#also the turbulence was so bad the girl sitting next to me GRABBED my hand

[abyssaldyke]

Bruh my 2 hr flight took SIX HOURS, four of which were spent literally sitting on the tarmac ama

[thedaveandkimmershow]

Twenty-five years ago, we welcomed a baby girl into our home: Kira Noelle Collison-Ris 

Actually, that was my choice of name that got edged out at the finish line when Kimmer pulled a little emotional blackmail on her way being taken to the delivery room.

So Lindsey Nicole Collison-Ris it was.

Our baby girl.

Those first moments of holding her in our arms and bringing her home with us were events toward which our hopes had been set for many years. There were a lot of obstacles, a lot of challenges and unwelcome plot twists along the way.

So after all that, after she finally appeared into this life with us in the hospital, that was very much the occasion to cry Victory!

And from that beginning all the way through to today .. there was never a dull moment.

Now, to be fair, there weren't any dull moments before Linzy was born. So I suppose you could say she takes after her mom like that. 😉

In these last years, as Linzy launched out on her own, her birthday is an occasion for us to remember the day of her birth and the days leading up to that day and the years leading up to that day.

It's also an occasion to remember once upon a times. As in, once upon a time, the first time I dropped her off at daycare, she was absolutely distraught.

And you know what?

That's as it should be. I am, after all, her father. And separation like that should be traumatic.

And then I remember dropping her off at daycare and she was off like a shot to find her friends. So, abandoned at the front entrance like that, I call out after her

"Goodbye sweetheart, I love you!"

Still running away from me, she waves her hand a few times in the air before disappearing into the next room.

Never even turned around.

Never stopped.

Never looked back.

Oh yeah...

Ouch.

Big ouch.

Turns out that trauma thing was just the one day. That first time.

And she's been on the move ever since.

Oh sure, I can flip through the years as if days were cards in a rolodex and tell you straight up how time flies.

But it doesn't. It doesn't.

That's just a thing we tell ourselves when we look back. When we collapse time into a series of both fortunate and unfortunate events and, thereby, take the seconds and minutes, days and weeks out of time...

Of course it'll seem like it all just flew by.

Even when it didn't.

You see, we lived every second, every minute, every day, every week with Linzy as she grew into this jet engine pursuing her dreams as a musician, composer, performer, sound engineer, and producer.

Getting paid for all that, I might add.

Her life is a jet stream trailing behind her present. Her birthday.

Today.

And for all the adrenalin and turbulence and fear and confidence and uncertainty that taking flight entails, it is a breathtaking experience to watch her take flight. As her parents, I know we encouraged and guided and mentored her through a large portion of her life. We did a lot of things including twisting her arm pretty hard (that was me, my bad) to give her passion more elevation, more power and speed.

But. 

At some point, always at some point, you let go and she's either pedaling on her own or falling off the bike.

That didn't happen, by the way, on that day I taught her to ride a bike. The whole experience wasn't working like I thought it would, not like in the movies, and Linzy was getting pretty frustrated. So I suggested we call it a day and try again later. And then the next thing I know she's got her bike going. It's not pretty at first... but she gets there. Through her own frustration and relentless effort.

Once upon a time.

I was both delighted and impressed as hell. Unlike that once upon a time when she was a toddler who pulled out drawers in the kitchen, used them as steps to get up onto the counter, then grabbed the top edge of the refrigerator from which I found her hanging in an effort to pull herself up to the cookie jar that was sitting atop the refrigerator. Out of her reach.

Or so we thought.

I was both impressed as hell and, well, this did seem like a really good way for a toddler to get seriously hurt.

But yeah. I was impressed as hell.

And I'm still impressed as hell as she moves through her life toward a destination of her own choosing, fitting neatly into a music scene she once didn't even know existed. Or even where her place in it might be.

But she does now. And much like that toddler hanging from our fridge... and that child forcing her bike to ride... she is in relentless pursuit.

Twenty-five years old, man.

Takes your breath away.

😊

[tenkasato]

Inebriated

Scenario: In which one Levi Ackerman wakes up with a massive migraine, a stranger on top of him and with no recollection of what happened the night before.

Pairing: Levi Ackerman x reader

He came to with the ball of warmth snuggling into him. 

The first thing he registered when he opened his eyes was the phenomenal headache that squeezed his skull in a vice. One jerk of his head was enough to send an onslaught of pounding, throbbing pain that blotched his vision with white. Levi resorted to scanning the place with his squinted eyes. To his great relief, he was at home and in his own bed. 

The next thing he noticed was the weight resting on top of him. Blinking, he could make out your sleeping form, your hand balled around his shirt, breath steady and comfortable.

He couldn't see your face. He tried to peer at what you were wearing (or if you were wearing anything at all). You both have your clothes on. Again, much to his relief.

Now, to the most important matter at hand: what the fuck happened last night?

Levi was busy wracking up his hazy memories when you stirred in your sleep. You raised your head to meet him, a lazy smile smeared over your lips. Levi's eyes widened at the sight, his cheeks taking up some heat. 

"Good morning, Levi," came your hoarse voice, "I'll get you some breakfast."

You pushed off of him before he could ask who you were and headed out his room. He trailed after you and found you starting up the fire to boil water, humming an unfamiliar tune as you did so. You paced around the kitchen to grab some eggs, bread and avocados.

Levi looked around his place. Nothing seemed to be amiss. He noticed your clothes hanging by the comfort room, wrung dry but still damp from the looks of it. He hastily tore his eyes from your red underwear and crossed his arms. 

"You're right about your boss," you piped up as you mashed the avocados in a bowl. You were wearing his gray shirt and pajamas, his clothes loosely hugging your figure. "Erwin, was it? Seems to me he's too idealistic to be true. He's probably more human than many make out to be."

He slumped on the chair. He told you about Erwin? 

"And even though you speak like you're annoyed with Hange, it's obvious how fond you are of your superior. And your so-called 'brats'. Goodness, Levi, you sounded like a doting father. You even went with the new recruits to the bar when you hated the crowd and smell."

You checked the eggs, then the toasts before you went on with watering his house plants. A cup for the snake plant. Two puffs of mist for the fittonia. All the while, his mind raced. You spoke with such a familiarity one would’ve had if you’ve known each other for so long. 

You even watered the plants just as how he did. And even prepared his favorite breakfast and tea. How much did he tell you?

Just what the actual fuck happened?

He could vaguely remember drinking some whiskey as he had watched Jean flirt around with a pair of girls at the counter. He could remember telling Eren off when the brat was already flushing beetroot. He could remember Sasha stuffing her face with smoked ham sandwiches, and so on, and so on. Then he remembered.

You had been sitting on one of the stools, looking forlorn with a glass of martini in your hand. The frown on your face, and the harsh light from the dance floor. Your glassy eyes had met his for a flitting second… and… and then—and then what?

He did not have any recollection of talking to you, much more—sharing a passionate night with you. 

“Thank you for making me feel good last night,” you told him, as if reading his thoughts.

Levi’s head snapped to your direction so fast you thought he’d break his neck. You took your seat across him and flashed him a bright smile before pushing the plate of avocado toasts to him. 

“You were so skilled in bringing it out of me,” you chuckled and winked. “Makes me think how experienced you are with women like me.”

Levi imagined pressing his lips against yours, holding your waist to deepen the kiss. He pictured laying you down on his bed, sinking his teeth into the juncture of your neck with you gasping and arching into him. 

He swallowed the lump in his throat, shaking his head to ward off those images. He squirmed on his seat and opted instead to focus on the sunny-side-ups on the toast.  

“Let's do this again next time if you are alright with it,” you continued, eliciting a cough from him. You squeezed his hand, oblivious to his discomfort before sipping some tea. 

“I'm sorry but no,” he rasped. He unevenly met your surprised albeit hurt stare. “I don't engage into that sort of relationship especially since I hardly know you. Look, what happened last night... We were probably both drunk. So I sincerely hope I didn't put anything in your head, because I didn’t intend to.”

Your eyebrows knitted in puzzlement. 

A few seconds passed but you merely gazed up at him. He cleared his throat.

Slowly, you asked, “What did you think happened?”

“What?”

And then, realization set in. Your face adapted a serendipitous grin. 

Oh. Ohhh.

You burst out in laughter.

Levi glared at your outburst. “Oi—”

Covering your mouth, you let out a muffled cry, “Levi, we just talked!”

“What the fuck are you talking about?” he snapped. You laughed harder. “You said that I—you were on top of me. You're wearing my damned clothes, for shit's sake. Stop laughing, damn it.”

You pressed your knuckles over your lips and watched him shift in his seat under your gaze. 

Grinning, you finally said, “Last night, you found me vomiting in the dumpster. I was in a pretty bad shape so you invited me over. You talked to me while I cried. You told me about yourself, your past, your newfound family. I hated my life, Levi. But knowing the things you went through made me feel like I’m never going to be alone in this world. So, thank you for being so kind to a stranger like me.”

“Oh, and I’m wearing your clothes because mine were soiled,” you added and gestured at the said clothing in the bathroom. “I was top of you because I insisted you sleep on your own bed when you suggested sleeping on the couch. Sorry, I’m a turbulent sleeper.”

Levi could only manage to stare at you. His brain short-circuited, and he would rather be dying than swallowing this embarrassment currently rising to his throat. 

He swore he would never go near alcohol again.

“I knew you were drunk,” you said, “but I didn’t think you’d forget everything. So it’s true you can’t hold your liquor.”

“I told you even that?” he asked.

“That everyone thinks you never get drunk because you never look drunk? Yes, you did,” you grinned.

Levi took a scalding sip from his tea.

“When I said let's do it again next time, I was thinking of hanging out properly this time. No drunk slurred speech and vomiting. Well, on my part of course. There's a coffee shop downtown and I thought…” you trailed off, taking his dumbfounded silence as a rejection.

You sighed, rubbing the back of your neck with unease. Perhaps this would be a good time to call a cab and head home. After all, you weren't expecting sober Levi to put up with the amount of mess you have piled on your plate. You realized that he was probably unnerved by your behavior. After all, he didn’t even remember talking to you.

You stood up to grab your coat even though it’s still wet. “I’ll return your clothes and make sure they're washed—” 

“I’m free,” he cut in.

“What?” 

“Coffee tomorrow evening, then?” he asked, twisting around his seat so he was facing you.

Hope rising, you replied, “Yes.”

“Good,” he said. “Give me your number. I’ll pick you up...” 

Levi paused. He didn't even know your name.

You chuckled and told him your name, and he repeated it unsurely.

“See you, then?” 

“At least finish your breakfast,” he grumbled and began eating.

You flashed him a lopsided grin, a gentle yet playful smile that tugged not only your lips but also his heart. 

He would never go near alcohol again, but at least, that foolishness led to something worthwhile.

[anonymousfiction211]

You’re mine

Summary: You and Loki are in a relationship. Loki is quite jelous of Steve. When Steve helps you on a mission, Loki decides you need to be reminded to who you belong.

Word count: 1.979 words

Warnings: Dubious consent

A/N: A little bit shorter than usual. Didn’t have a lot of time this week. Hope you’ll still enjoy it :)

The explosion was unexpected. Rubble was starting to come down, the building next to you was hit. Looking up, you saw the rubble coming at down at high-speed. You were going to get hit. Your movement froze and the only thing you did was staring at the rocks, getting bigger, getting closer. Suddenly a large figure grabbed your waist and pushed you down. It took you a moment to realize it was Steve. He was holding you tightly, his shield protecting the both of you against the falling rocks. He got up and helped you to your feet. “Try to stay sharp! We’re almost done.” he said to you before he ran off.

You looked around for any civilians. There were non left behind. The only person you saw was Loki. He was staring at you from the other side of the street. He looked mad. You started to walk towards him, but he disappeared. You shrugged it off. After a last check to be sure that there weren’t any civilians left, you walked towards the rest of the group. Steve, Thor and Tony were standing in the middle of the road. Building rocks were scattered all around this part of the city, cars were smashed and you could see bullet holes in the structures. Walking towards the group you asked if there was anything you could do. They dismissed you and you walked back to the chopper.

Loki was already there, sitting in one of the seats. When you walked inside the chopper he immediately got up. “Are you hurt?” he asked you. He had a worried look on his face. “I’m fine” you said, “Just some scrapes and bruises, nothing to worry about. You?” He looked you up and down, but didn’t answer your question. His facial expression changed from worried to angry. Here we go.. you thought. “How can you be so stupid? You could have DIED!” he started to yell. “I don’t know what happened, I realized too late what was happening. But I’m fine! Steve was there, everything turned out okay.” you told him in a calm voice, hoping he would also calm down. It didn’t work.

Loki glared at you. “Sure, the super-hero soldier to the rescue. How lucky indeed.” he spat. It wasn’t a secret that Loki was possessive of things, he thought belonged to him. You were one of those things. Since Steve was everything Loki wasn’t, your typical good-guy who always does the right things, Loki was scared of losing you to him. Steve was a bit flirty toward you, which didn’t help at all. Before the fight could escalate further, Steve and Tony walked inside. Loki rolled his eyes and sat back in his seat. You took the seat next to him. “Thor is flying himself back. Oh and (y/n) next time you need a hug, you can just ask. No need to put yourself in danger.” Steve said to you. He winked at you and walked with Tony toward the pilot seats. You could feel the anger radiation off of Loki. “You are not going on any more missions with HIM” Loki hissed at you. “Loki, I’m not interested in him. You are being unreasonable, besides we have no say in which mission we go on.” you whispered back.

“I think you forgot who you belong to” he growled back. “Buckle up guys, the weather will be bad. This will be a bumpy ride home. We should be there in half an hour.” Tony told everybody. He and Steve were chatting, but you were too far away to hear what they were saying. Thankfully, because that meant that they couldn’t hear you and Loki either. Loki grabbed you and pulled you on his lap. “Well..” he growled. He really is in a mood you thought. “Loki, can we not do this here? We’ll talk when we get home, okay?” you told him. He gave you a glare, but didn’t reply. The chopper took off and you hold on to Loki, so you wouldn’t fall of. When the chopper was steady again you got off his lap, intending on taking the seat next to him. He grabbed your waist and pulled you back in “You’re not going anywhere” he told you.

You wanted to respond, but suddenly you felt his lips on your neck. You held back a gasp. You tried to wiggle free, but Loki was much stronger than you. He put a hand on your thigh and started to stroke on the inside. You knew where this was going. “Loki, NOT HERE” you hissed at him. He chuckled against you neck “I do what I want.” He kissed his way upwards and nibbled on your earlobe. You felt yourself become aroused, but couldn’t relax because you were fully aware of Steve and Tony in the pilot seats. You tried to push Loki’s hand from you thigh. He grabbed your wrist “Here is what is going to happen. I’m going to fuck you right here, right now. And you are going to let me” he whispered in a husky voice. The sound of his voice was erotic and you shivered at the thought of Loki taking you right here, right now.

His hand travelled towards your pants and he undid the button and zipper. Not knowing how to react you sat very still on his lap. He slid his hand in your pants, exploring the fabric of your underwear. You tried to move away, but he pulled you further into his lap. Your back was now towards him. He grabbed both your wrists with one hand and pulled you flushed against him. His other hand was lightly stroking your clit through your fabric. You felt your panties become wetter. Loki was kissing and biting your neck. “Good girl” he purred. Your whole body shivered at his words. He was teasing you, licking your earlobe and lightly stroking you. Occasionally he put his fingers underneath the band of your underwear. When he heard your breath hitch he removed it and went back to stroking your clit through the fabric.

“You two still okay back there?” Steve asked you. You panicked and prayed he didn’t turn around. “Yeah, fine” you said, your voice more squeaky than before. That was Loki’s cue to slide your underwear away and put his finger inside of you. “Okay, were about half way.” Steve said. “We are not done for a very long time” Loki purred in your ear. He pushed another finger inside of you. You couldn’t help but starting to move your hips up and down. “That’s right. Fuck yourself with my fingers” he whispered to you. His commanding voice aroused you even more. You didn’t care anymore if anyone turned around, right now you needed to come. You needed to come badly. You rocked your hips faster, hearing the wet sounds of his fingers inside of you. You started to pant heavily. “You sure you’re doing fine kiddo?” Tony asked you. You started to panic, but didn’t stop riding Loki’s fingers. “She’s fine” Loki said back, his voice leaving no room to argue. You were about to come, when Loki pulled away his fingers. You whimpered at the empty feeling inside of you. “You come, when I tell you to come” he hissed at you. “Shall we see if we can make them turn around?” he purred. Your whole body tensed up. A green shimmer covered you and suddenly your clothes were gone. You wanted to gasp but Loki covered your mouth with his hand. “Now try to remain silent, because I’m not stopping for anyone” he whispered in your ear. He had freed his hardened cock and you could feel it nudge at your entrance. You felt helpless and noticed that you liked that feeling.

He slowly slid inside of you. The feeling was incredible and you fought to hold back your moaning. Loki started to roll his hips, hitting your G-spot. He slowly repeated the action, getting you worked up. It wasn’t fast enough to make you come, but it kept you right on the edge. Wanting more friction you started to move your hips with him. He grabbed your hair and pulled you towards him. His teeth were in your neck, biting hard. You flexed every muscle to keep yourself from making any sound. Loki started to lick your neck and chuckle. “If he saw you now, he surely knows who you belong to.” He put his hand on your clit, starting to make circles. At that time the plane was shaking. “Hold on some turbulence” Steve said. Loki snaked his other hand around you and pinched your hardened nipple. “Come now” he growled putting more pressure on your clit. He rolled his hips in a faster pace and you came undone in five seconds. The turbulence was loud and hid your moaning. You felt Loki pumping in and out of you harder. He grabbed your hips and moved you in a faster pace. Because of the sensitivity you were trying to get away, but he wouldn’t let you. The sound the turbulent plain was making drowned out your moaning and sobbing. You heard a growl behind you and felt Loki’s seed spill inside of you. He pumped a few more times, before he slid out of you.

“We’re going to land” you heard Tony say. Loki flicked his hands and a new set of clothes appeared on you. The jeans were the same, but your blue t-shirt was now a dark green one. He turned you a quarter, so you were still sitting in his lap but were able to see him. You try to stand up “Where you going?” he said, holding you firm on his lap. “To the bathroom, to clean myself up” you whispered. “No, you’re not. You need to be reminded that you’re mine” he growled. “Every time HE flirts with you, I’m going to fuck you senseless. I don’t care where we are. You’re mine. So unless you want everyone to see, I suggest you avoid him” he hissed. Before you could answer he grabbed your neck and pulled you in for a kiss. You knew you shouldn’t like this side of him, but you kind of did. The plain was now on the ground and the doors opened. You heard Steve and Robert get up from their chairs.

“Jesus, get a room” Tony laughed. Loki broke the kiss and you quickly stood up. Steve looked puzzled at you. “What’s wrong” Loki asked him with an innocent voice. “N- nothing, have you changed shirts?” Steve asked you. You felt yourself blush and look to the ground. Loki put an arm around your waist “I changed it for her, green does look so much better on her. Don’t you think?”  he said to  Steve. His voice didn’t sound annoyed, but the hateful undertone was clearly there. Steve motioned at his own outfit “I prefer blue, as you can see” he said in a monotone voice. Loki pulled you closer against him and kissed your temple. He glared at Steve. Luckily, Robert spoke up. “Well, I could eat. Let’s go!” he said. He walked outside towards the tower. Steve turned towards you “You really should consider changing your shirt back to blue” he said smirking at you. He then quickly followed Tony to the exit. You looked at Loki, who couldn’t possible look any angrier. You pulled him in for a kiss, hoping it would calm him. When you broke the kiss his expression was softer. Then an wicked smirk appeared on his face “I think you’re in for quite a exhausting evening” he said while his hand travelled towards your clit. Your breath hitched. He then kissed you and took your hand. You followed him towards the exit. You secretly were excited for dinner.  

[trashytummiez]

Could you write a story about Mina and Kirishima having a date where their appetites get the better of them, so they wind up all full and burpy?

Kirishima had always been meaning to ask Mina out on a date but every time he tried to work the nerve to talk to his pink-skinned classmate the butterflies in his tummy would always get the better of him and he'd always chicken out. So when she ended up asking him out instead it certainly made things a lot easier. She always knew how to make everything look so much easier than it was after all.

The two ended up going out to dinner which Mina insisted was really casual. Kirishima still kept trying to mind his manners all throughout dinner but unfortunately the red haired boy also had one of the most immense appetites within UA. Meaning despite his best efforts he ended up eating quite a lot more than he intended to eat but he just couldn't help himself. The food was simply way too good and the well-meaning boy ended up eating a whole heck of a lot more than he intended to eat on his first date with his long time friend.

But to Kirishima's surprise whereas most girls might have been turned off by his voraciousness Mina was right there with him every step of the way. He knew the pink girl had a pretty big appetite of her own but he never imagined in his life that she could ever pack it away an ounce as much as she had done on their date. It was surprisingly disarming and only worked to help Kirishima relax that much more around her which only encouraged him to eat even more as the night went on.

By the time they were back at Kirishima's place both teens were stuffed to the brim. "Unngh man I'm stuffed..." Kirishima groaned heavily and placed both hands atop his belly. He'd eaten so much that his tummy was bulging out as though he swallowed a beachball that rode his t-shirt up and exposed his bare stomach. It churned noisily while Kirishima rubbed it to try and soothe that persistent ache. His stomach felt so incredibly heavy and taut after eating so much in one sitting. "How're ya holdin' up Mina-chan?"

"Unnnnnnngh..." was the only reply he got when the bloated pink girl flopped down lazily onto the couch next to the red haired boy.

When Kirishima glanced over at his date and saw how much she'd managed to eat in full he couldn't help being impressed.

Mina's tummy was huge.

Like Kirishima she looked as if she swallowed a basketball. Though it was notably smaller than Kirishima's belly due to the strength of his stomach and his overall endurance it was nonetheless big enough that her own top was riding up and her shorts were both unbuttoned unzipped and even tugged down a little to give her big perfectly round tummy some much needed breathing room. But because of the nature of her acidic quirk much of what she had eaten was already well more digested than what Kirishima ate. Which was why Mina's stomach looked much softer and more sloshy than Kirishima's rock hard stomach.

"Dude I can't believe how full my tummy is right now," Mina said rubbing her belly and giving a strained huff in the process.

Kirishima couldn't help snicker at her adorable use of the word 'tummy'. "Heh at least we know you could kick Kaminari's ass if he tries to challenge ya to an eating contest," he said encouragingly.

Mina giggled but that soon turned to a sickly groan when the giggling made her tummy jiggle and slosh heavily.

Kirishima saw that and scratched the back of his neck bashfully. "My bad."

But Mina waved her hand dismissively and smiled at the sight of Kirishima's larger belly. "I'm still blown away by how much you managed to eat over there. You almost look pregnant!" She teased and gave Kirishima's big belly a teasing pat.

Kirishima blushed both from the joke and from Mina's hand thumping his tummy like that. Unfortunately that pat she gave disrupted some of the pressure that was brewing in his stomach. It wasn't long into his binge eating that Kirishima felt the need to burp really badly. But because he was around Mina he didn't want to embarrass her or gross her out with his crudeness especially if he wanted there to be a second date. All dinner long Kirishima desperately needed to burp but had been holding it in all night. He knew if he tried to let out muted ones to relieve pressure it would all come rushing up. And he knew if he gave any closed mouth burps those would still be loud enough to draw attention.

So when Mina's pat tried to work the pressure up his throat Kirishima desperately willed himself not to burp hoping instead he could excuse himself for a moment to leave long enough to let loose clear of Mina's earshot. Mina looked at him with confusion when she saw Kirishima clamping a hand over his mouth and looking mildly nauseous.

"Are you okay? You're not about to be sick are you?" She asked obvious to Kirishima's gastric distress.

All Kirishima could do was nod desperately in the hopes to holding back the pressure.

But then a thick gurgle erupted from Mina's own bulging tummy. And without a moment of hesitation Mina threw her head back and gave a huge throaty burp that completely caught Kirishima by surprise.

HHHRRRRREEEEEEERRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUURRRRAAAAAAAAAHHPP!!!!!!!

Kirishima was in awe. Not only was Mina even remotely embarrassed by letting out a big unladylike burp but she looked almost as proud as she did relieved the way she moaned in satisfaction and gave her belly such a hearty pat of relief after. Her tummy jiggled and sloshed heavily from the pat she gave it.

"Ohhhhhh yeah I needed that good god," Mina moaned contently then casually let rip another hearty burp. She turned to Kirishima and tilted her head. "Sure you're okay? You're sweating bullets."

Unfortunately since Kirishima was so awestruck he had almost forgotten how turbulent his tummy was getting when he tried to assure her that he was okay. Because the only thing that exited Kirishima's mouth was a giant burp that was infinitely louder than what Mina had just let out.

BBBBRRRRRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHRRAAAAAHHP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All that gas Kirishima had been holding in came violently rushing out of him like a bomb. That had to be one of the biggest burps Kirishima had ever let out. And the relief he felt was immense. But with that monster freed came all the pressure behind it.

Kirishima palmed the side of his bloated belly and brought a fist up to his mouth in time to give an incredibly deep closed mouth burp Mina could hear rumbling quite loudly in Kirishima's mouth. Then Kirishima gave an even longer and deeper closed mouth burp that made him wince from how hard it was to hold back from exiting his mouth.

He wearily blew the gas off to the side and sighed heavily giving his tummy a few hearty pats of his own. But he nonetheless blushed and gave a bashful, "'scuse me. Sorry but I really needed to get that out..."

Mina giggled loudly. "What are you apologizing for dude? That was a great one! Bet that felt amazing too!" She patted Kirishima's belly a few times then started rubbing it a little firmly. "Got any more in there?"

Kirishima was blushing immensely from having his tummy rubbed by his pink skinned crush. "Umm...p-probably..." he said timidly. Her rubbing was not only deeply sensual when his belly was so heavy and full but it was stimulating his stomach muscles enough to circulate more air in Kirishima's stomach.

He turned his head and gave a really big burp that he couldn't hold in.

BBBRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHP!!!!!

Mina giggled some more. "Wow you really were holdin' back all dinner weren't you!" She said and gave Kirishima's tummy a few firmer pats.

"Well I was..." Kirishima paused to give a really deep burp that left him panting. "...AAAAAAUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRHP!!!! Ohhhh man...but yeah, I was tryin' not to embarrass you."

Mina tilted her head in confusion. "What by burping? Who cares? I'm not Momo dude! I wasn't gonna get grossed out or anything."

"Yeah but we were also in...buuuuuuuhhhp...unf...in public. It's not manly to potentially gross other people out when they're tryin' to enjoy their meals."

Mina simply gave Kirishima a smile and teasingly poked his belly button a few times which made him blush even harder.

"You're too cute sometimes," she said which earned a bashful smile from the muscular boy. "Well either way if ya gotta burp don't hold back dude! I'm definitely not gonna," Mina said.

And right on cue her own belly gave another thick churning sound which made Mina's face tighten.

That was until she gave a thick rumbling burp that rolled out of her for a few seconds. But Mina maintained that look and held up a finger.

"Mph wait there's more," Mina said in a concentrated tone. She gave her glutted tummy a few pats which drew Kirishima's eyes to her bulging pink belly watching its flesh ripple with each pat she gave and slosh like it was full of incredibly rich jelly. She gave another low rolling burp and followed it up a few shorter ones.

BRRRAAAAAAAAARRRUUUUUUUURRRUUULLLLP!!!!!!

HRRRRUUUUUUUuuuuuuurrrOOOOOOOORRrrlk!!!

BrrrrruUUUUHP!!

As none of the burps gave Mina any relief she huffed in frustration that almost resembled a mildly nauseous pout.

"Ungh hate when they get stuck like that," Mina complained gently stroking her tummy from side to side while it churned noisily. "Kirishima you wanna gimme a hand?"

The bloated red haired boy tilted his head in confusion. "Ummm...whadduya mean?"

"I mean literally gimme your hand silly!" Mina said and grabbed Kirishima's hand. The boy yelped and went as red in the face as his hair when Mina placed his hand right against the dead center of her utterly engorged belly.

It felt so unbelievably soft to the touch and was so fast at digesting that her tummy almost felt a little squishy the way Kirishima's hand sank mildly into her bloat.

"There ya go! Now all you gotta do is push down!" Mina explained.

Kirishima gulped thinly and anxiously. He'd never touched Mina's flesh so intimately before and something about holding her belly just made Kirishima feel incredibly funny. But in a pleasant sort of way he couldn't describe.

Pushing thoughts aside for a moment Kirishima took a nervous breath then did as Mina asked by pushing down into her tummy.

Straight away a rush of gas worked its way up her chest and Mina this spunky pink skinned girl expelled a burp so loud that Kirishima almost mistook it for a dragons roar.

AAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUURRRRHHHHHRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOOORRRHHHHHPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kirishima was amazed. Not only was such a monumental burp easily a record breaker but he could feel Mina's tummy rippling under his palm from how intense that burp was.

Mina looked dazed but oh so relieved when it ended the way she slumped in her seat and nearly went cross eyed.

"Ohhhhh wow...that felt amazing..." Mina moaned.

Though he was still blushing Kirishima gave a fang-y grin. "Dude that was manly!" He said and gave Mina's jiggling tummy a few pats.

Mina hiccuped from the patting then grinned at Kirishima. She subtly gulped down some air which made her tummy feel mildly tighter under Kirishima's hand. Then Mina burped that air back up in the form of the words "Th-AAAAAAAAAAANNK . . . YYYYOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!"

Kirishima was taken aback by Mina burp-talking so effortlessly and really stretching the 'you' out for as long as she could. It left her panting when she finally finished and managed a weary giggle.

She seemed to be helping Kirishima to get more comfortable because the manly boy took in a few gulps of his own and gave an even louder response to Mina's crass antics.

AAANYY...

T-IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMMME...

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kirishima successfully burp-talked the words 'anytime dude' with his eruptive dialogue getting louder with each word until he pushed out a really loud finish.

Both teens broke into a fit of laughter at their incredibly juvenile antics. Mina's tummy kept jiggling the more she laughed but with all that gas let loose it didn't hurt as much to laugh as prior. When the laughter subsided Kirishima smiled fondly. Because he was so much more comfortable now he began to gently rub Mina's belly.

The pink girl closed her eyes and sighed contently while Kirishima's hand gently stroked up to the roundest peak of her tummy and down all the way to her delicate lower tummy without reaching too low in case that made his date uncomfortable. But at this point Mina didn't appear uncomfortable with anything. She sighed happily and leaned against Kirishima and leaned further into his hand.

He continued to gently rub her belly and feel that odd warmth throughout his body. Kirishima couldn't explain it but the sight of Mina's tummy so big and round and the feeling of it brought an indescribable pleasure for the boy. A feeling that was more subtly matched by Mina whenever she caught a glimpse of Kirishima's belly in its bloated state.

Neither one could put into words what they were feeling. But they both knew that they very badly wanted to see the other getting stuffed like this again in the future.

Which all but guaranteed there would be a second date. And a third. And a fourth after that.

But for now both teens could very comfortably say this first date couldn't have gone any better.

[tomtenadia]

Till food do us part - Rowaelin one shot

Good evening everyone.

I am back with a quick Rowaelin oneshot. This short fic came to me last week while I was in my hotel in Inveress getting ready to check out. Once on the train back to Aberdeen I had two hours and a half and I wrote this.

It’s a simple story and  just pure undiluted Rowaelin domestic fluff. I think I had to compensate for the angst in ALB. There’s no angst, just our two lovebirds being their adorable selves. 

The title is ridiculous. It took me more time to choose it than to write the whole fic. And it’s still bad. Sorry, I hate choosing titles.

Ach well, I’ll leave you to it. Enjoy.

Word count: 2.5k 

Aelin was in the kitchen all alone, in front of her on the counter she had all the pots and pans she would require to prepare her meal. At one side she had her cooking book and on the opposite side she had lined up all the ingredients needed. 

That was meant to be a special night and she wanted everything to be perfect. And because of that she had been nervous. She was not good at cooking like her boyfriend so for her to prepare a full meal from scratch was a monumental task. She just hoped not to burn down the house. He had been teaching her slowly, starting with very simple things but that evening, no matter what she was going to cook for him.

The plan was to prepare everything a part from the dessert which she had bought from the local bakery. Although her boyfriend was not a fan of sugary stuff, the night called for dessert. 

She and Rowan had been together for five years. They worked for the same company but on different floors and departments. She was in marketing, Rowan was part of the legal team and was one of the company’s lawyers.

They had a bit of a turbulent start. They met in the cafeteria and Rowan had the bad habit of being always a bit of ahead of her in the queue and always take the last portion of the food she wanted. Far too many times she had ended up eating food she did not want because of him. She had even tried to go to lunch at a different times but the man was always there. Her own personal hell. So after a whole month of that she had decided to take matter in her own hands and slowly plan her revenge. Rowan was a creature of habit, so she spent a few weeks studying him and his routine. Aelin had learned he loved to eat alone. He had friends but the lunch hour was his time to wind down and he did not want any drama or any shop talk. That would make her plan much easier. Eventually she hatched her plan. She started swapping the content of the salt and pepper shakers or even replacing them with other stuff. Aelin had also started making his table sticky or cluttering with empty trays. He still had no idea it was her but she enjoyed watching him muttering and probably cursing whoever did that to him. She had quickly learned that the man was hard to tick off completely. She would notice some small signs of irritation but that’s all the reaction she got, so she decided it was time to go big. 

And her final plan came into existence the day the cafeteria served mac and cheese and he took the last portion from her. She was fuming. If she could not have mac and cheese so wouldn’t he. 

She waited for him to make his way back to his table and then she walked straight into him. Their trays smashing against each others and the food landing on his shirt. She had muttered a weak sorry and had fled with a grin on her face.

She had later found out that she had made him late for an important meeting and caught hell from his boss Lorcan.

Until one day he started to retaliate. Apparently, she had found out, he knew all long it was her messing with his meals.

And so a long series of pranks had begun between them, most of them taking place in the cafeteria since that was the place they used to share the most.

However, sometimes along the way, Aelin realised pranking him was not fun anymore and that pesky feelings had started to take root in her.

Until one day he showed up in her office with two portions of mac and cheese from Emrys and a peace offering. They had the lunch in the privacy of her office, they talked and she realised very quickly that he was quite a fascinating man. Also, she would have lied to herself if she had ignored the fact that the man was hotness incarnated. He was tall and had a healthy muscular build. He would always wear impeccable tailored suits which made his backside very prominent and more than once her eyes had wandered. He had the most beautiful pine green eyes and she adored his silver hair.

Soon she had to admit that she had a crush on him. And then some.

And when Rowan finally asked her out she could not believe her ears. The sexiest man in the company wanted to go out with her. So she said yes.

Fast forward five years and Aelin was now cooking for their fifth anniversary and as a joke she had put mac and cheese on the menu. It was their dish and their own joke as well.

Aelin had a look at the clock and realised she had half an hour tops before he came back home.

While preparing mac and cheese she took a sip from the glass of wine at her side. She had bought two bottles of Rowan’s favourite wine and she had started the celebrations a bit earlier.

In the oven in the meantime, the pork roast and the potatoes were cooking and she was busy checking the food that she almost missed the sound of the front door opening and closing.

“I am home,” shouted a happy voice.

“Kitchen.” She shouted back.

When she stood she saw him in leaning against the doorframe of the kitchen, his arms at his chest and a strange grin on his face “you are cooking?” He asked surprised, raising an eye brow in a question.

Aelin grabbed a glass of wine, took a step closer to him and gave it to him “Happy anniversary, buzzard.” And she went to him for a kiss he did not deny it to her.

“Oh, so you waited five years for your final revenge and win with food poisoning.” Still leaning against the doorframe he took a sip of wine and looked at her with a smirk.

Aelin just glared at him “I can cook.”

“Aelin, I love you, but cooking is definitely not your strongest asset.”

She waved her wooden spoon in his face “I’ll show you.”

Rowan chuckled happily and stooped for a kiss “happy anniversary, menace.”

Aelin moved another step in his direction “now go,” and she patted his chest “get changed and let me finish.”

Half an hour later the dining table was all set, with some candles on to set the romantic mood and a new bottle of win in the middle. Everything looked perfect and she was chuffed.

“This looks lovely,” his voice reached her as he re entered the room and his arms wound around her waist.

“I hope it’s good as well.” She said while pulling back from the embrace and pushing him to his seat. 

“Let me help,” he offered but Aelin pushed him again.

“No, just sit down.”

Quickly she went to get the appetisers: she had prepared raw smoked salmon on oatcakes with cream cheese and chives. They had that at a party and they loved it and realised it was something easy to make and almost impossible for her to mess it up. The only thing she had to do was to assemble the ingredients in a nice display.

Rowan in the meantime poured some wine for both and made happy noises at the wine.

“Fancy,” he added, commenting on the appetiser.

“Easy mostly. I took inspiration from the last party we went to.”

Rowan took one of the oatcakes and she relaxed when she saw him smile. Oh well, at least if the rest of the meal was a disaster they could eat oatcakes and salmon.

“Did you have a good day at work?” She asked, she had a day off and she hadn’t seen him since the morning when he left for work.

“It’s the end of the month and as you can imagine Lorcan has been his unpleasant self.”

“I need these reports on the desk by the end of yesterday?” She said, imitating the man’s voice.

Rowan chuckled and took another oatcake “that’s the gist.”

Once the appetisers were over, Aelin stood and went to get the next course. That was the surprise and the dish that meant the most.

She brought the oven dish to the dining table.

“You made mac and cheese.” Rowan’s tone was full of love.

“I did.” She took his plate and was ready to serve him his portion. It looked great and for a moment she had hoped. The recipe was for the baked version and the crust at the top looked golden and crunchy. Then she dipped the spatula to cut it and terror took her. It was runny. 

“No, no, no, no, no…” she panicked.

“What happened?” Rowan stood and moved at her side.

“It happened that I should not be allowed to cook.” She sat on the chair and sniffled.

“I am sure it’s not that bad…”

“Ro,” Aelin almost shouted in frustration at his tone “you can drink it with a straw, mac and cheese is supposed to be creamy.”

He looked over “I think you put too much milk,” and with his hand he brushed her lower back in support.

Aelin started sobbing “I messed up the main dish. It was meant to be like the one we shared in my office.”

Rowan was about to reply when he smelled smoke “is something burning?”

“Holy fuck,” Aelin stood abruptly and ran to the kitchen and when she opened the oven a cloud of smoke engulfed her. The roast and the potatoes where charcoal. She sat dejected in front of the oven  and Rowan joined and sat at her side “you have the most useless girlfriend ever.”  

He brushed her hair off her face “ I do not.” A gentle kiss on her lips “my girl is brilliant, fearless, intelligent and very, very hot.” She gave him a wet chuckle. Gods, she loved him.

“I ruined our anniversary.”

Rowan stood and offered her his hand “you did not.” She took it and stood in front of him.

“We are going to Emrys, he does some amazing mac and cheese.”

“Fine,” she conceded.

Rowan cupped her face, refusing to let her be sad. He knew Aelin was not good at cooking and he had tried to teach her but once on her own she seemed to struggle. 

But as the boyfriend madly in love with her he was more than happy to cook for both, everyday, forever.

Aelin did not seem convinced and still pouted at her mess. Rowan noticed that and cupped her face in his hand and kissed het tenderly “Hey, it was a lovely gesture and I am proud of you.” He took her hand in his, “now let’s go.”

They got changed and not long after they were walking to Emrys. Rowan’s arm on around her shoulder.

Aelin looked up at him and noticed a strange light in his eyes and a small grin. Whatever it was, he did not seem bothered by her fiasco.

Once they reached Emrys froze and cursed the evening that was turning into pure hell “it’s Monday, they are close. We are two idiots.” But all Rowan did was to push her toward the front door.

“Ro, they are closed.”

“Shush,” he said gently placing his hand on her lower back.

A moment later Emrys’ smiling face appeared on the door “hello Rowan, come in, it’s all ready.” Said the man stepping aside to let them in.

Aelin was stunned. speechless. He had an evening planned.

She turned to him “did you know I was going to mess up so you had a plan b?” Her tone full with irritation at his lack of trust in her.

Rowan looked at her, his eyes dancing with mirth “I didn’t even know you were going to cook. I booked all of this over a week ago.” He told her “I knew our anniversary would fall on a Monday, so I asked Emrys and Malakai if it was okay to use the place for our dinner.”

She stood on her tiptoes “I love you.” And kissed him. Rowan took her hand and walked inside the main room of the restaurant and Aelin again was stunned. The whole room had been decorated with white fairy lights, the table had candles and there were kingsflames in a vase as well.

“Happy anniversary, Fireheart.” And pulled her to his chest “I hope you’ll love this.”

“It’s perfect,” she said to him, feeling teary.

They sat down and Malakai brought wine “Emrys is just finishing up the last few things, it should not be too long.” Explained the man while pouring the wine.

He came back a moment later and brought back freshly baked pitta bread and hummus “just as a starter.”

Aelin attacked the appetisers, realising she was starving.

Once the appetiser was out of the way Rowan took her hand.

“I am glad I burned dinner, this is so much better.”

They had gone to Emrys for their first date which turned out to be their favourite restaurant and slowly their weekly dinner treat. It had become their place pretty quickly.

She was talking to Rowan when she noticed Emrys walking to them with a large oven dish and when Aelin looked, she saw mac and cheese. And it looked incredible.

“Of course,” said Rowan at her expression and poured more wine. It was a good thing they walked. Emrys plated their dinner and then walked away with a Cheshire cat grin.

“Go on, tuck in,” Rowan said to her once he noticed her eager expression.

Aelin did so and almost moaned savagely. It was divine.

After a few bites Rowan put the fork down and took her hand again, brushing his thumb on the top of it “thank you for walking into me that day in the cafeteria.” He told her, his green eyes on her “I know we had our ups and downs but these five years with you have been incredible.” He stood and took her hand inviting her to follow him. She stood with him and Rowan pulled Aelin to his chest. She wanted to complain she was eating, but whatever he was doing it seemed important.

Violin music spread in the room and Aelin recognised one of her favourite pieces of classical music. He swayed gently as if to dance, placed her hand on his shoulder and held her, his hand on her lower back.

“And I hope we’ll have many more together.” Aelin looked up at him and nodded, emotions threatening to overwhelm her. He kissed her with passion and then he pulled back a little “Aelin, my fireheart, will you do me the honour of joining me in the next adventure of our life and become my wife?”

Aelin sobbed loudly “only if you promise to keep cooking for me.”

Rowan laughed “Always.”

She threw her arms around his neck “yes, yes I will marry you.”

Rowan placed the ring on her finger then lifted her in his arms and kissed her. 

He would cook for her, make her happy until his last day.

To whatever end.

[viking-raider]

The Belle and the Bane - Chapter II

Summary: Living with the Bane is turbulent, at best. But, you do your best to weather the storm of his moods.

Pairing: Henry Cavill/Reader

Word Count: 8,916

Warnings: PG-13 - Fantasy!AU, Dark!AU, Bane!Henry, Dark!Henry, Belle!Reader, Healer!Reader, Curses, Language, Angst, Light Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Very Minor Character Death, Multiple Personalities(?), Possessive/Controlling Behavior

Inspiration: My warped version of Beauty and the Beast.

Author’s Note: Sorry this took so long! Muse was spazzing from this fic to that fic and this idea to that idea. You know how it goes! Forever and always, thank you to the amazing @wondersofdreaming​ for being my beta, brainstorm partner and encouraging me! Tell me what you think!

You woke that morning with the bright sunlight streaming into your room, as Damien threw the curtains over your windows open, letting the new day stream in, brightening the remaining darkness out of the corners of your room.

“Good morning, Ms.” He grinned at you, standing at the foot of your bed.

“Morning.” You yawned back, sitting up.

“I have breakfast ready for you.” He said, motioning to the table in the corner of your room, by one of the windows. “Also, I have some clothing coming in for you, later this morning. It's not your full wardrobe, but it's a start.” He smiled, sounding happy and chipper.

“Thank you, Damien.” You smiled at him, getting out of bed and pulled on your robe, sitting at the table and looking over your breakfast.

Nodding his head, Damien exited your room and traveled down to Henry's room, finding his master in a similar position you were, but instead of his room being bright with the morning sun, shining off the calm waves of the ocean. Henry's room was nearly pitch black, minus the raging fireplace and a few candles in large candelabras.

“Morning, Sir.” Damien said softly, nodding his head at Henry. “I hope you slept well.”

Henry took a deep breath and rolled his eyes, taking a gulp of his tea. “As usual, Damien.” He sighed. “Other than that girl you went behind my back and allowed here.” He added, with a lifted brow.

“I simply thought that some companionship would do you some good, Henry.” Damien replied, daring to use his master's first name. “Other than myself.” He added, as Henry opened his mouth.

“What companionship can she give me, Damien?” Henry asked, setting his teacup down and rubbed at his tired face. “Other than physical.” He added with a huff.

“Perhaps you should try and find out.” He replied, making Henry's messy bed. “She loves to read! She's almost completely read 'Great Expectations' and she's only been here a day. I know how much you like to read.” He explained, smiling over at him, his eyes glittering.

“I haven't read a book, in a long time.” Henry countered, his blue eyes darkening at his servant.

“Maybe.” Damien grinned, unbothered. “She can read to you.”

“I don't need to be read too. I can read on my own.” He hissed, narrowing his eyes. “I'm not some invalid.” He growled, his body tensing.

“Of course not. It was only a suggestion, she has a sweet voice, was all I meant.” Damien replied, softly. “Give her a week, Henry. If you don't find her presence wanting by then, I'll send her back home to her father.”

The muscles of Henry's jaw flexed as he contained his fluctuating emotions. “Fine.” He huffed, angrily, then winced at the loud sounding of the door bell. “Who could this possibly be!” He barked, looking at Damien.

“I had a bit of a wardrobe made up for her.” Damien replied, finishing Henry's bed. “She only came with what she was wearing, and I'm sure that wouldn't have met your meticulous standards.”

“Spending my money on her, Damien.”

“Would you rather her look a peasant, or be nude?” Damien countered, lifting a brow at Henry.

Henry sighed and rolled his eyes, turning his back on him and staring at the dancing flame of the candle on his table. Damien half smirked at Henry, and left his room, going down the stairs to the third ringing of the door bell, and pulled it open, greeting the visitors. There were two men, holding several boxes, swinging the door open wide, Damien allowed them to enter the castle and showed them up the stairs to your room. You stood as your door opened and Damien entered with the two men, directing them where to put the boxes, then shooed them out.

“Your new clothing.” He grinned at you, pulling open the boxes and removing several articles, laying them out on your bed. “I do hope you like them. I wasn't sure what colors you would like, so I tried to keep them as neutral as possible.” He explained, pulling out more and more things from the boxes.

You stood beside him as he laid them out, surprised by the expensive quality of the fabrics and their current fashion. They were all so beautiful, you had never seen anything like them. Looking them over, you picked out the outfit you wished to wear for the day, and Damien put the rest in the empty walk-in closet. He smiled as he watched you stand in the full length mirror in the corner of the room, looking at yourself from every side and playing with the flow of the fabric of the dress you wore.

“You look beautiful.” He complimented you, standing behind you with a smile.

“Thank you.” You smiled back, your cheeks warm.

Henry groaned, stepping out onto his balcony, needing a breath of fresh air, when he saw a shadow move in the neglected garden below. Frowning, he leaned forward on the oxidized railing of his balcony for a closer look. He saw the shadow again, before you rounded an overgrown hedge, your fingers lightly touching the leaves. He watched you as you explored the ruined garden maze he had played in as a child, with his brothers. Biting his lip, Henry turned and went back into his room, throwing open his bedroom door and storming down the stairs, to the back garden.

“Christ.” You gasped, running straight into Henry, like he was a brick wall. “You nearly scared the life out of me.” You panted.

Henry grabbed you by the shoulders and pulled you away from him. “What are you doing out here?” He demanded, glaring down at you.

“Enjoying some fresh air and sunlight.” You replied, staring up at him, your heart pounding. “Is there an issue with that, like wandering around the house at night?” You asked, lifting a brow at him.

His hands squeezed your arms, before letting go of you as you gasped, realizing he had been hurting you. “No.” He gulped, relaxing. “But, you do need to be careful, if you turn the wrong direction, you'll end up stepping off the cliff.”

“Why would you design a garden to do that?” You asked, frowning up at him.

“It wasn't.” Henry replied, looking over the cracked and overgrown path you stood on. “There was a very bad storm, several years ago, and part of the cliff gave way, taking the back portion of the garden and a gazebo with it.” He explained to you, brushing his wind blown curls out of his face, then turned away from you, disappearing around a corner.

Blinking a couple of times, you followed after him, turning two corners, before you found him again, standing several feet away from the edge. Henry smiled at you over his shoulder, shocking you with the transformation it gave him, both physically and emotionally, he felt less threatening and harsh. You moved to stand next to him, a rush of strong ocean wind blowing against you so much, you felt the, surprisingly, gentle touch of Henry's hand rest on your back, keeping you steady as you both stood there.

“Damien said you've almost finished reading the Great Expectations.” Henry said, after a long pause of silence.

“I have.” You nodded, biting the corner of your lip. “Charles Dickens is one of my favorite authors.” You confessed to him.

“Mine as well.” Henry chuckled, looking down at you. “I've thoroughly enjoyed 'The Old Curiosity Shop'. I've read it numerous times.” He explained to you, looking out over the ocean. “But, it's been some time since I've read anything, but a financial or business report.”

“Why is that?” You asked, glancing up at him, a soft frown on your face.

“Because, life gets in the way.” He replied, his face hardening. “You should go back inside.” He said, moving his hand from the small of your back to your shoulder; turning you away from the cliff. “It's getting much too cold for you out here.”

“And you?” You replied, lifting a brow at him.

“I'll be fine.” Henry answered, in a short tone. “Go.” He barked, pointing back to the house.

Biting your lip, you nodded your head to him and wound your way back through the garden maze, finding your way back through the open veranda doors. You only whiled away most of the morning, before boredom took you, unaccustomed to just sitting around all day. So, you pulled on a coat and went downstairs, you could hear Henry and Damien's voices through the closed study door as you showed yourself out, going back down to the village to check on your father and see if any of the villagers needed you.

“Where have you gone?” Damien asked, appearing in your doorway as you removed your coat and draped it over the back of a chair. “I came to bring you your lunch, and you were gone.”

“I went down to the village.” You replied, turning to him. “To check on my father, and one of the young wives down there was in the middle of giving birth, so I helped her.” You explained to him, unapologetic for leaving the castle without notice, you weren't their prisoner, and refused to be treated as one.

“Mr. Cavill is quite unhappy about it.” Damien replied, pressing his lips together.

“I'm sure, Mr. Cavill can get over it.” You huffed, rolling your eyes at him. “He is a grown man, is he not?”

Damien narrowed his eyes at you and took a deep breath. “Well, be it as it may. If you're to leave the castle, please inform me, or I'm bound to worry you've fallen off a cliff or something.”

“I will.” You told him, your voice tight. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“That's a question I should be asking you.” He countered, a soft smirk tugging on his lip.

“No, I don't need anything from you, Damien.” You sighed, you really just wanted to soak in a hot tub of water, your back aching from bending over as you helped birth the young woman's babe into the world.

“There's nothing you can do for me, either.” He replied, nodding his head. “Yet.” He added, softly, turning and showing himself out of your room.

Sighing and rubbing at your face, you turned towards the bathroom door, stripping off your clothing as you went. You melted into the hot water, up to your neck, eyes falling shut as it slowly eased away your aches and pains, taking your worries and stress away with it.

“If I were to be stuck here for the rest of my life, the only thing I would get used to, is this glorious hot water.” You mumbled yourself, drifting off.

You were awoken in the middle of the night, shaken by your shoulders and the frantic calling of your name. You batted your hands at the ones holding and shaking you, whimpering as you were drawn out from your peaceful slumber.

“What?” You rasped, in a sleepy voice. “What!” You barked, jerking up in bed. “Damien, what in the world! You're acting as if the house is on fire.” You sighed, brushing your hair out of your face.

“It's not, is it?” You added, face snapping to your open bedroom door.

“No, no! The house is intact.” He assured you, no less frantic and antsy.

“Then, what is the rush?”

“It's Henry, he's terribly unwell, and you are a healer, are you not?” He asked in a jumble of words.

“I am.” You nodded, frowning and throwing back your blankets. “What is wrong with him?” You asked, getting out of bed and taking your robe as Damien held it out to you.

“I'm unsure, I went to check on him in his study, he always works very late.” He explained, leading the way down the hall. “He was quite pale, and I'm sure he's thrown up in the bin.”

Your frown deepened with every description Damien gave you of Henry's ailment, your brain shuffling through dozens of different possible illnesses based on them. When you and Damien finally reached the ground floor study Henry spent a great deal of his time in, you found him lying on the sofa, an arm slung over his pale and sweaty face. You knelt down on the rug beside him on the sofa, gently resting your hand on his elbow.

“Henry.” You whispered softly.

“What do you want?” Henry growled, but it sounded more like a pained whimper.

“I've asked her to look you over, Sir.” Damien replied, hovering from the other side of the couch, his face creased with concern and worry. “She's a healer down in the village.” He explained, chewing on his lip.

Henry huffed, but didn't remove his arm. You frowned up at Damien, then stood, going around the couch to whisper in his ear.

“Give me a moment with him.” You said and tilted your head towards the door.

Damien looked between Henry on the couch and the study door, but nodded his head and went out, quietly closing the door behind him. Rounding the couch again, you took up the fire poker and pushed the burning logs apart until they were nothing but glowing embers, then brought the burning candlestick on Henry's desk over to the small end table at Henry's feet on the couch, plunging the study into near darkness.

“You can take your arm away from your face now, Henry.” You whispered softly, kneeling back down beside him. “The light shouldn't bother your eyes so much.” You told him, tilting your head at him, having an idea of what was bothering him.

Henry slowly removed his arm from over his face, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the low light. His handsome face was quite pale, his eyes were red and damp, his curls plastered to his sweaty forehead. He carefully turned his head towards you, narrowing his eyes at you.

“How long have you had migraines?” You asked him, lifting a brow at him.

“Since I suffered that illness.” He replied, gulping thickly. “They're crippling.”

“I can see that.” You replied, glancing over at the waste bin by his desk, where he'd thrown up. “Come on.” You sighed, standing up. “Let's get you off to bed. You need to rest.”

“I have work to do.” Henry protested, slowly sitting up.

“It can wait, Mr. Cavill.” You sighed, shaking your head at him. “If you don't rest, you'll end up throwing up more, and probably passing out. Neither is good for your business or your health.” You protested, planting your hands on your hips.

“So, up you go.”

Henry looked up at you, narrowing his eyes at you. Both of you stood there for a long moment, staring each other down, before Henry growled and stood up. Smirking, you moved around the couch, taking up the candlestick and opened his study door. You and Henry went up the stairs to his room, you paused, resting your free hand on his thick arm as he swayed outside his door for a moment. Henry squeezed his throbbing eyes shut, reaching out blindly to open his door.

You set the candlestick aside and guided him to bed, pulling back the blankets and made him sit down, before he fell. Frowning at him, then sighing, you bent down and pulled off his slippers, setting them aside. Henry watched you through half-lidded eyes as you fussed over him, helping him remove his shirt, then piled up his pillows, so he could rest back on them, and covered him with his blankets. Moving away from him, you went into his bathroom, soaking a washcloth in cold water and brought it back to him.

“Put this over your eyes, it'll help some of the discomfort.” You told him, holding the washcloth out to him.

“As you wish.” He smirked, his tone teasing as he pushed his head back and draped the cloth over his eyes with a moan.

“How is your stomach?” You asked him, watching him gulp thickly.

“Like a raging ocean.” He replied, licking his lips and fisting his blankets, then sat up suddenly, his face going pale as a ghost.

You reacted quickly, picking up the bin by his table and thrust it out to him, just in time for him to throw up, wrenching hard. Henry whimpered as the wrenching agitated his throbbing and pulsing skull. He looked so weak and harmless, like a small boy trapped in the body of a man. Sitting on the edge of his bed, you used the damp cloth to wipe at his sweaty face, the scent of vomit was something you had grown used to as a healer. Sighing, you set the now warm cloth on his nightstand, chewing on your bottom lip as you regarded him and thought about something that could relieve the pain of his migraine and the discomfort of his stomach.

“Do you have any willow trees nearby?” You asked, frowning at him, as a solution brewed in your mind.

“Of course, what kind of question is that?” Henry huffed, shaking his head at you, then instantly regretted it. “The whole county is known for them, there's three in the graveyard alone.” He told you, gripping the waste bin, as another wave of nausea hit him.

“Good.” You nodded, getting up. “I'll be back.”

“Where are you going?” Henry demanded, as you rushed out of his room.

“Is Henry all right?” Damien asked, he had been lingering in the hall.

“He's got an acute migraine.” You told him, rushing up to your room to pull on a shawl. “I need to retrieve some things to help lessen his pain and the discomfort of his stomach. But, I'll also need hot water and a tea set.” You told him, pulling on your shawl and grabbed the sharp letter opener on top of your dresser, before running downstairs and out the front door, into the darkness.

You knew where the Bane's family graveyard was, you had to pass the narrow path that led to it on your way up the castle. The air was bitterly cold and windy, pushing off the ocean and mixing with the late autumn night. The spooky shadows of the trees that lined the path to the graveyard were frightening, but you were far too focused to allow yourself to become scared and paranoid about them. It took some doing, in the dark of the quarter moon, but you found one of the willow trees, near an overgrown, dark stone mausoleum, the names of Marianne and Colin Cavill carved on the sealed doors. You removed the sharp letter opener from the inside pocket of your robe and started cutting into the bark of the willow tree, collecting enough to fill one of your robe pockets, then started searching around it roots, running your fingers through the leafy tops of small plants, until you found the second thing you were looking for, mint. You knew you could find it here, it was how the village of Mintwillow had gotten its name, after all.

Pockets full with what you needed, you raced back up to the castle and into Henry's room. Damien had gotten everything you asked for together. You dumped your pockets out on the table beside them and started breaking up the bark into smaller bits with the mint and dumped them into the boiling water of the teapot.

“What is all of that?” Damien asked, looking over your shoulder.

“Willow's bark and mint.” You replied, stirring the concoction. “Do you have any honey?” You asked, looking over your shoulder at him. “Willow's bark can be rather bitter, so the sweetness of the honey will help with that, as well as coat his throat, after all the throwing up.”

“Certainly.” He nodded, rushing back down to the kitchen for the honey pot.

“Thank you.” You smiled, pouring some of the tea into a cup, then adding a drizzle of honey into it.

“You can go, Damien.” Henry rasped, his voice now sore from throwing up and wrenching. “I'm sure she can care for me now.” He said, his eyes on you.

Damien looked between you both, then nodded his head, excusing himself. Satisfied with his tea, you carefully brought it to him.

“Sip it slowly.” You told him as he raised it to his lips, then chuckled. “It's not meant to taste good, just to help.”

“It better.” He huffed, taking another sip of it. “Or I'm going to be very angry.”

You smiled at him, unphased by his mood swings. “I've given this tea to many people over the years, and it's never failed me.” You assured him. “But, I should let you rest. Sleep is the third best thing for a migraine like this.” You told him, turning away.

Henry's hand shot out, gripping your wrist and stopping you in your tracks. “Stay.” He said softly, his tired and glassy eyes staring holes into you. “Just for a little while.” He whispered, so quietly, you weren't sure he had said anything.

“Perhaps, you could read to me? It helps me sleep.” He added, glancing at a book sitting on his nightstand.

You swallowed slowly, surprised by his request, as the heat of his hand wrapped around your wrist, pushed out the last of the cold that had settled into you, when you were outside. This was a side of him you hadn’t expected, and you weren’t sure how it made you feel; perhaps conflicted from when you experienced his normally callous mood. Licking your lips, you nodded your head at him and Henry felt relieved that you agreed to stay with him, it gave some deep part of him a great amount of comfort, so he slowly let your wrist go. You grabbed a chair from his table and brought it to the side of his bed, picking up his book and saw it was 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'.

Clearing your throat, you flipped the book open to its marker and started reading at the top of the page. Henry relaxed against his pillows, sipping the rest of the tea you had made him, before setting the empty cup aside and closed his eyes, focusing on the soft and easy rhythm of your voice as you read aloud to him.

Henry woke several long hours later, his head still throbbing, but not as badly as it had been for the last few days. He opened his eyes, blinking away the sleep from them, when he noticed you, book open in your lap, and sound asleep. You had also fallen asleep, while reading to him. Henry smirked and got out of bed, carefully setting the book in your lap aside, and gingerly lifted you into his arms, your head lulling gently against his shoulder as he carried you out of his room.

“Good mo-”

“Sshhh.” Henry shushed Damien, angrily, as he appeared on the stairs. “Don't wake her.” He growled, in an almost protective manner, then tenderly shushed you as you whimpered and shifted restlessly in his arms, hugging you closer to his chest.

“My apologies, sir.” Damien replied demurely, moving out of Henry's way and bowing his head, to hide the smirk on his face as Henry went by.

Sighing and rolling his eyes, Henry carried you up to your own room, pushing the door open with his foot and delicately laid you down, your blankets still thrown back from when Damien woke you up to tend to him. He stood above you for a long moment, after covering you up, watching you snuggle and melt into the mattress and pillows, a faint and sweet smile on your lips. But, he quickly turned away as his heart started to pound and his chest hurt, like he'd been punched by a giant.

Leaving you to sleep in your room, Henry returned to his own and felt his head start to throb again.

You woke just before noon and found yourself back in your own bed, figuring Damien had brought you back to bed. Rising and stretching your stiff body from bending over Henry and sitting in a chair all night, you got out of bed and dressed, just as Damien came in, carrying a tray.

“Oh, you're awake!” He grinned, setting the tray on your table, lunch no doubt, since you had slept through breakfast.

“Yes.” You replied, stifling a yawn into your fist as you sat down at the table. “Thank you for bringing me back to my room.” You added, munching on a bit of your food.

“Oh, I didn't.” Damien replied, making your bed. “Henry did.” He explained, seeing your confused expression.

“Henry did?” You replied, slowly setting your teacup down.

“Yes, you fell asleep, while you tended to him and when he woke this morning, he found you sound asleep on a chair.” He explained, fluffing your pillows. “So, he carried you back up here, to bed.” He said it all, like it was the most normal and natural of things.

“Oh.” You gulped, picking your tea back up and taking a large gulp of it. “Is he any better?” You croaked, keeping your eyes on your food.

“He was quite well, until a few hours ago.” Damien frowned, collecting your dirty clothing. “Seems his headache has re-surged.”

“Oh no.” You cooed, frowning over at him, very concerned. “I should check on him at some point today.”

“It could do him some good.” He agreed with you.

After breakfast, you dressed and found Henry hunched over his desk in his study on the ground floor. Even standing out in the hall and peeking through the cracked open study door, you could see the pain Henry was clearly in. He rubbed at his temples at regular intervals as he frowned at the report in his hand, eyes narrowed at the black lettering. Frowning and pressing your lips together, you turned on your heels and went into the kitchen, where Damien had taken the herbs you used the night before to help Henry's migraine.

Finding and filling a kettle, you set it on the stove to boil, preparing the cup of mint and willow's bark, with a drizzle of honey and a splash of milk. Smiling, you set the steaming cup onto a small plate, carefully carrying it down the hall, and into Henry's study.

“What are you doing?” Henry asked, sounding annoyed, as he looked up from the report he had been staring at for nearly an hour.

“Damien said, your migraine returned.” You replied, carefully setting the cup down on a clean corner of his desk. “So, I brewed you another cup to help.” You told him, smiling at him sweetly.

Henry set down his neglected report and stared at the steaming cup of tea, the muscles of his jaw flexing as his mind roiled with a kaleidoscope of thoughts, before huffing and picking his report back up. “You can leave.” He hissed, not looking back at you, with a cold aura rolling off of him.

“Um..” You floundered, then let out a soft sigh and excused yourself from his study.

You made it halfway up the staircase to your room before a wave of tears hit you, no one had been so rude and cold to you as Henry was, and you had encountered some stubborn people in your practice. Taking a moment to get a hold of yourself, you continued upstairs to your room. But, it was an hour or two later that Damien appeared in your doorway with a note in his hand.

“This came from the village for you, Ms.” He said, holding it out to you.

“Thank you.” You replied, taking the note from him and breaking the seal. “Oh no.” You gasped, reading the note.

The note was in your father's own hand, but wrote about one of your patients who suffered from a chronic illness, telling you that he had turned for the worst and you needed to hasten down to the village before it was too late. In a flustered rush, you grabbed your cloak and the bag you kept your herbs in and rushed down to the front door, your heart pounding and mind racing, praying that you made it back to the village in time.

“Where are you going?” Henry's voice boomed, aided by the echo of the vast foyer.

“One of my patients in the village needs me.” You replied, startled and out of breath.

“No.” He snapped, shaking his head, rage burning in his blue eyes. “Absolutely not.”

“What!” You snapped, gobsmacked.

“You heard me.” Henry hissed at you, his body tense. “You aren't to leave this house, unless you have my say.” He told you, crossing his thick arms over his chest. “And you do not. So, go back to your room, this instant.”

You stared at Henry wide eyed, shocked and dumbfounded. How could he refuse to allow you to go down to the village to tend to one of your patients, one so critically ill. Surely, being someone that has lost loved ones to such a crippling illness would understand that need and haste of trying to cure someone with something so life altering. Who did he think he was? Your warden, keeping you in this dark and oppressing castle, cut off from those you loved, with only his hot and cold tempers and Damien the rest of your life.

“No.” You replied, your voice a mixture of stubborn defiance, shock and outlined in fear of what he would do with your disobedience. “He'll die.”

“Then, he can die and you'll have one less obligation.” Henry answered, his voice cold as ice. “Now, do as I told you.”

You gulped, watching him practically grow with his rage and impatience towards you, and your hand still resting on the handle of the front door, gripped it tighter. Henry saw the small action, like a wolf seeing the small twitch of a rabbit's body, readying itself to bolt from the reach of its mighty jaws. You had the door open by the time he took a step towards you and felt the brush of his fingers against the fabric of your cloak as you bolted out the door and into the bright light of the early afternoon sun.

Running several yards, and expecting Henry to catch you at any moment, you realized he wasn't and paused to look back towards the castle. You saw the outline of his tall frame standing just before the threshold of the doorway, unmoving to dash after you and drag you back inside. Henry just stood there, fuming with rage and shaking with something far more complex as he battled to go after you. But, after several long moments, he disappeared, the door slamming shut with an echo.

“Such a strange man.” You panted to yourself, before turning back down the path towards the village, wasting no more time to reach your patient.

“Sir?” Damien frowned, hearing the crash of the front door slamming closed from the other side of the house, and came running to make sure nothing nefarious had occurred.

“Damn that girl!” Henry roared, storming into his study.

“Has something happened to her?” Damien asked, alarmed for your welfare.

“Not yet.” Henry replied, angrily pacing the room. “She's left, after I explicitly told her not too.”

Damien's brow creased for a moment, then it dinged in his mind. “Her note, of course.” He nodded, smiling to himself.

“What note?” Henry growled, stopping his pacing to look at his servant.

“She received a note about twenty minutes ago, from her father.” He explained to his master. “One of her patients suffers from a chronic illness. Her mother cared for him before her death, and she's picked up the patients, in her wake.”

“You read the note?”

“I might have glanced at it.” He replied, smiling softly. “But, the rest of it, she told me herself.” He added, he had grown quite fond of you.

“Why didn't you tell me she received it?” Henry hissed, his lips pressed into an angry line.

“I didn't want to bother you.” Damien gulped, biting the corner of his own lip. “I know you've been very busy lately. Especially after one of the ships go-”

“I want any correspondents she gets, I don't care who they come from!” Henry barked at him. “I'll determine whether or not she'll receive them or not. Do you understand?”

“Of course, sir.” Damien nodded, nervously licking his lips.

“Clear this away.” Henry huffed, waving a hand at the tea cup still on his desk as he sat back down.

“Right away, sir.” He rushed over and picked the empty cup up.

“Close the door.” Henry called as Damien started to leave.

Nodding his head, Damien closed the door behind him and took the cup into the kitchen to be washed. With the door closed, Henry leaned back in his chair and pressed his fingertips to his temples. His migraine had gone away after drinking the last cup of tea you had made him, but now it started to come back, his anger with you disobeying him and leaving the house, and him not going after you, to bring you back.

“Why didn't I bring her back?” He growled at himself, pressing his fingers harder into his temples. “Why couldn't I go after her?” He panted, squeezing his eyes shut against the throbbing pain in his skull.

You sighed as you stepped out of a hut in the village, exhausted from the run to the village and the struggle to help your patient. A warm hand rested on your shoulder and you didn't need to see who it was, before you turned into the warm body it belonged to, enveloped by iron hardened arms that clasped you to an even warmer chest.

“You did your best, little lamb.” Your father's rough voice whispered into your ear, his hot breath warming the cove of your cold nipped ear. “You did your best.”

“Ma would have done better.” You mumbled into his tunic.

He smiled into your hair and brushed it out of your face, before cupping your cheeks in his calloused hands. “Your mother would have done all the same things, little lamb. She taught you well.” He assured you, before gently kissing your forehead. “I should walk back with you, it's getting too dark for you to walk alone.” He said, letting you go.

“I don't want to go back, papa.” You frowned, not willing to let him go. “Please, don't make me go back to him.” You begged, looking up into his eyes. “He's so cold and mean to me.”

“Has he tried to wrong you?” Your father frowned, a flash of anger in his eyes.

“No. Thankfully. But, all I do is sit in my room and read or stare out the window. The only person I have to talk to, other than myself, is his servant, Damien, who is a very sweet and attentive person, it's just..” You paused, your chin dropping to your chest as tears started to overwhelm you.

“It's lonely.” You sniffled.

“I know how you feel, my sweet.” He sighed, huddling you back up into his arms. “It's lonely for me as well. But, things will get better, he'll warm up to you, once you work your sweet charm on him.” He chuckled. “I've seen you melt the icy heart of so many, I doubt Mr. Cavill will be immune to it.”

“I don't know, Papa.” You sighed, fruitlessly dabbing at your tears. “He's not like anyone I have ever met before.”

Your father's roar of laughter echoed in the growing misty darkness. “The man is the richest in the county and among the elitist rich in the country, lamb. He's got airs and graces, self entitlement, ego and everything at his fingertips. He's spent his life with people at his beck and call, doing his bidding and obeying him.” He chuckled. “You've never dealt with a rich person before. But, you'll adapt, you are so much like your mother in that aspect. You are strong, independent, intelligent and like a red hot piece of steel coming out of the forge, capable of shaping and molding yourself to fit into any situation.”

“You just need to show him that.”

“So, you think I should go back to him and his dreary castle?” You frowned up at him, your stomach in knots.

“I do, lamb.” He nodded, but you could see he had knots in his own stomach. “If he ever does anything vile against you or your person, you come home, and he'll feel the strength of my hammer.” He told you, showing where you had inherited your stubbornness.

“All right, Papa.” You sighed, but straightened your stiff back. “I'll go back, for you.”

“Then, let's be off!” He said, taking your bag for you and accompanied you back through the village and up the road leading back to Cavill and his Castle of loneliness. “I'll write to you more regularly.” Your father said, as you both reached the turn on the road leading up to the house. “So, it will seem like I am with you more.” He promised, his voice slightly weak.

“I would love nothing more.” You replied, your own voice weak with tears and emotions, as you reached out and squeezed his hands.

Taking leave of your father, you made the solitary and anxious walk up to the castle, trying not to let the shadows from the trees and sudden animal noises spook you, keeping your eyes forward. Once you reached the front door you thought of knocking or ringing the bell, but knew if you did it would wake Henry and you weren't in the mood and didn't possess the strength for his cold wrath. So, you tried the handle and found it open, which in actuality, didn't surprise you. No one in their right or ill mind would try to rob the Bane, no matter how rich he might be.

You quietly closed the door behind you, before taking off your shoes, not wanting to make the old floorboards creak under their soles. Gingerly tiptoeing by Henry's study door, it was closed, but you weren't willing to risk him being inside and hearing you, before mounting the stairs, pausing with each small noise you or the house made. Only letting out a soft sigh of relief, you weren't aware you were holding, when you reached your floor, no one but you occupied the floor, with the Bane on another floor and Damien sleeping somewhere below stairs no doubt.

But, you lifted a brow at the stream of light coming from under your room door, but brushed it off.

“Maybe Damien made up my fireplace to keep my room warm, while I was away.” You said to yourself, it was something sweet and thoughtful Damien would do. “Has to be, what else would it be?” You sighed at your silly paranoia and went inside.

“So, you came back.”

You yelped, dropping your shoes and bag to the floor with a clatter, pressing your back to the now closed door and your hands to your pounding chest. “What are you doing in here?” You demanded, out of breath from your fright.

“Waiting for you.” Henry replied, leaning forward in the chair by the window, that you usually occupied to read during the days.

“In my room?” You asked, lifting your brows at him and trying to collect yourself, not wanting to give the beast the satisfaction of seeing you off-guard.

“It's only your room, because I allow it to be.”

“How kind of you.” You hissed, finally recovering yourself and relaxed. “I didn't think you were capable of it.”

An oddly sinister smirk tugged up one side of Henry's mouth. “I am capable of a good many things.” He replied, licking his lips and resting his elbows on his knees. “How was your little patient, anyway.” He asked, lifting a brow at you. “Did you cure him with your cute little leaves?”

“Don't mock me!” You snapped, hands tightening into fists.

“I'll take that as a no, then.” He smirked more at you, apparently pleased with himself.

You drew in a shaky breath and let it out, trembling with a built up amount of emotions, before suddenly snapping towards him, in a fit of rage. “You fucking bastard!” You growled, jaw clenched and hands raised.

Henry snapped to his feet, like a flash of lightning, grasping your raised wrists in his hands, instantly restraining you and pushed you up against the wall beside the window he had been sitting next to. “That is fowl language from such a sweet mouth.” He growled, looking into your angry eyes.

“Did your patient break your little heart?” He mocked you, venomously.

He didn't believe for a moment that you had actually gone down to the village for a real patient, that your father had only sent the note as a cryptic message for something entirely different. Like a lover or beloved, trying to plot something to get you away from him.

“What are you talking about!” You yelled, struggling against him, confused and frightened.

“Do you think I'm a fool!?” Henry bellowed back at you, painfully pinning your hands to the wall at either side of your head. “I know that note was a fucking lie! A feign to get away from here, probably to see some peasant lover.”

“What do you care?!” You huffed, even more confused and shocked at him and his outburst. “You'd pawn me off to anything that gave you the chance to do so! You didn't want me here to start with, I know that, the whole village, if not the county, knows that.” You taunted him, hotly.

“Yet, here you are acting like your my scorned lover!”

“Because you are mine.” Henry growled in a low tone. “My possession to do with as I please.”

“Ha!” You laughed in his face. “I am no such thing.” You huffed, shaking your head at him. “I don't belong to you. My only misfortune is being held prisoner here, with a monster as a jailer.”

You yelped as one of Henry's hands gripped your jaw in a vice-like grip, forcing your head back to look up at him. “You belong to me.” He hissed, his face so close to yours now that your noses brushed and his hot breath wafted over your face. “I paid for you. All that money your dear father owes me; for the goods he uses to sustain his profession, for the taxes on the land his forge and house rest on, and so much more.”

“He sold you to me, to have those debts paid for and cleared away.”

The dull nails of his fingers pressed into the smooth skin of your cheeks and you whimpered, pathetically, immobilized by one of his hands pinning your wrists above you, his other hand gripping your head, like a bear trap, and his body caging you in, preventing even the smallest of movements of your body.

Your rage was forgotten in that instance, seeing the true Bane, and fear paralyzed you.

“So, yes.” He grinned at you in a way that made your heart stop. “I am your jailer, and you are my prisoner, and if you ever leave this house again, you will feel my wrath. Do I make myself clear to you?”

“Yes.” You gulped in a breathy whimper, unable to move your head to nod.

“Very good.” Henry replied, tipping his head slightly to the side. “Now, that's settled.” He looked to the clock, then back at you. “It's almost two in the morning.” He moved to stand sideways, but still stood close to you.

“Go to bed.” He ordered you, his tone leaving no room to argue.

Licking your dry lips, you slowly moved away from him, to the edge of your bed and pulled down the blankets, while he approached the door. You gulped, your throat sore from where the heel of his palm had pressed as he held you. “My patient,” You dared to say, as he opened the door. “died.” You informed him, your face hardening against the hurt of losing a patient and the fear that gripped you as Henry turned around.

Henry regarded you with a tired, cold and indifferent face, but his blue eyes gave away to something deeper you couldn't place your finger on. “You no longer have any patients, real or otherwise. So, you should put your mind to other things.” He told you in an emotionless voice, then left.

“Other than you, you mean.” You said to the closed door of your bedroom.

You stood by the side of your bed for a long time, paranoid that Henry was just standing in the hallway listening in on you, which he did for several minutes, before going to his own room, before your turned and went into the bathroom, desperately needing to soak in a hot bath. You needed that delectable heat and steaming water to melt away every ounce of stress, fear and exhaustion that you had coursing through your sore body, and it did just that. You didn't get out of the tub until the water turned as cold as Henry was towards you and it was almost four in the morning. Then, and only then, did you put on a nightie and crawl into bed, using the dying light of the fire in the grate to read your current book and fell asleep as the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon and tree tops.

“Good morning, Ms.!” Damien's chipper voice rang out as he entered your room with breakfast.

You groaned and tossed the blankets over your head, you had only gotten four hours of sleep and weren't in the mood for how happy-go-lucky Damien sounded, especially after what had happened with Henry during the night.

“Oh, come on!” He teased you, setting the silver tray of food down on the table. “It is a beautiful day, the sun is shining, the wind is hardly blowing and the birds are singing!” He said, trying to infuse his energetic mood into you, coaxing you up and out of bed, as he threw the curtains open and opened the windows, letting in the fresh sea air.

“Not today, Damien.” You sighed, turning your face into the plush pillow with a groan.

“Didn't sleep so well?” He asked, tilting his head at you, as he stood at the foot of your bed.

“You can say that.” Your mumbled reply answered, staring at the thin seam of light at the edge of your blanket.

“All right, then why don't you stay in bed, until you feel ready to get up and meet the day.” He suggested to you, though the concern was evident in his voice.

“Thank you, Damien.” You replied, closing out that thin line of light, plunging yourself in the darkness you felt yourself being swallowed into.

Lingering for a moment longer, Damien quietly showed himself out of your room, silently closing your door after him. You laid in bed for a long time after he left, not moving and barely moving, before letting out a deep sigh and tossed the blankets off of your body with a huff.

“Damn that man.” You growled, staring up at the canopy of your bed. “Damn him to hell!” You shouted, your anger and despair culminating inside of you.

You didn't care if he could hear you, let him hear you and rot for it. You had done him no wrong, you had done nothing to him, other than the misfortune of your father giving you to him to pay a lifelong debt, before you were even born and your father owed his father, before his death.

“Why couldn't all of you died in this miserable house, that's never been a home.” You growled, beating your fists against the feather mattress. “Do this already dismal world a spot brighter for the rest of us.” You raged, jerking your body to sit up and threw your pillow against the door.

You sighed and rubbed at your face, trying to calm yourself, not wanting the Bane to reduce you to this mood and attitude, it was one thing for him to act like it and another for you to do it. Your parents raised you better and would be disappointed in your tantrum. Straightening your back and taking a deep breath and slowly letting it out, you got out of bed, pulling on your robe and tied it around your waist, before moving over the breakfast Damien had made for you, it was almost cold now, but you didn't mind; your stomach was rumbling like an angry tiger.

Finishing your breakfast, you glanced around your room and sighed, there was nothing to do. But, read, that was.

Getting up, you went into the attached library, since you had finished your last book, The Iliad by Homer. You froze half way into the room, there was a package sitting on the table that hadn't been there the day before. You glanced at the door that led out of the library and into the hallway, it was closed, but the cobwebs that usually covered it, were broken and disturbed.

“Damien.” You sighed, shaking your head, figuring the man was just trying to cheer you up.

Picking the wrapped package up, you touched the delicate, fancy, black and gold wrapping paper, feeling the heft of what was inside and wondered what in the world he had gotten you. It felt like a book, from what you could feel through the paper, and you didn't want to ruin such nice, and clearly expensive, paper. So, you carefully unwrapped it and setting the paper down on the table, it was indeed a book, a hardcover of deep brown leather and gold stamping decoration on both covers and the spine.

Turning it over, you blinked at the cover.

“The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas.” You read off the front cover, before opening it, a folded piece of paper with your name scrawled on it slipped out and fell to the floor, making you bend down to pick it up.

Setting the book down, you unfolded the note, then frowned and shook your head at it, it was written on Cavill Industries stationary. But, the words surprised and shocked you even more.

My actions last night were unspeakable, I do not wish to keep you a prisoner in a place that has become my own penitentiary, nor make you feel fear, while you stay within these walls.

I have my reasons, that are not your fault and beyond your understanding. Take my apology with this gift, I have read it myself, and would love to know what you think of it.

Perhaps over dinner, one night.

If you would be so nicely inclined to have it, with me. - Henry

Your mouth was agape by the time you finished reading his note, having to read it twice over to ensure you weren't misreading it. You were so taken aback and dumbstruck by it, how could this be the same man that had pinned you, bodily, to a wall the night before, telling you of the wrath you would endure if you considered leaving the castle without his permission.

Was it some sick and amusing joke of his?

Was he trying to lull you into some sort of false confidence?

Was he trying to brainwash you into falling into being his good little pet?

Or was Henry being genuine and trying to make amends for his inexcusable and ungentlemanly behavior towards you?

It was all too confusing and made your head throb.

So, you set the note down on the table and picked up the book, rubbing your palm over the orate cover, before moving over to the window seat, settling on its plush cushion, the filtered gray light coming from the cloudy sky came through the windowpane, illuminated the pages just enough for you to read by, and you quickly got lost in the world that inked its pages.

[ginkgomoon]

Gavin’s Old Days Date- Analysis

I received an ask just then about this date and so I’m typing my heart away at 2 in the morning. It didn’t really fully sink in to how much of a good date Old Days was until some time had passed, with the way how I looked at Gavin back then different to how I saw him now. This date brought back so many emotions and memories- especially when it’s such a well-rounded story with various hidden meanings and references which enabled me to have something to analyse!

This date circulates around Gavin and MC’s high school history in the span of days Friday and Saturday- on that fateful day when Gavin wanted to give the letter, to the night he waited for her.

It also has a circular storyline structure, from when MC first dreams of Gavin that catalyses following events. But something we also have to note is that the whole entire time until the very last few minutes- MC is ‘dreaming’.

The turbulent flow of time and space stunned me, and countless doors opened before me one by one.

The memory fragments poured in, and those images reflecting me and Gavin flew past quickly.

He turned his back to me and walked away, his white shirt fluttering in the wind, almost engulfed by the increasingly denser mist.

I shouted his name aloud and ran desperately, wanting to catch up with him, but the corner of his shirt was like wind that couldn't be grasped, dispersing between my fingers.

His figure became increasingly blurred as he was farther and farther, finally disappearing completely in the narrow field of vision.

Standing in the void, I seemed to have lost all directions and motivation forward.

Until a gentle breeze with a familiar fragrance blew the fog away.

There seemed to be dazzling sunlight piercing through the clouds, and after the mist dissipated, a completely different space-time appeared before me…

This part of MC’s dream is like a metaphor for Gavin’s sudden leave. The mini fragments of her memories and the information that she knew now compared to back in high school come together to try to form some comprehensible picture in her mind, which in this case- her dream.

(Which probably was helped by the presence of Black Cabin with the ‘“doors”. But I could also argue that it wasn’t, because this isn’t supposed to be the first time MC enters Black Cabin. Then again, dates differ from the main storyline.)

But just like how MC is Gavin’s North Star, without him, even she is lost and directionless. They both need each other. As they are each others’ mystery, they are each others’ answers.

“This uniform and medals are my beliefs, with you guiding me in the direction forward.” -Go See Him

MC wants to reach out, not wanting Gavin to leave her, just like how he left seven years ago. Though even here, Gavin’s wind helps guide her forward- to meet him again in this time-space.

Dreams are still a big mystery to us. Some say it reveals our deepest desires and fears presented by our subconscious. By listening to it, we are able to guide our efforts in achieving and chasing what we truly desire whilst avoiding our fears. And if some dreams are based on truth, then it can easily foreshadow what we are about to encounter.

As MC finally settles in appearing at their old school of Loveland High, she sees Gavin.

Through the crowds, he seemed to be looking at the girl standing on the middle of the flag raising platform with a speech draft in her hands. Without realising, he crumpled the letter in his hand even more tightly.

The infamous letter.

Moments ago he saw me, he was so shocked that his pupils contracted slightly. He also slipped when he was about to jump down.

“Who are you?”

The shock in his eyes was now replaced by alertness and uncertainty.

Gavin clearly doesn’t know this MC- because in this time-space, she doesn’t really exist. As I said above, as dreams can be based on truth and our desires, MC feels like she could have done something to correct their relationship in this course of time. But at this stage between her and Gavin, she doesn’t know much about it because he never explicitly told her and she wants to know. This dream is a manifestation of that.

MC: “Excuse me, do you know MC? I am her cousin.”

MC also experiences being her own cousin such as in Time Subway’s Loveland High Noodle Bar and STF Drill Ground.

Gavin looked at me suspiciously for a long time, and finally nodded indifferently.

Gavin: “Oh, what do you want with her?”

MC: “How is she doing in school lately?”

Gavin: “I don’t know her that well.”

Gavin helps MC locate herself- her high school self- but when she looks back, he has already disappeared. She then overhears students talking about Gavin getting beaten up by a hundred people and becomes an investigator into his whereabouts.

The next part of the date isn’t from MC’s narration, which led me to believe that this really did happen in MC and Gavin’s own universe. The ‘truth’ of the dream.

*Beating up happening*

Random Kid Who Doesn’t Have Better Things To Do: “I heard that our school overlord is transferring to another school. Is that true? Since you are leaving, why can’t you be good?”

Gavin: “That’s none of your business!”

Random Kid Who Doesn’t Have Better Things To Do: “True, but after you leave, your beloved girl will no longer be under protection, right? Don’t worry I’ll take care of her for you. And I heard she’s our campus belle.”

Gavin (fiercely with an angry face): “What did you say?”

*More beating up*

MC’s POV begins.

Finally, I found the alley from memory.

Gavin: “You won’t get off so easily next time. Try getting near her and see what happens.”

Gavin leaves and even MC wasn’t fast enough to catch a wounded, bleeding Gavin. She racks her brains to try to figure out where he is, and finally comes to the piano room.

And BEHOLD- Gavin casually sitting on a ginkgo tree dressing his wounds.

Gavin (annoyed): “Why are you everywhere…”

MC: “Are you waiting for MC? She’s preparing for exams so she won’t be here today.”

Gavin: “...I wasn’t looking for her.”

Gavin reluctantly agrees to follow MC into the infirmary and she starts to help properly dress his wounds.

MC: “Are you not a close friend with MC?”

Gavin: “... I’ve just heard her name before. She’s got good grades and she’s very kind.”

MC: “Have you ever talked to her?”

Gavin: “Nope.”

MC: “Then how do you know she’s kind?”

Gavin: “Why should I answer your questions?”

He looked a little vexed, looking away with his ears turning red.

MC: “Sorry, I meant well. It’s just that she’s mentioned you to me. She says you’re not as bad as what people say you are. You helped carry her books and took her to the infirmary…”

Gavin: “I just happened to be around.”

MC: “Err, then you must happen to be around quite a lot.”

Gavin: “How do you know all of this?”

MC: “She tells me everything. We even look very similar don’t we?”

Gavin: “But you act differently.”

MC helps Gavin finish patching his wounds and Gavin is noted to be unwilling to stay with her.

MC: “I have one more thing to tell you. MC is a bit slow. She is not as good as you think, and will also be blinded by rumours…”

Gavin interrupts me coldly.

Gavin: “She’s a very nice person. What she thinks of me has nothing to do with anyone else. If you're here just to tell me these things, then I don't need to listen to you.”

Gavin grabbed his uniform, but a white object fell from his pocket to the floor.

It was a crumpled letter. Stained in blood.

I went to pick it up but the paper slipped out and I caught a glimpse of the contents by accident.

Gavin quickly picked up the letter and put it back without saying a word.

There was a flash of dismissal in his eyes. He tried to flatten the creases on the letter awkwardly.

(RIP LETTER. He even tried to flatten it. GAVINNN)

Gavin’s view remains the same in their own universe- “You can’t change other people’s opinions but you can change your attitude towards them. Don't let yourself be easily affected. You shouldn't envy me. You’re different from me. You're kind and thoughtful. That's what makes you, you. Besides, I’m not as free as you think, and I care about a lot of things.” -Company Footage [Chapter 3-7]

The scene around her changes. MC figures that if this is the memory of her and Gavin, then the most important thing was to find him.

MC’s mind fixates on the familiar bloody letter- recalling its words. MC then sprints to the school library.

The library looked a little deserted in the darkness. Looking along the rows of bookshelves, I finally found Gavin seated next to the window.

At this point, Gavin has been waiting a whole day for high school MC to meet him. She didn’t read the letter that had the time he wanted her to come.

He turned around and the moment he heard my footsteps, and the glimmer in his eyes suddenly died away again when he saw me.

I realised that on this day, he had wanted to say goodbye.

He just frowned and looked away, uninterested.

MC: “Are you waiting for MC? She might have misunderstood. Sorry, let me apologise for her.”

Gavin: “It has nothing to do with you.”

He paused and said in a self-mockery tone.

Gavin: “I knew she wouldn't come anyway.”

I’ve never seen Gavin like this. At this time, he was still so young and one could easily read his emotions.

Only then did I realise how he described his past as a mere “regret” was an understatement. He had to endure the long wait and the misery of being understood silently.

(It’s 2am and I’m crying.)

I mistook the farewell letter as a threat and threw it away. I never tried to learn the truth and misunderstood him. And still was protected and cherished by him.

I never felt so sorry and never wanted to blame myself even more.

If I didn't know all of this, if we had never met each other after we went in opposite directions…

MC: “Although I know saying these now is meaningless...You’ll be a very awesome person in the future, and you will stick to your belief and to justice. And you’ll also meet the person you want to meet. Even though she might not be great and always troubles you, you will definitely meet each other in the future. So…”

But when I looked back up, Gavin was gone.

As if back to the beginning of the dream, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t catch up or make a sound.

And MC wakes up. (Circular storyline- starts and end with a dream- starts and ends with Gavin.)

“Why did it take you so long to answer? Did you just wake up?”

It was Gavin.

MC: “Gavin… I….”

Gavin: “Why do you sound so weird?”

MC: “I had a dream about you.”

Gavin: “Was it a bad dream? Don’t worry, it won’t happen. By the way, I'll be at your place soon. I brought steamed buns and soybean milk for breakfast.”

Just like how he bought milk and bread for her at the infirmary after she fainted during a school sports event.

The moment I saw Gavin, I threw myself into his arms, crying.

His strong chest, the familiar smell under his collar. This was Gavin, the Gavin who would never disappear or leave me.

Gavin: “Why are you crying?”

He tried to dry my tears clumsily, but both his hands were occupied, so he had to move to the table and put the breakfast down while I hung onto him like a koala.

Gavin: “Tell me, what was your dream about?”

MC: “In my dream, you skipped class, got into fights, and ignored me.”

Gavin: “...”

MC: “You also said, ‘it’s none of your business’ to me coldly several times.”

He held back laughter and listened to my tearful complaint. Then he suddenly took my hand, and slapped it on his palm.

Gavin: “Then bully me back now.”

MC: “Gavin, have you ever thought about… what if we didn’t meet?”

He gave it some thought and nodded seriously.

Gavin: “Yes I have. If I wasn't there, would the girl get bullied? Would someone be looking out for her? I’ve also wondered if someone would fall in love with her or give her a love letter.... Would she like someone else? So, if I were to meet her again, I must hold onto her.”

He took my hand lightly, and kissed it preciously, his voice soft.

“And never let her go again.”

(The same hands that helped dress his wounds. CRYING.)

All this time Gavin had regretted not being able to give the letter to her in person, presumably with the fear of rejection from the one person he cared about. Even if Gavin hadn’t had a conversation with her or knew her very well, the interactions they have had together was enough for Gavin to form an opinion of her- a strong enough opinion that even he refuses to listen to MC’s ‘cousin’ (interactions like wanting to introduce himself in the library but MC dashes off LOL).

Wanting to protect her continuously from the students during the alleyway fight and waiting day and night for her also really does showcase his determination and the effectiveness of having a glimmer of hope from and for someone goes a long way, especially with a loyal man like Gavin.

Additionally, MC states that he was cold to her, which shows that even someone who claimed to be her cousin wouldn't melt Gavin’s heart with secondhand words. (That wall that he built up between him and MC of how he bats each question she asks with another question LOL.)

Even in front of Cousin MC, he wants to keep up that tough and unbreakable persona, the one that high school MC is more familiar with- until the very end when he finally has to come to the conclusion that MC is not going to see him. This therefore really does make him think that she didn't want to meet him. And in the storyline, he really did have to live like that, thinking that she thought of him just like how everyone did- until they met again.

But after all that Gavin had been through, he’s willing to cherish every moment he has with MC in the future. Not basing their relationship off of the failures, misunderstandings and regrets- but their hopes and dreams of a better future together.

“Before you… I lower all my defences.” -Gavin

[matthewtkachuk]

mistaken identity - jj maybank

jj mistakes you for a touron, despite the fact that he’s been copying your test answers for years and pined after you just as long. will you let him take you on a date to make it up to you and win you over?

warnings: none i don’t think

pairing: jj maybank x reader

word count: 1.9k

a/n: hello loves, despite a rude anon’s best efforts i’m still here. wrote this little something on the plane ride home yesterday night to distract me from 1) the terrible turbulence and 2) the feeling of my heart literally breaking. i’ve missed my little klepto baby, hope yall enjoy this cute lil jj fic. also 10/10 i will be calling my future sig other ‘bud’ and yes i literally wrote @girlsru1eboysdroo1into this, sue me or w/e feedback makes my heart happy.

You don’t quite know how it happened. One moment you were just the girl JJ cheated off of in math when Pope wouldn’t let him, a member of the math team and all around nobody at Kildare High. Sure, you had friends you sat with at lunch and no one really had a bad thing to say about you. Though, if one really thought about it, no one really had a thing to say about you at all - good or bad. You were the definition of a wallflower, content to sit on the sidelines, observing but never interacting fully. The next moment, you were somebody.

Contrarily, you know exactly where it happened. The same place where residents of both sides of the island come together alongside the hapless tourists with only a few goals in mind: drink, dance and find a warm body to cozy up to for the night. This location is, of course, a boneyard kegger at the beginning of summer (one of the first in fact), and those activities are, of course, not quite in line with your typical Friday night. 

It’s your best friends fault you’re here, you muse, hand wrapped tightly around a red solo cup containing three quarters of the warm beer you were handed nearly half an hour ago. You didn’t have anything against drinking, or anyone who drank, your parents were just a little more present than your classmates. You were staying over at Pen’s that night, her mom was really cool, but you couldn’t shake the imaginary hand of your parents and found yourself looking over your shoulder, prepared to drop the cup in the sand and run. Pen had been the one who was adamant that the two of you make an appearance, “you didn’t come to a single kegger last summer, and it’s our last summer before college, c’mon live a little!”. She was nothing if not persistent, and so you agreed if only to get her to let it go.

She had promised she would be by your side ‘the entire night’, but of course fifteen minutes in and she was nowhere to be seen. Also suspiciously missing, despite his two cronies still standing within your peripheral vision, was one Rafe Cameron. You didn’t know what Pen saw in him, she was the literal sweetest person in the entire world and he was... well himself. Of course no one is perfect, she did ditch you after all, and no one is entirely bad either. Since whatever was going on between them started, Rafe hadn’t been bothering you at all and you considered that a win in your books. 

Girl code and euphemisms about female friendships being more important than romantic ones aside, you couldn’t stay mad at her for long and wanted her to be happy. For some unknown reason, he made her happy and you had to support that.

You just wish she had supported you a little and been upfront about you. That way you could have been home, maybe with a book, maybe with netflix. Either way, you wouldn’t be sitting alone on a piece of driftwood slowly sipping on a warm beer as some of your classmates chatted up a group of tourons. You weren’t alone long, however.

You felt his presence before you saw him. JJ Maybank of all people sidled up beside you on the log, toe tapping and hand fidgeting with his rings as he sat silently for all of thirty seconds. Having been in the same class as the boy for more than a decade you recognized his antsy antics as ones that he often acted on in class. If you took a moment to think about it, you could admit that he was conventionally attractive, his whole devil-may-care attitude and golden surfer tan only made him all the more appealing. However, you had known the boy (or at least known of the boy) for so long, you never let that feeling grow into anything tangible. Besides, you were going to leave the small island in the fall and you were never looking back.

The silence only lasted for a minute longer before he broke it. “First time in the outer banks?” the messy blonde boy beside you asked, and you felt the scowl overtake your face.

“JJ we’ve been in the same class since the first grade, and you’ve been cheating off of me in math the entirety of our school careers,” you rolled your eyes and downed the almost full cup before throwing it to the sand and walking away. JJ stared after you with his brow furrowed, brain trying to connect the dots and reconcile you with one of his many classmates. It wasn’t entirely JJ’s (or the six beers he had consumed)’s fault, one could also blame his tardiness and absences for his lack of recognition. And of course there was the fact that you had let Pen dress you up, slap some light makeup on your eyes and curl your hair. Ordinarily the only products you bothered with were sunscreen and lip chap and you couldn’t remember the last time you’d worn anything other than a baggy t-shirt over ripped denim. So maybe you should have given the blonde some slack. 

Or not. “Y/n?” Pope asked confusedly as you stormed past him. The two of you weren’t friends, not exactly anyway, but you were both on the math team and that leant itself to a certain amount of camaraderie. At the very least, Pope remembered your name and that was more than his best friend could say. He reached out with a hand to lightly grasp your bicep, pulling you back towards him and scanning your face to see if he could figure out what was going on. “You okay?”

“Never better,” you bit back, feeling bad instantly. “Sorry Pope, your friend is just kind of an idiot.”

“What did John B do now?” Pope sighed. John B hadn’t had a lot of luck in the ladies department lately and Pope was worried about what his latest gaffe had been. Judging by the look on your face it was bad, like call you by the wrong girl’s name bad. 

“Not Routledge,” you rolled your eyes before continuing, “JJ. It doesn’t matter, Pen ditched me and I'm going home.”

Pope let you go this time, turning toward the aforementioned blond who was slowly making his way over to him. 

“Who was that?” JJ asked with narrowed, red rimmed eyes. Pope laughed out loud, knowing his best friend was about to be incredibly mad at himself. 

“How high are you? The girl you just offended was y/n,” Pope told him, causing JJ’s wide eyes to widen even further 

“Wait, y/n y/l/n? The girl of my dreams y/n y/l/n?” JJ smacked his own forehead in frustration. So that’s why you had looked so familiar. He had never seen you look so put together, and he had definitely never seen you at a kegger or under the influence of any substance before. When Pope nodded, JJ patted him on the shoulder before rushing after your retreating frame. 

He called your first name, watched as you stopped walking and stood in the sand with your back facing him. “I’m sorry, let me make it up to you.”

You turned to look at him, resting your hands on your hips. “High schools over JJ, you don’t have to pretend to be nice to me so that I’ll keep letting you cheat off me in trig.” 

“That’s not-“ he paused, eyes downcast before they flicked up to look at you. You took note of his slightly dilated pupils, the way they were rimmed with red and recognized he was under the influence of something. Gathering courage, he quickly spit out “go on a date with me.”

“I-“ you sighed deeply, eyes rolling up toward the night sky as you contemplated his offer, “you know what? Fine, one date. You better knock it outta the park and blow me away cause it’s your only shot.” You began walking away, back turned to him so he couldn’t see the small grin on your face or the way your hands shook a little. Every girl with two eyes and a heartbeat had to admit to at least a tiny crush on the reckless boy, and you had both of those things. To be asked out on a date by him made you feel special, but he didn’t need to know that. 

“Not that I need it, but you don’t believe in second chances?” he shouted at your retreating back. Without missing a beat you turned to look at him over your shoulder, “this is your second chance bud.”

A few days later had you sitting in shock and disbelief as JJ Maybank admitted his years long crush on you. 

You laughed so hard that you almost snorted, stifling the instinct with both of your hands before the sound could betray you. “You’re trying to tell me you’ve had a crush on me since we were kids? And you couldn’t recognize me because of a little bit of eyeliner?” you asked skeptically, brows raised at the boy who sat beside you on the blanket in the sand. 

“Not my finest moment,” he admitted, grabbing a grape and tossing it in the air before attempting to catch it in his mouth. It bounced off his nose and rolled into the sand, causing you to giggle. He brightened up considerably with the knowledge that he had been able to make you laugh, even if it was with his stupid antics. 

“So, your idea of flirting was what? Copying my test answers and never actually speaking to me?” You laughed at the look of indignation on his face. “You’ve got no game, bud.”

“I’ll have you know I have plenty of game, you should hear what the tourons-“ he began to brag, stopping only when you threw yourself at him, covering his mouth with your hands as you had done to yourself only moments earlier. It was only when he shrugged that you pulled back from

his personal space. 

“Pro tip for Mr ‘plenty of game’, girls don’t like to hear about other girls on first dates. Especially not girls you’ve...” you fake coughed and raised your eyebrows hoping he would get the meaning. 

“Right, sorry. You just make me nervous.” He admitted, rolling his pink lips into his mouth briefly. 

“What, why?” you asked, sitting up on your knees and tucking your hair behind your ears. 

“Are you kidding? You’re smokin’ hot and really smart. Like maybe even smarter than Pope smart,” he paused, “don’t tell him I said that.”

You laughed again, face hot from the compliment as you mimed zipping your lips, “Your secret’s safe with me, I’ll take it to the grave.”

You sat in a comfortable silence, staring at his strong side profile before he turned to you, eyes darting down to look at your lips. “Can I kiss you?” he asked, lip darting out to lick at his bottom lip. 

“Depends,” you giggled, sitting up further and wrapping your arms around his neck before whispering into his ear, “Do you remember who I am this time?”

He laughed, cheeks reddening as he returned your whisper, “I could never forget you y/n y/l/n.” 

“You better not, bud,” you replied, grinning up at him before you captured his lips with yours, eyes fluttering shut as you relaxed in his embrace. 

everything taglist: @velyssaraptor @danicarosaline @copper-boom @x-lulu @prejudic3 @rekrappeter @downbytheouterbanks @ilovejjmaybank @bricksatanakinswindow @jellyfishbeansontoast @sunwardsss @rudyypankow @im-a-stranger-thing @alexa-playafricabytoto @hoodpankow @girlsru1eboysdroo1 @sortagaysortahigh @socialwriter @euphoricmalfoy @anxietyandtacos @diverrdown @stargazingstarkey @rae131415 @rafej-cambanks @stfukie @obxmermaid

[stardancerluv]

Runs for Herself and Enjoys to the Protection

Summary: Things go awry for reader and her client. Roman has to make sure nothing like this happens again to his girl.

⚠️ 🛑 Special Note, Warning ⚠️ 🛑

— Since returning to work, I have been cursed out, screamed at...wished ill. This past weekend was no exception. So to work through this, I wrote this. Yes, for the story I made it more intense. I also based it off some horrible treatment I was at the receiving end of. Only, I sadly had no one but myself to fall back on.

So I am not trying to use anything in this for the sake of a story. Needed to get some feelings off my chest. (In the story there is...unwanted advances, unwanted & violent touches and mentions of blood, & a murder.)

“Come on beautiful, if you can give out to Sionis you can give out to me.”

“Umm, that’s not how it works.”

You shivered in disgust as you felt his fingers in your hair.

“If you can’t stop touching me, I will cancel the contract.”

“Listen, think of Roman and it won’t be so bad.” He laid his hands on your shoulders as he chuckled.

“That’s it. We are done here.” You turned to face him. “I’ll have my lawyer call you.”

Next thing you knew you were seeing stars in front of your eyes as you found yourself laying partially on the desk. You could only reason, you had bumped your head.

“Listen, no one has ever complained before.” He hung over you and licked his worm like lips.

“Get away from me.” You pleaded, kicking you landed on his knee. He howled in pain, that’s when you jumped down from the desk.

He grabbed you, “No you don’t.” He back handed you and then back handed you again. The pain exploded in your face and once again you were seeing stars.

You had to do something, you eyed the situation. You had to get away. You could do this. With all of your strength you pushed him. Tumbling back, you finally ran.

“Not so fast deary.”

He soon stopped you by grabbing your dress with one of his meaty hands. You fought, you to free your dress. Hope grew in you as the fabric began to give. The sound as it rip was loud and filled the entire room. With your heart hurting you continued to run.

Everything was a blur some of his men stirred from being hunched over a card game they were playing.

“Get back here. No one runs from me.”

“Louie grab her.” You ran faster.

You managed to get outside, you ran desperately to a cab you saw sitting at a red light. You practically tore open the door and slammed the door shut, you were grateful no one was in side. It was a struggle to calm your breathing enough to talk.

“Ma’am what are....oh damn. Um where do you need to go?”

You looked and saw one of the goons coming over. “Go, please go!” Luckily then the light changed and he pealed away. Thankfully the traffic was not so busy on the south side of Gotham. “Take me to the Black Mask Club.”

“Ok ma’am.”

You finally took a mental breath. Looking, at your dress, a chill came over you. You would not cry, you just had to get there.

Never had you been more relieved to see Zsasz smoking outside. His eyes grew when he saw you.

“Please pay the cabbie. I don’t have my purse.”

He took a long drag of his cigarette and nodded. “Sure.”

When passed each other he whispered telling you he was upstairs.

Inside you felt so hollow, so hurt. You had always dealt with all different walks of life in Gotham. No one ever did this. You slumped against the wall of the elevator. You didn’t dare touch your face, the pain was beyond belief.

You winced when the elevator dinged announcing itself. You questioned yourself the closer you drew to his office. Perhaps you should let it go and just call your lawyer cancel the contract. It was bound to happen dealing with all the types in Gotham.

“What the fuck happened? Look at me!” Barked Roman.

You shook, you heard him exhale and as he drew closer. How did he already know, but then you realized Zsasz probably texted him.

You looked up into the very hard face of Roman. His features were razor sharp in his anger. You could watch as his eyes softened.

“Oh baby.” You bowed your head as you felt his eyes move over you. Your view filled with him as he stood right in front of you. “Baby.” His voice was gentle despite the clipped under tone. “Don’t look away. We need to get you cleaned up and then I want you to tell me everything.”

“Ok.”

*******

The was cloth was warm and comforting as he wiped away the dried tears and blood. The fresh tears came when you finally saw your face. He drew you close and just held you. His heart beat hard and fast in his chest.

He held you out of the dress, which he told you he would bring to the incinerator. You would never have to see it again.

Later, dressed in something much more comfortable. He just held you and gently ran your fingers through your hair.

You were finally feeling better in a half dozy state after the roller coaster your emotions went through. You felt Roman stiffen as his phone buzzed in his suit jacket.

Blinking, you looked up at him, you watched as he swallowed. “I have to go and take care of this.”

You clung to him, you uncontrollably just buried your face into his chest. You wanted to disappear. His cologne, his solidness felt so safe.

“Baby, I’ll be back before you know it. I can’t let this go.”

It almost made you cry again when you realized he knew you were concerned about him.

Looking up, you sigh you closing your eyes as his hand gently held your cheek.

“You’re my girl. I have to protect you.”

“I know.”

******

After slipping his suit jacket back on over his holster you knew what he was about to go and do. You were not ill. You and Roman had been together for two years. Over those two years, good and bad things. He kept what he could away from you. It was his life, his business it was him managing his slice of Gotham.

You were there to love and support him. You were not clueless, what happened today was stepping over the line. With your business you were supposed to be able to move freely around. Being with Roman made you safer and gave you a freedom, you didn’t have before.

So after parting, you went to the window and waited. Downstairs the rolls was idling.

*****

He glanced up to the window and saw your silhouette. He waved then he slid into back of the car.

His blood was rushing in his ears as he made his way to bastard’s place. He has done some dark things, but seeing you. Watching as the bruises formed and marred your beautiful face he grew ill. No one his girl and would get away with it.

He did not call anyone else, he wasn’t going to get the permission of the others. It was time to act. And he was going to send a fucking message.

*****

Everything went smoothly, he just right in. Knowing, where to go he strode right up to animals office. He stopped just outside the door. He unholstered one of his guns. Faintly he heard giggling, it made blood boil hotter.

Turning the knob, he practically strode. He immediately saw the fuck sitting behind the desk with some bimbo perched in front of him on his desk. She screamed.

He took a breath and gestured with his gun. “Get the fuck out of here.”

She jumped down and ran.

“Here to punish me for what I did?”

Roman aimed and shot him in the knee.

“Yes.”

The man screamed in agony, blood blossomed between his hands has he held his knee. Roman, quietly came around his desk.

“What were you going to do if you caught her?”

The man looked up at him with a slimy smirk. “Enjoy her screams...” The rest was a gargle as he shot him in the throat. Blood splattered his face.

Roman holstered his gun as the man flapped, grasping at his throat. Zsasz walked into the room, looking over at him he smiled.

“Make whatever is left of his life miserable and painful.”

******

After canceling the contract, you desperately tried to distract yourself. It wasn’t working. You didn’t want to fret any longer so you took a hot bath and changed into a silken dress. You wanted at the very least look good for Roman. Your heart swelled greatly knowing that he was defending your honor.

You brushed your hair and dabbed a touch of make up on. Spritzing on some perfume and you began to feel worlds better. You were feeling considerably better after being comforted by Roman.

Going to the bar, you went and poured him a drink. You made yourself one as well. Lounging on the sofa, you were sipping on your drink when you heard the gentle purr of the Rolls.

You waited just long enough and then went over to welcome Roman home.

He looked as sharp as ever.

“Welcome home.” You said softly. “I’m sure you need this.” You handed him the glass of scotch as you looked him over.

“Thank you sweetheart.” A smiled played on his lips as his eyes moved over you. A sound of contentment came from him as he took a sip. He wrapped an arm around you and pulled you close.

“Let’s get you more comfortable.”

As you poured him another scotch, you watched as he settled comfortably in his over stuffed chair. Placing the drink down beside him, you saw the splatter of blood across his face. He patted his lap. “One moment, Romy.” Going back to the bar you grabbed a glass filled it with seltzer and a soft cotton cloth.

Coming back over you happily took a seat in his lap. “Oh? Where’s you holster?”

He shrugged. “Downstairs, so Zsasz can clean it for another day.”

“Oh, good!” You smiled.

He rose an eyebrow, “Did I get something on my face?” His lips wrinkled in disgust.

You nodded. “May I?”

“Of course.” He rest a hand on your thigh as you sat and he closed his eyes.

It wasn’t long before the seltzer turned a rusty red, as you dipped and rubbed the cloth across the contours of his face. You eyed how his lashes on rested on his cheeks and how relax his lips sat, incredibly kissable, your stomach fluttered. At the moment, you resisted the urge to finish cleaning his face.

His eyes opened, the blue was a turbulent shade. “He’ll never bother you or anyone again.”

“Good.”

“Y/N...”

“Yes.”

He squeezed your thigh. “I hate that you had to go through that,” He grimaced. “You are strong. I am glad you got back here so I could then take care of you.”

“I’ll always come home to you.”

He smiled and the mood shifted in his eyes.

“You’re my hero.” You whispered and finally you couldn’t resist his mouth any further and you kissed him.

You winced, pulling back.

“Allow me?” His lips curled delightfully.

Confused, you nodded. “Of course.”

Gently he kissed you but his lips didn’t linger their and your hear sped up as his lips drifted till they met your jaw. “I will always protect my girl.” He whispered in your ear.

@darling-i-read-it @spn-obsessed-dean @vintagemichelle91 @xxxeatyourh3artoutxxx @ewanfuckingmcgregor @zodiyack @angel98624 @frenchgirlinlondon @emyliabernstein @thepeachreads @nebulastarr @itsknife2meetu @omghappilyuniquebouquetlove @poe-kadot26 @babydoll97 @hazel-nuss @vcat55 @feelthemadnessinside @johallzy @foreverhockeytrash @frostypenguinoz @starwarsslytherin @professionalclown @chogisss @shantellorraine @xxinvisiblexx @blondekel77 @saphic-stories @drarrylov3r @i-cant-hear-you16 @deadlymistress24 @yesqueenofthelight @generallj @thebeckyjolene

[quillvine]

Caffeinated

Aaron Hotchner x Gender Neutral Reader

A/N: Here have this monster of a fic. It’s been kicking around in my drafts for so long I had no idea what to do with or how to end it. I hope you guys like it! My requests are still open so don’t be afraid to drop a line :)

Masterlist

You’re awoken by the sound of Aaron’s phone ringing, it's his work tone. It’s too damn early for work especially considering it’s a Saturday. Next to you Hotch presses a quick kiss on your lips before reaching to grab his cell from the nightstand. He answers, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he listens to whoever’s on the other end. Before he even hangs up you know there's a case.

Aaron turns to you with his usual grim bossman look on his face. It’s a far cry from the cute  sleepy look that you’re used to seeing in the mornings.

“Why don’t you start the coffee? I’ll go call Jessica and check on Jack.” He tells you.

He leans over again to give you another kiss. This time it’s long and slow, his lips molding against yours. Your hands find their way to his messy hair and he shifts to pull you closer to him on the bed. 

All too soon he pulls away and you whine in disappointment, you’re not ready to start the day. Aaron just smiles pulling you up from the bed and pushing you towards the door. He pats your ass gently giving you another kiss before heading down the hall to Jack’s room.

He had food poisoning so you and Aaron had already been up later than usual making sure he was okay. The poor boy was hugging the toilet bowl way past his bedtime. You guys had hoped that you wouldn't get called away during the weekend, but alas the UnSubs of the world had their own agenda.

Flicking the lights on in the kitchen you get the coffee pot going. You also search the pantry for the individually packaged instant oatmeal that you guys keep for the mornings where Jack is running late for school. Neither of you are particularly hungry in the mornings but you figured that instant oatmeal is easy enough to make on the jet. 

Pulling your go bags from under the buffet table in the hallway, you throw the oatmeal cups into your bag and then head back to the kitchen. You pour the hot coffee into travel mugs and then set them next to your go bags.

Heading back up the stairs to the bedroom where you see Aaron buttoning up his work shirt. He gives you a quick smile before grabbing the pair of slacks on the bed.

You walk over to the closest to grab clothes and get changed. After a quick glance at Hotch who is tying the tie you got him for his birthday you settle on a red shirt to match his power tie.

“Jessica is on her way,” He tells you, walking over to where you're standing to give you a kiss on the cheek, “Jack’s okay, he’s still sleeping.”

When Jessica arrives, you thank her for coming on such a late notice and then hurry out the door into the car.

Once you guys hit the highway it seems like whatever early morning energy you had left you. Your body feels limp and your eyes are drooping which really isn’t good considering the fact that you the coffee was supposed to kick in already.

By the time you reach the office you’re feeling a little worse for wear but you have a job to do so you reach into the backseat to grab your go bag. Before you can exit the car Aaron grabs your wrist and pulls you into a slow languid kiss.

“One for the road.” He tells you.

You smile as you exit the car, maybe this morning will get better.

&

It turns out the morning did not get better. The flight was bumpy and filled with turbulence adding a headache on top of your tiredness. By the time you guys get off the jet and to the station you’re really not in a good mood. For some reason the caffeine still has not kicked in and you’re still exhausted. 

It’s six in the morning right now which means it’s still too early for you guys to check into a hotel so you have to leave your bags at the station. As soon as you’ve set your bags down, you’re beelining it to the break room, praying to whatever god is out there for a fresh pot of coffee.

Morgan is there already and smirks when he sees your disgruntled face. You groan internally, the whole team has been eyeing you since you got on the plane, they know how you get when you’re low on sleep. Morgan is the only one brave enough to toe the line with you.

“Oh ho ho, looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. What happened, Hotch keep you up too late last night?” Morgan as you push past him to the coffee pot.

“He’ll have your head for that.” You grumble.

Morgan just laughs, giving you a teasing smile as he follows you. He actually has the audacity to beat you to the coffee pot and starts pouring himself a cup. You come up next to him and grab a cup of your own, as Morgan pours you a cup you fumble with the cream and sugar passing them to him. He thanks you, adding some to his cup. 

You stir your own coffee as you reach over to pour a cup for Aaron. He probably doesn’t need another cup, if anything he seems to be functioning fine but it’ll save you another trip to the break room if he doesn't drink it. Who cares if it’s cold.

Taking a sip from your cup you find that it is potentially the worst cup of coffee you’ve ever had in your life.

“Ugh, dishwater.” You grouse as you guys walk to the conference room the team has hijacked.

Morgan takes a sip of his own coffee and chuckles.

“Come on now you know that they never have the good stuff in these places.” He tells you as you guys walk into the conference room. “If you want anything other than dishwater you have to be like Pretty Boy and bring a whole pour over set.”

“Reid, I didn’t know you brought your Chemex on cases.” You say as you slide into the seat next to Aaron, giving him his cup of coffee.

He’s helping Spencer get the geographical profile going. There are no actual bodies at the moment, the girls are just missing. So you guys really only have the abduction sites and victimology to go on.

“You know,” Reid says as he looks up from the map. “The Chemex Coffeemaker was invented in 1941. It’s intention was to-”

“Yeah, yeah, we get it. All I know is that the last time we roomed together you woke me up with all that fumbling around.” Rossi complains.

Spencer at least has the decency to look sheepish. He squirms under Dave’s semi-annoyed gaze and turns back to the map. You chuckle at the thought. Only he would have enough coherence in the mornings to meticulously weigh out the ratio of coffee grounds to water.

As you reach out for the victim files you’re startled by Aaron pushing his coffee cup over to you. He takes your hand and squeezes it gently.

“You need it more than I do.” He tells you.

You sigh happily, dishwater or not caffeine is still caffeine. Buzz from the earlier cup starts to thrum pleasantly through your body. Although, you think it’s partly because of the fact that Aaron is being so sweet to you today.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” He asks.

You simply nod and squeeze his hand again. He’s so endearing when he’s worried about you. His big brown puppy dog eyes and the slight wrinkle between his brows makes you want to coo and plant a nice solid kiss on his lips. But the last thing you need is more teasing from Morgan so instead you bring Hotch’s hand to your lips giving his fingers a gentle peck.

He doesn’t look convinced though, still looking at you with a slight frown on his face. As cute as Aaron is when he’s pouty, he has you a little worried. Normally even a quick grab of his hand would warrant a gentle reminder about professionalism. The last thing any of you need are the local police thinking you're a two-bit agent sleeping with your boss for your position. You must be in really bad shape for him to act like this.

“Hotch I’m fine, really. I think it’s just a bad combination of lack of sleep and the turbulence from the plane ride here.” You tell him gently. “I’ll get some sleep when we get to the hotel, promise.”

You give him a small smile and Aaron seems to relax at your words. You scoot closer to him, grabbing the case files that sit on the table. Reid shifts the map a little so you can get a better view. 

As you pour over the files to help with the geographical profile your feet find Aaron’s under the table. You nudge them gently to let him know that really you’re okay and not to worry about you. He nudges your back, as a reminder that he’s here if you need him. You smile setting in for a long day of profiling.

&

You know you promised Aaron that you would try to get some rest in the hotel but the hotel bed is so lumpy and you can’t seem to get comfortable. It’s not like Aaron’s sleeping either, his workaholic ass is still pouring over the case files.

You can tell he’s stressed, this case is weighing on him, you can see it in his eyes. But some of his stress is probably from the fact that he’s worried about you too. You feel so bad, he doesn’t need to worry about you, today was just an off day. He has enough to think about already with Jack and the case and everything else this job is pushing on him.

You yawn stretching languidly under the sheets. Hugging the blankets you turn to look at Hotch. He’s sitting at the desk in the corner of your guys hotel room still dressed in his normal work attire albeit a little disheveled. The crease between his brow is deeper than ever and you can tell that if he stares at those case files any longer he’s going to give himself a killer headache.

Luckily for him you know just how to stave off the impending headache. He could never resist your charms, especially this late at night.

“Aaron…” You croon, “Come to bed, baby. I’m so lonely, why dontcha come and keep me company?”

From his seat at the corner of the hotel room Aaron chuckles.

“Come on now, none of that.” He tells you. “You promised me that you would try and get some sleep.”

“I know, I know, but the bed is so lumpy and uncomfortable and I’m so cold. Why don’t you warm me up?” You purr.

You feel like a sultry young socialite waiting for her lover to come back to bed. The only thing that is missing are the silken sheets and the feather soft mattress.

Aaron sighs and rises from the desk chair. His suit jacket is already flung across the back of the desk chair and his tie is undone. He heads over to the bed with a large grin on his face. You smile back and make grabbing motions with your hands.

The bed dips as he climbs onto to lie next to you. Pulling you into a hug Aaron presses a kiss to the top of your head.

“What am I going to do with you?” He murmurs into your hair.

“Love me.” You say cheekily.

He laughs again and you laugh along with him. Oh god, his laugh is warm and honeyed and it feels like home. You could listen to it for days on end.

Patting his chest gently you say, “Come on baby get changed, you need to get some sleep too.”

Aaron gives you a quick squeeze before climbing out of the bed to change into his pajamas. As he slips out of his shit you purr in appreciation and grin wolfishly at him. He returns your grin as he wiggles out of his work slacks. Once he is fully changed Hotch pounces on top of you wrapping you into his arms. He flips you so you are resting on top of him, your head lying on his chest.

You bite your lip and bat your eyelashes at him. “Oh, so you want me on top tonight huh?”

“Stop it,” Aaron says with a low rumble. “You promised me that you would get some sleep.”

“Technically we would be sleeping together.” You tell him running your hand over his arms.

“Oh, you’re bad.” Aaron tells you as he leans up to nip at your lower lip. “But, you promised me that you’d get some rest, we need you at your best for this case.”

You sigh and roll off of him snuggling back into the blankets. He leans down to tilt your chin up so he can kiss you on your lips. He then reaches over to turn the lights off. With a soft smile you curl into Hotch and he gathers you up into his arms pulling you closer, the both of you settling in for a long night in a lumpy bed.

&

Normally, the sound of the engine is too loud for you to consider sleeping on the jet, but you’ve been running on fumes for the last couple days so you probably could sleep on anything that wasn’t a lumpy hotel bed.

You’re leaning against Aaron, your face planted firmly onto his side. Everyone else is asleep or trying to sleep, your boyfriend is the only one still awake. Honestly that silly stupid man would work himself to death if you and Jack weren’t around.

“Come on Aaron the paperwork can wait,” you tell him, “Why don’t we get some sleep?”

“You can get some sleep, I need to finish my report first.” He says not looking up from his papers.

You sigh and curl into Hotch’s side. It’s a little uncomfortable since he’s still upright and you can feel the movement of his arm as he writes. You focus on his even breathing and strong scent. Slowly, they lull you to sleep and you drift off dreaming of good coffee and nice hotel beds.

When you wake it’s to the sound of laughter. Rubbing your eyes bleary you see Derek and Emily with their go-bags slung around their shoulders. As you look around you see the rest of the team making their way off of the jet.

You look up when you hear a soft thud. Hotch has dropped your go bag next to his on the table. When he sees that you’re awake he leans down to kiss you on the lips.

“Welcome to the land of the waking,” he says with a teasing smile.

“Why didn’t you wake me up?” you ask rubbing your eyes groggily.

“Well, you just looked so cute in my arms I couldn’t bear the thought of waking you up.” He tells you to reach out his hand so he can tug you up.

You sigh a little as you stretch, your back cracking nicely. Reaching out to grab your go-bag you find that Aaron is already holding it with his own bag hanging on his shoulders. You grab his free hand and as you walk off the plane together.

When you get home you thank Jessica for looking after Jack and go upstairs to give the sleeping boy a kiss on his forehead. Collapsing in your nice not-lumpy bed, and drift off into a peaceful sleep. Just before you fall asleep fully you feel Aaron slide into bed next to you cradling you gently.

“I love you.”

“I love you more.”

Tags (lmk if you want to be added or removed): @winterscaptain @yes-sir-hotchner @mrs-joel-pimentel-23-25 @crying-river @genevievedarcygranger @ange-must-die @ogmilkis @saintd0lce

@agenthotchner and @dr-reid-ismyspiritanimal I tagged you guys too, thought you might like it :)

[southsidewrites]

A Little More || Azumane Asahi x Reader

“I can’t take your bed,” Asahi argued, looking affronted that you even considered the possibility. “You’re doing me a favor, and the least I can do it let you keep your bed.”

“C’mon, babe,” you said, taking his hand in yours. “There’s no way I’ll sleep well knowing you’re on this garbage couch.”

“And there’s no way I’ll sleep well knowing you’re on this garbage couch,” he argued, giving you a stern look.

You grinned, biting back a laugh as you considered your next suggestion. “Well, it looks like there’s only one solution, then.”

“What’s that?” Asahi’s eyebrows furrowed, your amused look throwing him off.

“We both sleep in the bed.”

Summary: After a text from Noya leaves Asahi sexiled, he comes to your apartment looking for a place to say. And when your boyfriend shows up at your door at midnight asking to spend the night with you, you think it might be time to take your relationship to the next level. 

Word Count: ~6k

Author’s Note: My first Haikyuu!! smut. Let me know what you think, and feel free to send in smutty or SFW requests for any of the Karasuno boys!

Cross-posted to A03.

You woke with a start to the sound of someone knocking on your door. Groaning, you rolled over to check the clock—it was a little after midnight, and you had barely been asleep for an hour. With a yawn, you rolled out of bed, adjusting your big t-shirt, one you had snagged from Asahi, to make sure you were decent. Then, once you determined that you weren’t about to flash anybody, you walked over to the door.

When you pulled it open, you were surprised to see none other than Asahi standing there, dressed in sweats and a sweatshirt with his duffle bag over one shoulder and a backpack over the other like he had just come from practice.

“Asahi, babe, what are you doing here?” you asked, your eyes narrowed in concern. It was unlike your utterly focused and driven boyfriend to be out this late, especially during the volleyball season.

He grabbed the back of his neck awkwardly, his eyes flitting down the hall to make sure no one was around before he answered. “Well, I was over at Daichi’s studying for our English exam Monday, and well—you see—I got a weird text, and…” He trailed off, sighing deeply. “And I’m pretty sure Noya has a girl over.”

Your eyes bugged open, and you had to snap your mouth shut to keep from gaping at him. “Wait, what? We are talking about Nishinoya Yuu, correct? Your delightful, yet awkward roommate that hasn’t so much as gone on a second date in the time I’ve known him?”

Asahi nodded, his eyebrows rising. “Trust me, I was just as surprised as you are.”

“What makes you think he has a girl over?” you asked, finally stepping away from the doorway to wave him into the little studio apartment. “Are you sure it’s not just Tanaka messing with you or something?”

Asahi shook his head as he dropped his bags on the floor and plopped onto the couch. “I’m pretty sure.” He fished his phone out of his pocket, opened the message, and handed it to you. “I can’t think of anything else this text might mean.”

You sat down on the couch next to him and scanned the screen. When you saw the message, your eyes widened.

have some special ;) ;) company over tonight. can u find a place to stay?

“Well, then.” You handed him back the phone, still shaking your head with amazement. “That does seem pretty definitive.”

“At the very least, there’s no way I’m heading back there to find out exactly what he means by special.” Asahi shuddered, wrapping his arm around your shoulders and pressing a soft kiss into your temple. “So, I—um—totally feel free to say no, especially if this is too forward, but I really do need a place to sleep tonight, and—”

“Of course, you can stay with me, babe.” You cuddled in closer to him, wrapping your arm around his waist and pressing a reassuring kiss into his cheek. “You can totally even take the bed—you’re way too damn tall to fit on this couch, not to mention how sore you’ll be at practice tomorrow.”

“I can’t take your bed,” Asahi argued, looking affronted that you even considered the possibility. “You’re doing me a favor, and the least I can do it let you keep your bed.”

“C’mon, babe,” you said, taking his hand in yours. “There’s no way I’ll sleep well knowing you’re on this garbage couch.”

“And there’s no way I’ll sleep well knowing you’re on this garbage couch,” he argued, giving you a stern look.

You grinned, biting back a laugh as you considered your next suggestion. “Well, it looks like there’s only one solution, then.”

“What’s that?” Asahi’s eyebrows furrowed, your amused look throwing him off.

“We both sleep in the bed.”

For a moment, he was silent, Asahi’s expression caught somewhere between quizzical and flustered. Then, his face flushed with a deep blush. “I—um—we don’t have to—I can find somewhere else—Daichi—”

“Babe, breathe.” You rested a hand on his shoulder, running your thumb across his stubbled jaw. “It’s totally fine if you don’t want to, but I just thought I’d throw it out there. I mean, we have been dating for a few months now, and nothing has to happen. It’d just be more comfortable. And I know you’re a killer cuddler,” you added on, poking him in the side teasingly.

He let out a slow breath, his eyes fixed on your face as his mind raced. “I don’t know,” he finally admitted. “Of course, I want to, but there’s a lot I’ve wanted to do with you that also scares the shit out of me, and—”

“Wait, pause.” Your eyebrows perked up as you registered what he had said. Was this the closest your shy, inexperienced boyfriend had ever come to admitting he wanted a more physical relationship. “Asahi, are you saying that there’s something else you’ve been wanting to do with me?”

At that, his face flushed an even deeper shade of red, and he fell backward on the couch with a groan, unable to even make eye contact with you. “Could I be any more awkward?” he muttered. “Most guys our age have no issues with this stuff, and here I am fumbling around the idea of being in the same bed as you like a teenager.”

“Aw, babe, don’t beat yourself up.” Shoving him over slightly, you lay down next to him, cuddling into his chest and pressing a soft kiss into his cheek. “I love you, awkwardness and all. And anyways,” you teased, your lips curving into a mischievous smirk, “I bet you would have been even more awkward if a girl invited you into her bed back in high school.”

Asahi rolled his eyes at that before looking down at you with a fond smile. “I love you, too.”

“Good—now, are you going to dick me down tonight or what?”

“Babe! You can’t just say things like that!” he exclaimed, turning the brightest shade of red you had ever seen as you broke down laughing. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”

“I’m sorry,” you laughed, trying to pull him in for a hug. “I just couldn’t help myself!”

Shaking his head, he climbed off the couch and walked toward the bathroom. “I’m going to the bathroom, and I’m not coming out until you stop being a brat.”

“But does this mean you’ll share the bed with me?” you called, trying to stop laughing. “Or should I pull out the couch?”

“Don’t set up the dang couch,” he replied, waving you off as he closed the door behind him.

You smiled to yourself as he closed the door—for all his confidence on the volleyball court, Asahi really did get flustered easily when it came to your relationship. Because of it, you had always been the one to initiate all the firsts—first date, first kiss, first slightly-more-than-a-kiss-but-everyone’s-still-fully-dressed makeout, you name it.

You absolutely didn’t mind, though. Unlike with other guys, you were never nervous around Asahi, never worried that he was judging you for being too forward. The guy clearly cared about you being comfortable more than anything, and the two of you had been happy to take it slow and just get to know each other instead of rushing into anything.

Of course, that didn’t stop you from teasing him every now and then. Sometimes, it was just too easy, and that blush was just too cute. Not to mention, you could almost always get him out of his head a little by making him laugh.

 In the bathroom, Asahi’s heart was racing. That was the closest he’d come to admitting that he was interested in taking your relationship to the next level, and it had slipped out on accident. Of all things to say on accident, he said that? God, he didn’t know what got into him sometimes, but the way you were looking at him, with that smile and that adorable laugh, and—

Shaking his head, Asahi splashed some cold water on his face. The colder, the better, really, because your comment about him dicking you down was having certain effects on his body that he’d really rather not deal with while hiding away in your bathroom like a giant freak. The last thing he needed was to have to deal with that on top of his raging emotions.

Sighing, Asahi looked down at what he was wearing—it was a whole lot more than he’d usually wear to bed, but there was no way he was going to start taking clothes off after making everything so awkward. He’d just have to deal with it tonight—the more layers of fabric between him and you, the better. It was bad enough that all you had on were those ridiculously short shorts and his t-shirt, like you were trying to seduce him just by existing and looking so damn good.

Finally, after what was certainly too long, Asahi felt like he had some sort of grasp on his turbulent emotions, not to mention his raging hormones, so he reached for the door. When he got back into the bedroom, you had flipped off the overhead lights, leaving just a lamp on for him to navigate. You had also crawled into bed and were sitting under the covers reading something on your phone.

You looked so good in the dim glow of the light, your face scrunched up cutely as you tried to make out the small print on the screen. Asahi felt his heart rate start to slow as he watched you—deep down, he knew he had no reason to be nervous, especially when it came to you. Sure, you took a sick pleasure in teasing him, but you had never been anything other than kind and patient when it really mattered.

His nerves fading, Asahi pulled off his sweatshirt, leaving him in t-shirt and sweats, and climbed onto the bed.

 You held up the covers for Asahi, giving him room to climb in next to you. Immediately, you wrapped your arm around him, snuggling in close and using his chest as a pillow.

“I promise I’ll give you space to sleep in a second,” you murmured, letting your eyes drift shut. “You’re just too cuddle-able for me not to take advantage of this.”

He chuckled, kissing the top of your head and wrapping his arm around you to hold you close. “You can cuddle me as much as you want.” With his free hand, he started playing with your hair, breathing in the sweet smell of your shampoo with a contented sigh.

“Is that a promise?” you asked, looking up at him with a smile. “Because you do know that I’m just grabby enough to take advantage of it, right?”

“Man, I can’t give you anything, can I?” he chuckled. “How about this—you can cuddle me all you want when we’re alone in your bed.”

“Are you saying we won’t always be alone in my bed?” you teased, waggling your eyebrows suggestively.

“You’re hopeless,” Asahi sighed, tipping his head back with an amused smile. Lightly, he tickled your side, earning an annoyed whine as you pressed in even closer to him.

“Maybe,” you conceded, closing your eyes again. “But you still love me.”

“More than anyone in the world,” he agreed softly. He was silent for a moment, praying that you couldn’t hear just how much his heart had started racing as he considered his next words. “Which is why—um—well, I was wondering if you wantedtohavesextonight?”

His last few words ran together in a blur, and you shot upright, your eyes flying open to look down at him. “Did you just ask what I think you did?”

Asahi’s eyes widened like he had surprised himself with the question. “That depends,” he drawled, gazing at you with one of the softest looks you had ever seen, “what’s your answer?”

You gaped at him, amazed that he even had to ask. “Of course, I want to have sex with you, babe. That is, if you want to—I know you haven’t before, and I don’t want you to feel rushed or pressured or anything like that. You know I’m happy to wait if that’s—”

“Now who’s the one rambling?” he teased, cutting you off with a quick peck on the lips. “I’ve actually kind of been thinking about it for a while, you know. Like you said, we’ve been together for a while now, and I trust you more than anyone, so…” he trailed off, smiling softly up at you. “I want to do this with you.”

You smiled, his words making your entire body feel warm and fuzzy. “I want to do this with you too, Asahi.” Leaning in, you cupped his face in your hands and kissed him, letting your body rest against his. For a moment, you just let yourself get lost in the kiss, relishing the feeling of his lips against yours and his arms around your waist. Then, you pulled back, still running your fingertips through his now-messy hair. “Babe, I feel like I already know the answer to this, but do you have a condom?”

Asahi’s face went bright red, and he laughed nervously, his eyes flicking away from yours. “Actually, you see, Tanaka may have slipped some in my bag as a joke a while back, and I may have held on to them just in case.”

Your jaw fell open. “Are you telling me you’ve been carrying around a box of condoms all this time?”

“Just a small one!” he argued, laughing. “And apparently, it was a good idea.”

Sitting up, you shook your head in amazement. “Azumane Asahi, I can’t believe you’ve been ready for this all this time. Here I am, taking it slow, making sure I don’t rush you even though I’ve wanted to climb you like a tree since I first met you, and you’ve been secretly ready to bang me for god knows how long.”

Rolling his eyes, he sat up and pulled you close for another kiss, his touch so impossibly gentle for such a strong person. “I don’t know why I put up with you,” he murmured, sliding his hand under the loose material of your t-shirt to rest on your lower back. “I could totally find a new girlfriend who didn’t give me so much shit, you know.”

You grinned, pulling the hair tie out of his nearly-ruined bun. “But you don’t want to.”

“Not in the slightest.” In one motion, he tugged you onto his lap, lifting you up like you didn’t weigh a thing to resume kissing you. You tipped your head back as his lips trailed down your neck, nipping ever so lightly at the sensitive skin there. His hand slid down to your shoulder, pushing the loose t-shirt down slightly to reveal more skin to his ministrations.

“Shit, Asahi,” you breathed, electricity already sparking through your skin at his touch. “Do you want me to take my shirt off?”

“You mean my shirt?” he asked with a smirk.

“I mean, yeah, I’d like you to take your shirt off, too.” You grinned, kissing him lightly on the jaw.

He rolled his eyes and released you, pulling off his shirt in one fluid motion that sent a shot of pleasure straight to your core. It wasn’t often that you got to see your boyfriend shirtless—occasional trips to the beach, the handful of times he had to change his jersey mid-game—and it almost made you forget just how ridiculously sexy he was.

Asahi was all muscle—years of playing volleyball meant that he wasn’t just tall, he was ripped. Broad shoulders, biceps nearly the size of your head, and abs that you wanted nothing more than to lick. Throw in his long hair and warm brown eyes, he looked like he belonged on the cover of a steamy romance novel.

And he was all yours.

Immediately forgetting that you were supposed to be taking off your shirt, you shoved him back on the bed to put your lips anywhere you could reach. Asahi laughed, but it was quickly cut off by a moan as you settled in place on top of him, his growing hardness directly below you.

“Wow,” he breathed, tipping his head back into the pillows to allow you better access. “Who knew this would be that easy?”

“I think you’re spending too much time with me,” you muttered, rolling your hips into his and earning a low moan. “My sense of humor is rubbing off.”

He ran his hands up your shirt, sliding his palms along your hot, soft skin, but stopping as soon as he reached your ribcage, just below your breasts. “Whatever happened to taking this off?”

“Why, of course.” Grinning, you grabbed the hem of your shirt, slowly lifting it. Asahi’s pupils were blown wide as he watched you, his grip on your ribs tightening with every inch of skin that you revealed. You almost felt a little cruel teasing him like that, but he was clearly too entranced to be annoyed.

As soon as your shirt was over your head, you tossed it aside, dropping your hands back to Asahi’s shoulders. For a breath, he was still, simply taking in the absolutely stunning sight of you shirtless on top of him. Then, he sat up, his lips finding their way to your nipple as his hand cupped your other breast.

“Shit,” he murmured, barely pulling back to breathe. “You’re so gorgeous, babe, so perfect.”

You bit back a moan, tossing your head back as you laced your fingers through his hair. For a guy that didn’t have much experience with women, he was sure doing a good job making your entire body tense with anticipation. “Keep going, Asahi—that’s so good, baby.”

He switched nipples, laving equal attention to the other one as his hips jerked into yours. His sweatpants were almost unbearably tight now, his erection straining against the restrictive material. “Just tell me what to do,” he breathed, pushing his hair off his forehead to look at you. “I want to make you feel good.”

“Don’t worry, babe,” you sighed, catching his lips in a heated kiss. “Because I am feeling really, really good.”

He chuckled, his big hand sliding up your back to press your chests together.  In one, fluid motion, he rolled you over, holding himself up over you so that his body was just barely pressed into yours. “I mean it. Just because it’s my first time doesn’t mean I get to be selfish about it—I’m not going to enjoy myself in the slightest if you aren’t.”

“Azumane Asahi, you are too good for this world,” you mused, cupping his jaw to pull him close for a kiss. “Really, though, I can assure you that I will be having an amazing time the second you get your pants off.” Slowly, you trailed your hand down his chest, lightly dragging your nails down his smooth skin until you reached the waistband of his pants. “And don’t be afraid to tell me if you want to stop or slow down. I’m not going to be offended or take it personally.”

Nodding, he kissed your forehead. “Thank you.”

You gripped his waistband tightly. “So, does that mean I can take your pants off now?”

“Patience is not your strong suit, you know,” he laughed, sitting up to yank his pants off and toss them aside

“Not when my incredibly sexy boyfriend is half-naked on top of me, no.” You grabbed his hips, pulling him back down between your legs. Now that he was free of the sweatpants, you could see just how impressive the tent in his boxers was. You wrapped your legs around his hips, desperate to get any friction against your aching core.

“I think it’s your turn to take your shorts off,” he breathed, biting his lip to hold back a groan. He was pressing rough, sloppy kisses into your neck, his usual self-control fading quickly.

“How about you take my shorts off,” you whispered, your lips hovering just below his ear. “And maybe my panties, too?”

Asahi swallowed hard, his hips stuttering into you. “I can do that.” Gently, he lowered you back onto the bed, his hands moving quickly to your hips to graze the waistband of your shorts. He gave you a soft, steadying kiss, and you could feel his heart racing in his chest.

You weren’t even all that nervous, but you felt the same way, the anticipation of him being inside you making your heart go a million miles an hour. “That’s it, babe.”

He nodded, looping his fingers under the material to tug it down your legs. As soon as he saw you, completely naked beneath him, his breath caught in his throat. He licked his lips, his mouth going dry as he stared. His big hand was resting on your thigh, his fingers twitching like he wanted to explore further. “Can I—”

Slowly, you parted your legs, bending your knees so that he was kneeling between them. “Touch me, Asahi.”

His touch was gentle, but determined as he slid his hand up your leg. When he reached the apex of your thighs, he paused for the briefest second before dipping two fingers between your folds. He let out a rough breath, shocked by just how wet and warm you were, just how tight your entrance felt as he ran the tip of his finger over it. Silently, he wondered how the heck he was supposed to fit.

You gasped with pleasure, his touch like electricity. It had been so long since anyone had touched you like that, and now it was Asahi, a man you loved more than anyone else. “Fuck, yes, babe.”

Cautiously, he applied a little more force, dragging his fingers up to nudge your clit. You let out a strangled moan, and he pulled back, a look of concern crossing his face. “Was that okay?”

“Very okay,” you said hurriedly, grabbing his wrist to direct his hand back to your core. “Like, the best—definitely keep touching me there.”

Laughing, he relaxed, leaning in to kiss you as his hand returned to you. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Asahi.” Slowly, you trailed your hand down his side, coming to a stop on his hip, your fingertips barely grazing his boxers. “Now, how do you feel about taking your boxers off and grabbing that condom?”

He nodded enthusiastically, nearly flying off the bed to rifle through his duffle bag. You laughed, lowering your hand to your core, stroking your clit lazily while you waited. Not that you needed the extra stimulation—just watching Asahi, the way his back muscles flexed smoothly as he dug through the bag, was enough to keep you on the edge of orgasm. At the rate you were going, Asahi wouldn’t have to worry one bit about making you come.

When he got back to the bed, Asahi had the little foil package in hand, his other hand gripping the waistband of his boxers. For a moment, he looked nervous again, but then you caught his gaze with your own, and he nodded, his lips curving into a small smile. Slowly, he pulled the boxers off, his erection springing free.

Your mouth practically watered at the sight of him totally naked in front of you. He was an absolute Greek god, every muscle perfectly defined and a perfect cock to match.

“I need you inside me now,” you said, the words escaping your lips before you even had a chance to consider them.

Asahi moved faster than you’d ever seen, suddenly on the bed between your legs, fumbling with the condom wrapper. “Goddamn package,” he muttered, unable to get a grip on it.

“Let me.” You took the package from him, ripping it open neatly. Emboldened by his confidence, you reached for his cock, sliding the condom on. Biting back a moan, you stroked his cock, amazed by just how big it felt in your hand, how good it would feel inside you.

“Oh god,” he gasped, thrusting into your hand. “Holy shit, babe, that’s—wow—I—” He cut off with a moan as you teased the head of his cock.

“Asahi, babe,” you said, stroking him at a slow, steady pace. “Don’t let this make you nervous or anything, but I think I need some lube. You’re just kind of really big, and I want to make sure this goes as smooth as possible.”

“Of my god, of course, absolutely,” he said, quickly forcing himself to focus on anything but the feeling of your hand around his length so that he didn’t come before he even got inside you. “Anything you need.”

You jerked your head toward the nightstand next to your bed. “Top drawer.”

He nodded, reluctantly pulling himself away from you to reach for it. When he had the little bottle, he held it out to you. “What can I do?”

“Just relax,” you said, getting to work covering his cock with lube. It’s not that you weren’t wet enough—that was definitely not a problem. You just wanted to be extra careful because the last thing you wanted was for Asahi to get nervous about making you uncomfortable.

Once you had everything ready, you set the bottle aside and nodded. “You ready?”

Nodding, he lowered his lips to yours, kissing you deeply. “I love you,” he murmured, the words like a prayer on his lips. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Asahi.” Gripping his cock, you guided him toward you, nudging the head against your entrance. “Whenever you’re ready.”

Asahi started pushing in slowly, his jaw clenching as he fought back a moan. “Fuck, babe—you feel so good, oh my god, you—” He moaned, dropping his head down to your shoulder to press hot kisses into your neck. His grip was tight on your hips, holding you firmly in place on the bed as he pushed into you. Everything seemed to be exploding as he pressed into you—his whole body on fire with the most intense pleasure he’d ever felt.

The stretch was absolutely perfect, and it took all the self-control you had not to start thrusting back, desperate to feel every inch of him deep inside you. “Yes, Asahi,” you panted. “Yes, keep going, that’s perfect.”

His breath was hot against your neck as he thrust the rest of the way in, your hips snapping together. He seemed to be at a loss for words, instead using his mouth to kiss every inch of skin he could reach, his kisses hot and desperate and needy. It didn’t take long for him to start moving, almost immediately finding an easy rhythm—he was an athlete, after all, and he knew how to use his body.

Waves of pleasure pulsed through you, desire surging through your body with every thrust. You clung to him, your nails digging into his back, and you started thrusting back, rocking your hips up to meet his. He felt absolutely amazing, his cock stretching you in all the right ways with every thrust.

“You’re so perfect,” he murmured, his voice low and rough. “You feel so good, babe, so fucking good.”

You could feel your orgasm coming on quickly, so you lowered your hand to your clit, circling it with your fingertips in just the right way to make your head spin. Your other hand was clinging to Asahi’s hair, holding his mouth to yours for a hungry kiss. Both of you were nearing the edge, your thrusts getting sloppy and rushed, your moans getting less and less coherent.

“Fuck, Asahi, I’m coming,” you gasped, tipping your head back as the orgasm ripped through your body. “Keep going, babe, keep—” You moaned, forgetting how to speak as pleasure rocked through you.

Asahi moaned your name, his mind blank of everything but how good you felt, how good you were making him feel. Then, your orgasm hit, and the sensations put him over the edge. He hadn’t thought you could get any tighter, that you could feel any better around him, but he was wrong. As you clamped down on him, he let out a breathless moan, his hips stuttering as he lost control of his movements.

It was only on instinct that he managed to keep thrusting, chasing his orgasm. When it hit, he had to bite back a shout, his mind going blank of anything but pure sensation as he finished.

His arms nearly gave out, and you guided him back onto the bed with a laugh, making sure he didn’t crush you beneath him. Immediately, you wrapped your body around his, too clingy to give him even a hair of space after that amazing orgasm.

“That was so good, Asahi.”

“Mhm,” he replied, his eyes still shut as his chest heaved. His face and chest were flushed, his hair sticking to his face, and his lips parted to catch his breath.

Brushing the sweaty locks off his forehead, you pressed a soft kiss into his temple. “Let me go grab some water.” You rolled over to climb out of bed, but his strong arm was tight around you before you had the chance.

“Nope,” he said, his lips quirking into a faint smile. “I’m not ready to let go of you just yet.”

“But babe, we need to hydrate,” you teased, tickling him in the side. “Daichi would kill me if I returned you to practice both sleep-deprived and dehydrated tomorrow.”

“Screw Daichi.” He rolled onto his side to face you. “That was worth whatever shit he gives me for being tired tomorrow.”

You laughed, snuggling in close for a kiss. “Either way, I’m going to run to the bathroom and grab some water—you may not be thirsty, but I am.” You rolled out of bed with a stretch, pleased with the slight soreness in your legs from his strong hands holding them apart.

Already missing being in bed with Asahi, you made quick work of cleaning yourself up and grabbing drinks. By the time you got back to the bed, he was already sitting up against the headboard with his boxers on, phone in hand as he texted someone.

“Who’s that?” you asked, grabbing a fresh pair of panties and fishing your shirt off the floor.

“No one,” he replied. “I was looking to see if Noya sent anything else, but no luck.”

“As if I’d let you out of my bed tonight anyways,” you scoffed, climbing into bed with him and pulling the covers over you. “No way you’re leaving after that.”

“Who said anything about leaving?” he replied, leaning over to click off the light next to the bed. “I just wanted to make sure the girl Noya had over wasn’t a serial killer or something—his judgment when it comes to women is sketchy at best.”

You laughed, letting your eyes drift shut as you listened to the steady beat of Asahi’s heart. “I bet Noya could take a serial killer—he’s kind of scrappy, you know.”

Asahi laughed, the bed shaking slightly beneath him. “I’ll be sure to tell him you said that. he’d be very pleased to know you think he could take a serial killer.”

“Don’t boost his ego too much,” you said, biting back a yawn. “It’s not good for him.”

“You got it, babe.” He kissed the top of your head. “See you in the morning, beautiful.”

“See you in the morning.”

As always, Asahi was one of the first to practice after the freshman, and he felt the lack of sleep immediately. Between getting to your place late and staying up even later, he had only gotten about five hours of sleep, much less than his usual eight. It had been downright painful getting out of bed while you got to sleep in, your hair fanned out on the pillow, your legs still tangled with his.

He had half a mind to call Daichi and say he was sick. Noya would see right through it, though, and the absolute last thing he needed was Noya knowing what he’d been up to the night before. He had already spent a good fifteen minutes standing in front of your bathroom mirror checking for hickies—luckily, the only noticeable one was near his collarbone, low enough that his practice jersey would cover it easily.

“Morning, man!” Tanaka called, slapping Asahi on the back and snapping him out of his drowsy daze. “How was your night?”

Asahi’s eyes narrowed. Tanaka wasn’t usually one to check in on how his teammates slept—that was more of a Suga move, if anyone. Unless, of course, Noya had texted him, too, but that didn’t make sense, either. If he knew Noya had a girl over, Tanaka would be harassing him.

“What do you mean?” Asahi asked, doing his best to stifle a yawn.

“Well, uh, with the whole sexiled thing,” he said, dropping his voice, his eyes flitting back and forth even more chaotically than usual. “Did you find a place to stay and all?”

Asahi nodded skeptically—something in Tanaka’s tone was definitely off, but he couldn’t quite pinpoint what.

As if on cue, Noya came strolling in, a wide smile on his face. “Good morning, everyone!” he called, his voice echoing through the mostly empty gym. “I hope everyone slept well last night.” He shot Asahi an exaggerated wink.

Asahi’s brows furrowed. Something was definitely up.

“Sorry about that, by the way,” Noya said, joining Asahi to shoulder him jokingly. “Hope you weren’t too put out.”

“Not at all,” Asahi said smoothly. “Daichi actually let me stay with him since we were already studying for English.”

Noya’s jaw dropped open. “Wait, what? That wasn’t—”

“You stayed with Daichi?” Tanaka exclaimed, throwing his hands up. “What the hell man, that was not at all—”

Noya leaped toward Tanaka, slamming a hand over his mouth. He tried to sputter out a response, but nothing managed to form into a coherent sentence.

Asahi nodded, crossing his arms as he looked down at the two shorter men. “I thought so. There was no way you managed to find a girl that quickly and not tell me until the last minute. You two did this on purpose, didn’t you?”

Tanaka snapped his mouth shut, shaking his head slowly. “I can’t say I have any idea what you’re talking about.”

“Me neither,” Noya said hurriedly.

“Really?” Asahi looked between them before fixing his gaze on his roommate. “What was her name?”

“I—uh—” He glanced around nervously, catching sight of the team manager as she walked in. “Kiyoko!”

“Oh god, don’t bring Kiyoko into this,” Tsukishima grumbled. He was stretching nearby, his headphones regrettably having died right in time for him to listen to this nonsense. “Just own up to being an idiot who meddles in your friend’s sex life.”

“Okay fine,” Noya sighed. Then, he looked up at Asahi with a mischievous smirk. “But did it work?”

“There is no way in hell, I’m telling you that,” Asahi replied. He tossed his bag back over his shoulder and headed for the locker room. “I’m going to get changed now.”

“Oi, Daichi!” Tanaka yelled, the captain having walked in at just that moment. “Did Asahi crash with you last night?”

“What?” Daichi blinked a few times, looking confused and only half awake. “No, why would he?”

“Yeah!” Tanaka shouted, immediately high-fiving Noya. “It worked!”

“Yeah, it did!” Noya replied, jumping into the high-five. “Asahi got laid!”

“Wait, Asahi got what?” Hinata exclaimed, hurrying over from where he and Kageyama were running drills. “Asahi, you have to tell—”

Asahi groaned, hurrying into the locker room and slamming the door behind him. Goddamn Noya and his big mouth. He started changing, pulling out his phone to see a text from you.

hated waking up without you this morning. next time you sleep over we’ll have to sleep in and make breakfast or something.

His entire body flushed with heat, and he couldn’t contain his grin as he typed out a response.

How does tonight sound? I’m free after practice.

I’ll be waiting for you in bed ;) 

~~~~~

Thanks for reading! Links for A03, requests, masterlist, and more are in my description or on my blog!

[yacoka]

SHOOTING STARS

pairing — yamaguchi tadashi x reader

genre — slightly angstish? but overall fluff I think

beta — @doughnuts-5ever​

note(s) — my piece for the to infinity and beyond collab!!

-ˏˋ please reblog if you enjoyed this! ˊˎ-

YEAR ONE

you’re a novice with trembling hands and a shaky stance. the weight of the bow is unforgiving, the string cruel, cutting deep into your fragile skin. the wind blows harshly, and you’re not entirely sure what, nor where the target is. so there you remain, eyes closed and bow drawn, snapped arrows scattered all around.

first days of anything are never easy, not when you’re entering a new phase of life, into a new environment all alone. sometimes it gets eased by the people around you, the friends you make. sometimes it doesn’t.

your first day of highschool stretches on for almost half a year, and you’re still where you’ve started - alone and lonely.

it has never been easy for you to make friends, and it certainly didn’t help you didn’t really know how to. you suppose it’s partly due to the fact that you could never decide on what to say and what time to say it. too many conversations had been killed by your ill-timed inputs, and eventually, you stopped trying.

loneliness is not a foreign companion, and you’d like to think you’ve made good friends with it. but it leans a little too heavy on you, every step takes a little more effort. it wraps its arms around you like a lover, whispering in your ears as you watch the group of teenagers in front of you push each other around, joking and laughing and having fun.

your head dips a little lower and your shoulders slump a little more. it’s just another day; another long, lonely day. you’ll be okay.

or maybe not.

a hard shove has you flying backwards, and you yelp in shock and fear. wide eyes meet yours and a hand reaches out to grab your arm, stabilizing you.

“hinata, you idiot!” a voice rages, and it snaps out of the shock-induced haze you’ve settled into.

“are you alright?” the boy in front of you asks, and you register who exactly it is that’s still holding your hand. his hazel eyes are filled with concern, and you can’t help but get distracted by the stray strand of green hair standing up.

“i- uh, yeah-” you stumble out. the warmth of his hand is distracting, and maybe you’ve been out of touch with talking to people for far too long. “fine.”

he eyes you worriedly, and there’s a moment of hesitation before he nods and lets go of you. “i’m so sorry about my friend, we were just messing around, and it got a little… out of hand.”

“it’s fine,” you shake your head lightly. “i’m okay, it’s-”

“i’m so sorry, are you okay?” another boy jumps right into your face, all pink-faced and messy red hair. “i didn’t mean to run you over, kageyama just bet me i couldn’t run backwards, i’m so sorry-”

he’s yanked back by another boy, this one taller than the previous two. “i’m sorry about this one, he’s lacking a few brain cells tonight.” he shoots you a bland smile before dragging the redhead away, another boy following after them.

“you’re sure you’re fine?” he asks you once more.

“i am, don’t worry,” you smile at him reassuringly. “i should get going, thank you for catching me.” without waiting for his response, you bow quickly, speeding off home.

you know it means nothing to him, but you remember how good it felt to have someone be concerned, to feel like someone cared. it's a fleeting thought, but you thought, just maybe, he could be someone to you.

you’ve only just begun to familiarise yourself with the bow, and you’re a far cry from a perfect shot. you’re still a little lost, beaten and bruised by the harsh snaps of the bow’s string. but you’re learning, and the arrows aren’t as cruel as they once were. they too, have learnt to have patience with you. you shift your feet, and you wait.

it’s almost the end of the year when one of your classmates approaches with a nervous smile.

“hey, y/n right?” she smiles politely. you know of her presence, the blonde girl reminiscent of wild daisies along the road with a sweet spring personality to match. she’s even prettier up close, and you can’t help but panic a little at the realization that you don't know her name.

how could you have shared a class with her for almost a year and not know her name?

“i’m sorry, i must’ve got your name wrong! please forgive me! i was so sure you were y/n, i shouldn’t have made assumptions, please forgi-”

“no, no, i am y/n!” you cut her off quickly. “that’s my name.” a nervous chuckle slips out of you.

“oh,” her shoulders slump in relief. “that’s good. i’m yachi! yachi hitoka.”

“uh, hi yachi.” you greet her, awkwardly shifting on your feet. this interaction had been going on for longer than you were prepared for, and you were very well aware of how bad your conversational skills were, especially without preparation. thankfully, yachi seemed to get the hint and gets to the point immediately.

“i’m one of the managers for the volleyball club, and shimizu, the senior volleyball manager, is graduating soon, and we’ll need another manager to help us out. do you think you’ll be interested in joining us?”

the very idea of helping out a club, where you had to interact with numerous people, for the next few years, was in short, terrifying. but it was as if yachi could see the very thoughts floating through your mind, and she was quick to add on, “i know it seems really intimidating! i thought so too when i first joined. but everyone was really welcoming, and i think you’d be a great fit. please just consider it?”

at her hopeful smile, you couldn't say no, not without causing that adorable expression to fall. so without thinking, you blurt out a yes, you'll try out being a manager for a week. the grin that yachi gives you almost makes the nerves that follow worth it.

you somehow find yourself outside the gym after school, nervously listening to the squeaking of shoes and slamming of balls. a couple of minutes passed, and you gathered your scattered bits of courage into a tight fist, holding on to it for dear life as you push open the doors.

you’re instantly greeted by yachi, who as it turns out, was about to go and find you.

“hey, y/n! this is shimizu, she’s the senior manager.” you smile politely at her, introducing yourself. it doesn’t take long for the rest of the volleyball club to notice your intrusion.

“who’s this?” a grey-haired boy sticks his head over shimizu’s shoulder. she elbows him back lightly before introducing you to the boys who had been quick to gather around the entrance.

it was intimidating, the stares that were locked onto you, analyzing you. you weren’t used to this much attention, and your discomfort was clear as you shifted nervously on your feet, eyes darting around in slight panic. it ran from face to face, hurriedly try to connect the names that were being thrown out. tanaka, asahi, nishinoya, hinata, yamaguchi-

yamaguchi.

you gaped a little at the overly familiar face standing in front of you. that was the boy that had saved you the night before. and that must mean- yes there were the others, the one who ran you over, and the over two who had barely exchanged a few words before leaving.

(no, your shoulders did not relax slightly at their familiar faces. and no, your heart rate certainly didn’t raise at the sight of yamaguchi. you were perfectly composed, as much as you could be under the scrutiny of so many people.)

the polite smile you give is accompanied with a slight bow, and as you greet them officially, your eyes lingers a little longer upon the green-haired boy. maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for something else, something new.

YEAR TWO

the target finally comes into view, with black and green circles that surround a pulsing, bright red. for the first time you see something with stunning clarity, and you know where you need to aim for. your arms raise in preparation, the arrow poised, and you wait.

it’s been a little over six months since you’ve joined the volleyball club as their manager, and yet it feels like forever as you sit with your fellow second years below the large oak tree in the courtyard. there’s a soft murmur of conversation and laughter, mixed in with a little bit of chaos as hinata and kageyama get up to their usual schemes.

yachi reels them in just enough to keep things from exploding, though tsukishima certainly doesn’t help anything with his snarky jabs and snickers. you laugh once again as he throws another passive-aggressive comment at the two, leaning against yamaguchi’s side.

the contact leaves sparks jumping across your skin, and the circus comes to life within you. yamaguchi doesn’t seem to notice how affected you are, in fact even seeming to shift so you could lean on him more comfortably. no one notices anything, or so you think until yachi makes eye contact with you. she gives you a knowing look, and you flush deeply, pulling yourself upright.

(you miss the slight downturn of yamaguchi’s lips when you do so, and the subconscious shift of his body following yours.)

you manage to tame the turbulence of emotions within you, and with a fond smile, you watch your little group of friends as they chatter on about everything and anything. it’s sharp contrast from last year, where you were alone and lonely.

now, you had a group of people who you loved and cared for, and who loved and cared for you in return. it’s another day filled with laughter and joy, with burdens to be shared, and company to be had. you’re grateful for them, for all that they’ve brought into your life, even the chaos that trail behind them.

loneliness wasn’t foreign to you, but it also wasn’t as close of a friend as it used to be. instead, these five had filled the void it was so determined to maintain, and they pushed you to grow as they did, to aim for higher heights, even when it seemed impossible.

and as yamaguchi smiles at you when you try and fail to catch the grape that hinata pelts at you, you realize, the warmth you once so desperately sought now curls in the corner of your chest, hidden behind your ribcage.

you had them now, and they had you.

even with a clear target, you can’t seem to take the shot. it’s frustrating, and your arms ache from being held up for so long, your fingers bloodied. the bowstring is stained red with your aching failure, and you’re sure your limbs have gone numb from being frozen for too long. but still, you maintain your position, set in determination.

there’s a running tally in the club room of who gets the most confessions out of the second years, and at the very moment, yachi takes the lead with eight. it’s a wonder it isn’t more, though you know there have been many who had been scared off by the boys.

(tsukishima and kageyama, to be exact. hinata and yamaguchi were much too friendly to ever be seen otherwise.)

and it looks like there’s another score to be added to the tally as you watch a freshman approach yamaguchi, one hand holding a letter and the other a box of chocolates. he greets her with a bright smile, and the sight sends dull, rusted arrows into your heart. it isn’t the first time he’s been confessed to, though it still hurts the same every time.

you can’t help the bitter smile that rests on your lips as you watch them. there’s a mixture of admiration and anger that bubbles in your chest; admiration for the courage the girl had to confess, anger for not being able to do the same. there’s a box that sits beneath your bed containing a bunch of letters you’ve written to him, though none of them have ever made it out of your possession.

it’s horrible of you, you know, to enjoy the look on their faces when yamaguchi turns them down, and the sick relief that settles your jealousy.

Today though, your heart drops into your stomach when yamaguchi accepts the chocolates, something he’s never done before. was he accepting her confession? a warm hand lands on your shoulder and you jump, whirling around to see tsukishima staring down at you.

“he didn’t,” the blond says firmly, his hand still firmly planted on your shoulder. “he won’t.”

biting back the tears that threaten to fall, you nod your head shakily. but the sight that greets you when you turn back around taunts you with deafening doubts you’re not sure tsukishima can quell.

“how can you be so sure,” you whisper quietly. “he looks happy enough with her, doesn’t he?”

tsukishima remains silent as yamaguchi pulls out of the hug, but his grip tightens, and you know he’s here for you, no matter what.

YEAR THREE

the target calls out to you, it dares you, it taunts you. but still you remain waiting, no matter how much your arms ache, how heavy the bow feels, how painful your fingers are. the tension’s drawn too taut, but you’re no stranger to it. you’ll hold, you’ll persevere on. you won’t shoot until it’s time.

it’s valentine’s day, and there’s a flurry of activity as people rush around trying to profess their love to someone. there’s a mess of chocolates flying and candies scattered around with a few people fighting to gift their present first. you’ve never been a fan of the chaos that valentine’s day brings, and there’s an underlying bitterness that comes from never being on the receiving end.

fighting through the crowd that had formed outside yamaguchi and tsukishima’s class, you managed to squeeze through the doorway. someone grabs your arm and yanks you further into the classroom, and it is only due to spending so much time together that you know it’s kageyama.

his grip was always gentle, but firm enough to guide you around.

“hey guys!” you grin cheerily at them. “so who’s got the most goods this time round?”

hinata raises his hand proudly. “i got three more chocolates than kageyama, suck on that!” he sticks his tongue out at kageyama.

kageyama scowls, grabbing one of the chocolates at the table and pelting it straight at hinata’s forehead. “just you wait, i’ll beat you by the end of today.”

“how much did you get y/n?” yachi cuts in gracefully, smiling at you from behind her pile of sweets. “i bet many people confessed to you, huh?”

you grin weakly at her. “none, actually. i don’t really talk to anyone outside of you guys.”

she frowns slightly at this. “well, that’s alright! do you want some of mine? i won’t be able to finish it all. too many sweet things isn’t good for me anyways.”

“no, that’s alright. thanks yachi.”

yamaguchi yelps suddenly, drawing everyone’s attention upon him. he’s scowling at tsukishima, rubbing his side in pain while the blond smirks in faux innocence.

“yamaguchi, are you okay?” your question has him flushing a violent red as he turns his gaze upon you.

“ye-yeah! i’m fine, tsukki just got a little handsy is all,” he waves a dismissive hand. you don’t miss the subtle glare tsukishima shoots him, as well as the hand that sneaks another pinch into his side. “also!” yamaguchi’s smile tightens. “i made some chocolates for you!” he thrusts out a black box tied off with a red ribbon.

your brows raise as you exchange an appreciative look with kageyama.

“for us? thank you yamaguchi, you’re the best!” hinata dives for the box, and snatches it out of his hands. he’s quick to delve into it, sounds of appreciation falling from his chocolate covered lips as he devours a good third of it.

“they weren’t for- nevermind, save some for the others hinata,” yamaguchi sighs exasperatedly.

“aye aye captain,” hinata replies with a salute. “these are really good!”

you also don’t miss the way yamaguchi keeps glancing at you, nor the flush that refuses to subside after you complimented his chocolates. though you refuse to feed into the voice that whispers to your heart that he likes you, he likes you just as much as you do him, you have a chance, a real shot here, you can’t help the flutter your heart gives in response.

the crowd begins to disperse into clusters of families and friends, and you fight your way through them to find your friends. you take three elbows to the chest and a couple near accidents before you find them standing under your usual tree.

“we did it!” you greet them breathlessly, throwing yourself onto the nearest person in a hug. the rest join in, and you’re surrounded by some of the best people in your life who have made memories worth keeping, who have helped you fly.

it takes a long while before the hug dissolves into slight tears and messy thanks and goodbyes. before you even realized what had happened, only you and yamaguchi were left standing alone beneath the tree, the other four having been caught by other friends wanting to say goodbye.

“so,” you smiled at him through watery eyes. “this is it.”

he grins at you, and it hits you how much you feel for him. you wished you had more time, more courage, more of him. what you would give to be able to say the words that have resided in your heart for a long time. i love you, i love you, i love you. you are made of the night sky, of stars that shine so bright, peace that brings so much joy. you are my wishing star, and there’s nothing else i’d wish for than you.

but you stay silent, a prisoner to your fear, chained by the doubts that have never left. instead, you do the only thing that doesn’t require speaking, one action that speaks of the thousand words you’d like to say - you offer him your second button.

yamaguchi’s grin widens into a smile, filled with hope and something too complex to be defined by words. his hand reaches out, shaking ever so slightly, and he offers his to you as well. it takes a moment for you to comprehend his silent response, and another before you slide your hand into his, your buttons clasped between both your hands.

his hand is rough from years of volleyball, but you find you don’t mind it when his free hand slides up to cup your cheek. it’s a tender gesture, and you melt into his touch.

“we took a while, didn’t we?” he whispers, leaning his forehead against yours.

“just a while,” you hum, shifting even closer to him. “but it’s worth it.”

your arrow flies, and it flies and flies, and it lands. it lands with a gloriously solid thud, dead center of your target. you’re a far cry from a professional, but your shot has finally landed, and you’ve won more than a bullseye.

you’ve won love.

[princessjungeun]

Photographs: Ryujin x Reader

You and Ryujin have known each other for only three years but it definitely feels like longer. You both entered JYP on the same day and later you both discovered you were both cast at the same Got7 concert.

Right away Ryujin gained popularity within the company for her looks and incredible talent. She was without a doubt one of the prettiest trainees in the company if not the prettiest. Her dancing was just as incredible too, dance was something she was naturally gifted with but she did have her struggles too.

You on the other hand...unfortunately you didn't have a "glow up" until months before your debut so when you first arrived to the company you didn't stick out to many people. You're also a foreigner so many people couldn't understand you when you tried talking to them so they didn't bother. However, Ryujin stayed by your side and protected you from everyone and everything.

You remember the first day you two met like it was yesterday.

You held a suitcase that was half the size of you in one hand and wore a huge backpack on your back as well. You struggled to keep your eyes open due to the ten hour time zone difference. But knowing you'd be able to take it easy the first 3 days was the only thing that kept you from passing out right there in the airport.

A staff member that picked you up from the airport gave you instructions for how to get into your dorm, giving you a temporary key card until you received a real one on Day 4. When you got up to your dorm room you first knocked on the door but nobody opened it. You struggled to grab the key card from your back pocket due to the gigantic backpack that went past your butt.

“It's ok I got it." You heard a voice next to you but your bags blocked your view. She wiggled past and took your suitcase for you. Before you could choose a room the girl was already putting your bag in a bedroom that had other belongings in it.

"You're gonna be my roommate. You can sleep on the top, more headspace." She was a good four inches shorter than you but her personality said otherwise. You admired her boldness and how she didn't bother asking you what you wanted for yourself.

Right as you were going decline her plans so you could take the single across the hall you looked up and saw her face. She was the most beautiful girl you had ever seen. "Uh yeah that's cool... i-uh I'm L/N F/N" you introduced yourself to her. She responded "Shin Ryujin."

Since then you two have been inseparable, she was always around you no matter what. Everyone knew you and Ryujin were best friends, a few suspected you two were something more which technically wasn't wrong but it also wasn't right.

The relationship you had with her was so strange but you never bothered to ask about it. You've both had your fair share of sleeping in each other's beds, in addition to the few times she kissed you. You have both even admitted you'd date each other. The nickname you gave her, Jinnie, she deeply hated if anyone else called her by it. However when it fell effortlessly from your lips she couldn’t help but smile. You had fallen for her long before then but you knew it'd probably never work out. But everyone knew you were off limits to everyone but Ryujin.

"Jinnie come on please!" You begged the blue haired girl for the nth time to just look at you so you could get a picture of her. She rolled her eyes and looked at you just long enough for you to get a picture of her. "Yah! Y/N!" She shouted at you. You looked down at the disposable camera in your hands "you look beautiful today, I had to!"

She looked at you and asked "why do you always take pictures of us?" You simply responded "Because one day when all this is over we can look back and remember all the things we did that we wouldn't have remembered if it wasn't for the pictures."

The real reason was for when you finally came clean about your feelings and she rejected you and disappeared from your life, you'd have a few things to remember. Or if she shared the same feelings which you doubted, you'd both have pictures to remember from the years before. Either way it was a win win.

Ryujin went over to the bookshelf in your shared bedroom, she grabbed a familiar box and went through it. You watched her face change as she was clearly remembering when each photo was taken. "Why didn't I know you took half of these?" You smiled and said " I'm sneaky I guess."

You looked over at the pictures that you had taken over the years, smiling at the memories that played in your head like small movies.

You and Ryujin had been practicing from sun up until sun down getting ready for your performance. You both knew the only reason she was here was because she didn't want you to practice alone. She had perfected her routine hours ago, but you were still struggling. You had just gotten one of the worst criticisms in your entire trainee period the night before. You honestly don't know how you haven't been eliminated from MIXNINE yet.

You and Ryujin both sat on the floor taking a small water break. "Jinnie look at me! Do a cool pose." You pointed your camera at her. She looked up and made a peace sign with a small smirk. "Ooooh you look so cool and you're not even trying!" You whined. She laughed and helped you stand up so you two could get back to your dance practice.

You shuffled through the box again and found another picture

A picture that was taken on an airplane before you all headed to Japan for the first time.

"Jinnie come on stop playing around I'm scared!" You whined to her. You've only ever been on 3 flights total. From New York to Seoul to visit your cousin and aunt for the summer. That's also the time when you two went to see GOT7 which resulted in you getting scouted. Then flight back from Seoul to New York. And of course the most recent, from New York back to Seoul.

Ever since your last flight which was from New York to Seoul, you've been terrified of flights. The turbulence was so bad you literally fainted due to fear onto the passenger next to you. The anxiety you faced was so bad your manager oppa had to carry you out to the van from your dorm so you all could leave.

"Ok ok sorry Y/N" Ryujin spoke to you softly. "It'll be fine, just think of something else. Like that time Lia fell asleep in the shower, or when Yuna asked every TSA agent we passed if they thought she was pretty." You laughed softly at the small things your other members did. You felt Ryujin reach for your hand, grazing her thumb over the back of your hand. You grabbed your camera and quickly took a picture of her smiling back at you.

You blinked yourself out of your trance and saw her staring right at you which made your stomach do flips. You lean forward and hug her, she envelopes you in her arms and she falls back onto the floor holding you. You both laugh and she looks down at you in her arms. Both or your eyes find each other and her eyes flicker down to your lips quickly. You notice and hide your face in her neck hoping she doesn't make fun of you for blushing. You pull away and she uses her thumb to move your head so you're looking back at her.

"Y/N-ah... be mine?" She whispers her next words which catch you off guard. You sit up and say "Jinnie...I don't know... do you only have eyes for me?" It's no secret that Ryujin is a flirt, she kisses all of your members on the cheek and back hugs almost everyone she meets. Ultimately making it feel less special when she does the same to you.

She turns around and you lay back so your back is on her front. You look up at her so she's looking into eyes, she wraps both her arms around your torso and leans down to your ear and says "i only want you. You're the only one I look at." She presses a soft kiss to your ear then temple which makes you blush. You play with her fingers and say "then why do you always do things with other people?" She responds "so I know it's only you I get butterflies with and nobody else." You try to hide your smile but it didn't work. She asked again "so...be mine?" You nodded with a smile and she held you tighter.

A bright flash came from the other side of your room, Yuna sitting on her bed holding your disposable camera. She sprinted out of the room before you two could catch her before yelling "ITS FOR MEMORIES!" You looked up at the girl who still held you close. "We're kicking her out. She can room with Yeji unnie." She nodded in agreement before kissing you again.

After all these years, the girl you wished you could call your own was finally yours.

[baepop]

Sacrifice 2

You return home, hoping to find the answers you desperately search for.

Word Count: 9.7k

Pairing: You x BTS Members

Genre: Thriller, Smut, Angst

Warnings: OC is fucked in the head basically (disturbing thoughts, actions); gore, graphic descriptions and self-harm

Part 1 | Part 2

He’s trying his hardest, but those pesky crimson marks just won’t come out. He’s tried everything he could think of, even followed a few stain removal tutorials on YouTube, but the unsightly blood stains have seeped deep into the fabric of his upholstery. He regrets neglecting the condition of the interior of his car for so long.

Even still, as he looks down at his soiled car seat, he can’t help but smile while imagining the satisfaction you might’ve felt to know he couldn’t completely erase you from his life. You had always managed to find a way to cling onto him, it seems, even now in the afterlife.

Namjoon carefully backed away from the entrance of the passenger side of his car to take a breather. He wiped the sweat off his brow and rubbed his hand on his shorts, huffing at the sight of his failure. He pursed his lips, mulling over what cleaning agents he might have left in his terribly stocked apartment that could do the trick. Suddenly, he slammed his fist on the hood of the car, overcome with emotions of regret. He allowed himself to feel for just a minute before taking a deep breath and hunching over the seat again to begin scrubbing more forcefully.

But just as he began abusing the seat once more, a tiny hand clutched at the tail of his sweater and yanked lightly a few times to get his attention. He whipped his head around only to find the neighbor’s daughter staring up at him, a bit of fear in her eyes. She was only 5, and she must’ve seen Namjoon lose his cool for a second just now, given the slight quiver in her bottom lip.

Namjoon stared at the child for a moment before backing out of the car again and picking her up. He nestled her into his side, giving her a big smile and wiggling her hand about while greeting her in a silly voice. She giggled shyly, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck.

“Mommy said to come get you.” She stated her mission matter-of-factly before burying her head in the crook of his neck as she’d done countless times before.

“Okay, then let’s go see what Mommy needs this time, shall we?” The little girl nodded as they crossed the lawn into her mother’s property. Namjoon knocked a few times before letting himself into the door ajar. The smell of overcooked chicken filled his nostrils at once.

“Um, hello?” He called out to no one in particular. He was greeted by an empty living room.

“In here!” The voice came from the kitchen where his neighbor was busy preparing an early dinner. Namjoon put the little girl down but she grabbed two of his fingers and led him into the kitchen.

“Oh, hi ma’am. Did you need something?”

The woman rolled her eyes as she blew on a piece of steaming chicken before popping it into her mouth to taste. “How many times do I have to tell you to call me Yong?! Ma’am is my mother.” Namjoon blushed and hung his head in embarrassment, smiling at the ground and nodding. “You know, we’re not that different in age, only a few years apart. But I get it though, turning 30 still seems like a huge change to people in their 20’s.”

“Oh, I uh, no that’s not— I’m sorry, Yong.” Namjoon clears his throat while the older woman chuckled.

“I hope you weren’t busy, Namjoon.”

“No, no not at all!”

“It’s just that my bathroom sink is leaking, and I have no idea what’s going on! My husband won’t be home for a couple more days and—”

“Oh, it’s no issue! I’ll take a look at it, probably just a simple fix.” Namjoon smiled at her brightly and motioned towards the bathroom for permission. She beamed as he let himself further into her house.

Namjoon entered her small bathroom, immediately turning on the sink to see what the issue was. As the water trickled from the base, he opened the bottom cabinets and crouched down, sticking his head into the confined space to get a better look. He ran his fingers over the tubing, nodding to himself as he turned off the water and joined Yong and her child in the kitchen once again.

“There’s hardly a problem. Your plumbers’ putty ran dry, and it was especially thin to begin with, but it’s nothing more putty won’t fix! I actually have some to spare in my apartment, I’ll go grab it really quick.”

“No no no, sit! Dinner’s ready, you can do that after!” Namjoon parted his lips to protest but his stomach growled extra loudly. The small child giggled, pulling on his fingers to lead him to his place set at the dinner table.

Although Namjoon wanted to be polite and refuse the meal, the truth was that he wasn’t eating too well these days. You had always been over his house making him food, so his meals as of late consisted of microwaved noodles and handfuls of goldfish crackers.

Namjoon thanked the woman for the hot meal, wasting no time on stuffing his face.

“No, thank you. You’ve been such a big help around here for so long! It’s been rough this year with my husband’s enlistment,” Namjoon nodded along, making eye contact as he shoved spoonfuls of rice into his already full mouth, “and especially so this past month.”

Namjoon perked up at the ambiguous statement, “How so?”

“Well—”

“I’m getting a littwe bwother!” The small child exclaimed joyously from across the dinner table. Namjoon froze with his unchewed food on display, looking over at Yong who was embarrassed by the outburst.

“Well, it’s still too early to know the sex but, she’s really hoping for a boy.” The woman smiled at her daughter who was picking up pieces of food with her tiny fingers and attempting to feed it to her stuffed animal who also had a place at the dinner table beside her. Yong looked over at Namjoon who had not taken his eyes off her once, nor closed his mouth for that matter. She blushed, looking down and speaking in a low tone so that her child wouldn’t understand, “Don’t worry, it’s not yours.”

Namjoon’s eyes lacked emotion. What she mistook for fear and anger was simply calculation on his part. “Are you positive?”

The woman sighed then smiled again, putting a hand on his shoulder and maintaining eye contact. “Yes, I’m sure. Now, finish your dinner.”

The boy nodded, bringing his attention back to his now unappetizing plate of food. He had already done the math; the child was definitely his.

The conversation lulled, so they both hurried through eating. Once his plate was empty enough, Namjoon sprang up to his feet and announced that he’d return with some putty in just a moment.

As he let himself out into the evening air, he noticed it was finally starting to become cooler. He walked across the lawn and over to his place with his hands in his pockets, whistling his favorite tune.

The next day, he went to work as normal, driving his car across town to the grocery store he managed and parking it in a residential street since the parking lot looked full when he passed by. On his trek up the block, he noticed a bright white flier stapled to the telephone pole at the corner. As he got closer, he recognized a picture of Jin plastered front and center with the words reward if found written underneath it. Seokjin came from money, so Namjoon wasn’t surprised about the lengths his parents were going to to get their son back. Besides, he already knew they would do this since he’s the one that sent them that picture of Jin.

Namjoon ripped the flier that had threatened to bring forth his turbulent emotions to the surface once more from its staples, crumpling it up and shoving it into his pocket. Luckily, this wasn’t enough to ruin his good mood today.

“Good morning.” Namjoon nodded towards his staff members as he entered into the cool facility. Everyone greeted him back, relieved to have him in the building as there were already issues that needed solving even this early in the morning. But before they could begin hounding him for directions, one of his assistant managers pulled him to the side.

“Someone’s here to see you. I told them you wouldn’t be in until later on today, but they insisted on waiting. They’re in your office, I hope that’s okay.” Namjoon smiled at the girl and assured her everything was fine. He watched her walk away before turning down the hallway towards his office. As soon as he opened the door, a very worried Jungkook shot up from the small couch that lined the wall. His eyebrows were furrowed, and his eyes were panicked. He gripped the flyer of Seokjin in one hand and his phone in the other.

Now this, this was enough to put Namjoon in a bad mood. He sighed and closed the door behind him.

Your eyes opened and were immediately flooded with bright white light from all directions. You shut them quickly, then reopened them little by little, trying to adjust to the setting. The first thing you noticed were curtains billowing at the foot of your bed. They were white, just like everything else in the room.

Wait, a bed?

You craned your neck to get a better look at what you were laying on, but your body was stiff, so you plopped back down and took a deep breath, letting your eyes wander instead.

The sun was shining brightly and illuminating the dreary room you’d been left in. You were definitely in a hospital, you realized, as you noticed multiple beds with curtains drawn around them.

Why am I here?

You laid there, trying to remember something, anything, but you only drew incomplete memories. You closed your eyes, trying to make sense of everything. It was all a painful haze, reels of jumping into a river, and blinding car lights at the forefront. Suddenly you recalled being shaken and yelled at, the voice sounding as if through a tunnel full of water, and the face more ambiguous still. But his grip was strong on you, bruising your shoulders with his vehemence to get you to understand.

Get it together kid!

You gasp as your eyes burst open. “Jin!” You yell out and a nurse who was most definitely not Jin rushed in.

“Ah, you’re awake!” The older woman came to your side to check how you were doing. She doesn’t know anyone by the name of Jin, much to your disappointment. “Do you remember anything about what happened to you?” She pulled up a chair by your bed with your chart in her hands. You shake your head in denial. It’s not a lie, but the little that you do remember, you want to hold onto for a bit longer in order to piece together this puzzle on your own. “What’s your name?” You hesitated, then shook your head once more. She nodded in understanding, flipping a page up before turning back to you and speaking in a soothing tone. “Miss, you were found on the side of the road a couple miles from here in critical condition. You underwent a septic miscarriage, but your body showed signs of extreme stress and battery as well. It appears you were unconscious for a couple of days before you were found and, luckily, we were able to bring your fever down and get your blood pressure back to a normal state which halted the beginnings of organ failure evident in your body.” You nodded along to everything she said, but none of it was making any sense. You just couldn’t believe she was talking about you. She had to have been looking at someone else’s chart. “You’ve been administered antibiotics to treat the infection. I have to say, though, you’re one hell of a fighter! We weren’t sure you’d wake up after the medically induced coma you were under, but here you are!” The woman smiled brightly then paused before continuing, giving you a stern look. “You were in pretty bad condition hun. So,” she reached out and placed her withered hand over your own, “the minute you remember anything, you let us know. Okay?” You nodded sullenly, just wanting to be left alone. “Now…this Jin person…”

“He wouldn’t.” You looked at her sharply, not letting her even think that he could be capable of doing something like this to you. The woman nodded and stood up.

“I’ll give you a minute to be alone.”

You watched her retreat back into the hustle and bustle of the hospital hallway as you plopped your head against the pillow. Considering the kinds of questions she was asking you and the kind of room you had woken up in, you surmised that you had been counted as another Jane Doe, placed into a room full of other unidentified people who had been dying.

Whenever you went out, you always made sure to have your ID and your phone on you, so you wondered if you had been robbed and attacked. But why was I alone and so far from home? Suddenly the face of the person you missed most popped into your head.

Namjoon.

The thought of something so awful happening to you without the love of your life by your side to comfort you was too much to bear.

You rolled over on your side and let hot tears spill from the corners of your eyes, moistening the crisp linen sheets. As the evening went on, your silent crying became more audible, your body shaking with both physical and emotional pain. You hugged yourself tightly, processing the realization that you had lost Namjoon’s baby, and you were now all alone again.

By the time night came, you had rolled over to cry while staring up at the ceiling, letting your sobs be heard now that the hospital was quiet. It always felt better to let loose while crying instead of doing it in secret, besides, everyone in your room was in a coma anyway, or so you thought.

In the middle of the night, you heard a groaning that morphed into a cry of frustration. Suddenly the curtains around the bed diagonal from yours were yanked open violently and piercing angry eyes drilled holes into your watery ones.

“I stayed quiet all day, pretending not to be awake so that you could have some privacy, but now you’ve been crying for 8 fucking hours and I’m trying to sleep. So could you please, for the love of Christ—”

“JIN!” You bolted upright then winced, mildly regretting your excitement for a second. The boy paused, furrowing his eyebrows as he watched you carefully climb out of bed and slowly hobble over to him in your billowing night gown.

Once you got to his bedside, your eyes watered again seeing him all bandaged up and staring up at you dumbfoundedly.

“What the hell happened to us…” You began crying again, leaning into him for a hug and sobbing on his chest. He groaned again, rolling his eyes and patting your back.

“Listen lady, I don’t know why you keep calling me Jin but—” You froze, backing off of him and wiping your eyes as you realized the bandages around his head must’ve been more severe than you thought.

You limped over to the foot of his bed and picked up his medical chart, reading over it quickly. You winced at the extensive list of procedures they had to operate on him once he was found. But thankfully, it was still possible for him to regain his memory one day.

Days, upwards of a year with daily physical therapy. You read the words before closing his chart with a sigh, looking back over at your friend who was regarding you warily. You couldn’t help but feel like this was all somehow his fault. Still, even if it was, you wouldn’t know for sure since neither of you remembered what happened.

“Um, that’s… I don’t think you’re supposed to look at other people’s charts…” You smiled and retook your place by his side.

“It’s okay for me to look.”

“And why’s that?”

“Because I’m your fiancé!” The boy cocked his head back, stunned into silence. He gave you a once over with his eyes, lifting up your left hand for inspection.

“Oh yeah? Then where’s the engagement ring?”

You pulled your hand out of his grasp. “You proposed without one…because we decided we’d go buy one together.”

Jin scoffed, “Yeah well, proposing without a ring doesn’t sound like something I’d do.”

You rolled your eyes. Yeah well, proposing isn’t something you’d ever do either.

“Okay fine, I’ll prove it by telling you something only your fiancé would know.” Jin sat up, watching you curiously as you sat pensive at the edge of his bed.

“Your dick hangs a little bit to the right when it’s hard.” Jin smiled, scratching his cheek in embarrassment.

“Well, I mean…technically, a lot of girls would know that.” You rolled your eyes again, trying to think about something intimate he might’ve shared with you during your years of friendship.

“You started smoking cigarettes when you were 12 because that’s when your dad left, and the smell of smoke always made you feel close to him.” Jin dropped his hand as he looked at you with renewed curiosity. He didn’t remember saying that to anyone ever, probably because he was piss drunk when he said it to you during one of your many smoke breaks together, or because he’d lost his memory. Still, he couldn’t deny that you must’ve been someone important to him if you knew something like that about him.

“So…you’re…my fiancé?” You nodded, taking his hand and rubbing circles onto his knuckles for added effect. You watched him as he visibly processed the news. You weren’t sure what the last thing he remembered was, but it had to be from years ago since he didn’t even know who you were. “Then…what exactly happened? I heard the nurse say something about a miscarriage…”

You nodded at Jin sullenly, clutching at your abdomen as your head hung low. Tears welled in your eyes, but you quickly dabbed at any that fell. “I’m sorry.”

Jin was stricken with sadness. He didn’t feel connected to you or the situation, but the thought of him and you losing a baby, he could understand to be awful. He made space for you on his bed and pulled you onto him, hesitantly rubbing your head as you curled into his side. You two slept together side by side for the night, but you awoke at the crashing sound of thunder and lightning close by only a few hours later.

Your eyes burst open at the sound, immediately checking to see if Jin was awake too. The room was still dark even though it was very early in the morning. The rain clouds blocked much light from coming into the room as it was.

You searched Jin’s face, but he still laid peacefully asleep, so you laid back down and nestled into his side. It’d been forever since you’d cuddled someone, or even made love to anyone. Knowing there wasn’t much fabric standing in the way of your naked bodies wasn’t helping the dull ache in between your legs.

You rubbed your thighs together, letting your eyes trail his features. You’d always thought Jin was attractive, but anytime his mouth would open the illusion would crumble.

But now that his memory was gone, he was different, nice even.

You brought your hand up to his chest, hesitating before placing your palm gently over his heart. You felt it beating strong and steadily.

Your hand trailed downwards, ever so lightly over the fabric of his medical gown. You ran your fingertips over the expanse of his abs, making your way towards his pubic area until his hand clamped around your wrist, halting it from moving further down. Your heart stopped for a second, since you had been sure he was unconscious.

Suddenly you heard his groggy morning voice speaking deeply just above your head.

“Don’t start something you’re not going to be able to finish.” You looked up at Seokjin who was suddenly wide awake and regarding you curiously, a challenging glint in his eyes.

“Since you lost your memory, allow me to remind you how I always finish.” You challenged him back, smiling when he let go of your hand. You cupped his member, squeezing just a bit to earn a hiss from the handsome brunette.

It was just early enough so that the medical staff wouldn’t barge in and bother you just yet, so you decided not to waste any time. You quickly exposed his bottom half, licking your lips at the sight of the hard on that already awaited you. But as you lowered your head onto his length, you noticed all of the bruises that littered his body, and the bandages wrapped around his torso. You frowned, looking up at him with pity in your eyes.

“Jin…” You sat up fully, remembering the list of injuries from his medical chart.  

He sighed and met your eyes, “It’s okay if you don’t want to.”

“No, I do. I’ll be gentle, just let me know if anything hurts, okay?” He nodded, watching you as you climbed over his midsection and nestled your legs on either side of him.

You sat on his dick gingerly, your lack of clothing under your gown earning you direct skin to skin contact. You supported most of your weight but applied enough pressure to tease him in between your folds. He hissed as you looked up, wondering if you had hurt him already, but seeing his lustful eyes trained on your core told you otherwise. You swirled your hips sensually, moving the head of his dick vertically in between your legs to get it wet with your arousal. It wasn’t long before he was moving his hips to the rhythm of yours, eager to enter you already.

You obliged, sighing contentedly as you held his dick up to your entrance and sank down onto him until he bottomed out. Jin crinkled his eyes shut focusing on the feeling of you around him. He struggled to keep his breath even, not wanting to alert the staff about what was going on, but god damn you felt so good that it was proving difficult already.

You noticed how fucked out he was already and knew he wouldn’t last long at all, which was perfect for you because you were really only looking for one thing.

You began swaying your hips carefully, testing the waters to see what was enjoyable for him and what was painful. Soon you were bouncing on him up and down, determined to get him to cum. Jin gave up on being quiet, letting himself moan and grunt the more you humped him. Your hand held up the fabric of your gown above your belly, letting him get a full view of you fucking him. You smirked, thinking about how mad Jin will be when he regains his memory only to realize you finally gave him a round two, but only when he had amnesia.

Suddenly, the boy took hold of your hips and held them still, a burning look in his eyes.

“Did I hurt you? I’m sorr—”

“No, just. Stop, for a second. You’re…going to be my wife. But this feels like our first time for me so, I don’t want to rush through it.” Your heart stuttered and a lump formed in your throat, not that you wanted to say anything anyway. You’d never seen him so vulnerable and tender before. Suddenly you felt guilty for lying to him, but nonetheless you let him pull you into his chest for a kiss.

It was sweet and slow. You hesitated at first, letting him part your lips and press them into yours. You closed your eyes, your heart thrumming a mile a minute as you kissed him back. He held you by the waist as his fingers rubbed at your sides. They snuck underneath your gown and began exploring your body, first feeling the curves of your waist then sliding up towards your breasts. You looked away from him, blushing furiously as his tiny touches sent shivers down your spine. To be this intimate and romantic with Seokjin was proving to be too much for you. Yet as his hands traveled around your back and downwards, giving your ass a healthy squeeze, your walls couldn’t help closing in around him. He moaned at the motion, looking up at you in time to receive your hungry lips on his once more. He brought his hands up to your face, holding it close to his own as you two made out passionately.

Your mind raced as your tongues swirled around in each other’s mouths. Kissing him felt foreign, but in a good way. Although you already knew what his dick felt like inside of you, you’d never known what his mouth on yours felt like until now. It was weird to think about who exactly was kissing you, yet not too weird, since you’d been around each other for so long now that his scent filling your nostrils was comforting instead of revolting. It was like learning something you had forgotten about. You were surprised to find how much you had actually liked it.

It wasn’t long before Jin began groaning into the kiss, feeling how wet you suddenly were and how easily he was moving inside of you without fully moving his hips. You bit your lip, feeling needier than ever with the lack of movement.

Suddenly you sat up a bit to begin bouncing again, but he grabbed you by the neck, biting his own lip as he surveyed your body. You were driving him absolutely wild and we wanted nothing more than to fuck you into the bed. But he knew he couldn’t move much for now, so he settled for fucking up into you as best he could.

Jin’s hand moved into your hair, grabbing it like a ponytail and tugging on it roughly so that more of your neck was exposed. His other hand gripped at your waist, holding you up as he began bucking his hips up into you. The combination of his tight hold on your hair and his forceful thrusts had you feeling the beginnings of an orgasm.

Your hands found his arms and held on for dear life as your walls began contracting around his cock. Sinful sounds filled the room as you lost your ability to keep quiet. His impressive length was hitting your g spot in the most delicious way and it had you keeling over him when your orgasm hit like a ton of bricks. You tightened your legs on his sides, shutting your eyes yet still seeing stars. Jin was satisfied with seeing you cum since he was already so tired that he couldn’t hold back his own climax for much longer.

“Fuck, where should I cum?” Jin spoke through gritted teeth, letting go of your hair in favor of holding your waist with both hands.

You leaned over him and kissed him deeply, then leaned in further to whisper in his ear. “Cum inside.”

Jin’s eyes rolled to the back of his head and your wish was his command. He found it so incredibly hot that he was already spilling his seed into you after a few more strokes. He grunted loudly, bucking up into you a few more times before settling down in a sweat. You sat on top of him for a few moments more, catching your breaths in unison.

The boy was spent, barely having enough energy to cover himself back up. He ended up drifting to sleep when you climbed off of him, which was better for you, since you didn’t want to have to pretend to be in love with him.

You hummed as you slowly made your way over to your bed, fetching a magazine before you climbed onto the mattress and laid down on your back. You propped your feet up on the windowsill and began flipping through the glossy decorated pages, imagining that this position would definitely increase your odds of getting pregnant.

It wasn’t until the chill of October had set in that you found yourself in your hometown again.

You had missed Namjoon terribly while you were away recovering that visiting his house was the very first thing you wanted to do. You needed to see him desperately, to see if he missed you as much as you did him, and to see if he was worried sick that you had been missing for months. You’d never gotten a chance to tell him about the baby, so you were hoping he’d have a positive reaction when he saw you now. You knew he’d always wanted to be a dad, and you wanted to be the one to give him that joy, no matter what.

You walked the few blocks from your house to his, taking in the neighborhood as you did so. Even with the drastic change in temperature since you were last here, it was as if nothing had changed. Yet you couldn’t help but feel wholly changed on the inside. You’d realized just how precious life was while you laid in that hospital bed, and you didn’t want to waste another minute not being with the man you had pined over for years.

As his house came into view, you instantly knew he wasn’t home. His car wasn’t in the driveway and his lights were off. Nonetheless you knocked on the front door, waiting a few minutes before descending his front porch in disappointment. You wondered if he was at work, though you didn’t think so given the time and the day.

As you pondered on where to go next, a small red ball bounced against your foot. You bent down to pick it up, only to make eye contact with a small girl that had come running up to you. She had gorgeous tan skin and dimples with sparkling curious eyes.

“Sowwy…”

You smiled at the shy toddler, placing the ball into her tiny outstretched hands. “What’s your name?”

“My mommy says not to tawk to stwangers.”

Just then, a smiling blonde woman comes into view, rubbing the head of the toddler who hugged her leg and shielded her body from you. You looked up at her questioning eyes.

“Sorry! I always tell her not to play with her ball so close to the sidewalk!” You giggle, shaking your head to let her know the girl wasn’t bothering you. You can’t help but rake in her figure, lingering on her mid-section.

“How far along are you, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Ah,” the woman rubs her belly absentmindedly, “just 3 months! It’s been so hectic, nothing like the easy pregnancy I had with this little one.” She pinched the cheek of her daughter, and you don’t miss the way the girl’s almond eyes turn into crescent moons when she smiles at the comment she undoubtedly doesn’t understand.

“No kidding, I’m actually 5 months along myself!” The woman’s eyebrows shoot up.

“Oh, congratulations! How are you liking it so far?”

“It’s not my first, but I absolutely love it. I feel like I’m glowing from the inside out.” The woman smiled, trying to contain her surprise given how young you looked. She followed your eyes as you glanced at Namjoon’s house for a second before turning back to her.

“Oh, you were looking for Namjoon? I think he went out to buy some supplies. Are you a friend of his or…” You furrowed your brow, a bad feeling in the pit of your stomach forming as you observed the slightly possessive tone in her voice. “I just, always used to see you around here, so I was wondering…”

You smiled brightly at the woman, watching her follow your hand on your stomach with her eyes. “Oh, it’s okay! He’s my boyfriend, but he’ll probably be a lot more than that now…” You smiled to yourself, looking down at your feet with satisfaction.

“Of course…” Yong tried her best to sound nonchalant, but you caught the way her voice sounded dejected, and she was suddenly looking everywhere else but at you. You looked down at her daughter, feeling a small seed of annoyance growing inside you.

“What’s your name, again?”

“Yongsun.”

“Yongsun,” You let the name hang in the air while you turned it over in your head. It left a bad taste in your mouth, “if it’s not too much trouble, can I bother you for a glass of water? The walk over here tired me out.” You both laughed half-heartedly, neither of you caring to feign friendship for much longer.

“Sure. C’mon, let’s get the nice lady something to drink!” Yong lifted her daughter onto her hip and began walking towards her home. You followed closely behind, hoping to find the answers you needed without having to engage in any more nauseating small talk.

You took in her quaint home with children’s toys strewn all about. The child ran to her play pen while the woman busied herself with finding a clean glass, leaving you with enough privacy to ogle at the pictures hanging on the wall.

You looked at a few of Yong and her daughter at the park before stopping at a family portrait that seemed to have been taken when the woman’s daughter was only a few months old. The man holding her, whom you presumed to be the woman’s husband, looked nothing like the kid.

Your mouth twisted in disgust, and you stomped out of her house before she could come back and shove her triumph over Namjoon in your face some more.

You hated her, and you hated him, and you hated their perfect little kid and their perfect little neighborly romance seeped in infidelity. You hated that you weren’t her, and you hated that he made you want to be someone other than yourself.

The annoyance you had felt when you had first laid eyes on the child had boiled into a violent rage that you couldn’t contain once you got home. You ran into your room and slammed the door, looking around for something to break. You started with the posters on the walls, tearing them down impatiently. The sounds of ripping paper made you feel better, but it still wasn’t enough, you needed more. Suddenly your hand flew across your dresser and knocked down all of your products. You shoved your lamp onto the floor too, panting and looking around wildly.

Your influx of emotions and memories brought on a headache that had you stumbling back onto your bed. You clutched at the sides of your face, balling your shaking fists as a haunting scene played inside your head like a movie. You saw her hair, flowing in the cold water, and her alabaster skin glowing in the dark. Her limbs were stiff, and her eyes were still open in the water, yet it seemed as if they still had enough life in them to stare at you accusingly. Her finger pointed in your direction as if to say you’re next.

Suddenly you saw yourself screaming silently, trekking up the side of the mountain in wet clothing, hiding in fear from your friends, walking aimlessly through the woods, trying to get home because you felt unsafe. You remembered desperately trying to put as much distance between yourself and them as possible because you needed you and your baby to live.

Now you hated them, too. They did this to you and Namjoon. They tried to drive a wedge in between you two. Maybe they were jealous. Maybe…

Maybe that’s why Namjoon was in love with someone who wasn’t you, because of them.

You punched your mattress repeatedly, feeling betrayed by the people you had called your friends for years. You tried to calm yourself down, knowing that negative emotions could negatively impact the fetus, but you suddenly felt anxious. You wanted to know why, why they would do something like this to you. You needed to see Namjoon. You needed to tell him everything and get answers from those bastards.

Suddenly, nearby giggling caught your attention for a brief moment. The sound came from outside your window. You lifted it up and peeked your head out only to find your block littered with costumed partygoers and children trick or treating.

You’d forgotten it was even a holiday today. Your favorite holiday, in fact, only because Hoseok would always throw great Halloween parties in which you’d all coordinate silly costumes.

You went into your closet and shoved hangers aside until you pulled out your old Snow White costume that would match the boys’ dwarves costumes. You tossed it aside, searching for your old go-to costume. After some rummaging in the very back, you pulled out the wrinkled black dress that you always used to wear every year. It was a nun costume, and it seemed oddly fitting for what you suddenly had planned for tonight.

You busied yourself with finding the mask that went along with it as well as a small blade you always kept handy, in case of emergencies.

The party was already out of hand by the time you arrived. More people than you’d ever seen at any of the boys’ parties were littered all throughout, crowding the hallways and even spilling out into the backyard. It was truly a sight to see, an army of goblins and ghouls and slutty princesses all congregated in a mundane family home.

You made your way through the crowds of people, shimmying and tip toeing along as you tried to spot anyone you recognized, which was already hard enough since everyone was in a costume.

But it didn’t take you long to spot the boys sitting around in the living room. Some had girls on their laps or beside them while others stood near them to listen to Yoongi’s story. They were all nursing almost-empty solo cups and their eyes were hazy with drunkenness. You shoved people aside and sat on the floor next to the man of the hour. He stopped to look at you for a second, no doubt measuring your suitability to be his next conquest for the night, before continuing his story.

You recognized his tall tale at once, because it was your story.

“So, I take my headphones out, to see if it was some creepy track playing on my phone, and the singing continues!” Nearly everyone in the room stared wide-eyed while Yoongi paused to sip on his drink. “It’s right in my ear, up close, and the woman starts crying, and I mean sobbing!”

“No fucken way! Oh my god that’s terrifying!” The young girl standing closest to Yoongi rubs the goosebumps on her arms. She’s dressed as a slutty crayon, as if you hadn’t already had enough reasons to roll your eyes into the back of your head.

You’re thankful that you’re wearing a mask, however, to hide the stabbing looks you’re sending at Yoongi and the rest of the boys who are pretending to be hearing this story for the very first time. You hated them, you hated them so much.

After everything you had went through with these guys, you had ended up being reduced to an ice breaker in the end.

Suddenly, you felt a hand on your leg. It’s a soft yet determined touch, and your body instantly tenses up. You’re convinced it’s Jin, because you’d experienced this kind of thing with him so many times before, but you know it isn’t him. Still, you can’t help the way your head whips around to see who could possibly be hitting on the girl in the nun costume.

Your eyes meet a pair of disoriented doe eyes, and you realize a very drunk Jungkook is hitting on you. He shoots you a lazy crooked smile as his hand rides up on your thigh a bit. You withhold the urge to punch him as you let him feel you up a bit. You didn’t want to reveal yourself just yet. No, you wanted to exact your revenge in a way that would scar the same way you now were thanks to them.

You placed your hand over Jungkook’s and stood up, taking him with you. Without saying a word, you led him into one of the empty bedrooms in Hoseok’s house, all the while his friends whooped and hollered at the sight of their youngest friend finally getting laid at a party.

You shoved him into a room and walked in, closing the door behind you. He stumbled backwards and plopped down onto the bed, leaning back and spreading his legs while he watched you. You want so badly to wipe the cocky grin he’s wearing right off his face.

You stalk over to him, quickly climbing up on his lap. His smile grows impossibly wider, and he’s giddied at the feeling of your hands on his chest pushing him down onto the bed. He seems different, cockier and more experienced, yet he’s still slightly nervous, you note, so you can tell the Jungkook you’ve always known is still inside this douchebag of a person somewhere. His heartbeat quickened as your hands slid lower on his body, and he searched for something to say to relieve some of the tension.

“So, you’re supposed to be, what, a nun?” The boy gulped as your hands found the bottom of your dress.

“No, actually, I’m a ghost.” Jungkook looked up at you questioningly, taking in your costume again to see if there was a detail he’d missed. You decided to help him out by taking your mask off.

His body stiffened under you and he grew pale as you sat on top of him, smiling at the way his lip quivered in fear.

You reached under your dress and pulled the blade from the spandex of your underwear, turning the sharp object over in your hand and observing it in the light of the room. Jungkook cussed under his breath as he began to hyperventilate slightly. You revel in his powerlessness, wanting him to feel the way you felt because of him, so you slowly press the blade against his throat, causing him to turn his gaze up at the ceiling while muttering shit shit shit as he did so.

“Where’s Namjoon?”

“I I I I I d-don’t know he—he never showed up. H-he might be a Y-yong’s house I I I don’t know.” Jungkook shut his eyes, making sure to keep still so that you didn’t accidentally nick his throat.

You grimace, not liking what he said one bit. The way her name slipped so casually from his mouth, they all knew about her and never said anything to you. You must’ve looked like such an idiot. They probably pitied you, probably made fun of you behind your back.

Your hand at the boy’s throat began shaking, and you didn’t miss the way his fists ball up at his sides. Suddenly you turned your attention to him completely, knowing now what you had to do.

The boy was shaking underneath you, so you hummed soothingly, running your hand over his chest. You admired his body, taking note of the way his muscles protruded from the fabric. He had definitely filled out and bulked up when you weren’t paying attention to him. And he’d had such a crush on you, it was a shame he’d turned into a monster on the inside.

Your hand slid down his arm and picked up his wrist, slicing at his veins vertically for a few inches. He cried out in pain as blood began spurting everywhere. He moaned in agony, clutching at his wet arm and trying desperately to keep the wound covered with his hand.

“Kookie! Where the fuck is the beer we told you to go get an hour ago?” Hoseok’s voice chirped behind you, so you turned your head in time to see the boy bursting into the bedroom unannounced. He’d taken one quick look at you and averted his eyes. “Shit, sorry, didn’t think you were actually in here with someone.” He chuckled, stealing a look in your direction, and then another, until his eyes widened, and his mouth fell open. His eyes first caught the blood stains on the bed then flew up to meet your eyes. His breath caught in his throat when he finally saw who had stolen the attention of his friend.

“Y/N…w-what are you doing?” He stepped fully into the room, coming towards you slowly.

“Well, I was in the neighborhood so, I thought I’d stop by.” You regarded him warily, gripping the blade tighter the closer he got.

As soon as the boy took a few more steps, he finally caught view of the massive wound, and his expression crumpled painfully. “Jesus Christ Y/N. What did you do?! W-Why did you do this?”

The boy tried to swipe the weapon from your hand, but you moved it out of his reach then climbed off of Jungkook and held the blade up in front of you. “Don’t you dare fucking touch me.”

“Okay, okay. Please, let’s just, talk.” His eyes were full of fear and concern, trained on you though they wandered towards Jungkook and the blade you were holding.

“Why should I talk to you? I have no reason to trust any of you. You all lied to me for so long. I SAID BACK UP!” You swung the knife as soon as Hoseok took a step towards you, causing him to stop and hold his palms up toward you warily.

“Listen, you have a right to be upset, but if there were things we never told you, it was only to protect you!”

You scoffed, “To protect me? So chasing me around the forest to the point of miscarriage was for protection? This is all your fault.” You drew in a shaky breath as the boy stared at your belly concealed by the dress.

“Y/N you’re…” Hoseok sighed, becoming antsier the longer the conversation dragged on. Nonetheless, he took a deep breath and spoke in a calm manner, “when did you stop taking your medication?”

“No…”

“Y/N, we can help you, just…” Hoseok lunged for the knife again but you quickly swung and caught his palm, slicing a line across the center. He yelped in pain, keeling forward and holding his injured hand to his chest.

You bolted out of the room and away from the house in a hurry to see Namjoon. No, no no no!

You just needed to see him, and then everything would be fine again.

You made your way to Yong’s house in a daze. You passed by countless witches and caped vigilantes who were all impressed with your commitment to scare as they took in your bloodied appearance and soiled blade in your hand. Someone even took a picture of you, but you didn’t have it in you to engage with them. You just needed to get to Namjoon and see for yourself if he had moved on from what you two had.

It didn’t take you long to reach his neighbor’s house, since Namjoon lived only a couple blocks from Hoseok.

You observed the house from the outside. It was dark, most likely to discourage trick or treaters, but not you. You circled the house, jiggling doors and pulling at windows until you finally found a way in through the kitchen. Sliding into the dimly lit household, you stood still and became part of the quiet that surrounded you, holding even your breath to see if everyone was truly asleep. You didn’t hear a peep, so you began stalking around the first floor, checking ever door.

You had stumbled upon the bathroom and two closets before you let yourself into a child’s bedroom. The walls were lavender and the shaggy rug that lined the small room was a pale pink in the night. A night light shone all kinds of aquatic figures across the walls as the child slept soundly at the center of her princess bed. You walked slowly over to her and leaned across the small bed to get a look at her tiny face burrowed into her pillow. She was adorable, and the fact that she was Namjoon’s was more than enough reason to love her, but she wasn’t yours, and you hated that. You just couldn’t get past it, no matter how cute she was. You frowned and sighed, exiting the room quietly then stopping in the middle of the living room.

You turned to look at the staircase that led upstairs when it occurred to you that they might be upstairs, sharing a bed as two parents might. Your nostrils flared and your breath quickened as you made haste to climb up one stair at a time as quietly as possible.

At the third stair, you finally heard it, a small moan, followed by another and another. Each step you climbed made the sounds more pronounced until it was undeniably the sound of Yong getting pleasured in her bedroom. You pictured Namjoon’s sweaty back, her pale hands clawing at it, her legs wrapped around his waist. Suddenly you heard a small giggle, and you pictured him peppering small kisses on her face that made her ticklish.

You clutched the blade tightly, your entire figure trembling as you reached the second floor. How dare he move on when we’re supposed to be starting a life together!?

You stormed into the bedroom, knocking the door into the adjacent wall with a bang.

“HEY DADDY!” You rubbed your belly as you stared at the lumps under the sheets.

The blonde peaked her head out and screamed as her lover pulled out and fell back onto the bed, regarding you with terrified eyes. He muttered a curse under his breath as he regarded your ghastly appearance while absentmindedly making sure the sheets were covering his genitals.

He wasn’t Namjoon.

“Who the fuck are you and why are you in my house!?” Yong’s husband yelled, looking at his wife and furrowing his eyebrows when he noticed the look of recognition in her eyes.

You rolled your eyes, ignoring his outburst and focusing on her. Her hands shook as they covered her breasts, her gaze wavering.

“Where is he?”

“H-he’s p-probably at the park right now. P-Please just leave. Please.” There was a different kind of fear in her eyes, and as you looked in between her and her husband, you decided to let him be the one to deliver her punishment for getting involved with Namjoon.

You exited their house as quickly as you came, walking in the direction of the park. You were tired, your anger from earlier morphing into desperation to find Namjoon and tell him how you felt.

Part of you wanted to give up and give into your defeated emotions, but you convinced yourself to focus on one step at a time, and on what you would say to him once you finally laid eyes on him.

You only thought of a few things to say before you saw him, sitting alone by the swing set. He was staring down at his feet in deep thought, so much so that he had barely registered you walking towards him. He was sad, too sad to give you a proper greeting, yet somehow his lack of reaction to seeing you hadn’t surprised you.

You decided to sit in the empty swing that hung parallel to his, kicking your feet into the gravel as you swung yourself gently with the little strength you had left.

“I keep asking myself, why didn’t she pick me, but I keep coming up short.” He sighed and buried his head in his hands dejectedly.

When you speak, the sound is so gentle it surprises even you.

“Why does it have to be her? Namjoon, I’d pick you a thousand times over.” You threw your head back and laughed lightly, looking up at the stars above, “In every life, I’d pick you. If I lived as many lives as there are specs in the night sky, it wouldn’t matter. You would always be the one.”

He shot you a melancholic smile, turning to you to take in your appearance for the first time. His gaze wandered from your far off gaze to your hands, noticing the bloodied blade and the massive wound on your wrist that had painted your arm red by now. He frowned, looking into your fading eyes. “Y/N…did you do this for me?” His voice was dripping in pain as you slumped against the chain.

“Namjoon,” You took a moment to draw in a breath but found it harder to find the strength to get your last few words out, “I’d choose you every time, no matter what. So, choose me, just please choose me this one time.”

“I did. I did choose you.” He leaned over to pick you up from the swing and cradled you against his chest as he sat down on the dirt, brushing your hair out of your face with deep sadness painting his features.

You laid against him, giving into the tiredness as you took in your fading surroundings. You looked down at your bloodied arm, seeing the wound for the first time. You brought your hand to your stomach, unable to feel the belly you had been caressing for months. Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion, until you looked up into the eyes that were crying over you. Jin’s beautiful face was crumpled, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs.

You brought your hand up weakly to caress his wet cheek. He took your hand in his and squeezed it as you gave him a tired smile. With the peace that overtook you came the answers you had been searching for all along.

You’d had it wrong all along. It was you that hadn’t chosen the right one.

Seokjin held your lifeless body close to him as he wept. He had never felt like more of a child than he had now. He had failed you continuously because he was afraid. You made him want to be brave, but when it mattered the most, he still chose to let you save him instead. As he wiped the tears from his face, he was determined to hang onto the life preserver you had unknowingly offered him.

Jin only allowed himself a few moments to grieve you before he forced himself to put you down and walk away. He knew it was only a matter of time before Namjoon would show up.

Without a backwards glance, the disoriented boy made his way to Hoseok’s house in search of the people that would deem this all worth something.

He was covered in your blood, but everyone he had passed mistook his appearance to be a lazy last-minute costume.

As he crossed the street, his mind wandered back to that fateful night in the dead of summer. He recalled what his friends did to him when he confessed to having let you escape. He could still feel the relentless blows to his body as they took turns beating him nearly half to death. Some punches and kicks were softer than others, but they didn’t stop until he was within an inch of his life. They left him for dead by the lake before going to search for you. He knew they avoided killing him on purpose, which is why he called Jungkook as soon as his memory returned. It was something they did whenever they suspected a member of betraying them, as a form of re-initiation. If you somehow survived, then you deserved a second chance.

Jin wasn’t sure he wanted the second chance, but he felt as if he didn’t have a choice if he wanted to return to life as he knew it back home.

Jungkook had gone the easiest on him, so he felt safe calling him first. He had expected the relief that flooded the younger one’s tone when he heard Jin’s voice on the other end. But what he didn’t expect, were the conditions attached to his return. After Jungkook confided in Namjoon, they decided not to make things easy for him, since he’d deliberately backstabbed them all.

He was only allowed to return home if he finished what they had started that fateful night.

Jin let himself into Hoseok’s house, dragging his feet as he made his way to the living room. The party had thinned out, but the guys remained on the couches as they nursed their drinks and waited for his arrival.

He had expected them to be in their dwarves costumes as they always were every year, but he hadn’t expected someone else to be in your Snow White costume, at least not so soon.

The bubbly princess sat on Jungkook’s lap, staring at him in adoration while he checked his phone in pure boredom.

As Jin came into view, the maknae of the group looked up and smiled serenly, something shifting in his gaze. Jin simply stared back, resisting the shiver that threatened to rack his frame at his resemblance to Namjoon in that moment.

“Did you take care of it?” The boy put his phone away as the rest of his friends turned their attention to Jin, some looking impressed while others looked skeptical.

The tall brunette smiled back at Jungkook in pure irony. He realized the evil he had vowed to dismantle from the inside could never truly be abolished, it would simply take on a new form to survive.

He was a fool for thinking he’d ever be able to win. So, he vowed instead to honor your life by preserving his own.

“Yeah, it’s done.”

[sparklyicecube]

Drabbles of a group of not-normal girls

Merry Christmas everyone! This is my secret santa gift for @emmamemea and I must admit when I first saw the favourite characters list none of them overlapped with mine but I had fun researching and writing them! Disclaimer: I didn’t have that good of a grasp on their characters so I thought it’d be safer writing a bunch of short drabbles rather than long fic, enjoy!

Valentines day:

“P-Please accept my chocolates at least!” Megu didn’t know what to do, here was yet another underclassmen who was trying to give her chocolates. She sighed, the difficulty of rejecting so many was painful at best.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t accept these, please respect that.” The young girl looked up at her with heartbroken eyes.

“At-at least take them then I promise you don’t need to talk to me ever again! We might not be allowed to date but taking some chocolates won’t be too bad right?” The girl held out the chocolates with her face parallel to the ground, Megu knew she should say no but took it anyway.

The girl lit up and thanked her, running away in glee.

“Megu!” The girl in question jumped slightly and turned to face the group of eavesdroppers, they were really obvious about eavesdropping but somehow the underclassmen student didn’t notice.

Yada sighed, “Megu, I thought you said you were going to to not accept this one. You know it gives them the wrong idea.” Yada took the box of chocolates out of Megu’s hands, putting it into the large bag that they already accumulated.

“I tried, but she seemed so pitiful…”

“We should go out!” Everyone looked at Okuda, her little outburst having taken a bit of courage. “Everyone always said that it’s the best way to get over a bad experience so we should try it!” Looking at Okuda’s determined face they couldn’t help but chuckle, agreeing with her.

“It settled then! Girl’s day out!”

The first place they went to was the mall, deciding that good food and shopping would be fun.

...that didn’t go as planned.

None of the girls were really that into shopping, though they did manage to find some cute outfits for some of them.

“Yada, this would look so good on you!” Of course, Yada’s body fit the most clothing, her features accentuating the clothes and making some people feel a bit more insecure about their own body types. They managed to all get at least one article with mild interest but the real kicker came when they were eating.

“Do you think Korosensei is actually that bad at spying or is he making it obvious so we are aware of it?” 

“Well-”

“EVERYBODY!” The entire restaurant turned to look at some table, with a girl standing on top of it and a boy sitting what would have been across from her. “WE HAVE BEEN FRIENDS FOR OVER FIVE YEARS, I HAVE NOT MANAGED TO GET INTO THE SAME CLASS AS HIM, BUT I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I REALLY LIKE KYOU-CHII.” The girl turned to the shocked boy and whipping out a bouquet and chocolates, said: “Will you be my boyfriend?”

The boy looked up at her with starry eyes. “Y-yes!”

The entire restaurant was clapping and cheering with the girls politely clapping along and decided that maybe they should retire from the mall after all.

The park was where they decided to hit next, with Kurahashi saying that nature was the best way to distract oneself from the human world.

Though the park was nice, the amount of happy couples around was unpleasant to say the least, and seemed to occupy every bit of the park.

“I saw some really nice green dragonflies here last week-” Kurahashi rambled as she pulled open some shrubbery to reveal a cove that had two people making out.

“Bitch-sensei couldn’t get more hits than that.” Commented Fuwa, as they walked towards the edges of the park.

“What about we all go to my house? A good sleepover where there can literally be no one else! Except my brother.” Suggested Yada. 

They all agreed, and a sleepover it was!

Valentines Day aside, the girls had a heartfelt day spending time with one another, hanging out, and an entire night of fun! (Minus the pillow fight because that wasn’t fun, that was brutal war training). 

Megu might still be learning how to say no but at least she had a group of friends that would help her along the way.

The trials of a flight attendant who trained to be an assassin:

“Welcome! Hope you have a pleasant flight! Can I check your boarding pass? Okay, your seat is on the left in the back.” Megu had gone through the rigorous training and application process to become a flight attendant, with relatively no issue. Her training from the E-Class got her to the top of the batch and she was able to handle emergency situations, heavy lifting, service training and all in heels, she passed with flying colours.

This flight was particularly special because several of her fellow E-Class classmates were on it too, mostly by coincidence of course. 

Okuda and Kurahashi were headed to some science conference in the US, Fuwa was over there to negotiate discuss with a publishing house over there and Yada said she had wanted to relax for a holiday. They all agreed to meet up with each other at some point but for now Megu was pretty happy just knowing they were all on the same plane, it was like a a little reunion!

“Excuse me miss it seems like there’s something we need to discuss with you about your layover.” Yada looked up at Megu, currently sporting a tight bun and a very cute flight attendant outfit.

“Sure, no problem.” Yada replied, getting up from her seat and following Megu to one of the areas where there was no other flight attendants.

“Yada.”

“Megu! I haven’t seen you in person for awhile!” 

“What are you doing.”

“Ehhh? I thought you’d be happy to see me, this isn’t a very proper way to greet a passenger.”

As quick as a flash, Megu had grabbed Yada’s wrist, spun her around and slid the pin out of her hair, clicking it open to reveal a small vial.

Megu pulled Yada close to her, to prevent others from hearing, though they were alone, pressing her mouth close to Yada’s ear.

“You can’t kill him on board, are you crazy?”

Yada easily twisted out of Megu’s grip and smiled putting a finger on Megu’s lips.

Megu glared at Yada, “I thought you said you wanted to use your skills for negotiation?”

“This is called a negotiation breakdown.”

“Why do it on a plane? Do it on a cruise!” Megu hissed, “People die there all the time!”

“Do they really?” Asked Fuwa, popping out from behind Megu’s shoulder with a notepad in hand.

“Fuwa!” The two exclaimed, with very different emotions.

“Why are you here?” Asked Megu, feeling a very specific headache coming on.

“I’m on this flight too, plus a good manga editor always looks for good inspiration.” Fuwa winked at her then turned to Yada, “Mind telling me what made negotiations breakdown this badly?”

Yada smiled, “That, is unfortunately confidential.”

“That substance is too obvious, if you try this one it’ll look like he just had a heart attack.”

“Okuda! Don’t help her!”

“Ooh do I also inject under the tongue to have it heal quickly?” Asked Yada, intrigued.

“Mhm!”

Megu sighed, they did make a pact to help each other no matter what but this wasn’t exactly what she had expected when they made that pact.

“It’s like a nice reunion before we even land!” Exclaimed Kurahashi.

“Why are you even here?” Asked Megu, tired.

“I’m going to the science conference too remember? The same that Okuda and Yada’s target is going to! I also sensed drama and this guy wanted to see.” A small, (venomous by the looks of it) snake wormed out of Kurahashi’s sleeve.

“How did you get that through security?” Asked Megu, concerned.

“Him and his mom lay very still and they looked like ropes, they’re cold blooded and very well behaved.”

“Flight attendant, flight attendant, you don’t need to revamp the entire airport security system.” Muttered Megu to herself.

While the few bickered and chatted as if talking about shopping, the seatbelt sign came on, the plane having encountered turbulence. Megu used that as an opportunity to usher them off, a fond smile on her face appearing as she saw them waving at her as they innocently went to their seats.

Yada walked back to her seat with a bright smile on her face, Okuda’s vial now in the syringe in her pin. There were plenty of ways to kill the guy she was after without tipping off that it was her, but this way meant that the airline wouldn’t get in trouble either.

Megu discreetly checked on their body bags, there wasn’t anyone in first class so they could move the person there when needed, hopefully Yada would do it naturally and the man would seem dead by accident.

When they touched down on American soil Megu sighed in relief, a few more checks and she could be going out with the girls and catching up without the stress of being on a plane.

Then afterwards she needed to work on changing the airport security system.

Author’s note that I couldn’t slip in but thought was a fun fact when researching for this drabble: Flight attendants cannot declare a person legally dead, the country they land in has to do that instead. Also, I now know even more ways to get away with murder :)

The powers of deduction:

“What else do you think will happen?” 

Fuwa smirked, her powers of deduction heightened from reading intense plot-based mangas.

“Well, from what I can tell, those two,” she said pointing her pencil towards a pair of students sitting on a cafe table a bit further away, “have the typical, ‘I hate you but we’re being forced to do a group project together’, they will probably end up in love or at least a love triangle. That group,” she pointed her pencil towards a group of people, “are all fighting for that one girl’s attention but she doesn’t know it because she’s dense. 10 chapters in when the readers are all on the edge of their seats in anticipation she will find out and intense love drama ensues where she is intensely confused but gets together with that green-haired one. Then she gets a scholarship overseas.”

“Wow! That’s so cool!” Exclaimed Kurahashi, Fuwa basking in the praise.

“That’s fun but that only really happens in mangas and stuff, those guys might just be normal friends.” Megu pointed out.

Fuwa glanced at Megu, then towards Yada and smirked.

“Okay, well then, I predict there’s another story right in our very class.”

“I know! That there’s a supermonster that is going to kill the earth but has a dramatic and tragic backstory that for some reason this group of junior-high students have to kill?” Kurahashi offered.

“Everyone knows that, something more interesting.” Fuwa smirked. “I predict that these two” pointing to Yada and Megu, “Aren’t going to realise their love for one another, ignore it all of their schooling lives and one day… Okuda play along with me.”

“O-ok?”

“Oh! I’m so sorry for bumping into you.”

“Uh, no problem! I was the one at fault…”

“Omg, I haven’t seen you for such a long time, we should really,” Fuwa brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, “catch up.” She said, waggling her eyebrows exaggeratedly. 

“Yes! We should um, meet at a cafe?”

“Then they’re at the cafe like, ‘Oh it’s so nice to see you again, it really was so fun.’”

“You’re going?”

“Unfortunately yes, you see… I’m engaged.”

Okuda gasped, unsure what to do next.

Fuwa decided to then play her role for her, “‘No! Please! Don’t go!,’ ‘I’m sorry, but I must.’ ‘But you don’t understand! I- I love you!’ ‘What?’ “Ever since junior-high in the E-Class whe-”

“Okay that’s enough.” Megu declared, tips of her ears having turned pink and an annoyed but embarrassed face. Yada had turned away slightly with her hand covering her face.

“Okuda! Your acting was so good!” Yada exclaimed, the others still noting with amusement the slight tint of pink brushed onto her cheeks.

“Was it? It was hard to think on the spot…”

“Definitely! I might even cast you as the student who helps them get in touch way later.” Fuwa joked.

The group laughed, after all, Fuwa’s scenarios don’t always come true.

Sometimes.