#also yea ya can see a bit of my writing there in the first paper with uhh... plans... writing plans i wanted to do today

[aria0fgold]

The scribbles of a madman...

Featuring Aria fingers reveal. My brain enrichment is the occasional math I do for very random things.

[obeymeshallwedateaddict]

Hiii!!!

I have a bit of a random, thought about it at 3am type request. How would MC react to the brothers (and the undateables if you have time for a pt.2) carrying around something that reminds them of MC? (ie. keychain, photo, letter, flower etc)

Thx!

Heyyyy I love your request!! I hope you enjoy this one and part 2 with the dateables is coming soon!

Author's note: I'm sorry for the recent delay of my requests and that I've been posting less but I've been busy for the past one to two weeks. I expect to be back to normal by next week.

Summary: You notice that each of the brothers is carrying something around with them that reminds them of you.

Contains: Fluff

GN!MC = reader

You can find more of my work here: Masterlist

MC reacts to the brothers carrying a reminiscent of them.

Lucifer

The first time you see him carry such an object would be either when he is doing paperwork in his study (or wherever it is) or if you're walking down the street with him.

It is a fountain pen that you gave him not so long ago. He just carries it around with him all day. He does his paperwork with it and sometimes swirls it in-between his fingers whenever he's uneasy or just casually walking around.

The pen isn't any interesting itself but to Lucifer it means the world. It's a gift from you after all. And since it's a gift from you he cherishes it like he cherishes his life.

---

Sitting in the study with Lucifer while he's doing paperwork. Suddenly you noticed the fountain pen in his hand that is so smoothly writing on the paper. There was something familiar about it but you couldn't exactly put your finger on it. It's like it was talking to you. And then it suddenly clicked. It's the pen you gave him as a gift when he mentioned that he lost his favourite fountain pen!

MC: "Hey, Lucifer. Is that.. the pen I gave you?"

Lucifer: "Indeed it is, MC. I see you noticed. I have to say... I've grown quite the liking to it. And of course I would. It's a gift from you after all."

Mammon

The first time you noticed Mammon's item could be absolutely everywhere. Why? Because he carries it with him wherever he goes.

It's a keychain you once bought together and you actually also have a matching one as well. He has attached it to his phone and walks around with him every day. Whenever he looks at it a smug expression appears on his face. He has a matching keychain with his human!

He calls it his "lucky charm". Whenever he goes to the casino or to dig up some treasure from some where he attaches it to his belt. Though whenever luck wasn't on his side he'd just blame it on the keychain saying that the "luck energy" died and it needs to "regenerate".

---

You and Mammon where hanging out together in his room. He was sitting casually on the couch, scrolling mindlessly on the phone while yo were carefully counting his money since he demanded that you should do it instead of him since you are his "servant". After a while when you lift your head and look at the second-born you notice the keychain, attached to his phone. You immediately realise where it came from and smile.

MC: "So you attached your keychain to your phone?"

Mammon: "Yea. 'course I would. It brings me luck to carry it around with me. And also it kinda suits my phonecase."

MC: "Is that the only reason though?"

Mammon: shrugs "Fine.. I also carry it around since it reminds me of ya! But don't ya go telling that to anybody! Ya hear me? Now go back to counting the Mammon money!"

Leviathan

Once a while back you and the third-born cosplayed one of his favourite animes together and in the end you ended up taking a bunch of pictures. You made a lot of different poses and different facial expressions. In the end it turns out that Levi had printed some of them out and put his favourite one inside his phonecase.

He loves walking around with it tho he doesn't make it obvious.

Sometimes during class when he is bored or doesn't understand something and had gotten rather irritated, instead of summoning Lotan which earned him a thorough scolding from the eldest, he'd just look at the picture of both of you that's in the back of his phone, which always managed to put a smile on his face.

While gaming or watching anime he'd always make sure that his phone is close so whenever he felt like it he could look at the picture to liven up his mood.

Overall he was utterly in love with it.

---

One day while gaming with Levi in his room, you noticed the picture of you and him, cosplaying in the back of his transparent phonecase. You smile and decide to point it out.

MC: "You put a picture of our cosplay in the back of your phonecase? It's adorable."

Levi: "Uh Y-Yeah. I actually r-r-really like it. T-that's why. Don't think much of it."

You didn't say anything more though you couldn't help but notice the pinkish blush that appeared on the demon's cheeks.

Satan

A while back you and Satan had gone out in a flower field and while laying among the flowers, gazing mindlessly at the sky you noticed a flower that reminded you of the fourth-born. You plucked it up and handed it to him which he happily accepted.

Since that day forward Satan couldn't make himself to throw the flower away. Instead he just carefully put it in-between the pages of one of your favourite books that he owned.

Every once in a while he'd open the book just to see how the flowers has changed and dried. Though in his eyes it never lost its beauty.

---

One day you were sitting together with Satan in the library. You were reading a book while Satan was studying cursed he could prank Lucifer with. That's until you open the book to the page where Satan had put the flower. It didn't take you long to recognise it even if it was completely dried up. You smile.

MC: "Awh, Satan. You kept the flower I gave you.."

Satan looks up from his book with a soft smile on his face.

Satan: "Of course I would. After all you gave it to me which makes it one of my most priced possessions. And where else could you keep a flower that would eventually dry?"

Asmodeus

On one regular day when you walked past Asmo he sucked in a deep breath and exhaled happily. You stopped and looked at him. His expression was relaxed yet satisfied. When you asked him what he was thinking about he said that your scent had sent him into a daze. That day you gifted him the perfume you were using and he so liked.

Asmo kept it in his room. He'd always spray himself with it before going out outside. At some point the perfume ran out but the fifth-born didn't throw out the bottle. He kept it on his vanity just because every time he looked at it it reminded him of you.

He'd often find himself daydreaming about you while looking at the bottle and sometimes he'd glance at it while doing his skincare our make up.

He was obsessed with the little perfume bottle.

---

One time you were with Asmo in his room, doing skincare together when you noticed the bottle. You immediately recognized what it was and smiled but then you saw that there was actually no perfume inside.

MC: "Asmo, why have you kept the perfume bottle when it's empty?"

Asmo: "MC, dear. It just reminds me of you so so sooo much I can't make myself throw it away! I'm even considering to fill it with another perfume so I could use it. It would be soo adorable!!!"

You smiled and shook your head.

Beelzebub

One time when Beel was going to his training you decided to make him a lunch box so he could have something to snack on if he gets hungry. You put a few of his favourite foods in it and wrote him a small letter along with it. "Enjoy your food! Love you! <3"

Ever since the sixth-born saw the small note he always carried it around with him wherever he went.

He'd either put it in his phonecase or somewhere in his bag so whenever he needed a little boost of motivation he'd read it. Though it always made him hungry since there was no food along with the note this time.

---

One day when you were eating at Hell's kitchen with Beel you noticed the note when he pulled up his phone to answer a message from Belphie. It made you smile. Knowing that he kept such a simple and meaningless note.

MC: "Beel? You kept that note? Isn't it meaningless by now? Considering how long it's been?"

Beel: "Meaningless? No it's not meaningless, MC. A letter or a note in the matter could never loose it's meaning when it's from you. Even if it does make me hungry every time I read it..."

You chuckled subtly to yourself.

Belphegor

Upon going to bed one night you noticed that your pillow was missing. You didn't think much of it and just grabbed another one from the closet and went to bed. It turns out the demon of sleep himself took it without warning.

Belphie would always carry it around the house with him.

Whenever he felt the need to nap somewhere, whether it would be the attic or the living room he'd just sleep with that pillow. It practically became his favourite.

It always soothed him and lulled him to sleep simply because the pillow still smelled like you. And Belphie along with the other six can't help but find your scent soothing.

Whenever he'd sleep with that pillow he'd always have trouble waking up afterwards and someone of the other brothers would have to either use force to wake him up or drag him like a sack of potatoes.

---

One afternoon upon walking into the living room you noticed the youngest sleeping peacefully on the couch. You smiled and sat next to him and that's when you noticed that Belphie was sleeping on your pillow that had gone missing a few days ago. You wanted to talk to him about it but didn't want to wake him so you waited patiently for the demon to wake up by himself. And when he did...

MC: "Hey, Belphie. How'd you sleep?"

Belphie: yawning "I slept okay. Though I could use some more sleep.."

You nodded you head and chuckled before speaking up.

MC: "Belphie, I couldn't help but notice... Is that my pillow you're sleeping on?"

Belphie looked down at the pillow and a smile formed on his face.

Belphie: "Yeah. It is. It helps me sleep and I love sleeping with it. It smells like you so when I cuddle it I feel like I'm cuddling you... I hope you don't mind."

A blush creeped onto your cheeks and you smiled

MC: "You can keep it."

[emumumimimi]

Summary: you were about to go home after school with your friends. until your friend, the leader of the phantom thieves, messages you. saying how he wants to hang out. And it seems like he isn’t the only one.

Word count: 1.2k (+)?

Tags: goro/reader/akira, use of akira kurusu, ooc akira??? (idk im sorry T_T), cringe writing, goro and the reader r friends from da past

A/N: first time posting uhm go ez on me,,,,,,

The bell rings indicating the end of school. The once peaceful and quiet halls of Aoyama is disrupted by the sound of after school chatters and footsteps of the students. You were packing up your things when your friends already called you to go out.

“HEYYY ya done yet?” Ichigo asked, approaching your desk with her school bag hanging on her shoulder. “Dude, chill. I’m still packing up” you said, putting your paper and pencil case in your bag. “Yea Ichigo, chill. We don't shove our things in our bag like you do.” Aiko said, just finished putting their notebook inside their bag.

Ichigo just huffed and threw the two people the middle finger causing them to giggle. Finally done packing their things, they head out of the classroom to leave the school. The three friends walk through the halls when one of them asks something. “Y’all doing anything after school?” Ichigo asked the two. “No not really, though i need to buy some stuff my sis asked me” you replied. Aiko also said “same with her, why?”. “I wanna hang around the boba shop near school, you guys in?” Ichigo said. Both of you and Aiko agreed in unison, eager for a cold, sweet drink after school.

As you and your friends chatter and walk to the gate, you felt a buzz on your phone.

Tallass: hey!

Tallass: your school just finished right?

Oh! Its akira. You quickly replied to him, minding your steps when you descend the stairs.

Tallass: hey!

Tallass: your school just finished right?

Shortfuck: yep

Shortfuck: we headen out to get boba and just need to buy some things. Y

Aiko sees you texting someone. “Who that?” They asked, already peering over your shoulder. “Akira” you said, looking up and see the school gate nearby. “OH! Is that the black haired so-called “delinquent” you told about and he's actually really nice and the accusations are wrong?” Ichigo inputted in the conversation, looking at you across Aiko. You sigh, “yea, i mean i can get where some of the students come from but like, cmon” you said with a pout. “There there~” Aiko patted your back. “At Least he has some friends that seem to really care about him” Aiko says. “And handsome too” Ichigo chirped

Right when you're about to reply, your phone buzzes again.

Tallass: im outside your school.

Tallass: ill be waiting :)

Your eyes widen doubled take at the message, not expecting for akira to appear in your school, especially on how busy he seems this week from the “metaverse” as he says (your still a bit shaken up from the information of “persona” and the whole phantom thieves going on in his life. Yet, you still support him nonetheless). 

You stopped and showed your two friends the message you just received. Cheeks slowly turn red as you wait for them to finish reading the text. Both of them laughed and said “DAMN (NAME). LIVING THAT WATTPAD LIFE” Aiko giggled while Ichigo snickers next to them. “Ah yes, the basic ‘I fell in love with the delinquent and changed his way’” Ichigo added to Aiko's tease, still giggling. Feeling more embarrassed by their teasing, you quickly speed walk to the school gates and look for Akira, afraid that he might’ve waited too long.

As you arrived at the school gates, you see a somewhat small circle forming at the side of the gate. Thinking that it might be the person you’re looking for, you went through the crowd. You mutter a bunch of “excuse me” “sorry” as you went through the crowd. You also heard a bit of gossip after going through the crowd. Ranging from “who is he?” “is he a student here” “my god he's hot” you chuckled at the last part. Finally zooming past the crowd, you found the person you were chatting a minute ago. He stood tall, with his bag on his left shoulder, while his phone on his right hand as seeming to check if there's a new notification as such.

“A..Akira!” you called out, a bit shy at first but gaining courage at the last second. The moment he heard his name called from one of his favorite people, a soft smile grew on his face. “Hey, (name)” he said with a smile approaching you. “W-what are you doing here?” you stammer out your words, embarrassed from the attention you're getting right now. “We haven't really seen each other that much for a few weeks, so I thought this would be a good day to hang out?” he said “that is, if your not busy?” he smiled a bit, putting his hands in his pockets and leaning to you a bit.

A hand suddenly slung over your shoulder. “Hey Kurusu! Dontcha worry! You can have (name) for today. We can always get boba together next time” Ichigo said with a smile on her face. “Yeaaa! You and (name) have fun for today~” Aiko said from behind you, seemingly pushing you to Akira. “W-w-woah hey w-wait! I haven't said anything that much yet!!” you half yelled cheeks turning red again as you try to stop Aiko from pushing you to Akira. “Do you.. not want hang out..?” akira said, looking at you with puppy eyes.

You turn beet red from the way he looks at you. “No, I do want too! I just…” you start to mumble and look down. You look back at Akira and see the same glint in his eyes when he teases you. You were about to hit him for it when you heard a familiar voice from the other side.

“Omygod! Is that Akechi Goro?!”

The crowd now starts to grow bigger from the exclamation of that one student. Girls started to squeal and other start to bring out a paper hoping to get an autograph from the famous detective.

“G-Goro?!” you squeaked out not expecting another person to see outside your school.

“Hello (name)” Goro greets, approaching your group, a pleasant smile across his face. “Hello, Kurusu.” he also greets, though his tone seems a bit more sharper and lower but only you can notice, after hanging out with the detective a lot of times. “Akechi! Hello to you too” Akira greets Goro back, not minding the dark gaze Goro throws at him. “Goro….w-what brings you here..?” you turn to him and ask, cheeks turning red again. “I wanted to surprise you and hope I could perhaps walk you home since it's been long since we’ve talk” he said, his tone softer than he had with Akira.

“Dude.” Ichigo whispers from your left ear behind you. “y/n life. Literally.” Aiko added, also whispered to you from behind in your right here. You look at them with a glare and cheeks red. “Is that so? I also plan on to hang out with (name) today. In fact, we were about to leave!” Akira said to Goro, having an arm already on your shoulder. “Oh really? I think (name) can hang out with you another day. Right, (name)?” Goro counters back, a smile still on his face but seems a bit strained.

“Uhm… ahahaha… uh” you said, sweating and looking at the two men, fighting over who you will spend your afternoon with.

[kawaii-angelanne]

naruto girl charas SUCK. and not the charas themselves, i LOVE LOVE LOVE sakusa, ino, tenten, temari, ya name her ! i love her, but the creator just writes them so horribly. he puts them in a light and most fans shit on women bc of their charas when really—they’d be liked if he gave a true backstory and plot for how they act they do.

sakura is known to be ‘two faced’ as she’s sweet outside but has a raging personality inside and everyone hates her for being obsessed with sasuke—but she’s a CHILD!! she gets more development once you meet her future teacher, and it makes me love her so much more bc it shows how strong she is and how CAPABLE she is. she’s more than just a girl with a silly crush // more than a girl who hides her true inner feelings. she cares for everyone around her and is seen as weak when she isn’t.

hinata is known to be a shy girl who’s obsessed with naruto, and she’s one of the strongest characters but the creator makes her weak. tenten canonically have the strongest weapons in the series but the creator makes her weak. temari is seen as strong only for her plot and in the future she’s discarded. all these women are thrown to the side because their entire future plot is to surround who they’re marrying—men. there’s only one female chara i can think of that doesn’t exactly surround a man but she’s still heavily influenced by two bc ones in love with her and the other was her childhood friend. (really tryna not spoil HAHA)

and even female villains, which there aren’t many i can think of, ALLLL SURROUND A MAN! long story short, kishimoto is a POS and probably has never known a woman on an actual personal level. plus the series is a rip off of HXH anyways 😇 emo chara family dies and they have red eyes ? and there’s a big bad group where the person who was responsible for it is homed there ? anyways naruto was my first anime besides DBZ when i was a lil kid and i love it and will cherish it to my heart but only bc i like the charas, i hate kishimoto. he’s dumb. and probably a 50 y/o virgin. (did u kno he got married and didn’t take his wife on a honeymoon bc of he was writing naruto? I HATE HIM I HATE HIM AAAAA!!) so sorry for the long winded response, i get so heated on this topic BAHAHAHAHAHA < 3 ily

OKAY YEA THATS WHAT I WAS THINKING!! i so badly want to get to like these characters, but the way kishimoto writes them is just. so bad. SO TRUE they all revolve around a guy and its so..*chokes the air* like in the land of the waves we see that she has the best control of her chakra (which ig makes her perfect to be a medical nin; ik like tiny bits and pieces of what happens in shippuden but also not rlly LMAO), but she never uses it!! she was never involved in any fights; she j stood there because she was written to be like that!!

i was also thinking that since they are like 10-12, they're not going to be the most fun characters; like at that age, children are v annoying LMFAO but its not 100% an excuse because the guy characters aren't as intolerable ;-;;;

im intrigued to see how tsunade is going to be written because like. shes HOKAGE. and SO COOL!! so yes.

love the charas, not their creator <3 (that's so funny how he didn't even take his wife on honeymoon; like higuruma would NEVER even tho he seems to do work a lot LMFAO (pov: you have not caught up w jjk but love higuruma because of ina))

(im also super impressed how you just whipped that out af! like. not even ten mins later and bam! research paper LOL)

[fandomscombine]

Exploding Stink Bomb

Platonic!Weasley Twins x Reader

BG: Chaos ensues when the twins steal your latest prank invention. How much worse could it be when innocent people are caught in the mess?

WC:1744

Entry for @feetoffthetable​ 's 500 writing challenge. A week late I know-sorry! Cause I lost the initial draft. (Note: Do NOT trust auto save that much) So I had to rewrite it.

The prompts are taken from Random Prompts List No. 4 and No.11. (Are in bold in the text)

4. “…Are they dead?” “I don’t know! Why don’t you ask them!”

11. “You’re being remarkably calm about this.” “Thanks, it’s the shock. Give me fifteen minutes, the screaming will happen.”

>>>MASTERLIST<<<

Fred Weasley, George Weasley and Y/n L/n, also known as 'The Pranksters Trio' of modern day Hogwarts.

It is the winter of senior year, and your stress levels are increasing by the day. NEWTS are to be held in a couple of months and you have managed to procrastinate completing your mock papers. At this rate, you would get a passing grade but in all honesty you know that wouldn’t cut it, you know your abilities. If you actually put effort in your subjects you can bump a level up.

You've made a deal with your parents that if you had completed your practice papers, you could spend the last week of the Christmas holiday with the Weasleys.

Which you are; 3 days in, 4 days left till school.

'What your parents don't know won't hurt them...' You mumble to yourself as you stir the bubbling green mixture clockwise.

See you haven't finished the potions assignment yet. Your parents thought you did last week, but in reality what you were working on was a little fantastic smelling concoction that could contribute to the twins' upcoming new joke shop merchandise lineup!

During the journey to King’s Cross, Fred had come up to you and asked if you could help brainstorm a new product that would blow people's minds away. Of course you agreed, a multitude of ideas already brewing, you would do anything to help out your friends.

That night, it was all you could think about. Naturally you are itching to get started, before the thought flies away. Pushing your potions textbook aside, you got to work. It took 18 hours of no sleep but it paid off. The product was now in your hands.

A shiny burgundy shimmering marble-like sphere. The final product was smaller than the blueprint- the amount of ingredients you had on hand in your muggle household were limited- you do a mental note on raiding the potions supply closet once back in school for dragon hide.

But when you do finally have all the resources, the sphere should be the size of a baseball.

For now, at 30% of the ideal size, this mini test sphere could stink up a small bedroom. Which is enough to do damage but also has a small enough impact that you fix if anything were to go wrong.

BAM! You knew the quiet was too good to last.

“y/n/n, my dear!” Greeted Fred, waltzing into Ginny’s room.

“Are you--” George placed his hand on the door, stopping it from slamming back to his face. “Oi! Why’d you have to kick the door so hard? You could have ruined my handsome face!” He shouted to his twin.

Dropping your quill back into the ink bottle you sighed. “Nooo, how many times do I have to tell you? I’ll be finished when I’m finished. Most likely tomorrow, the earliest.”

“Why can’t you just let US test it though?” voiced George.

“Because I came up with it and it’s the only one we’ve got!” You reasoned. “I wanna see it when it explodes!”

Right then, the boys’ eyes lit up.

“IT EXPLODES?!?!?” They exclaimed in union.

“SHIT!” It was too late to cover it up. The secret is out.

The twins shared a look, you don’t really believe in twin telepathy but in the case of your 2 best friends and mischief, they almost always are on the same page.

You are sent flying sideways off your chair and hit the air mattress. “Offph! George! Let….me….go!” With all your might, you try to push George off you but to no avail. The muscles built up during quidditch training are to his advantage.

In the other side of the room, Fred is rummaging through your trunk, eagerly looking for the mysterious and highly sought after invention.

Although he may not know what it looks like, Fred is still one of your accomplices in sneaking prank items to school, meaning he and Geroge know all the secret compartments in your trunk. As do you with their trunks.

This setup made sense, it was a precautionary method devised so that in a matter of incoming danger or when suspected of something, the others could easily get rid of any incriminating evidence.

The system is perfect! Well expect now when it backfired on you.

“AHA GOT IT!”

Your face snaps to the direction of the voice. Cursing internally, right there, raised high above Fred’s head is the prized Exploding Stink Bomb.

“WICKED!” cried George. While the twins are reveling in their success, you took the chance to push George off you and launch towards Fred.

While George was caught off guard, Fred had the few seconds in which you got up to process what was happening and sprinted towards the door.

“IMMA GET YOU FRED!”

“LET’S SEE THAT SMALL LEGS!”

“GOT YA! AHHHHH--” One moment you had your hand on Fred’s shoulder, next you felt a tug on your waist. “GEORGE LET. ME. GO”

“No can do y/n/n.”

His hold wasn’t enough to hurt you, but it was certainly tighter. “Learned from your earlier mistake eh” You teased.

“Just caught me off guard” George reasoned.

Fred walking backwards, bids his farewell. “See you Suckers!” He shouted, taking a bow. With that he disappears round the corner.

A THUD.

“Ginny!”

You and George shared a look of confusion, what was going on?

Arriving at the scene, you are not surprised to see a sneering Ginny.

“That’s what you get for going in my room!”

What you’re more surprised to see is a frantic Fred. You knew that Ginny is fully capable of being terrifying but this was all in good fun right?

Slowly George walked up to his brother. “Freddie what’s wrong?”

“The ball… it slipped”

Eyes wide, your heart starts to beat faster. “Where…?”

You barely had gotten the question out, the answer is given.

As if on cue, you hear shouts coming from your right, Ron’s room.

Ginny being the closest, beats all of you to the door. When it opened, you catch the faint bit of purple smoke before it completely clears away, no other evidence of the stink ball in sight-you smile at the result, hard work does pay off.

‘Now is not a time to be happy y/n’ you told yourself. Your gaze reached the unconscious bodies on the two beds. “Well that’s…..uhh... new...”

Here are 4 guilty looking teenagers looking at the scene of the crime.

Ginny gingerly poked Ron’s side, keeping a fair distance away just in case he jolts back. “…Are they dead?” she asked, breaking the silence.

“I don’t know! Why don’t you ask them!” George paused his pacing to point his finger at both you and Fred.

“Hey! I am not the one you had thrown the stink bomb into the room!” You said defensively. “Besides I told you to test it when I’m ready! BUT NOOOO… you two wanted it now WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING IT’S FULL CAPACITY AND RESTRICTIONS!”

“I…..I…” When George couldn’t come up with a come back, he changed tactics. Turning to Fred he challenges. “You’re being remarkably calm about this.”

Fred, who was still standing rooted at the entryway, replied. “Thanks, it’s the shock. Give me fifteen minutes, the screaming will happen.”

“What the heck happened anyway?” asked Ginny.

“Yea, I thought it was just a stink bomb that could explode!” added George.

“It is just an exploding stink bomb!”

“Then why are they unconscious?” George’s panic becomes more evident as in addition to his pacing, his voice is now an octave higher.

“I think that the stink bomb was too powerful for such a small room.” Sighing, you gestured to the closed windows. “There’s no adequate ventilation too. Must have cause them to inhale a larger concentration”

“How long will they be out?”

“I don’t know Ginny…really.” You shrug. “It could be hours, one to two at best.”

“TWO HOURS?!?” The twins say in union despite one clearly in utter distress while the other scarily unmoving.

Fred gripped his hair, placed his head in between his thighs and let out a scream that could rival a lion.

George now having lost hope of his brother functioning, took charge. “Mum is gonna be back any second now. What are we gonna do?”

“Well, first…we’re gonna check the boy’s condition again for progress” You suggest, dragging Ginny to check on hair while you check on Ron.

“Then..we’re gonna say..”

“GOT YA!” You 4 shout, finger guns at the ready.

“Wait.. WHAT?!!?? WHAT’S HAPPENING?” George looks at Harry and Ron- who are surprisingly alright and laughing their heads off, to you and GInny looking very smug.

Fred tilts his red face up to the commotion.

“YOU JUST GOT PRANKED! SAY CHESSE!” You announced, indicating to Ginny with the camera.

“Cheeseee” murmured the twins in defeat.

~

“How’d you do it?”

You knew that they would be back with questions. You keep them on the edge as you finish up your potions essay.

"You lot are predictable."

"Predictable?" George scoffed.

Tidying up the study table you continue "Mhhhmmm hmmm. Predicted that you would test it out on Ron, knew that you would try to steal it from me cause you both are very impatient- especially you Fred."

"Heyy!"

"But how did you wake up Harry and Ron?" Piped George. "We shook them but they were still unconscious!"

"Ah George ever the curious. It's simple really." You lay on the bed with hands behind your head, enjoying this moment of outsmarted the boys. "Your siblings were all very tired of been pranked so when we saw an opportunity to have you taste of your own medicine we grab them chance."

You glance at them.

"The time of you setting off the stink bomb is unknown but we were ready. I've made a nose blocker chewing gum while I was tinkering with the foul smell of the stink bomb."

"No sense of smell, no effect." stated Fred.

"Exactly, the rest I'd just improv and acting! The boys weren't actually unconscious, just a temporary numbing spell which Ginny and I reversed when we checked on them."

Sitting back up, you continued.

"What I didn't predict was how crazy you with react. I've never seen you two gone off the rails scared shirtless like that before." You admitted. "Priceless."

"And now you have a photo of it" grumbled George.

"And video too!"

"WHAT?"

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[crescentsteel]

Just Friends - Part 4

plot: fubu set up with Kuroo as a university student, model fem reader

word count: 5612

A/N: I enjoyed writing this chapter, thus the extra thousand words. Don’t know how I should tag this. Smut, fluff, sexual tension (even though they had sex already?) I don’t really know lol. 

Listening to Over and Over Again by Nathan Sykes while writing the rooftop scene.

There’s still 4 chapters in my head. I know its so long already but like I just can’t let go of my original vision haha

Part 3 | Part 5 | m.list

After you finish reviewing your last paper for the semester, you walk to his couch and let yourself fall on it.

“Finally!”

You’re done with the semester. You feel relief, but you also feel the weariness of the past weeks coming down on you. You thought that when you finish all your requirements and exams, the first thing you’re going to do is have sex with Kuroo. Especially since you were at his place already.

“You done with your paper?” he says loudly from his room.

‘Yep!”

You hear his footsteps approaching. He lifts your legs up and places it on his lap as he sits. You ignore him and continue to relax. His fingers start to slowly caress your legs up to your thighs. You know where he’s going with it, and it does feel nice, but not sexually.

You sit up, which gets his attention. He makes his move immediately and is about to kiss you. Before his lips touch yours, you cover them with your hands. He stops with a puzzled look on his face.

“Sorry. I know it’s been a while, but I’m still tired.”

He grips your wrist and puts your hand down. He holds both your shoulders and nuzzles your neck.

“Mmm. I can’t change your mind?”

You laugh weakly and ruffle his usual bed hair.

“Let’s watch something on Netflix. Maybe we can ‘chill’ later.” You give him a lopsided smile which he returns.

“Alright. What do you wanna watch?”

“Romance.”

He frowns at you.

“What? I wanna watch something that does not need my full attention.” You defend yourself.

“Mkay.”

It’s been around an hour since the movie started. Your mind is afloat while you watch. You can’t follow the story, but you like this state of doing nothing and something at the same time. You check on how Kuroo is, only to find him asleep. You’re amused at how this isn’t so surprising. After all, you aren’t the only one who juggled studies. You’re not even sure if he’s done with his own.

You scoot beside him. You’re about to wake him up to tease him about sleeping, but he looks really out of it. You stare at him for a while. You don’t tell it to him because he’s going to rub it in your face, but he really is good-looking. You brush up his bangs that was always blocking his face. You get a full view of his features. You’ve never paid attention to how he looks when sleeping.

Before you know it, you lean closer to him and kiss him on the forehead. After your lips leave his skin, you freeze in horror. What the hell did you just do?!

You’re only friends with benefits. Nothing about that was sexual nor friendly. You know your boundaries. You shouldn’t have done that. You don’t even like Kuroo like that. Right?

You shake your head furiously. No no no. You’re just really tired. Maybe your brain absorbed the romance even though you weren’t fully paying attention to the movie. Yeah. That was it.

You like Kuroo for sex and sex only.

You shake him furiously. He sits up abruptly.

“Huh? What happened?” He’s obviously startled by how you shook him, but his eyes are still a bit disoriented.

You stand up and remove your shirt. Your shorts go next. He puts his arms on his thighs and slouches a bit to look at you more closely. His once-disoriented eyes are now completely focused on you.

You hold his gaze as you strip yourself naked down to your underwear. That was all it took for the air to sizzle with lust. Since you’re at it, might as well make the most out of it. You stride slowly towards him. You give your hips a bit of a sway, lingering minutely in each step you take. You keep your eyes on his, not faltering in any way.

When you reach him, you straddle his lap. His hardness that’s rasping his flimsy boxers instantly lets you know that he enjoyed the show. You cup his face and kiss him right away. You don’t waste any time. You stick your tongue on his mouth as you grind on his hard-on. You want to feel him more. You want it now. You have to harshly remind yourself that this is what you came for.

You take out his member and position it at your entrance.

Kuroo pulls away from the kiss. He holds your hips in place, stopping you.

“Is something wrong, kitten?”

His lust-filled eyes now have a hint of worry in them. Why should it matter if something is wrong? That shouldn’t be an issue. You want to be had. Plain and simple.

Damn it. You don’t like how this is making you feel.

“Nothing. Don’t you want it?” you ask impatiently.

“Hah! Of course I do. But you seem upset.”

You underestimate how he notices almost everything. No way you’re going to let him know what’s going on in your head.

You sigh. You hug him and purr on his ear.

“Tetsu, I badly need you to fuck me right now.”

He grunts. You never use his first name. You don’t use swear words as well. Only now.

That does the trick. You feel him twitch underneath you. You feel his grip tighten on your hips that it almost hurts.

“Oh kitten,” he places an open-mouthed kiss at your shoulder.

“I’m gonna ruin you tonight.” You shiver at how dangerously he said those words.

He pulls your hair, making you look at him again. You shudder at the raw desire completely visible on his face.

He plays with one nipple with his tongue while his right hand gropes the other. His left hand goes to your groin. He traces the warmth of your slit and rubs your clit at the end of his strokes. You grip his shoulders tightly for support. You yelp when he bites the hard bud while inserting two fingers inside you.

Ahh yes. This is what you want, to let both of your carnal hunger for each other take over you. To let it cloud your head and consume you until your mind goes blank.

—

You look for your laptop in the back seat, but it wasn’t there. You’re a hundred percent sure that you did not take it to your unit last night. You were so out of it that you just got inside, laid down, and slept. That could only mean that you left it at his apartment.

You hurriedly take out your phone and dials his number. After three rings, he picks up.

“Hey. Can I go there? I think I left my laptop there.”

“I’m not home, but I do have it with me. I was just about to call if you’re at campus.”

“Actually, yes I am.”

“I’m around the area. I’ll be there in 20 minutes or so.”

“Alright. Thanks!”

You drop the call first.

You find a seat at the benches near the university gate. You’ll just wait for him here so he won’t need to find you.

“Oh hi y.n. Have you submitted our last paper?” It’s Kira, one of your classmates from your Management Theories class. She’s with another classmate of yours, but you don’t remember her name.

You give both of them a frail smile. That was all you could manage.

“Not yet. I’m waiting for someone before I do.”

“You okay y.n.? You don’t look too good. You must’ve stayed up all night for our paper.”

“Hahaha. Yeaaah.”

Blatant lie. You finished your paper early. It was Kuroo that kept you all night. A man of his word he is, he ravaged you senseless. It was only sheer willpower that gave you the strength to drive home at 2am.

In fact, you don’t want to go outside today. Your shoulders are tender. Your hips and legs ache. You feel sore between your thighs. Even walking is a chore You just want to lie down and waste the day away.

You hear your text notification.

“I’m here.”

When you find him, his eyes are already on you. He grins and waves at you. You can see your laptop bag on his hand. You meet him halfway.

“Are you sick?” He puts his hand on your forehead. You swat his hand away.

“No. But my everything hurts.” You speak softly.

“Oya?” You pout and glare at him. He puts up his usual conceited grin.

“You asked for it, kitten.” He inches closer to you and tilts your chin up.

“Remember?”

You feel your face getting warm. You always match his provocations. You don’t back down, but that was when you’re at the confines of his apartment. This is the first time you’re in a public space since you met at the bar. This is your university, your domain. You are very much aware that other students who might know you, are passing by.

You gently push him with one hand.

“Stop it. We’re in public.” You warn him while looking around.

“Alright, alright. Here’s your thing.” He hands you your laptop bag.

“Uhh. Thanks, Kuroo.”

He raises an eyebrow.

“It was Tetsu last night.” You scoff. “That was a one-time thing. You should’ve savored it.”

You freeze when you feel his hand on your cheek. You’re not sure which is warmer, his hand or your face.

“I did savor it.” He pinches it lightly before letting go.

Before you’re able to react, he scurries away with a stupid smile. “Hehe. See ya, y.n” he salutes with two fingers and finally leaves.

You want to be annoyed, but you’re too tired.

“You and your boyfriend look like you came from a magazine. You’re so tall and pretty.” You hear Kira’s voice behind you. You harshly turn around to explain. You wave your hands frantically. “No, no, no. He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Eeehh? But you were so sweet.”

You laugh nervously. “He’s just a friend.”

Kira nods. “You should go home after you submit our paper, y.n. Your face is very red now.”

Damn him.

—

When you passed your paper two weeks ago, that officially ended your semester. Aside from your modeling gigs, you’ve only stayed at home. Kuroo’s been asking if you want to hang out, but you’ve been ignoring him. You needed the rest from juggling sex, work, and studies. You thought that you need to focus on one for now - work. But now you’re getting bored. It’s been two days since your last gig. What should you do today?

An unknown number suddenly pops on your phone.

“Hello y.n.?” It was a familiar calm voice.

“Kenma?”

“Yea. But it’s Kuroo who asked me to call.” You hear fumbling on the other end.

“Oi. Y.n. Why do you answer Kenma’s call but ignore mine, huh?” You sigh. You don’t really want to explain that you need some time away from him.

“Never mind that. I’m at Kenma’s. Wanna play here?”

You perk up. That’s perfect. You don’t have anything to do today. It’s also been a while since you played altogether.

But, you’ve never been over at Kenma’s.

“Is it okay with him?” It might be Kuroo’s idea. You don’t want to impose.

“Kenma! You don’t mind, right?” You hear Kenma but couldn’t make out what he said.

“Yep. He said it was fine. I’ll text you the address.”

You drive to the address he gave you. He said to just enter, so you did. You follow Kuroo’s loud voice to locate them. You open the door where you hear his voice from. Both of them take their eyes away from the screen to see who entered.

“Look who’s back from the dead.” You don’t want to admit it but it was nice to see his usual grin.

“Missed me, Kuroo?” You tease back.

The two-week break did you some good. You’re back to how you are with each other, in your part at least. No weirdness involved.

“Hey Kenma.” you give him a warm smile. He greets back with a curt nod.

“So what’re we playing?” You sit beside Kuroo.

“I wanna race y.n.” Kenma says.

“Ooh. That means you’re in my seat, Kuroo.”

“Fine,” he unwillingly hands you the controller.

You switch places. Kenma goes to his disc collection and looks for the game you’re going to play.

“By the way y.n., aren’t you going to congratulate me?”

“For what?”

Pride shines on his face. “Hehe. I’ve passed all my subjects. I’m officially graduating this semester.”

You gape at him in astonishment. You know he’s a Senior, but you thought he’s going to graduate next semester, not this one.

“Whoa. I- uh.” You don’t know how to react. Should you hug him? Shake his hand? Kiss him?

Wait, what? You shake your head. Kenma’s here. No indecencies allowed.

“But why aren’t you celebrating?” you ask.

“I did already. I was gonna invite you actually, but you weren’t answering my texts,” he says it casually, but his face is serious.

It‘s nice of him to want to invite you to celebrate such a milestone in his life. Maybe you really are actual friends despite being shagmates. Now you feel bad for ignoring him because you felt strange around him lately.

“Um sorry. I didn’t know.” you apologize awkwardly while looking away. Your face lights up when you think of a way to make it up to him.

“Do you want anything in particular as a grad gift?”

“You can ask for that newly released game” Kenma quickly answers from across the room. You laugh when Kuroo makes a face.

“Hey. I’m the one she’s asking.”

Kenma returns to his seat and starts the game.

“Think about it while we play,” you say.

He doesn’t seem to be thinking though. While you’re racing with Kenma, Kuroo keeps on taunting you to beat Kenma. He abandons sitting and moves behind you.

“Left, left. GO LEFT!” With his hands on your shoulders, he nudges your upper body to the left as you swerve through a curve. You two are in sync in movement which adds to your excitement. You go through two nitrous while Kenma slips on a banana.

“Bye Kenmaaaa” you can’t help but egg him on. You’re grinning so hard your cheeks are starting to hurt. You’re almost at the finish line. Finally, you can beat Kenma at something on the first try.

“Haha! Good one, kitten.”

You go rigid. You glance at Kenma to see his reaction. He’s still focused on the game. Hopefully, he didn’t hear. When you return your eyes on the screen, you hit a shell. You slow down while Kenma gets back to being first. You do your best to catch up, but he’s already at the finish line.

“So close.” you groan in frustration. You could’ve won if Kuroo wasn’t such an idiot.

“Heh. My turn.”

“Don’t you need to be somewhere tonight?” Kenma asks Kuroo.

He looks at the time. “It’s way too early,” then he stills for a second before sitting beside you again.

“I know what I want y.n.” His smile tells you upfront that he’s up to something. You ready yourself for what it is.

“Come with me tonight.”

“Where? What for?”

“We have this batch graduation party at a hotel. We’re allowed a +1.”

“Uhh. Why me?”

“Cause you’re pretty.” Kenma says in a nonchalant manner.

“Not just pretty. You’re way hot. My batchmates will be jealous of me nyehahaha.” You just stare at his animated state of idiocy.

“Sorry about him y.n.” When you look at Kenma, he shares the same expression you have.

“Won’t you get bored if I’m there?”

“Nah. I planned to go alone before asking you.”

“Why not ask Kenma?”

“Pass.” Kenma says too quickly.

“That’s why.” Kuroo confirms.

“Don’t you want anything else? I can get you anything.” You try to negotiate something else that you can buy for him.

“That’s too easy for you. And I don’t really need anything.”

You exhale heavily while rubbing your face.

“Okay, sure.” You grumble.

“Yes!” He laughs maniacally.

To be honest, you’re a little uncomfortable about this. You’re sure people will think you’re dating. Ugh. Whatever. Since he asked for it as a gift, you’ll give it to him just this time.

“I’m thirsty. Does anyone want water?” Kuroo suddenly stands up and heads to the kitchen.

“I’m good,” you say while Kenma just shakes his head.

“So,” Kenma spoke as soon as Kuroo left the room. You turn to him.

“Kitten, huh?”

Your whole body tenses up. He heard it! You have no excuse this time. You feign innocence and smile so fake that it’s making you cringe. Kenma’s smarter than you thought. If he pulled this off before Kuroo asked you, you wouldn’t have agreed to it.

Wait. He’s also the one who reminded Kuroo of the event even though it’s still early in the afternoon. Did he do that deliberately because he knew Kuroo’s going to ask you in that instance?

Ugh.

You know that Kuroo is very perceptive, but Kenma’s just on a different level that it’s almost scary.

“I think I’m gonna get some water too.” You make your escape to the kitchen and give Kuroo some verbal beating.

–

Maybe he should’ve gone together with you. It’s been thirty minute since he got there. He’s even late, but he still hasn’t heard from you.

He takes out his phone to call you, but his thumb stops when he sees his outgoing calls history. It was mostly your number from the amount of times he’s called you from the past two weeks. They were all missed though. You never answered him.

Admittedly, he was worried when you were ignoring his texts and calls. That’s why you had to use Kenma’s phone to check up on you because he has no idea where you live.

Of course, neither of you is obligated to reply or show up to each other, but he does care more than a fuck buddy should. It wouldn’t hurt for you to take 5 seconds to reply to his texts. What bothered him the most is that maybe he went overboard with the teasing and pissed you off for real.

He’s glad that you seemed normal this afternoon. You were actually nice to have thought of giving him something for graduation. He didn’t think that you would. You even agreed to be his date tonight. He didn’t exactly phrase it that way earlier because you might feel off with the word ‘date’.

Instead of calling you, he sends a text message to know where you are.

Someone puts a hand on his shoulders. “Hey Kuroo. Are you with someone tonight?” It’s Reiji, a batchmate with the same major.

“Hell yeah I am.” The confidence in his voice makes Reiji curious. “Where is she?”

“Running late,” he answers thriftly. Reiji nods his head and looks around. Reiji suddenly stands up straight and shakes his arm violently.

“Someone brought a hottie. Look!” Reiji continues to shake his arm to urge him to look at said hottie. He doesn’t care though. He looks at his phone to see if you’ve replied.

“I swear, Kuroo. She looks like a freaking model.” The word ‘model’ didn’t go unheard. He instantly turns to the direction Reiji was looking.

Reiji is a fucking tool. You aren’t just hot. You look absolutely divine. You’re wearing a crimson dress that hugged your marvelous figure. It goes just above your knees, but there’s a knot on both sides that hitches the dress higher to show just the right amount of skin on your gorgeous thighs. It has flimsy straps that highlight your neck and shoulders.

The only time he saw you with makeup was the night you met, and that was only lipstick. Tonight, a glossy shade of peach is tinted on your lips. You’re wearing eyeliner that’s intricately drawn, giving your eyes that sultry look.

You’re also wearing heels which makes you stand out even more.

The most captivating of all is how you carry yourself. You are not overdressed in any way. The clothes are just right for the hotel setting. It’s the way you walk with finesse while occasionally glancing at corners that makes you look like royalty who’s checking on her subjects.

Others are also staring, but you don’t seem to notice or maybe you don’t mind at all.

Your eyes finally meet his. He suddenly feels nervous. He has all the cockiness, but he can’t muster any right now. You look down for a while and tuck your hair behind your ears. Then you give him a coy smile before you approach him. Ah fuck.

“What the- Did she just smile at you?!” His lips form a lopsided smile as his ego swells up. He pats Reiji twice. “Sorry dude. That hottie is with me.” He puts his hands on his pockets. He raises both eyebrows and gives Reiji a meaningful look before marching to meet you.

He puts a hand on your shoulder when you’re within reach. The stares that were previously on you are now shared between you two.

“You’re late,” he says in a hushed voice.

“Deliberately, of course. Now everyone knows the pretty girl is with you. Be a little thankful.” You respond in the same manner while giving him a pleasant smile for everyone to see.

You really are a sly one. His hand goes to your waist and leads you to his friends. He introduces you as a special friend of his. He gives them vague answers when they ask if you guys are dating. You ride with it. You don’t just nod when there’s a conversation. You actually join in it and keep up with what’s going on.

There’s a time when he had to leave you for a while because a professor from his department asked him about his plans after graduation. He doesn’t prolong the conversation because someone might hog you.

He excuses himself and finds you giggling with his batchmates. He smiles to himself. You really kept your end of the bargain. You aren’t just the hot chick, you also have wits to boot.

He goes back to your side. “Sorry folks, but I’m getting her back.”

“Whaat? Cmon.” He hears more grumbles of disagreement, but he doesn’t care. He wants you to himself now. You smile politely to them and bows your head. “Nice to meet you guys.”

“C’mon.” He guides you out of the hall. “Where are we going?”

“Just follow me.”

He goes in an elevator and presses the highest button.

“I have to say. I didn’t think you’d cooperate this well.”

You sneer at his indirect praise. “I’m an amazing trophy girl, aren’t I?”

He nods approvingly and claps slowly. “Brilliant honestly.”

You punch him playfully on the arm.

The elevator dings and reveals the rooftop. He lets you go first and follows. The floor is amazing. The lights are warm and there’s soft music playing in the background. The clear view of the city lights is the biggest attraction.

“Woooow,” the look of awe palpable on your eyes.

“Cool, right?” He asks, but you don’t answer. You just absorb the view in front of you. The breeze blows your hair gently, showing more of your profile.

“Don’t you want to sit? Your feet must hurt from those shoes.”

You shake your head. “Not really. I’m used to it. I’ve stood and walked in heels for long periods of time.”

“From work?”

“And family. I’m also their trophy girl sometimes.”

He looks for any hint of sadness but you say that as a matter of fact only. On the contrary, you look back at him with warmth in your eyes.

“Congratulations Kuroo.” The smile he sees is like the one he saw when he cooked for you. He’s a bit moved that you are truly happy for his achievement.

“Thank you.” He returns the sincerity.

You both enjoy the silence and the twinkling lights laid before you. The soft music in the background is the only sound audible presently.

“Come here.” He grabs you by your wrist and pulls you close. He puts your arms around his nape.

“What’re you doing?” You struggle a bit from his grip.

“My gift still hasn’t ended, right?” He outsmarts you, yet again. You blink twice and heave.

“You’re really milking this, aren’t you?”

He wraps his arms arounds your waist when you stop resisting. He starts swaying slowly, following the rhythm of the song. He revels in the feeling of your body pressed to him. The natural thing to do would be to whisk you away from here, take you to his place, and bang you wildly. But that’s not what he wants right now. This. This is enough for him for now. Having you this close gives him unspeakable contentment.

He lifts your chin with a finger so you’ll look at him. He returns his arm to your waist once you’ve locked eyes.

“You really look beautiful tonight.” He finally tells you. You’re too gorgeous not to let you know.

You blink twice at him with your mouth a few centimeters apart. The make-up doesn’t hide the subtle pink shade that suddenly glowed on your cheeks. Lovely. He won’t miss this opportunity.

He swiftly dips down just to stop with his lips a few inches from yours. He can feel you completely tensed. The breath you’re holding is apparent.

“Relax, y.n.” His one hand climbs to your back to caress it, ushering you to ease up. When you loosen up, he claims your lips. When you melt in his arms in complete surrender, it’s enthralling. The warmth of your mouth against his is too good for words. He can’t get enough. You open your mouth letting him slip in his tongue. He adores how you reciprocate with the same passion.

Your right hand travels from his nape to his chest. How this is still non-sexual is beyond him. He can kiss you like this all night.

The ring of laughter that echoed in the air breaks the enchanted bubble you two were just in. A group of people enters the floor. You get away from him hastily.

“We should go.” You tell him while avoiding his gaze. You make your way to the elevator without waiting for him. One of the girls who just came in lingers her eyes at your face. You ignore it and get in the elevator. Kuroo goes right after you.

When the elevator closes, you see your reflection. Your lipgloss was smudged all over. No wonder the girl was staring. You hurriedly get a napkin from your purse to wipe it off.

“Can I take my gift home?” You don’t know if it’s you or his voice lacks the regular egotism it has. You still steer clear of looking at him so you can’t see his face.

You still haven’t recovered. No one has kissed you like that. It was agonizingly delicate but ardent. It felt like drowning but floating at the same time. You can still feel your heart pounding at your chest.

You laugh timidly to shake it off. You need to get back to your cheeky self before he notices.

“Sorry, but the gift is getting tired.” You do your best to look normal when you finally face him.

“I’ll drive you home then.” You want to refuse, but it would be weird. You just told him you’re tired. It’d be obvious that you just want to get away from him.

You defeatedly give him your keys.

The ride to your place was spent in silence. You close your eyes to straighten your mind. It was nothing. That was just a regular make out session done in a very romantic setting. It’s probably completely normal for him, so it should be for you too.

“I’ll let you borrow the car so you don’t have to take a cab home.” You interrupt the stillness. “You don’t have to. It’s still early anyways.”

“Consider it a consolation since you can’t take the gift home.” You did it. You said something your usual self would.

“I’d rather take the gift itself, so no.” Damn it. Just when you thought you’ve regained your sass, he instantly shoots it down. You’re almost at your place.

“Holy shit. You live at Roppongi Hills?!” He says out of the blue. Oh right. You’ve never let him drive you home. You didn’t see the need for him to know where you live. You’re also wary of your privacy. You completely forgot about that because of what happened earlier.

“Parking is over there.”

He stops the engine when he finds a spot. You get out of your car immediately.

“Thanks for driving me home. Night.” You greet dryly.

“I want to see your place at least.”

“Buy why?” You whine in frustration. You just want to lie in bed and distract yourself from any thoughts about him.

“Oh y.n. You’ve been keeping me out since day 1. Now that we’re here, can’t you spare this unfortunate man a peek?” He laments dramatically.

His acting is so bad that your laugh echoed at the corners of the parking lot. God, his humor really gets you. You speak when you catch your breath, “A peek it is then, unfortunate man.” Finally, you feel the air between you two clear up.

He follows you when you go inside the building.

“Good evening, maam.” Ths security guard bows as he greets you.

“He’s with me,” referring to Kuroo. “Good evening, sir,” he greets Kuroo as well.

When you’re out of earshot, he says, “Sometimes I forget how ridiculously rich you are. Maybe I should start calling you milady or somethin.”

“Call me ‘Mistress,’ you lowly servant,” you say jokingly.

His eyebrow and the corner of his mouth both shoot up at the same time. “So you’re into that, huh?”

“I was kidding of course!”

“Let me stay and I’d serve you all night, y.n.”

The right response would be to ask him how he plans to serve you exactly. But you panic instead, the thought of even kissing him again makes you nervous like crazy. Crap, you’re really losing it. You pray that you aren’t blushing.

“Tough luck, Kuroo. I just want to lie down and do nothing for the night.” You bring the conversation back to normal before it escalates into something that involves you and him having any intimate contact.

When you get to your unit, you let him in. You keep the door open. You don’t want to be enclosed here with him in it. The last thing you need is him tainting your place. You don’t want to wake up and realize that he’s had his way with you on your own bed.

His eyes survey every corner, looking very impressed at the interior. “Daaamn. My place is shit compared to this.”

You check your phone. Five minutes from now, you’re kicking him out.

“You can get your water in the fridge if you want.” You mentally praise yourself for keeping the conversation light and breezy.

“Left or right?”

You sigh loudly. You make your way to your kitchen. Halfway through, you hear your door creak. Oh no. You hear it thud close.

“Say y.n., what should I do so I can stay here tonight?” Despite the huge space, you feel trapped. His eyes are intensely piercing on you. You gulp to clear the build-up of nerves that blocked your throat.

“Y-You just can’t.” How dare you stutter!

As he takes his steps to cross the distance between you, you grow even more fidgety. You want to step back, run away even. If he pulls off the same stunt on the rooftop earlier, you don’t know if you can hold back the unwanted feelings you’ve been disregarding recently. You’ve been pushing them at the back of your head, telling yourself excuses, and convincing yourself that it’s nothing. And until tonight, you were successful.

You don’t want to have feelings for Kuroo. You won’t be able to handle the complexity of the situation that would arise.

You waver when he gently strokes your cheek.

“Hey,” he says it so gently that your eyes reach for his, pulled in by the magnetism of his voice.

They hold the same mellow tenderness they had while ago. He’s never been like this with you. Only tonight.

Maybe he - no. You shouldn’t delude yourself like that. This can go very bad for you if you make a mistake. You’ll end up falling for someone who enjoys only the sex and company, nothing more. What you’ve been feeling since you left the hotel is fear. You’ve been repressing all these thoughts and they’ve built up to this situation. You are now in a sitch wherein you’re scared that if he makes his move, you’ll be too powerless to stop yourself.

He lowers his head, closing in inch by inch. Too close for comfort. His lips go past yours and lands on your cheek. It’s only a soft peck.

“I really liked your gift,” he says with authenticity, then lets you go.

He heads for the door. Your eyes absent-mindedly trail him as he exits.

“Good night, y.n” He winks and closes your door.

You go to your bed and sit. Your eyes are fixated at the wall while your brain tries to make out what just happened. You stuff your face in a pillow and squeal with frustration. Who are you kidding?

Kiss or no kiss, you fell for him.

Part 3 | Part 5 | m.list 

[missamyrisa2]

YOU! I remember you from DeviantArt. It's a small world after all :) Hope you're having a good good friendly February!

also you tease real good ack-

Hi there ~<3 Oooh I'm so flattered~~ and the thing is, when I get blushy~ I get really, really tickly. I mean, I just wanted to let you know I'm still active on DeviantArt too. And, well I don't have any paper to write down the url so I suppose I'll need a canvas. Ooh lookie, there's a butterfly in the sky right there. There's not? Ooh well, made you look! Now, now, don't fret~ this is my new art table and it's sooo perfect for securing a beautiful cute canvas. Those feathery vines come standard. I like to work in the ticklee medium when practicing my calligraphy, after all.

I need to check my paints on this tone~ ooh, and you can struggle all you like~ you're not going anywhere cutie. Hmm maybe a bright red. I'll start by squirting some out on my palette. I hope you don't mind, it's a squishy squishy bottle, and yes I do have to hold it right by your ears. Why? Well, because it makes you writhe so cutely of course! Let's see, squish out some red. Some yellow. Ooh some greeeen. Did you hear that? The green is really silly sounding. Should I hold it closer? Does that? Hmm? It what? Let me try again. It tickles! Ooh, sorry. If I'd known that, I would have gotten more colors out! I haven't even tickled you proper yet and you're a squiggly mess.

Oh, but what am I thinking? I don't need this palette. I already have the perfect place to place my paint. Hold still now sweet pea. This miiight tickle a little. What am I doing? Why, I do believe I'm filling your navel with this adorable purple paint. Keep still now, or I'll have to refill it. Nice and cool huh? Ooh look at you twitch. It's only a little paint! Now, where's my brush. Hmm. Maybe a big wide fan brush. Mmm. Nah, this is more for your sides. See? Or how about this thick heavy brush? Does this tickle on your neck? Yeah? Squirmy squirmy. Yes, right along your neck. And over those ears again. Yea~ the ears. Tickle tickle tummy too. Ticklish ribs. I also have this spikey kinda brush. Oh wait, this is a mascara wand isn't it? Well let's see, I bet this is perfect between those toesies. Tickle tickle toesies! Oh, I have to give you a foot massage now. Yes, that's a must sugar. Rubbies on your soles and under your toesss.

Mmm? Oh yes, the paint! Well look at that. The purpley paint is all dried up now! You silly goose. You distracted me. Well, I suppose we can fix this. After all I have the right tools for that job too. This baby is perfect for my favorite medium, the little fluffer tip spins rapidly and cleanses the skin so gently, buffing out all that paint and giving you a nice shine. See? See how it spins? Whoops, I booped your nose. Oh yes, I did it again. And I keep doing it! Such a clutz. I bet this would feel neat on your underarms. Look at you struggle! Does that buzzy fluffy tip tickle just so bad? You can't not laugh, can ya? Ahh yes, the tummy. Let's see. You have to start at the outer rim though. I need to buff that belly to a shine. No, that's not in the manual but I'm gonna do it anyway because your giggle is so adorable. Hmm hmm. Tickle tickle tummy. Ticklish tummmmy! There we are. No, I don't mean the paint. That's all still there. You just have a nice bouncy cleansed tum now.

Oh! Did I show you my new lipstick too? It's the same shade of purple. No, no. You really need to see it sweetie. Muah. Doesn't that just sound heavenly? Kissies right by your ears? Muah muah. Ooh, let me kiss your neck a little. You're not going anywhere, right? Just gonna lay here and let Amy kiss you to bits? Kissy kissy coo! Unnh...I left too many prints! Don't worry, that'll buff right out. This baby is too perfect for your skin. Hold still now, here comes the buzzy cleaning!

Okay okay, the URL. Let me buff out that bellybutton real good first. Hold still now, here it comes. What? That's not your tummy? I'm buffing your thighs? Well, golly. I knew I should have brought a navigator on this tickly expedition. Yes, it's a tickly journey, a long adventure through all your giggle spots. And right now we're in the wilds of your quivering cute thighs. Not to worry though, I know how to get out of this mess. You see, every thigh has these wonderful pockets. They're like giggle crevices. For some reason, you store all this ticklish energy down in here, and it has to be ~ massaged ~ out. Aww cutie pie, it's just a massage. You don't have to cry about it. Do you need more kissies?

Alright, I'm buffing your bellybutton now. We'll get that paint out. Well, we won't if you keep flopping like that! Here, I've heard zerberts actually calm tummies when you need to buff out paint with a motorized fluff brush. See~ muah ~ the lips ~ muah ~ bzzzz ~ counteract ~ muah ~ the silliness! Well maybe not. Golly gee. What a mess. And I guess this tool isn't so great after all, your neck is actually still a kissy mess. And now your tummy too! That purple is just everywhere.

Well, might as well go for broke huh? Let's test my painting skills. You have some open spots on your ribs and sides. And I have this buzzy magic wand. What say I hold this at your royal parts since you're obviously so hot and bothered, and I try to paint my DeviantArt url on you with my right hand? Yes, I am left handed. I like a challenge. C'mon now. We're playing on hard mode. Any percent speedrun to ticklegasm. Buzzy buzzy on your yummy yummies! Let's see we've got ~ ooh, should I include the http? Or is it implied that this is a hyper text transfer protocol? Well, that's certainly some hyper text comin out of that mouth. Let's get some hyper giggles too. Yes, hyper giggle tickle protocol!

There we go. Perfect. You came, and I got the url on your body so you don't forget. I mean, it looks more like httphhemfheheamy, but I think you get the cut of this jib~ Oh, and don't worry about cleaning up. Did I mention this table comes with the latest in clean canvas technology? I just press a button, and oooh look, all these cute little pink hoses slide out with attached scrubby brushes. It'll buff riiiight out. (maybe I got carried away~<3)

[jobean12-blog]

Top Shelf: Chapter 15- Binding Love

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader (Bookshop/Bartender/Baker AU)

Word Count: 1,894

Summary: You finally start to get things moving and it’s all so exciting and then something even more magical happens...

Author’s Note: Hi again loves! Happy Monday! I hope everyone is doing well! I hope you enjoy this chapter, it made me really happy to write it. The macaron place the reader is referring to is called La Maison Du Macaron and you can visit the sit here so delish! Thank you for your continued support and love, it means everything and I know I say it every damn time but you all rock, thanks for reading and much love always ❤❤❤

Warnings: Fluffy fun, happy fluff, soft fluff, FLUFF explosion! yay! :)

Top Shelf Masterlist (all the previous chapters can be found here :)

“You ok baby?” Your question startles Bucky from his thoughts and he looks at you with a soft smile. “Yea. I am. Thank you beautiful.” With your fingers entwined you walk down the street, your arms swinging and your hearts lighter. “Now I’m just thinking…where do we start”? You hum in agreement, lightly skipping in front of him and twirling yourself around.

“Well. We have to call Tony and tell him we’re in. So, we’ll do that first thing on Monday. And he might be a good person to ask on what to do next.” Bucky watches as you continue dancing yourself down the street, lightly jogging to catch up and twirl you around again. “Good idea,” he says before kissing you, his fingers buried in your hair and your hands clinging to his shirt.

“Bucky, we’re really gonna do this aren’t we?” You whisper the question against his lips, eyes still closed as you catch your breath. When he doesn’t answer you open them and the depth of love you see makes you lose your breath once again. “We are. And there’s no one else I want to do this with.” Before you can say more, he kisses you again and you let the sound of the city and the rest of the world fall away, completely wrapped up in him.

Monday starts off well and your call with Tony is full of hope and excitement. He wants to meet with you again to go over how and where to start and he wants Steve to come as well so they can discuss the structural changes that the Bookshop will undergo. The buzz from it all carries you through the rest of the day and your thoughts are ever present on all the ideas you have for the renovation.

‘Hey doll. ❤❤ I was thinking we should meet up with everyone after we talk with Tony and maybe discuss ways to get the word out, you know on social media and all that.’ You smile as you type your reply text. ‘That’s a great idea ❤ Nat is a whiz with this stuff and has done some freelance work for companies so she will be a huge help.’ His own response makes your smile grow. ‘How did we get so lucky. Our friends are the best.’

Later that night the two of you are sitting on the couch, facing each other, criss cross apple sauce, pen and paper in hand. “Ok babe. So far, you’ve had my chocolate chip peanut butter cookies, chocolate pie, cream puffs, and chocolate chip cookies.” Bucky is vigorously shaking his head yes and licking his lips at the thought of all the yumminess. “What about brownies? People love those! And definitely some kind of cake, right? Muffins are a must! And maybe even those cookies you love, the ones with the little feet that we get at that fancy French place in your neighborhood?”

Bucky’s hands are flying this way and that as he continues hurling out different desserts and goodies. At first you try to keep up and write them all down, finally just giving up and throwing the pen at his head. He catches it of course. “Ugh. Why did I know that would happen? you laugh, picking your feet up and poking him with your toe. Ignoring your complaints, he grabs your feet and starts tickling them, expertly pulling you forward and covering your body with his.

“Did you get all that. Hmmm? Huffing as you lay under him you try to get your arms free but have no luck. “I stopped after the cookies with the little feet,” you deadpan, trying your hardest to wiggle out. “Feet? I said cookies with feet?” His bewildered look is the last straw and you burst into giggles, screaming out “macarons, they’re called macarons,” just before he starts tickling your sides.

He finally lets up when your face starts turning red. “Man that is way too fun,” he sighs out happily when he sits up, still keeping you pinned to the couch. “You’re the worst. Now take me for macarons at La Maison!” Grinning down at you he lifts his hands in a promise of more tickles but instead helps you up and kisses you sweetly. “Anything for my best girl. Let’s go.”

When you meet with Tony later in the week, you’re much less nervous and having Steve with you just makes it all the better. The location he picks this time is much more relaxed and you feel like you’re getting to know more about Tony as a person and not just a businessman. “I’m excited for you kids. And you’re lucky you have so many willing and able people on board,” he says, looking to Steve. “I think you should get started as soon as possible. We have about 8 weeks left of summer and it would be nice to have things ready for fall.”

Steve perks up at that. “Buck, if you’re gonna serve coffee and all that you can make pumpkin spice stuff. I’ve seen Peggy literally do dances for anything with pumpkin spice.” Everyone laughs and can’t help but agree. “It’s true. My wife has made me go out in the pouring rain to get her a pumpkin spice latte. She loves that stuff.” Tony’s smile is real whenever he mentions Pepper and it gives you a good feeling, loving that he’s sharing a bit more about his personal life.

The four of you sit and talk for over three hours and it isn’t until you rest your head on Bucky’s shoulder and cover your mouth in a yawn that Tony decides it’s time to go home. Steve walks halfway home with you guys before he makes a turn and heads to his shared apartment with Peggy. “See you guys this weekend and don’t forget about Friday Buck.” Steve gives Bucky a stern look before hugging you tight and saying goodnight.

“What’s happening on Friday?” A mischievous grin creeps over Bucky’s face and you start smiling yourself. “Bucky. You better tell me.” Bucky’s smile is so big and bright you can’t help how infectious it is. “Ok. Listen to me. He told me not to tell anyone because he’s afraid it will ruin the surprise but he also said if I couldn’t take it anymore I could tell you but if you ruin the surprise he’ll kill you. So.”

You’re now jumping up and down in front of his apartment, pulling on his arm and shouting, “oh my god. OH MY GOD. He’s gonna propose, isn’t he?” you whisper yell, nearly bursting. Bucky’s shocked look makes you throw your head back with laughter. “I knew it! Peggy, Nat and I were talking about it the other day. Peg was saying Steve’s been acting so strange and then Nat just threw it out there that he is probably going to ask her to marry him and that was it.”

Bucky starts to look frantic and you quickly take his face in your hands. “No, no, Buck. Don’t worry. She doesn’t know when or how or any of that. She doesn’t have a clue. We were just having fun and talking.” It seems like he wants to say something, so you wait, watching as a sea of emotions swirl around in his eyes. “Ok. That’s good. Because if anything goes wrong, my ass is toast. Even though he can’t touch me but ya know.” Scoffing you brush him off and spin back around to ask, “wait. So, what’s happening Friday?”

“Well we have to go pick up the ring and then I’m going to help him carry out his plan.” You clear your throat and try to hold back your emotion. “I’m so happy. I can’t wait!” Bucky takes your hand and opens the door to his building, letting you through first and securing you to his side once you’re in. “I’m happy for them too,” he whispers into your hair, “it’s going to be amazing.”

By the time Friday comes you’re practically thrumming with excitement and can barely contain yourself every time you talk with Peggy. You’re thankful for modern technology and texting because if you had to talk on the phone you would definitely give something away. You’re supposed to meet Bucky and everyone at the bar tonight to celebrate the engagement, so you and Nat hang out after work to get ready. You all decided to get a little more dolled up than usual tonight considering it was a special occasion and you knew Steve and Peggy would be looking fancy themselves.

“I wonder if she suspects anything,” Nat says as she turns around for you to zip her dress. “I hope not. I mean we did elude to the fact that he might be up to something, but it was all in good fun. Either way, I know she’s going to be so happy. My turn.” You turn around so Nat can zip you up, giving yourself one last look in the mirror.

When you arrive at the bar Sam is outside to greet you, his eyes nearly bugging out of his head when he sees Nat in her dress. You leave the two of them to say hello and head inside. The moment your eyes lock with Bucky’s you can tell he thinks you look incredible. He mouths a “wow” at you before Peter nudges him in the elbow to get his attention. He doesn’t take his eyes off you, instead motioning for you to come closer.

Walking up to the bar you shimmy between some customers, leaning over so Bucky can whisper in your ear. “You look stunning.” With a light blush you pull away and kiss his cheek before searching for Nat and Sam and finding them in your usual spot. “Anyone have an eta on the newly engaged couple?” you ask when you reach them.

Sam slides in close, whispering, “Bucky said they should be here in under 30. He wouldn’t give me any more info.”  Looking at Nat you cover your mouth to quiet your squeal, “ok, thanks Sam!” He walks away to grab your drinks and you watch Bucky behind the bar. “Do you think you’ll marry him.” Nat’s question has your head snapping back and you take a moment to appreciate the weight of it. She just smiles and squeezes your hand.

Before you can take the conversation further, Bucky rushes over with Sam, handing you your drinks and yelling, “they’re just about here.” The four of you get to the front of the bar as quickly as you can and wait for Steve to open the door. You see his blonde hair first and you can already feel the tears building. He opens the door for Peggy and the second her eyes land on the four of you she screams and comes running at you full speed.

Her arms wrap around you and Nat and all three of you jump up and down, crying and hugging and grabbing her hand to see the ring. It’s gorgeous and perfect and you’re so happy. She calls Steve away from the guys and you all hug again, congratulating them and gushing over the ring. Sam and Bucky watch from behind and Sam turns to Bucky whose gaze never once leaves your smiling face. “So. You’re next huh?”

@flyawaybay​ @throwmyheartawayagain​ @amandatar-06​ @nd1998sc​ @captainchrisstan​ @vherriepie​ @godofplumsandthunder​ @when-the-hell-is-bucky​ @fire-flv​ @jamesbarnesappreciationclub​ @irishflutiegirl​ @rinthehufflepuff​ @moonybarnes​ @nordlysinthewoods​ @scarletsoldierrr​ @inflxmes @lauratang​ @my-favorite-fics-and-imagines​ @buchanansebba​ @emilylyoness​ @yansi1923​ @curlyred2020 @addikted-2-dopamine​ @lady-pswrld​ @lookiamtrying​ @pinkdiamond1016​ @lokilvrr​ @aesthetical-bucky​ @auro-ora​ @buckys-broody-muffin​ @bugsbucky​ @bucky-on-my-mind​ @breezy1415​ @buckys-henley​ @buckys-minty-breath​ @book-dragon-13​ @eurynome827​ @hiddles-rose​ @hawksmagnolia​ @hailmary-yramliah​ @imgaril-lindru​ @ikaris-whore​ @itsunclebucky​ @jhangelface0523​ @jewels2876​ @kaosera​ @loricameback​ @lorilane33​ @littledarlinhavefaithinme​ @littleredstarfish​ @mushyjellybeans​ @marvelgirl7​ @marvelandotherfandomimagines​ @nano--raptor​ @nerdypinupcrystal​ @randomfandompenguin​ @sallycanwait68​ @softpeachbarnes​ @tuiccim​ @the-wayward-robot​

[wordynerdygurl]

Skin Deep ~ Part 1

Author’s Note:  Hello, hello, hello!  I hope everyone’s staying healthy and Six Feet Away from everyone else!  Remember, kiddies, wearing a mask keeps all of us safe! With that out of the way, I hope you all like this new series!  The idea has been percolating for awhile and I’m happy to share part one with you here.  As you all know, I typically write for Loki and while he will be making a major appearance in this ditty, it won’t be until Part 2.  Come along for the ride, won’t you?? You know that I love all of you, all the likes, comments, reblogs, and consideration... so thank you all so much! Asks are open, so message me if you have an idea!  Or, asked to be tagged in future stories! Always, thanks to @sammy-jo1977, beta reader and friend, for encouraging me during this one!

Pairing:  Loki X Reader, Steve Rogers X Reader, Natasha & Reader friendship Summary:  Loki’s leaving two years ago changed you in ways that Natasha and Steve can’t abide.  Encouraged to find love again, in the arms of Steve Rogers, seems like a great idea.  But what happens when Loki comes to claim what he’s promised? Warnings:  Angst, Lost Love, Eventual SMUT

Part 1

Plopping down to the planed floor with a soft “Ooph”, you immediately reached for your water bottle.  Oh sweet, icy cold condensation rolling off, taunting you with the allure of complete hydration.  With a swipe of your sweat covered brow, you flipped open the cap, panting, “Why do we do this?”

“Because we ate all of Tony’s gourmet donuts.”

“That was weeks ago… and all your fault, I might add!”  

Natasha eased herself down to your level, not looking as winded or wiped as you did, “God, they were delicious.”

“He special orders those, ya know?  Calls the bakery weeks ahead to make sure they bring enough of those… what are they?  Eclairs?” “Cream horns.  Loves those things.”  Natasha, grunting, as she pulled her ballet slipper free. Turning to your friend, laughing tiredly, “So do I!”  Resting your head on the wall behind you, “Thanks for coming with me.  I know you get your workouts in with the team, but I just can’t imagine running around in that gym…”, you trailed off, unsaid words hanging in the air.

Natasha didn’t respond beyond a nod, adding, “It’s fun!  And I don’t have to hear Steve’s whining over you the whole time.” “As if, Nat.” “I’m serious.”  Natasha stretched like a cat before rising, “He likes you almost as much as you like Tony’s donuts.”  Chuckling, you took the hand she offered, pulling you up to standing.  You moved through the locker room, still out of breath, trailing Natasha until she stopped in front of units 14 and 16.  Throwing you a towel, drying her own dampened skin, “Donuts aren’t Loki.  You know that right?” Snorting around the bottle at your lips, sputtering, “Jesus, Nat!  Yes.  Yes.  I am very well aware of the fact that Loki is not donuts… or donuts are not him.  Or whatever the hell you are trying to say to me.  I know, Ok?” “It’s just…”  She busied herself digging through her bag, not looking at you, trying to keep her voice light. Edged with unspent anger, gruffer than you liked to hear yourself, “Yea?” “You’re... snippy.  How long has it been now?”  Tossing the question over her shoulder casually like it was no more than her sweat soaked towel. Standing now on overworked legs, “You know how long it’s been Nat.”  Pulling your locker open with a jerk, a hard sigh ripping from your throat, the flash of hurt undeniable. Shutting her own firmly, “... when do you move on, then?” “When?  Better question:  How?  How do I?  He asked me to wait, Natasha.  I told him I would.” “It’s been two years.” “One year, ten months, three weeks and 5 days.”  Correcting your friend didn’t make you feel better.  Leveling you with her cool stare, that secretive partial smile pulling at her lips, Natasha lowered herself onto the bench.  Your back rested against the cool mesh metal and damn it if the liquid heat of tears weren’t forming in your eyes.  Slinking over to you, Natasha wrapped her arms around your shoulders, her diminutive strength holding you close despite your clammy skin.  “You deserve happiness.  Even Loki would understand that.”  Pausing, Natasha zipped up her bag, nudging you to follow.  “Besides, you need to get laid.” Snatching up your own gym gear, “Nat!  I do not.”  Grumbling, you followed her towards the locker room doors, zipping up your hoodie before pushing out into the street. “Trust me.  You do.” Stopping at the corner, you grabbed your friend’s hand.  “He’s a God.  It’s not that easy to just replace him… in my life.  Or… in the bedroom, ya know?” Holding up two fingers, like a VE day salute, Natasha wiggled them in your face.  Her meaning was clear.  It had been two years.  Too damn long. “Ok.  Ok.  Fine.  Let’s say, you’re right.  I do need to move on.  What does that even look like?”  Stepping through the Tower’s automatic doors, whispering your fear out loud made you feel guilty, as if you had already betrayed your promise somehow.  Punching in the passcode and selecting your floor number from the elevator, Natasha focused straight ahead, answering, “You’re surrounded by super heroes.” “So?  They’re co-workers.  Well, technically, they’re my boss’ husband’s co-workers.” “Come on.  When Loki was… around, you all hung out together.  And, since he’s been gone, I know at least one of them has been keeping a close eye on you.” Interest piqued, “Really?  Who?” Chuckling at your eagerness, “Steve.” “Oh.”  You flexed your neck, looking at the lights above you, not entirely surprised by Nat’s admission.  He might have thought his actions were stealthy, but the Captain had made his interest pretty clear, always pulling out your chair, asking about your day, and in general showing up wherever you happened to be. “You should give him a chance.   And you know as well as I do-”

Cut off by the ping of the opening doors, she took a step back, letting Steve Rogers into the lift.  “Ladies.” “Captain.”  Nat nodded. “Captain Rogers.”  Everything Natasha has been saying flooded your mind.  How Steve was into you, asking about you, thinking of you. Suddenly you were acutely aware of how you looked.  Short hair tucked into a cloth headband, sweat soaked strands stuck to your neck.  Your sweatshirt hanging off one shoulder, the thick strap of your sports bra exposed in all it’s fluorescent green glory.  Did you smell?  Oh god.  Sliding to the back of the car, you cowered, hoping that Captain America would ignore you completely.  No dice.  “How was the class?” “Good.  This one-” pointing at you, Natasha continued, “-is quite the leaper!” Hot blood flooded your face, painting your neck, as you flushed under the praise.  Facing you now, Steve licked over his bottom lip, “Is that so?” Had you ever noticed just how sharp his jaw actually was?  Or the way his shirt sleeves, rolled up to the elbows, made his arms look so strong?  Your heart thudded dully in your ears, crowding out Steve’s voice as you imagined, just for a second, being alone with him in the lift. “What?”  Asking dully, stunned by the force of your long ignored need, you hadn’t heard his follow up question. Lowering his head, softly chuckling, “I asked if you two were having lunch?  Could I join you?” “I’m in a meeting… Fury is in town.”  Rolling her eyes, Natasha stepped out on her floor, “See you later!”  You just knew she was going to grill about all this at some point, but now you were trapped in a metal box with one of those sexy superheroes she’d told you to move on with. Doors closing with a metallic hiss, Steve smiled at you sweetly, “About lunch?” “Um… well, I’d need to shower.  Change…”  Talking with your hands, betraying your nervous energy, you struggled with an excuse as to why you couldn’t join with the Captain. “I can wait.  Want to meet up on the patio… say, forty five minutes?” Looking so hope filled, you found yourself smiling broadly at the blonde Adonis, now holding open the doors, waiting for your reply.  “Sure.  Forty five minutes.”

It took an hour.  You hadn’t meant to, but by the time you’d cleaned up, thrown on a skirt and tucked in your tee shirt, slapped on a bit of mascara and tied your sneakers, it had been sixty minutes.  Even though you were jumpy and jittery, since Loki left, this was the closest thing to a date you’d been on. Stepping out onto the patio, squinting into the noonday sun, you spotted the golden boy easy enough.  Sitting comfortably, a brown paper bag on the table, Steve looked completely at ease waiting for your grand entrance.  Shifting, he glanced your way, freezing at the sight of you. Gaining his feet slowly, Steve watched your approach, “Hi…” There was a tone of appreciation in his voice that made your skin tingle.   “Hello, Captain.”  God, even the sound of your voice was sexy.  Steve found himself stuttering, flustered, by the overwhelming sweetness of you.  Clapping his hands against his leg, “Um… please, call me Steve, ok?”  “Yes, ok.  Steve.”  A long minute passed where you looked at Steve and he looked back at you.  He was just so glad to have you all to himself, uninterrupted, that looking at you took his breath away.  It also erased his manners for a heartbeat, “Please, sit down.  I, uh… I had some sandwiches made.” Tucking a lock of short hair behind your ear, you grinned, “Is this… is this a picnic?  For me?” Squinting a bit, shrugging his shoulders with a laugh, “Maybe?” “Maybe is ok with me.”  Reflecting that tentative tone, part curious, part cautious, you reached for the bag.  “I’m starving!” Sipping from your glass bottle Coke, you looked over the Avenger before you.  So wholesome, so clean cut.  Nothing like the dark and devious God of Mischief who’d stolen your heart and then abandoned it so long ago. Munching on your sandwiches, delicious and fresh, your nervousness ebbed away.  Basic first date stuff flowed between the pair of you, movies you loved and why, favorite colors and school subjects.  Hobbies came next, and you found yourself surprised when Steve shyly admitted, “Drawing.  I love to draw.  Before I was… um… when I was just Steve, I could sketch myself into another world.  It was freeing.” “That’s how I feel about music.”  Talking to Steve felt nice.  And you knew that was a cliche adjective, but nice was so easy.  It’s how you found yourself talking about your first live concert, Heart, when you were eight and how it made you love rock music as a kid.  “Heart… sounds familiar.”  He was cute as mused over the placing the name, wiping the Dorito dust off his fingers. Excitedly you recited songs that meant so much to you, “Barracuda?  Magic Man?” “Magic Man… I think I know that one.” Unable to stop yourself, singing into the now drained Coke bottle turned microphone, “Try to understand, try, try, try to understand!  He’s a Magic Man, mama… He’s got magic hands!” Clapping at your performance, Steve smiled at you, warm and even.  “Magic Men?  Magic hands, huh?” And suddenly, Loki was there, front and center in your thoughts.  The scent of worn leather and dark liquor filled your nose, phantoms from memory, come to torment you.  An image of Loki and those wickedly smart hands, coaxing you onto your back as his silver tongue devoured your sopping center already overdue for his attention, was as real now as when you had lived it.  He had magic hands.  He’d proven that to you over and over again.  Tears rose to your eyes, clouding your vision, as everything that was sweet about the afternoon turned sour.  “Um… I’m sorry Steve.  I need to… uh… I have to go.”  Stumbling to your sneakered feet, you quickly cleared the table, unable to look at the super soldier as you made a fast escape. “I lost someone I loved too.”  His words made you stop in your tracks, his tone darker than you’d ever hear before.  In four long strides, Steve caught up with you, just as your hand gripped the door’s handle.  

Unable to turn, afraid to face him, sobbing softly, “I know Steve… but this is different.” “Yea… I know.  I know it is.”  Hearing his voice, just as raw, just as ragged as your own, made it easier to give in.  Putting the door to your back, looking at Steve through wet lashes, frustration in his baritone, “I just… damn.”  

Lifting his blue eyes to yours, begging for the words that would somehow make all of this normal, “Would you ever… could you ever…?” Your mouth started moving, swayed by the earnestness of his sentiment, “Maybe.  It’s the best I can do, Steve.” “Maybe is ok with me.” 

Wavering now, your smile faltering as tears threaten to fall, “Thanks.” If he answered, you didn’t hear it.  Rushing inside with a fist in your mouth, hoping to block the lovesick cry that ripped from you, practically running down the hallway to your place.  Not wanting anyone to see you so broken, so torn, after all this time, you needed to escape. Safely in your apartment, all alone, collapsing on the bed, you couldn’t stop your mind from replaying the afternoon.  From the gentle banter and kind hearted ‘get to know you’ vibes of your lunch with Steve, when you had opened up to the idea of a new love, a new start.  To how easy it was to let Loki creep into your thoughts, a riptide pulling you back into the shadows of your feelings for his dark desire.  Guilty bile burned your throat at the idea that you might be betraying your absent love… letting him down, somehow. Hitting the pillow behind you, weeping openly now, you thought about the last time Loki had come to you.  His words, his actions, all showing a deep affection for you.  Even if Loki had never said the actual word, he had shown you time and again that he did truly love you. “Pet.  We must speak.” Sex drunk and sapped, you curled over the lithe chested God in your bed, “Sounds serious…” Sitting up, Loki forced you to move, his profile sharp in the dim light of early dawn.  “I’ve been called to Jotunheim.” Leaning back on your elbows, “Ok… Jotunheim.  Why?” His broad back to you, Loki’s head dipped forward, resting on his folded legs.  “I… I am the rightful heir to their throne.  They need a ruler and-” turning to face you, “-it is me.  There is talk of war.  If there’s any chance to avoid it, I must be there.  I have to go.” Leaning your cheek into his shoulder, you sighed, “You have to go.  I understand that.” “I don’t know how long I’ll be gone.” Nosing under his arm, smooshing against Loki’s ribs, “Hmm… you’ve been away before.  I always manage, somehow… and...” Looking down at you through his dusky lashes, a secretive smile on those tasty lips, “And?” “You always come back to me.” “I do… I have.  Will you…”  Pausing, Loki twined his fingers with yours, testing the weight of your hand, “That is… wait for me?” Pressing a small kiss to his sweet mouth, “Always, babe.  I’ll be right here.”

“Promise me.  Promise that you’ll wait for me.”  Panic flashed over him, causing Loki to tug you closer, crushing you against his chest, his mouth conquering yours thoroughly. “I promise, Loki.  Promise me that you’ll be careful.”  Solemnly nodding, “Yes.  I promise, pet.” Satisfied, smoothing his hair off his forehead, “I love you.  You know that.” Soothing the shaken prince, your words calmed him and Loki found a fragile peace in the parting of your lips.  Lowering you against the cotton sheets, taking what was promised to him once more, Loki lingered over your tender body, committing every dip and dimple to memory.  Your arms clung to his, hooked under his bulging biceps, fingers wrapping over the back of his shoulders. There was only you and Loki in the deepening dark of dawn.  His slow and steady rhythm forcing your knees to the side, opened wide for him.  Your body, always eager, now overflowing with want, welcomed Loki again and again.  How softly he hummed, “Pet… my pet… wait for me.  Wait for me.” And your own responsive reply, “Yes, Loki.  Yes.  Always.” Teeth nipped at your neck, biting hard, marking you.  In that shared moment of giving and receiving of pain, your body surrendered to Loki’s masculine invasion, even as you conquered his desire.  Shivering in his arms, sleep pulling you away from your lover, “Loki… I’ll wait forever.” When you woke up, still dressed from your lunch date with Steve, your pillow was soaked through.  You hadn’t cried over Loki in months, let alone in your sleep.  Talking it over with Natasha later you whispered, “It was like I relived our last night together.  I could feel him, Nat.  Smell him.  Loki was there.” “No.  He hasn’t been on Earth in two years.”  Shaking her head in disbelief at your close to insane theory, Natasha was quick to correct you. “Well, it felt real.  And you know why this happened?” “If you’re going to say it’s because of Steve, don’t.” Ignoring Natasha, whispering conspiratorially, lest your imagined Loki overhear you, “It’s because of Steve.  Somehow, Loki knows.” “We don’t even know if Loki is alive.  So, him knowing that you’ve gone on one… almost date with Steve, that’s just…”  Words escaped her, but a hand gesture that questioned your mental status finished her thought. Sitting back in your chair, eyeing your friend cooly, “It’s not crazy, Nat.  And neither am I.” “I didn’t say you were.” “You implied it.”  Mimicking her hand motion, miffed, you started typing on your phone.  Why couldn’t she get it?  Loki wasn’t like Steve.  He wasn’t like any other man.  Loki knew things, felt things, even across space and time. 

After multiple failed attempts to engage you, all met with your stony silence, “I’m sorry, ok.  I just… I just really don’t believe that Loki is haunting you from outer space.”  Snapping open her iced tea Natasha took a long sip, “Besides, I want to know what happened with Steve.” Still concentrating on your phone, “It was fine.” “Fine?  That’s it?  You were on the patio for a long time.”  She was teasing you now, but damn it, Natasha didn’t have to be so dismissive.  “So?  It was nice.”  Eyes still locked on your device, you knew it was killing her, but you wanted Natasha to validate your Loki theory before you gave her any details about your date. Sighing, Natasha picked at her salad greens, “Ok.  Ok.  Loki is watching you from afar and he’s probably ghosting you, so you have every right to be worried.” Beaming widely, having won the battle of wills, “Thank you!” “Now, please, please, will you tell me about you and Steve?” Shifting in your seat, “He was sweet.  It was all going well… until…” “Until?” “Until... Loki.” you shrugged. “Ugh."  Sighing with unchecked disgust, Natasha tossed her fork down, fixing you with a hard stare. “It… it’s hard ok?  I mean, I’m trying to be… open to Steve, to the idea of Steve.  And, he really is so kind.”  You couldn’t help blushing just a bit.  He had been so awfully understanding, so real in a way that Loki had never been, that you felt a bit bad about bailing on him. Listening, Natasha could see that you were working on opening up to the super soldier, so she let you off the hook saying, “I know… I know.  I’m just really pulling for you two!” Placing your hand over hers, you squeezed, “I know you are.  I just… I’m not sure that I’m ready.” Natasha's face softened and she bobbed her head.  Munching on her veggies, “Listen.  At some point you have to get back to being yourself.  I miss you.  The old you.  We all do.” This was news to you.  “You all miss the old me?  I haven’t changed.” “But you have.  Look at you.  Today you’re wearing grey.  Yesterday, grey.  The day before, black.” Pulling at your simple, comfortable, sweater, “Your point?” “You had pink hair when I met you.  Remember?”  Folding her arms on the table, leaning into you, Natasha was begging for you to challenge her assessment. Of course you remembered.  You had dyed it yourself, but that was a different time, a different you.  Coolly answering, “Well, I wasn’t Pepper’s PA then, was I?” “No… but you were still working here.  Tony hired you for your ballsy attitude.  Truthfully, I think that’s why Loki fell so hard for you too.”  Stopping to gauge your reaction, Natasha smiled tightly, “You were so…” “Full of life.”  Rich and warm, you recognized his voice without turning around.  Steve swung into the free chair at your table, interrupting your conversation, gaze pointed your way. “Exactly!”  Agreeing, Natasha clapped the super soldier on the back before refocusing her attention on you. “Wow.”  The recently quelled anger crept back into your tone as you sassed, “Well, I guess I didn’t realize that I had become a shadow of my former self.  Excuse me, Captain.  Natasha.  Wouldn't want to bum you out.”  Unable to hide the hurt in your voice, you rose smoothly, swiftly breaking for the exit. “Wait!  Will you please, just hold up a minute.”  Barely jogging to your side, Steve caught up with you a little too quickly for your liking. Still raw, you bit into your bottom lip, glaring at him defiantly, “Yes Captain.” “Don’t do that, doll.  Please?” “I’m not your doll.” but you did stop, turning on him, an angry glare in your clear eyes. “Fine.  You’re not.  I just thought…”  trailing off, Steve, always unable to say exactly what you needed to hear went silent now. “You thought?  What?  That all of the sudden you and Nat would convince me that I don’t love Loki?  That I’m a fool for waiting for him?  That he’s clearly not coming back?  What exactly were you thinking Steve?” fury spun out from you like smokey swirls, threatening to burn the boy down. Steve kept his cool even though you saw his jaw tighten, “No.  Not that.  I thought… I thought, maybe…”  Running a rough hand through his blonde hair, “I thought I had a chance.” “I told you maybe, Steve.  Maybe.  Maybe I could…”  Dropping your hands in defeat, damp eyes pleading with him silently, “There’s more to this story than you know.” “That might be true.  Maybe there is some element here that I’m missing.  But I know this,” closing in on you, your rump bumping into the wall behind you, “If you were mine, I would never leave you.” Impossibly near, you could smell the minty holdover of toothpaste on his breath, the clinging scent of his aftershave overwhelming your senses.  Watching, waiting, Steve cupped your cheek.  His touch was so soft you thought you might have imagined it.  Tracing your jaw, Steve’s caress continued, those smart fingers tilting your chin up.  Parting your lips, your feet moved independently of your head and heart, bringing you closer to the heat of his chest.  You didn’t want to want Steve.  You weren’t ready to let go of Loki, even after all this time… and yet… Steve was here.  With a wide, hot hand wrapping around your waist, drawing your hips snugly against his own.  Closing your eyes, feeling your way over flexing arms, you settled your flying fingers on around his ribs.  Always a man of action, dipping his full mouth yours, Steve’s kiss was spun sugar light.  Offering sweetness and sunshine, you rose up on your toes, meeting him more than halfway.  Oh, the feeling of a strong man under your hands.  Someone real, not dream or memory, but warm and solid and here.  Licking over the seam of Steve’s lips, spurring him on, you sighed when his tongue tentatively tasted your own.

Cradling your face in his impossibly large hands, your need swelled at the grounding support Steve offered, eagerly matching his intensity.  As he pulled away, your feminine flavor on his lips, a light of lust shone in his bright eyes.  Swallowing hard, “I… I hope that was alright.” Breathless and boneless, “It was more than alright, Steve.” Twisting a lock of your hair, his knuckles brushing over your blush soaked cheekbone, “I have wanted to do that for a long time, you know?” Suddenly shy, you lowered your gaze, “I know. Sorry...” Lifting your chin once more, Steve huskily whispered, “Don’t apologize, doll.  Not to me.  Not to anyone.” The next morning, at your desk typing away, you weren’t really expecting America’s fiercest fighter to find you.  Yet there was Steve, a checkered button up shirt stretched dangerously over his wide chest, sleeves turned up so that the enhanced veins of his wrists were on display.  “Hey doll.” “Hey yourself!”  Again that flustered feeling washed over you.  Steve was hovering right at the edge of your space, too far away, but still shockingly close.  “Captain!  Great to see you!  Tony’s on his way up, but maybe you’d like to wait in my office?”  Pepper blew in, graceful and glowing, immediately commanding the attention of their guest. “Sure.  I’ll be right there.”  But he didn’t budge.  In fact, Steve settled himself on the corner of your desk, crossing those impossibly muscled arms, looking you over keenly. Sitting up straighter, swiveling your chair his way, “Is there something I can do for you, Captain Rogers?” That sent one of his golden eyebrows skyward, a playful grin lighting up his face.  Steve leaned into you, “A few things, actually.  But let’s start with dinner.  Tonight, no excuses.”  Pulling himself up to his full height, imposing but impossibly charming, “Not too fancy, ok?”

Breathlessly, “Yes.  Ok.  Yes.”

Swinging back to your computer screen, your chair stopped, forced to stillness by Steve’s heavy hand.  “Oh, and doll?” Those lips of his found yours, providing enough pressure to part your own, taking you by surprise at so public a display of affection.  But how could you resist when Steve curled you close?  He tasted like autumn sunshine, all warm honey and cinnamon sugar, making you melt into his kiss, oblivious to the world around you. “Steve?  Oh, Captain, My Captain!  Please, stop harassing the help!  That’s an HR nightmare waiting to happen!”  Tony chided playfully as he approached. Sighing, Steve straightened, his hand lingering on your shoulder.  “Tonight.  I can’t wait.”

Beaming, you bit your bottom lip, Steve’s taste still on your tongue.  “See you then.” Natasha watched you, pacing nervously, worrying a hole in the rug of your apartment.  “He’ll be here.  Relax.” “I’m not worried about him not showing up.  I’m terrified that he will.”  Sitting on the edge of your couch, fiddling with the hem of your skirt, “I should cancel.  This… this is all happening really fast.” “Fast?”  Scoffing, Natasha sashayed into your kitchen, pulling a wine glass from the cabinets she knew so well.  “I wouldn’t call your first date in two years fast.  If anything, you’re moving at a snail’s pace.” Giggling at her silliness, “A snail’s pace, huh?” Handing you the overfilled goblet, laughing herself, “Yea.  Or, like maybe a tortoise?” You sipped cautiously, more to keep your shirt stain free than out of worry about overindulgence, “Slow and steady wins the race, Nat.” “Then what exactly are you racing towards?”  It was Natasha's innate ability to turn a question back on you that made her one of your closest friends.  Somehow a calming glass of pinot was part of an existential debate on your future.  What were you after? “Um… I guess, I want to feel…” words failed you.  Feel. Loki had taken all of those ideals with him when he left.  If you were completely honest, you weren’t sure what love looked like without the impish, mischievous man at your side.  Perching on the arm of your couch, brushing over your search for the right words, “Listen.  I know that you’re still… torn.  But, give Steve a shot.  He’s been alone too long.  Just like you.” A firm knock distracted you both.  “Well… how do I look?”  Smoothing out your skirt, you twirled for your friend, eager to be complimented. “Great!  Really great!  Have so much fun tonight!” Hugging her quickly, you whispered, “I will… try.  I will try.  And,” stepping back to look at your thoughtful friend, “Thanks.” Another knock, steady and even as the man on the other side of the door, “No problem!  Now get out there, Steve’s waiting.” Nodding once more, you almost danced to the entryway, Natasha peeking into the hall just to make sure that you didn’t falter at the last minute.  She felt a small pang of guilt as you opened the door on Steve, standing there with a small bouquet of flowers, hope written across his fine features. Natasha had read the last communique from SHIELD, Fury had made sure of that.   What it said, that Loki was alive, and his return to Earth was almost assured, had been running through her mind ever since.  All the more reason to get you out of his clutches and into Steve’s while she still could.  Just the thought that Loki might come back to claim what was his, meant that there was no way you would have taken her advice, no chance that you’d have accepted Steve’s dinner invitation.  Even with his smooth skills, the super soldier knew precious little about wooing women, something Nat chalked up to years under the ice.  Unlike Loki, who was as clever and quick as they come.  So, Natasha was the matchmaker, the one who hatched this whole scheme.  It wasn’t a role she relished but it did require the skill set she had perfected over the years.  Watching, waiting, setting a baited trap, springing it at the right time.   

And Natasha had executed her part to perfection as evidenced by the adorable look on your face after Steve’s impromptu kiss following your tantrum the other day.  Or how he’d visited your office and made your knees weak in front of everyone, including Tony.  It was all anyone could talk about.  To be honest, Natasha didn’t think Steve had it in him, and yet, you were walking out the door with him, off to a night of fun and romance. “Um… Nat?  Could you?”  Handing over the small bundle of blossoms, Natasha took them, a satisfied smile on her face.  This was going to work, she could feel it.  You were already halfway gone from the looks of things and Steve had been yours since the first time he’d met you.  If Loki spent another month, or, fingers crossed longer, off world, Jotunheim, Vanaheim, hell, the Forest Moon of Endor, you’d be hooked on Steve and safe from that Trickster and his shifting plans. Questioning herself, Natasha wondered, not for the first time, if she was doing the right thing.  The noble thing.  The plain truth was she couldn’t watch you break again, not after last time.  Steve wouldn’t cause that kind of hurt, he just wasn’t built that way, and that’s why she’d pulled your collective strings.  Moving your pieces into play, always in your best interest, always to help, that’s what Nat told herself.

But always, deep down, she was a company girl and it was Fury who wanted to keep tight tabs on you.  Without knowing the whys of Nat's scheme, he had been happy to learn about Steve's growing interest in the girl who once tamed Loki.  His reasoning, as he explained to the Black Widow, was two fold.  

First, knowing Steve was with you to keep you safe and under surveillance in the event that Loki contacted you was a good thing.  No need to search for you while you were necking with the Captain.  Second, if Loki came back needing a reminder on why he should behave, you were there as incentive… or bait, depending on the severity of the situation.

Sighing, Natasha gulped down your unfinished wine, wondering if her plan would be enough to keep you safe.  Why couldn't Loki stay gone?  Maybe he had moved on, just like you, and he would stay away.

Fat chance of that happening with you in play.  Loki would be back.  That would happen. As she placed Steve’s floral arrangement into your vase, Natasha hoped that it would be later, much later, than her reading suggested.

~ Part 2 Coming Soon!~ My Beauties:  @just-random-obsessions @brokenthelovely @vodka-and-some-sass @lots-of-loki @jamielea81 @thefallenbibliophilequote @lokislittlecorner @iamverity @crystalizedcaramel @rorybutnotgilmore @jessiejunebug @alexakeyloveloki @ahintofkiwistrawberry @shxdowofdarkness @nonsensicalobsessions @mizfit2​ @procrastinatinglikeabitch​ @thenatallie​ @wolfsmom1​ @unadulteratedwizardlove​ @sammy-jo1977​

[robinrunsfiction]

Baby, You’re A Haunted House

Pairing: Gerard Way x Female Reader Rating: General (TW for blood, mentions of a suicide) Requested By: None Word Count: 6,330 Author’s Note: Here is my first story for spooky season! I had hoped to have it up sooner, but life has been busy. This story has been in my mind since this spring. I intend on writing a little bit about the location it’s set in because it’s real! It really is a seminary that was converted into apartments in my hometown. I’ll link to the post here when it’s written. And yes, that is a picture of it below!  Also!!! There is a reference to another one of my favorite bands and one of their albums, first person who can correctly point it out wins... a prize? My admiration? Not sure yet, but shout it out if you know it!

It all seemed too good to be true.

(YN)’s roommate had let her know that she was going to be moving out of town for a new job and the thought of looking for a new apartment or roommate was overwhelming. She was dreading the process, but the next day while eating her lunch at work, she spotted an ad in the paper for Holy Name Heights. The description stated the apartments were newly renovated and located in a historic building on the edge of town, so she called right away to set up a tour.

Later that week she was touring the building that had previously been a seminary for many years. The diocese had sold the second and third floors of the sprawling building to a developer who converted the rooms into apartments, while leaving the first floor as office spaces for the diocese, a Catholic charity organization, and a small museum about the history of the church’s presence in the area.

“This place is beautiful,” (YN) marveled at the space. While being only one bedroom, it was spacious, had a washer and dryer so she wouldn't need to haul her laundry anywhere, assigned parking, not to mention a beautiful view, but a question nagged at the back of her mind. “How much is it per month?”

“$850 per month including utilities,” the agent replied with a smile.

“Oh! Ok, yes, I’d love to apply!”

A few weeks later as (YN) was moving her things into her brand new third floor apartment, she realized how quiet the building was. She paused briefly at each door as she walked by, straining to hear if anyone else was there. As she arrived at her own door with another armload of boxes, the door next to hers opened and a dark haired man stepped out. She shot him a quick smile as she fumbled for her keys. 

“Do you need some help?” He asked.

“That’d be great,” she laughed and he took the box from her so she could get her keys straightened out. “I’m (YN).”

“Gerard,” he replied as she got the door open and took the box back from him.

“Have you lived here long?”

“Just moved in last weekend. I’m glad I’m not the only one up here anymore.”

“Wait, seriously? None of these other apartments are occupied?”

“I don’t think so, I haven’t seen many people around. I guess an old seminary might be kind of a hard sell.”

“Yea, I’m not sure I would have considered it either if I wasn’t in a bind. Thanks for the help with the box,” (YN) smiled as she shifted it in her arms.

“No problem, I’ll see ya around,” he smiled before continuing down the hall.

“See ya,” she called after him. (YN) closed the door behind her and shook her head. Cool apartment, good price, cute neighbor. It all seemed too good to be true.

~

The next day (YN) got up, made a pot of coffee and set about unloading the box that held her mug collection. The fact that she didn’t have to share cupboards with a roommate delighted her, as she didn’t have to worry about any of her favorites getting damaged. She put on some music and made her way over to the living room window as the smell of brewing coffee filled the room. 

Her view was of the front of the building. Trees with bare branches lined the hillside that the building sat upon and a long driveway led up to the front of the building. She loved knowing that the leaves would soon be filling those branches, and then in the fall they’d turn beautiful shades of gold, red and orange. She also liked the idea of being able to see who was coming and going up the driveway. 

After enjoying her coffee, she got back to work unpacking her apartment. The hours flew by as the pile of broken down cardboard boxes piled up near her door. As she wiped her sweaty brow, she realized she had no idea what to do with the boxes and trash that had accumulated. Had the agent even shown her where the dumpsters were? Then she had an idea. Gerard.

Should she bother him? She didn’t even know for sure if he was in. She took a deep breath as she approached his door and knocked. She wondered how long she should wait if he wasn’t there, or didn’t want to answer. She’d never interacted much with the neighbors at her old apartment building, so maybe she was being totally obnoxious. (YN) was so deep in her own thoughts that she almost didn’t notice that the door was opening.

“Hey (YN), what’s up?”

“Hi, umm this is probably super dumb, but I don’t know where the recycling bins and dumpsters are. The agent never pointed them out, and I didn’t think to ask until I realized I was knee deep in broken down boxes,” she laughed nervously.

“I can help you carry boxes down,” Gerard offered with a smile.

“You don’t have to do that,” (YN) could feel herself blushing.

“It’s no problem.”

“I mean, if you insist!” (YN) laughed and he followed her back to her door. They each took an armload of boxes and Gerard led the way to the staircase that was at the end of the hallway next to his apartment. (YN) glanced over her shoulder at the dark portion of the staircase that led up to a door, most likely the attic. She quirked an eyebrow in curiosity but continued after Gerard.

“So what do you do?” (YN) asked, breaking the silence that hung between them as they headed down the stairs.

“I’m a comic book writer,” he replied almost sheepishly.

“Oh wow, that’s really cool,” (YN) replied genuinely and Gerard lit up.

“Thanks! A lot of people think it’s kinda lame, but it’s just a different type of writing, ya know?” (YN) nodded in agreement. “What do you do?”

“Boring office work,” she said shaking her head. “I wish I had time to do creative stuff like write or draw.”

“You should try, even if it’s just a little bit at a time,” he said as he opened the door leading out into the bright sunshine. “The dumpsters are back here.”

“Thanks,” (YN) smiled as she dropped her share into the recycling bin. "And maybe I'll try to find some time to write, if inspiration strikes."

"You'd be surprised how ideas can pop up when you least expect them," Gerard replied as they made their way back to their floor.

~

Winter started to melt into spring, and (YN) had settled into the routine of her new apartment life. Or at least she thought she was. 

It quickly became clear that she must have been a lot more absentminded than she realized, and her old roommate must have been picking up her slack. She could have sworn she had more milk left when she put the carton back in the fridge, but when she grabbed it the next morning for her cereal there was almost none left. And then there were all the things that just seemed to disappear for no reason that never reappeared, no matter how hard she looked.

One thing that didn’t seem to disappear was her crush on her neighbor Gerard. Interacting with him also became part of her routine, as it always seemed they were running into each other walking into the building or by the mailboxes.

It just happened that it was one of those lucky days, as (YN) had just walked in with her bags from grocery shopping when Gerard walked by. 

“Hey (YN),” he smiled. 

“Gerard,” (YN) started, trying to stifle a laugh. “ I’m not trying to be mean, but do you know how to cook? I feel like I’ve only ever seen you with take out, but never groceries,” she said nodding to her own bags.

“I know how to cook! I am a functional adult,” he replied with feigned offense.

“If you say so, enjoy your dinner,” (YN) replied as she entered her apartment.

“I’ll prove it to you,” he called just as she was about to shut the door.

She poked her head out the door, eyebrows raised. “Oh really?”

“Tomorrow night? 7 o’clock?”

“I’ll be there,” she replied with a smile. When the door was shut behind her, she couldn’t help but let out a squeal of delight.

The next evening (YN) was digging through her drawers looking for the sweater she wanted to wear to dinner with Gerard, but she absolutely could not find it. 

“This is crazy, I know I saw it when I was putting away laundry,” she muttered to herself. She got up and went over to the closet housing the washer and dryer, in hopes it had just fallen between the machines, or maybe was still in the dryer. She looked all around but found nothing, and trudged back to her room.

‘Wait, I didn’t turn the light off,’ she said, flipping the switch back on with a shake of her head. “I need to get more sleep.”

Giving up the search, she threw on a different top and checked the time. It was a few minutes past 7 and she hurried out the door.

“Welcome to my humble home,” Gerard said with a smile as he let (YN) in.

“Hmm, seems familiar,” (YN) giggled. “Oh dinner smells great!”

“Thank you,” Gerard smiled proudly. “We’ll be having spaghetti and meatballs. Umm, I don’t drink, so I have soda or water,” Gerard offered.

“Water is fine,” (YN) replied as she sat down at the table. “How’d you day go?”

“Good, I think I have a new story I wanna work on,” he answered as he placed plates on the table and sat down himself. “How about you.”

“Pretty boring actually. I’ll have to admit, knowing that we’re gonna be having dinner got me through my day.”

Gerard smiled and (YN) could have sworn she saw a blush creeping across his cheeks as he glanced down. "I'm glad I could help."

Conversation lulled as they dug into their meals, and The Smashing Pumpkins played softly in the background.

"Ok, I have to apologize for that dig yesterday about you not cooking, this is very good,” (YN) smiled.

"I have to admit, I bought the sauce, and the meatballs were frozen," Gerard winced.

“That’s fine! I do the same,” she laughed and Gerard looked relieved.

(YN) was having a wonderful time hanging out with Gerard and she felt like she could listen to him talk forever. He spoke with such passion and enthusiasm, it drew her in and she hung on his words. They laughed and joked and the time flew by until (YN) found herself stifling a yawn and she glanced down at her watch.

"Oh, it's late! I should get outta your hair."

“Well m’lady,” he said, affecting the same posh accent they had been joking around in earlier and bowing before her, “I do hope this evening has lived up to all your expectations.”

“It most certainly has,” she said with a laugh as she curtseyed holding out an imaginary skirt. 

Gerard reached out and took her hand in his and placed a kiss to the back of it, catching her off guard as he looked up at her from behind his lashes. "I hope we can do it again sometime soon."

(YN) nodded. "Yea," she said almost breathlessly. "I'd love that."

Gerard walked her to the door and when she glanced back at him when she reached her own door, he was leaning against his door frame.

"Night," she waved before walking into her apartment and he smiled and waved back.

(YN) could hardly sleep that night, as she was absolutely buzzing.

~

Weekly dinners soon became a tradition between (YN) and Gerard, with both of them taking turns hosting the other. (YN) knew she was terrible at both flirting and picking up when others were flirting with her, but she couldn't help but feel like Gerard might just like her too.There was something about the way his friendly hugs and touches started to linger longer and longer.

One night when they had been hanging out Gerard had casually mentioned going to hang out with his brother on his birthday, so (YN) took it upon herself to bring him his present before he left that day. As she stood at his door, she felt just as nervous as the first time she was at his door asking for help with her boxes. Once again she was totally lost in thought when Gerard opened the door.

"Hey (YN)!" He greeted her.

"Hi! Happy birthday!" She smiled, holding out the plate of chocolate chip cookies and the card she picked out just for him. 

"You remembered my birthday?" He asked, his eyes going wide and pink dusting his cheeks.

"Of course I did!" She laughed. “How could I forget?” She added a little more softly.

The smile grew on Gerard’s face and (YN)’s heart fluttered. “Thanks,” he finally replied, shaking his head. “Hey (YN), I was wondering, if umm, you’d like to maybe like go out on a date, like a real date some time? Don’t feel like you have to say yes just because it’s my birthday.”

(YN) laughed again, and she could feel herself blushing. “Yea, that would be really nice,” she nodded. “And I definitely would have said yes, even if it wasn’t your birthday.”

“Great!” Gerard grinned, but the buzzing of his phone grabbed his attention. "Oh, Mikey's here."

"Have fun with him," (YN) smiled and waved as she turned to go while Gerard grabbed his jacket and keys.

"Wait," Gerard said as he locked the door and jogged over to her, just as she was reaching her door. She looked up at him expectantly and he seemed nervous again before leaning in and placing a chaste kiss on her cheek. "Thanks again for the card."

"No problem," (YN) smiled before ducking into her own apartment to swoon.

~

A few days later, it was finally the day of their first date. Gerard suggested they go to the art museum and grab coffee. Even though they hung out all the time, the fact that this was actually a date made things ever so slightly awkward. As they walked into the museum, their hands brushed a few times before Gerard took her hand in his. She glanced over and smiled up at him and he seemed relieved. They chatted and joked happily as they walked through the exhibits before they went down the street to the cafe.

Finding a table tucked away from the others, they settled in with their coffees. The sun that had been shining when they walked in was soon covered in dark heavy clouds, and big heavy raindrops began to beat at the windows. Something about it made a shiver run down (YN)'s spine, a feeling she’d almost grown accustomed to.

"Gerard, can I ask you something kinda weird?" She asked when there was a lull in the conversation.

"Sure," he nodded.

(YN) sighed and looked down. "This is gonna sound crazy, and maybe I'm going crazy, but sometimes things get moved in my apartment, or I feel like someone or something is watching me. I've checked every inch of it and there's nothing there, but I dunno. Have you ever felt that in your apartment?" She finally looked up and was startled by Gerard's expression.

"Yea," he said softly, a look of unease on his face. "I totally know what you mean. I notice it when I’m at your place mostly, but sometimes when you come around," he trailed off.

"But, I mean, ghosts and stuff aren’t real though, right? Like It’s probably just the vibe of it being an old building.”

“Yea,” Gerard nodded with a tight smile. “Ghosts aren’t real, vampires aren’t gonna hurt you, zombies aren’t gonna eat your brain while you’re at the mall.”

“Right! You are right. I’m sure it will pass.”

After the rain stopped, they headed back to their building and headed up to the third floor, stopping in front of her door.

“I had a lot of fun today,” (YN) smiled.

“Me too,” Gerard nodded. “I, I really like you (YN). I hope we can do this again.”

(YN) grinned and nodded. “I really like you too Gee, and yes I’d really love to go out again as well.”

Gerard’s face lit up, any nervousness alleviated. He reached up, cupping her cheek gently, as her eyelids fluttered closed. He leaned in and pressed his lips against hers softly, before pulling back just as quick.

“I can’t wait to do that again,” Gerard whispered.

“Then do it again,” she replied.

Gerard didn’t hesitate for a second longer, leaning back in and kissing her deeply as she kissed back. His hand found her waist as she clutched his jacket. When they finally pulled back, they were both breathless and smiling.

(YN) knew that it was the start of something special.

~

Summer arrived with warm weather and abundant sunshine, but that didn’t stop the cold drafts that would breeze through (YN)’s apartment, even when the air conditioning was off. But then the noises started. Thumps and knocks in the middle of the night, jolting her awake. Once she was convinced someone was hammering frantically on her door. In the middle of the night. She jumped out of bed and rushed to the door, checking through the peephole to see who was there. But there was no one. 

The solution that seemed to be working best was spending as much time away from the apartment, specifically out with Gerard. From picnics in the park, to going to movies, cafes, wandering around book stores or comic book shops for hours, (YN) loved every moment of it.

One evening they were watching a movie in her apartment, happily curled up on the couch together when the thumps in the wall began behind them.

“What was that?” Gerard asked, startled.

(YN) sighed. “No idea. It’s been like this for a while now. I called the maintenance guy, but he doesn't think anything is in the walls. It’s why I’ve been so tired lately, I haven’t been sleeping, like at all.”

“Do you wanna come stay over at my place tonight? Maybe you’ll sleep better,” he offered.

(YN) smiled back at him. “Ok sure,” she nodded. When the movie was over, she changed into pajamas and they made their way back over to his apartment for the night. The next morning when she woke up, she stretched and sighed happily as Gerard held her close.

“Sleep well?” Gerard asked sleepily.

“Mmhmm,” she replied, looking up at him. She reached up and brushed away the hair that was falling across his face. “Best I have in a long time.”

“You’re welcome here anytime you want, sugar,” he said leaning in and kissing her sweetly.

"I worry that I'll overstay my welcome if I’m over here that often," (YN) laughed.

"Not possible, sugar," he said with a smile. "I love getting to spend my nights with you. Days too. I guess what I’m trying to say is I love you, (YN)."

“I love you too Gerard,” she replied before leaning in and kissing him deeply.

~

September arrived and Gerard was going to be gone for the weekend with a few of his friends on a guy’s trip for his brother Mikey’s birthday. (YN) was a little nervous at first about being alone at night, to the point where she was considering going to visit her parents for the weekend. Surprisingly, she was able to sleep through the night without any noises or strange occurrences waking her up.

The next morning she got up and went to retrieve a mug from the cupboard for her morning coffee. Without warning, a glass flew down from the top shelf, smashing into her forehead. (YN) yelped in surprise and stumbled back, glass shards littering the floor. Tentatively she reached up and touched just above her brow and when she pulled back, her fingers were covered in blood.

"Shiiiiit," she groaned as she carefully stepped over the broken glass on the floor and made her way to the bathroom. Flipping on the light, she felt nauseous at the sight. Blood dripping from the gash landed and streaked down her cheek like tears, accenting the dark circles under her eyes that she just couldn't shake after so many nights of interrupted sleep. She looked like death.

"Gee must really love me if this is what he's looking at every day," she muttered as she dabbed away at the blood with a washcloth.

A few hours later while walking out the emergency department with a fresh set of stitches, she decided she may as well fill in Gerard.

Happy friday! guess where i just left!

From Gerard 💖: Work let you take a half day?

Hospital 😬 

She dropped her phone back into her purse as she made her way across the parking lot, but by the time she got the door unlocked, Gerard was calling her.

"What happened?!" He asked frantically as soon as she picked up.

(YN) sighed. "A glass fell out of my cupboard and I got a cut above my eyebrow. Just a couple stitches and I wanted to make sure they got all the glass out," she replied, downplaying the accident. She knew he'd be back in a few days and he'd know she wasn't telling the whole truth about the cut, but she didn't want him to worry or end his trip early.

"But you're ok? Do you want me to come back?"

"Yes, I'm ok. But no, don't cut your trip short, I'm gonna go straight over to my parents for the rest of the weekendI think. It's one thing when we're losing sleep with weird noises, it's another to be attacked like this."

"You… you think," he sighed, seeming to be choosing his words carefully. "That a ghost did it?" Gerard asked in a hushed tone.

"If the glass was off balance and simply fell out of the cupboard it would have gone straight down. This was thrown at me, Gee. There was force behind it."

"Fuck," Gerard muttered. "I'm sorry sugar."

"Don't worry, I'm ok, I promise."

~

(YN) was grateful that Gerard believed what she told him about the haunting of her apartment. He could have easily dismissed her or her fears as crazy and ghost her, but he didn't. He was just as concerned about the situation and her wellbeing. After that weekend they began talking about moving out as soon as their leases were up. 

It had been a couple weeks when Gerard had a meeting in the city that was going to run late into the evening, so (YN) was stuck spending the night alone in her own apartment for the first time since the attack.

As she got in bed, she wondered how long it would be before she would be woken up at night. The noises always managed to cut right through her slumber to wake her, no matter how exhausted she was when she fell asleep. And exhausted she was as her eyelids were heavy as soon as her head hit the pillow.

She wasn't sure what time it was when the noise woke her up, but she sat up in bed and looked at the ceiling. It sounded like skittering, and she wondered if it might be something as innocent as an animal stuck in the attic. 'Wouldn't it be something if it was some animal all along,' she thought as she laid back down and closed her eyes again.

What felt like only moments later she opened them again, but she was not in her room. She wasn’t even in her apartment.

“Gerard?”

He looked up from where he was sitting on the floor in front of his couch with a look of concern and fear on his face unlike any she had seen before. “(YN), are you ok?”

“No, I’m- why am I in your apartment?”

“I was asleep and some noise up in the attic woke me up, but before I could fall back asleep there was this loud bang and I went up to check what was going on because it sounded different from anything before, and you were up there on the floor like you fainted. You didn't even stir until just now when you woke up.”

(YN) shook her head. “I heard the noise too, but I went back to sleep, I didn’t even get out of bed, I went right back to sleep until I just woke up here. What could have made me faint if I wasn't even awake and can’t remember what I saw?”

Gerard ran his hand through his hair, considering her question and when he spoke, his voice shook slightly. “I… I dunno (YN). After I brought you down from the attic, I went back to your apartment so I could put you in your own bed and your door was locked.”

“But that’s not possible unless I took my keys and locked it behind me. Should we go up and look for them upstairs?”

“No!” Gerard said quickly. “I mean, I don’t want to make you stay here if you don’t want, we can call the maintenance line to let you in, but I don’t wanna go up there again. Tonight, I mean.”

(YN) climbed off the couch and sat next to him on the floor. “I’ll stay here, you know that's fine but,” she paused, taking a deep breath. “What did you see up there Gee?”

He shook his head, looking down at his hands. “We can talk about it in the morning? It’s late.”

(YN) swallowed hard and nodded. "Yea, that's a good idea."

Gerard got up, offered her a hand, helping her up. He placed a kiss to the back of her hand before leading the way to his room.

(YN) always felt safe with Gerard's arms wrapped around her holding her tight, but it was still a very poor night of sleep for both of them. The next morning (YN) and Gerard were sitting in his living room, sipping coffee in silence before (YN)'s curiosity got the best of her.

"Can you tell me what you saw up there now?" (YN) asked suddenly. 

Gerard looked up at her, the dark circles under his eyes matching hers. He sighed and ran a hand through his dark hair. "Do you really wanna know?"

(YN) nodded. "I wanna understand what happened last night. Well as much of it as I can."

Gerard drew a deep breath. "Ok. I went up there when I heard the second bang. I was kinda surprised the door was open. And then I was shining my flashlight around and," he drew in a breath and shook his head. "I thought I saw someone at the far end of the attic, but my flashlight went through him. I started to panic and that's when I realized you were on the floor. I grabbed you and carried you back down here and, well you know the rest."

"You saw the ghost?" (YN) asked, her voice cracking with fear.

Gerard nodded solemnly. "I think so."

~

Gerard's words kept ringing through (YN)'s mind. There was no denying it now, she was being haunted by a ghost. She was, generally speaking, freaked out about the whole situation, but also a little curious. That's when she remembered the museum on the first floor.

The space was small, no larger than an office. Shelves were filled with books and bibles, and old black and white photos lined the walls, but one picture stood out as different from the rest. An elderly woman stood before it, gazing up at the portrait of the young man.

"Excuse me, do you know any of the history of this building?"

The elderly woman tore her eyes off the photo and looked back at (YN). "Well, I should say I do. What can I help you with?"

"I don't know how to ask this delicately, but, umm, is there any reason to believe that it might be haunted?"

The elderly woman nodded slowly. "Well, yes, I suppose there would be," she replied before glancing back at the portrait. "This was my brother, Joshua. He was in the seminary and was going to become a priest when he met her."

"Her?"

"Elenora. She was beautiful," she paused, studying (YN) for a moment, "actually you remind me of her. But he was so conflicted, he wanted to be a priest, but he was so enchanted by her. He convinced himself, and her, that the only way they could be together was in death."

"Oh no," (YN) gasped.

She nodded. "They were to jump together from the roof. He went first, she never went."

"I'm so sorry," she replied softly.

"It was 60 years ago. I had known Elenora my whole life, so I blamed myself for introducing her into his life, but I didn't blame her! I still don't. I don't admit this to many people, but we're still friends."

"You have a very forgiving heart," (YN) smiled. "Thank you for telling me all that."

She nodded. "That is what I am here for," she replied as she walked around to a small desk and picked up a dust rag before turning back to one of the shelves.

(YN) made her way back to her apartment and shut the door. "Joshua, if that's you, please leave me alone," she said. 

Nothing happened and (YN) shrugged.

~

The cool fall weather settled in and October was filled with the warm glow of red, yellow, and orange leaves on the trees outside, but by Halloween, the branches were blown bare, leaving dark, imposing branches reaching toward the sky.

Gerard's friend Frank invited them to his house for a Halloween party, and to celebrate his birthday.

A night out, dressed as Bonnie and Clyde, was exactly what they both needed after all the time they spent living in a real life haunted house for almost a year now. (YN) also loved spending time with Gerard's friends. They quickly made her feel welcome and made her future with Gerard seem even better.

It wasn't too terribly late when they decided to call it a night and headed home. "I'm gonna go change and I'll be over," (YN) said before heading into her apartment. Gerard nodded and headed to his own door.

She kicked off her shoes and dropped her jacket over the back of the chair when she felt a cold rush of air blow past her. She closed her eyes as a shiver ran through her whole body. When she opened them, again the cold air was surrounding her, wind blowing her skirt around as a freezing rain started to pelt her arms and face. Frantically she looked around, realizing she was on a rooftop. Before she could get her bearings, phantom hands were on her, pushing and pulling her toward the edge.

"No! No! Get off of me! Let go!" She screamed, flailing her arms, trying to shake off the attack. She seemed to break free and started to run toward the hatch to the attic.

The hands grabbed her ankle and sent her tumbling to the rough surface of the roof. When she looked over her shoulder, a figure made of a shadowy mist was pulling her by the leg toward the edge.

"No! Stop it! No!" She screamed again, her hands scratching at the roof, trying to make purchase.

From behind her she heard a bang. She looked up and saw Gerard at the opening to the attic. "(YN)!"

"Gee! Help!"

"Let her go!" Gerard commanded as he ran to (YN), pulling her off the ground and wrapping her in his arms protectively. She buried her face against his shoulder as she clutched his shirt. "Are you ok? I got you sugar, you’re safe now."

"No, no I'm not ok," she sobbed.

"Come on, let's get inside."

Gerard helped her down the ladder and carried her down the stairs to his apartment. He set her down in the bathroom and set to work cleaning the cuts across her hands, legs, and feet.

"Gee, I don't wanna stay here tonight, I can’t stay here anymore, I have to move or I’m gonna end up dead!" (YN) cried as Gerard wiped the blood away from her palm.

"I know sugar, I'll get you cleaned up and we'll go find a hotel room tonight, ok?" (YN) sniffled and nodded in agreement. “And then in the morning we’re gonna find a new place to live, you and me.”

(YN) had been watching as he worked, but hearing him say that she looked up at him. “Together? Even after all this? What if it follows me?!"

He reached up and wiped away the tears that were rolling down her cheek. “Together. Nothing's gonna come between us, not even a ghost."

A smile finally broke across her face as he placed bandages on the worst cuts. Then she finally changed out of her soaked and bloodied Halloween costume and into a pair of Gerard's sweatpants and an old hoodie. She didn't have shoes, but she didn't care. She wasn't going back into her apartment until the day she was going back to pack it up and move out. And even then, she was considering hiring someone to do it for her.

"Ready to go?" He asked when she walked out of his room.

"Let’s get away from here," she nodded and he took her hand. They hurried through the cold rain to his car and she sighed as she sunk into the passenger seat. She finally felt free.

Gerard started down the long tree-lined drive when suddenly a large tree limb came crashing down in front of them. (YN) screamed as Gerard slammed on the breaks.

"Shit! Are you ok?" He asked breathlessly.

"Look!" She whimpered, pointing a shaking finger out the window. Gerard looked as well at the ghastly figure on the other side of the branch. Gerard put the car in park and unbuckled his seatbelt.

"Gee, what are you doing? Gee? Gerard! Stop it, get back in here!" She cried frantically as he got out of the car. Not knowing what else to do, she scrambled out as well.

"Give her to me!" The phantom wailed, striking cold terror through her. "I gave my life for my love, she belongs to me!"

"This is not your love!" Gerard shouted back.

She moved to stand next to Gerard, interlacing her fingers with his. "I'm not Elenora! I've never done you wrong!" She pleaded. "Gerard is my true love! Let us pass!"

The phantom's face contorted, snarling, teeth growing long, fingers becoming claw-like. (YN) screamed in fright as Gerard stepped in front of her. As the ghost launched at them, headlights came up the drive, shining bright in their eyes, and the phantom faded into nothing.

The other car stopped and the driver got out. "Need help moving that branch outta the way? Woah, you two look like you've seen a ghost," the man laughed.

Gerard shook his head and looked back at (YN) sympathetically. "Well, it is Halloween."

~

A few months later (YN) and Gerard had settled into their new place. There was nothing in the new place that (YN) would describe as too good to be true. Their commutes were longer, they had to go to the laundromat to do laundry, and they were paying more in rent, but they were together and they finally had peace. And that was worth every penny.

“Hey Gee,” (YN) said as she padded into the living room one Saturday afternoon, holding something behind her back.

“Yea sugar?”

“So I’ve been working on something. I’m not sure it’s any good, but I think it’s finally ready for you to look at.”

Gerard sat up and looked up at her curiously. “What is it?” (YN) handed him a binder. “The Haunting on Holy Name Hill."

“A long time ago, back when we first met, you said I should try writing or drawing if I’m interested in it because you never know when inspiration will strike, and since moving out of that awful place I’ve been trying to wrap my head around everything that happened. So I started writing about it," she shrugged. "I fictionalized some of the events and changed our names, but can you read it and tell me if it’s any good?”

“(YN) I’m so proud of you,” he said with a smile as he got up and wrapped her in a hug. “I’m gonna read it right now.”

“If you insist. I’m gonna go to the laundromat.”

A while later when (YN) came back, Gerard wasn’t on the couch where she���d left him. “Hey Gee, did you finish reading it yet?”

“Yep,” she heard him reply as he came back from the second bedroom they’d set up as his office. “And I have something to show you too.”

“What’s that?”

“First of all, wow, the story is so well written!” he grinned.

“Seriously?”

“Seriously, you’re a natural! And second, look,” he said handing her a stack of drawings.

“What are these?”

“I was thinking, if you want, we could pitch your story as a graphic novel and these are some drawings I did when I was reading it. This is your character, this one is me.”

“Gee, these are amazing! And you really think that it’s publishable?”

“I really do,” he nodded.

“Ok yea, let’s do it. Other than being the place where we met, there should be some kind of good that comes from that awful place. And maybe serve as a warning to everyone else about things that seem too good to be true."

[northcarolinanative]

𝙲𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 (𝟺)

Chapter 4: A Runaway Kid from the Cut 

A/N: OMG YOU GUYS!!! Thank you all so much for the support on this series and all of my other writings. I have never written anything remotely fiction like this before it warms my heart so much that you all are enjoying it!! Any feedback on this series is so much appreciated. I still have ZERO idea where this is going to end up, or how far past season 1 I’m going to take it, but I’m just going with it. Also my requests are open!! PLZ send me some stuff that you wanna see written, it does not have to be just about JJ, I’ll do all OBX cast haha. OKAY Enough if me rambling! ENJOY:) 

No warning on this one... I think? 

Need to catch up? Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 

The sun falling through the back window woke me up from my light sleep, then the sound of rustling sheets. I assumed JJ was just tossing and turning, something the two of us had been doing all night. There was a comfort in knowing that it wasn’t just me that was uneasy, that it was not just me hurting. I slowly fell back into a hazy sleep, filled with thoughts that had been burdening my mind. 

A sheriff’s deputy was standing in the doorway. He told JJ and I to sit down, that we probably needed to. “Your brother, John B, They found the bodies on the wreck of the Phantom.” I looked to JJ who just held his head in the palms of his hands. I started to breathe heavily and the tears fell quickly down my face. 

“No. No, you're lying!” I stood up quickly approaching. 

“Y/N.”  It was JJ’s voice, but I turned around and he was gone, nowhere to be found. “Y/N” 

I sat up out of breath, I was asleep, it was just a bad dream. I took in a deep breath. 

“You good?” JJ asked. I looked over to where he was in the kitchen. He was taking items out of the tote bag and putting them in the fridge. “You were breathing hard, kicking, and kept mumbling no.” He laughed trying to lighten the heavy mood. 

“Yea, Yea. I’m good. Must have just been a bad dream.” I smiled continuing to watch him. “Did you go to the store?” I stood up walking over to help him.

“Yea I couldn’t sleep this morning…” He reached to put something up on a high shelf. “And I figured if I got us some groceries... “ He said Us, making my heart beat a little bit faster. “You would let me stay around?” He questioned, his cheeks turning a slightly darling shade of pink. 

“JJ, you didn’t have to buy me food to stay here. You can stay as long as you like. Lord knows I need the company” I nudged his shoulder, “And I guess you’ll do.” 

“Guess I’ll do?” He held his chest tightly, fainting offense. “Remember that the next time that you crawl into my bed, Routledge.” He laughed. He was okay with sharing a bed with me, which made me feel more comfortable. It helped me to know that I was not alone last night. Who knows where we’re gonna sleep tonight, but I hope it’s not in either of those rooms. JJ started to make himself a sandwich so I went and changed, brushed my teeth, showered. 

I came out to JJ holding up half of his sandwich. I scrunched up my eyebrows to ask what he was doing. “You have not eaten since you got here, you should eat something.” 

I smiled, and said a quick “thank you” to him. As I bit into the sandwich I realized how hungry I really was.

“There ya go” JJ playfully praised. He moved to sit at the other side of the bar. “So I was thinking,” JJ began. 

I covered my mouth while I chewed. “That’s never a good thing,” I joked.

“Oh. Haha. Real original,” but nonetheless still let out a slight chuckle. “As I said” He began again. “I think that we should go to the SBI tent, or the department if the tent is gone. See if they have found anything. Whatever they find you know they are not going to look at it fully. John B’s just..” He paused looking at me. 

“A runaway kid from the cut.” I finished. 

“Sarah was with him, maybe Ward will wanna find her, I doubt it though she did betray him on the highest of levels” JJ laughed at his last statement. 

“Are you JJ asking me to go on a wild goose hunt for my brother?” I spoke with a smile on my face. “It would be my honor” I giggled at my joke. 

“Wouldn’t be my first wild goose chase.” He laughed.

We walked out to my car, JJ jumped in the passenger seat and looked over at me “Can I trust you to get us there in one piece? I remember how you drive a boat, he gripped the overhead handle. 

“Oh very funny. You’ll survive” I joked. “You might need a helmet though.” I began backing up. 

“A WHAT?” JJ laughed looking at you as you pulled from the drive onto the road.

“Buckle up buttercup” 

When we got there and walked up to the tent Shoope was looking at JJ, his face hard to read. JJ leaned over and whispered to me “I’m not his favorite person” He looked at a woman stopping me in my tracks. “You can’t be JB’s sister ok? Your… a tourist, your family is staying here this summer, you met John B at the worst time ok? I’ll explain later.” I looked at him. 

“Ok” I trust JJ, so it must be a reason, he wouldn’t say to do this for anything. We made our way towards Shoope, hoping he would not recognize me, not that he should. 

“JJ, and...:” He paused looking at me. 

“Y/F/N” I said, hoping that instead of saying the nickname everyone called me would help the tourist case. “JJ emotional support” I laughed, but it came out more like a strained cough. He looked between the two of us. 

“Yea, okay, right. Well follow me” He took us back to a table. “I am not gonna sugar coat it for y’all” He pulled out a few papers then a phone. He pointed the screen in our direction, the first picture being the black underside of the boat, barely visible in the water. 

JJ grabbed the phone. “Is that…” 

“The Phantom” JJ finished. Shoope took the phone and swiped over the next two photos. 

“We pulled the boat from the water, but they were not in, under, or around it.” He said. I reached over and grabbed JJ’s hand. He subconsciously gripped it tighter. We were using each other to ground ourselves, keep us from completely losing our minds, then and there. 

“W-What does that mean?” I asked, my voice shaking slightly. Shoope looked at me confused, but carried on. 

“Assuming there were the right amount of life jackets on the boat to begin with…” He looked at JJ. 

JJ nodded. “As far as I know they’ve never been used, or moved since it was bought” he shrugged. 

“Right. Well in that case two are missing. So we’re going to continue to search, widing the radius, see if their bodies were carried anywhere, see if they were able to swim or float anywhere, we are not giving up JJ. I told the other two the same thing.” 

The other two, ouch. Pope and Kie had gone already, without even coming to see how JJ was doing, as far as they knew he was all alone. I didn't even want to think about JJ being alone in this. I squeezed his hand again letting him know that I was there for him. 

“So what can we do?” JJ asked. I felt him shaking under my touch. I’m sure he could feel me shaking as well. 

“Honestly. Take care of yourself JJ” Shoope’s tone was soft, not what I was imagining for him to be toward JJ. 

“What about Ward and Rafe? What about them?” JJ was starting to get angry. He wanted to help, he did not like not being able to be there for his friends. 

“Their being questioned, and things are not looking good for the two of them,” Shoope said. “But that is all that I can say right now.” I followed his eyes to the man in a dark suit standing to the side of the tent. A kook minion there to make everyone’s life harder, and a bit ominous if you ask me. “You two should go home, take care of yourselves. I’m being serious.”

“Thanks officer” I said before pulling JJ by his hand back toward the car. The moment the door shut beside me, it was like a wave crashed over my head, I was drowning. The tears flowed from my eyes and a sob escaped from my chest. I laid my head against the steering wheel. I looked over at JJ who shared the same feelings. Things looked bad but neither of us were ready to admit what everyone was thinking. I kept repeating to myself what Shoope said, bodies, they were looking for their bodies, that floated somewhere. JJ reached over and grabbed my hand again, trying to comfort the both of us again. 

I wiped my cheeks with the backs of my hands and reached for the ignition key, turning it and hearing it sputter. I looked at JJ, then trying again. No luck. I rested my head on the steering wheel. “I don’t want to deal with this” I turned to look at JJ. “I am exhausted” 

“We’ll come back for the car later, take a good strole,” He said, moving to open the door, but stopped when I spoke.

“No J. Not the car, I mean yes the car, but any of it, John B, Sarah Fucking Cameron, My dad, this, I’m tired.” My eyes were closed. I heard the door beside me shut, then felt the door beside me open up. I felt JJ’s touch on my back, then my side. 

“Common now, Princess” Glad he was in a good enough mode to carry on calling me to names that I absolutely despised. “Let’s get you home, it’s not far at all.” He pulled me out of the driver’s seat, then reached in to grab my keys. He handed them to me. He grabbed my hand and pulled me along. I was not sure, but at that moment something inside me changed. Maybe it was the way that he had been taking care of me, despite the fact that he was going through it too. The way his hand felt in mine, in this casual way, just us walking down the side of the old gravel road was nice. We were walking side by side, closer than normal, or maybe it was, and I was just hyper aware. I was still slightly embarrassed by my outburst in the car, not entirely sure how I was feeling.

“Have you not talked to Kie or Pope?” I questioned. I knew the answer. I saw the look on his face when Shoope said he already talked to him. 

“No” He said after hesitating he continued, “They haven't called, or stopped by the Chateau, they knowI’m not going home after taking the boat keys from my dad…” He paused again and I heard him swallow. “Everyone’s dealing with this in a different way I guess.” He bumped his shoulder into the arm connected to the hand he was holding. “Just like I’ve got you and you’ve got me” I felt a blush creep up my neck and face. I reached up and kissed him on the cheek. 

“You’ll always have me here for you J, whether or not you like it.” We both fell back into silence as we walked. JJ was normally not this open or vulnerable, but it was nice to see this side of him. I am glad that he is able to trust and relate to me, at least kind of, in both of us losing John B. 

I was pulled out of my thoughts as JJ pointed to the Crane house. “That’s where the gold was” He chuckled and it almost came out as a scoff. “We followed all the maps, found it and somehow the Kooks still won.” 

Then it hit me, the life jackets were gone, the storm dissipated on landfall as they usually did. Maps. I stopped in my tracks.”JJ” 

He turned to face me, a  look mixed with confusion and worry covered his face. “What?” 

“Maps JJ. That’s it!” I pulled on his hand, almost running us back to the Chateau. 

Tagged; @nikki082489 @lovelymaybankk @dolanfivsosxox​ @alexa-playafricabytoto​ @downbytheouterbanks @heyhargrove​ @kayln021 

(if you wanna be added to a tag list just reply below or message me:) Y’all’s support means THE WORLD to me!) 

[ciggylungz]

Butterflies and Bandaids pt.7- Anniversary

Butterflies and bandaids chapter.7 -

Anniversary

word count. 5.3k (lord)

warnings: smut (finally)

Y/n feels like she’s been on cloud nine the last new weeks, and she woke up with a surge of happiness yet again today because it marked her and Harry’s one month anniversary. She was ecstatic, she knew he had planned a special little evening for them since they were lucky enough that their anniversary landed on a Friday, and even more lucky Anne was going out of town this weekend so they had his house to themselves without the threat of toddlers or parents intruding on their night. Y/n was also extremely excited because she’s been having some rather intimate dreams about her boyfriend for the past few days, and she thought this night would be a good night to try and bring those dreams to reality.

Harry on the other hand, felt a bit nervous about his date he set up for them in honor of the day, he wanted everything to be perfect because she deserves the best. He refused to settle for any less for his angel. He felt confident enough about his schedule for the evening, he decided he’d take her to their favorite little diner, snag some booze Gemma had agreed to buy him and walk to the treehouse his dad had built him when he was little in the woodsy part of his backyard. Her and Harry still hung out in there from time to time, when some alone time was needed and he definitely liked that her siblings didn’t know about it and his mother never checked it since he told her it’s full of spiders (it isn’t, he always cleans it so Y/n doesn’t panic over bugs that may be looming inside the wooden structure, but he needed an excuse for his mum to never check up there) .

He brought up the battery powered Christmas lights and strung them along the trim on the ceiling and made sure to clean up any leaves and rouge spider webs from the corners, sweeping the throw rug that decorates the floor and tidying the small couch and few beanbags that sat in there. He wanted it to be perfect, romantic, cozy and exactly how his girl likes it to be. He even brought in her favorite blankets he has and a few extra pillows, stashing the bottle of vodka behind the sofa and putting the presents he got her on the cushion making sure it all looked good.

He knew it was silly to be so nervous, but he always wanted to make Y/n feel special. She’s the girl he loves, and he loves the way her eyes light up when he does something she finds endearing, the way she cuddles into him when he brings his laptop up there with an extra long extension cord so he can keep it charged from the outdoor plugs while they watch movies and random YouTube videos together. He certainly doesn’t mind the make out sessions she awards him with when he makes her really happy, and he never fails to melt when she giggles at his corny jokes while they lay together up in their tree house, in their own little world.

Harry had set everything up perfectly, even grabbing a door stopper and extra lock incase they decided to spend the night out there so he could feel 100% confident that no rouge tree dwelling burglar could get in and take away his princess. He knows it’s rather dramatic, but he doesn’t want any chance of anything bad happening to her.

He gave the space a good once over, making sure the rather spacious treehouse was up to his standards, making sure the little glass windows were sealed, and the curtains were drawn, the door was maintained enough to not be so squeaky and he had enough extension cords to keep the computer, and their phones charged. Once he decided it was perfect he made his way back down the ladder and went to get himself cleaned up and ready.

__

 Y/n was finishing taming her curls and putting on her makeup when a light knock sounded on her bedroom door, a smiling Harry peaking his head in after and giving the girl a coo.

“Hey love, you ready for our date?” he felt like he sounded a bit awkward and cliché the way he said it, like a badly scripted Disney teen movie, but his insecurities washed away when she gave him her biggest smile putting her mascara down and jumping to her feet to hug him. Her little body fit right inside his arms, his nose breathing in the scent of her freshly washed rose smelling curls and her floral perfume that he loved. He’d even made her spray his bed with some of it so he always smells her when he’s going to bed.

“Missed you H, know I saw you yesterday but I still missed you and thought about you all day.” She was beaming as she tipped her head up, chin resting on his sternum as she spoke to him, receiving a happy hum and few smacking kisses to her cherry flavored lips. “You ready doll? Got everything set up for us.”

When she nodded and broke free from his hold to grab her bag he couldn’t help the wide grin on his face, watching her have a little bounce in her step since she was excited grabbing his hand and leading him towards the front door, managing to dodge the babies and prying eyes of her older siblings as they made a mad dash out of the crowded home.

__

 “guess what?” Y/n proposed as she finished chewing her bite of melon she had ordered with her food, she always chose fruit salad as her side yet had a bad habit of snagging a few (most of) Harry’s typical side of fries.

“What’s that darlin’?” Harry had his chin resting on his palm as he played into Y/n’s playful tone, he swears he’s never felt more content then he does sitting in the dingy little family run diner with his girl then he’s ever felt in his life. “I got you a present!” she clapped her hands for a beat before squirming excitedly in her side of the booth, doing a little happy dance as he chuckled at her silly antics. “Yea? I got you one too babe, goin’ ta’ give it to you after dinner.” Y/n gasped lightly and shifted to sit on her knees, “Really?! I’m so excited!”

The older boy laughed before leaning forward to peck her a few times, “ ‘m excited too, can swap gifts. Hope you like yours. After 10 years of friendship I still sometimes draw a blank when figuring out what to get ya’, gotta work on being so picky love.” His tone was teasing and he gave a playful eyeroll which she stuck her tongue out at. “I’ll love it, because it’s from you and I love you.”

Harry swears his heart did a back flip in his chest, he’s heard her say it thousands of times yet every time it still makes him putty in the palm of her hand. He wasn’t ashamed to admit, he was deeply, helplessly in love with her.

The pair never let go of each other’s hands as they made the trek back to Harry’s home, him giving her a slight fond squeeze of her hand when she got giddy realizing he was leading her to their special hang out spot. She always adored that treehouse, they went from playing ‘house’ in it as little kids to now using it as their own little sanctuary where they got to be in their own little world together. Two young people in love, happily in their own little house where nothing could bother them. She think’s it might be her favorite place on earth.

“you go up first, love. Gonna come behind you incase ya’ lose your footing. Bit hard to see, forgot how dark it gets in the fall.” Harry stood at the bottom of the ladder while she quickly climbed up, turning to scoot her bum up over the ledge onto the little deck that wrapped around the structure. Getting herself steady before standing up and leaning against the railing that secured the deck, waiting for Harry to climb up so he could unlock it. “oh my god!” her voice was an octave higher showing her surprise and joy seeing the cozy set up he prepared for her. The lights twinkled as they hung from the ceiling, their writing and carvings illuminated by them showing the scribbles of ‘Y/n and Harry allowed ONLY!’ and little flowers and stick figures they carved into the wooden walls and floors as little kids when Harry got a pocket knife from his boy scouts troop.

“You like it?” Harry scratched the back of his neck bashfully as he took in the joy radiating off her, stumbling a bit as she threw herself into his arms, her legs wrapping around his legs as he managed to catch her and hold her up spinning in a circle giggling with her while kissing all over her pinched up cheeks. “I love it! Aw Hazzy I love you so much! You’re the sweetest boy in the whole wide world!” she planted exactly 6 kisses on his lips while he fumbled around closing and locking the door while keeping her held in his arms. “I love you more sweetness, I’m glad you like it. C’mon got presents waiting princess.”

Once Y/n had her feet firmly planted on the ground once more, she tossed herself onto the couch taking the box he had waiting for her into her lap, rummaging through her bag to grab the box she had for him.

“Open yours first H.” Y/n insisted as she thrust the pastel, wrapped box into his lap. She used her special wrapping paper, the nice expensive one with a darling design of clementine’s and cherries on it along with other assorted fruits. The paper was special, Harry even knew the back story about how her grandmother had given her the wrapping when she was young and how it was twenty whole dollars. She had adamantly told him she was saving it for a special occasion and he couldn’t help but coo knowing he was special enough for her most prized decorations. “c’mon! Open it Harry” if Y/n had one flaw, which he doesn’t even consider it a flaw because to him she’s perfect, it’s her impatience.

“alright alright, don’t get ya’ knickers in a twist love.” Harry made sure he was careful when unwrapping it, going along with the tape so he could save the paper later in his little memory box he has with all the special things and memories he has of her, she has one of him too and of course their siblings teased them for being cheesy when they first started collecting items when they were 8 and 10.

When he managed to perfectly strip the box of the paper, he felt butterflies invade his tummy, his own excitement building as he opened the gift. He was met with a soft velvet interior lining the jewelry box. Inside was a second box but littering around it were pictures of the two, the notes they’d passed to each other in class, a pack of bubblegum and a gift card to his favorite clothing store. Harry blew out a breath taking it in, his eyes crinkling in their corners from his wide grin. His dimples sunk deep into his cheeks, and his eyes almost teared up. “This is absolutely adorable..” he pried the second box out of the wooden jewelry box, taking in his girlfriends excited feet tapping on the floor and her giggles as he cracked open the second part of the gift, finding a gold locket in the shape of a heart. He held it up by it’s chain seeing the charm dangle and shimmer in the gentle lights, his heart becoming a puddle in his chest as he saw the date they got together engraved on the front of the heart and her name engraved on the back, opening it to see a tiny picture of the duo both blowing bubbles with their favorite pink bubble gum. As silly as it is, they hold their sweets close to their hearts because if she hadn’t been chewing it the day he met her, she wouldn’t have the nickname he gave her, they wouldn’t have a special treat they only share with each other, and they wouldn’t have a shrunken down picture of them at 10 and 12 years old, blowing bubbles right at the camera with an ‘I love you’ carved on the rim of it. Harry felt his eye’s get misty as he took it in. “I love it honey…this is the best gift I’ve ever gotten thank you bubble gum.” She blushed and batted her eyelashes a bit as she secured the jewelry around his neck, “I love you Harry”, his arms wrapped around her bringing her into his lap as he mumbled how much he loved her and appreciated the gift, kissing her a couple times before allowing her to sit in his lap so she can open her gift.

He watched her pink painted nails undo the ribbon, popping the top of the gift box off squealing excitedly at the pile of treasures he gave her. Her favorite sweater of his, one she wears all the time and never wants to give back, a little notebook with pressed flowers in it, little love notes to her written on the pages around the plants and a jewelry box similar to the one she gave him sitting on top. “Looks like we had the same idea H” she smiled as she held up the chain that had his name on it, while a bit narcissistic she loved that he was a bit possessive over her and how she got to wear her love’s name above her heart, “Great minds think alike huh?”.

The pair continued to gush over their gifts as he used his nimble fingers to fasten the jewelry onto her. her fingers toyed with the necklace as they talked, endless ‘I love you’s’ and ‘i’m never taking this off’ were said over the next few minutes while he prepared the laptop for their viewing.

  “This movie is awful but I can’t look away.” Y/n commented as she watched the horrible lifetime movie, the actors sounded like they were first graders being forced to read in front of their class. “She sounds like she’s in pain” Harry snorted taking a sip of his vodka fruit punch mixed drink he held securely in his palm, he didn’t plan to get drunk but it’s always nice to have a little buzz going.

“I don’t know why I love terrible movies so much, at this point I think I may just enjoy bullying actors.” Y/n smacked his chest lightly and grabbed his cup taking a sip before cringing a bit as she swallowed it, Harry laughing at her pained expression, “Bit strong for you eh? Maybe that’ll teach ya’ not to steal my drinks ma’am” Y/n flipped him off before taking another sip sticking her tongue out before handing it back. “Yea…I’ll stick to wine coolers and sugary booze.” “what did I tell ya’ about being picky?” this only got him an eyeroll before she turned towards him, laying herself down so her heads in his lap letting him toy with her hair while she watched the laptop screen. Both of them simply content with being in each others arms.

“Harry?” “yea love?” “wanna know a secret?” she had a playful little smirk decorating her pretty face and she looked up at him, both of them feeling a tad bit warm and fuzzy feeling a small buzz take over their bodies. “Ooo a secret? Do tell!” Y/n sat up and leaned against the back of the couch her cheek pressed to the leather. “You sure you wanna know? It’s a little naughty” This got the boys ears to perk up and his eyes to meet hers, “Naughty?” “very” Harry took a deep breath while searching her eyes, coming back with a look he’s seen before but never on her, her eyes looked almost sultry with her bottom lip caught slightly between her teeth, “Tell me” he swallowed hard watching her lean forward to whisper in his ear “I’ve been having naughty dreams about you” she leaned back with a playful smile on her face while he licked over his lips. He set his cup down before leaning back into the throw pillows, resting his arm along the back of the couch “Oh yea? Care to elaborate…set the scene for me baby” his eyes flicked from her feet to her eyes, lingering for a tick on the imprint of her perky breasts on her shirt. Y/n giggled quietly walking her fingers on his knee still too shy to make eye contact. “Not sure I should, told ya’ it’s naughty Harry” she blew a raspberry through her plump lips, leaning back over to whisper in his ear cupping her hand around the shell of his ear, even though they were the only people around “I dreamed about going down on you…and f-fucking you” she pulled away with red cheeks and his eyes widened, the butterflies returning to his stomach and his muscles tensing for a second.

“Yea? You dreamed about playing with me doll face?” he got a shy nod and giggle in return, but Harry wanted more than that. “No no, tell me. Say it out loud, tell me what you dreamed about princess” Y/n took a deep breath, letting him pet her cheek a bit “C’mon can tell me, won’t get upset tell me baby” he leaned forward to kiss her gently before pulling away, and Y/n felt a bit of confidence surge through her, “I was watching porn before I went to bed.. and playing with myself…and I had a dream about sucking your…-“ “say it princess, c’mon can say it” “dreamed about sucking your cock” she said the dirty word with a hint of nervousness, her shyness peaking through a bit. Harry couldn’t help the groan that fought it’s way through his throat hearing her say such dirty things. God he loved it. “Really? Played with your pussy before dreaming about putting my cock in that sweet mouth? Yea? What else, go on tell m’ pet.” Y/n chewed on her lip a bit, scooting a bit closer to her boyfriend. “I dreamed about you putting it in me…taking my virginity…and when I woke up I had to…touch myself in the shower”

A smirk tugged at his lips, her words getting his cock to plump up a bit behind it’s denim confines. His tongue darting out to wet his lips yet again, “Is that what you want love? You want me to fuck ya’?” she slowly nodded her head before popping her lips, “I do…but not yet. Tonight I wanted to try…sucking you off and..i wanted to know what it feels like for someone to lick down there.” she was adorable, her shy innocence fighting with her hormone, and it made Harry even more turned on. His fantasies he repressed for so long coming to life, to say he was willing was the largest understatement of the century.

His hands quickly darted out to pull her into his lap, getting a squeak from her out of surprise her giggles showering his ears as she got situated on his thighs. “Ya’ wanna give me a blowie and let me eat your pussy for our anniversary? Fuck doll, I’m down.” His deep chuckle vibrated her ribcage as he pressed her body into his, “I’ve never done it before…you got ta’ teach me how to do it Harry” “would be a pleasure, princess.”

 Soon the pair found themselves with their tongues in each other’s mouths, massaging them together as they tugged on each others clothes. Harry guided Y/n’s hips to grind down on his very prominent bulge, his thumbs pressed into her hip bones as he dragged her back and forth over the tent his groans getting swallowed by her mouth that’s locked on his, her breath hitching every time he nudges her clit on the seam of her jeans, tugging them a bit to define her cunt through the material making sure she’s getting as much friction as he is. “G-god fuck love, cmon I’m gonna cum in my pants if we keep humping like rabbits. Think you’re ready to try giving me head?” he held her chin with his fingers to make her look at him, getting a dreamy “uh huh” in response as she slowly drifted from his lap onto her knees on the floor. Letting Harry take his belt off, sitting back and letting him undo his button and zipper pushing his pants off his hips, letting them rest on his mid-thigh while she comes face to face with his lightly clothed manhood. “C’mon, take me out pet. Don’t gotta be scared, ‘m not gonna hurt ya’.” Harry was trying to keep himself from squirming in his seat while he watched Y/n slowly reach forward to pull the waistband of his boxers down, seeing her flinch slightly as his cock popped out hitting his belly button through his shirt as he sprang free.

Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of his cock, bare and bobbing with every beat of his heart from how hard he is. He was big, intimidatingly large. She looked at the vein running up the underside of his cock, his pubic hair and his swollen balls. She admired how his foreskin retracted behind the crown of his cock leaving his red leaking tip fully out to see. “Woah…i-it’s bigger than ones I’ve seen” Harry loved the praise, how could he not? His girlfriend gawking at his junk while telling him how big he is, he felt like he’d bust just hearing her talk. “Touch it…wrap your hand around me…ah fuck yea like that…squeeze a little bit there you go. Good fuckin’ girl lovie.”

Y/n smiled a bit at the praise, feeling herself get a little surer of herself as she stroked his cock like he instructed her to, feeling her chest swell with dirty pride as he continued to praise her. “Alright, lick the tip right there, tongue flat there you go” she did as she was told, giving the crown of his cock kitten licks before taking her own initiative and licking from the base of his shaft to the little slit in his tip loving how he moaned for her and tugged her hair a bit. “Don’t tease me baby, put the tip in your mouth and suck like a lollipop.”

Y/n pushed his tip between her lips, sucking on it like a sweet a she taught her feeling his thighs clench as she sucked harder moving to take a bit more into her warm mouth sucking till her cheeks hollowed around him, the flesh of her cheeks massaging his cock like velvet. Warm, wet, velvet.

“feels so fucking good darlin’, got no idea how good you’re doing…tuck your lips under ya’ teeth try not to bite down…just like that, doing so good such a fast learner baby. Good girl y/n, good girl.” His eyes struggled to stay open as she started inching deeper bobbing her head slightly. He felt her constrict a bit as his tip pushed her uvula back, he quickly pulled her head off giving her a chance to breathe,

“Don’t push too hard baby, don’t want ya’ to get sick on me. When you try to take me in your throat keep it open, like if you’re singing or yelling, open that pretty throat up. If ya’ spit up a bit on accident it’s alright. It’s your first-time sweetheart.” He gave her cheek a gentle petting before letting her sink down on him again, taking his advice and keeping her throat relaxed and open while his tip brushed the back of her warm, slick throat. He was a moaning mess as his eyes screwed shut, feeling her salivate so much at the stimulation of her throat it was dripping down his shaft and puddling on his balls.

He was in heaven. He knew he didn’t have much time left when he felt her small hand move to massage her spit on his swollen balls moving back a bit so his cocks not as deep letting her tongue massage the underside of his shaft while suckling his tip. “sh-shit, shit doll I’m gonna cum…fuck atta girl, where do you want it? Your mouth? Fuck baby s-stop sucking yo- oh- fuck!” Harry couldn’t control the bucking of his hips while his balls constricted, pulling towards his body while still in her grasp spilling his cum into her mouth and onto her lips some dribbling onto her chin as she pulled off him.

Harry was dazed for a minute, post orgasmic haze overtaking his mind as he experienced the wave of euphoria. When he finally opened his eyes he saw his girl still on her knees holding his cum in her mouth, looking at him with big doe eyes with some of his seed dripping off her face onto her shirt. He chuckled a bit seeing her, “Can swallow it if you want” she squinted her eyes a bit and he breathed out a bit “Don’t want to? Doesn’t taste nice? Salty innit? Can spit love, here” he held a empty red plastic cup under her chin watching as she spit his rather large load into it, wiping her mouth on the back of her hand. “Sorry…but Harry it was really salty…like sea water” she cringed a bit and he laughed. “Yea, I’ll start eating more fruit and staying hydrated so my cum doesn’t taste as bad next time. Sorry baby.”

“it’s okay H…did I do a good job?” she rested her palms on his knees, eagerly awaiting his response a proud grin plastered on his face as he nodded. “Fuck yea, did amazing baby. Made me cum like a gallon, you’re a natural just gotta work on watching the teeth. You did great, you’re a good girl princess. So proud of you, made me feel amazing I promise.” Harry didn’t care about the lingering taste of him on her tongue as he kissed her, tongues battling for dominance ad he pulled her up and laid her down on the sofa. Her back came in contact with the cool leather, her warm body relaxing into the comforting coolness.

“Think it’s your turn angel, want me to eat your pussy love? God, I’m gonna be the first person to get a taste of your pretty peach. Gonna make ya’ feel good yea? If you don’t like something then tell me, got it?” Y/n nodded quickly, letting him rid her of her shirt lifting her back so she could undo the clasps. When her tits finally came into his view, Harry made a pathetic whimpering noise, she’s fucking gorgeous. His hands groped at the buds while his mouth and tongue worked on her neck. She was already a writhing moaning mess just from his simple touches alone. He knew she was hyper sensitive, she had mentioned she started her cycle soon so he assumed it was her ovulating time. he learned in health class that during ovulation women are more sensitive, and he honestly loved the fact she was so sensitive for the first time he eats her out. He wanted her to feel every single movement of his tongue against her.

He slowly made his way over the valley of her breasts, sucking on and toying with her pink, taunt nipples while using his knee to grind against her still clothed cunt. The friction was driving her up the wall, feeling close already. She knew she wouldn‘t last too long but she didn’t care, she felt amazing.

His fingers made quick work of her pants, tugging the tight jeans off her legs revealing her pale yellow, lace panties that were sticky with her arousal, slippery even through the fabric, so much so she was dripping down her thighs. “Christ pet…look at you, making a mess huh? Who got you this wet sweetheart?” “Y-you, god you Harry please touch me, please it’s aching now” her pleads had his eyes rolling back, hooking his thumbs into her waistband and dragging them off her body, shamelessly bringing the crotch of her underwear up to his face to inhale her scent and suck her juice off the lace.

His senses were on high alert while he did it, he swears he could feel every nerve in his body tingling, every taste bud on his tongue dancing with her sweet, heady slickness. Her panties were shoved into his back pocket, deciding he’d keep them for later when he tugs his cock when he can’t sleep, he wanted to smell her pussy while he thought of her.

Soon, his body was situated stomach down on the couch, face level with her dripping quivering heat, his fingers running over the trimmed pubic hair she chose to keep on her mound, his other hand tracing the shape of her sex, teasing her, watching her pussy quiver every time he ghosted over her split lips her hips shaking as he finally gave her what she wanted, he went nose deep between her pretty lips breathing her in as he lapped at her core. He had to pin her hips down, her sensitive womanhood being serviced by his tongue was making her body jolt and buck into the air, and he wouldn’t have that. No, he was going to keep his mouth attached to her peach as long as he could. He was like an addict taking a hit while he was between her legs, his drug of choice was definitely Y/n .

“H-harry oh shit! O-oh god I f-feel it my tummy, i-im go-gonna… Harry I’m gonna cum!” her voice wavered as she took in frantic breaths, one hand tugging his hair harshly the other toying with her nipples. Harry replied only with a grunt and a speeding of his tongue on her clit, using his thumb to pull her hood back so he had direct access to the bundle of nerves she had tucked between her legs, and soon enough she was convulsing, dribbling down his chin and gasping for air like a fish out of water. She was a quivering mess as he sucked her juices right from the source, not letting up till she had to push his head away, snapping her thighs shut from the over stimulation. Letting himself linger over her watching her face a she drowned in pleasure, pleasure he gave her.

His thumbs gently rubbed against the apples of her cheeks while he watched her try to even out her breathing, her lips trembling a little from how intense she’d just came. “My pretty girl, hi sweetness I see you there. C’mon come back to me, deep breaths you’re alright. Are these good tears bunny? Felt so good made your eyes water? Good, that’s okay, don’t worry it can happen. You did such a good job tonight sweetheart. Proud of ya’, look so beautiful could stare at you forever. Open your eyes princess, eyes on mine wanna see my girl, there you go..”

Y/n used all the strength she had left to look back at Harry, her eyes misty from the intensity and her body trembling under him, “You okay love? Just a bit overwhelmed huh?” she nodded, swallowing harshly trying to wet her dry throat after all the moaning and screaming she’d done. “F-felt go-good, liked it h-harry” she couldn’t help the stutter from her shaky jaw, but Harry didn’t mind. He stared down at his girl with so much love and adoration, she had never felt better.

“I’m glad honey, can do it for you any time you want, yea? Lets go inside, wanna get cleaned up? Can go to bed then, see you’re all sleepy now huh? Cmon, think we’ve celebrated this anniversary right. Can’t wait till next month.”

[lousimusician]

Trying To Adjust (Part 2)

Pairing: Frat!Tom Holland x Reader

Summary: Tom deals with the aftermath of your breakup

Word Count: 1.9k

Warnings: none

——————————————

Ever since the party, Tom had been having a rough time with what had happened.

And he was finding it harder to get along with his friends, now that he realized that most of them, other than Harrison, were assholes.

Tom really liked you, like really liked you.

The two of you had met during one of your projects. The school was holding a film festival and you were going to be directing your own film and since Tom was an acting major, he turned up at the audition.

You absolutely loved his performance and immediately said yes.

And naturally, since you and Tom would be working so closely, he flirted with you for a bit, and you flirted back, but once he asked you out, you turned him down.

It had been a huge hit to his ego, and from there he had been pretty determined to take you out. But after you had first turned him down, all of his following advancements were ignored.

After a month he had given up. And he was glad he did because once he started focusing more on the film and work, he had realized just how passionate you were about film.

And he admired it greatly.

He loved how determined you were about directing and writing, that after a certain day of shooting he looked up all of your past projects he found on your YouTube channel and watched them all. And not only that he ended up practically stalking you on every social media website you had.

And from there he was completely head over heels for you.

It was something he had never felt before. He had no desire to be in a serious relationship until you came along.

He stopped sleeping with girls because he honestly didn’t care about them anymore and he went back to trying to ask you out, but in a more easygoing way as to not come off strong anymore.

And at the end of the month, you agreed to go out with him.

If only Tom hadn’t been so clueless to the concept of dating, then you wouldn’t have broken up in the messy way you had.

And now with every passing day, Tom was missing you more and more.

The only problem was that he had no idea how to talk to you again after what happened.

Which is why complaining to Harrison all day and night was what he resorted to—

“Do you think she misses me?” Tom asked, staring up at the ceiling.

”Nope.” Harrison said, popping the ‘p’.

At this point Harrison had just started saying anything he wanted to since Tom was refusing to listen anyway. But as long as he could finish this damn paper by tonight, he didn’t really care too much about Tom’s woes.

”You know I blew her off 8 times? I even stood her up on two of those occasions.” He sighed.

”Uh-huh— you were an awful boyfriend,” he said typing away.

”God, what’s wrong with me,” he said, sitting up and looking to Harrison.

He looked up from his laptop, “What? Like you want a list or something?”

”C’mon Haz! I’m serious!”

Harrison rolled his eyes, “You were too consumed with what everyone thought of you. That, and you never had the attention span to focus on one girl for long periods of time anyway.” He said, going back to typing.

Tom fell back onto his bed, exasperated. “She probably hates me.”

And we were back to not taking Harrison’s actual criticisms.

”Not probably— she most definitely hates you.”

”I wonder how she’s doing.”

”Probably a lot better since the breakup.”

”What should I do?”

”Nothing, suck it up and fuck her roommate.”

”How could I have messed up so bad— my first ever relationship!”

”Because you self-sabotage and you’re destined to be alone forever.”

”Ugh, what am I gonna do?”

”Already told you, move on and fuck her roommate.”

”What?”

Harrison looked over his laptop and at Tom who was staring back at him, “What, finally decided to listen to me?”

”I’m serious!”

”Fine. You know what you should do? You should go find her, apologize and beg on your knees for her to take you back. Promise her you’ll be a better boyfriend and follow through on that promise. That is what you should do.”

”I can’t, it’ll never work,” he groaned.

Harrison sighed and shook his head, turning back to his paper.

————

“So Victoria told me she was interested in being apart of your next film,” Elizabeth told you, as she sat watching something on her laptop on top of her bed.

”Really? That’s awesome, she’s a business major right?” You asked, in the middle of some writing homework.

”Yeah, said she has a passion for acting, but her parents forced her to go the business route.

You hummed, “Well tell her I’m holding auditions next week.”

She nodded, “Of course.”

The two of you groaned upon hearing someone knock at the door, “Not it.” You quickly said, making Elizabeth have to go up and answer it.

”Whatever,” she grumbled, hopping off the bed and going to answer the door.

She swung it open to see Harrison standing in front of her, but you couldn’t see who it was, “Yes?” She asked.

”(Y/N) here?”

She promptly turned to you, “It’s for you,” she said before going back to her bed.

You sighed, throwing your laptop to the side and climbing off the bed, “Yea- oh hi Harrison,” you greeted upon seeing him, “How’d you get up here?”

He shook his head, “Got a friend to sign me in- look-“

”Is this about next week’s auditions?” You asked, cutting him off. Harrison was a usual in the audition room, and he had made it into a couple of your projects, “Because everything is posted in Webson Hall-“

”No, this is about Tom,” he rushed out, over you.

”Tom?” You pouted, “Then I’m not interested, see ya,” you were about to close the door when Harrison stopped it, “Whaaaat?” You groaned.

“The two of you need to talk, he’s been nothing but whining and complaining for the last week and I’m starting to lose patience with him.”

You rolled your eyes, “Why? I thought and I quote ‘I was overbearing and bitchy’.”

He scoffed, “He was obviously talking out of his ass. He’s crazy about you.”

”Not crazy enough apparently.”

”(Y/N) I’m serious. Just talk to him, you’ll see how much he misses you.”

”And if I don’t?” You quirked an eyebrow.

”Then I’ll,” he paused, “I’ll um-“

You laughed, “You’ve got nothing. See you at auditions,” you waved, before shutting the door on him.

Harrison sighed and leaned his head against your door.

And then suddenly and idea struck him.

”That’s it.”

With that, he was running down the hall back to his frat house.

~~~~~~~

You stretched in your seat. Audition day had finally showed up.

Honestly you were never a huge fan of watching a million auditions every time (your work had been getting more and more popular around campus, so auditions tended to be a pretty big turn out). A lot of the time they were mentally exhausting, you’d be surprised by the amount of actors that chose dramatic monologues over comedic.

But now you were already 15 auditions in with 5 more to go, and you were pretty sure you already had your cast now but you still needed to see the others.

“Alright, send them in!” Alyssa shouted, to Eric who had been letting in the actors.

Alyssa and Eric were always crew members on your projects and usually helped you decide cast members.

You had been scribbling something down when the next actor stood by the chair that was provided for each audition in front of you two.

”Go ahead,” Alyssa said, and you finally looked up.

Your eyes widened.

What the fuck?

“Tom, what the hell are you doing here?” You asked in annoyance, shaking your head.

He stared at you like a deer in the headlights, “Um... auditioning?”

”Did Harrison put you up to this?”

”...Maybe?”

You rolled your eyes again, “Whatever, you can leave.”

”No,” he stated more firmly, “I want to audition.”

You looked over at Alyssa who just shrugged her shoulders.

”Fine,” you said with a wave of your hand, “Go ahead.”

He cleared his voice, “My name is Tom Holland and I will be performing a monologue that I wrote. I will be reading for the character uh- Tim who is apologizing to his ex-girlfriend for something stupid he did.”

”Oh my god,” you hissed, sinking into your seat, already cringing.

He cleared his throat again, “Okay look, you know I’m bad with words so I’m just gonna come out and say it. I fucked up... but you already know that. For years I’ve been living in this bubble where I had my own views on dating and now I realize how warped they really are. I don’t know how to be a good boyfriend— and there’s a really good chance I’ll have trouble figuring it out, but.... what I do know, is that if you decide to take me back I will try my fucking hardest to be the best goddamn boyfriend you will ever have, even if that means I have to drop my asshole friends— who really were never that great so I don’t know why I ever chose them over you. But I like you so fucking much and that’s something that has never ever happened for me, so it kills me every single day knowing I screwed up a relationship with the only girl I ever really liked. You are one of the most talented and passionate people I have ever met, and I think you are absolutely gorgeous inside and out. So it would mean the world to me if you even as much as considered taking me back, and if you do, I promise I will do everything I can to make you happy. And if it means anything, I wasn’t lying when I said I never cheated on you and even after we broke up I couldn’t even think about another girl, also...... I don’t think you’re overbearing or bitchy.”

Silence filled the room before you spoke, “Y’know, with these auditions you’re usually expected to act.”

”Yeah I was wondering if you were gonna catch that,” he tried to joke, but kept bouncing on the balls of his feet, showing how nervous he was.

You ran a hand through your hair and sighed.

You figured if he was this willing to do something as silly as this, that maybe he really was willing to change.

You placed your clipboard aside and stood up. You walked over to him until you stood right in front of him.

”You gonna start answering my texts?”

His eyes immediately lit up, “Yes! Yes, of course.”

”You really gonna stop hanging out with those jerks? Except for Harrison, he’s the only one I like.”

”Yeah, he’s honestly the only one I like too.”

You nodded, “Then, can we go to that movie we planned a couple weeks ago?”

He grinned so big, you were sure it probably hurt, but you weren’t able to fight the smile off your face either.

Tom suddenly pulled you into him, wrapping his arms around you, “Of course darling, anything for you.”

You hugged him back tightly, “Good. Then stay here for the rest of the auditions.”

”Alright,” he agreed, pulling back. “By the way... did you really sleep with Aaron?”

You shook your head, “Nah, I paid him to hide in his room for a half hour to make everyone think I did.”

“Sneaky,” He laughed, shaking his head at you, “But thank god, because from here on out, you’re mine.”

——————————————

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[hypmic-writings]

What about 6 with a fluffy scenario between Ichiro and a female s/o?

I have no idea what happened, I just started writing and then I couldn’t stop and it just kept going?? Anyways, this is like a school!au so I hope that’s okay. Also, I threw Samatoki in it because I like their bromance. I’m sorry but I HOPE YOU LIKE IT! 

6. “Oh my God! You’re in love with him/her!”

 --

You flipped the pencil in your hand back and forth as you stared at the chalkboard ahead of you. It was the last period of the day but it somehow always managed to seem like the longest. The clock had barely moved and the more you looked at it, the slower it ticked.

You glanced to your right at your best friend and she looked back at you with a bored look, causing you to suppress a chuckle. She glanced at the professor before jotting something down on a piece of paper and handing it to you. You quickly grabbed it and hid it in your lap.

‘Were you daydreaming about him again?’ it wrote, with a little drawing of a winky face in the corner. You heart skipped a beat and you bit your lip but you quickly glanced at her and rolled your eyes, shaking your head.

Moments later, another piece of paper was placed on your desk.

‘I think he’s looking at you…’

You nervously looked up from the piece of paper back to the board ahead of you. Ever so slowly you turned to the left and quickly flicked your eyes to the back corner of the room.

Sure enough, for a split second, your eyes met those of Ichiro Yamada causing you to shoot back around and glue your eyes to the board. Why was he looking at you? But did that even matter? Even that minor interaction sent your heart beating in your chest and you, once again, bit back a smile.

As the bell rang, you tucked your books away in your bag and stood up, stretching slightly. You glanced up to watch your classmates leave and you dared to bring your gaze to Ichiro’s direction to see him walk out the door with his friends.

“Well that was fun,” your friend said, winking at you. You brushed her off and walked out of the room with her.

“If you’re talking about...him…he was probably only looking at us because we were trading notes during class,” you stated, trying to be realistic.

“No way! First off, even if that’s true, he was looking at you, not me. And secondly, didn’t you guys have a class together last year too? He definitely knows you so I don’t get why you don’t just ask him out already,” she pouted, leaning against your locker as you put away your things.

“No way, he’s too cool for me,” you chuckled, slightly disappointed. Your friend sighed and shook her head.

“You’re so into him, I’ll never understand,” she said. “Although I don’t know why you’d go for Ichiro anyways when Samatoki is clearly the more attractive of the two…” she trailed off as you gasped dramatically and grabbed her arm.

“Now that’s just incorrect,” you said, laughing as the two of you walked out of the school.

“Wanna get some food today? Our ramen place is having that sale, remember?”

--

“Seriously dude, what the fuck?”

Ichiro snapped back into reality as he looked at Samatoki. His friend was looking at him with crossed arms and raised eyebrows and Ichiro tried to recall what Samatoki had been talking about.

“Uh…sorry, what were you talking about?” he asked, chuckling with a meek smile. Samatoki scowled and smacked Ichiro on the shoulder.

“Hey! Pay attention, will ya!” he growled, shoving his hands in his pockets and turning away from Ichiro. “I was saying I’m starving. Let’s eat.”

“Oh, yea okay, I’m down,” Ichiro piped in, smiling. Samatoki narrowed his eyes and glared at the him.

“What’s wrong with you lately? You’ve been totally out of it,” Samatoki grumbled, pulling out a pack of cigarettes and beginning to light one. Ichiro shook his head at his friend, putting his arms behind his head.

“Those things will kill you, ya know,” he said, seriously. Samatoki clicked his tongue and took a puff.

“Don’t change the subject, you bastard,” he retorted. Ichiro chuckled weakly but said nothing as the pair continued to walk down the street. Samatoki suddenly stopped and turned to Ichiro.

“Oh my fucking god, please don’t tell me this is because of that girl,” Samatoki said threateningly. Ichiro avoided his friend’s gaze and shrugged his shoulders.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said casually.

“Y/N! The one you’re obsessed with!” Samatoki shouted. Ichiro hastily covered Samatoki’s mouth and looked around.      

“You don’t have to scream it!” Ichiro berated.

“Oh my god, you’re in love with her,” he remarked, smirking. “That honestly makes so much sense.”

“Shut up, I’m not in love,” Ichiro retorted with a frown.

It was true though; you were the reason that Ichiro had been out of sorts lately. Although he had known you since last year, it was only recently that you had really caught his eye. He first began to take notice when you would pass notes to your friend in class. The way you laughed when you read something funny. The way you sneakily tried to hide them from the teacher. They were all endearing and Ichiro found you interesting.

The two of you had had some small conversations before, but only ever in groups or for class purposes.

Ichiro wanted to know more about you. He wanted to know what your interests were and what your hobbies were. Now it was just a matter of finding the right time to ask you out.

“Whatever. You’re a goddamn lovesick puppy and I’m starving…I think that ramen place is having a sale…”

--

“This is so good, why is this so good?” your friend cried, slurping her ramen happily as you nodded and followed in suit.

“This place is really the best,” you added, taking a sip of your drink. This was a usual spot you and your friend came to after school. It was small enough to where not many people knew about it, but still big enough that you could sit comfortably and eat. Although it was a bit more busy today as word of the sale had gotten around.

“Uh…Y/N?” your friend whispered suddenly.

You glanced at her with confusion as she frantically waved towards the door. Looking over, you nearly choked on your drink as you watched Ichiro and Samatoki walk into the restaurant.

The pair looked around the restaurant and, for the second time that day, you locked eyes with Ichiro. He was looking at you with surprise and you held his gaze for a moment before you began to feel the heat rush to your face. You quickly turned back to your ramen, realizing that you had been holding your breath the whole time.

“This is perfect!” your friend chirped.

“This is horrible,” you hissed back. “This is our safe place! How are we supposed to talk about how much we like them behind their backs if they’re sitting right there?” you cried out, frantically.

“Oh come on, we’re in their class! Of course they know us,” your friend said, shaking her hand to you in dismissal. She waved over to them and you saw Samatoki smirk as he grabbed Ichiro by the arm and dragged him to the table. You brought your gaze down to your hands and took a deep breath

“Hey guys! Are you here for the sale too?” your friend said, nodding for them to sit. You glanced up and looked at the two boys now seated before you.

“Yea, the food here’s great,” Ichiro said as he gave you a friendly smile that made your heart nearly stop beating. You nervously smiled back at him as you mustered up the courage to say something.

“Class today was rough, huh?” you asked, poking at your ramen slightly.

Ichiro nodded in agreement and began to talk about the professor and how much different it was from last year. You quickly slipped into conversation with him and, after the first few minutes, found that he was actually quite easy to talk to. Throughout the conversation you made sure to not stare too much at him, for fear that you would get distracted and stumble over your words.  

“Hey lovebirds, their closing up. Let’s go,” Samatoki said, knocking on the table. You blushed at his words and averted your eyes from Ichiro’s, but heard him laugh.

“Wow, it got so late so fast,” he said, standing up from the table. You followed him, grabbing your bag as you walked together to the door. Your friend and Samatoki were already outside and you made for the door when Ichiro suddenly grabbed your hand.

At his touch, you nervously smiled and blushed for what seemed like the millionth time that night.

“Hey, I know this is kind of sudden, but do you want to come to the festival with me this weekend?” Ichiro said, smiling down at you with an ever so soft pink tinted on his cheeks. “Ah, I promised my brothers I’d go with them and I think a couple other people will be there too…you could invite your friends too,” he hastily added, chuckling nervously. The last thing he wanted was to make you uncomfortable or feel like you had to come alone.

Your eyes widened at his request, and you hesitated for a moment to make sure this was real and not a dream. Once you decided that your crush was in fact asking you out, you broke out into a smile and nodded fervently.

“Yes, I’d love that!” you exclaimed, happily. Ichiro gave you a relieved smile and nodded in understanding.

“Great! Here, take my number so I can text you the details,” he said, pulling out his phone. You ecstatically pulled yours out and swapped with him, entering the data into your phone as Ichiro held the door open for you.

You walked out into the cool night air and over to your friend who was giving you a knowing look. You smiled at her, pressing your lips together before turning back to Ichiro.

“This was fun, let’s do it again, okay?” your friend called out. Samatoki held up his hand with a grunt while Ichiro gave you a wide grin and a wave.

“See you later! Y/N, make sure to text me, okay?” he called out. You smiled and nodded, holding up your phone to him as they walked off.

Your friend quickly took your hands in your own and squealed in delight. You quickly told her all about the conversation you had with Ichiro after she had left the restaurant and she hugged you tightly.

“I told you he liked you!” she cheered. “Ugh, and you were so in love with him. Please don’t ever doubt me again,” she added with a smirk. You tried to feign annoyance but were far too pleased with tonight’s turn of events to do so.

Now, if only you had something to wear to the festival…

[whymylife-101]

Pen...Pals? ~Kenma Kozume X Reader~

Description-

Okay, so @OIKAWAS (on wattpad) originally made this idea/plot, but I really liked it and (for the time being) they discontinued it, which was really sad to me because I feel like they got Kenma's personality down really well! (Though I do understand why they did it and completely respect their decision) So I just kinda thought I'd put my own little spin on it! Okay, thanks for reading and i hope you enjoy!(This book and all my other ones are gender neutral, I don't like excluding people so if I do make a mistake anywhere then please let me know!) (Also, any art in this book is not mine! I'm not sure who most of the artists are because I got the pictures off of google, but if you do know please tell me so I can give the proper credit!) -Started; March 30th, 2020 (3/30/2020) -Finished; March 30th, 2020 (3/30/2020)

Chapter One;

~Reader's POV~

I walked into class and sat in my desk next to one of my best friends. "Hey.." I yawned out, rubbing my eyes. "Did you stay up late playing video games?" (F/n) questioned with an eyebrow raised. "I didn't say up that late." I told them truthfully. "You say that every time." They told me, rolling their eyes with a small smile on their face.

The teacher walked in as our conversation came to a close. "Alright." The teacher started. "Because in this unit we are going more in depth about Japanese history and we already studied the culture, I thought it would be a fun idea to get a first hand experience with some of the kids that live in Japan. I was lucky enough to get Nekoma High School to agree."

At this, some people started to murmur about how cool and excited this would be. The teacher cleared her throat to get the classes attention and to signify that she wasn't done talking. "Make sure that your letters are appropriate and don't share any personal Information. I will mail them by the end of this week and yes, they are for a grade."

The kid in front of me raised their hand. "Mrs, do we write in English?" The teacher nodded her head as she picked up a tiny box. "Any other questions?" When no one raised their hands or called out, she then proceeded to explain what the box was for.

"Now then, I'm going to walk around and your going to pick out a name from the box. Then I want you to get started on you letters." She walked around to everyone's desk, and everyone pulled out a random strip of paper.

When she got to my desk I put my hand in a grabbed the first piece I touched the pulled it out quickly. "Hey, who did you get?" (F/n) asked. "I got Kenma Kozume, who did you get?" I asked. "Fukunaga Shohei." They said, pronouncing it very slowly while trying to sound it out. I giggled slightly. "Maybe you should ask him how to pronounce his name." "Oh shush!" My friends said, lightly hitting my shoulder.

"Okay class, start working on your letters." My teacher said as she put the box beside her desk and started to grade papers. I took some lined paper out of my bag and began to write my letter.

When the bell rang I had a little more than a full page done. I had written a little bit about me, what I look like, and some cool places I've been to that were near me. I had also asked him some questions about himself and Japan.

I gave the letter to my teacher as I headed out the door with (F/n) right behind me. "Hey (Y/N), what do you think your pen pal is going to look like?" They asked as we pulled up her our lockers. "I don't know, you have any idea about yours?" I asked back. "Well they say people with difficult names are hotter." My friend said, making me laugh. "That's such a weird stereotype, where did you even hear it from?"

"W-well, there's this YouTube channel-!" My friend started, but I interrupted them. "And your really going to trust some nut-job on the Internet?" (F/n) crossed their arms. "At least I try to search up informational things in my free time." "Touché." I once again laughed as we made our way to the lunch room.

"So you think your pen pal is going to be hot?" I questioned, making them blush. "S-shush!" Once again I laughed as (F/n)'s face exploded in a blush. "I can't say I know for sure what my pen pal is going to look like, but I hope they like video games."

"What, you want them to send you over some Japanese exclusive games?" (F/n) said sarcastically. "That wasn't the intent purpose, but I suppose I wouldn't go against the idea. I just thought we could bond over video games." I hummed out.

"Hey!" I heard (f/2) (that means friend number 2) say as they sat down at our little table. Me and (f/n) gave our own versions of a hello. "Hey, you did the pen pal thing last year right?" (F/n) questioned, making (f/2) nod their head.

"Yea, are you guys doing that now?" I nodded my head. "Oh that's so cool! Ya know, I still talk to my pen pal. His name is Kuroo Tetaurō." (F/2) said. "Oh wow, you guys still do the pen pal thing?" (F/n) asked. "Oh no, we exchanged numbers towards the end." (F/2) laughed out.

We continued to talk about the pen pal stuff and (F/2) told us what we should expect going into it. After lunch was over me and (F/n) dumped our trays and said goodbye to (F/2).

"Are you excited to get a letter back?" (F/n) asked me. "A little, you?" I questioned back. "A little." They said, copying me, making me laugh. "Okay, lets get to class."' I told them, rolling my eyes.

Chapter Two;

~Kenma's POV~

I sat in class, sneakily pulling my phone out to play Pocket Camp, class hadn't started yet and I really had nothing better to do. A few minutes past and Fukunaga had sat behind me. "Hey Kozume." I gave a hum in response.

"What are you playing?" He asked, trying to take a look at my phone. "Pocket Camp." My tone was dull as I continued to try and complete my missions and stuff that I needed to do for Bob and Rosie.

The bell rang throughout the halls which could be heard from inside the classroom, signaling me to put my phone away so I wouldn't get in detention and have to run extra laps at volleyball practice. Once I slid my phone in my pocket the teacher walked in with a box and a lesson plan in hand. "Good morning class."

"Good morning." Me and everyone had said back. "Today we are going to be doing something different. Because we have been learning about a ton of other countries, a school from (insert where you live) reached out and asked if we could do a "pen pal" type of activity. That way you guys can learn about the place first hand from someone that lives there, and you can tell your pen pal how it is here."

"Now your pen pals have already been assigned and they have already written a letter to you. I have this box with me, and I'm going to go around and hand out everyone's letters." After he finished he grabbed the box and started to walk around. Eventually the teacher got around to my desk, he quickly shuffled through the letters and found the one addressed to me.

"Hey Kozume, who'd your say it's from?" Fukunaga asked as he looked down at his paper. "Umm... (L/N), (Y/N).... you?" "(F/LN) (friends last name), (F/n)." He answered. I nodded my head, fixing to pull out my phone again when the teacher had asked us if we had any questions. The girl in front of me raised her hand. "Are we writing in Japanese?" The teacher shook his head. "No english." Another student then raised a hand.

"Are we aloud to send pictures?" "As long as they are appropriate, any other questions?" When no one raised their hands the teacher told us to start reading the letters and once we finished to start working on our letters that we'd give back, and that they'd be due by the end of this school week. On that note we started to read/write our letters.

About half of the class consisted of me writing something down and erasing it not long after, so all I had was:

'Dear (L/ N), (F/ N)

My name in Kozume Kenma.'

Sighing out of frustration i looked behind me, catching Fukunaga attention. "Umm... how do we start the letters?" I asked, scratching the back of my neck in embarrassment. "Well," Fukunaga started. "I introduced myself, told them how to pronounce my name, and told them to call me by my surname. I started to list some things about me and I told them

I would have pictures of different places that most tourist would want to see when visiting. Oh! And I also described what I looked like. But I also answered some of their questions two."

I nodded my head and thanked him, then turned back around to finish my paper. When the bell rang I had a little under a half of my page full. I sighed, and put it in my book bag so I could finish it at home and get the pictures I needed.

I quickly pulled out my phone and slung my bag over my shoulder as I made my way out of the classroom and into the hallway with Fukunaga by my side. We both walked until we got to class 2-3 where Yamamoto was and waited for him so we could walk to our club together.

Once Yamamoto came out, him and Fukunaga started chatting while I was silent, playing on my phone. I was just fixing to beat a new level on my game when suddenly I could feel a hand wrap around my shoulders, which caused me to glance to me side to see Kuroo. "Hey shorty." "I'm not that much shorter." I told him plainly as I continued to play my game, as we walked into the changing rooms.

I didn't take a second to glance around me, and instead sat down on one of the benches as I was trying to hurry and finish the level. Which I successfully did. A sigh of relive slipped through my lips as they tugged up into a small smile. "Hey Kenma? Hurry up and change or coach is going to make you run extra laps." At Kuroo's works I slid my phone in my bag and started to change into my volleyball uniform.

-

I walked out of the changing rooms after practice with my phone in hand and Kuroo by my side. He was talking about his day and some of his classmates as a made a few comments here and there. Suddenly, Kuroo stopped talking as his phone buzzed.

He quickly pulled his phone out and started to type to the person, a smile coming across his face. "Awfully quiet on your end." I noted, not taking my eyes off my game. "Well, (f/2) is texting me." He chuckled. "Come to think of it, it was around this quarter that I first got a letter from (f/2). Are you guys doing that pen pal thing?"

I nodded my head and gave a hum. "Who did you get?" "Uhhh... I think the last name was (L/N)?" Kuroo nodded his head and started typing something on his phone, a few minutes later he gave off this devilish smirk. "Is something funny?"

Kuroo gave off a chuckle. "It's nothing." He said as we continued walking until we came to my house. We both waved goodbye and I quickly unlocked my door, trying not to lose my level. I then walked inside and closed the door with my foot, haphazardly kicking my shoes off in the process. I then walked up the stairs and into my room, shutting the door the same way I did downstairs, then plopped on my bed.

I quickly finished the level and set my phone down. "I should probably try and add something to the letter... and get some pictures..." I told myself quietly as I got up and got back to work.

Chapter Three;

~Reader's POV~

It's been about a week since we turned in our letters and our teacher had the letters from our pen pals ready for us to read. On the envelopes they made us write who they were to and who they were from.

When the teacher called my name, I came up and grabbed the envelope and sat down at my desk. Once we got our envelopes we where told to wait until everyone had gotten theirs so that way we could all open them together and there wasn't a bunch of noise as she was trying to pass out the envelopes.

I couldn't help but feel butterflies in my tummy at the thought of what my pen pal could be like.  Would they have similar interests that i have? Would they be the polar opposite of me? What did they look like? These thoughts and millions of other swarmed my head.

That was until the last person got theirs, she told us we could read them and then write a response back, and that they were again, due at the end of the week.

I opened the envelope neatly, unlike some people that chose to just tear them open. Once I opened it I started to read it to myself.

'Dear (L/N), (Y/N)

My name in Kozume Kenma (Ko-zoom-e Ken-ma), but please call me Kozume. I live in Tokyo Japan and go to school at Nekoma High, but you probably already knew that. I'm on my schools volleyball team and in my free time I like to play video games (some of my favorites are Pocket Camp and Mario Cart). I find it hard to describe things so I decided I would just put a couple of photos of me and my volleyball team in the envelope two (I'm the one with the black hair fading into blond). In Tokyo there is mainly a lot of food stands/shops, and a ton of stuff for tourists, I'm sorry, but I really don't know how to describe it. If there's anything in particular you wanted to see I could always take a picture. I'm not really a social person so I apologize for the lack of writing.

  -Sincerely, Kozume Kenma.'

I looked towards my friend to see they got a whole two pages, front and back, while I barley got even a full page of writing. "Wow..." I said quietly to myself. I decided that I would go ahead and look inside the envelope for the pictures that Kozume said he sent.

I saw some miniature pictures in the bottom and took them out, the first one was a picture of the whole Nekoma volleyball team, It wasn't hard to find Kozume because he was the only male with the hair colors he described. He was also the only one holding his phone and looking down at it.

I then looked at the next photo to see it was one of him and a guy with bedhead. Kozume wasn't looking down this time, instead, he stared straight at the camera with a small smile as the bed-headed male gave him bunny ears.

The next, and last photo was of just Kozume, he was standing on the side walk, and was glancing up at the person taking the photo with a phone in his hands. Unlike the other ones, where he was in his team uniform, he was actually wearing casual clothes.

When I put the photos down I could feel some heat making its way to my cheeks. I wouldn't deny that Kozume was fairly attractive, but the thought of the semester being over and him being nothing more than a faint memory kept me from thinking about it to much, instead, I focused on writing another letter.

I couldn't think of much to write about, I just asked him who the bed haired male was, told him some video games that I enjoyed, I also told him what club I was in and told him I also would send photos of me and some places around the city.

The bell rang and I decided I would put my note in my bag so I can get the pictures I needed (Im sorry if this feels repetitive). I again made my way to lunch with (F/n) and (F/2).

"So (Y/N), do you have anything in common with your pen pal?" I paused the game I was playing and looked up at (F/2), slightly blushing at the thought of Kozume, though it went unnoticed to the two in front of me. "Yea, we both like video games, and I found out he had a Pocket Camp account."

"Oooh~ Are you going to give him your friend code~!" (F/n) tried to tease me, but I just unpaused the game and ignored them. "Aww come on! Don't do us dirty like that!" I continued to play my game and try to block out my friends. I could hear one of them puff out a short breath of air, meaning they were going to tease me more, but thankfully the bell came to my rescue, and I quickly got up to leave and go to my class.

-

At the end of the day I was walking home with (F/n) and (F/2). They were talking while I was playing a video game on my phone. "Hey (Y/N), how did you respond to your pen pal?"

I quickly looked up from my game to glance at my friends (who had smug faces) and back down at it again. "I wrote a little about video games and the city here... I also told him I'd include pictures like he did."

"Ohh! So he sent you pictures! Is he good looking!?" (F/n) shouted, making a light blush spread across my cheeks. "Uhhh... idk. You can be the judge of that.." I took out the letter in my bag and handed it to my friends. "He's the one with the blond hair and dark roots."

I heard (F/n) giggle at the male in the picture. Suddenly, (F/2) gasped. "Hey! That was my pen pal last year!" I quickly glanced up from my game again to see they were looking at the second photo and (F/2) had pointed at the male with bed hair. "Oh yea... I was wondering what his name was." I told them as my eyes went back to my phone.

"It's Kuroo!" (F/2) was looking at the photo and stared at the "Kuroo" guy with a dark blush. "Ah, the one you like." I paused my game to see their reaction, and it was priceless. Their face lit up an even darker shade of red that spread to the tip of their ears.

"Hey! We're at your house! Don't you think your mother wants you home?!" (F/2) quickly said, trying to get me to stop teasing them. "Guess we are." I said, taking the letter and photos back from my friends and headed inside.

When I got home I immediately went to my room so I could print off some pictures of myself. I found a few of me, (F/n) and (F/2) and printed them. After words I put them in the envelope and tried to finish my letter.

-

I heard a knock on my door as I was putting the letter in the envelope. "(Y/N), dinner is almost ready." I heard my mother's voice as she opened the door. "Okay, do you mind if I go take some pictures real quick for a school assignment?" I asked, taking my phone off of the charger. "Sure dear, just be back in 30ish minutes okay?" I nodded my head, and said a quick "yes ma'am" as I put my shoes on.

My mom left, to where I assume to be the kitchen, as gathered my things. I quickly plugged in my headphones to my phone and made my way downstairs. I then made my way around town and took quick pictures of some things that I typically see tourists go to.

When I was finished I made my way home, my mother telling me I was just in time for dinner. I quickly ate, telling my mom it was delicious as always, and then made my way upstairs. I hooked my phone to my computer and downloaded the photos I took. After a few hours of it downloading I was finally able to print off the ones I liked and put them in a separate envelope. 'Finally I can go to sleep.' I thought to myself as my body was finally able to hit the bed.

Chapter Four;

~Kenma's POV~

When I woke up I had realized that I woke up extremely late and I missed half of my classes. At this realization I rushed myself to the bathroom to get dressed and quickly checked to make sure I had everything before running out the door.

I pulled out my phone while running to see that it was already 10:27. 'Shit... I'm not going to make it in time to receive my letter!' I haphazardly  threw my phone in my pocket and continued running.

At some point I skidded to a stop in front of my classroom. I was panting from running all the way here, so I took a second to regroup myself before I decided to knock on the door. I adjusted my tie and smoothed out my school uniform a little before lifting my hand, but just as I was about to make contact with the door, the bell rang and students started to file out of the rooms and into the hallways.

I stepped back to give the ones leaving some space. "Ahh, Kozume! You were late today." I could hear Fukunaga say as he exited. "I have your letters, I was planning on giving them to Kuroo, so he could leave it at your house, but I guess your here now." He told me, holding out a white envelope and a bigger orange/yellow one for me to grab. "Thank you."

I was still taking shallow breaths as sweat gathered on my temple, so it was no shock that Fukunaga noticed and made a comment about it. "The last time you were this tired was when you skipped practice because of a video game and coach made you run the entire practice. Where you really that eager to get your letter?"

At this a light blush came to my face. "No. I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss all of my classes and that coach wouldn't make me do that again." I told the male, referencing to the first, and last time I'd ever skip practice.

"Was it worth it?" Fukunaga asked as we started to walk. "No." I answered quickly while scrunching up my face at the thought, making Fukunaga laugh.

-

When I got home I made my way to my room and got the two envelopes out of my bag. I opened them quickly but made sure to not rip or tear anything.

After I read the note I took the photos out of the white envelopes first. When I saw the person I was pen pals with I could feel what raise to my cheeks and the corners of my lips tug into a small smile.

The first picture was of (L/N) and two of their friends. (L/N) was in the middle and held up a peace sign with a bright smile, while the one on the left held bunny fingers behind (L/N)'s head, and lastly the friends on the right had a small smile while they took the photo.

The second picture was only of (L/N), they were standing on side was as they covered the bottom half of their face, poorly hiding a blush, as they looked off to the side. This picture in particular made my small smile stretch a little into a grin.

The third photo made my smile instantly fall. This one had (L/N) and another male in the photo. In this one they were yelling at the male while he laughed at them. I felt some anger slowly form in the pit of my stomach. The first thought I had was that this was (L/N)'s boyfriend, which made the anger rise a tad more.

But then referencing to the letter, they said, as quoted, they took some pictures of themselves and "some of my friends" I quickly looked back at the letter to make sure that I didn't skip over anything, and referencing back they didn't say anything about a boyfriend. This made me relax a little, so I dismissed the option that it was their boyfriend as there was no evidence.

I picked up the yellow/orange envelope, opening it. Inside we're five pictures this time.

The first one was of a statue that has a little golden plaque near it, the statue itself was of a older looking man with a cane, just like the plaque the man was golden as well.

The second photo related to the first one, as it was a closer look of the plaque. As I read it, it explained how the statue was of the man that had founded their country.

The third photo was of a really nice looking castle. There was a little note at the bottom of the letter that said that this was where the man from the first picture had lived, and that both of these were a really big spot for tourists.

The fourth photo was at the castle again, except this time (L/N), the two friends from the first photo, and the male from the last one, were by one of the many knight armor that was lining the walls. They all made funny faces at the camera, looking like they were having a good time.

The fifth photo was one that made my blood boil. It was in the same spot at the last, but this time the male had leaned really close to (L/N) with his lips pressed against their cheek. He had a light blush on his face while (Y/N) had a huge one on theirs while their eyes were also wide open.

I couldn't help but glare at the photo that was currently in my hands. Suddenly their was a knock on my door and I could hear it creak open. "Hey Kenma, my parents are having a double date with your parents again tonight, so I was wondering if-."

With each word that left Kuroo's mouth I knew he was getting closer and closer to my side as his voice got louder, but I couldn't care less, even when he was right beside me and stopped talking, my eyes never left the picture, and my glare didn't falter either.

That was until Kuroo gave out a large cackle. I looked up and gave Kuroo the same glare, which only made him laugh harder. After ten minutes of his obnoxious laughter, he finally had enough and was clutching his stomach as he wiped away a fake tear.

"Kenma... that was the funniest thing I've ever seen you done." He wheezed out. "Now what are you glaring at?" He asked, snatching the photo out of my hands.

"Which one is the pen pal?" He asked, after a moment of studying the photo. "Take a guess." I mumbled out. "Hmm... the one being kissed?" Kuroo asked with a smile. I only puffed out my cheeks in annoyance as I fell back onto my bed.

"Hey, I didn't know your pen pal knew mine." "What do you mean." I leaned my head to the side to look at Kuroo. "The one with the (random hair color) and (random eye color)." Kuroo turned the photo so that I could see it and pointed at one of the people that were in the first photo.

My eyes shifted from the person Kuroo was pointing at to the male and (Y/N), making me groan and turn the other way. "Ya know, I've never seen you so upset about a person." Kuroo pointed out, and by his tone I could just picture the smile he was giving me.

I grumbled out a excuse under my breath which only caused Kuroo to laugh. "How about I treat you to some apple pie?" I sat up slowly and glanced at Kuroo then to the picture that was in his hand.

"Are we going to the one on 57th street?" Kuroo nodded his head at my question. Instead of replying I stood up and put my shoes on. We both walked in silence to the bakery that I loved.

-

Kuroo had just left my house so I decided I would take the left over pie from earlier and take it to my room so I could start writing me letter.

As I started to write it the only question I could think of asking was "who was the boy" and "is he your boyfriend or is he just a friend" or "why didn't you tell me you were seeing someone"

The urge to ask (L/N) those questions, and many more, was very high. Eventually I got through the note without commenting on the mysterious male.

It was late so I decided to get some rest for tomorrow, but the longer I stayed without knowing that I'd get closer, the more thoughts that swarmed my head. Like, 'how long have they been dating' and 'are they still together' or 'did they break up' and 'are they maybe just childhood friends' and 'are they in a happy relationship' and of course many others. But lastly..

'what if that was me instead of him?'

Chapter Five;

~Reader's POV~

I walked into the classroom with a skip in my step, I was excited to be getting my letter from Kozume. I quickly sat down in my seat, with a wide smile.

"Wow, since when do you come into class without your face in your phone? Did you beat a new video game?" (F/n) giggled out. "I did finish Super Mario Brothers 2 last night, but that's not why I'm excited."

"Oh, is it the letter from your dear Kenma then?" (F/n) teased as I blushed. "Come on, we aren't even on first name basis." "Doesn't mean you don't like him~!" They teased even further, making me blush even darker in return.

Before I could rebuttal, the teacher walks in with the letters. "Okay class, I'll pass out the letters and I want you guys to write your responses quickly because we have work to do today.... I'll give you guys 15 minutes after I pass them out."

The teacher passed back the papers and I beam to read through mine.

'Dear (L/N), (Y/N)

Hello again, I wanted to say that I found you very pretty in the pictures you sent, it's not a surprise to me that you have a loving boyfriend. How long have you guys been together, and what's his name? By the fifth photo you sent with the castle I'd assume that it's been a while. I couldn't send photos this time, but I'll try in my next letter. I wish you and your boyfriend the best.

   -Sincerely, Kozume Kenma'

At the word boyfriend I could feel my eyebrow quirk up. I wasn't dating anyone, and I haven't dated anyone in a few years. Then i remember sending a photo of (M/n) (male name). It was just a photo of me and him arguing over a video game, so I'd assume nothing when sending it, but i guess Kenma had assumed otherwise.

I quickly started off my letter by telling him that (M/n) wasn't my boyfriend, just a close friend I've had since Jr. High. I continued the letter by saying that he has been like a brother to me for so, nothing could ever change that. I then asked Kenma a few questions before closing off my letter and setting it aside. I didn't really have much to say, so my letter wasn't very long.

The 15 minute timer ran out and we continued with class as normal.

-

After my club me, (F/n), and (F/2) decided we would go to the arcade that was near by. "Hey (Y/N), I challenge you to a battle!" (F/2) said excitingly. "Oh!" I started, deciding to play along. "You dare challenge the queen!" This sentence made (F/2) giggle. "You mean the soon to be ex-Queen." (F/2) said smugly. "We'll see about that." I told them, a smirk growing on my face. "Now which game shall it be."

"Hmmm.... what about mortal combat!" (F/2) flicked my forehead. "You're on!" I yelled, racing them to the arcade machine. We both inserted our coins and picked our characters, then played.

-

"Ugh! Come on! No far!" So far we had done the best out of ten and I had won every single game. "Ahh, but I still have my crown. Looks like you couldn't beat the queen." I gave (F/2) a small smile.

"Oh, but I bet you want Kozume to be your king right?" (F/n) said out of nowhere, making me blush lightly. "I never said that..." I mumbled. "No, but you can't lie and say you haven't thought of it." This made my blush darken greatly and made me puff out my cheeks slightly. "I don't need a king...."

Chapter Six;

~Kenma's POV~

Just like very other week, the teacher passed out the letters. I was particular anxious about this one because of how many questions I asked about the mysterious male.

Not only that but what if it actually was their boyfriend? Will they think I'm being weird? Did I freak them out? What if they think I'm jealous? What if it gets awkward?

Once the teacher sat the letter on my desk I very hesitantly reached out to it. I very slowly opened the letter and then very tentatively read through the note.

In the very first sentence (L/N) had clarified that she was not dating the male in the photo, and that they were in fact childhood friends. And if anything he was a brother to her so nothing could have grown into anything bigger. I continued read on when the ending of the letter especially caught me eye, it read:

'I've been thinking about how this quarter is almost coming to an end, and in this short amount of time I have grown to consider you a really close friend and would like it if you addressed me by my first name. And if you wouldn't mind maybe we could talk about the possibility of me visiting during the summer (or vise versa)? I completely understand if you shut down both of my offers, I wouldn't want to make you feel uncomfortable. I look forward to your response!

  -Sincerely yours, (Y/N) (L/N)'

I couldn't believe what I was reading. (L/N), not only considered us close, not only wants me to call them by their given name, but also would like to meet me in person. I was over- joyed to say the least, and I could feel my lips tug into a warm smile as I quickly wrote a letter back.

-

After school had ended I asked Kuroo to take me around Tokyo to some "touristy places" so I could take pictures to send to (Y/N), mainly because I didn't know the area well even though I've lived here for almost my entire life.

We walked around and took pictures of different things until around 8 and decided to head home. When I did get home I ate dinner and then printed the pictures to put inside the envelope along with the letter.

Chapter Seven;

~Reader's POV~

When I got in the classroom I was fidgeting a lot more than usual, and I guess (F/n) noticed. "Hey (Y/N), are you okay?" I nodded my head and took out my phone, I started to play one of my games, but I couldn't concentrate because my thoughts were spiraling.

Ever since I gave my teacher the letter to send off I had been anticipating Kozumes response. I was really worried about being to forward and scaring him off. But judging by the times we had play Pocket Camp, he seemed like he was having a good time? But I could have been reading to much into it?

As that thought crossed my mind my screen flashed with a "game over" text, making me sigh. I was way to fidgety to be playing the game and kept messing up.

"Woah, something just really be bothering you to lose at that game. What's wrong?" I sat my phone down and took a deep breath in and out. "I told Kozume to call me by my first name and I also told him that I could visit sometime if he liked. I'm just scared of what he'll say..."

(F/n) put a hang on my shoulder. "Hey, listen. You are a wonderful person and friends. If he can't see that through your guys letters and talks during your video games, then that's really his loss. You're beautiful, have a wonderful sense of humor, and have the most charming smile ever. If he can't see that then he's blind!"

(F/n)'s words made me giggle. It didn't erase my worries completely, but it helped a lot. The teacher then walked into the classroom and handed out the letters.

When I got my letter my nerves returned again... taking a deep breath I opened the letter and let that deep breath out, taking all of my worries with it. I grabbed the first the note and started to read it, praying there wasn't anything bad in it.

'Dear (Y/N), (L/N)

I wouldn't mind calling you by you given name if that is what you want, and I also wouldn't mind it if we arranged a meet up during the summers. Though if you wanted to tour Tokyo my friend would have to come with us because I don't know the area to well. I thought that I'd take some pictures of places that are near me and most tourist go. I also have little headings on the pictures to explain the the pictures a little.

    -Sincerely, Kenma Kozume'

I couldn't help but smile when I read the bottom. Normally he would put his surname first, but this time he put his birth name, which meant that I would be able to call him by his birth name.

I then remembered that he had sent me photos and decided to open the separate yellow/orange envelope.

The first picture was a photograph of Tokyo Tower, the heading just stated that it was in fact Tokyo Tower and that some people mistake regular water towers for Tokyo Tower.

The second picture was of Kenma and his bedhead friend. They both stood in-front of the very famous Sensoji Temple. his arm around Kenma's shoulder while Kenma was looking down at his game. The heading had said the photo was of Kuroo and him last year when the bad went there on a school trip.

The third and last photo was Kenma and Kuroo again, but this time Kenma was looking at the camera, although he looked very annoyed, and Kuroo held up bunny ears behind Kenma. The head had explained that this was taken on a school field trip they had taken this year to Tokyo's National Museum.

I couldn't help but laugh at the picture in particular with a huge smile on my face. I quickly decided i should write a letter back to Kenma.

Chapter Eight;

~Kenma's POV~

Once again I got a letter from my teacher. When i opened it, it was all about (Y/N) gushing about how fun it will be to finally meet me in person. Towards the end of the letter (Y/N) had said that if i wanted to continue to talk, the i could give them my phone number. My last letter was short, I didn't really have a lot to say so it was pretty blunt....

-

As I got home from school I looked at my desk where my letter had sat, I didn't know if I should give that letter to my teacher or not.... the one thing I did know though was that my mind was constantly on (Y/N). My eyes always trialed to the small sliding drawer where I kept the letters she sent me, along with the photos.

I sat up from my bed and walked over to the desk and decided to re-read through the "old" letters. I even looked through the pictures. I subconsciously had a small smile on my face as I looked down at the photos.... well, all but two.

When I came across those two photos in particular my smile dropped. I immediately made up my mind as I saw those two photos.

Bad Ending;

~Reader's POV~

I walked into my classroom with a pep in my step. In my last letter I had asked Kenma for his number, and judging by how he still played Pocket Camp with me and came to visit my camp site, I'd say when I opened that letter, it was going to have his number in it.

I sat down and instantly started to fidget just like I did last week, the only difference being, this time it was from excitement. "You look happy this week." (F/n) pointed out, making me smile up at them. I honestly didn't have words to describe how happy I was, so instead I just nodded my head.

"Okay class, settle down. I thought I should point out before handing out these papers that this is that last letter that you will receive, and you won't need to write a letter back." After finishing this she started to hand the letters back. When the teacher got to me, she held a look of pity in her eyes and gave me an all knowing look, like she's seen situation play out like this a million different times before.

She then walked by my desk. She didn't say anything. She didn't put a note down, she just walked past and continued to hand out the notes. When she finished she had called me outside the classroom to speak with me.

"As you know, you didn't get a letter.... your pen pal, Kozume, decided that he couldn't bring himself to write another letter because of certain relationships you had with another male..." My teacher explained. The only thought racing through my head was "why".

"Um... can I go to the bathroom?" I asked. The teacher gave me a pitied look and nodded her head, walking inside the classroom. I went to the bathroom and went on Pocket Camp to text Kenma.

No matter how many times I texted him, no matter how many times he had seen it, he didn't respond.

He ghosted me....

Good Ending;

~Reader's POV~

I walked into my classroom with a pep in my step. In my last letter I had asked Kenma for his number, and judging by how he still played Pocket Camp with me and came to visit my camp site, I'd say when I opened that letter, it was going to have his number in it.

I sat down and instantly started to fidget just like I did last week, the only difference being, this time it was from excitement. "You look happy this week." (F/n) pointed out, making me smile up at them. I honestly didn't have words to describe how happy I was, so instead I just nodded my head.

"Okay class, settle down. I thought I should point out before handing out these papers that this is that last letter that you will receive, and you won't need to write a letter back." After finishing this she started to hand the letters back. When the teacher got to me, she smiled and gave me an all knowing look, like she's seen this a million different times before.

She didn't say anything though, and instead opted to just give me my letter. Immediately I opened it and grabbed the letter from inside. The words on the paper were short, sweet, and to the point.

'Dear (Y/N),

I can't wait for you to come to Tokyo, here's my number xxx-xxx-xxxx. Hope we can work the details out later.

-Sincerely, Kenma.'

My smile stretched further and I quickly got my phone out and punched Kenma's number into my phone, and quickly sent him a text saying that it was me.

-extra-

It was finally summer, and although I had to pick up some jobs, I gathered enough money to help pay for my ticket to Tokyo so I could see my dear boyfriend. I wanted to surprise Kenma, so I had been talking to one of his closest friends, Kuroo, for a few months about when to come and visit.

Eventually, we settled on a date and made plans. Kuroo was going to come pick me up from the airport and then take me to Kenma's house, saying he had a "surprise" for him.

I quickly texted Kuroo that I was boarding the plane and he said that he'd be seeing me in a few hours. When I got on the airplane and we took off, I could feel myself falling asleep.

-

I woke up to the captain saying that the plane had landed safely and that everyone could get off. I texted Kuroo and told him I arrived in Tokyo and he texted back saying he was waiting at the baggage claim.

I got my bag first and then started to look around for Kuroo. When I spotted him I I waved at him and called out his name. He turned to me and gave me one of his "signature smirks" as (F/2) had described it.

I walked up to him and we got into the car. Kuroo drove as we caught up and we also played a little bit of music. Mid way to Kenma's, I had gotten a notification from the boy himself.

To: (Y/N)<3

From: Babe<3

Hey, what are you doing?

To: Babe<3

From: (Y/N)<3

I just got off of work, can I text you when I get home?

To: (Y/N)<3

From: Babe<3

Yea, I'm sorry to bother you while driving. Make sure to stay safe.

To: Babe<3

From: (Y/N)<3

It's okay! I'll be safe, no need to worry. I'm not driving yet, though I'm about to. Ttyl!

"Who texted you?" Kuroo asked, not taking his eyes off the road. "It was Kenma, I told him I just got off work." "Okay, we should be there in a few minutes." Kuroo told me, making my lips tug into a small grin.

Not to long later and we arrived at Kenma's house. I couldn't help but have a slight bounce in my step as we walked to the front door, which Kuroo took notice of but chose not to mention. Kuroo had texted Kenma saying he had his surprise and to help him with it when he rang the door bell.

After we confirmed Kenma had seen the text and got a response I rang the doorbell with Kuroo standing behind me. A few minutes later the door opened, revealing Kenma.

When the door opened Kenma's eyes went wide and his mouth went slightly open in shock. His actions made me giggle. Before I could tease him, he quickly grabbed my wrist and pulled me in for a hug. His hands were around my waist as he buried his face into the crook of my neck. My hands rested around his neck as I took in his sent. 'Smells like apple pie...' I thought to myself.

Kenma suddenly pulled back and grabbed me by the chin, quickly making our lips connect for a split second before pulling away again. "Come inside." He said, opening the door wider to let both me and Kuroo inside. 'Tastes like it two.' I thought, with a wide smile.

[alyssamskii]

Breaking the Ice

Platonic Prinxiety (just your traditional “enemies to best friends” trope)

Warnings: None

Word count :1737 words

Summary: Figure skater/hockey player AU; Roman is a star hockey player and Virgil is a talented figure skater. They have always had this turmoil between them, but can that all change?

A/N: Ok so I had to write a creative writing piece for my first english paper. I saw this as a challenge to write my first fanfic. It is also kind of super descriptive because my professor said to keep the dialogue to a minimum, so I am sorry about that. I accept constructive criticism, so please dm me or comment anything if you want to!

Virgil Sanders opened the front door to be greeted by the brisk morning air. The start of a new season was ready to be tackled with no limitations holding him back. He was five foot nine with a raggedy purple fringe and deep brown eyes with black eyeliner smudged underneath. The teen hurried down the driveway with autumn leaves crunching beneath every step his black Converse took. He excitedly threw his purple backpack, covered in pins and patches, into the back seat of his black Jeep Wrangler.  After rolling his windows down and plugging in his phone to play some Mayday Parade, Virgil sped off to the rink for practice.

Immediately upon opening the metal double doors, Virgil was hit softly by a rush of cool air. Walking into the warm room of the rink to be greeted by familiar smiles and friendly faces was already making his day. He eagerly unzipped his bag and pulled out his pitch black skates with a new set of sharp purple Paramount blades attached. In the background, conversations between the other skaters could be heard, but he wasn’t paying attention enough to decipher them. The loud music playing in his single earbud was enough to take him away from the world, even if it were only for a moment. All he wanted was to hear his deep edges rip into the freshly cut ice as he shifted his weight from the inside and outside of his blade. Before that, Virgil would appreciate the smooth glide that he could flawlessly hold on the bright, pristine ice prior to the hockey teams that would soon come to dig and chop it up. He had nothing against the local hockey teams, but the disrespect they showed towards the rink staff, figure skaters, and even the ice itself was maddening. The holes they left were almost the sizes of baseballs, the ridges they cut so deep that simply gliding over them could no longer be an option, and the constant mouth guards left along the boards, still dripping soggily with warm saliva. The thought of the latter making him shudder with complete disgust.

Even with the cool chill radiating from the ice’s surface, Virgil was still fairly warm. Being a figure skater, you become almost immune to the cold and learn to never forget a jacket. The boy had forgotten only once and now arrives prepared wearing his trademark hoodie every practice, his favorite article of clothing in his closet. It was a black zip-up hoodie covered in purple and black plaid patches. The patches were scattered among the hoodie, lazily stitched on with white thread and on the front was his club’s logo, a storm cloud, embroidered with purple thread.

Eventually, the teen stopped by the boards to take a break, but that was when he felt eyes on him. He knew he wasn’t the only skater on that session, but the piercing stare he could feel, even with his back turned, was too much to let go. Virgil whipped around, stumbling over his skates as an old friend startled him. He didn’t even know if he could call Roman a friend because Roman Prince wasn’t a figure skater, he played center forward for the Sudro City Knights. The teen stood tall at six foot one and had neatly groomed mocha locks, his light brown eyes staring down the anxious boy. The cheap, damaged practice jersey he was wearing reeked of pure body odor from the weeks of wear without wash. After the couple seconds, which seemed like forever for poor Virgil, the taller boy leaned in close with a smug look plastered on his face.

“Hiya Dr Doom and Gloom.” Roman teased, leaning his stick up against the glass and sitting back onto the benches. “What is the purple ballerina going to dance to this year?  Hopefully another song from Beetlejuice the Musical! I do enjoy you looking even more edgy than usual.”

Virgil rolled his eyes, clearly not amused. “Oh, what a laugh Princey. Ya know, I would love to really see you try what I do.” The purple clad boy stated, folding his arms and leaning his chest against the boards. “I don’t even think you’re coordinated enough to do a two foot spin.” The stunned and anger-filled look that washed over Roman’s features gave him the exact answer he needed.

“Alright, that’s it mister Jack Smellington!” Roman rapidly stood up, grabbing his stick and towering over the smaller teen. “Meet me back here after hours and we’ll really see who the best is!”

“I’ll be back don’t you worry. As long as you don’t pull a Tonya Harding on me, I’ll be glad to show you how to really skate!” Virgil grabbed his now empty water bottle from the boards and skated away, shooting the star player a shit-eating grin. By the time he got off the ice and closed the heavy door behind him, the scratches of the rest of the team could be heard as they jumped the boards for practice. He quickly unlaced his skates, swiping the snow off of his blades and wiping off the excess water droplets with his old, black rag.

The skates were packed away as he walked out of those same metal double doors and climbed into his car. Before pulling away, Virgil checked his phone to see an unusual text: I’ll pick you up for our little match up later. You’re on my way to the rink, so be ready by 7 or I’m leaving without you. Shocked by the text, he closed his phone, rolling his windows down again and proceeding to play the rest of his Mayday Parade playlist on his drive home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Virgil was waiting for Roman to pull up, he pulled out his phone to play Vindicated by Dashboard Confessional while he scrolled through Tumblr. Right when he opened the app, the hockey player in his beat-up silver Chevy Cruze, blasting Brave New Girl by Britney Spears, rolled up into his driveway. Roman screamed before Virgil could even close his front door, “Get in loser, we’re going to the rink!”

          Virgil threw his backpack into the back seat and hesitantly hopped into the car. Although Roman played hockey, his car was fairly clean and his front seat had a very distinct smell compared to the back, where their skates were lazily thrown. The front of the car had a small hint of vanilla while the back seat had a scent of exactly what you can imagine, pure body odor from his balled-up practice jersey. The short drive to the rink felt like ages passed as the boy silently watched the scenery unfold outside of his window, laying his face in the palm of his hand. Upon stopping at a red light, he was startled out of his awkward, yet serene state he was in from a light nudge at his ribs. He looked over to find Roman kindly smiling at him, which was very unusual between the two.

          “Are you okay, Hot Topic? You’ve been pretty quiet the whole ride.” Virgil was stunned by the sudden change in Roman’s attitude. He was just insulting him early that same day. “I know we fight and all, but the least you can do is keep me a little company.” The smaller teen almost frowned, feeling a little bad for his actions. Maybe he genuinely wanted to change?

          He forced a small smile onto his normally brooding face, although the other could not see this with his attention on the road. “Yea I’m ok, don’t worry about it.”

          Upon arrival, they both grabbed their bags and walked into the rink, smiling at each other. Roman was wearing a white hoodie with a knight on it, his mascot, and black Adidas sweatpants with three white stripes straight down the sides. Virgil matched Roman, except he was wearing his traditional black and purple patchwork zip-up.  They stepped onto the ice and without a word Virgil set himself to work. He started at one end, gliding and connecting with the ice. With every bracket, twizzle, and step he took throughout his footwork, he let the ice take control. Each edge was deep, delicately ripping into the ice and sending him closer to the opposing side. Right before reaching the boards, he pushed into an outside mohawk, gaining speed as every crossover sounded through the rink. Roman was still standing at the door, astonished by the normally quiet and anxious boy. Lastly, Virgil was set, gliding on his back outside edge, and leaped into an axel, landing the one and a half revolution jump in a solid landing position. The teen flawlessly turned forward and slid into a sharp hockey stop, hitting Roman with a spray of cool snow. “So, can you top that Dr Do-The-Most?” Virgil looked up at him with a playful gleam in his eyes despite the antagonizing smirk that plagued his features. The taller teen was still in shock, but he eventually snapped out of it and smiled at the other.

“Now I see why you always made comments about out skating me. You truly are amazing Virgil!” The smirk never left the other’s face, the satisfaction from the statement only making it grow.

“You could always quit hockey. I know you may not want to and this is a bit of a stretch, but at least take this into consideration” Roman’s attention was gripped by the bold statement the smaller boy just made. “You’re pretty strong and you already know the basics of skating. You would make a great pair skater with some practice.” Virgil’s anxiety peaked and the other could tell. Now, he was not opposed to skating with Virgil, but hockey was his life. After a minute or two of silence, the taller teen lightly gripped the anxious boy’s shoulder, forcing his eyes off of the ice and into Roman’s. A steady gaze connected the two alone on the ice.

“Would you be my partner if I quit hockey?” Virgil was in complete shock, leading him to just rapidly nod his head and immediately wrap his arms around Roman, closing the gap between them. Their shared warmth made the cool air seem almost nonexistent.

He took back his statement from earlier about the taller boy. After years of fighting through high school, Virgil Sanders realized he definitely could call Roman Prince a friend.