#and then decided to do the rest for axel day

[aspaceace]

axel/lea sketches bc i like him a normal, healthy amount

[m1guelsgf]

hii!! I was wondering if you could write a fic about Axel where he wins the sekai taikai and he ran over to y/n to hug her and kiss her and the rest of miagyi do people found out about the relationship. Thank you so much i love axel sm

surprises

axel kovacevic x reader

hope i did your request justice! this was fun! feel free to send more

it was no surprise that axel was one of the finalists. he was the only person in the whole sekai tekai tournament that didn't have one point against them. he was untouchable.

from your spot at the edge of the mat, between miguel and hawk, you watched the last match anxiously. it came down to robby v. axel and your team had no idea how hard it was to watch this match. they didn't know your loyalty had been split on their very first day in barcelona. you were lucky that there was so much drama between the miyagi do's, that they didn't pay much attention to your changes in mood around the iron dragons leader.

you and axel were dating.

it started on that first night, when everyone went to the tapas bar. ever since your conversation on the beach, followed by a long makeout session, you and him couldn't stop thinking of each other. it was driving the both of you mad so you had to do something about it. you were up all night that night just texting him and getting to know him.

now, you were watching him and robby on the mat and your stomach couldn't stop doing flips. you were hoping it didn't come down to this, because you didn't know who to root for. robby was your teammate and good friend. it should have been the obvious choice but at the same time, axel was your boyfriend. it didn't feel right to choose robby's side, even though you and axel both agreed not to tell anyone about your relationship until after the tournament.

you continued to watch the match. it was 2-2 and both robby and axel were not letting the other get the last point. axel had the height but robby had the agility. the both of them had no plans of letting up. axel's skill however, won in the end. robby was dropped to the mat with one kick, and finished with another kick.

"point! iron dragons, winner!"

the entire arena roared in cheers and applause. the sekai tekai was over. axel won. you were stuck for a moment, unable to decide whether you should console robby or cheer for axel. you stayed on your side, circling around robby with your team, still clapping your hands for the both of them. axel was being congratulated by his team at the same time.

"it's okay robby, you still did really good." you offered him a tight lipped smile.

miguel nodded in agreement. "yeah, he's been at this for way longer than all of us. at least you got those points on him."

"thanks guys." of course, robby was defeated but he was trying not to let it get to him.

just then, you saw axel walking towards you from his side of the mat. he moved through the crowd with determination. your heart began thumping against your chest and you almost didn't think it was real until he pushed past demitri and eli to get to you.

"what the hell man?" eli scoffed, ready to throw hands with the champion because emotions were still running high.

he didn't even give you a chance to speak before he grabbed you by the waist and leaned down to your height, taking your lips in a kiss.

you kissed him back, placing your hands on his arms. it was like everything else melted away in that moment. it was only a few seconds long but the both of you cherished it. he held you close while kissing you and eventually pulled away, not before placing a few gentle kisses against your lips. your brain was fuzzy and your vision was soft as he rested his forehead against yours.

"i couldn't wait any longer." he whispered, smiling cheekily. "sorry."

you almost forgot that you were surrounded by your teammates who just watched you swap spit with the leader of the enemy team. you leaned away from axel, just a little, to look at your teammates faces.

everyone was caught off guard. miguel and robby both had the same horrified look. eli and demitri were confused more than anything. sam was watching with an amused grin. she was the only one who noticed you staying up all hours of the night and throwing encouraging glances to the other side of the mat. they all looked at you expectantly, waiting for you to explain the scene that they had just witnessed.

you looked at axel and then you looked back to your teammates, unsure of where to start. "i know should have told you guys-"

"yeah, you should have told us." sam cut you off. "but i get why you didn't." she looked at everyone. "i mean come on guys. we were kind of a mess until now. if we found out that she was dating him, it would have buried us even deeper in stupid drama." everyone was still taking it all in.

"i didn't wanna throw us off balance even more." you nodded, looking at robby who couldn't even look at you without betrayal. he didn't know he was fighting your boyfriend out there and he felt like if he knew it would have changed things. "robby. i swear, it just happened."

"well, how did it just happen? you don't see devon macking it with kwon because it just happened." robby shot at you. he felt decieved and honestly you understood. you would feel the same if you were in his shoes.

"ew, robby." tory came from behind him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "devon has standards." robby managed to relax a bit with tory at his side.

"i'm with robby." miguel shrugged. "i wanna know how this happened." he pointed at you and axel. axel still had his arms around you, holding you close to him.

"it started when we went to the tapas bar-"

"on our first day? man european's move fast." demitri shook his head in disbelief and then noticed everyone was looking at him. "continue."

you were about to speak but axel beat you to it. "we met on the beach. we talked and... i really liked her. i couldn't just let her go."

"i wasn't expecting axel and he wasn't expecting me either. it just happened." you smiled at axel and then at your teammates. "i didn't want to lie to you all."

"but you did." robby narrowed his eyes at axel.

"ah, leave 'em alone." johnny lawerence's voice got all of your attention's. "he's the sekai tekai champion. at least she's not dating another one of these losers."

"johnny." daniel larusso scolded. "you just called your son a loser."

"shit. not you robby."

"i know, dad." robby rolled his eyes and waved the two sensei's off.

"so are you switching teams, or...?" demitri asked and you immediately shook your head no.

"of course not. just because we're dating doesn't mean we need to train at the same dojo." you looked at axel. "tory and robby aren't in the same dojo anymore."

"yeah, but that's different." robby started, although once he said it he knew it wasn't all that different.

"actually, i might be looking for a new dojo." axel spoke and glanced at all your friends faces. everyone was taking him in at a different pace. sam, devon, and tory already liked him for you. demitri and eli were still confused as to how they missed it. robby and miguel were the most cautious of axel. both of them had been dealing with axel's agression the most, robby dealt with it on the mat and miguel was the subject of a lot of jealous stares after a brief misunderstanding (axel didn't like the way miguel adjusted your headband for you).

everyone now looked at robby to give some sort of approval of the situation. robby wasn't unreasonable. he was probably the most forgiving person on the team considering everything he's been through.

"only you would come back from barcelona with a new boyfriend." he shook his head, smile creeping up on his face. he was still a little bitter about the match, yes, but he also had never seen you that happy before and he wasn't gonna be the one to take it away from you.

axel could tell that having your friends on your side was really important to you. once everyone was smiling and the tension passed, he took the opportunity to kiss you again in front of your friends and the rest of the arena.

[nickeverdeen]

Blades | Hockey player!Vi x figure skater!fem!reader

Pairings: Vi x reader (mutual crush), Caitlyn x Vi (platonic), reader x Caitlyn (strangers)

Type of fic: Comfort, Light Angst

Warnings: Injury

Summary: Vi tends to go to your skating practices a lot lately, but today when she came it wasn’t just a practice - it was something much more, something that might decide about your future and when you get injured Vi is there to help you.

———————

The ice rink was alive with motion, figure skaters gliding effortlessly across its surface. Vi leaned against the boards, her sharp blue eyes fixed on one skater in particular—you.

She wasn’t even supposed to be here yet. Hockey practice wasn’t for another hour, but for weeks now, she’d made a habit of coming early. Officially, it was to “prepare mentally,” but anyone with eyes could tell it wasn’t the drills or strategy she was thinking about.

No, it was the way you moved. Each jump, spin, and glide seemed effortless, like you belonged to the ice in a way no one else did.

Today, though, the atmosphere felt different. The rink was quieter, more focused. Judges sat at a table by the boards, clipboards in hand.

Vi furrowed her brows and turned to a figure skater resting on the bench. “What’s going on today?”

“They’re deciding who’s going to the country finals,” the skater replied, not looking up from tying their laces.

Vi’s gaze snapped back to you, her heart tightening. She didn’t need to know much about figure skating to understand how important this was.

You were aware of Vi’s presence, as always. She wasn’t exactly subtle, leaning against the boards in her hockey gear, her undercut great and her arms crossed. But you didn’t mind. If anything, the thought of her watching added a little extra spark to your routine.

You took a deep breath and stepped onto the ice, your movements fluid as you began your program. The judges watched closely, their pens scribbling notes as you executed each move with precision.

Then came the moment you’d been preparing for: the Axel.

You’d landed it countless times in practice, but this was different. This was for the judges, for the finals. You pushed off, spinning through the air, and for a second, it was perfect.

But the landing was anything but.

Your skate hit the ice at the wrong angle, and a sickening snap echoed through the rink. Pain shot up your leg, but the adrenaline coursing through you dulled it enough to keep you moving.

Vi’s heart dropped. She knew that sound too well—she’d heard it before on the ice, in games, and it never meant anything good.

“Damn it,” she muttered under her breath, her eyes fixed on you.

Despite the injury, you continued, your movements growing shakier as the pain began to seep through the adrenaline. Vi’s jaw clenched. She’d watched enough of your practices to know the next jump you had planned was dangerous even on a good day.

When you began to set up for it, Vi didn’t hesitate.

Grabbing her hockey skates from her bag, she laced them quickly and stepped onto the ice. The trainer yelled something at her, but she ignored it, skating straight toward you.

You barely registered her approach until she was there, gripping your arm gently but firmly. “You’re done,” she said, her voice low but commanding.

“What? No, I can—”

“You can’t,” Vi cut in, her gaze piercing. “You’re hurt. I’m not letting you make it worse.”

The protest died on your lips as the throbbing in your ankle became undeniable. Slowly, you nodded, leaning on her as she helped you off the ice.

In the locker room, Vi helped you sit down on one of the benches, kneeling in front of you. “Alright, let’s see how bad this is,” she muttered, reaching for your skate.

She hesitated for a moment. “This is going to hurt,” she warned.

“Just do it,” you said through gritted teeth.

She carefully removed the skate, revealing your swollen, broken ankle. Her brows furrowed as she inspected it, her rough hands surprisingly gentle.

“How are you not freezing in this outfit?” she asked, glancing at your light skating dress. Without waiting for an answer, she shrugged off her hockey jersey and draped it over your shoulders.

You gave her a small, grateful smile, clutching the warm fabric. “Thanks.”

The locker room started to fill as her teammates trickled in, their curious gazes flicking between the two of you.

“Uh, Vi?” Caitlyn asked, raising an eyebrow.

Vi didn’t look up. “Tell the coach I’ll be late,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

The girl nodded, exchanging a knowing look with another teammate before leaving.

Vi turned back to you. “We’re getting you to the hospital. This needs to be looked at properly.”

“I don’t want to—”

“Not a debate,” she said, helping you stand. “Lean on me.”

You sighed, but the warmth in her eyes made it hard to argue. With her arm securely around your waist, you let her lead you out of the rink.

As the hospital doors came into view, you glanced at Vi. “You didn’t have to do all this, you know.”

“Yeah, I did,” she replied, her tone softening. “You’re important.”

[beardedjoel]

💗🎉💗CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR MILESTONE!💗🎉💗

I’m so happy for you! I found you through Closer, and I couldn’t be happier about it. You’re an amazing writer and such a lovely person!

I’m wondering… what about one of these?🌹the prompt number 1. I love your writing and I cannot stop myself from asking. Perhaps with Joel, or Frankie, or Pero…I’m not picky, I’ll be happy with whatever the inspiration leads you.

Alsooooo… Is it too much if I add a little bit of 💌? I’m curious about your writing process. How do you do it? Is it linear, or do you jump around, and later “paste it”?

wym, you're so sweet and i love sharing this space with you my friend 😘 thank you for sending in this prompt and allowing me to do something special with it. thanks for your patience as i have been painstakingly slow with making my way through this backlog of requests! i'll answer your thoughtful writing question at the very bottom of the post after the one shot, if that's alright!

axel and ember — joel x f!reader

request: "overwhelmed, but happy crying during sex". sent in as part of my 5k celebration! i decided to use this one for something very personal to me. as someone who has dealt with vaginismus, this was challenging to write the last few days but it felt like the right direction for me to go in with this prompt. in no way does this describe the experience every person with vaginismus has (nor 100% true to mine), and it is a lot of hard work to help your body and mind learn to work with the sexual obstacles that come with it. i simplified things for the purpose of this story but still found it really gratifying to write so much from personal experience and feelings that i have dealt with. i highly encourage anyone who has not heard of vaginismus to do a little research as it's something that many, many women deal with in silence or is ignored as much of women's sexual health is. happy reading 💓

wc: 2.9k

warnings: 18+ MDNI, reader has vaginismus, unprotected piv

“Maybe… maybe it just doesn’t fit.”

You’d said the words, exasperated after trying for the third time that week.

“I don’t think that’s how that works, darlin’,” Joel teases the words playfully, his hair hanging down into his face as he holds himself perched above you. His smile brusquely fades when he sees that you’re genuinely upset. Some days, it hadn’t been that big of a deal, you’d been able to shrug off the frustration. Today, however, you felt frayed and emotional, pissed off that your body couldn’t just behave like a normal body should. It’s infuriating, living in a body that won’t cooperate with your mind, seeing others do with ease what you never could. What you could only have as a fantasy. 

“Hey, it’s alright.” He leans down, kissing you softly before moving from where he’d been stationed on top of you to lay at your side.

Another dream of finally having sex with your boyfriend tonight slipped away in an instant. 

“What if I try the dilators again?” you ask desperately, meeting Joel’s gaze. His warm eyes look back at yours with empathy, and he shrugs.

“If y’want. But maybe you should jus’ rest. We already had our fun, yeah?”

He’d gotten you off, you’d gotten him off. Fingers and tongues and mouths, which admittedly were great, but you craved to know what more of him felt like, more than just the one, sometimes two fingers you could handle without soon wincing in discomfort.

You wanted him inside of you, wanted your bodies joined in the way that you were so cruelly being denied by the universe.

“N-no, you’re right. It was fun.” You flash him a somewhat forced smile, grateful for his patience and love when he wraps his arms around you. Joel had been such a constant with you, so wonderful, and that only made it hurt more that you couldn’t give him this. He’d never pressured you, never made you feel at fault these last five months you’d been dating. In some ways, it had brought you closer, not being able to rush into sex, but it didn’t mean that he’d stick around forever if it meant he couldn’t get the one thing you know men always want.

“We’re gonna get it one of these days,” he reassures you, stroking your hair. “You’re workin’ hard at your sessions and here at home. Don’t tell you enough that I think it’s great, seein’ you tryin’ all of that. But don’t do it for me, okay? Do it ‘cause it’s what you want.”

You stare at him for a moment, dumbfounded. You were of course doing all of this work for yourself, so that you could freely enjoy something that should come so naturally to your body. Yet you knew that deep down the pressure was mounting, wanting to give Joel the sexual satisfaction you assumed he craved, something that your hands and mouth couldn’t give him. It was putting up a block between you and your sexuality, making each interaction that much more strained and distressing. You’re surprised Joel caught on to all of that when you’d been trying to put on a brave face for him. 

“I - I know,” you concede with a sigh. “I’m afraid sometimes. That I’ll never be enough without this piece of me.”

Joel’s deep set brow furrows further, looking hurt - for you or for himself, you can’t quite tell. His lips set into a firm line before they part, readying to speak. “I think you’re pretty damn amazing the way that y’are. I want that for us, ‘course I do. But I’d rather jus’ have you, whatever, however you are.”

“You would?” you ask sentimentally, your eyes stinging with unshed tears. You laugh slightly, wiping under your eyes, knowing your question is ridiculous but still needing that extra validation that he’s sure. That he’s okay continuing to try this with you, even if it never results in anything. 

“Yes, silly. Why do you think I’ve kept you around all this time?” 

“‘Cause I find us all the good TV shows to watch?”

He laughs, his burly chest shaking with it. “Quit bein’ a pest, I’m tryin’ to be serious with you,” he quips back, trying and failing to hold back his chuckle.

“I know. I know what you’re saying, Joel. I -“ You swallow, your face falling, pulled back into the seriousness of the moment. “I appreciate you. So, so much.” You reach and wrap your arms tightly around him. You relish in the feeling of being close to him, your naked bodies melding together, the heater-like quality of Joel always comforting to you. 

“You’re all the good in this relationship, baby.”

“Who’s being a pest now?” You flick his chest, sending the both of you into a fit of laughter again, giddy at the late hour and the tax of this evening leaving you emotionally spent.

The voice deep inside your mind taunts you as you slowly listen to Joel falling asleep next to you, his breath falling to a rhythmic pattern interlaced with tiny, endearing snores. You hold back tears that come in the dark, feeling so small and alone in this moment, knowing that despite his reassurances, he could never truly understand how this feels for you.

The next few weeks go by with much of the same - you’re busy with life, work, friends, and going to your physical therapy sessions. It was awkward at first all those months ago, laying there bare underneath the sheet while a woman practically had half her hand inside of you, but you got used to it, even started to look forward to hearing about her life and her kids. 

You and Joel try a few more times to no avail, your body once seeming to have a breakthrough before promptly making you inhale sharply in pain, shaking your head dejectedly. 

You try to let it go, let all of it go. Learn that life doesn’t surround this, it simply can’t if you don’t want this pressure, this hole in your heart that you think you need to fill, to eat you alive. This cannot mean that you’re broken, that nobody could want to be with someone born with their factory settings just a little bit off. 

You see it on Joel’s face and in his demeanor, proudly taking note of the change within you. You start to pounce on him every chance you get, fueled by trying to feed this new, insatiable mental freedom you’ve allowed yourself. If you couldn’t have the sex you were dreaming of just yet, you figured that in the meantime you may as well make the sex you are having something new to dream about.

Joel, as predicted, is highly receptive to your new outlook, hands and lips all over you more often than not the second you step through his door to spend the night with him. You find yourself laughing with him when you’re being intimate instead of focusing on that pit in your stomach that worries if this time could finally be the time. You’ve done away with taking it far too seriously to even enjoy when your gracious boyfriend is buried between your legs like it’s his favorite thing. Now, you can appreciate all of it for what it is - a way to connect with Joel, to share something special and fun and sexy together.

You lie in bed with Joel this evening, cackling as you two take turns narrating excerpts from a friend’s most recent read in the romance department that she’d lent you. For inspiration, she’d teased, saying it might help your mind and body become more open to connecting with one another on the topic of sex. You’d taken it with a grain of salt but now it was the evening's top entertainment. You had to admit that she had a point - it did feel nice to read about characters that were so sexually open that anything seemed possible for them.

“The people in these books are unreal,” you manage to get out through your laughter, wiping the stream of tears that coats your cheeks. Joel wipes at the corners of his own eyes, still chuckling.

“Wouldn’t mind givin’ some of these a try one of these days, bet you’d be sexy flipped upside down or whatever the hell they were doin’,” Joel says, propped up on his elbow, his handsome eyes smoldering in your direction. The implication that many of the acts the fictional couple are doing involves things that your body hasn’t been cooperating enough to even go near makes you stiffen for a moment. Maybe a month ago, the comment would have wrecked you, sent you spiraling or feeling self conscious about this perceived insufficiency of yours, but now you let it slide right off your back.

You scrunch your nose at him, letting it fall into a sly smile as he flicks his eyes over you in appreciation. “Shush,” you tease. “We need to find out what happens next to… whatever their names are.” This had all been in good fun, and their names seemed secondary to the juicy details of their sex lives. 

“Axel and Ember.” Joel cuts in, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

You deadpan. “Right… Someone has been paying attention.”

“Go on, then…” Joel insists with sass, his hand motioning expectantly to the open book in your lap. You smirk before focusing on the page and continuing where you left off. You two read until both of your eyelids get heavy, the words muttered slower and slower, your bodies buzzing hotly with arousal from the content yet far too tired to do anything to make a move on the other person. 

“Tomorrow,” Joel utters in your ear just as you’re moving into that cozy, floaty, drifting sensation before it all goes black. “Tomorrow I’m gonna Axel your ass into oblivion.”

You’re awoken by a kiss, feather light upon your lips. Your lids flutter open to see Joel, his scruffy beard and unbearably cute bed head up close and personal with you. It’s barely light out, the room bathed in the pale blue glow that comes right before dawn. Your skimpy camisole strap has slid off your shoulder, the entire thing askew and leaving one of your tits bared to him. Joel’s eyes seem to be glued there before flicking back and forth between your now perky nipple and your face. His lips close around it, gently sucking, and you writhe, your body turning towards his.

“You’re so fuckin’ sexy,” he mutters against your hot skin, breath ghosting over your sensitive nipple. You shudder, your skin prickling with anticipation, the space between your thighs desperately empty. Going to bed so unsatisfied seemed to have done a number on the both of you as you’re now acutely aware Joel pressing up against you, his cock already hard and leaking.

“Joel…” you whine, hips bucking towards him.

He dives in, his lips devouring yours, shifting his body to straddle yours, grasping the sides of your face in his hands. His tongue laps into your mouth and you arch your back into the way his hips start to grind into yours, burning desire low in your belly. You’re already so damn wet from his teasing, more than you’ve ever been, built up longing spilling over from last night.

“I… want to try right now,” you finally manage to gasp out as his lips separate from yours for a brief second. He pauses, looking down at you, his heavy lidded eyes sincere as they dance over your features.

“You sure? It’s okay if we jus’ -”

“No. I’m sure,” you tell him. “I feel so good. I want to feel good with you.” Your fingers dig into his bare back, urging him on.

He only nods, his throat bobbing as he swallows. He places gentler kisses on your lips before moving to your neck, then down your body until he reaches the waistband of your sleep shorts. Tugging those down along with your panties, he moves with certainty and care, adoring your soft skin in every place along the way. 

He touches a gentle finger to your slit, so sensitive and swollen now, and you suck in a breath.

“Holy shit. God damn, baby,” he muses with awe, fire burning in his dark eyes.

You chuckle shakily, feeling your cheeks flush as you avert your eyes shyly. “I - I know. I need you.”

“Can practically feel her puslin’,” he growls, licking his lips, desire clouding his mind.

Your cheeks only grow hotter at his dirty words, pulling your lip between your teeth. “Taking a page from Axel’s book, I see,” you tease him breathily.

“Nah. This is all Joel Miller, baby,” he replies just as he uses his whole hand to cup your slick cunt, the both of you groaning quietly. Joel starts to shimmy his briefs down, leaving him completely stripped underneath the covers with you. You wait for him to climb back on top of you, carefully removing your top and taking you in.

“Perfect.” He smiles, and you wrap your legs around his waist, a silent signal that you’re ready. Joel reaches between your bodies, bringing his cock to your cunt, lazily moving it through the folds until he’s coated in your arousal, each stroke making your hips buck, your need climbing to an unbearable level.

“Please…” you whine, feeling the emptiness inside of you, craving that full sensation you’ve been romanticizing time and time again in your mind.

“I got you, baby. No matter what. I’m right here, ‘kay?” You feel him line himself up, trying to manage your expectations as you nod for him, swallowing down your nerves. Even if it doesn’t work this time, it’ll be okay, you’ll be oka -

The tip of his cock pushes past your entrance, and you gasp, eyes going wide. You both pause, staring at each other in an optimistic, full silence, breathing heavily.

You nod again, mouth agape. “More…” you whisper softly, taking a deep breath, trying to relax your body.

Joel smiles, pressing his hips into you the tiniest bit more. He still slides in with ease, the smallest pinch subsiding when he takes a beat, then pushes a little more, repeating the process a few times. You feel the stretch, the slight burn as your body adjusts, your mind racing at the miracle that’s occurring, barely even able to register it right now.

“Oh my god,” you mutter, starting to shake. Joel leans down to kiss you, a comforting move, but it only pushes his cock in another bit, making you gasp softly at the fullness.

To your shock, when he pulls back the sensation begins to near something pleasurable. “Sorry,” he quickly spits out, his concerned stare meeting yours.

“No. It’s good. A-again. Do that again.” You start to smile in earnest, a toothy grin that you can’t help but feel spread across your face. 

“What… this?” he asks coyly, more overt with the thrust inwards as he pulls his lips into yours. He buries his face in your neck, breathing you in and kissing the sensitive skin there. “You’re so wet, so fuckin’ tight, baby. You feel incredible.”

You shudder underneath him, moaning softly as his words travel right to your core, burning with a new kind of eagerness you’ve never felt before. “You feel so good,” you echo back to him as you pant.

Joel starts to move, testing the waters with slow, steady movements. You keep breathing, terrified that any minute the ball will drop or this will have been a dream or some cruel trick your body is playing on you. But the sporadic bursts of discomfort subside with each new roll of Joel’s hips, blooming into something pleasurable and sweet, pulling up from deep inside of you.

Emotion bubbles to the surface before you can even tame it, your eyes brimming with tears when Joel bottoms out inside of you, pulling back and pushing in to the hilt again. It feels good, amazing even, to be so full of him, to celebrate this victory, even if only for today.

“Shit. Sweetheart, you’re okay, right? Are you hurting?” Joel freezes when he sees your watery eyes, every muscle coiled stiffly, his face screwed up in fear.

You shake your head, fighting the urge to sob, but Joel’s faithful, genuine concern puts you over the edge. Tears spill, rolling down your cheeks in profound little streaks, every bit of your frustration and pain and anger from the last half of a year pouring out into this beautiful display of pure joy.

“I swear, I’m happy, I’m happy,” you cry out, immediately cradled in Joel’s arms.

“Good,” Joel breathes out in relief. “You’re happy, I’m the happiest fuckin’ guy in the world.”

His words make the tears flow faster, but you start to laugh amidst it all. “Stop making me cry harder!” you chastise him, hugging him tightly around the neck. 

“Joel…” you say after a long, tender embrace, the two of you soaking it in. His cock still throbs inside of you, reminding you of the pleasure you’d started to chase moments ago, lost to the emotion of the moment.

“Hm?” he asks, pulling his head from where it had been buried in the crook of your to look at you.

“Please fuck me now.”

He grins, the movement lighting up his entire face with a lusty glow before he eagerly crashes his lips with yours again. When you see his eyes again, you swear they’re a shade darker, his cheeks tinged with the color of desire. Low and gravelly, he finally speaks. 

“Grab your god damned vibrator, sweetheart.”

to answer your 💌 my writing process is a little all over the place! i used to write mostly linearly, that was what worked for me and i kind of thought of everything in order. but lately i have been doing a bit more doc hopping when i get stuck. maybe writing a later scene that i have ideas for and feel like it's more fleshed out or going back and polishing older paragraphs and such. i definitely am not a big outliner and plotter, which i'd like to get better about! but mostly everything just lives in my head and gets blobbed onto the doc once i have time to write it, which sometimes leaves things forgotten hehe

(divider by @/saradika-graphics!)

[brookediamonds]

Hii, I'm not sure if you do like requests where reader is pregnant but I had an idea where reader and axel are at home together and all the sudden the baby starts kicking reader and axel cares for her and eventually the kicking calms down? Tyy

your daddy's here | Axel Kovačević x Fem!Reader

Summary: Just when it's time to go to bed, your baby decides otherwise. Nothing your beloved Axel can't take care of.

Word Count: 876 Warnings: None, fluff, pregnancy

gif is not mine

It starts just as your breathing begins to even out.

A slow, warm drowsiness spreads through your limbs, the sheets tucked around you, Axel's body curved gently against your back.

His arm is slung across your middle, heavy with sleep. It’s peaceful. Finally. Until—

Kick.

You bring a hand to your stomach gently.

Another sharp jab rolls through your lower belly, and you wince silently. You shift the tiniest bit, adjusting the blanket, hoping to get comfortable again.

But the baby, restless and stubborn, keeps moving.

You press your hand lightly against the spot, trying to soothe it without making too much noise. Axel had a long day.

You don’t want to wake him just because your kid decided to host a midnight dance party. You close your eyes and breathe slowly through your nose.

Another kick.

You shift again, just a little. Then a bit more. Maybe if you lay flatter— Another kick, stronger this time. You bite your lip and hold in a frustrated sigh.

"Is something wrong?" Axel's voice is low, groggy, and close. Warm breath ghosts against the back of your neck.

You sigh, going still in your spot. He was almost asleep. You didn’t mean to wake him.

"Sorry," you whisper. "Go back to sleep."

"Mm-mm," he hums, tightening his arm around your middle. "You're moving around like you're in a fight."

You huff out a quiet laugh. "Feels like it."

His fingers gently splay over your stomach, and sure enough, the baby kicks again, hard enough for him to feel it.

"Oh," he mumbles, now a little more awake. "That wasn't you."

"Nope."

"Is she practicing karate in there?"

You don't respond.

"Wait," he says, shifting slightly so his chin rests on your shoulder. "You okay?"

You nod, but it's not very convincing. "Yeah. Just… can't get him... or her to calm down."

Another kick. Your stomach tightens. You exhale slowly through your nose.

"She's been at it for a while," you admit after a second. "I didn’t wanna wake you."

Axel moves behind you, adjusting his position so he's propped on one elbow. "You think I'm gonna sleep through you getting kicked like that?"

"I was trying to be quiet," you say, barely above a whisper.

"You were tossing and turning like a haunted Roomba," he murmurs with a sleepy smile.

Despite the discomfort, you smile faintly too. "Don’t say ‘haunted Roomba’ to your pregnant girlfriend at midnight. It’s not cute."

"It's a little cute."

You roll your eyes. Then flinch again as another jab lands right under your ribs.

Axel gently pulls the blanket down, slipping his hand beneath your shirt to press his warm palm directly to your stomach. His thumb makes slow circles as he speaks, voice low and smooth.

"Hey. Little one. It's bedtime."

The baby kicks once under his hand.

"I know you've got strong legs, just like daddy," he says with a soft laugh. "You've proven your point. But your mom needs to rest, okay?"

You watch him out of the corner of your eye. He's not even fully awake, but his voice is so sure. So calm.

The baby kicks again, just once.

Another wiggle. Not as strong this time, but still stubborn.

Axel then glances at you. "Should I sing?"

"You sing?" You raise a brow at him.

He gives a small, sheepish grin. "Only when nobody's really listening."

You snort softly. "He or she's definitely listening. Go for it."

He doesn't argue. Just shifts closer and hums a few quiet notes under his breath, testing his voice. Then, softly, almost shyly, he begins to sing:

"Close your eyes, have no fear. The monster's gone, he's on the run, and your daddy's here…"

His thumb moves in a slow rhythm as he sings, voice low and quiet, barely above a whisper.

"Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful… beautiful boy…"

You don't say anything. You just listen, heart swelling as the baby slowly stills beneath his touch.

The kicking fades. Then stops. And for a long moment, everything is still, soft and heavy and calm.

Your breath catches, disbelief running through you.

"You've gotta be kidding me."

Axel lowers his head, resting his cheek against your shoulder, hand still settled over your belly.

"They like me," he murmurs, teasing. "Can't help it."

You turn your face toward the ceiling, mildly annoyed, mostly impressed. "That worked way too fast."

"I should record bedtime lullabies," he mumbles sleepily. "Sell them to desperate parents. 'Axel's Midnight sing-alongs.'"

You snort softly, reaching for his hand and lacing your fingers through his. "Don't push it"

He kisses the back of your shoulder, then rests his head there. "He's quiet now."

You nod, body finally relaxing for the first time in what feels like hours. "Thank God."

He doesn't say anything for a moment. Just rubs small, rhythmic circles against your skin.

"Next time, don't try to hide it," he says softly and quietly. "Just wake me."

"I didn’t want to bother you," you frown, even though eh can't see you.

"You're carrying our kid," he says gently. "That means you never bother me."

That makes your throat go a little tight. You nod again, softer this time.

Axel’s lips brush your shoulder once more before he settles back down behind you, arm pulling you close.

You can still feel the baby's tiny weight shifting inside you, but it's calm now, like the sound of his voice lulled them to sleep.

You sigh in relief and let your eyes close again.

Maybe this time, sleep will stay.

─── ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ──── ♡ ─── ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ─── ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ─

Masterlist

Taglist: @ggrgcribg

(a/n: in case you couldn't tell, I actually adore pregnancy one shots! I have no desire to have kids of my own, but don't mind writing about that category, it's interesting. This also a standalone, this is not connected to my grumpy/sunshine trope. Requests are closed, playing catch up caused I had an extremely busy week, I got my promotion 🥳 can't wait for these next few requests, they're awesome!)

[itsnesss]

𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 | axel kovacevik × fem!reader

summary | a cozy and simple valentine’s day spent watching cheesy romantic comedies with axel, filled with laughter, love, and playful moments

warnings | fluff, romance, light humor, minor cheesy moments

word count | 1.8 k

author's note | it would help me a lot if you liked, commented and reposted so that more people read what I write and don't forget to follow me, thanks ᡣ𐭩

The sun has set, and the cool evening breeze softly brushes against the curtains in your living room. It's the perfect day to stay home, away from the crowds and hustle. Valentine's Day. Although at first, you thought it would be the typical celebration with dinner and gifts, in the end, with Axel, you decide that the best thing is to do something simple, something that makes you feel closer: watching movies.

The idea had come up spontaneously while you were at the supermarket, strolling through aisles filled with hearts and Valentine's Day balloons. There was something in the air that made you smile, and together, you decided that, instead of the typical night out, what you really wanted was a quiet afternoon on the couch.

Axel had been the first to suggest it, as always, with his laid-back but charming tone.

"How about we stay home?" he said, wrapping his arms around your waist while grabbing a bag of popcorn. "Movies, giant blanket, and no stress. Sounds good?"

You nodded without a second thought. Being with him, without the distractions of everyday life, was all you needed.

Now, as you snuggle up on the couch, Axel wraps his arms around you from behind, his hands gently resting on your waist while you settle in his lap. The blanket covering both of you is bigger than you ever imagined. Everything is ready: popcorn, chocolate, a couple of sodas, and a sea of cushions that make you feel completely cozy and happy.

"Action movie first, or the romantic classic?" Axel asks with a mischievous smile.

You furrow your brow and, jokingly, throw a pillow at his face.

"You know I'm in 'Valentine's mode'! No action movies today, Axel."

He laughs softly and grabs the remote, choosing one of the cheesiest romantic comedies imaginable. It's one of those films they always used to mock, but deep down, they both knew they enjoyed more than they admitted.

As the movie starts, you both immerse yourselves in the predictable plot full of clichés and over-the-top romantic gestures. But that’s exactly what makes you both laugh out loud every time the protagonists stare intensely at each other in a torrential downpour or declare their love with an eternal promise in the middle of a dramatic scene.

Axel can’t help but make funny comments, and every time a scene reaches its most ridiculous point, he stares at the screen with exaggeratedly serious eyes.

"Are you sure anyone talks like that in real life?" he asks, pointing at the screen with his finger as he laughs at the protagonist, who just made an epic confession of love. "I mean, who says that stuff for real?"

You burst into laughter, feeling the warmth of his body beside yours, so close, so real. The laughter is contagious, and although the movies are predictable, the moments between you two feel genuine and full of tenderness.

"I told you!" you say playfully. "Love in movies has nothing to do with real life. But still, I love watching them with you."

He hugs you tighter, as if offering a silent reply. He leaves you there, nestled in his chest, as he runs his hand through your hair, caressing you gently. Each of his gestures makes you feel completely loved, as if this day, so simple, is the best Valentine’s Day of all.

"Hey, want to make a bet?" Axel whispers, almost conspiratorially, as he looks at you with a playful grin.

"What kind of bet?" you ask, intrigued, as you settle closer to him.

"Let’s bet on how many more times this guy is going to do something cheesy in the next ten minutes. I bet in the next scene, there’s going to be another intense look in the rain." Axel winks at you before focusing back on the screen.

You laugh, but you know it’s going to be harder than it seems. The movie is full of ridiculous moments, and every time one of those moments happens, Axel reacts with jokes, bursts of laughter, and playful comments that make it all even more special. He laughs even at the scenes that make you a little uncomfortable, and you can’t help but blush every time he mocks the protagonist while they try to say something romantic or make an epic declaration.

The afternoon goes on with more cheesy movies and endless laughs. As Axel holds you, you both immerse yourselves in a space where there are no pressures or expectations. Just the two of you, and this little moment of shared happiness. The air is full of love, not in grand gestures, but in the simplest details: how he looks at you, how he adjusts himself so you’re more comfortable, how he laughs at his own silly jokes just to see you smile.

The last movie you watch is one you’ve seen a thousand times, but you still laugh just as much. The plot is predictable, the happy ending is guaranteed, and at that moment, you realize that although sometimes love can be as cliché as Valentine’s Day movies, what really matters is sharing it with someone who makes it all feel real.

When the last movie ends, Axel turns off the TV and looks at you with a sweet smile on his face.

"Did you like the most ridiculous Valentine’s Day ever?" he asks, his voice soft but full of affection.

You look at him, and with a gentle smile, you reply:

"The best Valentine’s Day of all."

You snuggle in his chest once more, feeling his warm and comforting embrace. You know that this day, this simple day of movies and blankets, is everything you needed to feel completely loved. And no matter how many Valentine’s Days pass, because all you want is to be here with Axel, doing what you love most: sharing simple, but perfect moments.

"I love you," Axel whispers, and without thinking, you respond with a smile.

"I love you more."

[kikyoupdates]

Girlfriend-For-Hire ⭑˚🦋⭑ 𝟷𝟸

yandere!ocs x f!reader

yandere, reverse harem, yandere reverse harem, original characters x fem!reader, slowburn, slowburn yandere

Hoping to try something new and earn a bit of money on the side, you join an app that lets people hire you for your dating services. The idea is pretty straightforward — you pose as the client's girlfriend for a brief period of time, and in turn, you receive payment. But you didn't foresee everyone getting so attached to you, and suddenly, they're no longer satisfied with a fabricated relationship.

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From the moment Axel sends those messages, he keeps checking his phone nearly every minute, anxiously awaiting your response. It really sucks how you left things off yesterday. Your departure was so sudden, and it honestly felt like a slap in the face, especially since everything had been going so well up until then. 

It’s the morning after the unfortunate fallout, and Axel and Liam still have yet to speak. Liam spent the entire night locked in his room. Axel didn’t bother to check on him. It’s incredibly unfair for Liam to throw a fit and act like he didn’t agree to this in the first place. If he had a problem, why didn’t he mention it from the very start? Instead of being honest, he decided he would much rather have a public meltdown and make you feel guilty for ever being involved. Of course you would leave after all that. You probably felt pressured into doing it. You probably felt like you had no other choice. 

Axel still can’t really believe that this is even happening right now. He was completely and utterly blindsided. But Liam’s had some time to calm down, and he’s sure that if he just takes the time to explain everything to you, eventually, things will go back to normal. 

He doesn’t realize how naive those thoughts are until you finally text back.

Axel’s mouth feels dry. Every time he swallows, it’s like there’s some stiff object lodged in his throat. He reads through all of your messages frantically, and with each word, he grows increasingly desperate. 

Finally, he says something he can never take back.

Axel awaits your response with bated breath. His cheeks are hot, but rather than feeling ashamed for the disgusting act he just suggested, the emotion weighing him down right now is something else entirely. 

Fear.

He’s more worried about what you might say, then how his boyfriend would feel if he ever found out about this betrayal. 

For obvious reasons, your response isn’t pretty. 

Axel stares down at the screen of his phone in utter disbelief. You blocked him. You really blocked him over that? What did he even do wrong? Like you said, it’s not even real dating, so can it actually be considered cheating? He barely even got to kiss you on the cheek, for fuck’s sake. 

“No,” he mumbles, eyes wide. “No, no, no! Shit! What the hell am I supposed to do? What the actual fuck do I do now?!” 

He can’t seem to stop himself from screaming, and by that point, he’s already awoken the other person living in the apartment.

Liam steps out of his bedroom and cautiously walks over. His eyes are lidded, and his hair is slightly out of place. Still, the sound of Axel’s screaming must have jolted him awake faster than usual. 

“Axel?” Liam frowns. “What’s wrong? Is everything… okay?” 

No. Nothing’s okay. Nothing’s okay because he ruined it—that’s what Axel yearns to say right now, but against all odds, he bites his lip and holds back.

“My shitty phone’s acting up,” Axel brushes off. He turns away and starts putting on his jacket. “It’s no big deal. Just go back to sleep. You don’t have work until later in the day. Get as much rest as you can.”

Liam pauses, then steps closer, into Axel’s line of vision. “Are you sure?” he asks worriedly. “You’re not mad at me, are you? I know last night didn’t go how you wanted it to, and I’m sorry, but please don’t be—” 

“I’m not mad,” Axel cuts him off, smiling forcibly. “It’s fine. Just go back to sleep. I gotta leave for work now.” 

“...okay. I guess we’ll talk later tonight, then.” Liam forces a smile of his own. “Have a good day at work. I love you.” 

Axel stares at him for a few moments, then grits his teeth and steps out the door. 

He doesn’t say ‘I love you’ back. 

I hope Liam’s doing okay. 

You grimace in between bites of your sandwich. The messages Axel sent you this morning were disturbing, to say the least. You don’t have Liam’s contact information, so you can’t even tell him about what happened. Hearing about it would undoubtedly break his heart, and honestly, you don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but he deserves to know what his boyfriend is thinking. 

You could, in theory, show up to their apartment to try and speak to Liam face to face… but you can only see that backfiring on you. It sucks that Liam’s dealing with all this, but you’ve learned from your experience with Callum that the sooner you distance yourself from toxic situations, the better. Liam’s not an idiot. He’ll realize that Axel isn’t worth sticking around for, especially if he treats him like shit. 

That being said, it still doesn’t make you feel good, and you can only hope that the situation will be sorted out one way or another. Maybe they can go to couple’s therapy, and Axel will finally realize how wrong his behavior is. Who knows. As long as there’s some sort of peaceful resolution in the end. 

Ugh. When you first signed up for this job, you thought it would be pretty straightforward. You thought it would be clear that this is ‘fake’ dating, and that everyone would behave like civilized adults. But clearly, you were being naive. You’re probably bound to encounter all sorts of assholes and creeps in this line of business, which means you need to learn how to put your foot down when the situation calls for it.

“...careful. Frown any harder and you might pop a blood vessel.” 

You blink. At first you don’t even realize that someone is speaking to you, at least, not until you look around and find yourself staring at a familiar face. 

Ezra chuckles. “Your cheeks are all stuffed like a chipmunk. A cute, frowny little chipmunk.” 

You consider protesting, but you decide to swallow the food in your mouth first instead of embarrassing yourself even more.

“I’m not a chipmunk, but I am cute,” you huff, blushing a bit. 

“My bad,” he muses, grabbing a seat next to you. “I’ll try to cut back on the chipmunk allegations from now on.” 

“I’d appreciate that.” 

You set your sandwich down and wipe the corners of your mouth with a napkin. Ezra scoots a bit closer and tilts his head inquisitively. 

“You good?” he asks. “It looked like you were getting kind of worked up about something. Stressing about midterms?” 

“Not really,” you admit, and sure enough, your frown returns. “Some people are just dicks. I feel stupid for having expectations of them in the first place. Maybe I’m the idiot. I guess I should just assume the worst from now on.” 

Ezra pauses, clearly hesitant, then he leans even closer with a concerned expression. “Is this about Callum? Did that dipshit mess up again somehow?” 

“No, it’s not about Callum. He tried talking to me a few days ago, but I made it clear I wasn’t interested. This is some other asshole,” you grimace. “But I don’t want to bore you with the details. I’m just really taken aback by his behavior.” 

“I wouldn’t be bored. I’m happy to listen, whatever it is,” he encourages. 

You smile appreciatively, but your fake dating life isn’t exactly something you like to openly disclose. The only people who know about it in your personal life are Ava and her boyfriend. Technically Callum knows too, because he was a client, which sucks since he goes to the same school as you. That’s one loose end you weren’t able to tie up, and you have a feeling it’s going to come back and bite you in the ass later. 

Maybe you’ll tell Ezra about it eventually, but you still don’t know him all that well, and truthfully, you’re afraid of being judged. From what you can tell, he’s a really nice guy, but your friendship is still in the early stages. You need more time to build up trust. 

“It’s a long story,” you sigh. “I don’t really want to get into the details, but basically, this guy I know is acting like a total piece of shit towards his boyfriend, and I feel really bad that there’s nothing I can do to fix it. I know it’s not my relationship, and I shouldn’t have been involved in the first place, but… I don’t know. It just kind of leaves a bad taste in my mouth.” 

Ezra blinks. “Damn. What is with these couples and roping you into their business? I feel like you end up dealing with this kind of stuff way more often than you should.” 

“Tell me about it.” 

You sigh once more. Yet again, you’ve been deceived. Axel told you that Liam was comfortable with a polyamorous type of arrangement. And perhaps he really did think that Liam was okay with it at the start, but now, it should be obvious that’s not the case, and he’s still trying to go behind his boyfriend’s back. You were nice enough to give him the benefit of the doubt, but evidently, that was a mistake.

Well, you’ve learned another lesson. Polyamorous relationships are not something you want to get involved in from now on, because even if everyone claims they’re comfortable with it, there’s no way for you to know for sure. Not until it’s too late.

Still, there’s no point in worrying about it anymore. You truly do wish Liam the best, but he has his life, and you’ve got yours. You can’t always worry about others nonstop. You did your part, and now, the rest is up to him. 

“How did you get your island to look so epic?” you ask, deciding to veer onto a more pleasant topic. “I swear mine will never look that good. And it takes forever for me to collect all those real art pieces from Redd. He keeps selling me fake shit.” 

Ezra proudly sticks his nose in the air. “What can I say? I guess I’m just built different.” 

You stare at him, visibly unimpressed. 

“...okay, fine,” he relents. “I grinded like crazy, and I’ve spent an ungodly amount of time on that game. At this point, I actually think it might be an addiction.” 

“I’ll pray for you,” you hum, taking another bite of your sandwich. 

He laughs. “Please do.” 

Ezra briefly steps away to buy himself some lunch, and when he returns, you’re thankfully no longer the only person stuffing your face. Just as you thought, he really is a nice guy, and super easy to talk to. You don’t even mind that he’s friends with Callum because you know he’ll never pressure you into forgiving him. He’s mature enough to acknowledge that his friends have flaws.

“Man, I ate way too much,” Ezra groans. “My next class is about to be rough.” 

“Are you leaving now?” you ask. “Let’s walk together for a bit. We’ve still got some time to kill.” 

“Let’s do it. I need to walk all this food off anyways. I knew I shouldn’t have gotten the extra-large portion…” 

You chuckle softly and give him an encouraging pat on the back. The two of you leave the cafeteria and step outside, greeted by rays of sunshine. The weather was pretty crappy earlier this morning, but it’s nice to see it clearing up a bit.

Unfortunately, you’re not the only people taking advantage of the good weather, and even though you don’t realize it, a certain asshole has you fixed in his gaze. 

Callum blinks. Once, twice, then too many times to even count. 

He doesn’t understand what’s happening. Why are you with Ezra? Since when do the two of you talk and hang out? Ezra never told him about any of this. What, so you’ll cut him out of your life, but Ezra’s fine? And seriously, what kind of a dickhead goes behind his friend’s back like that? 

“...and then, she got all pissy for whatever reason,” Nadia rambles on, rolling her eyes all the while. “Like, how is it my fault that she’s gained weight? I was just looking out for her. Ungrateful bitch.” 

Callum doesn’t respond. Truth be told, he’s been zoned out for the past several minutes, save for a disinterested yeah or uh-huh from time to time. But right now, Nadia may as well be invisible to him, even with how tightly she’s holding onto his arm, and how her absurdly-long nails dig into his skin. 

Finally, she notices. 

“Oh my god, Callum!” Nadia fumes, slapping him on the back. “Fucking listen to me! You’re not paying attention to anything I say! What are you even looking at? What’s so important that you’d rather—” 

She stops. The sound of your laughter, even from afar, evokes a visceral response from her. Naturally, she pinpoints you almost immediately. She sees you walking around, stupidly carefree, with that fuckface Ezra by your side. It’s almost comical. You’re both pathetic pieces of trash, so in a way, you’re perfect for each other. 

“Great,” Nadia snorts. “It’s that bitch again. She really just jumps on any guy she meets, huh? What a fucking slu—” 

“Nadia.” 

Callum cuts her off, and for some reason, his tone feels unusually harsh. When Nadia finally looks up at him, she flinches.

Have his eyes… always been that cold? 

“Shut the hell up,” Callum glares. “You keep running your mouth, and it’s getting on my fucking nerves. Walk to class on your own. You’ve pissed me off.” 

He violently pulls away from her, and he’s already walking off, without even bothering to look back. 

Nadia’s face starts burning. “Callum!” she cries out. “What the fuck is your problem?! Is this how you treat your girlfriend right after you get back together with her? Do you want me to break up with you again? Is that what you want? Asshole!” 

Callum doesn’t so much as spare her a glance.

Nadia places a palm on her chest, then takes a shaky breath. Something is wrong. Callum isn't normally like this. Granted, they've broken up more than a handful of times, but he's usually a lot sweeter when they mend their relationship. He's usually all over her, promising never to upset her again, and repeating that he loves her on a seemingly unending loop.

But not this time. This time, he was noticeably less enthusiastic. Nadia initially brushed it off, wondering if she'd perhaps been too hard on him. She figured he was just pouting, and that if she gave him some time, he would go back to his normal self again. 

It's almost like he got mad the second she insulted you. Even his eyes lingered on you for an unnatural amount of time. He claims the two of you were just friends, so what's with that stupidly melancholic expression of his? It’s almost as if…

As if he would rather be with you.

“Ha.”

Nadia chuckles dryly. Alright. So, that's how it is. You must have pulled some strings to make him feel attached to you. You must have deceived him somehow, because that's what disgusting tramps like you do.

Fine, then. Enjoy your short-lived victory while it lasts.

You'll regret it soon.

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[shadowsandcoffedripss]

yo i’ll take any axel x reader crumbs plsss

You came in the right place anon!

I wanted to make a post for the mustache gang, since I got this request might as well write for Axel first ^^

(I also did Tommy, the first drabble/one shot I did <33)

This is more of a short imagine, hope Axel lovers enjoy this ^^ (Axel lover right here hehe)

Small plot: based on that video of Justyna saying that in her hotel there's a sauna, that wasn't in KAJ one. You decide to join the fun 👀, also since I have free will and ideas, in this drabble the reader is part of the trio, making it a quartet! Also I don't think I made the reader gender specific here, soo everyone is happy! And the ! mark in KAJ is your name ^^

Justyna's words almost made you jump in excitement. She.had.a.sauna.in.her.hotel.

A few crew members there in the rehearsal backstage might have looked at the four suited singers weirdly for more than usual.

Maybe because you four basically couldn't stop smiling at the thought of finally laying down for some time, enjoying a relaxing moment without any interviewer coming right at you, or having to dance for the 100th time.

It wasn't bad at all, you enjoyed performing your song so much, seeing so many fans making content for you four (although, you had to admit. Some were kind of weird..)

Especially with your colleagues and long term friends. Especially a certain four-eyed one.

But having to wear that suit all day long, smiling and waving and singing, wasn't the calmest thing ever.

Also holding your instrument, just like Axel was doing with his accordion, was another thing adding to your slowly "going insane" path.

So when you finally settled down in the wooden place, steam blowing off and warming up the space, you let out a low contented sigh.

Sitting in between Axel and Jakob, the events of the last few days washed over you. You managed to qualify for the Grand Final on Saturday, and you also found free time to go to one sauna.

Things couldn't get better.

You got closer to Kevin, and a small grin crept up on your face.

"So big Kev, we can say you are excited?"

A purposefully horrible Australian accent was given to the last bit of the sentence, and laughter filled the room.

You found yourself staring at Axel, glasses left out, hair slicked back from the warm temperature. Oh, he never looked better.

You had caught feelings for him since a lot of time before Basel, but never had the strength to confess.

Sure, doing all the crazy comical stuff you've done over YouTube and around Europe was easy. But confessing feelings for one of your bestfriends, who you knew almost everything, from his favorite color to how many cloth strokes he gave to clear up his glasses, really was impossible.

Noticing how you still hadn't done anything, a little shiny lightbulb turned inside of the youngest KAJ! member, and he caught Jakob's attention, motioning him to get closer.

"What now?"

"I think it's time for ! to confess to Axel."

Jakob's eyes lit up, and a half giggle escaped his mouth.

"Ooh, a steamy romance, like that."

"Okay, let's find a fitting excuse."

Jakob and Kevin thought for a second, and found a perfect idea.

Kevin turned towards the rest of the quartet, and while pointing towards the sauna's exit, the duo's diabolical plan started.

"We should update our fans about finding the sauna for the celebrations! I'll go get my phone, and Jakob needs to get more towels! Right, Jakob?"

Jakob's usual confused face manifested once again, and after some back and forth looks towards the others, he started nodding.

"Y-yeah! Towels, you never have enough of those! Okay !, Axel. We'll be right back."

You muttered a quiet okay, and while the two went out of the sauna, you were left with confusion and internal panic at the thought of being alone with Axel.

"Hey, !."

You successfully managed to look back at him, trying your best to not show the flustered expression you had.

"Yeah?"

"Have any idea why they wanted to leave us alone here?"

Oh no. He's clueless.

"No idea. You know Kevin and Jakob, always up for some mischief."

"Yes, maybe you're right. Do you mind blowing off some steam?"

"Wh-what?"

"With the ladle."

Right. You were in a sauna, so of course Axel meant the actual steam.

"Oh, yeah. Sure."

You moved towards the ladle, your body grazing Axel's, and managed to do what he asked without anymore embarrassing accidents.

A few minutes of silence filled the room, and there still wasn't any trace of the two menaces. You were going to do worse as soon as you got the chance. That's for sure.

"You know, I think I might have realized why those two left us here."

Oh no. He's not so clueless.

"Really? Why then?"

He slowly, oh so slowly, got close to his partner and friend,

(even though it seemed more and more obvious that something was starting to sparkle between the two)

his face a few centimeters away, moustache faintly grazing your own lips.

"You like me more than a friend, don't you?"

Oh no. He's definitely not clueless.

Heat crept up from the other's cheeks, and you were sure that it wasn't because of the warm steam. Not completely, at least.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

That so familiar grin of his appeared on his face, not long after looking up and down at you.

"Oh, really?"

He got once again close, fingers brushing against the singer's hair.

"Then why are you blushing that much?"

Tilting his head, he stopped any possibility for ! to give a snarky reply to his smug words by planting a soft and faint kiss on the Finnish lips.

Clapping and woos from the sauna's door interrupted the rather nice moment, the other two of the group clearly happy that their plan managed to succeed.

Axel scoffed at the sight of Kevin smirk and Jakob's enthusiastic smile, but it wasn't a pissed off one.

Managing to recompose yourself, a heartfelt laughter bloomed from ! lips.

"The little matchmakers decided to show up!"

Kevin gave a theatrical bow, while Jakob made a little military salute, lips pursed, even though the seriousness was already fading, smile reappearing once again.

"No problem. Now, shall we make the video?"

You moved aside to give the taller one space, but that futile attempt was stopped by Jakob sitting himself in order for you and Axel to be close to each other.

"No, no lovebirds! You stay close now."

"But-"

"No but! I already opened Instagram."

You just shrugged your shoulders, but you both couldn't help but be happy of having those two with you.

Maybe saunas weren't the only hot thing in Finland.

You had one right next to you.

[whimsicalwritingsandmore]

The Hybrid House | ateez x reader

Pairing: hybrid!ot8!ateez x rich!girl!reader

Genre: fluff, romance, slice of life

Warnings: none

Word Count: 1441 words.

a/n: welcomeeee to my new story! this story will be updated alongside Aurorise! I'm excited to share this with you. <3 If you'd like to be a part of the taglist, please send me an ask or private message, that way I'll be able to see it faster. Hope you enjoy! <333

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Chapter 1

As a child, it was always expected that you surpass your cousins and maintain the family’s reputation. If you didn’t, you were a stain that blotched the beautiful pages in which so much effort and hard-work was put into according to your parents.

Coming from the new money generation, your family was engrossed with relevancy and out-beating everyone. They spent lavishly and focused attentively on expanding the business throughout the world. Your parents had built their legacy from the ground up, and while it was definitely something to admire, overtime they began to lose sight of what mattered and developed an intense desire to earn more and outdo your uncles and aunts who behaved in a similar way.

As such, your childhood included having to be perfect and successful in academics to outdo your cousins. Coming from a family of five siblings and as the youngest, you often found it difficult to relate to your older siblings. Your oldest brother and sister yielded to your parents’ demands ensuring their non-stop praise and favor. And your fraternal twin brother followed suit. Except for your third eldest brother Axel. Only you and Axel disliked your parents’ way of upbringing because it felt inauthentic and ingenuine. Axel included you in most of his escapades such as sneaking out at night to the treehouse in the backyard for a late night frozen treat that was definitely against your parents’ rules or a slight detour on the way home from after-school activities to the street-food cart and arcade. Once the two of you were free, you spent most of your time together breaking the rules and never getting caught. Except for that one time you did because your eldest brother decided to tattle. But Axel took the brunt of the punishment and in return, you helped apply gel to ease the burning sensation in his hands and camped out in his room for the rest of the night, discussing what the two of you wanted to do when you got older. 

He is your best friend and managed to persuade your parents to let you accompany him for the Summer to your Great Aunt’s. He concocted a scheme with your Great Aunt about a good internship opportunity but really, it was an attempt to be able to spend the vacation period away from home. Lucky for you, that Summer had your parents occupied with various business meetings and so, they waved their hands in an disinterested and unconcerned manner and let you and Axel go your way. 

If there was one person out of your venal family that still had their head on their shoulders, it was your Great Aunt. From rags to riches, she’s an eccentric and smart woman who built a successful business after her former husband ran his family business into the ground. She was so good at what she did, she basked in her success and prosperity for years to come, and never had to work a day in her life again.

Surprisingly, she was the opposite of your family - she was warm-hearted and gentle unlike your parents and compassionate, accommodating and patient when it came to others. But she did play along with your materialistic family and took great pride in flaunting her assets like the giant diamond ring her boyfriend at the time gave her or her glamorous semi-bejeweled purse with precious rhinestones to silence your frivolous aunts. 

But her most prized possession that she marveled to everyone was her newly-bought 20 000 acre estate and her enormous and towering mansion that covered part of it outside Seoul in South Korea. It was a property her then-boyfriend suggested purchasing because in later years to come, it would cost a fortune. She called it her wonder of the world. 

And when you arrived that Summer, when the skies stretched wide with wisps of clouds and the air was thick with the golden warmth of the sun descending upon the flower petals and lakes in a shimmering dance of light, you were in absolute awe at what you saw. It was like a palace right out of a fairytale and for the rest of the holidays, you would spin around and elegantly twirl and dance in the foyer and halls and live your Disney princess dreams while your brother played the grand piano.

Your aunt joined you on several occasions, advising you to work hard and don’t solely depend on a man.

"And then you'll have your own palace like me." She giggled.

On the last day of your trip, while picking some flowers you wanted to take back home, you noticed a dug up part of the ground. Further peering into the bushes, there was an elderly squirrel laying there in a semi-conscious state, injured with its fur caked in blood. You immediately called your aunt, whispering reassuring thoughts to the squirrel. She assured you she would take care of him and not to worry.

And on the next summer trip with Axel, who once again schemed with your Great Aunt to tell your parents about an apprenticeship with a well-known firm, you met two new faces on the estate - Hongjoong and Yunho, children of some of the workers on the estate. 

Your Great Aunt also indicated about the elderly squirrel; he recovered well and there was also a baby squirrel and golden retriever she found when she went to investigate the other side of the bush. Unfortunately, the elderly squirrel passed a few months ago. 

You met the said animals later that day after Hongjoong and Yunho went home. They came out of nowhere while you were having dinner in the garden with your brother. But every time you tried to introduce your new human friends to your new animal friends, either one of the other could not be found.

Coincidence? 

You didn’t think anything of it because you had more important things to do - spy on your brother and the pretty girl he visited in the local town and teach Hongjoong and Yunho how to dance in the foyer like you did.

The next two summers followed with you becoming close friends with eight boys, the new additions going by the names of Seonghwa, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung and Jongho. Correspondingly, much to your excitement, your aunt also adopted new little animals each year ranging from a rabbit, to a doberman, a capybara, two cats and a little bear. 

Your brother dramatically expressed that you were replacing him.

“As if,” you answered, rolling your eyes, “No one can replace your annoying self.”

“Excuuuuuse me, I am a delight,” he argued back, “I’m glad though, you won’t be alone when I head off to college.”

“I’ll miss you.” you expressed. The thought of not having your brother around as usual felt daunting and scary. He’s the only one you could relate to and talk to about anything. 

“Don’t worry,” he reassured, “No matter how far apart we are, when you need me I’ll be there.”

The golden retriever who decided to finally come out of hiding listened attentively to your conversation under the table.

Your aunt decided to host Thanksgiving that year. But deep down, you wish she didn't because maybe then, things wouldn't have fallen apart. Your family got into a large and heated disagreement when your parents found out about your brother’s girlfriend.

“Don’t tell me how to raise my child,” your Mother sneered, “I know what is best for him and you are out of place to even think about him and that girl.”

“He likes her,” your Great Aunt argued, “There’s nothing wrong with that. She’s well-educated too.”

“She is not one of us. We are high-society people. What would others think if they found out? You are out of your mind!” your Father bellowed.

“I know what is best for my son!” your Mother repeated.

“And yet he never comes to you.”

“You’re corrupting my children! You have all these animals running around and then you have my daughter hanging out with your employees’ children too!?”

“They are people too! Do you hear how you sound?” 

After a lot of yelling and shouting of spiteful words and profanities, your brother retaliated and stormed out with your Father behind him while your Mother dragged you out of the house to the car. From your blurry watery vision, you spotted your friends from afar, Wooyoung and San attempting to run to you but were held back by the others.

In the backseat of the car, you pressed against the back glass sobbing as the car drove off.

That was the last time you had seen your friends. 

[bubbles-for-all-of-us]

Pretty like the sun

Previous chapter / Next chapter

a/n This is pretty like the wind series spin offs. This can be read as standalone all you need to know is that Azriel has two adoptive kids with OC - Zofie and Axel. Future stories related to them might include stories specifically decided to Azriel hence why I am taging it as Azriel story too. Don't come at me please. ✨

warning: blood, fighting, injuries, drinking.

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Nyx’s pov:

"Again", his voice sounded unfamiliar to him. He had flinched at it after the concept of time had started slipping. For a split moment, Nyx thought that it was his high lord who had spoken. That had caused him a solid punch to the jaw. The boy in front of him looked Nyx over worriedly, as his stance shifted. “You’re in or you're out? I won’t wait forever”, Nyx snarled, leaping forward. Once again, he didn’t remember when they had abandoned their swords. But he preferred it like that. Close and personal. Physical.

Another blow landed against his nose, and Nyx's head flew back. He was well aware that on his good days, the poor chap wouldn’t have landed any of the punches at all. He got close only because Nyx let him. "Enough," an annoyed voice sounded from behind him. A welcome destination for the boy in front of Nyx. It was good enough for princes’s cracked knuckles to meet the target. “Flying fuck," a rough palm gripped Nyx’s shoulder, “You are the most stupid...", a growl. Nyx tried to open his left eye, one that was now too puffed up and throbbed like a bitch. “I suggest you bugger off before I make sure that you’re eating dirt for the rest of the week," Axel’s deep growl echoed, making Nyx chuckle lightly. “Man, he asked for it", the guy lifted his palms in defiance. “And if he told you to jump from the cliff, would you do it?", the boy shrugged, only making Axel let out yet another frustrated sigh, and the other Illyrian took it as his chance to leave.

“You will make a wonderful advisor in the future," Nyx skittered. “I think I will have your ass six feet under before that could even happen," Axel grumbled, pulling at his friend’s arms and trying to help him up. “I left you for a fucking hour, Nyx," he huffed, draping Nyx’s arm over his shoulders. "Yeah, I missed you. I had to settle for a fight with an idiot”. Nyx huffed. “Do I need to remind you that you have an important high-lord party to attend soon?"—that was one of the reads Nyx had let his rails loose. He hoped that if he misbehaved badly enough and looked like a walking corpse when the day chimed, he could wiggle his ass out of it. The thought alone made him want to bend over and vomit. He wasn’t built to be a prince. He didn’t want it. It wasn’t him. Wasn’t the life he envisioned for himself.

“You’ve been acting like an absolute fool ever since we came back from Velaris; what has gotten into you?", Axel kicked the door to their cabin before guiding Nyx toward his bed. Your sister happened to me, he thought, but bit his tongue. “I just wanted to fight," Nyx growled instead. Only now did he feel how badly his body hurt. That fucker had landed more blows than Nyx had initially counted. “I know you, and this ain’t you. You can talk to me. We always talk about it”, Axel shoved Nyx’s hand away from his face before dragging a warm cloth over the swollen eye. And what would he tell him? I can't get your fucking sister out of my head. Do you know why we cannot see each other for a bit? Why is she even pulling away? Nyx grunted, pulling the cloth out of Axel’s hands.

“Why don’t you start by telling me who you’ve been running around with instead?”. It was low. Axel had a right to have a life outside of being Nyx’s right-hand man. And his love life didn’t need to be accounted for. But Nyx was so angry. Angry at everything and everyone. People constantly kept him in the dark. And then threw a bucket of news in his face while expecting him to receive it with open hands. “I ain’t running around with anybody," Axel shook his head, throwing a jar of salve Nyx’s way. But the scowl on the young prince’s face only deepened, “So, Piper doesn’t ring a bell?”. And bingo. Axel’s whole body got ridged. Did Nyx have no right to go and dig into the new arrival papers? Probably. But here they were. “Keep her name out of your fucking mouth," Axel pointed a warning finger at him, clearly not finding this one bit amusing. “And you stand here giving me lectures about sharing things," Nyx chuckled, “So why aren’t you talking, friend?" Axel shook his head, “Clean yourself up and sober up while you’re at it." He moved towards the door, and something in Nyx shifted. Axel never left. Not even when Nyx was in his shittest of moods. He had always been the only one to not leave him. Sit through his temper tantrums. "Axel," Nyx breathed, panic rising in his chest. He didn’t want to be alone right now. His head was too busy. He was too full of things he didn’t want to think of. “I’m only going to grab you some fresh water; lay down you twat," Axel grumbled back, easing the rising tide within Nyx. He nodded simply, slumping back on the mattress. His hand instantly moved beneath his pillow, where he always kept a stitched napkin that Zofie had given him. The crooked moon and stars greeted him like they always did. The stick figures holding hands. The flowers. Even the wonky sun on the far left side was perfect. Always perfect. “I’m thinking about you," Nyx muttered, brushing his fingers over the stick figure that was supposed to represent Zofie, “It’s one never-ending night over here without you, Sunny."

Zofie’s pov:

It’s only been a week, but it felt like forever. She never usually felt so desperate when they left. At least not after the first week. But she had grown restless. The cry that left Nyx’s lips as he shot up to the sky was still ringing loud and clear. Zofie heard it even through her hammering heartbeat. With her back pressed against the door, as she covered her mouth. And now it felt as if she hadn’t seen Nyx in a lifetime. It clawed at her. She knew that Axel would look after him, but... What if something happened, and that’s how they would have separated?

Zofie didn’t know what she was feeling. It all seemed too mushy and jumbled up. Now, instead of seeing a different aura around people, she simply saw black. It was impossible to distinguish between different feelings.

“Zo, do you want more pancakes?", her father’s voice made her almost drop her fork as she nodded. Azriel gave her a concerned look before plopping one of his signature breakfast goods onto her plate. “You excited to see the girls?", he asked, throwing a glance your way, only earning a slight shrug in return. “Yeah, am… It will be nice”, even if she didn’t want to see anyone. Well, maybe Piper. Axel had said that she was one of the nice girls. One Zofie could get to know if only she chose to.

“Ah, yes. You’ll be able to show them around; you can even go down to the market in the city," you chimed in, “and buy something nice or show them the good spots." But Zofie didn’t want to do that. Most spots had been hers and Nyx’s. They felt too personal to just be handed out. The same pinch in her chest made the hallow darkness spread even more. Her brows knitted as she pushed the plate further away from her. “You didn’t like it?", Azriel stopped mid-bite, almost making Zofie feel guilty. Almost. “Just not hungry," she shrugged, getting up from the table. She caught a glimpse of worry in her father’s eyes as she moved towards the stairs. The way you had reached out to squeeze his hand. And while Zofie didn’t want to keep you two in the dark, she didn’t know how to explain the emptiness inside her.

Just the fresh air and change of scenery didn’t help. It was nice to see her aunts and introduce herself to Piper, but socializing was never her thing. Nyx did most of the talking when they were out in public. He was born for that. It baffled her how quickly he managed to come up with a snarky remark as if he stored them all within his brain with special labels for just the right moment. Zofie tried to suffocate thoughts of him. Tried. But failed miserably. Everything she did or thought of was always in one way or another related to him. The thing was that she didn’t want to leave him like that. She didn't want to make him upset, but she also didn’t know how to make everyone happy. So, until she could come up with a solution, it would have to be like that.

“In my opinion, he is so much more attractive," one of the girls giggled into her palms. Attractive? How long has Zofie been out of this conversation? They were talking about the market day the last time she listened. “Well, Piper is the one who got to talk to him," the brow haired girl nudged the poor Piper, who had practically curled into herself by now, “Is he really hot up close?”.

Zofie shook her head. “Who’s hot?", she cut in, making all four sets of eyes dart up to her. And now she realized why she hated speaking in the first place. “Piper here had the prince’s second man carry her boxes”, Lina’s blond curls bobbed as she turned. But that was Axel? Why was Axel even here in the first place? He told her they could... Of course, he had met her. “Well, that’s my brother, so can we not talk weirdly about him?", Zofie scrunched up her nose, making the other two girls roll their eyes. But at least Piper’s shoulders sagged in relief. "Bore," the copycat next to Lina chirped. Zofie just couldn’t remember her name.

“We sure can talk about the prince himself," Lina smirked, and something snapped deep within Zofie, “There’s nothing to talk about." Suddenly, the prospect of having girls her age seemed like the worst idea ever. “As if... I’m determined to meet him," Lina said. The green mist rose in Zofie’s vision. “Gonna swoon him off his feet; heard he’s a proper flirt two," she elbowed her double ganger as they both chuckled.

“He will not fall for your shit," Zofie bit back, not even realizing that her hands were now firmly clenched by angry fists. “And how would you know that?", Lina fluffed her lashes. How did she know? She didn’t. Lina was pretty; you couldn’t take that from her. From the hair to her lean body. She was the embodiment of how any girl wanted to look. While Zofie… “He is my friend," she muttered, biting out the nagging thoughts. Lina chuckled, “Yeah, a friend. So, clearly, if you’re not girlfriend material, I will be."

It felt as if a bomb had exploded all around her. Vision glazing over. She saw nothing. Only Lina. She heard no one. Only Lina. And surprisingly, the girl wasn’t smiling. She looked petrified. Grasping at her throat. It felt static. As if the time had come to a halt. And then someone yanked her back. Pulling Zofie away from the neatly placed picnic blanket.

"Zofie", it sounded muffled, but her eyes did follow the sound. Only to be met with Feyre’s concerned ones. She blinked a couple of times. The fuzzy feeling cleared out. “She’s insane," a shriek sounded from behind her, making Zofie twist back. “You are dangerous, you stupid..." it was Lina, her cheeks still red, eyes wide. “Don’t finish that sentence," Cassian was gripping her shoulder, but he didn’t look too concerned with the girl. His eyes were on Zofie.

Zofie blinks a couple of times, black spots dancing in the corners of her vision. What had she done? Was it even her? Why did she... “Why don’t we go drink some tea, dear?", Feyre wrapped a hand around her shoulders. "I...", Zofie barely muttered before Feyre cut in, “Some tea with lots of honey, yes, yes." A part of Zofie wanted to run. Like she always did. Run away and hide. But Feyre pushed some of hair behind her ear, “We’ll have a nice conversation you and I”, she muttered almost ti herself, “Bake cookies even. Cookies always help”.

Nyx’s pov:

“Give me that," Axel said, snatching the glass out of Nyx’s hand, “You’ve been here for an hour." An hour too long. The hustle of the people was making Nyx sick. It was bad enough that he had to stand for the majority of that hour next to his parents, smiling as if he was thrilled to be there while he was slowly dying inside. Nyx kept dead-eye contact with Axel through it all, even if there was a sea of females who were trying to catch his eyes.

“I still think that you should cover for me so I can sneak out," Nyx grumbled. He had made at least five escape plans; he even planned to fake an allergic reaction, but Axel hadn’t been as thrilled about that. “Midnight. We had a deal”, Axel muttered, scanning the crowd. He was Nyx’s hawk, noting slipped past Axel. And as much as Nyx hated to admit it, Azriel was the one who had taught him all of it. “But you’ll dance with half of the girls in that line," Nyx nodded towards the girls who hadn’t stopped staring at him ever since the night began. “They ain’t her for me, kitten," Axel mused, making Nyx roll his eyes. “I’ll put a good word out for you," the prince said with a tap on his friend’s shoulder.

“Is your family coming?", Nyx scanned the crowd for familiar face. Well, correction. Is Zofie coming? He had tried to sneak back to Velaris before all this. He had to because his brain was going into overdrive. It had been eleven days, eighteen hours, forty-seven minutes, and 45... 46 seconds till he had laid eyes on her. And by now, he was more than okay with just catching a glimpse. He could do with that. He would settle for that. “Papa should," Axel said calmly, “Ma’ wasn’t feeling too well, so she’s back at the cottage." Translation: Zofie didn’t want to go, so Y/N stayed back with her. Nyx clenched his jaw. “Everyone’s healthy and well?", he was fishing for straws here, and he knew it. “Yeah, it’s all well; little one is growing too fast, though. Could have sworn she fit in my palm before we left," Axel muttered, and a part of Nyx was glad that he hadn’t caught onto his real intentions.

“Here you are”, a strong palm landed on Nyx’s shoulder, making the boy look to the side. His smug father stood there, way too happy with himself. “High Lord," Axel said, lowering his head in greeting, even though Nyx had specifically told him to not kiss his father with flatly. “You two are hiding in the back as if this is a funeral," Rhys shook his head with a smile, “Come up to the front tables; quite a couple of people are looking for you." Nyx’s eye twitched. If only he could scream now. He was convinced all the windows would shatter. He wanted out. Why was no one catching onto the fact that he was suffocating? He didn’t want to be a part of his father’s plans. He didn’t want to be a perfect son. A one-day-crowned prince.

Nyx was sure that Rhys could see the malice burning through his eyes, considering that his face went dead serious. Nyx knew that his father would stomp his foot, and he would have to do it. Or that pleading look on his mother’s face would claw at his heart till he gave in. He felt Axel’s hand on his shoulder blade. He was spiraling then. His magic was flaring up and Axel was warning him like he always did. Nyx was about to open his mouth when his eye caught movement behind his father. His eyes narrowed. Vision sharpening, and then it all died down.

The ringing in his ears faded. The choking feeling subsided. “Nyx, I am talking to you," Rhys said, gripping his upper hand, but Nyx shook it off as he stepped forward. Smile tugging at his lips. She was a vision. There might have been hundreds of females here tonight. Wrapped in the most expensive silks and velvet. But he hadn’t given them a second glance. And now she stood there at the top of the staircase. Looking over the hall. Nyx only hoped that she was looking for him.

And then her gaze found his. As if he had brought it right back to him. As if in a sea of bodies, she knew where he would be. And then she smiled. And Nyx was convinced that someone had spiked the wine because she shouldn’t be smiling. He moved faster, his hands gripping the railing as he jogged up the stairs. He missed every other step as he went. Was it appropriate? No. Was he making a spectacle considering that they were right above everyone and had nowhere to blend in? Yes. But did he care? No. Because even with twenty stairs separating them, she was too far away, and at the same time, she was in front of him way too quickly, leaving him no time to pick through his thoughts.

“You came?", Nyx breathed heavily. Zofie crossed her arms over her chest, looking him up and down. "I had a feeling you were struggling to get through this," she said casually, “Axel said that your sassiness has been off lately." Nyx wasn’t sure if he wanted to laugh or cry at this point as he stepped closer to her, shielding her tiny frame from any curious glances. "Sunny," he muttered, ready to watch her fade away the same way she always did in his dreams.

“Your hands are trembling," she breathed, reaching out for his palms, “Why are your hands trembling?" Her worried eyes looked up at him, and he was ready to sink to his knees in front of her. “I… I am nervous”, he muttered like a teenager, looking at his first-ever crush. “You never get nervous around me," Zofie frowned, shaking her head. And then there was one heartbeat. One. Nyx’s left hand reached behind her as he pulled her into his chest, wrapping her up in his embrace.

He was shivering all over. But all the systems in his body that had been flashing red for days now were finally running smoothly. It felt as if he could finally breathe. That lavender sugar scent that she carried drowned him in her. “We need to get out of here," Nyx breathed again, her hair neatly braided with daisies. “I didn’t spend an hour lacing this for nothing," Zofie muttered, pulling back from his embrace. Both of their eyes fall onto the deep purple and black bodice. A vision. Nyx reached for her hand. “I’ll appreciate the hell out of it for you, Zof; I will," he muttered, dragging her towards the double-sided door. He heard gasps as he moved. Pretty sure he even heard his name being called. Pret sure he heard footsteps. But the moment he was out in the cold night air, he wrapped his arms around Zofie once more. Bringing her as close as he possibly could before shooting up at the sky and winnowing halfway through the plush clouds. Now that he had gotten his sun back, not even the devil himself was strong enough to take her away.

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Taglist: @sirenpearldust @historygeekqueen @hnyclover @i-am-a-lost-girl16 @naturakaashi i @stressed-reader @woodland-mist @goldenmagnolias @nocasdatsgay @lees-chaotic-brain

[warabidakihime]

Rules and Roses Chapter 6

★ characters: kibutsuji muzan x reader x akaza

★ plot summary: Kibutsuji Muzan has finally decided to expand his empire, and the way he intends to do so is by running for the highest political position. With you, his darling wife, at his side, he believes he can achieve and have everything the world has to offer. He is, after all, the Phoenix of Phario.

★ fic playlist: sometimes, same day, as time stops, wolf’s song (this is also the vision board for the fic). 

★ content warnings : implied violence, self-harm and abuse, profanities, toxic relationships, smut.

★ Previous Chapter

a/n: heya! things are finally picking up and it will only go up from here and then BAM! i wasn't able to update last weekend because i wasn't doing great mentally and i was also pretty tired because of work, and so i just focused on resting last weekend. but voila! a new chapter for y'all! i've not proofread this yet, so apologies if there are any typos or parts that confuses you. will fix those tomorrow morning.

i sincerely hope you've been enjoying this fic and i really would like to hear your thoughts so don't be shy and leave a comment or two! you have no idea how much your comments inspire me to write.

anyway! enjoy reading!

--

Year 2016

A vast, icy expanse stretches before the camera. The crowd's excited murmurs gradually build into a roaring applause as a spotlight illuminates the center of the ice.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are on the edge of our seats as we welcome back the phenomenal Y/N! The reigning champion, the undisputed queen of the ice, is about to grace us with her artistry once more,” the commentator exclaimed to the mic.

You glide onto the ice; your every movement, fluid and effortless, as if you're dancing on air. Your breath, visible in the cold, adds a touch of ethereal beauty to your performance.

“There she is! The moment we've all been waiting for! The crowd is on their feet, their eyes glued to every twist and turn. Her posture is impeccable, and her lines are clean and sharp. This is what true elegance looks like!”

The commentator continued, his voice filled with excitement and passion.

As you progress through your routine, the music swells, mirroring the intensity of your performance. You execute a series of complex jumps with astonishing ease, landing each one with precision and grace.

“And there it is! A triple axel, executed to perfection! The crowd is in awe. This woman is on a different level. Her speed, her power, her control—it's simply breathtaking. Watch as she transitions into a spin; look at that speed and the way she controls her body. It's like she's defying gravity itself!"

You transition into a series of spins, giving your body a blur of color and movement. The commentator’s voice becomes more animated.

“Unbelievable! She's a ballerina on ice! The way she blends strength and delicacy is simply mesmerizing. And did you catch that change of direction? From a Biellmann spin to a layback spin in mere seconds? It's like she's speaking a different language on the ice. A language only the greatest can understand.” 

As you approach the end of your routine, the music crescendos, and you unleash a final burst of energy. Your emotions are raw, and your movements are filled with passion.

“She's pouring her heart and soul into this performance! The crowd is on its feet, cheering and applauding. This is a moment that will be remembered for years to come. And can we talk about the flexibility? Those splits, those extensions! She's not just an ice skater; she's a gymnast on ice! A complete show stopper!”

The commentator exclaimed, his voice filled with awe.

A tear escapes your eye as you finish your routine, and you drop to the ice in a deep bow.

The crowd erupts in a standing ovation.

“A performance that transcends the boundaries of sport. Ice Queen Y/N has once again proven why she is the greatest ice skater of her generation. And speaking of greatness, this woman has it all. Talent, beauty, grace, and, let's not forget, a heart of gold. They say behind every successful woman is a great man, and this woman's boyfriend is definitely one to watch. Though we can't confirm anything, rumors have it that he's a rising star in the business world,” the commentator said, adding a touch of intrigue to his commentary.

You skate slowly towards the edge of the ice, your breath coming in short gasps. The crowd’s cheers and applause gradually subside as you approach your coach.

“And there she goes, skating towards her coach. A moment of pure relief and exhaustion. The pressure is off, and she can finally let go. This is a moment of truth, a moment of waiting. The scores will determine her fate. Let’s hope she’s brought her A-game today, but this is Y/N we're talking about; she's always on her A-game!” 

The camera cuts to the judges’ table as they begin their deliberation. The crowd holds their breath, their eyes glued to the screen.

After what feels like an eternity, the announcer steps up to the microphone.

“And the gold medal goes to... Y/N with a final score of 250.34 , a whopping 12.78 points ahead of her closest competitor! This not only secures her gold medal but also breaks her own world record, a record she has held for years! This is a historic moment, ladies and gentlemen!”

The announcer proclaimed, as the crowd erupts into a frenzy of cheers and applause.

The camera returns to you as you cover your face with your hands, tears of joy streaming down your cheeks. Your coach gave you a fatherly hug, obviously proud of the feat you have achieved. Your family and friends were screaming at the top of their lungs, trying their best to convey their support for you. Meanwhile, the crowd continues to cheer as confetti falls from the ceiling.

You raise your arms in victory, a radiant smile on your face.

The physical therapy room was a familiar purgatory. The sterile white walls and the metallic gleam of the equipment were a constant reminder of your limitations. Once a sanctuary of grace and athleticism, it had become a battleground for recovery.

You moved through the routine with mechanical precision, your movements devoid of the once-fluid grace. Your breath came in short, labored gasps as you pushed your body to its limits. The pain was a constant companion, a dull ache that pulsed through your leg. Yet you persevered, driven by a stubborn determination.

Akaza watched from the corner, his eyes following your every move. His expression was a mask of indifference, but his posture spoke a different story. Tension rippled through his muscles as he observed your struggle.

Finally, exhausted but determined, you collapsed onto the mat, sweat beading on your forehead. Your body ached, but there was a sense of satisfaction in pushing through the pain.

The doctor entered, his footsteps echoing in the quiet room. He carried a clipboard, and his expression was serious.

"How are you feeling today, Y/N?" he asked, his voice gentle.

You managed a weak smile. "Tired, but okay."

The doctor nodded, his eyes scanning your form. "The progress is steady. Your strength is improving, and the range of motion in your leg is expanding."

A flicker of hope ignited in your chest. "Does that mean I can start... doing more?"

The doctor hesitated, his expression turning somber.

"There is good news and bad news."

Your heart sank. "Tell me the bad news first."

"The bad news is, the full range of motion you once had is unlikely to return. The scar tissue and the nature of your injury have created limitations. While you can walk and perform daily activities without significant discomfort, activities that require sudden bursts of speed, agility, or excessive weight-bearing are still risky."

A wave of disappointment washed over you. You had never entertained the thought of returning to competitive skating. That chapter of your life was firmly closed. But the idea of never being able to skate again, even for leisure, was definitely a bitter pill to swallow.

"I understand," you managed to say, your voice barely a whisper.

"But," the doctor continued, his voice softening, "the good news is that you've exceeded expectations in your recovery. You're stronger than most people in your situation. With continued therapy and careful management, you can lead a normal, active life."

A normal life.

The word echoed in your mind.

A far cry from the extraordinary life you once lived.

"But remember, and I mean this in all seriousness, there are certain activities you should avoid," the doctor warned. "High-impact sports, for instance, are out of the question, and you need to be cautious about putting too much pressure on your leg."

You nodded, trying to absorb the information. The weight of disappointment was heavy on your shoulders.

"But I also want you to remember," the doctor added, "every day is a step forward, and you've come such a long way, Y/N. So you should be proud of your progress."

You forced a smile. "I am."

As the doctor left the room, you turned to Akaza. His eyes met yours, and in that brief moment, you saw a flicker of something in his gaze—a mixture of pity and something else, something you can quite pinpoint. You decided to dismiss it, attributing it to your overactive imagination.

Akaza approached you, his hand reaching out to offer support. "You're stronger than you think," he said, his voice low and comforting.

You took his hand, grateful for his presence. "I know," you replied, your voice trembling slightly.

Akaza studied your face; his eyes were filled with a strange intensity. "I've seen stronger people break," he said, his voice barely audible. "But you... you're different."

You raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his rather cryptic statement. "Oh?"

Akaza hesitated, as if choosing his words carefully. "Some people," he began, his voice low, "are defined by limitations. Others... they find a way to transcend them."

You didn't know what to make of his cryptic statement.

You simply nodded, grateful for his support.

Akaza chuckled, breaking the tension. “You’re too serious,” he teased. “Come on, let’s get you out of here. You look like you could use a break.”

You smiled, and the weight of the world momentarily lifted.

“Alright, let’s go.”

As he helped you up, he studied your face, his expression turning serious again. “You’re doing well,” he said softly. “Like what the doctor told you, you’re way stronger than you think.”

You nodded, grateful for his support. As you walked out of the physical therapy room, you felt a sense of peace wash over you. The road to recovery was indeed long, but you persevered and made incredible progress.

And as long as you have your friends and family, Muzan, and, believe it or not, people like Akaza by your side, you knew you would eventually find your way back.

Several Years Ago at the Winter Olympics 2018

The ice was your stage, a crystalline expanse where you could lose yourself. Muzan, your fiancé, watched from the stands, his eyes filled with adoration. The crowd roared as you took your final bow, the applause a symphony of admiration. You were in your element, a whirlwind of grace and power.

But then disaster struck.

It happened in an instant—a cruel twist of fate.

As you landed a triple lutz, your skate blade, despite multiple quality checks, betrayed you. It snapped, sending you into an uncontrolled spin. Your body, once so graceful, became a helpless projectile. You felt the ice scrape against your skin as you tumbled, the world a blur of pain and fear.

Muzan watched in horror as you fell. Time seemed to freeze as your body crashed into the ice. A sharp intake of breath escaped his lips. His world narrowed down to you, a blur of white on the unforgiving ice.

Fear, cold and sharp, clawed at his insides.

He leaped over the barrier, his movements a blur. Kneeling beside you, he assessed the damage. Your face was pale, and your eyes closed. A deep gash marred your leg, with blood seeping through the fabric of your costume. His hands trembled as he cradled your head. His voice, usually so calm and commanding, was now a frantic whisper.

"Darling, please wake up," he begged, his voice filled with terror.

"Open your eyes, please, Y/N!"

Panic surged through him as he realized the severity of your injury. The once pristine white of his suit was now marred by the crimson stain of your blood, a stark contrast to the pristine white of the ice.

His voice rose, filled with a desperate urgency.

"Someone help! Get an ambulance! Fucking do something, now!" he shouted, his eyes wide with fear and seething anger.

He frantically searched for a button or a lever—anything to call for help. The crowd's noise seemed to muffle, as if he were underwater.

He scooped you up into his arms, your weight heavy in his arms. The crowd's gasps and cries were a distant echo as he carried you off the ice. His mind raced, a whirlwind of fear and desperation. He had to get you help, and he had to get you help now.

In the ambulance, Muzan held you close, his touch a desperate attempt to reassure you and to reassure himself that this too shall pass, but the metallic smell of your blood, your pale skin, and the way your body trembled in his arms filled him with a cold dread, as did the horrific way you would slip in and out of consciousness. 

*

The days that followed were a blur of pain, surgeries, and endless nights in the hospital. You woke up to find yourself encased in a plaster cast, the once lithe body you knew confined to a hospital bed. The news of your injury sent shockwaves through the world, leaving your fans devastated by the abrupt end to your glittering career.

The doctors were blunt in their assessment. Your career as an ice skater was over. The extent of your injuries, combined with the long recovery process, meant that you would never be able to return to the ice. The news was a devastating blow, and it took a long time to come to terms with it.

Muzan was by your side through it all; his unrelenting and passionate support was a constant in your life. He held your hand through the painful procedures, his presence a comforting anchor.

But the emotional turmoil was immense. The loss of your identity as a skater was a profound shock. The physical pain was a constant reminder of what you had lost, but the emotional pain was even more debilitating. You questioned your worth and your identity.

There were even moments when the darkness consumed you, when the thought of ending it all seemed like the only escape.

But despite everything, you managed to hold on and cling to the hope that things would get better.

And frankly speaking, Muzan didn't let you succumb to despair. He did his very best to show his support for you and his faith in you, and with the help of dedicated therapists, you slowly began to rebuild your life.

It was a long and arduous journey, filled with SO many setbacks and triumphs, but you were able to emerge from the shadows stronger and more resilient than ever before.

*

The car ride home was heavy with silence. You stared out the window, lost in thought. The physical therapy session had been grueling, but it was also a stark reminder of what you had lost. A sudden impulse surged through you.

"Akaza, make a detour," you ordered, your voice firm.

Akaza was startled by your sudden demand. “Where to?” he asked, his voice laced with caution.

“The ice rink,” you replied, your tone leaving no room for argument.

Akaza hesitated, his mind racing. He knew better than anyone the risks involved. The doctor's warnings echoed in his mind. Yet, he couldn't ignore the determination in your eyes. 

"Are you sure about this?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. "The doctor said..."

You cut him off. 

"I know, Akaza. And I don't care, so please."

He sighed. He knew arguing with you was futile. With a heavy heart, he turned the steering wheel.

The ice rink was eerily quiet.

The once-vibrant atmosphere was replaced by an eerie stillness. You slipped into your skates, a familiar weight returning to your feet. As you stepped onto the ice, a wave of nostalgia washed over you.

It was here that you had spent countless hours honing your craft, dreaming of standing on the Olympic podium.

Akaza watched from the sidelines, his heart pounding in his chest. He was a mixture of worry and admiration. You were a force of nature, but he couldn’t shake the fear that lurked in the back of his mind.

You began to glide, your movements tentative at first. But as you gained confidence, your body seemed to remember the familiar motions. You started to hum the melody of your short program, your movements following the rhythm. It was as if you were reliving a distant memory—a ghost of your former self.

Akaza watched in awe as you executed a series of spins and jumps with surprising ease. It was as if the years of physical therapy had erased the trauma of the accident. But as you attempted a particularly challenging move, your body betrayed you. Fear crept in, and your balance faltered.

You landed with a painful thud, your knees buckling.

Tears streamed down your face as the pain shot through your leg. The physical agony was a stark reminder of your limitations, but it was the emotional pain that truly consumed you. The floodgates of memories opened, overwhelming you. The taste of victory, the roar of the crowd, the thrill of competition—all of it came rushing back, only to be replaced by the bitter reality of your present situation.

You curled up into a ball, your body trembling.

Struggling to tune out the pounding of his heart, Akaza hesitated to rush to your side, and when he was about to, Muzan's voice echoed across the empty ice rink, firm yet still laced with concern.

"What do you think you're doing?"

You looked up; pain and confusion were painted on your face. Muzan knelt beside you, his eyes filled with worry.

"I thought I could do it," you whispered, your voice trembling.

Muzan’s expression hardened. "You could've seriously gotten hurt! And you!" Your husband shot Akaza a glare, his temper flaring uncontrollably.

"What were you thinking, letting this happen? Your job is to keep her safe, and you failed miserably! Do you have any idea how irresponsible this was?!"

Akaza bowed in apology, his face pale. "I'm sorry, sir. I did everything I could—"

Before Akaza could finish, Muzan took a step forward, his fist clenched. "Everything you could? Everything you could?! You're supposed to be her bodyguard, not some useless bystander! Do you even care about her safety? Or are you just pretending to do your job?!"

Akaza flinched, taking a step back. "Sir, please, I—"

Muzan raised his hand as if to strike, his face contorted with rage. "Don't you 'sir' me! If anything happens to her, it's on you! Do you understand that? It's on your head, you worthless—"

"Muzan, stop!" you interjected, your voice firm despite the pain.

"Don't blame Akaza. He did the best he could. I was the one who was stubborn."

Muzan paused, his raised hand trembling, before he slowly lowered it, his eyes still burning with anger. He turned back to you, his frustration now mixed with deep concern.

"All those months of therapy, Y/N. All the pain you’ve endured, thrown out the window just like that? What were you thinking?"

You lowered your gaze, feeling a wave of shame wash over you. Muzan’s words cut deep, but you knew he was right.

Upon seeing you shrink when he raised his voice at you, Muzan’s expression softened immediately.

He sighed heavily.

"You do understand where I am coming from right?" he said as gently as he could. "I completely empathize with you, Y/N; and just like you, I also miss you performing on ice, but you can’t ignore the doctor’s orders. You know how fragile your recovery is. What if you got seriously hurt again?"

You looked away, your heart aching.

"I just miss it," you admitted, your voice barely a whisper. "I thought I should give it a try, then maybe... I could get a feel of it again. Maybe a miracle would happen." You trailed off, unsure of where the thought was leading you.

Muzan’s eyes softened as he watched your tears fall. He reached out, gently lifting your chin so your eyes met his. "Love, I understand the longing; I really do. But we can't rush these things. Your body still needs time to heal."

And then Muzan’s grip tightened around your hand. His voice, stained with pain and frustration.

"Do you have any idea how terrified I was when I saw you lying there on the ice? How many sleepless nights I've endured, haunted by the image of your lifeless body? You risked everything just now—your life, your future, and for what? For a fleeting moment of glory? For old times sake? For a stupid, careless stunt? Do you understand the gravity of your actions?"

Your heart pounded in your chest.

Guilt eating at you by the second.

Muzan rarely raised his voice at you, but when he did, it sent shivers down your spine. At this very moment, you knew he was angry, but you also knew he was speaking from a place of deep love and concern.

"I'm sorry," you whispered, your voice trembling.

Muzan’s expression shifted from frustration to sorrow, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You don't need to apologize, love. I'm just... I can't bear the thought of losing you."

Suddenly, the memory of that dreadful day started playing in his head like a slideshow—the sight of you lying motionless on the ice, the panic in the ambulance, the sleepless nights by your hospital bed. He groaned, his grip on your hand tightening involuntarily as the trauma washed over him again. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to banish the haunting images.

"Seeing you in pain, feeling helpless... it tore me apart," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "I remember every second of that day, and it still feels like a nightmare I can't wake up from."

Drowning in shame and guilt, all you could ever say at that moment was, "I'm sorry."

He opened his eyes and looked at you, his expression softening as he saw the concern in your eyes. "I know, love. But please, let's not do this again." He paused, his gaze unrelenting.

"I know how much skating means to you, and I promise we'll find a way to bring back the joy of skating into your life. But for now, let's focus on healing."

Akaza nodded in agreement. You looked at them both, feeling a mix of disappointment and understanding. "But the doctor said..."

Muzan interrupted gently, "I know what the doctor said, my love. And I respect his opinion. But I won't let that be the final word. We'll explore every option, every specialist, every clinic. We won't stop until we find a way for you to skate again."

Hope flickered in your eyes. "You mean it?"

Muzan nodded resolutely.

"I mean it with all my heart, love. You've dedicated so many years to this already, and I know how much it means to you. But for now, let's focus on healing your body and your spirit. We'll find a way to bring back the joy of skating into your life, I promise. But let's not rush it, okay? Your well-being is my top priority. It should be your priority too."

Eventually, you yielded, but before you could get a word out in response to what your husband just said, tears came falling down your face profusely, and the sight pained both Muzan and Akaza so much.

It was so hard seeing you like this.

Muzan gently pulled you into his arms, his embrace warm and protective. He whispered soothing words into your ear, his voice a calming balm to your frayed nerves. "Shhh, it's okay, my love. Let it all out. I'm here for you."

Akaza, who was standing nearby, looked away, giving you and Muzan a moment of privacy. He clenched his fists, his own emotions—a tumultuous mix of anger at the situation and a deep, abiding concern for you.

Muzan brushed a strand of hair from your face, his touch tender.

"You've been so strong, Y/N. It's okay to feel what you're feeling. It's okay to grieve and to be angry. Feel free to use me as a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen to, or even your personal punching bag when you need to let off steam. I'm here for you, always."

You clung to him, the weight of your emotions finally finding an outlet. The tears seemed endless—a torrent of grief and frustration. Your husband held you tighter, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"We will get through this," he murmured. "One step at a time."

After what felt like an eternity, the tears began to subside, leaving you feeling drained but slightly lighter. Muzan pulled back just enough to look into your eyes. "Feeling better?"

You nodded, unable to find the words to express your gratitude and love for him. Muzan kissed your forehead gently, his lips lingering as if to impart some of his strength to you.

Muzan then took a deep breath and turned to Akaza, his anger still simmering but under control. "Akaza," he began, his voice tight, "I apologize for lashing out at you earlier. My temper got the best of me, and that was uncalled for."

Akaza bowed slightly, his expression unreadable. "No, sir. It's alright. I deserved to be called out like that."

Muzan clenched his jaw, feeling the lingering frustration. He took a moment to calm himself further before continuing. "However, let me be clear. If something like this happens again, there will be consequences. Your primary duty is to ensure her safety. Don't you ever forget that."

Akaza nodded solemnly. "I understand, sir. It won't happen again."

Muzan's gaze softened slightly as he regarded Akaza. "Thank you," then he turned to you again and helped you to your feet. 

"Let's get you home," he said, wrapping an arm around your waist.

*

In the car, the quiet hum of the engine filled the space between you and Muzan. After a few moments of contemplation, you turned to him and broke the silence.

“How did you know I was at the ice rink?”

Akaza cleared his throat, glancing at you through the rearview mirror. “I called him,” he confessed, his eyes avoiding yours.

You turned your gaze to Akaza, surprised by his uncharacteristic admission. "You did?"

He nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, madam. I figured it was better to be safe than sorry. Apologies for taking action without consulting you first."

Understanding the weight of his actions and the potential danger Muzan might have faced because of you, guilt washed over you. You turned back to Muzan, remorse clear in your eyes. “Muzan, I’m so sorry. You must have been very busy today, and I even put you in potential danger by rushing to my aid without Kokushibo with you.”

Muzan shook his head, his expression softening as he reached out to take your hand. “Nothing and no one is more important or more special to me in this world than you, Y/N. I would leave everything behind to ensure you’re safe and well, so don’t ever feel guilty for needing me. Besides, I can’t call myself the president of a nation if I can't protect or be there for the people who are closest to me.”

You felt tears welling up again, but this time, they were tears of gratitude. “Muzan…”

Muzan gently wiped away your tears with his thumb, then pulled you into a warm embrace, his touch tender and reassuring.

The car settled into a comfortable silence once again, and after a few seconds, you glanced at Akaza, who was focused intently on the road.

“Hakuji, thanks again for today.”

“Hakuji?” Muzan asked, confusion lacing his voice. “Who’s Hakuji?”

In the driver’s seat, Akaza froze, his heart skipping a beat. The sudden use of his real name caught him off guard, and he quickly regained his composure, masking his panic with a carefully controlled expression.

He gripped the steering wheel tighter, a hint of unease creeping into his voice.

How did you...?

Wait.

Have you perhaps, by any chance, finally–

“That’s me, sir. Hakuji is my real name; Akaza is just a nickname a relative gave me when I was a kid.”

“I see,” Muzan said, his tone shifting to a more measured curiosity. “You refer to yourself as Akaza to everyone? I don’t recall this being disclosed during your application.”

Akaza flashed a sheepish smile, though it did little to hide the tension in his eyes. “Yes, sir. I’ve used Akaza for most of my life, but I’m fine with Hakuji as well.”

Muzan studied Akaza with a penetrating gaze, sensing the subtle shift in the atmosphere.

“Very well,” he said finally, his voice a mix of intrigue and skepticism. 

The drive continued in relative silence, the weight of the recent events settling around the car like a tangible fog. You leaned against Muzan, comforted by his presence, while Akaza focused on the road, his mind racing with the implications of his slip.

When the car finally arrived at your home, Muzan helped you out with a gentle hand, his concern still evident in his eyes. While you were still traveling back, you asked your husband how he got to the ice rink, and apparently he drove there by himself, and because he accompanied you in your car with Akaza, his car was left at the ice rink parking lot. Muzan assured you that he would have Gyokko retrieve it first thing in the morning.

As you walked towards the entrance, you glanced back at Akaza, who had a thoughtful expression on his face.

"You can rest now, Hakuji. Thank you, and I'm sorry too."

Akaza shook his head and smiled gently before bowing. "Don't worry about me, madam. Please rest well."

Muzan took the liberty to officially dismiss Akaza for the night and placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder, his gaze softening. “Let’s get you settled. We’ve had a long day.”

*

Akaza slammed his bedroom door shut, his mind racing. He had been waiting for this moment—a sign, a confirmation. He leaned against the door, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps.

The adrenaline coursing through his veins was intoxicating.

This was it.

The opportunity he had been waiting for.

A chance to rewrite his destiny and prove his worth.

But he had to be careful and meticulous. One wrong move could jeopardize everything. He took a deep breath, calming his racing heart.

It was time to put his plan into action.

He pulled out a drawer and retrieved a small, leather-bound notebook. It was a relic from his past, a journal filled with cryptic codes and half-formed plans. He opened it to a blank page and began to write. The pen moved swiftly across the paper, his thoughts flowing onto the page.

A plan was forming—a dangerous and intricate one, but it was a plan nonetheless.

-

taglist: @bffrrufr @unadulteratedhandsbanditdreamer @unlikelybananawerewolf

[oliviablancmom]

"Pedriiii (special chapter)"

A/N: SURPRISE!!! Yesterday was Hande Ercel's birthday, and today is Pedri's birthday. I never realized they were so close in their birthdays, lol. Anyway, Isa and Axel missed you all, and I brought these special ones for you. P.S.: I know I owe you a chapter of Gavi and Florence, but they're very complicated, lol. They are in this chapter, and will be with you soon. Enjoy our favorite family.

"Do you think he will like it?" Axel asked for the teenth time. Rosi laughed at the little boy's anxiety and kissed his head.

"Of course he will, dear. You made it yourself," she said, finishing helping Axel decorate the cake he had decided to make for the player's birthday.

Isa watched the scene from a distance, feeling her heart warm with the interaction between her son and the older woman. Yes, the player's family had been completely welcoming to Axel and her from the very first day, but Isa still found it hard to believe, her heart warming, and her stomach aching to see her son receiving all that love.

"Uhh, it's so beautiful," Axel said proudly, resting his head on Rosi's shoulder. "Although, today he didn’t deserve such a beautiful cake..." Axel said, pouting and shrugging his shoulders to show indifference.

Fer laughed at the boy's attitude. Axel was mad at Pedri, something about the player's attention on another child during one of his classes, which led Axel to stop talking to him and make Fer his favorite Gonzalez. Axel also wanted to be the first to congratulate him on his birthday, but the recovery training session had caused the player to leave home while Axel was still sleeping, which made the little boy even more upset.

Sometimes Isa didn’t know how to deal with their relationship, they were so attached, and sometimes she felt like an intruder in the relationship, and that feeling grew every day.

"Aw, these jealousies, like mother like son..." Isa rolled her eyes at Fer’s comment, teasing her.

Axel looked at the clock on the wall, squinting his eyes impatiently and anxiously waiting for the player’s arrival.

"He’s taking too long, isn’t he, Mom?" Axel asked, walking up to Isa and stretching his arms out to her. Isa could see he was tired. It was already past lunchtime, and the player still hadn’t arrived. Isa understood because everything was more intense with the new coach, but Axel didn’t, especially when he was used to having the player wrapped around his finger.

"He will be here soon, baby," Isa said, kissing his head. Axel ran to the sofa and lay next to Nilo. It didn’t take long before he was distracted by whatever was on TV. Pedri sent a message saying he was on his way home. Isa thought about telling Axel, but when she looked over, Axel was already dozing off on the sofa. Isa pouted at the sight.

"Poor thing, he couldn’t handle it. Flick is tiring even the heirs of his players," Fer joked, and Isa’s heart raced. She looked at Fer, startled, but he just shrugged at her reaction.

"We ask Pedri to wait outside until Axel wakes up," said the player's father, making them all laugh. Axel had decided he wanted to throw a surprise party for the player, and that’s how it was going to be—they were doing everything the way he wanted.

Isa was finishing up the decorations in the living room when she heard the car in the garage. Before she could think about waking Axel, the little boy woke up, startled, looking around. His little face was scrunched up, indicating he had been sleeping. He squinted his eyes, looking around to orient himself, then widened his eyes.

"The cake!" he whispered. Rosi laughed and got up to grab the cake from the fridge. She carefully handed it to Axel, who stood by the door, just waiting for the player to open it. Isa could see how extremely anxious he was, and when the door opened, she could have sworn he was going to drop the cake. "SURPRISE!" he shouted excitedly, jumping up and down. Pedri’s mouth dropped open in a "O" of surprise, and he immediately bent down to pick Axel up in a hug. Isa bit her lip at the sight, her chest nearly bursting with love.

"Clean the drool," Fer whispered beside her, and she rolled her eyes. The two of them embraced as if they were the only ones in the room. Gavi, who had entered right behind the player, was the one who took the cake from Axel’s hands to make sure it wouldn’t fall. Florence walked up to him and hugged him. She also had a son who preferred her too.

"Don’t worry, you have me," Gavi said, kissing her cheek. Isa rolled her eyes and quickly hugged the girl who was right behind him.

"Not for long," she pouted at her friend while hugging her. Her father entered right after, and Isa understood why she survived a ride with Pedri. Despite the player not being the biggest fan of the girl because he was fierce about Gavi, he had to tolerate her because Isa’s father adored her—or perhaps just liked to tease her.

Pedri finally paid attention to Isa, with Axel still in his arms, and hugged her.

"See what I have to deal with, love?" he said dramatically.

"Be nice," Isa gave him a tap on the shoulder, and he rolled his eyes.

"Floflo," Axel jumped from Pedri’s lap into hers, and the offended look on Pedri’s face made everyone burst into laughter.

"You guys are so jealous," Fer said, hugging his brother.

Everyone was gathered in the backyard, around the fire pit, watching the rain fall. Axel was sitting on Pedri’s lap, catching up on his time with the player. Isa watched the scene, enchanted and grateful. She couldn’t be more happy with the family she had gained, with the love Axel received. Pedri looked at her, and they exchanged a loving gaze. He too was grateful for the family he was building. Sometimes he couldn’t believe it. He was living the best moment of his career, feeling fit, had the most beautiful woman in the world by his side, and on top of that, had the love of the most adorable child in the world. Life was good, and he was thankful for his little obsession at first sight with the woman, and for the bond he had built with the little boy, both of whom had genuinely stolen his heart. And when he blew out the candle on his birthday cake, all he wished for was more and more years with them.

**********************************************

I hope you guys like it, I didn't revise this chapter, so forgive me for any mistakes. Again, I promise I will be back soon with Gavi and Flo.

[heavyhitterheaux]

“Why do you snore so loud?”

All of you were sitting on the couch having movie night and eating popcorn when you heard a soft snore escape from Jack. He had been sick for the last three days and you had ordered for him to stay home and rest up and you didn’t take no for an answer. The triplets had been missing him because he had been confined to the master bedroom for the majority of those three days and would often talk to him through a little crack in the door because the last thing he wanted was to get the rest of you sick. 

Jack explained that he was a little less stuffy and his throat wasn’t as sore so he wanted to spend quality time with them. You just didn’t realize that he was going to be sleeping only thirty minutes into the movie. 

Autumn was currently perched in his lap and hearing him snore startled her. She turned around to look at him and immediately pouted when she saw that he was asleep before turning to look over at you.

“Mommy! Daddy fell asleep!” She said while crossing her arms and you looked over to see him resting his head on his arm and all you did was sigh.

“Let him sleep, Autumn. Daddy still doesn’t feel good.”

“But he was supposed to watch the movie with us!” Axel exclaimed as he got up from his spot next to you and made his way over to Jack and you assumed that he was going to try to wake him up.

“Ax! Leave daddy alone and get back over here!” You exclaimed while hopping up and scooping him up in your arms to lead him back to the couch where you had been sitting next to Ivy.

“But, he’s going to miss everything!” Ivy commented as she once again pressed play on the remote since she had paused it once you had gotten up to get Axel.

"He's seen this before so no need to worry."

Another thirty minutes had passed before Ivy paused it again and told you that she wanted more popcorn. You got up to get it and when you came back, all three of them were now laying on Jack and he still hadn’t moved a muscle.

“Babies!”

“We want to lay on daddy!” Axel said as he snuggled closer to him and all you did was simply nod.

“But we have to make sure we stay quiet.” You said and they all nodded their heads in agreement.

When the movie was finished, Jack finally woke up and noticed all three babies snuggled up to him and he was confused since it had only been Autumn in the beginning.

“Daddy! You missed the movie!” Axel said while looking up at him.

“Hmm, I guess I was more tired than I thought.” 

“Daddy, why do you snore so loud?” Autumn asked as she turned around and all you did was stifle a laugh.

“Autumn, daddy doesn’t feel good so that’s why.”

“Because I wanted to put my hand over his mouth, but I know that isn’t very nice and mommy would have yelled at me.” She quietly confessed and all Jack did was roll his eyes.

“I….” He started to say, but simply looked at you and mouthed,’Get your damn children’

You shook your head no as you continued to laugh and decided that it was definitely past their bedroom.

“Okay, you three. It’s bedtime so let’s go.” You said while standing up from the couch and Ivy quickly grabbed your hand.

“Mommy, make sure our door is closed. I won’t be able to sleep if daddy is that loud.” She whispered to you, but Jack instantly made a face.

“I can’t even be at peace in this house when I’m sick.”

All you did was lean down to kiss his cheek.

“If we can’t keep you on your toes then who will?”

[yuzurujenn]

[2024.05.15] Ice Jewels vol. 19 - 56 Q&A with Yuzuru Hanyu

Q: Do you still remember the first time you stepped on the ice? What was it like to take those first steps? A: I don’t remember. I have basically no memory of it.

Q: When you started skating, did you have any fear of falling and did you remember the pain? A: Although I don’t remember feeling pain from falling down, I do remember the fear of the teacher (laughs).

Q: Why do you want to learn figure skating? A: Because my sister started learning, I wanted to follow her. I felt like I wanted to do the same thing as her.

Q: When you could do all kinds of single jumps, what was your best jump? A: I don't really remember, but if I had to say, it was probably the double jump. I was quite good at the Axel jump.

Q: How old were you when you succeeded 2A? A: I think I was 9 years old.

Q: What are your memories of your first competition? A: I can’t remember much. Anyway, it was like what I saw in the videos, I was focused in my own world.

Q: What are your memories of your first international competition? A: I was the youngest, but I completely refused to admit defeat and ended up winning the tournament.

Q: Were you nervous about competing as a child? A: I was nervous to a certain extent. I still wanted to give a good performance because I didn't want to be scolded. But more importantly, the excitement of being watched by others was stronger.

Q: When you were a child, was there anyone in your life that you wanted to be praised by? A: Maybe the teacher? I think so. And family.

Q: What was the first song you chose for yourself? Why did you choose that song? A: It was Ultraman Gaia! Because I just like it (laughs). I often hummed it on my way home from school.

Q: After turning professional, what are the criteria for selecting songs? Intuition? A: For example, I will consider whether there is an image that comes to mind when I listen to it, whether it is necessary for my skating, and whether what I want to perform exists there. But there are also times when I decide to skate to this piece of music based on my intuition.

Q: Is there any difference in the difficulty level of skating between vocal and instrumental music? A: Both are music, so there is no difference. The key is only to think about whether the characteristics of this song are suitable for skating.

Q: When you were a kid, what did you find most painful about continuing to skate? (getting up early, not having time to play, cold, etc.) A: I used to think that I wanted to play, but the most difficult thing was that the teacher was really scary. Also, it’s painful when I tried hard but didn’t get results.

Q: Now that you have turned professional, what is the most difficult part of your daily practice and management of physical condition? A: How to adjust the intensity and amount of training and exercise. It’s not like practice for free skating or anything like that anymore, now I have to practice a lot of programs. If I want to master all of them, I will be overworked, and although I can recover my body in time, it is very difficult to achieve the goal of being more efficient and having a manageable amount of training.

Q: Other than illness and injury, what's the longest consecutive days of rest you've had so far? A: I think the longest is 4 consecutive days off. (Except when there was an earthquake and when there was too much work.)

Q: Looking back on your career as a competitor, which performance was the most satisfying? A: 2020’s 4CC short program (Ballade) and Jnats free skate (Tenchi).

Q: For Hanyu-san, what is the biggest attraction of figure skating? A: I think the range of performance through the integration with the music that can only be done on the ice, and the feeling of tension and heightened emotions that can only be achieved precisely because of reaching the limits of physical strength and technique.

Q: Is the tension different between the competition and the ice show? A: No change. On the contrary, it's better to say that the ice show is more intense. It's because I have to skate without 6 mins practice, and feeling the tension of not being able to perfectly replicate the feeling of off-ice training, while bearing the responsibility to deliver the performance.

Q: What do you like about being a professional figure skater and what do you find difficult? A: I feel happy to continue the challenge of including what I want to express with my technique, and to create it together with people who wholeheartedly help me achieve these things. To accomplish this, I must have the corresponding expressiveness, and I feel that I must exceed expectations every time, which is indeed very difficult.

Q: What is the thing you cherish most about being a professional skater? (attitude, words, actions, etc.) A: Teamwork, I guess. I can’t do it alone, and it’s only because of everyone that I can accomplish it, and I cherish that very much. I'm going to do my best to make everyone feel happy to work with Yuzuru Hanyu.

Q: What has changed the most since you became a professional skater? (Things you have experienced) What else have you started doing? (performing, including privately) A: I have started to devote myself to (physical fitness) training again. I think it has changed a lot recently. I can also feel that I still have great potential.

Q: What is the end goal of being a professional skater? A: There is no goal or end point. I just want to give the best performance every time. How long and whether the ice story will continue, I don't know. I just keep thinking about putting all my heart and soul into performing every time.

Q: After the second Notte Stellata, tell me your thoughts about Sendai again. A: Compared with last year, I skated with more hope and wanted to convey this hope to everyone. Even after 13 years, there are still people with painful thoughts, and I hope to do my best to care for them.

Q: Is there a sport you want to try? A: Ski jumping. Archery.

Q: Do you prefer the sea? Or the mountain? A: I like mountains. Although I don’t want to encounter bugs (get bitten), I like to enjoy the scenery and feel a sense of accomplishment from conquering a difficult mountain.

Q: What is your favourite event in the sports day? A: Tamaire (玉入れ). I love throwing balls.

Q: Are you a competitive person in sports events? A: I wouldn't say I'm overly competitive, but I don't like to lose. I always give my best effort. However, in dance competitions, I put in my utmost effort and really want to win first place.

Q: What's your favourite thing lately? A: Exploring music that I like with cheap headphones (between 1,000 and 5,000 yen), which I bought by chance, is something that has been making me happy recently.

Q: Regarding the games you often play recently. (What you like about it?) A: パワフルプロ野球 栄冠ナイン クロスロード Powerful Pro Baseball Eikan Nine Crossroad (note: a baseball-related mobile game), but it takes up a lot of time, so I don’t play it often... Also, I bought the Persona 3 Portable Remaster and I can't wait to play it. I also want to spend more time in the ancient cave in Estpolis Lufia II (laughs).

Q: What made you start playing games? A: I might be influenced by my sister, cousins, and grandparents. Before I knew it, I started enjoying games.

Q: What do you do on your days off? Do you watch dramas or movies? A: Get plenty of rest, stretching and training. But I also watch live game commentary and cooking videos on Nico Nico Douga.

Q: Which one do you dislike more, cold or hot? A: It must be hot. Because I sweat a lot. If it's cold, just wear more clothes and you'll be able to get through it. But if possible, it is better to have a suitable temperature. . . If it's too cold, my movements will be sluggish.

Q: Do you sing in the shower? A: Although I want to sing, I won’t as it disturbs others (laughs)

Q: Compared with electronics (hi-tech, tablet computers, etc.), do you still think that things like ancient analog integrated circuits are better (Note: questions about old-fashioned lifestyle) A: I still use paper and pen when writing notes or stories.

Q: Do you have any hobbies or habits that you think, "This is an occupational disease"? A: I would start doing imagery training suddenly. Even if I watch any video, I will suddenly get into the mood to dance and do choreography.

Q: How would you compare yourself to an animal? A: Cat? But there are people said I’m like a dog.

Q: Do you find any person that you think is cool? (It doesn't have to be a specific person, regardless of gender, as long as you think that person is cool) A: I think people who can seriously commit to their goals and fully dedicate themselves are really cool. Those who can give their all for others are also truly admirable.

Q: What is your favourite bento dish? A: Fried chicken (karaage). I like frozen ones.

Q: What is your favourite dish in school meals? A: Milk, Reito Mikan (frozen orange), gyoza. ** Reito Mikan- Mikans are a winter fruit, so most Japanese historically would peel and eat them sitting around a kotatsu. However, to get them to last until the summer, they would be frozen and stored to be enjoyed later half-frozen, like the world's easiest sorbet.

Q: Are you a sauce person or a soy sauce person when it comes to korokke (croquettes)? A: Sauce person!

Q: When it comes to tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), do you prefer the sweet version with lots of sugar, or the version with dashi broth? A: I prefer the one with lots of sugar.

Q: Favourite ice cream flavour. A: Vanilla, mint chocolate, chocolate chip cookie, strawberry.

Q: What do you dip into your favourite gyoza? (What is the golden ratio between soy sauce and vinegar?) A: Ponzu sauce. Instead of vinegar and soy sauce, it’s ponzu sauce and chili oil.

Q: What do you want to eat for the last supper? A: Delicious zunda mochi. And gyoza (laughs).

Q: How do you overcome temptation when restricting your diet? A: Willpower. Because it’s more painful to feel guilty. Instead, I prepare some healthy and acceptable foods for myself, and I stick with that.

Q: How many hours of sleep do you usually need? How many hours would you ideally like? A: My ideal sleep duration is over 8 hours. But since I often have trouble falling asleep, my sleep time is irregular. Sometimes I only sleep for 4 hours the night before, and the next day I might sleep for about 10 hours. However, before the official competition (or ice performance), I will try my best to get as close to 8 hours of sleep as possible.

Q: Are you the type of person who can fall asleep easily anywhere? A: I am not the type of person who can fall asleep at any time anywhere. I will try many ways, but when I can't fall asleep, I really can't fall asleep at all.

Q: Do you listen to music when you study or do some work that requires concentration? Or would it be better to be in a silent environment? A: It depends on the situation! When creating, it'd be hard without music. When studying, I need music to get into the right mindset, but after that, I might want to turn it off. However, generally, I play music or videos to help me concentrate, and that's what I do most of the time when working.

Q: What is your mantra? Yoisho? (laughs) A: よいしょ(Yoisho). よし(Yoshi)。よっしゃ(Yossha)。えっと(etto)。だから(dakara). I feel like I’ve been using them more frequently these days.

Q: Is there anything you would like to learn, master, or try as a hobby? A: I want to learn bioethics again. I don’t have a habit of reading, but I’d like to learn. Also, I want to master more programming languages and become someone who can write code professionally. I learned a bit of Python during my thesis research, and I think I should really study it properly.

Q: If you are not a figure skater, what kind of job would you like to have? A: Anything is fine. Whether I am engaged in sports or choose a path in academics, I will probably go all out. Even if it was a field I wasn’t suited to, I would still want to try my best to get to the top.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn figure skating as an adult? A: It depends on the person, so it’s hard to generalize, but skating faster can actually make you more stable! Also, you need to invest time! Even when you’re not skating, doing some mental imagery training is more effective than doing nothing at all! When I was a child, I relied on my feelings, but as I grew up, knowledge becomes more dominant than my feelings. But that's just part of being human, so let’s use knowledge to improve ourselves!

Q: Please give some advice on how to enjoy an ice show. A: As long as you enjoy it, I think that's okay. However, to ensure that others can enjoy it too, I hope everyone observe the unspoken rules, so everyone will feel happy, and I can perform more easily and happily as well, creating a positive cycle.

Q: At the finale of the ice show, can you clearly see the faces of the fans and the banners? A: I can see it! It all depends on the lighting, but at the end of the RE_PRAY tour, they were shining lights on the audience, so it looked really beautiful. Thank you!

Q: Please say a few words to the fans. A: No matter what happens, no matter what the circumstances, I will work hard every day to make everyone feel from the bottom of their hearts that it is really great and worthwhile to come to my performance, and I will try my best to do my best in the show! I hope everyone will be happy and healthy!

Q: Now that you are 29 years old, what would you say to your 9-year-old self? A: Although twenty years have passed, I’m doing better than you (おまえよりうまいよ). But it’s thanks to you that I’m here now. I will work harder.

Source: https://weibo.com/ttarticle/p/show?id=2309405034343457489072 Info: https://www.kazi.co.jp/icejewels/backnumber/vol19/vo19.html

[samthecookielord]

(Intro) - (Previous) - (Next)

Lukas shakes Radar, and he wakes up quickly, worried that something is wrong.

Radar: Wha-huh? Is something wrong? Monsters ransacked the place while we were out? Did they ruin the packed lunches??

Lukas feels a mix of shock, relief, and confusion.

(next poll under cut)

Lukas: Woah woah, it's alright. No monster ransacking or whatever. It's just- I swear for a moment you looked like you were dead. Radar: [visibly worried at his words] What? I was just sleeping! Lukas: I couldn’t even see you breathing. Radar: That’s- that’s normal, don’t worry! It’s just, um, a side effect of my new meditation routine! It really calms the body down. Really hard to tell when someone’s alive when they’re that good at it. Lukas: That’s some... crazy meditation if it does that. Radar: Well, um, you know me! I need the really strong kind in order to calm my thoughts down, heh…

You continue to follow the bedrock path. You mention that something seems off about Radar. Your friends agree, and decide to keep a close eye on him in case any other weird things happen.

You enter a desert, which Radar does not seem happy about, but he still refuses to take off the hood. In fact, it looks like he shrinks into it even more. On the way, you all walk onto a loose patch of sand, which turns out to have been just above a cave, and it gives out beneath you.

Everyone is pretty injured from the fall, but Ivor came prepared with splash potions of instant health. Radar tries to back away, and when Ivor tosses the potion, he’s hurt by it.

Radar: Ow!  Ivor: What do you mean, “ow”? That was a perfectly good health potion! Axel: Yeah. It felt pretty cool, honestly. Ivor: Thank you. Lukas: So then why did you get hurt? Radar: It- It wasn’t the potion! I think some of the glass hit me when it shattered. That was the part that hurt.  Olivia: That never happens to any of us. Radar: Guess I just got unlucky.

You’re unable to go back the way you came, so the only way out is through. You enter the cave, which quickly becomes pitch dark.

The torches only last so long, and there are plenty of mobs (that still ignore Radar). Radar, the person you’d assume would be most frightened by this, doesn’t voice any complaints. He never even mentions tripping over anything.

At a certain point, he mentions a tunnel that seems to lead upward, likely an exit. The rest of you can’t see anything in the darkness. You question this, and he seems confused. He turns to look at you, and you can just barely make him out, but there’s a slight glow in his eyes. It’s a little freaky.

Without even looking at or talking to each other, the rest of you conclude “yeah, something is severely up with Radar.” So you follow him, and manage to get back to the surface with the tunnel he found. You all huddle up and get out of earshot from him.

Axel: So what’s our theory, exactly? Lukas: It’s like he’s a zombie. Olivia: But he’s acting the same way he usually does. Petra: So he’s acting unusual. Olivia: Yeah. Ivor: I bet the whole world thinks he’s a zombie. Olivia: Let’s not get carried away here. He looks and is acting normal. Radar: [in the distance] I can’t wait until it’s night, the sun is really hot here, haha! Oh hey, a creeper. Anyways- Olivia: He’s a zombie.

Lukas: That would explain why we stopped seeing him during the day. But that means he… died. Doesn’t it?  Petra: But he hasn’t said a thing about it! Why wouldn’t he tell us something like that? Ivor: Well, bringing someone back from the dead isn’t exactly easy. There’s only one person we know who could do that. Olivia: The timeline adds up, but what happened to him? Lukas: There’s a reason he’s trying to hide it. If he’s hiding something that crazy from his own friends…

[gx-gameon]

Part 9 “and I’ve been waiting” au

Start, previous <- part 9 -> next

Jaden showed Jesse around the castle. They started with Jesse’s chambers, showing him the attached workroom/study that was in the spiral attached to the balcony walkway. They then went down stairs to the sitting room where the Crystal Beast had moved to. A lovely sitting area for meals and a living room.

“That was a fast talk.” Amethyst said with a raised brow. Jaden looked a little uncomfortable, but Jesse just smiled.

“Jay told me he made this place for us so I wanted to see it.” Jesse gentle grabbed Jaden’s hand. “What else is here?” Jesse had been able to see how big the castle was while they were on the walk way to his study.

Jaden looked down at their intertwined hands wondering how Jesse could act like nothing had changed, as if they hadn’t seen each other for months. He decided to take it as the gift it was, sliding his hand so that their fingers interlocked. “Do you want to see the rest of the castle?”

“Yes. And can we go see the town to?” Jesse was so excited. Jaden was back. He looked different, his features were sharper, gone was the roundness of childhood and innocence. He didn’t smile as wide anymore, his smiles were now small and soft but to Jesse they were no less warm. There was an obvious weight on his shoulder that Jesse desperately wanted to help him carry, but he was unsure how to bring it up.

In their brief reunion Jesse could tell there was something big troubling Jaden. He wanted to ask but every time Jaden thought he wasn’t looking his face would gain this look of desperation, as if he thought Jesse would disappear.

And while Jesse wanted to bring it up he had a horrible feeling. Maybe it was the trauma of the past year forcing his brain to imagine worse case scenarios. But it felt like if he broached the subject of what was wrong then that would be the end of them. Jesse didn’t want this to end, it was selfish he knows that, but he wanted to spend time with Jaden. If this was the end he wanted it to last for as long as possible.

Yes he was excited to see the Spirit World, especially now that it seemed so lively and safe. But truly he just wanted to stretch this moment in time. Where they could be together, holding hands. He didn’t care that Jaden had changed, it was an undeniable fact. But Jesse had changed to and it would be cruel and hypocritical to expect Jaden to stay the same. Jesse loved the boy he had known, and he loved the man standing in front of him just as much. And he was sure, if Jaden gave him the opportunity to get to know this new version of himself that Jesse would fall even deeper in love with him. After all he couldn’t imagine feeling this way for anyone else. He loved Jaden before the dark world, he loves the Jaden standing in front of him, and he would love the person Jaden became has life continued to move forward.

But those were big feelings and revelations that had no place in a tour around a castle, that Jaden built at least partially for him, and a castle town full of interesting spirits. Right now they would ignore the incoming explosion to their relationship and enjoy the day together.

——————————————————————————

Jade had taken the time to show Jesse the rest of the castle. The rooms he had built for their friends were a highlight and Jesse even offered some suggestions on how to make Jim and Axel even more comfortable if they ever decided to visit.

He wasn’t able to speak on many of the other rooms. Syrus avoided him like the plague. Even after his brother returned Syrus still hated Jesse and blamed his for everything that went wrong. Alexis was trying to act like everything was normal and nothing had changed, and that grated on Jesse because Jaden was gone and everything had changed. The two naturally didn’t spend a lot of time together because of their different ways of processing Jaden’s absence.

Hasselberry and Chazz were kind to the transfers. Chazz was focused on the future. Going back to Obelisk Blue and working towards the pro-leagues. His feelings were that whenever Jaden returned he would be stronger, and Chazz wanted to meet that strength with his own. A feeling Jesse had as well. Hasselberry was focused on his own future as well. He was the best duelist in the sophomore class and had a good chance at not only moving up in the ranks next year but also being the schools top duelist. “Got to make Sarge proud.” Hasselberry hung around the transfers quite a bit since they were the strongest people on campus along with Chazz and were a good place to push himself. Though he spent just as much time with Syrus or working with other Ra yellow students building connections for next year.

But Jesse didn’t want to really think about the complex web of relationships that was Duel Academy at the moment. He wanted to focus on Jaden and learn about everything that happened since they parted ways.

If Jaden noticed his melancholy mood when looking at the Duel Academy rooms he didn’t mention it. Though he did pick up the pass of the tour to move Jesse away from anything that seemed to make him sad or uncomfortable. And Jesse was grateful that Jaden could still read him so well. He knew they’d have to talk about what’s been happening at Duel Academy but for now Jesse had a world to see.

After a quick tour of common areas like the library, dinning hall, ballroom, and kitchen they were making their way out of the castle.

At some point of the tour Winged Kuriboh and Ruby Carbuncle had found their way to their duelist. They must have grown board of waiting for them to return, or had wanted to join in on the tour. The two played together as Jaden and Jesse walked. Ruby weaving between their legs and Winged Kuriboh hovering around their heads as the two duel spirits taunted each other into attacking. Their game continuing as Jaden and Jesse head out of the castle and into the town.

The town was lively and Jesse looked upon it with awe. Market places were full of many different types of duel spirits all living together in harmony. Spellcasters and warrior, fiends and beast all working and interacting I. The town.

Jaden explained that any who wanted a new home or start were welcome in the town. The war had destroyed many traditional homelands. Some from marching army’s and other from the spirit world’s decent into darkness. With time the world would heal and some monster factions might return to their homelands, other had already decided to stay.

There were still factions trying to conquer new territories. Jaden had put a stop to most of it, but not all. While the castle and the surrounding areas were peaceful the spirit world’s decent into as a whole was still littered with dangers.

Jesse was excited to hear about all of this. As they walked from stall to stall, stopping for food or to look at wears every monster seemed to know Jaden and great him warmly. He was a hero to them. While Jesse was so proud of all Jaden had done he worried about him all the same. Jaden always took on the problems of others as his own. So much so he almost had a panic attack when Jesse chose to duel Trapper on his own rather then allow Jaden to fight his battles for him.

His time at Duel Academy had conditioned him to sweep in and fix everyone’s problems while not taking care of himself. And now it wasn’t a school depending on Jaden but a while dimension. Actually maybe two dimensions considering Jaden had come to their rescue once again, saving them from Darkness.

Jess was so proud of what Jaden had accomplished in the spirit world’s decent into, but he was also angry. Angry at the people who conditioned Jaden to be a savior. Angry at the universe for demanding so much from his friend. But mostly he was angry at himself for not being enough to help Jaden. If he had been able to send everyone and himself through Rainbow Dragons portal Jaden wouldn’t be here. Or if he had been strong enough to defeat Fujiwara n his own Jaden wouldn’t have had to step in. Jesse wasn’t strong enough to stand at Jaden side, to have his back when things went wrong. But he wanted to be. He wanted to help Jaden support this unbearable weight on his shoulders. He’d dedicate the rest of his life to it if Jaden allowed him to, but Jaden had such a hard time asking for and accepting help.

While his thoughts spiraled Jesse’s hands and tightened into fists, or at least one of them had, the other was still intertwined with Jaden’s and he was now holding it in an iron clad grip.

Jaden had felt the steady pressure of Jesse’s hold tightening. He turned to check on his friend. Jesse’s face, normally lit with a bright smile or gentle expression was darkened with rage. Jaden quickly tried to track Jesse’s line of sight but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. There were no evil presences nearby, only peaceful spirits milling about the market. He gently stepped in front of Jess hoping to break his line of sight with whatever was upsetting him. “Hey.” He gently called raising his free hand to cup Jesse’s cheek. Jesse seemed to snap out of whatever trance he was in as he locked his gaze with Jaden’s, the rage bleeding from his face and replaced with an open and vulnerable expression. “Are you okay?”

Jesse’s expression softens as he leaned into Jaden’s hand. “I’m alright, just a lot on my mind.”

“Why don’t we go back? I can always show you more later if you want, but I think we need to have a talk.” Jaden knew he couldn’t put this conversation off any longer. He had to tell Jesse about Yubel. About everything they went through and why Jaden made the decision to fuse their souls. He hoped Jesse would hear him out, but he would understand if Jesse never wanted to speak to him again. After everything that happened Jesse had the right to hate him for this.

Jesse on the other hand desperately wanted to know what Jaden had been through. He seemed so different and yet was exactly the same. He had matured, he wasn’t the loud boy Jesse had met who only wanted to duel for fun. The weight of the world sat heavy on his shoulders yet he held the weight well. He was still warm and caring and compassionate, he was still Jaden. He was still the man Jesse had fallen for. No matter what Jaden had done or been through to get here, to restore peace to this world and stand in front of Jesse as not an absolutely shattered human, Jesse could forgive. Jesse swore to himself that he would help Jaden, in anyway he could.