as he shook from bubbled up giggles in his throat and butterflies in his tummy.

"Felix, I think we should test this. If Camilo's telling the truth, he wouldn't mind right?" Pepa asked her husband, hand on her hip with a mischievous smile. Her husband had the exact sane look on his face, then turned to Camilo.

"Yeah, surely he shouldn't lie to us?"

Camilo squeaked very quietly, only Bruno and Delores being able to hear it. The two let out little giggles and a chuckle as Camilo was almost frozen. Bruno wasn't holding him tight, just hands on his arms so he had a chance to escape.

Camilo's body wouldn't move though. His mind raced and raced with thoughts about how dumb it was and how he needed to escape, but he also wanted it- it had been so long and maybe it was okay? He was childish all the time right? But then again, this is something he shouldn't enjoy, he should be embarrassed right?

Wrong.

Pepa teasingly wiggled her fingers at her son and smirked as she crouched forwards a little towards her son.

"Wahait- mami-" camilo couldn't help the tiny giggles that slipped through his mouth, hands up slightly as he tried to look away and hide his blushing face but couldn't.

"T!ckle t!ckle Camilo~" Mirabel teased from the sidelines, now standing with Dolores as the two watched the scene unfold.

Camilo grunted at his cousin but yelped as hands attatched themselves to his sides and belly, beginning to t!ckle around his belly button and sides.

"WAiAhait! Wahait mAmI!" Camilo jumped backwards into Bruno who just kept camilo there, lightly holding him as he fell backwards into him. Pepa had began to attack his torso, poking and spidering, or just casual t!ckle squeezing his sides.

Felix smirked, hands on his hips as he watched the scene, "Camilo? What's wrong? T!cklish?" He teased, unable to hide the shit eating grin on his face.

"Nohoho! NO NO-" Camilo hadn't even seen where his dad had walked up and began to help his wife, both taking a side each as each of their ten digits danced around a side each, sending Camilo into hystericals.

"EEE PfFt pLEASE-" Camilo couldn't seem to say stop, just laughing himself silly. It had been years since someone had done this to him, and he wasn't complaining anymore, though he kept up his little "I'm not t!cklish" act.

Camilo didn't even try to stop them yet, just hugging himself above their hands and laughing with blush filling his whole face. Freely letting them do as they pleased.

"Aw, Amor are you t!cklish?" Pepa awed, continuing to t!ckle her son and take a hand to the side of his neck. This made adorable giggles spill from his mouth, hunching up his shoulders to make it stop.

He couldn't handle it all, his mind splitting a couple times. This wasn't even half of what they used to do to wreck him, yet he was already squeezing his eyes shut and hugging himself.

It isn't possible to get more t!cklish is it?

"Nahaha ehehehe mami mami- papi-" Felix slowed down for a second to appreciate their sons adorable, child-like giggles, but said giggles only empowered his mum to continue her assault, moving around to the back of his neck to make him squeal slightly.

"Camilo, what's wrong? You're wiggling around so much!" Felix joined in again, attacking one of the boys hips and continuing his assault on his belly.

This really made a movement for Camilo, he doubled over, now covering his torso and hiding his neck, lifting up a arm where Pepa had stopped t!ckling his side to rub the neck t!ckles away.

T!ckling did something to your mind, because obviously this was a terrible mistake.

Bruno wrapped his arms around Camilo's torso, trying to keep him from falling over but accidentally making the boy laugh harder as he expected more t!ckles from the movement.

Camilo almost fell to the ground again when his papa attacked his ribcage, skittering his fingers all over one side. Camilo try to lean away but never tried to actually escape, emjoying the moment with his parents.

"EEE PFF WAHAHIT wAhAhHHaIt!" Camilo laugh was now his casual belly laughter, laughing as his dad wrecked his ribcage and squeezing his eyes shut even tighter.

"DAD- PAPI-" Camilo couldn't talk yet, letting his laughter light up the area.

"Yeah Camilo?" His dad answered, as though nothing was going on and began to squeeze the back of Camilo's ribs, causing him to jolt up and open himself up, trying to protect himself, though it was very difficult as his mother decided to play music on his ribcage.

"Felix, look! This one makes music" Pepa teased, treating her son as a toddler again, teasing him abd pretending. She began to poke different ribs and "play music" as she called it. Felix deciding to wreck his side abd ribs once more.

"OkAY OKAY! You WIHIHIN!" Camilo began to fight back mow, very lightly of course, holding his parents  wrists with a hand each.

The two stopped instantly, giving their son some breathing and regain a little sanity; but they weren't done yet. They only stopped to look at each other as they realised the position they were in.

"Camilo, I think your t!cklish-" Bruno slightly whispered, well, he tried too, but was rather loud making everyone laugh and Camilo cringe.

"No no, our test isn't complete yet" Felix teased, smirking at his wife. Camilo looked up at the two with horror in his eyes, well- joy- but still. He couldn't believe they weren't done?! Not that a part of him wanted them to be.

"Waiaiahat- nohoho-" Camilo couldn't hold back his giggling, where else were they gonna go? How badly were they gonna wreck him? Sure so far they hadn't killed him, but he surrendered?- Well not really but still! 

The two quickly shot their hands into the boys armpits, making him jump and almost knock over Bruno. He squealed and slammed his arms down, shaking his head as a smile quickly carved its way onto his mouth.

"Told you he was t!cklish" Dolores smirked from a far wotb Mirabel, watching as he threw his head back and squeaked, kicking out beneath him.

"SHUHUT UPPP DOLOREHEJES" Camilo swapped between light giggling and loud hearty laughter, desperately trying to escape now but unable to because his mind just faded with an escape plan, just standing there and taking it as he was above cloud 9, a smile on his face as he tried to do anything and everything.

The boy would throw his head back, kick out his legs- though just tio was pretty strong- try to scrunch up, he even did that tiny nose scrunch to hide his face. At one point he had his arms down and forearms up, trying to hide his face as giggles slipped through his hands. His sides would try to swivel and swerve but no matter what he could still feal the t!ckling fingers under his arms.

One hand each up his armpits, each parent had another hand left, both going for rather hellish spots to wreck their boy's mind. Pepa would t!ckle the top of Camilo's belly, very gently of course, making giggles spill from his mouth, whilst Felix decided to go for a kill and use his other hand to roughly squeeze the boys hips, making him jump and yell, almost kicking him somehow.

Camilo's brain was completely I'm fractures at this point. He couldn't handle all the different t!ckling in all the different places, making him want to scream, laugh, giggle, yet his mind wouldn't tell them apart so he just died in each. Tears began to spill from his eyes now, doubling over with laughter as he let the t!ckles take over.

There was only one thing Camilo knew for certain. He wanted this. He loved it.

"Camiloooo~" Camilo heard his name, yet the t!ckling didn't crease, "Camilo are you t!cklish?" Camilo couldn't answer, nor wanted too, only shaking his head. Though everyone else thought this wad him indicating a "no".

"Wow? He's still keeping up with the act?" Bruno and Dolores questioned, surprised at it.

"It's because hes secretly loving it" Mirabel joked, wanting to see how far he would go.

"So you're not t!cklish?" Pepa asked, continuing to wreck his armpit and belly.

Camilo began to giggle as he focused on the gentle belly tickles, but squealed when his father squeezed his hip again.

"PLEHAHESSESASEEE" Camilo tried to beg, he needed it to stop, but wanted it to continue. It seemed that was no secret to anyone.

Camilo fell to his knees in an instant, Bruno letting him gently fall rather than collapse. The boy couldn't hold up much longer and continued to squeal and laugh.

"Oh come on hijo, you used to be able to take this for way longer!" Felix teased, moving to gently t!ckle the boys neck.

"THAHAHAT WAS TEHEHEN YEARS AGOOOHOHO Nooooohoho" Camilo really couldn't stand the neck t!ckles, wiggling his head around more.

"Aw, you're adorable Camilo!" Pepa awed,watching as her son erupted into child-like giggles once more, almost hiccuping with sweet laughter.

Camilo was sitting on his knees now, his parents and tio doing the same, he was surrounded by t!ckles and giggles, laughter filling the air.

"Last time Camilo; Are you t!cklish?" His mum asked, trying to sound as though this was a very important issue that they would have to fix.

"MaHAHAmI! StAhAHaP aSKinHihing!" Camilo begged, emjoying the moment but knowing whatever answer he gave would choose his fate.

"Fine mi Amor, but don't blame me for what happens next!" His parents nodded at Bruno who let the kid go, his parents t!ckling him to the ground as Pepa sat on his waist and Felix held up his arms.

They let the t!ckling stopped for a moment, giving their son a breather and a little bit of his sanity back.

Camilo whined with giggles as he let his head fall back, not even realising the position just yet. He had blush all over his face, a smile, and his hair a mess everywhere on the ground and around around his face.

But the boys smile faded as he kept his eyes closed, realising what had happened, what might happen, he couldn't stop the thoughts that convinced him he was weak and childish.

"Mahami- papi- plehease... this is so dumb and embarrassing" He whined, apparently not learning his lesson just yet...

"You're a child Camilo" Pepa sighed with a smile, "everyone's t!cklish, and if you enjoy it, don't be embarrassed" Felix bumped in, smiling at his son.

Camilo needed to be told that, parts of him still not believing it, but he still needed to hear it.

"Anyway, I'm hungry" Pepa teased, looking down at her sons belly and picking up her hands into claws above him.

Quickly Camilo realised the situation and watched as horror, looking to his sister, cousin and uncle for help, but each had a smile or smirk on their face as they waited for the show.

"Mami- mami wahait- we can talk about this? Dinner will be ready soon-" Pepa only shook her head as Camilo began to beg, knowing exactly what was about to happen.

"No no, your belly looks much nicer, and I'm hungry now. You don't mind do you? Seeing as you're not t!cklish?" Pepa teased, going in for the gold as she gently began to lift up his shirt and ruana. Camilo had already started giggling at the air and fabric that glided over his skin.

He looked to his father for support but he had the same shit eating grin, holding the boys arms above his head as he held a hand over the boys death spot, giving his armpit a gentle poke that made him dissolve into laughter.

"Mi vida, do you think he got more t!cklish?!" Felix teased, looking up to his wife as their son continued to laugh beneath them, only having a poke.

Pepa shook her head, "no, no, he can't be, he's not t!cklish!" She teased, poking her sons belly a little, making him wiggle.

"Pleheheaseee"

"Ohhh, yeah- you're right!" Felix teased, t!ckling their sons neck making him hunch up.

"Guhuhuys!"

"Anyway, I'm hungry!"

"Mahami! mahHAMII AH NOHOHO NO NO MAMIIIIIIII" Camilo screamed as his mother quickly pounced, clawing his sides and squeezing as she took a big breath, then blew a massive raspberry on her sons tummy.

"MAMI- NOHO NO YOU WIN YOU WIN PLEASEEE" Camilo lifted his back and flopped around as he yelled, screaming laughter filled the room as his dad stuck his fingers into his armpits and began to t!ckle him silly.

"PAPI- MAMI NO- WAHAIT WAITHHFDKAGAHSHAT" Camilo's words quickly mixed in with his laughter as he was free to thrash around as he was tortured. He squealed and screamed, closing his eyes tightly as tears prickled.

His mother blew another rasberry, gripping his hips and squeezing, turning his laughter silent, his dad swapped hands and he quickly began to twist and trash more.

This continued for what felt like hours. Camilo finally gave up on fighting back, limping and occasionally lifting his back as his mum would blow another rasberry.

He threw his head back, hair everywhere and blush grown way past his ears and down his neck, his smile plastered onto his face and threatened to stick forever as the wonder continued.

Pepa landed a few light kisses on her sons tummy, gently fluttering her fingers over his sides as Felix stopped and t!ckles his neck. Camilo was so done, so worn out, he just sat back as his giggles spilled from his mouth.

"Aw- that was adorable-" Mirabel stated, awing at her primo. Dolores agreed with a smile, Bruno too. Then Julieta called everyone fir dinner, the three left and explained the others might be a couple more minutes.

Felix and Pepa both let off, helping their son sit up with them. Pepa sat on her knees and Felix on a knee, Camilo was still silly with giggles and sat up with a light head. Camilo couldn't hide his happiness, both his parents awing at his adorableness. Felixed ruffled the boys hair with a proud smile.

"See, not so childish or bad is it?"

Camilo didn't answer, though his giggles did fade.

"I mean- I never said it was bad but-"

"Ah, so you do still enjoy it?" Pepa teased, smiling at her eldest son.

Camilo blushed and grunted, not necessarily agreeing but he didn't disagree.

"Why are you so embarrassed about it?" Felix asked, putting a reassuring hand on his sons shoulder.

Camilo was silent for a second but let out a sigh, he was still a little loopy from all the t!ckles so he couldn't think properly and just started talking.

Camilo explained that they knew he liked it when he was younger, but they had stopped after Bruno disappeared and never really did anything again, and after Antonio was born they would never t!ckle him and so he assumed it was something to be ashamed of or that it was only for children so he shouldn't enjoy it. Normally he would be able to shape shift to get rid of something he couldn't cope with, be someone else. But he couldn't with his mind, so he hated that he liked it and and-

He didn't finish though, broken by his parents who both leant in and took their boy in for a hug.

"We're so sorry Camilo" Pepa never wanted to do that, Felix neither. They explained it was okay to enjoy tickling, that it was okay if it was childish, many people young or old still enjoyed it.

The reason they hasn't done it was because they had been under so much stress and after Bruno left, it was just strange because he also used to like it and it reminded Pepa of him.

"We promise to t!ckle you more often" Camilo cringed and blushed at that, though they were trying to be sincere and helped him up.

"Ohokay- that- er- let's just drop it for now" Camilo laughed nervously, cringing at the promise. Felix poked the boys side, sending him jumping through the air.

"Never dropping this" he said, teasing his son yet again.

"Yeah, we should show everyone at dinner how t!cklish you are" Pepa teased, nudging her son.

Camilo put his hands up and blushed, a nervous smile on his face. "NO! Noho- no I'm okay- let's just go-"

Camilo received many more t!ckles after that.

[helloalycia]

worth the wait [two] // daisy johnson

summary: same as the first chapter – it was too long to post in one so this is the remainder of it!

part one | part three | part four | part five | part six | masterlist | wattpad

"What do you think?"

I raised an eyebrow as I poked my head inside the van, glancing around at the cramped space that had stupidly been turned into a living space. There was also, weirdly enough, a computer in the corner which made absolutely no sense.

"I think I have no idea what I'm looking at," I admitted, before looking to an excited Skye beside me. "What is this?"

She bit her lip to contain her grin as she patted the van's door proudly. "This is my new rig."

I almost laughed. "You're kidding."

Her smile lessened. "I'm not."

Now I definitely laughed. "Skye, c'mon, be serious. Whose van is this?"

Her smile disappeared as she clenched her jaw with annoyance. "It's mine. Sorry it isn't fancy enough for you, your majesty."

When I realised she was serious, I lost my smile and looked between the van and her. "Skye, where the hell did you get a van? You can't even drive!"

Clearly holding in her anger, she began to push past me and slide the doors shut. "He said you wouldn't get it," she mumbled to herself, but I heard.

"He?" I questioned with raised eyebrows. "Who the hell is he?"

"Miles," she snapped, stopping moving and looking to me. "Miles is the one who got me the van. He said it was a bad idea to show you and clearly he was right, Y/N. You took one look at it and laughed. He was right."

I smiled tightly, trying not to get worked up at the mention of Skye's new friend. She'd befriended this 'Miles' guy within the past few months and wouldn't stop meeting with him and his friends. He was in the grade above us, but just like her, he'd skip class and do God knows what.

Ever since she'd been hanging around them, she'd been standoffish and distant. She wouldn't contact me as much when she ran away, and she'd been skipping school more often than usual. They were clearly a bad influence on her, but she reassured me she was in control of her own life and knew what she was doing. Being the idiot I am, I fell for her pretty smile and convincing eyes, but this was getting too far now.

"No offence, Skye, but I wouldn't start listening to a guy who can't even make it to class on time," I said to her with a hint of annoyance. "Why do you need a van anyway?"

"Why not?" she countered with her arms crossed. "I thought you'd be happy that I'm finally taking responsibility. Growing up."

My expression softened. "I've never once said that you had to do either of those things."

"You don't need to say it," she mumbled, looking down at her shoes with a frown. "I know you think it. Everyone does."

I stepped forward, resting a hand on her shoulder and finding her eyes with mine. "Where is this coming from? Skye, I have never thought that. All I've ever wanted for you is to be safe and happy. I'm just worried."

She shrugged me off. "Well, now you don't need to be. I've got this."

"You're seventeen, you should be in school studying, not staying in a van," I said tiredly. "You've been missing so much. How are you gonna graduate?"

She avoided my eyes. "That's another thing... I've been thinking and, well, I don't think I want that."

I widened my eyes with disbelief. "What?"

Still avoiding my eyes, she continued, "I don't think I want to graduate."

I was too surprised to find words so quickly. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"How can you not want to graduate?!" I asked suddenly, finding my words. "It's what you do! It's what we all do!"

She met my eyes with apologetic ones. "It's what you do, Y/N. I don't want to be at a place that makes me feel like shit. I can't keep pretending I fit in when I don't."

"This isn't you," I told her sternly. "We were supposed to graduate together. You're not stupid, Skye. I can help you study. You can't just give up."

"I'm not," she said with certainty. "I finally know what I'm doing. That's all."

I squeezed my fists together to contain my frustration. "And what's that?"

"The Rising Tide–"

"For fuck's sake!" I cut her off, before hitting the van door with frustration.

"Miles has taught me a lot!" she defended. "They do a lot of good, Y/N! I just want to be apart of something bigger. Something that can help me help others. And something that can help me find my family. My real family."

I clenched my jaw, knowing I was too late in convincing her otherwise. Whatever Miles and the others had told her about their stupid hacking group had worked – she was dropping out of high school and there was nothing I could do to stop her.

"You're gonna be going to university and we both know I can't afford it," she said gently. "We couldn't stay together forever, Y/N. And my foster family definitely don't care what happens to me. I don't fit in anywhere."

I looked to her with glassy eyes. "You fit in with me. You always have."

She pursed her lips as she stayed quiet.

"I'm sorry I didn't make that clear enough," I added bitterly.

"That's not it and you know it," she muttered, shaking her head. "I have to do this. I have to figure myself out. Alone."

I felt stupid for letting her do everything she did leading up to this point. If I had just tried a little harder, maybe things could have been different.

"You're not alone though, are you?" I asked rhetorically. "You've got your new pals at the Rising Tide. It's their damn fault you're doing all this."

"They're not as bad as you think!"

"You've changed because of them!" I argued back. "They created a barrier between you and I. It's because of them that you've... that you've..."

"What?" she snapped, glaring at me. "That I'm finally thinking for myself?!"

I swallowed the lump in my throat and straightened up. "Forget it, just– forget it. I've got a midterm to study for."

She snickered harshly. "Of course. Don't want me slowing you down."

I stayed quiet and turned around to leave. I couldn't see past my anger as I left her with her stupid van. 

Of course, the two of us had been friends for a lot longer than that silly argument, so I was quick to realise how much I actually cared about her and her life, and wanted to apologise for how harsh and unsupportive I sounded.

The next day after school, I decided to head over to her foster family's place to hopefully talk to her. I'd had enough time to think about it and knew I was a lot more levelheaded now that I'd had some space.

I knocked on the front door and waited before an older blonde woman answered. I recognised her as Skye's foster mum, Sally.

"Hi, Mrs Collins," I greeted with a smile. "I'm looking for–”

"Mary doesn't live here anymore," Sally cut me off instantly, surprising me.

I had almost forgotten that Skye's foster family knew her as the name she was given by her orphanage – Mary Sue Poots.

"She doesn't?" I asked with confusion. "But I thought–"

"Goodbye, Miss Y/L/N," Sally interrupted, before slamming the door in my face.

I blinked with confusion before turning around and walking down the steps. It had been a while since I last visited Skye at home. In fact, she made sure I never visited her at home. I guess now I knew why. But then where the hell was she living?

As I walked around the neighbourhood trying to think about where Skye could be, I saw a familiar van parked up on the side of the street and put the pieces together.

Guiltily, I approached the van and sucked up a deep breath before knocking on the side. It didn't take long for the door to slide open and reveal Skye herself.

"Hey," I said quietly, noticing her surprised expression. "Can we talk?"

She licked her lips nervously and nodded, before moving to the side to let me in. I climbed inside and watched as she shut the door before settling on the seat in front of me. I looked around and realised the little details I hadn't noticed yesterday. The little things that made this place Skye's and nobody else's.

"I'd offer you a drink, but I don't have any," she joked to lighten the mood, and I couldn't help but crack a small smile.

I breathed out before meeting her eyes. "Skye, I'm really sorry about yesterday. I shouldn't have reacted like that. If I had known that this was your home, I–"

"You didn't know," she said, shaking her head with embarrassment. "I didn't want you to know. It's my fault."

I pursed my lips, watching as she looked away with pink cheeks. It hurt me to know that she was embarrassed when I didn't care about any of this, I just cared about her.

"I want you to know that I respect your decision to join the Rising Tide," I said gently, making her look up. "If it's what you want, you should go for it."

"It is," she said with certainty.

I chewed on the inside of my mouth before asking, "Is there no way you can finish high school though? Graduate with me?"

She shook her head. "I don't want to, Y/N."

"But that's the bare minimum," I pleaded. "Hacking isn't a lifestyle. You need to work, too, and I can promise you that most places won't look to hire a high school dropout."

She leaned back in her seat and shrugged nervously. "Miles isn't graduating either. And he's got some friends who haven't graduated. They're all doing fine."

I looked down and pinched the bridge of my nose to contain my frustration. I promised myself I wouldn't argue with her, but the mention of her other friends was like a trigger.

"What now?" she asked with annoyance, realising I was annoyed. "You clearly have something to say about them."

"It doesn't matter," I said, biting my tongue.

"Sure it doesn't," she played along.

"It doesn't," I agreed.

"Yeah, and the Hulk isn't bright green," she said sarcastically.

I looked up and glared at her. She stared back challengingly, practically daring me to speak. So, I did.

"Your new hacker friends are the reason you're making these choices," I told her straight. "They're the reason you're making a huge mistake. The reason you're dropping out. And for what? So you can hack like them?"

She rolled her eyes. "I know you look down on us, but we're more than that."

"Skye, I don't give a shit about them!" I shouted without meaning to. "I only care about you!"

"Then stop talking crap about my friends!" she returned angrily.

"Why do you care about them so much?!"

"They gave me a place to stay when I had nowhere! They made me feel like I belonged!"

I frowned, anger replacing with hurt. "I always offered you a place to stay. I only ever wanted you to be safe. You never needed to be different with me. You belonged. Always."

She swallowed hard and looked away from me ashamedly. "Well it doesn't matter anymore. I'm leaving."

I breathed out deeply. "School? Our town? Leaving what?"

"All of it," she said quietly. "I don't expect you to understand."

I looked down to my fumbling hands, a tear slipping from my eye. I had never felt so angry at someone before in my life. She was treating me like I was a stranger, as if I wasn't somebody who knew her inside out. She was treating me like she treated everyone else except her new friends. And I couldn't deal with it anymore.

"Fine," I said, before moving to open the door. I jumped out her van and didn't spare her a glance as I said, "Have fun with the rest of your life. Sorry I didn't care enough."

She didn't say anything and I didn't expect her to. With a broken heart and headache, I left and didn't bother turning back.

—

"What do you mean she's run away?"

"I'm sorry, Y/N," Mr Lock said apologetically. "Her foster family got the note this morning. They're doing what they can to find her. She always turns up, you know that."

I knew her family didn't care if she was gone or not, so I knew Skye definitely wouldn't be found. Unlike usual, Skye hadn't contacted me before leaving, so something told me she wouldn't be turning up.

Our argument was over a week ago and I hadn't seen her since. It had been eating away at me the way we'd left things, but I couldn't find it in myself to face her. I had no idea what to say anyway. And I wasn't sure when she was planning on leaving, so I didn't think it was important right now. Clearly, I was wrong.

"I just thought you should know," Mr Lock said with a nod. "The police will come by soon to get a statement from you."

As usual. Except this time, I actually had no idea where she was.

I nodded, my mouth going dry. "Thank you... can I go now?"

He nodded hesitantly. "Of course."

I left his office and headed straight outside behind the bleachers where nobody could hear or see me. The first thing I did was try to ring Skye, but there was no answer and no way to leave a voicemail. I tried several times, hoping she'd pick up, but she didn't. And that's when I remembered the burner phone.

Immediately pulling it out, I turned it on and saw the message from her appear on my screen. I was quick to open it, my heart racing like it did every time she ran away. I knew she wasn't coming back this time though.

Hey, Y/N. I know you probably hate me, but I felt like I owed you this. I said I was leaving and I have. I can't tell you where. And I'm not good at goodbyes. I've had too many of them and I couldn't bring myself to say it to you. I'm sorry I pushed you away. I never wanted to, but I guess some things are inevitable, huh? I've managed to do it all my life, this isn't any different. I'm just sorry if I hurt you in the process. Anyway, this is pretty long and I don't even know if you read it, but yeah. I'm sorry. I wish things could have been different.

The text ended there and I found myself rereading it to myself over and over, her words imprinted in my mind. I knew we'd argued and exchanged hurtful words, but I never in a million years thought she'd leave without saying goodbye. I thought I meant more to her than this. But no. I was just another foster family she ran away from. And I wasn't so sure I'd see her again.

[justrandomselfships]

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

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

~~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~⏳

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

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

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

"Hey there cutie, are you okay?"

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

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

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

"I see..."

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

Wait... Oh no.

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

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

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

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

"Heather?"

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

"Oh-uhm... Greetings Capitan Kaeya"

"Lisa informed me that you were looking for me"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I'm not so sure about that part"

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

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

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

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

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

"What are you sorry for?"

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

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

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

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

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

[thinknicht]

Sakura raises her hand before the tenth question🤯

Sakura stared at the back of Naruto’s head and  thought furiously. She felt her heart reaching out to him. He was so determined, so very set on becoming Hokage, on reaching his silly dream… it broke Sakura’s heart to think that he might never be able to keep dreaming if he failed this exam. She didn’t want to see that fiery spirit crushed.

Logically, Sakura knew that she had gotten every question right. And Sasuke-kun was probably going to pass as well. But Naruto… there was no way he had answered a single question correctly. This was way above academy level, way beyond Naruto’s capabilities. In fact, Sakura hadn’t seen him write at all!

Her poor teammate. It must be so hard for him – his pride wouldn’t let him give up, but if he didn’t, he would never reach his dreams. The consequences of failing were too dire. Not just for him, but for the entirety of team seven.

Sakura wondered. Should she raise her hand…?

To be honest, quitting now left a bad taste in her mouth, especially as she had done amazing. But  Kakashi-sensei was right. His words of wisdom came back to her. Those who  break the rules are scum, but those who abandon their teammates are worse than scum! She couldn’t be so selfish, not when Naruto might never…

Ahem. She felt terrible. And to think that only a few months ago she’d thought of him as an annoyance rather than a teammate…

She wished so badly that she could help him… the question popped into her mind again. Should she raise her hand to soften the blow for him? The idea of giving up, especially after acing the test left a bitter taste in Sakura’s mouth. But was it really giving up, or was it just a strategic retreat? After all, team seven could still try again next year, when they were more experienced and better prepared to tackle the chunin exams. Sakura recalled her old academy instructor, Iruka-sensei, preaching to her class about patience being a virtue that would help them greatly in their ninja careers. Keeping his advice in mind, Sakura thought, and thought, and thought… and made up her mind.

(Little did she know that this decision would change the course of her entire life.)

She raised her hand.

In a heartbeat, one of the chunin proctors on standby cried out team seven’s assigned numbers, saying they’d been disqualified.

Sakura felt like she was in a dream  as she slowly got up and stumbled toward the door. She saw her rival, Ino, staring at her with clear surprise. She could almost physically feel all eyes in the room trained on her.

As soon as team seven was outside of the testing room, Sakura knew she’d made a mistake. Both of her teammates seemed mad. She tried to explain her thought process, that they could try again when they were better prepared, but it was to no avail. Naruto’s arms were crossed, and she felt like she was talking to a brick wall for all that Sasuke-kun reacted. His eyes were clouded with hate. The only thing about him that was moving was his jaw, which was clenching ominously.

“I have to become strong,” he interrupted her suddenly.

“But Sasuke-kun, you already are!” cried Sakura.

“Stronger,” Sasuke grit out, his eyes filled with condemnation. “You’re worse than the dead-weight, Sakura. Didn’t you hear me? What I have isn’t a dream, it’s an ambition.  You don’t understand. I have to do this. I have to kill that man. I can’t afford to–“ He cut himself off. “You’re wasting my time.” He was giving Sakura a narrow-eyed stare, borderline a sneer, his breaths ragged, and before she could make her excuses, he’d shoved past her brusquely.

“Huh? Huh?” Naruto was looking between them nervously. “Oi, teme! The person you wanted to kill, it’s not me, right?” He wasn’t looking at Sakura. She wasn’t sure whether it was a conscious decision on his part (knowing Naruto, probably not), but it was clear that he was avoiding to look in her general direction. Was he also angry at her?

 …that ungrateful twat!

Sakura could feel her tears building. She couldn’t stomach the thought that both her teammates hated her.

“No,” was all Sasuke said as he walked away.

Naruto was about to follow him, but Sakura clasped his arm. She tried to explain herself:

“Naruto, don’t you see? You’re a baka, you would’ve failed the test for sure, and then you wouldn’t have been able to become hokage anymore!”

He squinted at her moodily. “What are you talking about, Sakura-chan! A stupid test like that wouldn’t have stopped me! Believe it!”

“Hm!” Her throat felt raw. “See if I care, the next time!”

Naruto looked at her for a moment. “Sakura-chan…” He gave her a searching look, but said nothing. They stood there for a moment, awkwardly, until Naruto grimaced sheepishly. Then, he turned around and ran to catch up to Sasuke.

Well, at least he still called her Sakura-chan. She never would’ve thought that hearing it would be a relief. Sakura’s shoulders sagged.

She could practically hear Ino singsonging: "My, my. How the mighty have fallen, hm, Forehead?"

Kakashi found them as they were exiting the building. He didn’t try breaking the ominous silence. It was truly a testament to his laid-back personality that he could manage to read his Icha Icha book in such a tense situation. For once, both Naruto and Sasuke seemed to have set aside their differences to build a joint front against Sakura.

Seemingly unaffected in the least, Kakashi, meandered ahead of them, leading the three genin back to the red bridge where they usually met in the mornings. “So.” He propped his hip against the bridge. “What gives?”

There was an uncomfortable moment of silence.

“We didn’t pass.” Sakura forced herself to break it.

Sasuke scoffed hatefully and Naruto crossed his arms again.

“Ma, ma. You guys are way too uptight about this. I wasn’t expecting you to pass either.”

“Liar!” Naruto shouted.

“We could’ve passed no problem!” Sasuke grit out, staring hatefully at Sakura again.

To be honest, Sakura wasn’t sure he’d looked at her so many times in a row in the entirety of their acquaintance. What did that say about her chances of dating him, she wondered sadly.

“I did expect you to pass the first stage,” Kakashi amended, scratching his head. Sakura noticed with a snap that he’d pocketed his book. “But I didn’t know that your proctor was Morino Ibiki.” His lone eye narrowed.

“Even so, we were about to pass,” Sasuke bit back, “but she ruined it!”

“Yeah! We still hadn’t heard the tenth question!” Naruto chimed in, but Sakura was still stuck on Sasuke's vitriolic words, on his hateful expression as he said them.

(But she ruined it, ruined it, ruined it.)

Did he… did he hate her now?

Sakura could feel moisture start prickling at her eyes. Discretely, she leaned over the bridge, facing in the opposite direction of Kakashi-sensei. Her tears fell unseen into the pretty blue water.

Suddenly, a hand fell upon her head, which she knew instinctively must be Kakashi’s.

“Ma… relax, you two. You’ll do a better job next time, ne?”

“Yeah, no!” Naruto shouted. “I wanna be hokage! I don’t have time to wait around for a year!”

“Neither do I, Kakashi,” Sasuke followed up with narrowed eyes.

“Strength doesn’t equal rank,” Kakashi drawled simply. “Even if you had made chunin (which probably wouldn’t be the case), as genin you will have more time to train. So! Let’s get to that tomorrow. We meet here as usual. Dismissed.”

When no one moved, Kakashi retrieved Icha Icha Paradise from his pouch and stuck his nose in it. This, as far as anyone was concerned, was the universal sign for "bugger off, brats". Still no one had moved (from what Sakura could tell), so Kakashi lazily waved a hand in dismissal and said: "Shoo."

And that seemed to do the trick.

"Shoo! He says! I'll say, when I'm hokage, no one will tell me that!" Sakura could hear Naruto's enraged muttering decrease in volume, along with another pair of footsteps which must be Sasuke's.

That was good. She didn't want them to see her tears. But neither did she want Kakashi to see them, and he had yet to leave. Instead of puffing away as usual, her sensei had remained right there next to her, leaning casually against the bridge as he thumbed trough the worn pages of his trusty novel.

It must be said that, during the course of the entire conversation, Sakura had been fighting to suppress her sobs. It had been a very long time since she'd been so overwhelmed by emotion, and, while she was successful at keeping quiet, her whole body was, though silently, shaking just the tiniest bit. But Kakashi-sensei wouldn't be a jonin worth his salt if he didn't notice such things, so of course, he pretended not to. And was very obvious about it.

“Uh, Sakura-chan…?” He sounded painfully awkward.

Unfortunately, Sakura didn’t think she could talk normally right then. Wisely, she chose not to reply, knowing all the while that she must be making Kakashi really uncomfortable, but unable to do anything about it. She couldn’t stop crying.

“Sakura-chan,” Kakashi tried again. “Come on. I know this nice little tea shop down the road. Let’s go there, ne? Your awesome sensei has free coupons!”

Sakura nodded shakily and followed a few steps behind him, swiping at her eyes.

They walked in silence for a while, but Sakura was starting to calm down. Kakashi-sensei had put a hand on her shoulder and was holding his usual book in the other. Sakura knew that he must be judging her, but at least he wasn’t being mean about it.

They made it to the tea shop.

“My eternal rival!” someone shouted. Sakura ignored the rude person until Kakashi actually replied.

“Yo!” Sakura looked up with surprise. Kakashi-sensei had lifted the hand from her shoulder, presumably to greet three ninja that were sitting on a table at the back.

The one who had shouted was by far the weirdest, with broad features, a bowl cut, eyebrows that resembled turnip leaves and a nose like a potato. The whole ensamble was completed by a bright green spandex outfit. Sakura looked away quickly; she didn’t fancy losing her eyesight. Next to him sat a man who was smoking (Ino pig’s sensei, her mind supplied) and a gorgeous woman with red eyes. Another man whom Sakura hadn’t noticed before was leaning against the wall behind them. He had very creepy round eyes… It was strange. She could've sworn that no one had been there before.

No wonder Kakashi had so many quirks, with weirdos like these as colleagues.

The man in the green spandex rushed forward. “My eternal rival! Had I known you’d come here, I’d have prepared a challenge for us to compete in!”

“Ah, no need, Gai,” said Kakashi. His hand went back to Sakura’s head, ruffling it. “I’m actually here with Sakura-chan…”

Sakura could practically feel the weight of all the adults’ gazes on her. Were they all jonin?! Kami.

Kakashi seemed largely unfazed. “Let’s get some tea.” He strolled toward the counter, ordering tea for the both of them.

“Hatake,” said the old lady in charge. “I swear if you’re planning to pay with those odious coupons again…”

“I suppose if you ask so politely, I can’t refuse.”

He began ruffling trough his pockets, pulling out scrolls, papers, an old key chain with no keys, a mask, a senbon that was encrusted with blood…

The counter was getting progressively more cluttered as Kakashi continued to produce things from his pockets. Sakura was starting to feel keenly embarrassed on his behalf, when finally Kakashi retrieved two crinkled pieces of paper from within a scroll that seemed to be filled with random bills and receipts. With a triumphant swoop, he placed them in the only empty spot on the counter.

“Hatake?” the woman was growling.

“Yes?”

“You’re a real piece of work, you know that?”

“I just like my tea better if it’s free,” Kakashi said with a smile. “It has a special kind of flavour.” He turned toward her. “Let’s get a table, Sakura-chan.” Then, he somehow grabbed everything he’d left laying around on the counter between his arms and ambled over to a table. Sakura was left to carry the tea.

Out of the corner of her eye, Sakura could see that all those weird jonin from earlier were staring at them with thinly veiled interest. The guy in green was giving Kakashi a thumbs up and bobbing his head up and down.

Kakashi turned to glare at them and suddenly they were all very interested in their tea. “So,” he said, giving Sakura an expectant look. “Fill me in?”

And without further fanfare, Sakura did. Her previous embarrassment about Kakashi’s antics had distracted her enough to feel significantly better already, and his nonjudgmental attitude was an added bonus. To be fair, it was freaking annoying that he was sorting trough the mess he’d made while she explained about the exam, but, in retrospect Sakura would've admitted that it made the whole process less tense.

Finally, she was done talking and looked at Kakashi expectantly. He looked very annoyed.

Oh, no! Not him too, thought Sakura mournfully.

But then Kakashi’s annoyance seemed to evaporate momentarily and he smiled instead. “Ma, I’m so proud, Sakura-chan. You’re going to make your sensei cry tears of joy.”

At Sakura’s stumped expression, he added:

“You put your teammates’ interests before yours, Sakura-chan. Naruto’s, specially, and I know you’re not as fond of him as Sasuke.”

Sakura blushed. That was the understatement of the year.

“But sensei… if what I did was right… why did we fail the test? It’s not fair!”

Kakashi’s face adopted the semi serious and annoyed quality it had had earlier. “Mmm… how to put this? Ibiki Morino and I don’t see eye to eye about some things. Let’s just say we have different priorities.”

Sakura frowned. “But sensei…” she took a sip of her warm tea for courage. “Even if he has a different nindo, I should have seen underneath the underneath…” She sighed. “Some ninja I am.”

Kakashi shook his head slightly, then propped his feet on the table and reopened his book. But he wasn’t done talking, apparently: “Sakura-chan. If I were you, I would consider your failure to pass like a job well done. Morino Ibiki is the head of the torture division here…  seeing underneath the underneath is a bit hard with him, wouldn’t you agree? But even then, he shouldn’t have used psychological warfare on you kids like that. Besides, logically, his test has no place in the chunin exams. Being chunin is about being able to work as a team. What he did was purposefully misleading and was encouraging you to put yourself above your teammates. You did good, Sakura-chan.”

“Really?”

"Un. The purpose of the first nine questions was to gather information and pass it on to your teammates if they couldn't, which neither of you did. The only one who came close to being concerned about the team was you, Sakura-chan." Kakashi took a sip of his tea, though, unfortunately, his face was still covered by his book. “Really. If both your teammates performed this badly, that just means they weren’t ready yet.” He grinned. “Besides, I can’t imagine Naruto cheating subtly to save his life.”

Wait. Information gathering? Cheating?! Sakura's eyes opened like saucers as Kakashi's words caught up with her.

“Ch-cheating, sensei?!”

He blinked at Sakura lazily from behind his book. “How else would you complete the test? Didn’t you mention the questions required advanced calculus?”

Sakura pouted. “So we were supposed to cheat?” Once again, she’d failed to think like a ninja. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!

“Ma… at least that’s what I would’ve done. The sharingan’s handy like that.”

“You’re just lazy, sensei. I bet you could’ve solved every single question if you tried.”

“I wouldn’t presume so unless you told me what they are, Sakura-chan.”

And so, Sakura told him about the questions. A few had been about tactics, but mostly they were advanced calculus (for trajectory prediction and such) and one was about disarming a civilian bomb.

“Huh… those chunin went all out,” Kakashi opined when she was done explaining. “Most jonin wouldn’t know this stuff.”

“What about you?”

“Doubting your awesome sensei already, Sakura-chan?” He wiped and imaginary tear from his eye.

“So you can solve them?” That was good, Sakura could check the answers then.

“Maaa. You don't ask a lady her age, nor a jonin his IQ, Sakura-chan. Both will lie anyway." He winked. Okaaaaaay?  "Though I’d still inquire into the others’ responses, just to be safe, ne?”

Or in other words, he would still cheat because he was lazy. But at any rate, Sakura had a request: “So can I run my answers by you? I mean, I know I already failed, but…” Actually, she just wanted to see whether Kakashi knew his shit.

Kakashi slurped his tea. “I suppose your display of teamwork should be properly appreciated.”

“So…?”

“Shoot.”

“Oh, well… um, okay.” Naturally, Sakura had memorised everything about the test as usual, so discussing her answers with Kakashi took no effort on her part (she wrote it all out neatly on a spare napkin). They spent the next fourty or so minutes hashing it all out, and at one point Kakashi even put his book down to stare thoughtfully at the napkin.

It was nice. Sakura felt pretty darn smart right then, discussing complex problems with her sensei like that.

“Looks like you aced it,” Kakashi said at last. “Neat.”

Sakura couldn’t help but preen and fist-pump the air. “Cha! No need to cheat for me!”

“Ah, well…” Kakashi scratched his head. “Not in this case, no. But the real test, I think, was to see how good you were at information gathering and communication, not… uh… The elementary equations of ballistics.” He smiled uneasily. “How did you know this stuff again?”

Sakura blushed. Somehow, his comment made her think of Ino when she called Sakura a nerd. “Um. I just… like to rationalise stuff. And um… I like solving problems.”

“So you studied this in your free time?”

Sakura nodded.

“Well… how should I put this…”

Sakura interrupted him: “Yes, I know. It’s a waste of time and I should’ve spent the time training, not reading books.” She sighed. “It’s just… this is the only thing I’m good at. And not just good, but the best. It felt so nice, to, for once…”

“Sakura-chan, it’s fine. I understand. You know, sometimes we have to practice to get good at something.”

“I know…“ Sakura sighed. Of all things that she could’ve naturally excelled at, test-taking really wouldn’t have been her first pick. She recalled one of Amy’s favourite insults to her when she was little. “I’m such a paper ninja.”

“A paper ninja, huh?” Kakashi said.  “That’s not a bad thing. The only other person I know who could solve this sort of thing at your age used to be an ANBU captain, you know? The youngest we’ve had, I think.”

“Huh?” That actually sounded really cool. “So he was a paper ninja too?” Sakura asked giddily.

“Um…” said Kakashi uncomfortably. “Not exactly.” (Sakura’s shoulders sagged.) “But. He was very good at projectile motion calculations. He applied the knowledge to his own kunai throwing skills, with amazing results.” For some reason, he seemed uncomfortable while talking about the mysterious ANBU captain.

“What could he do?”

“Um, I think what surprised me the most was how he could neutralise various shuriken with a single one of his,” said Kakashi. “The one he threw rebounded off the others, which he used sometimes to deflect, others to attack.”

Sakura’s mouth fell open. “That’s possible?!”

“My thoughts exactly.”

Even theoretically speaking, that would be extremely hard to calculate. Actually pulling it off…

Sakura felt her competitive side stir. Could she do it?

“I see you’re all fired up,” Kakashi commented.

“Um. I guess I’d like to try. At least on a theoretical level.”

“Well, who am I to stop my favorite paper ninja?”

Despite herself, Sakura smiled. “Sensei! Calling someone a paper ninja is rude. You’re so clueless!”

“Mou, Sakura-chan. Calling a seasoned jonin clueless is way worse. Keep it up and you’ll hurt your poor Sensei’s feelings.”

“There’s nothing poor about you,” said Sakura without thinking. “Not with how stingy you are, anyways.”

“Now that’s a compliment!”

Sakura giggled. Huh. Sensei was funny. She hadn’t thought Kakashi’s general weirdness could be funny. Normally she was annoyed at him for being late. But after today, she thought he’d have to be really late for her to get mad.

“Sensei?” She took a final sip of her tea, which was now cold. “Thank you.”

Kakashi sensei smiled, his one visible eye crinkling: it seemed more genuine than usual. “Ma, the tea was free, so don’t worry about it.”

“Wait! I wasn’t thanking you about the tea!” But Kakashi-sensei had already puffed away.

Sakura facepalmed. “Scratch that. Totally clueless.”