#and also we need a lil more prep for next week's...

[earlyspringtranscendence]

btw i think one of the most impt hobbies in the world is having a mostly non-existent, mostly self indulgent crush on a professor/lecturer just to zone out to their classes to and focus instead on their hair and their hands and their dark circles speaking NAWT from experience. maybe a little bit.

[jiminrings]

U KNOWWWWW I HAVE TO ASK FOR SOME ANGST MISS JAY EM RINGS!!!! pretty pretty pls can we get a 478 drabble where oc is a lil more emotional and sensitive and jungkook accidentally upsets her for whatever reason

478: drabble

alternatively, jungkook says the wrong thing at the wrong time :(

[ 478 masterlist ]

You’re a little more anxious as you let it out to be.

Being just a week away from approaching your second trimester, you’ve been filled with so much nervousness regarding every single thing that you do, not just pregnancy-wise. You’ve been reevaluating everything that’s on your shoulders, the most pressing of them being the fact that the first trimester’s the most sensitive.

Except from the occasional morning sickness, the lethargy, and the ever-pressing matter of you overthinking things — your pregnancy’s going along well.

So well that sometimes it doesn’t cross your mind that your taste (and basically your whole worldview) is bound to change.

The minute you step into the bathroom to shower, Jungkook’s just gotten out of it to get his day started (read: prep your meals for work) and although your attention would normally be fixated first on the fact that he only has a towel wrapped around his waist, something else catches your attention and it irks you.

You catch a whiff of his perfume, (un)pleasantly reminded by the fact that he sprays himself with it twice; first on his bare skin, then second on his clothes when he’s all dressed. It’s only Jungkook’s first layer of perfume and yet it already riles you up for all the wrong reasons.

“Is that you?”

“Is what me?” he furrows his eyebrows, catching your drift when he sees your nose upturning. Jungkook trails off, a smirk already forming on his face this early in the morning. “Yes…? I’ve been using the same perfume for like, years, baby.”

“I don’t like it,” you quip immediately. “It’s making me nauseous.”

“What? But I love this perfume,” Jungkook frowns, taken aback because he swears you were all over with him just yesterday over his scent.

You did love the perfume. You’ve loved it for years and for some reason, the smell of cotton and musk turned sour for you overnight, making you grimace.

“You make me wanna puke.”

“Fine, I’ll change it,” Jungkook dramatically sighs, rolling his eyes playfully. His voice lilts into a tease, bottom lip jutting out before pecking your cheek. “After everything I do for you?”

Maybe it’s because of the fog on your head, and maybe it’s also because you woke up on the wrong side of the bed because you literally can’t sleep properly.

It’s that lilt in his voice, the same lilt you know would be playful for you at every other occasion, that also turned sour in your head by the minute.

“What about everything I do for you?” you mumble, brows slightly furrowed. It’s a surprise that he even hears your question.

Jungkook can’t catch on that you’re not joking with him like how he’s teasing you at the moment. He mistakes your genuine self-doubt to be your stellar acting just as always.

He shrugs, a mischievous smile on his lips. “Eh. You’re doing fine.”

The joking tone never reaches your ears because they already started ringing the moment you smelled your husband’s perfume. It never reaches you because you can’t help but to feel wired this way, literally, and you just can’t help it —

You can’t help but to feel upset.

You weren’t doing good. Not even great at the slightest. You’re doing just fine and fine isn’t good enough for you — not when you’re at the crux of your career and you have to juggle it with being pregnant; becoming a first-time mom in just a matter of months.

You go through the motions of preparing yourself for work, mechanically staying put when Jungkook kisses you goodbye.

Even after filming, you stay back on set to nab yourself an early copy of the script for your next episode and ask for notes from the director of what he needed from you; of everything that you’re lacking now that you want to give

You’ve hung back even longer than Jimin and soon enough, you realize that it’s only some of the crew that you’re alone with — them, and Yoongi.

“You okay?” Yoongi asks with a tap on your shoulder that snaps you out of your reference, surprising himself when you jolt in the slightest. He’s concerned at the way you did so good today but no one’s barely gotten a word out of you outside of filming, the look of worry etched on your face even now. “You look out of it.”

The question is warranted, although sudden in your perspective. You’re so out of it that you didn’t even know that everybody noticed.

You’re snapped out from your reverie because in either courage or foolery, you delve deeper. Yoongi’s a treasured friend to you and he would never lie; you have to hear it from him of all people.

“Am I doing great?” you ask, your lips pursed as you’re already anticipating the worst.

Yoongi doesn’t even flinch despite being slightly confused, a comforting smile immediately gracing his face.

“Of course you are,” he answers. “You’re already a great mom.”

The tears build up in your eyes so quick that you’re momentarily blinded by them, crying into the heels of your hands as an aftermath. Yoongi’s frozen on what he should do from seeing you so vulnerable.

“I didn’t even say where am I doing great at. I-I didn’t have to,” you sob. For all he knows, you could be asking about your performance at work and yet it wasn’t the first thing his mind went to. “You already knew.”

“Hey, hey. Everybody knows you’re great. The baby isn’t even here yet and you’re already doing so well,” he shushes you, tentatively rubbing comforting circles on your back. You seem to calm down by the minute, and the moment you stop hiccuping, he offers. “Need a ride?”

Yoongi opens the door for you, drives you with no question, and even leads you up to the steps of your front door. He doesn’t hang back to greet Jungkook because he has a hint that there’s some trouble in paradise, hesitant to cross lines this late into the evening so he heads back to his car.

When you come back home to Jungkook though, he’s a nervous mess.

“Where have you been?” he shoots straight up from the couch, eyes and hands frantically checking you over.

“Work. Where else?” you mumble, slyly dodging a hand that comes up to your cheek.

Jungkook knew there was something off from you since you left but he can’t place it even now; even when you came home late with your eyes still refusing to meet his.

“It’s already past midnight. It’s the next day. Why didn’t you tell me you’d be out this late? You told me today was a quick shoot,” he starts, grinding his jaw when he hears you huff under your breath. 

You don’t seem to take him seriously, not even the panic that’s clear on his face and from the couple hundred texts he sent you that you didn’t even read.

“I’m a big girl, Jungkook,” you mutter, shrugging your shoulders. “I’m — we’re here in one piece. Yoongi drove me home anyway.”

“Where was Jimin?” he inquires instantly. “He’s your manager. Why didn’t he wait for you? He knows you’re pregnant, he wouldn’t let you strain yourself like this.”

On normal days, you’d have the patience to explain why Jimin sometimes doesn’t see you through the end of your endeavors. Technically, your work was already done hours before, it was just you who didn’t want to come home at the time.

But today’s the furthest thing from a normal day.

“I’m doing just fine, Jungkook. Stop worrying about me.”

“Of course I’m gonna worry about you! The two of you! Why didn’t you-…” he strains, gesturing to your stomach.

“Well then stop!” you burst, finally letting loose. “After everything you do for me, stop worrying.”

Your husband instantly freezes, the recollection of almost this same exact scene earlier into the morning playing out in his head.

His chest tightens, eyes wide and unblinking.

“Is this about what I said?”

“I don’t know, Jungkook. I don’t fucking know, okay? I’m anxious and I’m on edge with everything and-…” you inhale sharply, running a hand through your hair. The lump that builds in your throat gets in the way, making you screw your eyes shut. “Just… shut up sometimes. I don’t need to hear what I’m thinking about myself from you. I don’t want to know I’m doing a shit job.”

“You’re not doing a shit job. You’re great at everything,” Jungkook interjects, his face falling at how dense he could be. “I-I… I was only joking around awhile ago, I swear. I didn’t mean it.”

He made you feel this way and he wants nothing else but to beat himself up over it, your husband’s mind running a hundred miles per hour just thinking of how utterly stupid he has to be to even joke about it.

“I’m sorry, baby. I should’ve reeled it in sooner. I’m not gonna do jokes like that again, I promise,” Jungkook embraces you desperately, his close proximity to you making you take notice that he’s wearing a different perfume.

If you think about it longer, the perfume Jungkook’s wearing right now smells like yours.

“Perfect mom. Perfect actress. Perfect wife, everything,” he mumbles against your temple, pressing small warm kisses to your face. “You give me beyond everything that I could do for you. You’re growing a human inside you and I’m just standing here.”

“You don’t just stand around,” you mutter, slowly reciprocating his hug. “You make efforts for me too.”

“Not as great as what you do for me,” he corrects. “For us.”

Jungkook figures it’ll be a sleepless night for him because he’ll be tossing and turning just regretting what he did, but at the very least, he knows he’ll be sleepless with you.

“Do you forgive me? You don’t have to right now. I’ll still mope and you can sleep on it,” he asks. “I can sleep on the floor tonight.”

“Not even the couch?” you joke, your snort making him smile briefly.

“Sleeping on the couch wouldn’t be a punishment.”

“You want to repent so bad?” you joke with mischief painted on your face and yet it doesn’t register on him.

“Of course I do,” Jungkook nods, the playfulness never reaching his ears because he’s entirely serious. “You’re too good for me.”

[justabigassnerd]

Mr & Mr Bradshaw-Seresin

Pairing - Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x daughter!reader, Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw

Word count - 4,727

Warnings - alcohol, lil' smidge of swearing, mostly fluff

Summary - Bradley and Jake finally decide to tie the knot

A/N - it's finally time y'all!!! Our boys are finally getting married!! I hope y'all enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. It was a challenge as I really wanted to do this justice so I really hope y'all like it. As per y'all, please send in requests, feedback and enjoy!!!

After dating for a year and a bit, Jake and Bradley started to bring up the idea of marriage. They didn’t want to rush anything, but they wanted to be on the same page, especially because of you. Both men loved you dearly and so valued your thoughts on them taking the next step in their relationship.

Jake had asked you first about it. He sat you down while Bradley was out and told you about how he was thinking of proposing to Bradley. He showed you the ring he had picked out while explaining that he understood if this was a big change for you and if you wanted him to wait for a bit before he proposed. Instead, you’d given your dad a tight hug and told him that you were happy for him. You wanted him to be happy and you knew Bradley was the one who made him happiest.

Not even a week later, Bradley came to you asking you the same thing. He showed you the ring he chose for Jake and gave you a long speech about how he’d understand if you said no and that you needed more time before they took that next big step together. You responded the same way you did when Jake asked you about proposing. You gave Bradley a tight hug and told him that you’d be beyond happy for him to propose to your dad. And when Bradley expressed his worries about how Jake would react and whether he’d say yes, you were quick to shoot his worries down. Without telling him that your dad was also planning on proposing, you assured him that your dad loved Bradley so much and that you’d call him out for being an idiot yourself if he said no. Reassured by your words, Bradley had thanked you and let you get on with your day. After you left the conversation with Bradley, you returned to your room, a smile on your face as you envisioned how the proposal would go and who would be the one to propose first.

It turned out Bradley would propose first, and then Jake would propose not even a minute later. The two had gone out to the beach. They had found a secluded spot along the beachfront while the sun began to sink in the distance. They sat with each other, talking about everything and nothing at the same time. At one point an F-18 flew overhead, making Jake get to his feet and walk a few paces ahead of where Bradley was sat as he stared up at the sky trying to see if he could identify the pilot. While Jake was preoccupied with the sky, Bradley dug the ring box out of his pocket and got himself on one knee, waiting for Jake to turn around. Bradley had asked Maverick if he could fly a jet overhead while they were on the beach long enough to distract Jake so Bradley could propose. He knew if anything was going to distract Jake it would be an F-18. Maverick had said yes to Bradley’s question without a second thought, he was overjoyed to hear that Bradley would be proposing to the one person who makes him the happiest in the world. When Jake turned around, prepped to talk to Bradley his eyes widened when they landed on Bradley, the ring held towards him while Bradley smiled softly at his boyfriend.

“Jake, I’ve been in love with you for a long time now. I have always liked you from the start. Yes, you were a cocky son of a bitch, and you had an ego to rival Mav’s, but I loved that about you. You pushed me to be a better pilot and a better person. I still remember the moment I actually realised I had feelings for you. It was when we graduated from Top Gun. You were talking with Coyote, and I don’t know what it was but seeing you smile the way that you did when you showed off the trophy to Coyote made me realise how much I loved you. I didn’t think I’d be able to ever tell you how I felt but y/n helped me more than I ever could have imagined. So, enough with me rambling. Jake Seresin, will you marry me?” Bradley says, watching Jake’s reaction carefully. To Bradley’s shock, Jake took two steps closer to Bradley and then got down on one knee himself, revealing the ring box he'd hidden away in his pocket.

“I can’t say I had a big speech prepared like you did but Bradley, I’ve loved you since you lectured me for almost twenty minutes about how stupid one of my manoeuvres was during our time training at Top Gun. I thought after we graduated you wouldn’t want a thing to do with me if we ever ended up deployed together. I’m so glad I was wrong because I hate to imagine a world where I’m not with you. Bradley Bradshaw, will you marry me?” Jake says, raising an eyebrow as Bradley lets out a laugh as happy tears fill his eyes.

“Yes, I will marry you, Jake Seresin.” Bradley says, allowing Jake to slip the engagement ring onto his left hand. Both men grinning like idiots as they do so

“And I will marry you, Bradley Bradshaw.” Jake says, letting Bradley put the ring on his hand before pulling him in for a passionate kiss. The two remain on the beach for a little while longer, embracing and kissing one another to silently celebrate their engagement.

They returned home to find you on the sofa, half-awake but any tiredness that was in your system disappeared the second you saw the two glistening bands on their hands, and you leapt to your feet, hugging them tightly and congratulating them. You went and found the bottle of champagne Jake had bought a while back when he first debated on proposing and brought it into the living room along with two glasses. You then headed upstairs after congratulating them once more to let your dad and Bradley have time to themselves. And you made sure to sleep with earplugs in that night too.

After letting their friends know about the engagement, Dagger Squad put together a surprise engagement party for Bradley and Jake. Penny had let the team have the Hard Deck for a whole night and they decorated and got plenty of food. You had been involved with planning the party and stood in-between Coyote and Fanboy as Payback sprinted back from the window, announcing Jake and Bradley’s arrival. When the two men opened the door to the bar, they were shocked to see you and the team standing inside surprising them with this party.

The party was filled with laughter and music as everyone celebrated the engagement. You played Jake’s favourite songs on the jukebox and Bradley of course took a moment to unplug the jukebox and serenade Jake at the piano instead before playing ‘Great Balls of Fire’ to the joy of everyone gathered. The party lasted well into the night as everyone celebrated and chatted amongst each other. Despite how your body was begging for sleep by the end of the night, you didn’t want to go home, enjoying the loving atmosphere surrounding you and your family.

During the planning process, both Bradley and Jake asked you to listen to them read their vows so they could get your opinion before they said them in front of each other and their friends. Both men also approached you and asked you to do a speech at the reception after the wedding after the best man's speeches.

“Are you serious?” You asked, eyes wide after your dad and Bradley sat you down to ask you the question.

“Of course. You’re my daughter and I’d love for you to give a speech.” Jake says, wrapping an arm around your shoulders and tugging you into his side.

“I can’t guarantee it’ll be a good speech, but I’ll try my best.” You say with a sheepish smile while Jake reaches the arm around your shoulder to grab Bradley’s shoulder and pull him into this group hug too.

“y/n, you could read the dictionary and we’d still think it’s the best speech of the night.” Bradley says with a smile as he wraps both you and Jake in his arms, sandwiching you in the middle of the two. You laughed as the two men squeezed you in the hug and silently promised yourself, you’d give them the best damn speech you could for their wedding.

Jake had decided to have Coyote as his best man, not that he had any competition. Bradley however, had a tougher time picking who he wanted to stand by his side as he married Jake. He was torn, Phoenix was his best friend, someone who had stood by his side for years and loved and supported him unconditionally. And Maverick was his godfather, the man who helped to raise him after the passing of his father. The man he trusted and went back to save during the uranium mission. Jake had sat Bradley down and told him not to overthink, that they wouldn’t love him any less for picking one over the other and that they could compromise, finding something for both of them. Jake knew how much Bradley loved and cared for Phoenix and Maverick and how much it was tearing him apart to have to choose so they sat down together and worked it out. Eventually, Phoenix was asked to be Bradley’s best woman and Maverick was given the role of officiant. Both of them took their new roles very seriously. Phoenix worked closely with Coyote when it came to writing their speeches, they practised reading their speeches to each other before the fateful day.

It took a few months of intense and sometimes stressful planning but soon enough the date for your dad and Bradley’s wedding arrived and everyone was buzzing. The two had decided on a summer wedding with the ceremony starting at midday, finding a nice little building along the beachfront that was perfect for them to get married in. The two men didn’t have a lot of people to invite so the small building was perfect for them. All of Dagger Squad, plus Penny and Amelia were invited to the wedding and were allowed to bring a plus one if they desired. Most of those invited brought a close friend or a partner but some elected to just go solo since they were already going to be surrounded by their closest friends. Everyone congregated in the small building, sitting, and chatting amongst each other as they waited for the ceremony to start. You were sat next to Penny in the first row with a huge grin plastered on your face. Maverick stood front and centre in his dress whites waiting for Bradley and Jake to arrive. Bradley and Jake didn’t decide on a specific dress code, allowing any military personnel to wear their dress whites or a normal tux if they desired. The two also decided to forego having just one person walk down the aisle and instead decided they’d walk down one after another with their best man. Jake came down first, walking side by side with Coyote. Jake stood just in front of Maverick while Coyote stood behind Jake. Soon, Bradley came down the aisle with Phoenix and you saw your dad’s eyes fill with happy tears as his smile grew. Bradley took his position opposite Jake, and they immediately took each other’s hands, each mouthing an ‘I love you’ to the other. Once everyone was ready, Maverick began the ceremony. When it came to the vows, your grin refused to leave your face. You knew their vows back to front but you couldn’t wait to see their reactions to each other’s words. Jake went first, clearing his throat of any emotion before he spoke.

“Bradley, when I first met you, I thought I was going to train by your side and then never see you again. I’m so glad I was wrong. We may not have seen eye to eye during our time training at Top Gun, but you always pushed me to be not only a better pilot but a better person. I can’t imagine a life without you in it by my side. I don’t think I’d ever want to imagine a life like that. Not only have you accepted me into your life, but you’ve also accepted my daughter and you’ve looked out for her when I couldn’t and for that I love you. I love you so much it’s almost crazy. I vow to be by your side through the good times and the tough times. In sickness and in health, for better or for worse I promise to love you and stand by your side.” Jake says, his tears spilling as he speaks, fighting to regain his composure to get through his vows. Bradley allows a few tears of his own to fall, wiping them away as Maverick asks him to read his vows.

“Jake, I have loved you since the moment I saw you laughing with Coyote after we graduated Top Gun, but you already knew that because I told you when I proposed. After losing so much in my life I was terrified I was bound to end up alone. I am so glad to admit to you in front of everyone here that I was wrong. I am so lucky to have you in my life Jake. I love you so much and I would do just about anything for you. You and your daughter accepted me into your family and made me feel so welcome and loved. You make me want to be the best version of myself. I vow to love and care for you no matter what through the ups and the downs.” Bradley vows, smiling despite the tears rolling down his cheeks. After both men had read their vows they were itching for the moment they’d be pronounced husbands and they could share that oh-so-important kiss. You could see how they were fighting the urge to kiss right there and then but held themselves back so that Maverick could finish what he was saying. The two exchanged their wedding rings, grinning madly as they did so, each step meaning they were closer to getting married. The second Maverick pronounced them husbands their lips met in a passionate kiss before Maverick could even finish his sentence. Those gathered whooped and cheered as Jake and Bradley kissed, pulling apart when their need for air became too much. They turn to see the smiling faces of their friends and family before linking hands and triumphantly holding their joined hands up to more cheers. Everyone watched as the two men walked back down the aisle, this time together, and left the building so they could get ready for the reception. The gathered people then also left the building so they could get ready and travel to where the reception was being held.

Everyone arrived at the building at roughly the same time, most people walking to the new location altogether. This time, your dad and Bradley came at the same time as everyone else, not bothering to do a big arrival. You greeted the two with a big hug and a congratulations.

“Congratulations guys! Finally Mr and Mr Bradshaw-Seresin.” You grin as you pull apart from your dad’s hug.

“Thanks, sweetheart. Let’s get ready for some food, shall we? I might need to get some alcohol in me before Javy does his speech.” Jake says with a laugh as he leads you and Bradley to the table you were going to be sitting at so you could have your reception dinner. The dinner was amazing and filled with laughter and joy, everyone was in good spirits as they ate and drank. Jake even decided to be generous enough to let you have a glass of champagne, but he was very strict about it being only one glass. Once the food had been eaten, Coyote rose to his feet while tapping a knife against his glass to get the attention of everyone as he picked up the microphone.

“Alright guys, it’s time for my speech! I’ve been practising this speech so much that Phoenix and my mirror are sick of hearing it at this point. Firstly, I just want to thank Jake for picking me to be his best man, it’s the greatest honour to be involved with such a special day. I’ve known Jake since the two of us started training at the naval academy, I’d forgotten to take notes on a manoeuvre we were briefed on, and Jake was kind enough to let me borrow his instead of letting me crash and burn both figuratively and literally. I’ve seen how happy Bradley makes Jake and how their relationship has flourished in the time they’ve been together. I wish these guys nothing but a happy marriage.” Coyote says, gaining some chuckles from the crowd at his stories before Phoenix stands up, elegant as ever in her dress and takes the microphone from Coyote’s hand so she could talk.

“I guess it’s my turn to go now. I’ve known Bradley since we started our training together and I’m beyond honoured that he asked me to be his best woman at his wedding. Bradley is one of the nicest people I’ve had the honour of working with during my time as a naval aviator. When Bradley loves someone, he loves them wholly and truly. And I think it’s safe to say everyone can see how much he loves Jake. These two are a beautiful couple and I wish them joy and happiness as they take this next big step in their relationship. To Jake and Bradley.” Phoenix says, finishing her speech and toasting to the newly married couple as everyone else follows suit, holding up their champagne flutes and toasting happily. After everyone had finished toasting, Jake turned to you.

“Are you ready for your speech?” He asks softly as Phoenix holds the microphone out towards you with a gentle smile.

“I’m a little nervous. What if I mess up?” You whisper, glancing over at your dad and Bradley who are wearing supportive smiles. You didn’t want to ruin their big day by messing up your speech.

“Sweetheart, you’ll do just fine. If you slip up, take a moment, and keep going. No one’s going to make fun of you. Take a deep breath. You got this.” Jake says, wrapping his arms around you for a brief but tight hug.

“Go get ‘em Hangman junior.” Bradley says with a wink before you turn back to Phoenix, taking the microphone from her and rising to your feet. You look out across the crowd of people and take a deep breath before bringing the microphone up to your mouth.

“Hi everyone, uh for those who don’t know, I’m y/n, I’m Jake’s daughter but everyone around here tends to call me Hangman junior. Growing up it’s always just been me and dad, and Uncle Javy of course. I’d never wanted anything more than for my dad to feel happy and loved and when I noticed the way he acted around Bradley I knew he found the one. Bradley, you make my dad so unbelievably happy and that’s all I ever wanted for him, and don’t think I haven’t seen how happy my dad makes you. You two deserve the best and happiest marriage possible. I love you both. Here’s to your future together.” You say, holding up your glass for another toast and when you glance over at your dad, he smiles with happy tears filling his eyes before he nods slightly, giving you permission to move on to your next thing to say.

“I just wanted to say one more thing while I was here. Bradley, I have something I wanted to give you. Dad, you have it don’t you?” You say, looking at Jake and Bradley who was now wearing a confused expression as Jake hands him the large envelope. You give him an encouraging nod so he knows it’s okay to open it.

“Bradley, you accepted having to put up with me when you started dating my dad and made sure I felt included as part of your family. I love you so much Bradley and you always treated me with nothing but love and support despite me not being your kid. So I just wanted to give you something.” You said before turning the microphone off and approaching Bradley as he pulled the papers out of the envelope.

“You… you want me to adopt you?” Bradley asks, tears springing to his eyes as he reads the papers he’s holding in his hand.

“I meant every word I just said. I want you to adopt me, but only if you want to.” You say, glancing at the papers before looking back up at Bradley who stands up abruptly and wraps you in a tight hug that you return happily. Both of you were grinning like idiots as Bradley presses a kiss to the top of your head.

“Yes. I will adopt you.” He whispers through his tears as he pulls away slightly to look down at you with a smile that overtook his whole face. You didn’t respond with words, you just hugged him once more, smiling to yourself as everyone clapped. Jake had turned the microphone on and picked it up while Bradley was hugging you to fill everyone in on what had just happened.

You asking Bradley to adopt you had been in the cards for a while. You didn’t know when an appropriate time to ask him was, but Jake had been the one to bring up asking him at the reception. You were initially very hesitant, not wanting to ruin their day since it was meant to be about them. Jake had been quick to shut it down, going as far as to ask Bradley about what could ruin their wedding and he never mentioned anything of the sort regarding you or you asking him to adopt you. Jake helped you get the papers and conferred with the people he needed to about the process to make sure everything ran smoothly when he received the papers. You had been so nervous to ask Bradley if he wanted to adopt you, but his reaction proved to you that you never had anything to worry about in the first place.

When the bustle from the news had calmed down. Bradley and Jake took to the dance floor in the middle of the room as the DJ announced that they’d be doing their first dance. You watched with happy tears rolling down your cheeks at the smile on your dad’s face. You had only wanted true happiness for your dad and you just knew from the smile on his face that he had found it in Bradley. Their dance ended to applause and soon enough the floor was open to everyone. The Daggers leapt to their feet the second they were allowed to dance. Most of the Daggers were a few drinks in, and with the free bar, you could tell they were definitely going to be hungover the next morning. You eventually joined in with the dancing when Amelia forcibly dragged you to your feet to dance with her. You danced happily with Amelia, even letting Fanboy twirl you around with a laugh. When a slow song began, people started to pair up with their partners but Jake came to you, holding his hand out towards you.

“Spare a dance for your old man?” Jake asks gently, a smile growing when you slip your hand into his and tugs you into his arms. You sway in time to the music with him, both of you smiling.

“You know, you used to love dancing with me when you were little.” Jake starts, smiling at the memories that flash through his mind at his words.

“Really?” You ask innocently, trying to conjure up any memory but not thinking of anything.

“Oh yeah, used to stand on my feet and I’d teach you how to dance. You also loved an impromptu dance party on a Saturday morning while I made breakfast. Maybe we should bring that tradition back?” Jake says, remembering the times you’d beg him to play music in the kitchen and show you how to dance. He loved looking back on the memories he made with you growing up. You may not remember all of them, but he did, and he’d not trade one single second of them away.

“I know everyone’s said it today but I’m so happy for you dad. You deserve this.” You say, smiling as your dad pulls you a little closer to his chest, pressing a kiss atop your head.

“Thanks kid.” He says in a whisper, a grateful smile on his face. As the final chords of the song ended, Jake releases you from his hold after giving you one last squeeze. He opens his mouth to dismiss you and let you go back to whatever you were doing the DJ suddenly stopped playing music and the familiar opening chords to ‘Great Balls of Fire’ rang out across the hall as everyone cheered loudly.

“Trust Bradley to pull this song out at his own wedding.” You laugh as you follow Jake over to the piano that had been sitting in the room but had clearly gone unnoticed by everyone. Everyone was soon singing along with Bradley, and you smiled as you joined in with the singing. The song ended with cheers and whoops from everyone before they returned to dancing or drinking at the bar. The party lasted long into the night which lead to multiple people having to get Uber’s home. Bradley hadn’t drunk as much as your dad and so was able to drive both you and Jake home safely but only after making sure everyone who attended the wedding had safely begun their trip home. When you made it home, you barely had enough energy in you to get changed into your pyjamas and take your makeup off but once you did you all but collapsed into your bed.

“Goodnight, y/n/n.” Bradley said, sticking his head into your room after successfully wrangling Jake into bed.

“Night Bradley.” You managed to mumble from under your duvet, eyes already closed as you heard Bradley chuckle softly before your door clicked shut gently. The second you heard the door close the comforting darkness embraced you and you fell asleep in an instant.

A couple of days later, Bradley and Jake were due to head off on their honeymoon. They took you to Coyote’s house a few hours before their flight was due to leave so they had plenty of time to get to the airport. You climbed out of Jake’s truck with your suitcase and walked up to meet Coyote at the door with Jake and Bradley following close behind.

“Hey, Uncle Javy.” You greet your uncle with a tight hug as he opens the door to greet you.

“Hey y/n.” He says with a grin as he releases you from the hug before looking over to acknowledge Jake and Bradley.

“Hey, Coyote.” Bradley greets his teammate. Jake glances down at his watch, ever conscious of the time before nudging Bradley softly, not wanting to waste a second.

“y/n, sweetheart, you be good for Javy, okay?” Jake says glancing from you to Coyote.

“When am I not, dad?” You say with a laugh as Jake pulls you into a hug. Since Jake started deployments, you had often been looked after by Javy for the time he was away if Javy was available so you’d heard the ‘be good’ speech a hundred times.

“I’ll see you after your honeymoon.” You say to the two men as you hug Bradley. They bid you one final goodbye before heading back to the truck, climbing in and beginning the drive to the airport as you and Coyote waved from the door until they were out of sight. Ready to have a week away celebrating their new marriage together.

tag list (comment or ask to be added):

@zbeez-outlet @kaceywithak @tsnelf7 @starkleila @cassadilasworld @shanimallina87 @madstxo

[prettyboysdontlookatexplosions]

eleven weeks down, four to go… i am Really Feeling It ngl… but we are in fact in the home stretch and i will in fact make it through and then i will take twelve days allll the way off and it will rule. december historically has involved a pretty rapid winnowing of my schedule but this year i have a bunch of lil perfectionists who have pushed their test dates to right before winter break, including one who is switching to twice a week for this month -__- also not sure what’s going to be happening with my two high schoolers, one of whom will nearly definitely be retesting and the other of whom may or may not be…. but on the bright side the kid who truly nailed it is in fact no longer retaking (or pooooossibly retaking with minimal additional prep) because of other advice they’ve received. lol. (the mom asked me about my experience with retakes for kids in his position and i was like “tbh i’ve literally never had a kid do this well and choose to retake” and she thanked me for my “unimpeachable integrity” which was very sweet lol.)

this week i came in at just under 37 hours, which was more than i planned largely because today i was between locations for a while and just chilled and hung out with a practice test. i’m not sure how i feel about 35 hours as a more long term goal (it feels like it shouldn’t be an amount that makes it feel hard to do anything else, but that is how i felt this week…), which is a thing i’m contemplating because of various goals i have relating to continuing to digitize everything and making more short drill sets because i have a pathology about feeling like if i can imagine that something would be helpful to students i feel bad not doing it, but i feel like it feels doable for these four weeks where i don’t have a ton of mental energy anyway, and where also i’m now close enough to the end that i can actually wrap my brain around, like, ok, 3 more upper level tests, 3 more lower level, 3.5 more ACTs, such and such number of workbook pages/chapters…. etc. but i’m gonna try again not to stress out about it in general but especially this week because (1) i don’t have big thanksgiving plans but i do have family plans and i do want to at least spend the day relaxing and (2) i do in fact have another cold i am hoping to rest off in the next day or so. the last one retreated to just some post nasal drip very quickly!!!

i got four workouts in this week (+ my Steps) largely because i was so sore i needed an extra rest day and after actually SLEEPING OKAY last night i woke up the day after a pretty tough full body workout with minimal soreness! further data points re cottage cheese snooze helper. very upset that i likely need to wait on gathering more data because i am prooobably not going to be up to HIIT day tomorrow (although thus far this cold, like its predecessor, is Quite Mild, knock wood…). i am downing zinc and emergen-c as permitted and in accordance with my cold rituals which i think are scientifically valid because even if the concoctions are fake science the placebo effect is very well attested to in the literature. (do you know about zinc in the early stages of a cold to make it less bad? i got this tip from a first grade teacher i associate taught for and i swear it works. if you know science explaining it doesn’t please do NOT tell me and let my immune system continue reaping the benefits of my delusion this is the one thing on which i do NOT wish to be fact checked 🙏🏼)

today i woke up, did work, tutored, did more work chilling in a salad place, got dinner at a french restaurant with v. good salmon (i say like i know anything about fine dining beyond “i like salmon”), agreed to a reschedule of the sunday night zoom session, & watched the first half of gladiator because i’ve seen approximately 700 people on the internet this week say something to the effect of “gladiator ii really makes you appreciate russell crowe” (he is so far great as promised playing a guy literally named Best Guy). one month left! technically less! i will in fact have a day off this week although i will also need to spend some of it working a bit! onwards! (to bed)

[theoddcatlady]

I'm Addicted to Eating Bugs

I suppose it started small, like all addictions do. I was in the first grade, having some corner time because I threw a crayon at Brandon's head. He totally deserved it but that's another story for another day.

Anyway, I was facing the brick wall, imagining horrible fates for this jerk of a classmate when I heard a quiet buzzing. I looked by my feet to see an old cobweb, spider long gone but the dusty threads still managing to capture a fly. It wiggling and squirmed and if I hadn't interfered it probably would have gotten loose and carried on with its life. But before I realized it I had plucked the fly free and placed it in my mouth.

It buzzed furiously and it took all my willpower not to giggle, it was really ticklish. If I laughed, I'd end up opening my mouth and away it would go. I prodded at it with my tongue, feeling its wings flap uselessly against my cheek before I ended its life between my molars.

I swallowed and felt a lot better about things. Who cared about stupid Brandon anyway?

To be fair, kids eat stupid shit all the time. Glue, crayons, paper, I used to know a kid who ate sand and thought he was really stupid. Then again, I was only in the sandbox to hunt down ladybugs, so maybe I didn't have room to judge. But all those kids left their weird eating habits behind. I didn't. Instead, my habit grew.

At recess I'd spend all my time hunting bugs. I'd bring along a lil bug box and my teacher would just assume I'd want to study the insect world and let me be.

The easiest to find were worms on a day it had just rained. Those lil buggers were everywhere on the paving stones. Unfortunately they also had the least amount of payout. Worms taste like dirt. I mean, who's surprised though? Caterpillars were a lot better, so squishy but still slow enough for me to catch. Crickets and grasshoppers were a real pain in the neck. I had to learn to be patient and wait for the right moment to strike. If I didn't wait for the right moment, I would end up clapping my hands down on nothing at all.

But oh man, were they worth the effort. I didn't like putting them in my mouth alive so much, they kicked too much, but they had so much flavor and crunch. If I managed to find a grasshopper while hunting, I would consider myself one lucky kiddo.

I was never officially caught eating bugs until a few years later. I knew I had to keep my secret quiet. But when I was in fourth grade my class got a pet lizard named Lizzy. I know, really creative on names here, but we were kids so give us a break. But Lizzy needed to eat crickets a few times a week. I felt almost validated watching her munch down on them. But I also felt jealous. She could eat crickets whenever she wanted. I wished I could do that.

One winter day I decided to steal some of Lizzy's crickets. During recess I'd gone back to the classroom to get something from my desk when I realized I was all alone. This was my only chance to indulge. I crept up to the lizard cage, where the small cricket container was placed beside it. I opened up the top, snaked a handful of crickets, and threw those little buggers right in my mouth.

I had just closed my eyes when I heard someone gasp. I turned and saw Gabrielle, her jaw dropped as she stared at me. I'm pretty sure a cricket leg was poking out of my mouth too.

And of course, Gabrielle being a teacher's pet, she ran off screaming ‘Keith is eating Lizzy's crickets!’

I swallowed, feeling a lump form in my chest. My secret was out.

I managed to play it off as a joke, a one time thing. I was just curious as to why Lizzy liked eating crickets so much. I think Mr. Martinez found it hilarious. He ended up bringing roasted crickets to class next week, taking this moment to teach us how other cultures enjoyed eating all kinds of bugs and prepping them in unique ways.

I never felt more sick in my life. Although being salted and cooked did bring out the flavor, I ended up barfing it up later. It just. Wasn't the same. They were barely even bugs anymore. It was just like eating potato chips or almonds. There was no thrill of the hunt. None of that excitement as they squirm in your mouth. The joy when you bite down, taking out a leg or maybe slicing them right down the abdomen.

I did try to stop after that. I really did. I didn't want to get picked on anymore and maybe it was a little weird that I kept eating bugs.

But here's the real problem. If I don't sate my appetite on bugs, I start craving… bigger things.

The whole glass was horrified to come in one morning to find Lizzy had disappeared, the lid tipped off the cage and our class pet nowhere to be seen. Much to my amusement, fingers were pointed at Gabrielle, as she was the one who fed Lizzy the day before. She swore up and down that she fastened the cage lid on tight, but it didn't matter. We tore that room apart and Lizzy was just gone.

I participated in the search, although I had no reason to. I knew exactly where Lizzy was. In my belly.

I didn't know why I had gone back to class that day, I just knew I needed to. I was alone, me and that lizard. I felt like I was on autopilot as I opened the cage and plucked Lizzy out by the tail. I dangled her over my mouth before I snapped her head clean off. Blood dripped in my mouth, a new feeling I had never gotten before with bugs. It felt so damn good.

When the high wore off though I felt so guilty I nearly threw her back up. I didn't, because that would really be a waste, I just got out of there. That night at dinner I didn't eat a damn thing, I claimed I had a tummy ache and that wasn't a lie. But I knew the cause wasn't that 24 hour flu bug going around.

So yeah. I realized quickly that maybe there are worse things than eating bugs. Winters were always the hardest, I had to make due with ants in the kitchen and daddy long legs in the basement. To my credit, I've only ‘snapped’ once since then, it was Christmas vacation at grandma's house and I just hadn't had the time to hunt. That poor cat. Everyone just assumed a wild animal had gotten to poor Fluffy, meanwhile I was trying to discreetly pick long white fur out from in between my teeth.

It's gotten simultaneously harder and easier as an adult. Harder as I need to eat a lot more bugs to keep the cravings at bay, easier as now I can just go to the pet store and clean out their supply of feeder crickets and mealworms. The cashier there thinks I'm cute and usually gives me a discount. She keeps asking to meet my geckos and I have to keep making excuses as to why she can't.

If the cravings get bad, I hit up another pet store and buy a few mice, maybe a hamster or a gerbil too if it sounds good. I eat those suckers while binge watching Netflix, sucking on the long tails and reducing their skulls to paste. It has worked for me so far. I don't have a girlfriend, but I have a decent social life. I think it's probably for the best I don't have a family. I don't want to snap one day around a small child, I’d never forgive myself.

But I'm a good uncle to my sister's kids. I send them gifts and always tell them cool bug facts, which they love to hear, especially the younger one, Ellie.

However… I think I caught Ellie with her hand in the proverbial cookie jar last week. The cookie jar in this case was a spider's web, and a fly wing poking out of her lips.

She said she was just curious as to why spiders ate flies, but I'm gonna be keeping an eye on her.

[genericpuff]

This month y'all. Whoof. It's been a lot, but it's also been really fun, just knowing that everything that I'm doing right now is building up to some (hopefully) great shit.

Took today off from shop stuff (no appointments) so got up and found my delivery of clear bags and backboards had arrived, meaning I can now actually package my prints and get them ready for sale. A little worried I might not have enough for this thing but at the same time I don't want to go overboard on stocking because this is my first convention and I have zero clue if these are gonna sell or not. I'm hoping for the best!

What I DO have is now being printed at the print shop, the proofs looked great and I'm feeling a bit more confident. I'm hoping they're ready before 4:30 so I can catch the next bus downtown and hang out with a pal before they leave town again for a while. Said pal also just dropped off a shitload more boxes for us to use for packing, my lil' village has been really coming through for me and my husband while we prep for this move which is literally happening the FOLLOWING WEEKEND after this convention. Worst case, might see if my husband can go down himself and pick them up before his shift, or I'll just pick them up tomorrow, we'll see LOL (I'm just super hyped to get them all packaged and ready ASAP even though the convention isn't for another 2 weeks).

Also called up freaking Bell because they never emailed us to confirm we're good for service setup on the 2nd of April (so we'll only have to go one evening without wifi lmao) apparently we're still good to go but it def made me nervous for a second LOL

It's a lot, and I know it might seem overbearing in a lot of ways (and it kinda is) but it's also like, just the kind of challenge my brain needs. It's keeping me busy, keeping me productive, and it's giving me something tangible to look at and feel proud of the more it comes together, both the convention prep and the move. The stress of doing all the things these past few weeks is being converted into ✨ raw power ✨

anyways, have this picture of a greeting card rack i saw at the print shop that i completely misread because i'm so chronically online i didn't realize "blank inside" meant the card itself was blank and WASN'T meant as some kind of edgy humor card for people who are dead inside- 😂

[thestudentfarmer]

Hello hello!

No garden post today, but I wanted to share some things I'm doing in the kitchen. After all, if the gardens producing then I need to be able to use and preserve things 🌱 as well, One of the things I've been learning along my sustainable/eco-journey is how to make food stretch better for my family. I like to think I've been pretty good at that over the years but with learning to grow my own crops as well as inflation hikes, i wanted to learn more.

This week I was researching ways to use up watermelons entirely. Surprisingly enough, I found that the rind and the skin are edible as well!

Usually I give what we don't eat to the chickens (the rind/green part) as a way to give them extra feed sources and to reduce my homes green/kitchen waste going out. Im not worried about them missing out though, With the way we eat watermelon they will still certainly still be able to enjoy the bounty melons provide.

This time I'm trying out some food use from a tiktok I found while doom scrolling the other day. The user morocooks, shared a video with uses of watermelon. This included a recipe on making watermelon rind kimchi. Now I enjoy myself some kimchii, it's good for the gut, delicious in soups, stir fry, as is and even blended into bbq sauce. But I've never tried kinchi that wasn't cabbage or onion. I've also never made it before either, so this will be a first on a few levels!

I didn't take a picture of the watermelon, but imagine a big watermelon ��� to start I used salt and water to scrub down the exterior pretty well and gave it a good rinse after.

I peeled, sliced and cut the melon up. The flesh went in the fridge for dessert and snacks over the next few days and then came the usual waste/chicken scraps. The rind and the skin.

I peeled the skinoff, discarding the funky spots in the scrap bucket and then blended the watermelon skin with some water till smooth to make cubes for smoothie additives.

A lil online slouthing showed that Watermelon peels are low in calories, but are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, potassium and zinc. And everyone can always use some more vitamins~

So far ive been mixing the melonskin w/ plain Greek yogurt, and some frozen fruit.

I did not blend the skins smooth enough, so definatly be sure their smoooooth! Or there's going to be a bit of texture that while I can get through, might be off putting for others.

The rind, cut up and salting.

A little internet slouthing says that Watermelon rind has high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, potassium and zinc. Watermelon rind is also rich in nutrients with chlorophyll, citrulline, lycopene, amino acids and flavonoids, phenolic compounds and fiber.

I also found out some folks use the rind in stirfrys???? I am going to give a try with the next batch! I admit possible curiosity as to wanting to attempt a 'sloppy joe' with watermelon rind too.

The sauce/seasoning.

All mixed and ready for the fridge! I did add some ribboned carrots and sliced white onion. (Leftovers from meal prep this week)

Admittingly I've never had fresh or varied veggies for kimchi before, so I'm not sure if this will get a similar taste profile. So far (day 3) it smells pretty good. The taste is a bit, different. I expected that, and look forward to seeing the flavor develop.

A few other things I did over the last few days was to freeze up some blueberries while their in season at the market.

I like to wash them up (cold water and baking soda ratio is 2 c water to 1 teaspoon baking soda. Let set 15 minutes. Stir every 5 gently. Rinse well.)

Dry them out on a towel on a baking sheet, then freeze them. Usually overnight.

when frozen pull up towel and funnel into freezer safe containers. I use a ziplock bag, but will reuse them till the bag is basically useless. Though when I'm able to I want to switch to a silicone bag or freezer glass.

I did the same as well with starberries (though I like to slice them into quarters for easier use later!) And cherries. (Pit them before freezing.) If I had thought about it I would have made some cherry pit vinegar for sauce, but due to time restraints I was just trying to move along quickly.

Today I'm cooking up some spaghetti squash for the freezer for quick meals s well. That's not done yet, but perhaps later I'll do a seperate post for that alone if anyone interested. :)

I hear the oven, so for now i'll have to head off-

🌱🍉Happy homesteading and sustainable journeys! 🍉🌱

[bruiisedpetals-a]

long NON RP RANT — about work bc the audacity!?!??!   tldr: a girl who had applied and interviewed and confirmed her trial shift to be a barista last week and was V EXCITED so we cancelled another person for her trial .... showed up, said hi, chatted a bit, had a look inside, then said she was going for a walk to look around the area bc she isnt a local, and within 5 MINUTES (literally. five) ghosted, disappeared, text my boss and said “yeah nah bye”, and left me alone handling the whole place.  cue endless work for me w double the usual customers, and a shift that lasted three hours longer that it should have bc of the ghosting.

rel context: i work in a small coffee & bagel place, two people on one shift: one on coffee & point of sale and another to be the cook, we also have two online food delivery providers so we take orders in person and from two apps + i’m a barista and have line cook kitchen prac & experience so am actually a ‘cook’ ig?

so i mentioned in my post when i was half asleep yesterday that i had a new person coming into my workplace for a trial today, so i stayed late to prep for weekend trade + restock stuff, and came in early to set up everything just in case. we were v busy yesterday with food as it was so i had a lot to restock, and w mothers day tomorrow everything needs to be topped up more-so. that a lot of work by itself to be honest but manageable in between cooking, esp when you have an extra set of hands when its quiet to help.   look if you have seen any cooking show you might see that set up, prep and pack down take THE LONGEST ok.

 — our permanent staff consists of me and K, we have two other locations so we get help from Z and J, and they can usually cover the shifts that K and i can’t  (eg. K can’t do saturdays, i cant do every 3rd tuesday)  but they manage other locations so they are not available without prior notice.       so basically the only person who was available to work today was me, even my boss was busy moving house w his wife, 4mo and two under 8yo’s. —

this morning i’m at work at 7am, turn on things etc, set up my cooking stuff, open the coffee machine, nothing crazy. at abt 7:45am im chillin outside having a coffee and a smoke and someone walks up and it turns out to be the trial girl. we chat a bit etc, i show her inside and the machine    (she’s a barista and i’m the cook on shift)     —   i say that i just heard from my boss myself, bc she had spoken w him earlier that morning, and he’s on the way and should be here within 5-7 mins   ***technically we open at 8am but i was waiting for my boss but had checked the time to keep track & i had just text my boss back so i saw the timestamp***

so at 7:59am i head inside after i finish my smoke and she’s going to have a look where i told her there is free close parking for next time bc she took the train, at 8:04am my boss walks in and goes “WOW IT’S 8:04AM AND SHE’S NOT HERE lmao” (he did not yell it he’s a g - that’s just how i knew what the time was alksjfhg)     and i go “no she’s just having a look down [street] bc of the parking i literally saw her a few mins ago” and proceed to open the doors etc.  meanwhile i see my boss on the phone calling her, after a moment he comes over with a Whole “i cant fkn believe this” Face on while he’s on the phone.  i’m thinking “??? i hope trial girl didn’t get lost in these lil crossover streets damn”

(it’s 8:07am, from now the customers start. they DO NOT STOP until at least 11am, it was at least double the normal turnover of profits during that time so thats ur ref for how BUSY it got)

boss goes “ur not gonna believe this” and show me the mssg from trial girl who basically has said “hi i went to ur shop, and i had a wander around the area and its just not good enough for me so i’m on my way home”. she’s GONE. in those five minutes. she got up, lied to me, and was at the nearby train station leaving. boss is floored and i’m like !>?!??!?!@#!#?who IN THE FK does this?!?!? but the customers so *professional me is present rn*

between her and boss there’s a little back and forth (text, she wont answer any calls) where he literally pleads with her bc there is NO ONE who can come in an assist me and she confirmed yesterday and she WAS HERE, she continues to be like “mmmm well ik that we discussed this and i said that i would be here and its been set for days and i applied LAST WEEK etc. but... no sorry im going back to bed” and then blocks him.

& this whole thing takes place between

7:59AM — 8:07AM.

i was there from 7am - 4:35pm  / my usual saturday is 7:45am - 2:30pm

WHO DOES THAT. WHO IS THAT UNPROFESSIONAL. WHO??? WHOMST??? SHE WAS SO FKN RUDE I WAS liVID. LIKE. why LEAD us ALL ON. we all need to make a living do U THINk he can afford to lose a whole day of trade?? he’s got a whole FAmILY and his wife cant work rn bc she’s just had their 3rd child.   i live PaYCHECK to PAYcheck.  like this is life this isnt a game????   you are 29YRS OLD why cant u act grown 

[ni-kinoni-ki]

7/30/24

Today all of the new teachers in the area were taken to prominent places in the area to learn about Matsuno. There were 9 stops throughout the day.

The first was Kagomori Castle. It was first in order to beat the mid day heat, but it was still so fucking humid outside. I climb to the castle all the time by myself, but it was fun to go up with other people for a change. The view was as awe inspiring as ever, and the wind felt good at the top. Matsuno is a truly beautiful place, and every time I climb the mountain my heart skips a beat when I can look out and see everything that my life spins around in panoramic view.

Next was the local lumber yard. GOD I LOVE THE SMELL OF WOOD (athankyou). Sawdust was everywhere though, so I couldn't stop coughing. Wish they gave me a respirator instead of a helmet. I miss chopping wood, and prepping for winter. Most of the supply on site goes to the local onsen, and as it is probably the biggest tourist attraction in town (aside from the aquarium) I understand the production necessity. There were cats on site <3 Too feral to pet though T-T

Stop 3 was a crab meat production and processing plant? I had no fucking clue it was here lmfao. The building is huge. We were shown a video about the production process instead of getting a factory tour, but FUCK did it make me hungry. I need to start eating a bigger breakfast. Climbing the mountain took what little I did eat beforehand.

Next up was the mountainside rice terraces. I love that place so much. I go there twice a year with my kids. Once in the spring to plant new rice, and again in the fall to harvest it. Both by hand. If one of the farmers adopted me, I'd work the fields 'till I died. I'm far better suited to manual labor, at least I feel so. Working as a teacher is not a terrible gig, and my kids make it better, but I feel best when I can turn my brain off and automatically complete tasks. Flow state take me away, lol.

Stop 5 was a local plant nursery. A TON of produce is grown here annually, and depending on the time of year the crops switch around. They're also famous for pickled plums, and we got to see the big pickling tanks. I wish I could have eaten a few. If you cut me open I'd probably bleed vinegar. lmfao

After that we got to go to Nametoko Gorge. I FELL IN LOVE. I could spend weeks fucking around in the woods there. It's so beautiful. The water's fresh, there's wildlife everywhere, and the food at the park shop is delicious. There's a famous hotel there too that I'd like to stay at at some point. I need to go back and explore when I have more time. I wish I had gotten to meet the cat though. Rip lil' baby.

the 7th stop was a local history museum that had a topographical model of the surrounding area all the way to Uwajima. There were written records of conflicts, and land division during the Edo period under Tokugawa Ieyasu's rein. I liked the display of different kinds of wood that can be found throughout Ehime. It makes me want to start carving again, but I need to focus on other artistic goals when I have the drive to make something. There was also an old millstone there I got to grind rice in. I could do that for hours. Great arm workout.

Next up was a deer meat processing plant. God, I love venison. The local farmers market carries their product, and I buy it often. I can't wait until stew season starts up. I'm ready for soup lol. They recently began making products for pets too, which makes me wish I could have a dog. I'd really hoped to bring Victor with me here. He would have loved chewing on deer bones and walking in the woods.

Last, but not least, was the Fukio Shiba memorial museum. Panda works there, and at like 5 other places. Between that and a new baby, I'm not sure how he's functioning. Dudes a maniac, but it suits him lol. Apparently Fukio Shiba is an extremely famous haiku poet that lived here in Matsuno. I'm not very intimate with his work, but I'm interested in learning more. The museum is super cozy too. If I could, I'd live on the second floor. The place is straight out of "My Neighbor Totoro."

Today was a really nice break in the monotony of deskwork at the BOE. I get to participate in a couple other activities next week too that I'm excited for. Canyoning and glass blowing. I need to try them at least once while I'm here and have the opportunity. I'm lucky to be afforded the opportunities I have around me, and I'm trying to be more conscious of that.

[genderlesssinner]

Back!

Oh man it's weird to have only the 7 of them at the table. I'm gonna miss Robbie for however long this lasts

As much as the Nein called the Hells chucklefucks, I still call them chucklefucks too. Fucken wild ass kids. I miss them

I see Sam has chosen a new target for the picture t-shirts

This already feels like it's gonna be slow going and then suddenly go go go

You know I was thinking earlier Orym may be able to run across the cables if needed to but Beau should also totally be able too

Fucking Veth and Beau competition over dumb shit, yup

Cad's voice just makes me happy, he sounds high as fuck and so chill

"I make the wheels go"

Oh shit Liam is up in his chair I don't think I've ever seen that

Oh are they stealing Veth?

It has begin!

Veth is a speedy lil shit when she wants to be, using all action to run but Beau's totally got that beat, monks have hella movement

I keep forgetting they're underground because of the cityscape

Oh man the fucken explosions in a massive cavern, yeesh

Fuck

Go Beau, Go!

🤣 Cad being like this is stupid *ray of enfeeblement*

Okay if she rolls good Beau's so got this

SAM

This is why I call then chucklefucks, by the way. If you didn't figure it out, lol

Birbleb sigh,,, same though

Yeeee get it Beau

Oh boy the d20 rolls

Yasha got this come on-oop okay nvm

Birbleb to the rescue, or is Fjord faster?

Okayokay Fjord got his girl

Oh no not Yasha too

This is why Ashley doesn't like doing the d20s for environmental stuff or travel she gets such bad luck on it

Eaglegast Idk I like birbleb better 😂

Holy fucking shit Caleb

Oh my god Cad

Okay well

"This is why Bells Hells got sent to the big fight."

"I shouldn't have eaten breakfast."

Caduceus-face beetle

Thanks for that imagery, Jes.

Everyone fucking threatening Veth 🤣

Oo a map! Neat

Yeah guys he said it was well defended yo

Tal immediately yelling at the die for rolling better now

Pop pop motherfucker

Oh hell yeah those prep spelling coming in

2 crits on disadvantage get fucked

Yaaasss Beau toss that shit back at them. Fucking love monks man

Nut I hate combat with so many people jeebus it takes forever

Fucken blade baron Nice (I mean. Not. But yeah)

Yeee Gaz let's goooo

GET IT BEAU FUCK THAT GUY

"Why do you keep rolling that die? It's been bad to you forever." I love the tings Tal says

Poof! Wizard! 🤣

No more birbleb

(sorry yall I don't have much to say during combat and I'm sleepy af right now)

Beau out here like 🎶 CAN'T TOUCH THIS 🎶

Oooo Fjord blasted some fucken k armor off the pterodactyl bitch nice

Attack fails, Blade Baron is like ...On second thought *turns to leave*

Fuck his world up Gaz

Nooiiiiice

"We have two Clerics, and one of them heals." ah yes, back to the Jester slander (not that it's actually slander it's just true)

Did I just hear what I think I heard from Laura

"Gaz Tomo. That's not a 'hear me out' that's just a 'yes'"

I'm not saying she's wrong. I just don't know if that's what I heard

Firebolt to the nuts for the kill? That's fucking great

Hell yeah Gaz

Oh boy okay

Until next week

..I forgot it was Thursday and I was playing bg3 so I was only half listening to the ad reads and stuff but I'm here now let's GO

I forgot VM was finished and now I'm sad again

Ah yes back to the hellish chaos that is the Nein Hellz

Watching Travis switch from Chet balls out to Fjord's horror at the idea 😂😂

"Well we don't have to give them all the details."

"Actually we'd prefer it if you did"

Do Ashton and Cad actually sound that similar to people?

Veth: "our story is simpler, we were always pretty pro god"

Beau: "*were* we??"

Same girl

As soon as the Betrayers come up,, Cad's quiet little "oh boy"

I really hope the girls don't end up trying to control Predathos I feel like that may be the worst option

Oh god I forgot Caleb is a c popper oh no

Travis is both tits out and dick out. Nice.

Fucken jet pack zip lines? fuck yeah

Oh god Veth killed Gaz

Why did Orym suddenly sound like a toddler "No!!"

Let's all hope d&d beyond doesn't die tonight 🤞🤞🤞

Orym jumped in SO FAST so be like yeah he's a bard

"I put mushrooms in my areas sometimes"

"yeah you do" 😂😂😂😂

The 'tattoo' sessions 😂 these absolute heathens

Yes Dorian save us from this chaos

Cottagecore lesbians part 2! Make it spooky this time

Damn Yash

Yes beauyasha got married 🤣

SAM NO stop

I am so curious about what Liam just showed Laura and Taliesin they all laughed so hard

("Seeming everywhere" - cue everyone dying)

I love that sometimes Yasha is literally just Ashley, I love them both so much

"It's a safe place"

*the rest of your friends sitting around laughing*

Do what feels kind. I like that

LIAM that slip holy shit he said dorym

Hzjahxjsbxjdhch the fangirl ass sounds that just came out of me I cannot I'm fucking screaming I love them so much (climb that man like a TREE Orym)

And fucking Ash and Fearne too!!! I love them! Such a perfect thing for them

Braius go away

Oh uh oh what is this Matthew

Ooohhh it's The Storm oh shit

Oh noooo

Fuck the panic in that first scream

I suppose we will see the Nien again later, then

Oh fuck, I hate this

OH SHIT THEY WERE RIGHT the funnel they have is a fucking prototype

Goddamn it okay break time.

Oh okay we're going to the Nein that is fucking dirty

[cemetrio]

just a quick update...

hi everyone! we’ll be pushing today’s intro post back to tomorrow, and next week’s intro post will be delayed a week! o7

[animeomegas]

MY FELLOW ANON ARE VIOLATING MY EMOTIONS TODAY 😂 god I’m acc crying. Your writing is amazing. I’m gonna combat the sadness with a wholesome thing of them finding a pup in a bin (or something) a few months after the loss of the first pup (Neji is currently shut down entirely) is like “lol gimme”. Proceeds to take the pup home, put it in his nest scent the lil bean (gender is your choice) and just be like “yeah this mine now”. Any nay sayers are ignored bc it’s still his baby (maybe almost like his pup reincarnated 👀👀) regardless of how baby was obtained. Idk I just think my guy needs some positivity after life kicking the ever loving shit out of him

This is beautiful and you’re right, Neji deserves the world, but I’ll settle with a quiet life and some happiness for my boy!

Okay, so things haven’t been…good with Neji since you had to let your pup die to save him.

It has been two months and still he lays in his nest every day, sometimes crying, sometimes whining, but mostly just staring at nothing. He had incorporated a bunch of baby stuff (blankets, toys etc.) into his nest before he went to the hospital, in order to make his pup feel more at home in the nest when he was supposed to bring them back. You had tried to take them out to stop him having to be confronted with what happened in his safe space, but Neji almost attacked you for doing so, so you let him keep them.

But it’s very concerning when he spends hours at a time just stroking the pup's blankets and staring at nothing.

So, you decide to take Neji on a walk to get him out of the house. It would be his first time leaving the house since the funeral.

You go at night time, because Neji is still refusing any contact with anyone he knows and this way he’s less likely to be confronted when he isn’t ready for it. To make extra sure that you can be alone, you decide to walk around the edge of the woods around one of the quieter training grounds.

Neji doesn’t speak much, but he doesn’t whine or cry either, and the night air brings a little colour to his cheeks, and you’re so happy at the small improvements. It doesn’t matter how long it ends up taking him to feel better, you’ll be here with him the whole way.

…

“I was thinking about cooking something special next week,” you make idle conversation, not expecting Neji to reply. “It’s our anniversary after all, do you have any preference?”

Neji stops walking suddenly. His shoulders are tense.

“Neji?”

He hushes you harshly.

“I can hear…”

Without another word of warning, Neji makes his way a little further into the trees. You follow him, confused and worried.

“Byakugan!” he calls, scanning the area. He gasps as he scans over a nearby bush and immediately he drops to his knees beside it.

“Neji?” you ask, now more than a little concerned. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

You watch as Neji pulls something out of the bush. He turns around with a bundle in his arms.

“It’s a pup,” Neji says, obviously shocked. You can’t blame him, you’re feeling more than a little shocked yourself. What on earth was a pup doing out here? “They’re freezing. Give me your jacket.”

Without hesitance, you quickly slip your jacket of and hand it to Neji who promptly bundles up the pup in it and brings them to his chest. The pup is making small whimpering noises that had been almost impossible to hear over the wind. Neji must have hear them, thank goodness.

“It’s okay, I’ve got you,” Neji coos to the pup. “You’re safe now, I'll take you home and make it better, I promise.”

“We need to get them to the hospital asap," you say, shaking your head. "They must be freezing and they look underweight as well. We’re not mednin, Neji.”

“Our home is closer.”

“Neji…”

“We need to make sure they’re warm,” he argues. “We can bring them home and alert a medic to make a home visit.”

You look at the earnest look on his face and know that he won’t back down, and now isn’t a time for arguments anyway.

“Okay,” you swallow nervously. “We’ll bring them home.”

…

You bring the pup back to your home and before you can protest, Neji brings them into his nest with a mumbled ‘they’ll be warm in there’.

Neji bundles himself and the pup up in the corner of the nest, turning on a little heater beside him, and tucking the pup into his shirt to share body warmth.

“We’ll get you nice and warm, it’s okay, you’re safe, I won’t let anyone harm you,” he whispers while stroking their cheek with a finger. The pup wriggles around, already looking more energetic, and starts mouthing at Neji’s chest.

“Are you hungry?” Neji laughs softly before turning to you. “Go and heat up a bottle for the pup, all the supplies are in the… the nursery.”

You nod dumbly and do as you’re asked, astounded at how much life is in Neji’s eyes. It’s the most life you’ve seen from him in months. But you can’t help but worry. What if Neji gets attached and you can’t keep the pup? Of course, you want nothing more than to keep the baby, it almost seems too good to be true that she literally fell into both your lives at this trying time, but what if it is too good to be true? What if they’re sick? Or their parents are looking for them? Or… something else. Neji doesn’t deserve another heartbreak, and you don’t want to destroy the small amount of progress he’s made in the last month.

But for now, all you can do is heat up the bottle.

…

“Here, it’s a good temperature, I already checked,” you pass Neji the bottle. He checks it again anyway and you can’t help but smile at how overprotective and parental he's being. It's so bittersweet to see him like this.

“Here you go sweetheart, just for you,” Neji smiles, cradling the pup as they latch onto the bottle with fervour. “Shh, shh, shh, slow down, it’s not going anywhere.”

Neji feeds the pup and then burps them, and you pretend you can’t see him smiling when he notices that they are starting to smell like him. You need to know you can keep her before you let him get even more attached.

“I’m going to send a clone for a medic, now.”

The room became tense all at once.

“They’re fine, I’m looking after them,” Neji protests.

“I know, and you’re doing a good job, but we still need a medic, Neji.”

Neji holds the pup more tightly to his chest, tucking an extra blanket around them. He's using the special blanket you had got commissioned for your pup. You can feel your heart break at the sight. He's already attached. Now you just have to hope you can keep them. For his sake.

“I don’t want them to take the pup away like last time,” Neji admits softly. "I can look after them, I won't let anything happen like last time, I promise. They'll be safe, we don't need a medic."

“We need to know their primary and secondary gender, omega, and we need to make sure they aren’t sick after being left in the woods…”

Neji hesitates but nods his consent in the end after you explain that your pup could become ill if left untreated. You don’t tell him that you are also sending a clone to the Hokage. Naruto will be able to grant you and Neji the right to keep the pup, and you hope that as Neji’s friend, he’ll be able to see how much he needs this.

…

You have to move Neji and the pup downstairs to wait for the medic, because Neji would not appreciate someone unknown seeing his nest he made for his pup. He’s not expecting Naruto to show up as well so you go to the door to intercept and prep them both.

“Thank you so much for coming, Naruto, I can’t tell you how much this means to me and Neji,” you say, hugging him as he walks through the door.

“I’m going to do everything I can,” he promises. “If the medic finds signs of long-term neglect, I can take the parental rights away from the biological parents straight away, even if I don't know who they are, and transfer you the rights.”

Your face visibly brightens, but Naruto continues.

“But if the only injuries are from laying in the forest for a few hours, I’ll have to try and find the parents first, because the child may have been taken from them by force, when the pup was otherwise a healthy baby being looked after sufficiently. In that circumstance, I’ll have to take the child back with me and put them in foster care until a three-month window has passed. And if the parents are found…”

“I know,” you sigh. “Let’s just get this done as soon as possible.”

The three of you walk into the living to see Neji cradling the pup tightly against his chest.

“Hey Neji,” Naruto greets softly with a sad smile. “I haven’t seen you around for a while.”

Neji tenses upon seeing Naruto.

“Naruto? Why are you here?” Neji clearly misinterprets the situation, holding the pup even more tightly and turning accusatory eyes against you. “Why did you bring him here?”

“I’m here to determine whether the pup was abandoned or kidnapped to the best of my abilities, once we have that done, we can decide how things are going to happen, okay?”

“How do you decide that?” Neji asks with distrustful eyes.

“The medic will give them a check-up, completely routine, I promise,” Naruto speaks with a soft voice like he’s talking to a cornered animal. Well, you look at Neji for a moment who is coiled as tightly as spring, he’s not far off.

It takes about five minutes for you to convince Neji to let go of the pup and hand them to the mednin, and then the next fifteen minutes involve you holding him in your arms to stop him wrestling the pup back from the mednin.

And then, rather ominously, the mednin pulls Naruto aside to talk.

Neji is shaking in your arms.

“It’s okay, calm down, Neji,” you try to comfort him.

“I can’t-“ Neji chokes, hands fisting in your shirt. “He has our pup, you let them take our pup.”

You don’t bother to correct him on his use of ‘our’, knowing it would only upset him more.

“I know baby, but they need to see that they’re healthy, nothing’s wrong, just breathe.”

Neji doesn’t take your advice.

"Last time they took them-"

"This isn't like last time, omega. Come one, try and settle down a little, that's it."

...

Naruto eventually walks back in, holding the pup securely, the mednin nowhere to be seen.

“So,” Naruto says seriously. And then his face breaks out into a wide grin. “Am I right in thinking you want to adopt?”

You can almost feel your relief in the air. Thanking every power that be for this stroke of luck. Losing this pup could have easily meant losing your mate, and the gravity of the situation all comes crashing down at once. Neji looks as though he is feeling much the same.

“Give me them,” he orders, arms out.

“Her,” Naruto corrects. “The mednin said she’s a female alpha.”

Tears start welling up in Neji’s eyes as he takes her. Their bio pup was a female alpha, too.

“Thank you,” he whispers to no one, holding his new pup as tightly as he dared. “I’ve got you now, you’re safe and sound with me, I won’t let anything hurt you ever again.”

Naruto slips out of the house without a fuss, dropping the mednin’s recommendations for feeding the underweight pup on the coffee table.

...

You and Neji take your new pup upstairs and bundle her back into the nest. Neji lays down with her, stroking her cheek as he watches her sleep.

“You need to get some rest too, omega,” you suggest, running a hand down Neji’s back.

“Guard?” he asks in response.

“Yes," you smile at his protective instincts. "I’ll guard the nest while you sleep, I promise.”

“Okay, alpha…” Neji settles down, still with one hand resting on the pup. “But if I don’t wake up when she cries, wake me… I want to be the one to feed her.”

You laugh gently, “Of course, now get some sleep. I’ll guard you both.”

[leossmoonn]

No Weakness [Spencer Reid]

masterlist 

pairing - spencer reid x gn!reader

type - fluff, lil angst 

request / note -  “where the reader is new to BAU and they see dead body first time, and it kinda bothers them. and spencer noticed it, even when the reader tries they best no show it (bc they’re scared it makes the look like they’re weak) so when they’re just two of them spencer tries to make them feel better and tells them its okay and it does not make them weak.” this was so fun to write, ahhh! thank you @avrilstaro for requesting <3 *not edited lol oops*

summary - you’re embarrassed after freaking out from seeing a dead body, but spencer assures you that it’s okay

warnings / includes - descriptions of mutilated body, small description of case (child kidnapper case for this fic), crying, anxiety, nausea, little fighting, food mention. you and spencer are dating in this  

———— 

*gif isn’t mine*

“I can’t believe I didn’t get to sleep in,” you mumbled, throwing your purse down on your desk rather roughly. 

“Not like you would’ve anyways. Ariel was meowing for you five minutes before we got called in,” Spencer stated. 

“So? I would’ve fallen back asleep after,” you shrugged. “You would’ve stayed up all morning playing with her, babe,” Spencer chuckled. 

You rolled your eyes. “You don’t know that.” 

“I do! You’ve done it every morning since we got her,” Spencer argued. 

You scoffed, shaking your head at your boyfriend. You trudged over to the coffee machine, getting out a mug the size of a bowl and filling it to the brim. It was already your third cup of the day, and while it was probably unhealthy drinking that much coffee, you needed it. It was your first week on the job and you still weren’t used to waking up at five in the morning for a surprise case. This was your second case, though, so you weren’t very surprised that you were still tired. You knew you would get used to it as time went on, but you wished that your body and mind would adapt faster. 

“You’re coming on the field today.” Emily nudged your arm with a file. 

Your eyes widened and you sputtered out coffee, coughing to try and clear your throat. Emily chuckled, patting your back gently to help you. You set your coffee down, wiping your mouth with the back of your hand once you got control of your breathing.  

“W-What?” You asked, the words Emily said not processing in your brain. 

“I said you’re coming onto the field today,” she repeated. 

“B-But…” your trailed off, trying to find a reasonable explanation. “I-I wasn't supposed to be on the field for another week. I’m still technically in training.” 

“Well, part of the training is going on the field. You’re an amazing agent in the office, L/n, but you'd be even better on the field. You’re able to sympathise with the unsubs and solve the puzzles faster than most of us can, sometimes faster than your boyfriend. You’ll help us a lot better out there than in here.” 

You chuckled nervously, heat crawling up the back of your neck. “Thanks, Emily, but I’m not ready.” 

Emily rolled her eyes. “That’s what all the new agents say. You need to just get out there, and there’s no better time to do that then early in the game.”

“I guess,” you muttered, lifting your coffee cup and taking a sip. 

“You’ll be fine, Y/n. I have no doubts,” Emily smiled. 

“Thanks.” You have her a small smile. “No problem. And hey, don’t tell Spencer I said you’re better at the job than him,” she winked. 

You laughed and nodded, “I won’t, I promise.” 

She walked away, leaving you to lean against the counter and to drink the rest of your coffee before going to the briefing room. 

“So, I heard that Newbie is finally coming along with us today!” Luke exclaimed. 

“Newbie is your nickname, Newbie,” Penelope narrowed her eyes at Luke. Luke rolled his eyes, “Yeah, yeah. Anyways, you excited?”

You sat down in one of the chairs between to Luke and Matt. “Not really, if I”m being honest.” 

“Oh, why? You’ll be great!” Matt smiled. “So everyone says,” you sighed. 

“Hey, I heard you’re coming with us today. Can’t wait to have you on the field.” Spencer smiled as he walked past you. 

“Yeah, I’m excited to outsmart you, too,” you smirked. 

“Oh, Reid, looks like you have some competition!” Luke teased. 

Spencer shook his head and looked at you through his lashes. You gave him a challenging look, leaning on the table. 

“May the best agent win, Reid,” you dared. 

“Alright,” he shrugged. “Better have no weaknesses, L/n.” 

“Oh, I have none,” you smirked. Spencer replied to you with a hum, giving you an excited smile before paying attention to the case.  

Penelope and Emily delivered the case to you six, then leaving you all to pack up your things as you were going on the jet. You got out the small duffle bag of clothes you had in your car for traveling on cases, also grabbing your phone charger and the case files. You walked up onto the jet, placing your bags up over the overhead storage area. You got seated across from Tara and next to Spencer. 

You all talked about your plans to catch the unsub and where you all were assigned to. Tara, you, and Spencer were going to go to the crime scene to scope out the area. Emily and JJ would stay at the police station and work there, while Matt and Luke did witness and suspect interviews. 

You were sitting back in your chair, looking out the window and admiring the sky as the jet flew through the clouds. You still had an hour before you landed. Everyone was either sleeping or listening to music. You had thought about going back to sleep, but it seems as though the three cups of coffee you had finally kicked in.  

You regretted drinking so much coffee because now, your heart was racing and your hands were shaking. You weren’t sure if it was totally because of the caffeine or that you were nervous about being on the field for the first time, but you assumed it was a little bit of both. 

Spencer, who was seated next to you, noticed your jitteriness. He closed his book softly, setting it down on the floor next to his seat, turning to you and taking your hands in his. 

Your head snapped to him quickly, your eyes landing on his. He gave you a soft smile, beginning to rub his thumb over your knuckles. 

“You’ll do great out there, alright?” He assured. 

You sighed, turning away from the window and to him. “What if the lead I find doesn’t work? What if I can’t figure out where the unsub has the kids? O-Or what if I embarrass myself in front of the police chief?”

Spencer chuckled softly at your concerns, making you frown. 

“Don’t laugh! Hey, I bet you had all these concerns when you first joined.” 

“I did,” he admitted. “But, I learned that I worked with a team. It’s not just me doing the work, just like it’s not just you. You have seven people working with you on this. Try and relax, baby, alright? You do amazing work at the office. This won’t be any different.” 

You scoffed, “Please. It’s like, a million times different.” 

“Just try and relax,” he instructed, putting your hand up to his lips. 

You smiled widely, your heart fluttering as he kissed your hand. 

“Plus, even if it was just you working the case, I have no doubt you would figure it out quickly.” 

“Thanks, babe,” you smiled and leaned your head against the headrest. 

“Of course. I love you,” he said, leaning in and pressing a chaste kiss to your lips. 

“Oh, gross. You guys know I just became newly single,” Tara scoffed. 

You laughed and turned to her. “That was like, nine months ago.” 

Tara raised her brows, looking at Matt and Spencer, and back at you. “You weren’t even here back then. How do you know this?” 

“I just know things,” you winked. “Yeah, well I’m betting someone blabbed,” Tara grumbled. 

“We would never,” Matt disagreed. “Mhm,” Tara hummed, going back onto her phone. 

You smiled at you teammates and looked back at Spencer and putting your head on his shoulder. You closed your eyes for a few moments, opening your eyes again. You blinked rapidly, yawning and rubbing the sleep out of your eyes. You rolled your head around, your eyes settling onto Spencer who was back to reading his book. You turned your head back to the window, furrowing your brows as you noticed you weren’t up in the sky anymore. 

“Oh, good. You’re up,” Spencer spoke, putting his book away. 

“Are we here already?” You asked, your voice croaky and hoarse. 

“Yep,” he nodded. “We landed about ten minutes ago.” 

“Oh,” you frowned, sitting up and getting out of your seat. You stretched your limbs, yawning once more as you held your hand up above your head. “Why didn’t you wake me up?” You sighed. 

“You’re just so peaceful when you sleep. I couldn’t,” he explained. 

You smiled and went to get your luggage. “Thanks, Spence. But everyone is probably waiting for me now.” 

“No, it’s alright. We can’t go and see the crime scene yet anyways.” 

“How come?” You asked. “Not prepped for us,” Spencer answered. 

“Since when does a crime scene need to be prepped for the FBI?” You snorted. 

“You’d be surprised,” Spencer let out a breathy chuckle. 

You put your duffle bag over your shoulders and handing Spencer his, holding your hand out for Spencer to take. “Join me down the stairs?” 

“Of course,” he grinned, standing up and taking your hand into his and his bag.

You two walked off the jet, going over to the SUV. Spencer drove you two to the hotel where you dropped off your things, immediately going to the police station. 

“ ‘Bout time!” Matt exclaimed, seeing you two walking through the doors. 

You chuckled, “Sorry. Looks like the coffee wore off and I finally crashed.” 

“It’s alright. I think the scene is ready for you guys to look at now,” he said. 

“Great,” you smiled. 

You and Spencer found Tara, going into the SUV once again, driving to the house where the parents were killed and children taken. 

“Wow, I’ve never seen this much yellow tape in my life,” you chuckled. “Yeah. It’s definitely not an eye sore,” Tara chortled, stepping over the caution tape. 

You and Spencer followed her, going up to the police offers that were talking at the front door. 

“Hi, we’re FBI agent with the BAU. I’m Doctor Tara Lewis, this is Doctor Spencer Reid, and Agent Y/n L/n,” Tara introduced you all. 

You smiled and shook the two officer’s hand. “Nice to meet you two.” 

“Likewise. I’m Officer Santiago and this is Officer Reynolds. The parents were killed in two different places. The father in the bedroom, mother in the oldest child’s room.” 

“Lovely. Can’t wait to see,” Tara smiled sarcastically. 

“Oh, I bet. Go ahead and go in, let us know if you find anything, please,” Reynolds said. 

You nodded and stepped into the house, cringing at the heavy smell of bleach. 

“God. It’s like a hospital in here, but twenty times worse!” You held your nose. “I should’ve told Emily I needed to stay back with Penelope.” 

“Oh, this is nothing,” Spencer smirked. “Wait until you see where they all got killed.” 

“Ew, Spence!” You shrieked. “You’re supposed to protect me from all that.” 

He chuckled, “All part of the job, baby.” 

You nodded and sighed, knowing that he was right. As always. You three walked up the stairs, looking at where the father was killed. There was an enormous amount of blood of the bedsheets and some on the corner of the right nightstand, some splatters that were below on the floor. 

“So,” you started. “We’re looking at a team, right? I mean, there’s no way that the unsub could kill the father without the mom noticing.” 

“Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking’,” Tara nodded. “Well, I could be possible,” Spencer contradicted.

You and Tara looked at each other, confused. 

“Yeah, how?” You asked.

 “Well,” Spencer said, walking over to the bed. “The unsub could’ve choked or suffocated the father in his sleep. I mean, there were ligature marks around his neck, right?” 

“True. And the mom was saying goodnight to her children, so she obviously didn’t see her husband get killed,” Tara added on. 

You furrowed your brows, stepped out of the parents’s bedroom, going to the child’s. 

“Yeah, but, what about the kid? I mean, wouldn’t it have screamed and fought and ran out of the house?” You asked. 

Tara looked to you, eyes widening in surprise. “Yeah, that is a good thought. So… unsub number one is killing the father while unsub number two is kidnapping the mom slash killing the child…” 

“No, that wouldn't work. Maybe it’s a group of three?” Spencer suggested. 

“Maybe,” Tara shrugged. 

You stepped into the child’s bedroom, scrunching your nose as a foul smell wafted under your nose. You walked around, covering your nose with your sleeve. You saw the blood on the bedsheets and nightstand table. 

“Looks like the unsubs all have the same MO’s,” you muttered. 

You opened the closet, seeing nothing but toys, clothes, and shoes. You closed the doors, looking around the walls, your heart sinking as you saw all the finger pantings and pictures of family and friends. You walked up to the wall, losing your balance as you tripped on a a long, soft object. 

You let out a yelp, falling on your shoulder. You groaned in pain, turning on your back while holding your injured side. You looked around for the object you tripped on, frowning as you couldn’t find it. Something pale caught the corner of your eyes. You raised your brow, getting up on your knees and moving closer. 

“What the —” You muttered, your voice getting caught in your throat as you realised it was an arm sticking out under the bed. “Oh, my —” You gasped, peering under the bed, seeing the dead body of one of the children. “Oh, my God!” You shouted, scooting back, your back hitting the wall as you stared at the lifeless body. Tears welled up in your eyes and you put your hand to your mouth, loud and broken sobs escaping your throat. 

The boy couldn’t have been more than a few days old, yet it was still lying there. You could see the lifelessness in his eyes, and still the fear. There was a slit across his throat and cheek, his upper chest red with with green and purple bruises. You felt nauseas and cold, your heart sinking all the way down past your stomach. Your body was shaking and you couldn’t tear your eyes off of the body, no matter how hard you tried. 

You heard the footsteps of your colleagues, their voices calling your name. 

“Y/n, where are — O-Oh, my God.” Spencer’s eyes widened as he saw you crying on the floor. He immediately dropped down to his knees, taking you into his arms. “What happened.” 

You were unable to move, your eyes staring wide at the body. Spencer followed your gaze, his own heart dropping down to his chest. 

“Oh, man. Um,” Spencer said, looking away from the body and to you. His heart broke as he saw you so horrified. He put his hand on your cheek gently, turning your face so you were no longer looking at the body. “Let’s get you to out of here, alright?” 

You nodded slowly, your breaths becoming laboured as you tried to calm yourself down in Spencer’s arms. He got up, taking you with him. He walked you out of the room, coming face-to-face with Tara. 

“What happened?” Tara gasped. 

“Looks like the unsubs left the older boy. Tell the police officers, I need to get Y/n out of here,” Spencer said. 

Tara looked at you, nodding without hesitation. She let you two go, Spencer walking you down the stairs slowly. You exited the house, still taking heavy breathes as the image of the boy haunted your thoughts. Spencer gently got you seated into the car, buckling you in. He went to the driver’s seat, getting in and starting to drive. 

You two sat in the silence for thirty minutes while Spencer drove around. You looked at the window the whole time, your eyes glossy and strained from crying and keeping them open. Whenever you closed your eyes, even to just blink, flashes of the dead boy raced through your mind. Spencer waited patiently for you to speak, understanding how shocked and horrified you were. 

He parked in a Burger King parking lot, sighing and looking at you. He gingerly put his hand on your shoulder, only for you to shrug him away. 

“Y/n,” he sighed. 

“No,” you grumbled. “Take me back.” 

“I think it would be smart if you took the day off. Seeing a dead body, especially a child’s and one you had no idea exited, can really throw you off. The first time I saw a dead body…. Man, I-I was sick to my stomach. I—” 

“Shut up!” You exclaimed, waving your hands in the hair. You looked at him, your chest heaving up and down. Your brows were furrowed and mouth open, your eyes glaring at him.  “Just shut up, Spencer!” 

His mouth went agape, hurt flashing though his eyes. He didn’t let your outburst  dampen his spirits, though. He knew you were embarrassed and still horrified, and that you didn’t like to feel belittled. So he gave you a small, comforting smile, taking your hands into his. You didn’t move away this time, but you avoided any and all eye contact. 

“I know how you feel, babe,” he sympathised. “Yeah, I bet,” you muttered, your voice hoarse and dry. 

He frowned and unbuckled, leaning closer to you. He put his hand on your chin, turning your head with strength and force. You eventually met his eyes, his smile dropping as he saw tears rolling down your cheeks once again, your lips pulled into a pout. 

“Hey, it’s okay,” he assured, cupping your cheek and wiping your tears away with his thumb. 

“N-No, it’s not,” you sobbed, shaking your head. “I-I’m so weak. I should’ve been ready. This is what I’ve been tra-trainging for and I suddenly turn into a freaking wuss? I-I… I… It’s so embarrassing!” You shoulders racked with sobs as you hung your head down to cry. 

“Oh, baby,” Spencer sighed, taking your head in both of his hands. He held your head up again, bringing his face close to yours. He put his forehead against yours, kissing the tip of your nose lightly. “It’s no embarrassing, alright? Your reaction was a perfectly normal reaction to seeing a dead child’s body. Honestly, if you didn’t cry and freak out, I would be worried,” he chuckled. 

You gave him a watery smile, laughing with him. “Y-Yeah, I s-suppose,” you sniffled. “B-But,” you started. “I-It makes me look weak. And I don’t want to look weak, Spence. A-All my life I’ve been told —” 

He smiled widely, leaning back so he could look you in the eyes. “You’re not weak, Y/n. You never could be, even if you tried. You’re just human, and that’s fine. It’s amazing, honestly. You know, I am so proud of you, babe.”

You frowned, “Why?”

“Because today was your first day out on the field, and you did fantastic. It can only get better from here.” 

“Y-You really think so?” You sniffed, wiping your nose with your sleeve. 

“I know so,” he nodded confidently. “And it’s okay to show weakness, Y/n. No weakness is the real weakness.” 

“Such wise words,” you laughed. He laughed with you and he shrugged. “I try.” 

You laid your head back on the headrest, looking a him through tired eyes. “Thanks, Spencer. It really means a lot.” 

He nodded with a smile. “Of course, honey. Now, why don’t you say we get something to eat, then go back to the precinct?” 

“Yeah,” you nodded, “Sounds great.” 

He nodded and buckled himself back in, putting his hand on the gearshift and looking to you. 

“I’m proud of you, you know that?”

You smiled shyly, heat scorching your cheeks. “Yeah, I know. You’ve already told me.” 

“Just making sure you know, baby.” 

———— 

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[cacoetheswriting]

better with you - denver

Warnings: a lil talk of anxiety, really just a big ball of fluff Word Count: 0.7k Request: anonymous: “Could I get a Denver (La Casa de Papel) x reader with 2 from random prompt list ii (where the reader is one of the criminals, but its like sweet and romancy and maybe the beginning of their relationship)? Thank you so much :)) x” Prompt: “I’m just tired.” & “Can I kiss you?” A/N: i wasn't sure whether you wanted number 2 from angst or fluff so i did both, hope that’s okay!

-

Darkness engulfed the room. The only glimmer of light coming from the small side table lamp. Not enough to illuminate the whole space, but enough to allow you to read the book in your lap.

The heist was just around the corner. Approaching faster than you would have liked. Although the team was prepared, ready to get started, it was bitter sweet. You made your home here these last few weeks. These people were your family, really they were the only family you’ve ever known.

One person in particular made moving onto this next chapter even harder.

Denver.

The two of you grew closer with each day at the house. He made you laugh, he lend a helping hand whenever you needed one, he was your shoulder to cry on, your feeling of peace. Romantic involvement was strictly forbidden, but it was that rule which made it so much more exciting.

Your relationship with Denver was really just beginning. Yet with the robbery around just days days away, you couldn't help but worry this feeling of peace you were experiencing because of him was about to end.

Which is why you currently sat alone in your room, while the rest of the group enjoyed a family dinner. A knock on the door ahead caused you to glance up from your book, just in time to meet the eyes of the person checking in on you.

“Hey.” Denver said in a hushed tone. “I brought you some food.”

You put the novel away as he approached the bed. He handed you the plate and made himself comfortable next to you. 

“Thank you.” You stated and pecked him on the lips.

“My pleasure.”

For the next twenty minutes, the two of you sat in a comfortable silence as you ate the meal he brought you.

It was moments like these that made you realise how incredibly lucky you were to have someone like Denver in your life. You’ve never been in a relationship with someone where even sitting in complete silence strengthened your bond. Honestly, it was quite freeing.

And it was also another reason why the upcoming robbery seemed really inconvenient.

“What’s on your mind?” Denver asked, tilting his head in your direction. With a soft sigh, you placed the empty plate on the ground and shifted in your spot to look at him.

“I want to feel like this forever.” You answered his question, chewing down on your bottom lip. 

The handsome crook smirked. He reached out his hand and gently brushed the loose strands of your hair behind your ear. He then proceeded to lift up his arm and pat his chest, indicating for you to snuggle up closer. You obliged, resting your head against him.

“You know this is only the start, right? You’re not getting rid of me that easy.” His fingers trailed slowly up and down your arm as he spoke.

“I’m just tired.” You mumbled. “Tired?” Denver questioned, and you nodded your head. “Tired of the prep work. Tired of the stress I’m constantly feeling. Like... What if we fail? Get caught?” Pause. “But most of all, I'm tired of pretending the robbery won’t change things between us.”

Denver kissed the top of your head, taking in the scent of your shampoo. “Of course it’s going to change things, but that doesn't mean the change won't be good. My life is definitely better with you.” He said.

You angled yourself under his embrace so that you could catch his gaze. “Always the optimist.” You teased causing Denver to scoff and playfully roll his eyes. “Always the pessimist.” He returned. You couldn't help but chuckle.

“Now, I have an important question.” He began after the laughter died down. You raised an intrigued brow. “Can I kiss you?” Denver asked.

With a silly grin plastered on your face, all previous feelings of concern and sadness quickly dissolving, you said ‘yes’. Your brunette boyfriend didn't waste any time.

A devilish glimmer clearly visible in his eyes, and one hand now holding the bottom of your face. With his fingers gently pressing into your cheeks, he effortlessly pulled you in closer while simultaneously leaning down. Your lips attached themselves to his in one flowing exchange of breath.

-

masterlist

[howisavedtheworld]

enough | hanamaki takahiro

genre: heavy angst to fluff, a *lil* bittersweet lmao, timeskip!hanamaki takahiro x fem!reader/gn!reader, established relationship

warnings pls pls read: money problems, cursing littered in a lot of places, mentions of feelings like depression, exhaustion, loneliness, crying, etc., blood mentioned *once* (it’s from a callus, it is nothing extreme but i want to state it explicitly anyways) if there’s anything else brought to my attention ill fix accordingly

a/n: hi!!!! it’s been like two weeks since i’ve posted, i’ve been in a slump, but i’m going to genuinely try to be more consistent and kind to myself abt wat i create! also every thing i’ve ever written on here is ib my personal experiences

heads up tho, i havent read the manga and this is just my dramatized take on his life post-time skip and certain things may be inaccurate 

enjoy!

also proofread at 4 am lol

wc: 1385

PLS GIVE THIS FIC A CHANCE ITS NOT ALL SAD I PROMISE

                                               -

if hanamaki takahiro were to say he’s “tired,” one would deem it a grave understatement.

he’s not just tired.

he’s drained.

for starters, he’s worked three back to back shifts and it was barely reaching wednesday. monday at the deli was tough, considering he spent twelve straight hours packaging and stocking prosciutto and mozzarella sandwiches and arranging bags of kettle-cooked chips by flavor across the aisles of the store.

tuesday was even harder, the double shift at the restaurant hitting his already fatigued body like a brick. it was tiring enough to run around speedily clearing dishes and wiping down tables for six hours but it was absolute overkill to then spend the entire night cleaning the restaurant and prepping it for the morning crew.

6:39 am.

that was when takahiro finally left the restaurant, forcing his sluggish sore limbs to make the trek to the train station for the long ride back home.

in truth, the word “tired” barely even scratched the surface.

but he needed the money.

he needed it badly.

bills were always lingering on the brim of takahiro’s mind: the rent, the light bill, the water, the electricity. it left with him the constant urge to move, to work, to always be on the lookout for his next paycheck.

and of course, this wasn’t the best arrangement nor was it the life he’d hoped for.

of course, regret encompassed him, bound itself to his very being.

he wished he went pro after his glory days at aoba johsai, that he’d tried a little harder to be something. maybe then he’d have the opportunity to play in argentina, to travel the world, or to get signed by a sports brand just for the sake of it.

of course, he always felt a pang of jealousy for the ones that made it big.

even the ones who didn’t.

the ones with stable incomes, who could sustain themselves with only one job, who owned compact sized cars, who could actually save a single dime with hopes of eventually going on vacation.

deep down, he was jealous of them, too.

and he wondered, as he finally stepped foot on the train heading north, feeling the ache in his heels settle, if this would ever feel like enough.

if working two jobs back to back would ever amount to any feeling of satisfaction, if it was okay that he would only ever be remembered as the guy who didn’t go pro, who never got his degree, who was barely getting by.

he really didn’t think so.

because how could it be enough?

how could he have nothing to show for the life he lived?

sometimes, takahiro felt almost as if he was cursed. that life had dealt him the worst of cards just to see him crack underneath the pressure.

a lot of times, he did.

he had his fair share of low moments: the time he found himself shedding tears in the back of the deli, hiding behind loaves of rye bread and cold cuts hoping nobody would catch him.

or the time he bandaged his own bleeding foot by himself at the restaurant because his calluses broke open and everyone else was simply too busy to help.

in these moments, hanamaki felt so alone.

as if the world had forgotten him, had continued to spin on its axis, leaving him alone to figure out its rotation.

in these moments, he really just wanted to run away from it all.

to quit his jobs and just disappear for some time.

but he couldn’t.

because hanamaki takahiro had also learned that in every shitty day or moment, there was a flip side.

there had to be a sliver of hope in the midst of darkness.

7:32 am. 

that was when hanamaki got home.

he stood for a moment, fumbling with various receipts and trinkets in his pocket before he finding his keys and opening the door.

it was quiet. 

he could only hear the whirr of the shaky air conditioner and the hum of morning birds outside the bay windows of the living room. he took one step inside, wincing at the ache in his legs and sharp jab of pain up his spine.

locking the door behind him, he slipped off his shoes before the silence was broken.

“baby?” your soft sleepy voice rang through the apartment, making his body jump.

he was sure you’d be sleeping by now.

“hey, babe.” he let out a exhale of relief that you were the source of noise. “sorry if i woke you.” 

you sat up from your position laying on the couch, shaking your head incessantly while wiping the grog from your eyes.

“no,” you quickly spoke. “i was waiting for you.”

his heart skipped a beat looking at you, your eyes half-lidded from exhaustion with dark circles underneath them, your hair completely disheveled from your awkward sleeping position on the couch, and you wore his old seijoh jersey that was too large and slipped down your shoulders, the hem falling just above your knees.

you looked at him, offering a soft smile before beckoning him over to you. “work must’ve fucking sucked, c’mere.”

and you were so right.

it was awful.

he took lengthy strides over to you before dropping onto the couch, his head finding its way to your lap.

your fingers instinctively reached to stroke his soft locks and he sighed, leaning into your touch.

“are you hungry?” you murmured. “i made udon earlier. it’s cold now so you’ll have to warm it up.”

he was hungry, desperately so after not having a moment to get even a small snack in at work, but he wanted to stay here for just a little longer, pressed into you, feeling the pads of your fingers against his scalp, smelling your conditioner and listening to the softness of your voice.

he shook his head, and you laughed, knowingly nodding. “okay, you can eat it later.”

“how was work for you?” he questioned, eyes fluttering closed at serenity of the moment.

you hummed, fingers still locked into his hair. “shitty. you know, usual bullshit with customers. but i think with my next paycheck, we’ll make the rent.”

his eyes snapped open to look up at you, and you were staring down at him, an excited smile on your face when you locked eyes.

and takahiro knew you had hopes and dreams, that you wanted to go back to school and get your degree and have a normal job, and eventually buy a house and car, and maybe have kids, but you always said that part wearily, claiming you both should start off the family off with a pet first.

he knew you wanted something different. you’d told him.

but even now, in this moment as he stared up at you, saddened by the fact that the future you hoped for was nowhere in sight, there was no inkling of disappointment in your eyes, no what-if, no questioning of if it was enough.

you looked at him like the life you had was all you’d ever asked for.

as if of course it was enough.

before he knew it, a single tear rolled down his cheek.

your eyes widened and you moved a hand to his cheek, wiping the tear away.

“i love you.” he stated, a few more lone tears sliding down his face.

your face softened before you squeezed his cheek with your hand.

“hey.” you beckoned him to sit up.

he followed, sitting up to face your frame on the couch. “don’t cry ‘cus we made the rent. there’s always other bills you can pay. if that’s what you’re worried about.”

and he laughed, nodding while tears spilled over his irises and he watched you through bleary eyes, wipe each one away and pull him into an embrace.

“i love you. you know that, right? i’ll always love you.”

hanamaki takahiro realized that in this lifetime, he doesn’t need a sports deal, or a compact car, or trips to argentina. even if life were to always be this hard, if he was always teetering on the in-between, if this was all the universe had to offer him, that was okay.

because it had granted him you.

and you, alone, were more than enough.

[sugako]

sweetness

osamu xf!baker!reader sum: your unrequited crush on the man you sell to is weighing heavily on you until one little party later it isn’t an issue cw: 18+ minors dni, a lil fluff, a lil angst (reader is sad bc they don't think samu feels the same), mentions of drinking/alcohol/party (no one is drunk during), kinda confessions, first time with each other, nipple play, oral (receiving) wc: 3.5k a/n: hi !! uhh i have had this is drafts for months bc i struggled to post it and idk why,, it's def a little longer than usual and little more plot-heavy(ish) but i hope you all enjoy pussy king samu <3

It felt as though you were admiring him from a distance even when he was standing right beside you.

The afternoon that the owner of Onigiri Miya had called up your small bakery to partner with his business you had been overjoyed. Honestly, you were still happy, it was just tinged by something deeper or different now. You were certainly still happy to sell your goods through the business, but your feelings had really gotten the better of you.

The day, actually the moment you met Osamu you told yourself to get over the petty crush you had developed within minutes of meeting him. His big, tall frame made you feel as though he could wrap his arms around you and everything would be okay. His pretty, steely eyes and soft features relaxed you, made you feel at home.

A week later you were groaning into your pillow when he texted a simple, polite compliment about your baked goods. Desperately, you hoped that the fuzzy feeling would melt away any day now.

Every single time you had to see him again and again to drop off your bi-weekly delivery, the feelings didn’t fade. If anything they grew stronger. The quick, comfortable banter you shared made your chest fill with molten gold that always seemed to harden into a tough little peach pit, strangling the words from your throat whenever you got back into your car.

A month later you were crying to yourself at 2 AM about how you couldn’t get over him even though you hadn’t even been close to a relationship. It was impossible. How were you supposed to get closure from someone you were merely business partners with.

You cursed the way your heart sped up when you got a new text from him. Over and over again you had to remind yourself that it was purely business.

Onigiri Miya (Osamu): Hi, do you want to swing by tomorrow? Lunch is on me

Fingers swiped over the keyboard, groaning as you asked what you should bring for the restock, not realizing it had been two weeks already.

Onigiri Miya (Osamu): Everything is selling fast, but I won’t need anything for a bit, just wanted to chat not about business

Without hesitation you agreed. Even if you were sure he didn’t feel the same, it wouldn’t hurt to keep up a personal relationship with a business. The fact that he had texted you deep into the night without prompt didn’t make it into your busy mind.

Those two little texts were how you found yourself taking a deep breath outside the Onigiri Miya a little after the lunch rush. You stepped into the nearly empty building, immediately greeted by Osamu’s soft, low voice.

“I have to run to the back, but I put a plate for you out.” He calls, disappearing just as the door closes behind you.

It’s painful to admit how your heart swells at the gesture. Your favorite onigiri of his is neatly plated in front of a corner seat at the bar. The two other people on the opposite side of the store are quietly chatting, paying no mind while you settle into your seat. Before you can take a bite he’s bustling back in.

“Sorry ‘bout that, got a call.” He says, leaning over the counter in front of you. The way his broad chest is squished by his shoulders.

“No worries.” You say just before biting into the food. He snatches one of the rice balls from your plate, but your mouth is too full and you’re too grateful to protest. “So,” you begin after you swallow, “what did you want to talk about?”

You can’t tell whether the air is thick with awkward tension or if it’s just you.

“I mean, obviously not business.” As you speak, a strangled, little chuckled forces its way out of the back of your throat, but you take another bite of food before it gets out of hand.

He’s silent for a moment, slowly chewing his food. Maybe savoring it or maybe thinking, you can’t quite tell which.

“Can you take nights off from the bakery? I remember you saying ya do a lot of baking and prepping at night.” His expression is impossible to read and you want to tell him that this is, at least for you, business talk, but you hold back and simply answer the question.

“Well, yeah, if I needed to. Uh, why?” You catch how his shoulders tense and lower, his eyes shifting across the windows in the front. Unfortunately, his own anxiety does very little to quell any of your own.

“My brother is having a party and I’m… obligated to go, but I won’t know many people there, they’ll all be his teammates, so I was wondering if you would like to go with me? If you don’t have a… I mean, if you don’t have any plans.” His expression remains still, but there’s a small flush in his cheeks that you catch on immediately. Something in your heart softens with hope.

“You’re twin volleyball brother?” You ask, biting back a smile. “Also, you’ll have to tell me what time the party is and then I’ll let you know if I have plans, but I’m probably free.”

The flush deepens as he recognizes his mistake and slowly blinks, shaking his head. “Yes, ‘Tsumu, the volleyball brother. And the party is next Friday. Around nine.”

Within the limited time you’d spent with him he’d told you about his brother and his old friends. Confidence growing, but not quite steady, you uneasily treaded into your next words.

“Yeah, I’m not working next Friday actually, so that sounds good. Should I text you for the address or…?”

“Meet me here, I can take you. Best to take the train, but it’ll be easier if we go together.”

Deep in the center of the city, standing close enough to smell the soft fragrance of cologne, you still weren’t sure how easily you had ended up here at the house party filled with strangers hosted by your customer’s pro athlete brother. It was a little much to think about if you took too much pause. Before you could slip into your own brain too much your cheek smushed into the thick muscle of Osamu’s solid back that had suddenly stopped moving, and as you sputtered out an apology the door swung open without him even knocking.

“Hey! Did you really not a-” The blonde mirror image of the man standing directly in front of you eats whatever words are about to spill out of his mouth when he notices you peeking out from beside Osamu. Realizing how ridiculously childish you must look tucked away behind him, you clear your throat and step out so you’re by his side instead.

“Hi, I’m y/n.” You say politely, extending a hand for him to shake. Atsumu’s eyes flit between you and his brother, not bothering to hide a smirk.

“Oh, I know.” He finally says when he takes your hand. Out of sheer embarrassment or maybe anxiety, you feel pricks of heat chase out to your fingertips. The sensation is only compounded by Osamu’s feather-light touch that grazes the small of your back as he tries to lead you past his brother.

“Really,” you start, with a sly little smile, “he’s told me about you’re very impressive-”

“Okay.” Osamu says a little too sharply. He’s glad you’re at ease, but less glad that you’ve immediately taken to lightly teasing him with his brother. “Let’s head in.” The warm breath of his whisper jolts through you and you find yourself nodding, letting his touch lead you.

Just as the door is closing behind you and the excruciating reverb of the music seeps into your ears, you barely catch what Atsumu mumbles before he slips into the crowd of people. “Maybe you’ll finally show her how much ya like her.”

Osamu doesn’t respond, and for a second you think maybe he didn’t hear him, but the way his fingers dig into your back tells you otherwise. You simply pretend that you heard nothing, pointing to the drink dispensers lined up on the kitchen counter across the room. After a quick drink of the sweet, burning mystery drink and after Atsumu started to keep his distance - too busy hounding his one teammate with the dark curls whose name you couldn’t quite remember - things went smoothly.

Time passed quickly, helped on by the dozens of new people you were introduced to. The small talk and repetitive questions had you mentally winded, but Osamu’s constant touch whether on your elbow or back or shoulder grounded you. Instead of feeling your heart race as it usually did when he was near, you only felt calm.

It all came crashing down sometime deep into the night when most of the guests had headed home and those left over passed out, scattered everywhere about the house. Well, everywhere aside from the neat guest bedroom tucked away toward the back that Osamu had pulled you back to when the last man (who had drunkenly tried teaching you how to say ‘volleyball’ in Portuguese) had finally passed out.

The single drink you had gulped down hours ago was long gone from your system, but even without it you still found it easy to speak with him, even as his arms inconspicuously wrapped around your torso and brought you down to lie beside him on the bed. Staring up at the ceiling for a moment while the two of you remained in short silence, a thought came to your head, another thing you want to tell him or ask him. You’re not sure which because in the next moment, when you whip your head to face him, he does the same.

If you had been any closer your faces would’ve smashed together. Any farther away and you wouldn’t be brushing lips. Just as soon as the touch begins, it ends with you scrambling away, stopped from falling off the bed by his strong arm wrapping around and pulling you back to his chest. The silence thickens with every second that neither of you speak, but he thankfully breaks it within the minute.

The words fumble around the front of your mouth like your mouth is numb. “I’m so sorry that-!”

“Well, that wasn’t really a proper kiss.” He says plainly, a smile barely etching its way onto the corner of his lips.

“N-no, it was not.” You whisper. It doesn’t quite feel real when he kisses you for real, and for a second you’re worried you’ve deluded yourself. You sigh into his firm touch, finally releasing the tension in your chest and letting your own lightly trembling hands trace up the space between your chests to settle against his. His body is softer than you had thought it would feel, somehow so much more comforting and homey than you could have imagined.

After an endless moment, his mouth strains against yours as he forces himself to pull away with a little huff. Your eyes find his, bright and hopeful, and still a little bit surprised. Between all your personal longing and resignation that he didn’t feel the same, you hadn’t noticed the way he smiled more when you were nearby, the little blush that dusted his cheeks when you complimented his cooking that first time, and so much more.

“Wanted to do that for a long time.” He sighs, leaning his forehead against yours and letting his heavy eyes close. Hiding your grin in his chest, you nod, wrapping your arms around him and snuggling in closer. When your knee glides against his thigh in an attempt to get more comfortable and flush to him, he clears his throat. “We should get changed if we’re going to sleep here. I have extra clothes in the dresser.”

“Okay.” You nod slightly, not wanting to move just yet. He seems to be with you because, despite his own words, he remains exactly in place with his grip just as tight as ever around your waist. “...Samu?” You finally ask, pulling back far enough to look up at him.

“I wanna kiss you again.”

“Okay,” you repeat, “then kiss me again.” The crooked, giddy smile you’re giving him seems to tense him up even more.

He inhales deeply through his nose, eyes darkening as they flicker across the planes of your face. “I wanna, but I don’t want to push this unless you feel the same.”

If your tired heart could vibrate any harder it would probably be bursting out of your chest.

“Well, I feel that we should kiss again,” you press a peck to his cheek hoping it’ll steady your next vulnerable words, “because I’ve thought about you a lot, and I really like this.” You emphasize your words by glancing down at the negative space between your bodies and running your hand up the built expanse of his shoulders.

Humming, he cradles the back of your head, gracefully moving to straddle you and ghost his lips over yours. “In that case, tell me when to stop.” The hot breathy fan of air from his whisper barely hits your cheeks before he’s pressing a deep kiss against your lips.

You slot together like perfect puzzle pieces, limbs finding the just the right spots to fit into. Mouths move desperately, passionately and without thinking your fingers start dancing under the hem of his shirt, brushing against the hot skin beneath. With a tempered groan, he uncouples his lips from yours, kissing along your jaw and quickly moving to trace down your neck. The kitten nips and licks against your collarbone send electricity through your bones, forcing you to flex into him, hips awkwardly jutting forward for something more.

“You… you, ah, are so perfect.” You pant, eyes blinking wide open when the calloused tips of his fingers roughly trail under your shirt, up your sides, stopping just short of your chest to flip your shirt up.

Groaning so quietly you barely hear him, he buries himself between your breasts and sighs against your skin. “Yer even more beautiful up close and without all this,” he pauses for the briefest moment to undo your bra and lift it over your head with the shirt, “extra stuff on.”

Scoffing out a short giggle, you relax back, watching how his eyes drink you in as though they’ve been starved. “By extra stuff you mea-!” The quip is promptly cut off by the feeling of his mouth latching around one breast, the other being tended to by his opposite hand. Not a moment later he pulls away, smiling as you let out a pitchy whine.

“Yer pretty mouthy when yer comfortable, huh?” He mumbles, lips ghosting over your nipple while the one in his hand continues to be teased.

“N-no,” you rush to disagree. Judging by the eye roll he gives you, he doesn’t seem to believe you, but he doesn’t say anything more, simply bringing his attention back to your chest.

The way his suckles tiny, bright purple marks into your skin sends heat pooling into your stomach, hips noticeably grinding up against him now. As the seconds drag on, he doesn’t seem interested in anything other than your tits, enamored with the way they feel in his hand and mouth. It’s almost too much, and you feel your stomach tightening with every moment the teasing continues.

“Samu,” you whine softly, “samu, please, can’t s’too much, really need…” The words are jumbled and garbled. You can’t quite sort your brain to come up with anything coherent, distracted by the wet pooling in your underwear and the weight of his body crowding over yours.

“Sensitive tits?” He coos with a sharp glint in his eyes, gears obviously moving in his head for the future. “That’s okay,” he continues while pressing a soft kiss to each of your breasts, “What do you really need?”

“Need you to touch me.”

For a second, his mouth opens but he doesn’t speak. You fear he’s going to tease you, make you explain in lewd detail how bad you need him and where you want him to touch you, but he doesn’t. He simply nods, truthfully too caught up in the intoxicating feeling of your body and too impatient to feel you for the first time to drag this out.

“Good girl, I’m gonna take these off.” He starts, hooking his fingers under the waistband of your pants and underwear to take them off together. Without hesitation, his eyes travel between your legs. “Such a pretty, little cunt.” He hums already squeezing in between your thighs. Obviously distracted, he peppers little kissed up the sensitive skin on the inside of your thighs, still caught up staring at your soaking mess.

“Samu, please…” You whine. While you know he isn’t purposefully teasing, well you don’t know but you don’t think at least, it’s just as frustrating. Your knees lock around his thick shoulders, pulling him closer to your heat.

“Okay, okay, pretty girl.” He grumbles, lapping right at the crook of your thigh and hip. There’s a split second of tense silence wherein he carefully spread your lips admiring the glisten of your slick under the dim light of the lamp. Your entire body is tense with anticipation, legs shaking as they struggled to spread around his wide frame.

And just like that quiet moment is over - he laps you up so desperately and greedily you’re twitching under his grasp, clawing at the wrinkled bed sheets below you for anything to ground you. He doesn’t stop when he shifts your legs over his shoulders and wraps his hands around the bottom of your tummy to keep your jostling hips in place.

When you finally look back down to grab his hand, keeping a vice grip around his fingers, you also glance down for the first time. His dark, hazy eyes meet yours and you completely relax at last.

The feeling doesn’t last long, not when he pushes his tongue into your tight, unprepared hole, slurping all he can get and pushing in as far as he can go. Osamu’s eyes roll to the back of his head at the sensation, your cum dribbling down his chin and coating up to his nose that keeps brushing against your throbbing clit.

With a solid, squelching pop he tears away from you. “Taste so good,” he heaves, lips coming back even as he’s speaking, ghosting over you. He buries himself in your cunt again, this time focusing solely on your clit, cycling through different motions until he finds the one that makes your hips strain under his sturdy hold.

“Feel so good!” You sigh. “Please, please wanna cum.”

Smirking against you, he takes the hand you’re not clinging to back under your thigh and props it against your ass, slowly teasing a finger in. Absolutely gushing now, it slips in easily. You can feel his smile grow again for a moment before he refocuses on your clit, motions speeding up and increasing the pressure with which he worked. It’s impossible to not shudder under him now, especially with one arm only holding you down.

“C’mon, pretty girl, cum.” He murmurs, easily hooking a second finger into you, pumping and curling them in time with his tongue. As he feels you flutter and cream he can’t help but rut into the mattress, cock swelling from the taste of you. The pressure inside is too much and your want to let go is pushing you closer and closer, although it’s his mouth and fingers that really push you forward.

“C-cu-!” The words get trapped in your throat, overtaken by a hushed moan you struggle to bite back, trying - but very much failing - to be mindful of all the half-sleeping people strewn through the house. He slowly brings you down, fingers winding down and tongue lapping up your swollen clit while you convulse at his touch in time with the fluttering of your cunt.

At last, you have to drag him off, needily tugging up on his hands until he lets go. You try to pull him in to kiss, but he hesitates, his strength far outweighing your weak, blissful one and he hovers above you. There’s no reason to ask because almost immediately his fingers that were inside of you, absolutely drenched, come up to his mouth so he can make a show of sucking them dry for you.

“Taste even better than the stuff you make.” He sighs, letting you drag him down to your face. You can smell and taste yourself so strongly on his damp lips, it clouds your already hazy senses.

“Hmm,” you manage out, when he rests his entire body weight against yours, lips pressed into the side of your head. It’s only when you go to shift that you feel him pressing so incredibly hard and flush to you exposed skin through his soft pants, that you perk up. “Samu,” you begin brushing your fingers through his soft, dark hair, “can I...wanna help you.”

“Mhmm,” he nestles against your neck, kissing over the spots he left behind earlier, “in a minute, pretty girl, we have a lot of time ahead of us.”