#anything that comes next will include the experience of having met and known and loved Stede

[naranjapetrificada]

not me thinking about how Stede thinks he ruined Ed when even if they never saw each other again after episode 10, their connection showed Ed what love could feel like and marked a watershed in how he'll think about the possibilities of life going forward

[akutasoda]

I hope this isn't weird or anything but could I please request some fluff for AlHaitham, Zhongli and Albedo with a dragon reader? They have horns and a tail and are just distant and brooding but love to chill with their beloved, enjoying their presence and doing stuff together?

Thank you sm for your time!🙏

draconic lover

synopsis - how are they with a dragon s/o

includes - albedo, zhongli, alhaitham

warnings - gn!reader, fluff, slight angst, maybe ooc, wc - 1k

a/n: it wasn't weird at all! if anything i think i got carried away...

albedo ★↷

↪initially, the two of you had met when albedo began chasing down a small legend surrounding dragonspine out of interest. eventually he traced it down, unknowingly, to your dwelling.

↪originally, all those years ago, you chose the isolated dragonspine to live out your life - preferring it's lonely scenes to fit your more distant demeanour. unfortunately you hadn't accounted for or even considered a particular curious alchemist to choose his main area of research there.

↪the first thing you learnt about albedo was that he was persistent. no matter how much you ignored or tried to push him away, he would come back the next day or keep trying to initiate conversation. it took him ages to even get a sentence out of you but he was thrilled when he did.

↪albedo initially only had a more scientific interest in you, he was curious and he was sure that sucrose would love to meet you as well - not without your permission of course. however, as time went on he began visiting you out of pure friendly curiosity.

↪nowadays, the alchemist could be found sat with you up in dragonspine either trying to get you to tell him something interesting or him explaining an experiment to you.

↪a favourite past time for albedo was when the two of you would spend the evenings cuddled up as it was a quiet time for the two of you to bask in each others presence - and a prime time for him to inspect your draconic features.

↪albedo respected the fact that you were the distant type and preferred to stay up in dragonspine. maybe the selfish part of him even enjoyed the fact that he was the only one who could spend time with you.

↪but he would always help you do whatever you wanted to do because he enjoyed spending anytime with you regardless.

zhongli ★↷

↪if zhongli were to be honest, he never thought that he'd come across another dragon any where in the near future. and he was content with that. he had enough people around him that he found tolerable or even enjoyable to be around.

↪but as soon as someone introduced him to you, he noticed something was off. he could almost instantly recognise and he could guess that you could as well, although answers weren't very easy to obtain in a public place - and you weren't exactly the most talkative.

↪admittedly, zhongli’s interest was piqued and so he pursued conversation with you. soon it became very apparent to him that you were in fact another dragon.

↪it seemed sort of unreal to him at first, more so because it seemed almost weird that he hadn't met you before, but he quickly became very much interested in getting to know you more - despite how standoffish you seemed.

↪zhongli quite quickly learned that you did prefer to keep to yourself, it toook him quite the while before you started actually acting friendly toward him but the two of you soon acted like you'd known eachother for absolute forever.

↪in fact, zhongli quickly accustomed to your more solitary life and loved spending his time with just you in the comfort of your shared home. of course you two still went out but being at home with you always seemed better - and neither of you bothered to hide your draconic features at home.

↪zhongli loved spending his time with you. no matter what it is or where it is, as long as you were by his side, he was content.

↪with you, he could open his heart. you both would live a long time and so he never had to fear the day that another love of his would be eternally separated from him and he would live on with the pain. now, he could embrace your love and your presence.

alhaitham ★↷

↪alhaitham found heard of a certain rumour that circled quickly around the akadeymia and initially he ignored it as he thought rumours were a waste of time. however he got a bit more roped into it than he wanted.

↪and eventually he met you. someone who he could get behind as he also preferred to keep to himself and avoid most. you two could often sit in complete comfortable silence and yet bond better than actually talking to people.

↪it took absolutely ages before the two of you started having actual conversation, even longer to get friendly enough to the point he learnt about your draconic blood. to say he was impressed and intrigued would be an understatement.

↪he had to try his hardest to not constantly admire your horns and tail whenever you had them out. the absolute urge he had to pet your tail was a struggle.

↪when the two of you finally started actually dating, alhaitham offered you to say at his - he apologised in advance for kaveh and kaveh was sworn to absolute secrecy about your dragon form because alhaitham found it absolutely ethereal and he wouldn't have you hiding it.

↪soon alhaitham loved nothing more than to relax in your embrace in the evenings as he read. he enjoyed the small moments with you. doing absolutely nothing yet so much at the same time, he also noticed how much you enjoyed it aswell.

↪as long as you two did something together, you were both content. although alhaitham was quite indulgent when it came to those small moments between the two of you in the comfort of your shared home.

↪but he wasn't an idiot. he knew that eventually time would tear the two of you apart but until that day arrived, he'd indulge in everything you had to offer and he'd show his love in his way.

taglist - @little-miss-chaoss, @frankiesteinn

[morning-star-joy]

but you know the killer doesn't understand (Joel x F!Reader)

Pairing: Post!Outbreak Neighbors Joel x F!Reader

Summary: When Joel returns to Jackson and meets you, his new neighbor, he knows right away he's fucked.

Request: Reader being Joel’s neighbor and reader is super kind and and nice to everyone (especially Joel and Ellie) and having this lightness and softness about her and they’re kinda in love with each other but Joel won’t admit and allow himself to act on it (full request)

Tags/Warnings: Language, Joel is bad at feelings, innocence kink. Series will include angst, mutual pining and TW mentions of previous miscarriage

Wordcount: 784

A/N: There will be multiple parts to this! Ty lovely anon for sharing your beautiful idea and entrusting it to me

Part I || Part II || Part III || Masterlist (More Parts Coming Soon)

Joel Miller masterlist

Joel Miller was not a kind man.

Any kindness he ever had lingering in his soul had been eradicated over twenty years spent doing whatever it took to survive after the end of the world.

It was just the way that it was. After so much loss and suffering, so much blood spilled from his own body and from those that he had not only killed, but tortured, in cruel, unimaginable ways—there was no way that he could still manage to be soft. 

Hell, or anybody else, for that matter. Joel was of the firm belief that nobody who had made it this far didn’t have blood on their hands. In fact, it was just about the only thing he still believed in: the indisputable fact that every person in this fucked up world was just as fucked up as it was.

That was, until he met you.

When he and Ellie returned to Jackson, and she moved into the garage on his property as he settled into that large house that almost unnerved him with how quiet and peaceful it was, he was content to be a recluse in the settlement. Joel would do what he could to protect the town—he owed Tommy that much—but he wouldn’t go out of his way to do something as mundanely trivial as make friends.

And then you showed up on his doorstep a few days after he arrived, standing there in a faded sundress with a plate of something that smelled so tempting in some kind of peace offering he would have expected before the apocalypse, but not ever since society had crumbled down.

There was a soft smile on your face, a warmth in your eyes that had Joel completely taken aback and, fuck, he already knew he was in for it just then, before you even opened your mouth.

“You’re Joel, right?” you said in a voice as soft as that smile, kindness oozing from every word in a way that almost made Joel start to feel uncomfortable because what was the catch?

“Joel Miller?" you tried to clarify by adding his last name when he didn't answer, but you were seemingly unfazed when he still didn't say anything as you continued, "I’m friends with Maria and Tommy. They mentioned you had just moved in.”

You leaned back then, turning your face so you could point at the house next door, but Joel was too busy glancing over your face, searching for a sign of weariness, of deceit, trying to convince himself you were just as tired and mean and fucked up as the rest of them.

“I live next door,” you explained with the pointing before your hand went back to the plate, and you held it out further, making Joel lean back slightly. “I just wanted to come by and say, well…welcome to Jackson!”

You smiled again, almost a grin now, a cheerfulness that made Joel stiffen as his chest tightened with an unfamiliar feeling. It was one that had once been well-known in another life, before he had lost everything. 

A feeling he had never wanted to experience again.

So he took the plate, muttering a gruff thanks as his Southern upbringing—as far away as it was now—wouldn’t let him do otherwise, even as he quickly shut the door right in your face directly afterwards.

He had expected you to linger for a moment, probably taken aback by his abrupt rudeness at your gesture of neighborly peace, so he wasn’t surprised when he didn’t hear your feet retreat from the other side of the door right away.

What did shock him was when you called out your name, introducing yourself even through the wall of the too damn big, too damn peaceful and quiet house before your footsteps finally did click across the porch as you left.

Click? Had you been wearing heels? He couldn’t remember, but he felt a surge of something and, fuck.

Joel said nothing as he crossed through the house to the back door, heading to Ellie’s small abode to drop off what he realized from the annoyingly delicious smell was banana bread, so the girl could eat it.

She had accepted it with enthusiasm, asking him where he got it, a scarred eyebrow arching with interest as Joel merely mumbled an annoyed “neighbor” before leaving.

When preparing for bed that night, all Joel could think of was the click of a heel, the scent of freshly baked sweets, a delicate finger pointing towards a house right next door, the flare of a pale yellow dress as you turned and fuck.

Fuck, this was bad.

You were bad.

Because you were good, and he was bad.

Fuck.

[itiswormtimebaby]

Here’s what I’m thinking about: Mafia!Bucky is willing to do anything for you, but it comes at a cost. 

Bullet point overview for a story I haven’t written but want to.

Pairing: Mafia!Bucky x Fem!Reader  CW: 18+ Mature language and themes including sexual themes, violence, choking, murder, knives, unhealthy romantic relationships, OC pregnancy, baby is upstairs during violent scene

You (Sugar) and Luanne have known each other since childhood, platonic soulmates that navigate all life’s hardships together 

This meant Luanne was by your side throughout the entirety of your relationship with the notorious Bucky Barnes

Giggling co-conspirately when the dark haired man kept randomly popping up in your life 

Helping pick out first date outfits 

Giving dick sucking tips when he mentioned how eager he was to see a pretty thing like you on your knees 

Going to the family events with you 

Spending late nights at the restaurant Bucky and all his most intimidating friends frequented

Calming your nerves when you decided it was finally time to go all the way 

Holding you as you cry in the club’s bathroom because Bucky just knocked the shit out of your ex and you’re scared 

Giving you a place to stay when you found his stash of guns 

And his stash of drugs

And when you found clothes covered in blood- 

“Baby…” She’d tried to reason “I know, Lu, I know, but God help me I just- I just love him so much.” 

“That isn’t enough of a reason to stay.”

And you didn’t, because you trusted her with your life, and because you knew she was right 

She helped you leave

More than leave she helped you run, because that was going to be your only way out 

Bucky would convince you to stay, Bucky always convinced you to stay 

Lu ran with you of course; you’d start over together

And you had for the most part, though that didn’t mean you forgot Bucky, tempted so many times just to call him and hear his voice 

He’d left only a single message. That, despite sounding rather threatening, you clung to like a comfort 

“This is your one chance, Sugar, because I love you, but if you come back don’t expect to ever leave again.” 

You didn’t call

But you made it, You and Lu together

Then she met John 

Then she’d gotten pregnant 

Then John had lost his goddamn mind 

You’d ran again, together, this time for Lu, Lu and baby Ezra 

But unlike Bucky John hadn’t backed down 

Any memory of that night you have plays like an out of body experience between long stretches of darkness 

John had stormed in, screaming

Ranting, raving

Threatening 

He’d pinned Lu to the counter, his hand on her neck and Ezra was wailing from his crib upstairs 

Then nothing

Then blood

So, so much blood 

You’d carried the pocket knife since you were eighteen, a token of safety 

You didn’t think it could do so much damage 

-that you could do so much damage 

John’s breaths had turned labored, chest barely rising and falling 

Pale, he was incredibly pale 

“Lu, go check on Ezra.” 

He’d probably make it, John, if you called the ambulance soon 

You grabbed your phone 

His voice was just as gravelly as you remembered- dark sinful promise, power

“No second chances, Sugar.” 

“I know. I need you.” 

Bucky wasted no time in getting to you, in cleaning up your mess, in finishing the job. His dark calculating eyes stayed trained on you, no doubt looking for signs of distress. You were in distress, but you knew what came next would be worse- 

“Lu, I’m leaving.” 

She didn’t understand, of course she didn’t. But you’d known the deal when you called Bucky;  “This is your one chance, Sugar, because I love you but if you come back don’t expect to ever leave again.” 

Lu was free and you, you were his. 

Alternatively: You loved Lu, your best friend, your platonic soulmate. You’d kill for her, give your life for her, but sometimes giving your life doesn’t mean dying- it means sacrificing your freedom.

[something-tofightfor]

On Deck Part 4: Starting Line-Up

Pairing: Jack Daniels x Female Reader Baseball AU

Word Count: 10,185

Rating: M - language, some mentions of past sexual situations, pining (but is it mutual?)

Summary: In the days following Jack's first visit to your place, you're forced to think through just about every possible future scenario. And when he makes an offer you're not expecting, you start to believe that there might be just a little more to it than sex for him.

Author’s notes: 

I absolutely love this chapter. If you skip ahead to the end, there's a picture included to describe the type of view Reader has. I know not everyone is familiar with baseball stadiums and the opportunities they offer for seating, but I also don't want to ruin it too early.

This chapter ALSO features Jack wearing the uniform in this artwork - and is the entire reason this AU was started.

(On Deck universe masterlist for all the extras!)

While there are a lot of baseball references within this story, you only need to know the basics to enjoy it and understand what's going on - we're not getting overly technical here.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out.

The starting line-up is the official list of players who participate from the beginning of the game onward. This may change throughout the season, as players leave due to or return from an injury. Starters are usually the team's best players at their respective positions, and as a result, being a starter often comes with notoriety A spot in the starting line-up is hard-earned. 

You didn’t hear from Jack the following day, but you didn’t expect to. 

Not because you thought he’d used you, but because you knew how busy he’d be between driving to meet with the team in Louisville and then heading back to The Cavalry and playing in that night’s game. 

All day, though, you thought about him - and about the previous day… and night.

Your experience with Jack was different than those you’d read about online, or heard about at games. He’d treated you as an equal, giving you a legitimate explanation as to why he did and didn’t do or want certain things in bed. He hadn’t flaunted his status or reputation throughout the night, and his interaction with the girl at the ice cream parlor proved that Jack was focused on giving kids a good experience when they met him no matter where he was. It’s not just when he’s in uniform. 

You opted to work instead of taking the day off like you’d planned, and he was on your mind as you did so. The memory of his voice rasping in your ear and the feeling of his mouth on your bare skin sent shivers through you while you were poring over spreadsheets and drafting emails, and it made the day go much faster. By the time you were done for the night, you were almost vibrating, the truth of what had happened settling in. 

You’d slept with Jack Daniels. 

You’d met him for something he’d clarified wasn’t a date, and invited him back to your place without a second thought. He’d been nothing but kind to you, and you hadn’t felt that he thought less of you for being so forward. There was a small part of you that wondered if he thought you were easy. But he’s known for being a flirt. He’s been with a lot of people throughout his career, and … 

There was no way to know for sure what was going to happen until you heard from Jack again. You’d need to see how he acted the next time you spoke before you could assume anything - though with Jack, you figured it wasn’t safe to assume at all. 

You wanted to tell Erin what had happened. You wanted her to know everything, because in reality, it was thanks to Caleb that you were even in the position to meet Jack in the first place. But it felt wrong to talk about the not-date, and even more wrong to kiss and tell… so you held off.

And when you woke up on Tuesday morning to a text message from Jack, you were glad that you’d kept quiet. 

Check my Instagram. 

Before even sitting up, you did, groaning at the sight of his newest picture - a promotional shot for that weekend’s games, featuring a close up of his nickname on the back of a bright yellow jersey, the tip of his black bat’s barrel visible where it rested on his shoulder.

When do I get to see the whole thing? 

You double tapped the picture after replying, and didn’t expect a response. But Jack started typing back immediately, his message a completely unexpected one. 

Friday, if you come to the game. 

“Is that an invitation?” Blinking at your phone, you chewed on your lower lip. It seemed like it. It seemed like Jack was making good on his promise that you’d see each other again because he wanted to. But this time, it wasn’t to meet for ice cream. Instead, it was a personal invitation to his first game back with The Statesman. 

This weekend has been sold out for weeks, Jack. I’ll need to find a ticket, but I’ll see what I can do. 

You didn’t have a chance to open a search for tickets before your phone was ringing, Jack’s name on the screen. What the fuck? Why is he calling me? Taking a few seconds to compose yourself, you took a deep breath before answering. “Hello?” 

“‘Morning, sunshine.” He laughed and then scoffed. “That was real cheesy, right?”

“A little.” But you were laughing, too. “You’re up early.” 

“Have to stay on schedule during the season.” He paused and cleared his throat. “And I’ve got some packing to do before I come back to Louisville.” So he’s cleared. “I’ll be back for Friday night for sure.” 

“That’s great, Jack.” You rubbed at your eye with one hand. “Bet you’re happy.”

“I am. I miss my bed.” You didn’t know how to answer him, but he spoke again before the silence stretched for too long. “And about a ticket … I can get you in on Friday.” What? “Actually…” He trailed off, and a few seconds later, Jack sighed. “Do you think your friend and her brother would want to come with you?”

“I can see. I’m not sure. It’s a Friday night, so she’s probably going to be with her boyfriend, but -”

“Invite him too.” Jack said your name. “Give me a couple hours, and I’ll let you know for sure, but four of you shouldn’t be a problem.” 

“You don’t have to do that, Jack.” Sitting up straight, you held your phone tightly with one hand. “It’s -”

“I know.” You could tell that he was smiling, and when Jack spoke again, you heard the laughter in his voice. “I want to.” You didn’t argue, lifting your free hand and biting down on one knuckle. I want you to, too. “I know you’ve gotta work today, but can I call you back later? I need to make sure I’ve got tickets, and -”

“Of course. I’ve got a meeting at 11:30, but aside from that, I’ll be able to answer all day.” 

You hung up soon after that, Jack telling you to have a good morning and you repeating the same back to him. But you didn’t get out of bed right away, instead lowering your phone and staring at the ceiling in shock. What the fuck did I get myself into? 

— 

He called back a little after 1 PM, his cheerful voice loud in your ear. “Tickets are yours. All you’ll have to do is go to Will Call and give ‘em your name and they’ll be able to help you.” 

“Four of them?” He confirmed. “Thank you, Jack. I wasn’t… I didn’t think you’d…” 

“Well I did. And you’re welcome. I hardly ever ask for anything, and the ticket lady the players talk to loves me, so this was easy.” But the confirmation that you had tickets raised an issue for you - and it required you to explain it to Jack. 

“Erin’s going to ask how I got them.” Leaning back in your chair, you stared up at the ceiling. “And I don’t want to lie to her.” 

“So don’t.” His tone was matter of fact, Jack’s next words shocking you. “Tell her I got them for you.” But that will bring up what happened the other day. “Didn’t you tell her you were goin’ out with me last weekend?”

“No. I didn’t tell anyone.” He was silent in response, which surprised you a little. Why is that a shock to him? Did he really think I’d tell people? “That’s not my style, Jack.” 

“I appreciate that, darlin’.” It made you smile again, especially with the way his voice dropped as he spoke the word. “But you tell her whatever you need to. You don’t need to keep me a secret.” 

“I don’t think I need to tell her everything to offer her tickets to a game, but I’ll keep that in mind.” He laughed at you, the sound turning into a groan - and you savored the sound of it, biting your lip before you continued. “I’ll let you know for sure after I talk to her, but I’ll definitely be there on Friday even if they’re not.” 

“Good. That’s real good.” Jack cleared his throat. “I’m gettin’ ready to go to the stadium now, so if I don’t answer, that’s why.” He doesn’t need to explain himself to me. I don’t… why is he doing this? “Talk to you soon?”

“Sure.” Your smile widened, and when the two of you hung up a few seconds later, you tossed your phone down onto your desk. Shit. 

Things were escalating quickly, thanks to Jack taking the initiative - and it stunned you. He hadn’t mentioned seeing you again, though, which gave you pause. But he’s going to be busy before Friday, and then he’s got games all weekend, so there might not be time. Maybe that’s why he didn’t suggest it.

A quick check of the schedule told you that the team was leaving for a short road trip on Sunday afternoon, which meant that he’d be on the go almost immediately. So it makes sense. I’ll just see him from the seats. 

It was somewhat disappointing, there was no way around it. But the fact that he’d invited you in the first place cheered you up enough that you reached for your phone again, opening your messages with Erin. 

Hey, got something to ask you. Call me when you’re done with work? 

— 

Her phone call came just after 5 that day, Erin’s greeting friendly but curious before she jumped right in. “You usually don’t ask to ask me things. Why today?” 

“What are you doing Friday?” Tilting your head back, you closed your eyes and enjoyed the heat of the sun on your face. “Friday night, I mean. After work?” 

“Troy and I were going to go to dinner, but that’s about it.” Perfect. “Why? What are you doing on Friday?” 

“Do you want to go to the Statesman game?” You paused, opening your eyes and looking out at your yard. “You and Troy and Caleb?” She was quiet for a few seconds and you were too, waiting. “I’ve got four tickets, and -”

“Isn’t it Players Weekend? I thought it was sold out. Caleb’s been talking about it for like a month.” 

“It is. And yeah, it’s sold out. But I was offered tickets. Free tickets.” 

“From where?” There it is. “Did they reach out because they saw your post about Caleb and Jack?” You thought of Jack’s words - of him telling you to tell Erin, of his assurances that it was alright for you to talk about knowing him. I’m still not going to tell her everything, but … 

“No. It wasn’t the team, Erin. It was Jack.” You heard her intake of breath, but before she could say anything, you continued. “He messaged me after he saw it the other day, and we ended up going out on Sunday night for -”

“You what?!” She screeched the words in your ear and then laughed. “Shut the fuck up.” 

“We went and got ice cream. He was up here to work out with the team and to take pictures for next weekend, and had no plans, so…” 

“So you went out with him. Fuck me, that’s wild. I told you making that post was worth it. So you went out on a date and then he offered you tickets for another game? Why four? Why not just -”

“I’m not sure.” Standing, you stepped out onto the grass, the blades of it cool against your feet. “But he called me this morning and suggested it. He specifically mentioned you and Caleb, but I have no idea where the tickets are, so I can’t promise anything.” 

“He called you? He must like you.” She laughed, the sound turning into a hum. “What else happened Sunday aside from the ice cream?” She was teasing you - and there was no concrete reason for you to answer her, but you did anyway. 

“He came back here for a little while.” Curling your toes, you let out a long sigh. “He didn’t stay the night, though. So -”

“Good for you.” She said your name, waiting until you were quiet to say anything else. “And now he’s offering you tickets. You definitely made an impression.” Your mind wandered back to the time you’d spent with him - to the way his mouth felt as it met yours and the way his hands skated over your skin as they explored your body. He definitely left an impression on me. “I don’t think we should tell Caleb where the tickets are coming from, because he’ll never let you hear the end of it.” She hummed, the woman clearly thinking on her end of the line. “But we’ll go on Friday. It sounds fun.”

“We can take one car. I’ll pick you up.” Walking back to your patio, you paused at the edge of it. “And … Erin? Maybe don’t tell Troy either. Jack said that I could tell you that they’re from him, but I don’t … I don’t know what’s going on, so -”

“My lips are sealed.” She laughed again. “I do have one question, though.” I can already tell this is going to be a doozy. “What’s he like? He handsy? Does he talk a lot? How does he kiss?”

“He’s … thorough.” Your cheeks heated as you spoke, your fingers curling around your phone. Very thorough. “And I would very much like to kiss him again.” A lot. Erin snorted at your reply, muttering the words I knew it under her breath. “He’s nice, Erin. Confident and a little cocky, but not insufferable about it. A little girl interrupted us while we were eating, and he didn’t get mad. He took a couple minutes to talk to her about baseball, and it was just …a relief, I guess? I don’t know. I’m glad he’s not an asshole.” 

“I am too. That would be really disappointing.” It would. “But I’m going to drive home now. Work kicked my ass today, and I need to eat.” She let you know that she’d get ahold of you after she talked to Troy and Caleb, and then you hung up, deciding to go back inside so that you could start dinner, too. 

While you cooked, you sent a message to Jack, giving him an update. You kept it simple, giving yourself no time to overthink your words. 

Erin’s in. Looks like it’ll be all four of us Friday. 

You figured he wouldn’t reply, but your phone vibrated a few minutes later with his answer. 

Real happy to hear that. It’s gonna be a good game. 

You thought that was it, but moments later another message came through - and there was a picture attached to it. Second to last time I’m putting on this uniform.

It was slightly blurry and off-center, but it was of Jack. He was dressed in his uniform and missing his hat, the grin on his face wide. You looked closer, seeing that he was standing in front of his locker, and realized that he’d likely taken the photo only moments before sending it. That means it was for me, and… “Shit.” 

If he’d sent you a photo, that meant he was probably waiting for a reply. You didn’t keep him waiting, sending back a winking emoji along with the text: Looking good, Jack - DAMN. But I think I prefer your other uniform. 

It was just flirty enough to let him know you appreciated it, and not over the top the point he’d think you were being clingy. But after a few minutes, you saw that the message had been delivered - and unread … which meant he’d see it after the game. And that means I have a few hours to relax. 

But you didn’t relax. Instead, you ate dinner on the couch and tried not to think too hard about the Friday night game. 

— 

You were a few minutes early to Erin’s on Friday, and Caleb was already waiting in the front yard when you pulled up. 

You heard him yelling for Erin and Troy, even with the windows shut. By the time he was reaching for the door handle, you were laughing, head tilted down and one palm flat against your forehead. “Hey, Caleb. Let me guess… you’re excited.” 

“Of course I am.” He settled into the back seat, buckling in. “Aren’t you? Won’t be as cool as what happened the last game, but my mom gave me money to buy a new jersey.” Well, for me, it’s even more cool, but you don’t know that.

“Oh yeah?” You caught his eye in the rearview mirror, grinning. “Whose are you gonna get?” The look on his face was answer enough, just like you’d assumed. “Jack, then. Hopefully they have one in your size.” 

Erin and Troy approached the car, the woman letting him pass her so that he could sit in the back with Caleb while she took her place next to you. But it was him that spoke first, greeting you and reaching forward to squeeze your shoulder before he was fully situated. “Thank you for driving. And thanks for the tickets.” 

“Yeah, thank you!” Caleb joined in, nodding enthusiastically. “Mom also said we’re supposed to -”

“My mother,” Erin interjected, reaching for the volume knob to twist the radio’s sound lower. “She said we’re supposed to buy you dinner tonight, as a thank you.” 

“It’s not necessary.” Heading down the street, you shrugged. “It’s not like I paid for these tickets, so if we split parking, it’s even.” 

“Still.” She elbowed you. “We’re going to buy you dinner and maybe a drink or two.” I might need those.

The four of you made small talk on the drive downtown, though the closer you got to the stadium, the quieter you got while they kept things going. Why am I nervous? It’s not like I’m going to run into him. 

But there was a chance you’d see him, and that Jack would see you. It seemed inevitable that Caleb would want to go back down closer to the field in an attempt to meet the man a second time. And if that happened, you couldn’t just hang back with Erin, letting Troy sit with the boy. No. I’d have to go, otherwise it looks like I’m avoiding him after he did something nice for us today. 

You were early enough that there was still available parking in the attached garage, and before you could do anything about it, Troy stuck his hand out the window, debit card held firmly between his fingers. 

Erin laughed about it as you pulled away to park, but all you managed was a tiny smile and quiet thank you before slipping into a space. Here goes nothing. 

The four of you joined the slow trickle of other fans heading toward the elevators. After getting on, Caleb inserted himself between Erin and Troy while you leaned against the far wall, chewing on your lower lip. 

“We have to go to Will Call first.” You looked at the preteen, raising a brow. “We can’t just run to get in line like last time.” 

He grumbled back that he knew, and you laughed, your mood lightening considerably. And as your group exited the elevator and turned toward where the ticketing windows were, you stayed that way. Troy offered to wait with Caleb so you weren’t all crowding the line, and you agreed, thankful for a few minutes of time alone with your friend. 

“He’s going to want to go and meet the players.” She spoke quietly, leaning closer to you. “What happens when you see -”

“Nothing.” You shrugged, taking a breath. “Or, nothing weird, I hope. He seems like the kind of guy that wouldn’t make a big deal of what happened.” 

“What about you?” You stepped forward, only a few people between you and the windows. “Can you be cool about it?”

“I’d hope so.” You looked over at her, grinning. “It wasn’t awkward when he left, so I think I did pretty well there.” She didn’t say anything else until it was your turn, Erin stepping forward with you and waiting to see what you’d say. “Hi. I’m supposed to have some tickets waiting for me. I think I’m on a list?” 

The man behind the glass nodded. “I’ll need to see your ID.” Reaching into your bag, you pulled your wallet out and then handed the thin card over, sliding it through the opening. He took it and started typing, his eyes on the computer screen in front of him. “Oh.” He hummed, tipping his head to the side, and then reached for the phone beside the device. “Hey, we need to send someone from SL down to ticketing to pick up a group.” 

You glanced over at Erin, confused, but her expression was the same as yours. SL? What’s that? Turning your head, you looked over at Caleb and Troy, the little boy seated on a stone wall while he looked up to talk to the man. Why do we need to be picked up? The sound of your name got your attention, and you looked back at the window, sucking in a breath. “Yeah? Sorry. I -”

“If you and your group will step off to the side by the door,” he pointed, still smiling. “Someone will be down in a few minutes to escort you in.” He slid your ID back to you. “Have a good night.” You thanked him, somewhat dazed, and turned toward the door, Erin close behind you. 

“We didn’t get tickets? What happens now? What did -” 

“Fuck if I know, Erin. I have no idea what’s going on.” She waved her brother and fiance over, the two of them meeting you moments later. 

“What’s going on? Where are the tickets?” Troy looked between you, frowning. “Do we need to -”

“Someone’s coming to get us.” You stuffed your hands into the pockets of your shorts. “I know nothing else.” Jack had seemed certain that he had tickets available for you, so you weren’t worried about getting into the stadium, but as to whatever else happened, you were clueless. Maybe it’s one of the lower sections. Maybe it’s the club section and we need wristbands or something. 

No one had anything else to say, and by the time the door opened a minute or so later, you were even more confused. But the woman - who introduced herself as Mary - put you at ease. “Welcome to Players Weekend.” She opened the door fully, greeting you by name. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to your seats for the game.” Sneaking a look at your friends after you thanked her, you caught Erin’s eye, the woman’s gleaming with intrigue. “It’s a little busy tonight, so make sure you stay close.” 

You did - following Mary as she led you down a short hallway and then through another set of doors and onto the lower concourse. You felt better one you were inside with the crowd, the thought that since you were in the stadium, that was all that mattered crossing your mind. 

But your thoughts blanked as she led the four of you toward a third set of doors and used a badge hanging from her belt to unlock them. “Where are we going?” Caleb broke the silence, the boy pushing forward to stand next to you. “I’ve never been in here before.” 

“This is the entrance to the dugout suites.” Mary looked down at him, her smile gentle. “Not many people have been in them before.” The dugout suites? Freezing at her words, your mouth dropped open. Jack, what did you do? “Come on. Yours is one of the cozier ones, but it’s one of my personal favorites.” A fucking suite? 

You walked down another hallway, the space curving to follow the shape of the stadium, and you realized that you were heading toward the Statesman’s dugout. Your head whipped to the side and you saw that Troy had put that together, too, his eyes wide and his grin threatening to split his face. “A suite? Right by where the players are?” Caleb was next to Mary, the boy’s voice loud. “Why are we -” 

“I don’t know.” She stopped in front of a door that had the words CHAMPAGNE LOUNGE engraved onto a golden plaque next to the team’s logo before reaching for the keycard again “But I do know that you’re going to have an amazing time.” She swiped the card and the light turned green. “Go ahead. Open the door.” Caleb looked back at you and you nodded, lips pressed together in a thin line. 

He opened the door and cautiously peeked inside, but as soon as he saw something, he darted in, leaving the rest of you standing in the hallway. Erin called after him, rushing forward and following him inside, but Mary only laughed, pushing the door all the way open and gesturing for you to follow. 

“The view is incredible, I don’t blame him for being excited.” 

She wasn’t lying. The entire back wall of the suite was windows so that the field stretched out in front of you, a cluster of seats on a small porch visible through the tinted glass. Caleb was busy pulling the door open to get to where they were, but you stopped just inside of the room, shaking your head. “This is too much, I just …” 

“My advice?” Mary looked at you, raising her eyebrow. “Enjoy it.” I will, but… “This is the Champagne Lounge.” 

“As in the team owner?” Troy stepped forward, arms crossed. “That Champagne?”

“Yes.” Mary nodded, giving you a wink. “He chose the decor, so that’s not on us, but …” You really looked around for the first time and had to bite back a laugh at the way it was decorated. I mean it makes sense, but … 

Everything was rustic and warm, the countertops and table surfaces made from gleaming wood. The floor looked a little rougher and worn, and you saw a few small area rugs scattered throughout the space, which made it more inviting. “You have a full menu available to you.” She moved toward the counter, picking up a small binder. “There are snacks and drinks along the back wall,” she pointed with one hand, flipping the pages open. “Left fridge is water and soda. The other is filled with beer, and there are a couple bottles of the Statesman/Whiskey collaboration for you to use.” He shield the binder up. “But if you want other kinds of mixed drinks, they’re all in here and you can order them to be delivered. Same with the food options.”

“How much -”

“Everything is complimentary.” Her smile was soft. “You’ll have an attendant that will come and check on you once I’ve let them know you’re in here, and they’ll be available whenever you need them through the tablet on the counter. But anything in this menu is fair game.” 

It made your head spin. You’d assumed that you’d have tickets somewhere decent - maybe in the lower level - but hadn’t ever even dreamed that Jack would get you a suite, much less Champ’s suite. 

“There’s also something for you in that box over there.” Mary gestured toward a white, rectangular box that was sitting on a small side table. What the hell is that? “There’s a bathroom back here,” she pointed at the side wall, and then put her hand on her hip. “The door does lock if you go out into the hallway, so once all of you leave the suite, you can’t get back in.” 

“Ok.” You nodded, blinking slowly. “It’s taking me a little while to catch up. This is … I wasn’t expecting these seats, and …” She laughed, asking if there was anything else you needed, and when you said no, she turned away and headed for the door, letting you know that someone else would be in a few minutes later. 

And once she was gone, you finally exhaled, covering your face with both hands. “You must have done something right. This is fucking insane!” Erin put her hands on your shoulders, saying your name. “How did -”

“I don’t know.” Biting your lip, you shook your head rapidly. “I have no fucking idea, this is …” 

“Are you guys coming out here?” Caleb poked his head in, his eyes bulging. “You can see the whole place. We’re right next to the dugout. I can see the steps where the players walk out onto the field!” Troy took a few steps forward and Erin followed, looking back at you. 

“Give me a second.” You could tell she was worried, but she still went, leaving you alone in the interior of the suite. After spinning slowly around to take everything in, you reached for your phone, fingers shaking as you opened your text with Jack. The last message was from him, sent hours earlier - and telling you to enjoy the game. 

You didn’t know what to think. You wanted to let him know you were grateful, but didn’t trust your voice not to waver in a voice message. So you settled for raising the device and taking a selfie, the suite and field visible behind you. 

This is too much, Jack. But thank you. I don’t even know what else to say. 

He was likely getting ready in the locker room - and you didn’t know if he’d even see the message before taking the field. But he’ll see it later. And he’ll see what time I sent it. You were just getting ready to put your phone away and join your friends when a message popped up on the screen. 

You’re welcome. But where’s your jersey? 

“What jersey?” You hadn’t ever told him that you owned one, but when your eyes flicked over to the white box again, your stomach dropped. He didn’t. Leaving your phone on the counter, you approached the box, dimly aware of the sounds of your friends talking through the open door. Using both hands, you lifted the lid, swearing as the contents came into view. “Jesus, Jack. What the fuck.” 

There was a note sitting atop the bright yellow fabric, and with unsteady hands you reached for it, heart pounding while you read the words. 

(Note text: Couldn’t start the game dirty. Thought you might want this though. JD)

You lifted it out of the box, holding it up in front of you. Immediately, your eyes were drawn to a black smudge on one shoulder, and you laughed as you realized what it was from. He’s worn this. 

It was the jersey he’d worn in the promo shots, and the smudge was from the bat where it had rested on his shoulder. And I get to keep it? 

Before you could second guess yourself, you pulled the jersey on over the clothing you wore, leaving it unbuttoned. Shivering at the thought that the last person to have worn it was him, you leaned back over and grabbed your phone before heading outside. 

Erin’s eyes widened at the sight of you, and Troy also looked surprised, but after a swift shake of the head from your friend, he stayed quiet. Please do. I don’t want to talk about this right now. 

Caleb was standing on one of the seats, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the ledge in front of him. Instead of saying anything to your friends, you focused on him, calling out his name. “We got a pretty good view, hmm?”

“Yeah. The on deck circle is right there. Theres a net in the way, but it doesn’t matter. We’ll get to watch everyone while they wait to hit.” What? You crossed the small space and stood next to him, also resting your elbows on the ledge. “Do you think I can take pictures of the batters?”

“I don’t see why not.” You eyed the ground in front of you, the Statesman logo almost mocking you. It’s so close. He’s going to be right there before he bats. “Just make sure the flash is off. I feel like it would be pretty distracting otherwise.” He agreed with you, nodding. 

“Hey, take a picture of us.” Erin leaned forward, holding her phone out. “We’ll send it to my mom.” You did as she asked, taking a few of the three of them standing in front of the netting. It was only then that Caleb saw what you were wearing, the boy asking you question after question that you answered with partial truths. 

You didn’t want to lie to him, but knew Erin was right; telling Caleb that you and Jack were in contact wasn’t a good idea. Not yet. Not until I know more about what this is. But seeing your jersey brought up the fact that if you couldn’t get back into the suite after leaving, there was no way for Caleb to get his. 

He was disappointed until the suite attendant appeared a few minutes later to take your food order - and then asked if there was anything else she could do for you. “Is there any way he could go and buy a jersey? We didn’t know we’d be in a suite, so we didn’t stop on the way, and he’s -”

“Of course.” She looked down at Caleb, grinning. “I can take you, or one of the adults here can come with us.” She pointed. “There’s a team shop right above where we are.”

‘I’ll go with you, buddy.” Troy stepped forward, reaching out to ruffle Caleb’s hair. “Might want to get one of my own.” He looked over at you and winked, and it took everything in you not to groan. Smooth, Troy. 

They left you and Erin moments later, and as soon as the door shut behind them, she whirled to face you, her eyes wide. 

“We’re in the owner’s suite. He gave you the fucking jersey he wore to do promo shots for this weekend.” She scoffed, raising her voice. “Fuck, that’s probably the first Statesman uniform he’s had on since he got hurt, and now it’s yours.” She paused, gesturing toward the field. “You must have been amazing in bed, because -”

“Erin.” Holding both hands up, you shook your head. “I’m just as confused as you are. He said he wanted to see me again, but when he asked about tickets for this weekend, he didn’t mention anything after, just… this.” You used one hand to indicate the suite you were in. “And by this I mean tickets. I had no idea it was going to be a suite. It’s too much.” 

“Maybe he’s hoping for a really nice ‘thank you’ blowj-”

“I don’t think so.” You cut her off, sinking into one of the chairs and crossing your arms. “I asked if I could the other night, and he said no, because we didn’t know each other well enough. And I don’t think that’s changed.” 

You didn’t want to admit that the same thought had crossed your mind - that Jack was being so generous because he expected something in return. But he didn’t hesitate to ask for things in bed. If it happens again, he’d just tell me what he wanted so that I could either say yes or no. 

“You’re joking.” She sat next to you, crossing her legs and leaning closer. I’m not. “Did … did you even have sex? Because if you didn’t, and he’s doing this? Then -”

“We did.” It was a relief to admit it, even though you hated the idea of spreading personal details. “And it was good, Erin. Like, really fucking good. But there’s no way it was this good, especially for him. You’ve seen the same things online that I have about him. No one’s ever … people would talk about him doing this for them. And no one has.”

“So maybe they lied.” She shrugged. “Maybe they said he wasn’t attentive or interested in more than one night because it was their way of dealing with the fact that he never called them again.” She bit her lip. “Maybe it was them wanting to get the last word in and make it harder for him to do the same in the future.” She reached out, taking your hand and squeezing it. “And maybe the ones that he did this stuff for, if he has in the past? Maybe they respected him enough to keep it quiet.”��

She’s probably right. You swallowed hard, turning your head to look through the netting and at the field. For everyone that had said something negative about their experience with Jack online, there had to be others with good experiences that had kept their mouths shut. And I’m one of those. “What would I do without you?” Squeezing her hand before you let go, you stood again and went back inside of the suite, Erin following closely. “Want a drink? We can open these bottles of Statesman, according to Mary.” 

She did - and by the time Caleb, Troy and the attendant came back a little while later, the two of you were laughing over your drinks, a few of the bags of snacks open on the table between you. Both guys had bought jerseys - Caleb’s was a smaller version of yours, while Troy was wearing one of the Statesman home blues, Jack’s last name and number on the back. 

The food arrived shortly after, and once each of you had made a plate, you headed back outside to sit in the seats and watch the on-field activity, Caleb narrating around mouthfuls of chicken tenders and french fries. 

You relaxed the longer you sat with your friends, and by the time the players started to come onto the field for warm-ups, you’d talked yourself into a state of calm. 

Sort of. 

You were fine until Jack took the field, a chorus of cheers coming from further down the third base line - the same as it had been when you and Caleb had seen him the previous week. Erin shot you a look but you ignored it, instead watching as he began his stretches, the same dark-haired woman supervising each movement. 

He looked good, and even though it had only been a little over a week since you’d seen him play, you could tell that he was stronger, too. “He looks better, right Caleb?” You nudged the boy, smiling at him. “Less hesitation when he -”

“He’s really stretching out those calves, hmm?” Erin cleared her throat. “He’s very flexible.” You glared at her and she wrinkled her nose and winked, but didn’t say anything else, even as Troy snorted into his drink. She’s not wrong, though. 

“Sorry we won’t get to meet the players today, kiddo.” Leaning forward, you propped your elbow up on the ledge in front of you before resting your chin on your hand. “I know how much you wanted to do that.”

“Are you kidding?” He turned to look at you, rolling his eyes. “This is way better. We get to see everyone up close.” You agreed - and so did Troy, and for the next few minutes, the four of you watched the players in silence, though your attention was specifically on Jack and his trainer. 

When he stepped out of view to talk to fans in the stands, you decided to go back inside and make yourself a second drink - the last one you were planning on having, since you had to drive home. Once it was mixed you lifted the cup to your lips, your other hand on the bottle. Just enjoy tonight. It doesn’t have to be more than this. You swiped your thumb slowly over where his signature was etched into the glass and took a deep breath before turning to head back outside. 

But when you reached the door, you paused, sucking in a breath at the sight of Jack crouched down in front of the netting and talking to Caleb, Erin and Troy. He must have caught your movement in his peripheral, because he looked up and nodded, his grin widening. “There she is.” 

“Hello, Whiskey.” You raised your glass, giving him a genuine smile, even as your heart pounded. “Welcome back to Louisville.” 

“It’s good to be here.” His lips twitched, one hand lifting to pull his hat off before he repositioned it on his head, never breaking eye contact. “You got the good seats tonight.” 

“We do. The good liquor, too.” That got a laugh out of him, Jack rising to his feet and straightening his shoulders as you brought the drink to your lips. 

“Enjoy yourselves. I’ve gotta get goin’.” He turned away and paused, putting a hand on his hip before he spun back to face all of you. What are you going to say, Jack? “Nice jersey, by the way.” You nearly choked on the liquid in your mouth at his words, and if Jack’s quiet laugh was any indication, he was very aware of it. You jackass. 

You caught his wink and then he did disappear, heading down the stairs and into the dugout. Ok, that could have gone worse. It could have gone better, too, but at least you hadn’t made a fool of yourself in front of him - which was the important thing.

The sound of Caleb talking about how Jack remembered him faded as you went back inside, setting your drink down on the counter and then gripping the edge of it, head lowered. The hard part’s over. He saw me and he knows I’m here, and he saw me in the - 

“He likes you.” Troy was right behind you, and even though you jumped at the sound of his voice, you recovered quickly, spinning to look at him. What? “He walked over and immediately said hi to Caleb, but he looked around and he seemed disappointed. And then you came outside and his mood changed.” Troy’s smile widened, and he stuck his tongue into his cheek briefly before saying anything else. “And if he looked for you, that means he knew you were going to be here, and -”

Shit. Is it that obvious? “I’m not going to confirm or deny a goddamn thing.”

“You just did.” Troy laughed, reaching out with one hand to squeeze your arm. “Good for you, though. He seems like fun.” You have no idea. “We should go back out there. The game’s going to start.” 

Wordlessly, you followed Troy back out and into the seating area - just as the request to rise for the National Anthem blared out through the loudspeakers.

— 

By the sixth inning, you weren’t worried about what was going on between you and Jack anymore. Instead, you were upset, because The Statesman were losing. 

It was no fault of Jack’s, though - he’d gotten a single and walked in his two at bats, the crowd giving him a standing ovation each time he headed to home plate. He’d also made a few really good plays at third - one of them throwing out someone at home as the other team tried to bunt in a run. 

The rest of the team was the problem, with errors made in the outfield, a dropped ball by the shortstop and three really bad pitches that had resulted in six total runs scored. There was still time for a comeback, and even though chances were growing slimmer by the minute, a three run deficit wasn’t too much to overcome. 

When Jack took his place in the on-deck circle, there were two men on and only one out. You stayed in the position that you’d been in for most of the game - arms crossed and elbows resting on the wall in front of you, leaning as close to the action as you could get. 

Watching him up close was special, and you’d snapped a few pictures in his earlier at bats of him bending over and adding the weights to the bat before he swung, as well as of him with it perched on his shoulder and in motion. It wasn’t just Jack that you photographed, but you paid more attention to him than the others. 

You were so close that you could hear the players grunting and groaning as they took their practice swings, as well as some of the things they yelled back to the other players in the dugout and on the field, and Jack was vocal. It didn’t surprise you after the time you’d spent with him, but if you’d said that the way he was on-field and with his teammates and the ump crew wasn’t a turn on, it would have been a lie. 

Because if the fans got into the game, Jack was on another level. 

He paused in his swings to watch the at bat in front of him, and after one particularly bad call, you heard his disdain for the ump - the man’s shout of “That wasn’t a damn strike even in a little league game!” clearly audible, as was the way he ducked his head toward the ground and kicked the dirt in a side-to-side motion with one cleat while he repeated the word “bullshit” under his breath. 

During a visit to the mound by the catcher, Jack looked over at where you were, locking eyes with you and rolling his, mouthing the word “bullshit” again. You laughed in return, mouthing the words I know, before shaking your head. It was easier than you’d thought it would be to interact with him, and part of you wondered if it was because it was pointed but not personal, and that he wasn’t hiding his actions.

The entire stadium groaned when the batter popped out and the runners couldn’t advance, but those groans turned into cheers when Jack’s walk up music started, and your breath caught in your throat again when he looked over at your suite before he headed to the plate, smirking and giving you a quick wink. 

“He changed his song!” Erin leaned over, elbowing you a few times. “This is my favorite one!” It was yours, too - and you’d always thought that it was a little inappropriate for an MLB stadium filled with kids - but that day, you didn’t care. 

He strutted toward the batter’s box as Pony blared through the speakers, and you didn’t look away for a second. And neither did any of the other women in this stadium if those cheers are anything to go by. 

He stepped into the box and then got ready, kicking at the dirt and using one hand to tug on the front of his jersey, making sure that the chain he wore was resting flush against his chest, and not on top of the material. He took a few practice swings and then tapped the bat against the plate, releasing a breath and nodding before settling the lumber back on his shoulder. 

“C’mon Jack!” You yelled the words and smacked your palm on the wall a few times, shaking your head. “Bring ‘em home!” Erin laughed next to you, but she also cheered, and then Caleb joined in, the three of you going silent just before the pitcher set and threw. 

It was a ball - so far inside that it almost hit Jack, but he stayed in place, cocking his head to the side as he lifted the bat and took another swing before settling it back in place. 

The crowd was loud - roaring out his name when Jack swung at the next pitch and made contact. The noise increased until it hooked foul, everyone wincing and groaning. He didn’t even run, though. He knew it wasn’t fair. Jack adjusted his gloves and then stepped back into the box, getting situated just in time for another pitch - that one ball two. 

“A single scores one.” Troy reached up, linking his fingers through the netting as he leaned closer. “A double will score both, and -” Jack swung and missed, and you lowered your head, swearing. Fuck. “Come on Daniels!” Troy let go of the fence and clapped his hands. “Just wait for your pitch!” 

He didn’t swing the next time and as the count ran full, the atmosphere in the stadium changed considerably. If no one scores here, the game’s over. It was a nervous energy that coursed through you, but when you looked back at Jack, you saw that he was still calm, his grip on the bat handle loose as he stepped out of the batter’s box and looked around the stadium. 

“He’s going to strike out.” Troy sat back, shaking his head. “This pitcher’s been too good today.” 

“No, he’s not.” Caleb scowled at the man, phone in hand. “He’s going to get a hit.” He jumped up and down a few times. “He has to.” 

“Whatever happens, it needs to happen now because I feel sick to my stomach.” You mumbled the words, lowering your head and groaning. “Come on, Jack.” You wet your lips and looked back at him, watching as he rocked back and forth, awaiting the pitch. 

You knew as soon as he swung that bat that he’d make contact - and when, moments later, the crack of the connection reached your ears, you knew it was gone. And so did Jack, the man keeping his eye on the ball as he headed to first, and then throwing both hands up into the air and cheering as he rounded the base.

“Fuck yeah, Jack!” You jumped up and down and then turned to hug Erin, the woman squealing in your ear before she let go and reached for Troy, who was shaking Caleb back and forth in celebration, the boy yelling in excitement. 

You focused back on the field - where the two men that had been on base were waiting at home plate for Jack. When he rounded 3rd, you cheered louder, clapping your hands and yelling out his name. There was little chance that he could hear you over the others in the stadium, and when he got to home and stomped on the base, the other two engulfing him in celebration and knocking his hat off, you wished that you’d had your camera out - and had gotten the moment on video. 

The three of them headed back in your direction, Jack at the center of the group, and even though it was fast, you didn’t miss his glance at your suite, or the tiny nod and smirk he gave you when you grinned up at him, biting down on the inside of your lip. Oh, shit. 

“That was awesome!” Caleb’s voice broke the moment, and when you looked over, you saw that he was following the three men with his phone. “And I got it all on video!” He lowered the device and then beamed up at you and his sister. “If I send it to you, will you post it?”

“That’s a long video to post, buddy.” Troy settled back into his seat, scrubbing a hand over his face as the next batter swung and missed. “But it’s really cool that you got it all.” He looked sad but agreed, and when Caleb looked at you again, you raised a brow. 

“You can still send it to me if you want, though. I’d love to watch it.” And to see if he got that smirk in there, because… damn. 

He told you he would once you were out of the stadium, and then Caleb tucked his phone away and returned his attention to the field, where the batter had just struck out, ending the inning. But they’re tied now, and that’s all that matters.  

For the next two and a half innings, neither team scored, which meant that it all came down to the bottom of the ninth. Jack was due to bat third, which meant you’d get to see him once more that night. And that might be it for a while. 

You’d taken advantage of the suite during the game, getting more to eat and drink, ordering ice cream sundaes that were delivered by your attendant, and watching a few at bats on the TV mounted to one wall instead of live in front of you. It was an experience that you’d never forget, and you’d heard your friends say the same throughout the night. 

Neither Erin or Troy had said anything about Jack’s wink or the nod, but you knew that they’d seen both. She wouldn’t spill your secrets to him, but you knew he’d likely ask, and part of you wondered what would happen if things continued between you and Jack, even on just a friendly basis. I’d have to tell them then.

The attendant told you that both bottles of Statesman were yours to take, and so between the 8th and 9th innings, you’d packed them up into the provided boxes and then tucked them into a bag that she’d left for you, along with the partially eaten candy and popcorn - figuring that they were just going to toss it anyway if you left it behind. 

And when the Statesman came up to bat for the final time, you rushed back out into the seats, standing between Erin and the left wall of the suite and drumming your fingers nervously against the concrete. 

That time, Jack paid no attention to the crowds while he waited to hit, instead crossing his legs at the ankle and leaning against the end of his bat, eyes on his teammate. “Just get on base.” You whispered the words, looking toward home. “Give Jack a chance.” 

The game meant very little in the grand scheme of things. 

The Statesman weren’t close to leading in the standings, and it would have taken a lot to get them to a contending position for the playoffs. But you still wanted them to win, if for no other reason than to top off Jack’s return. He did his part, though. He tied it up. 

And the man at the plate did his part, too, knocking a single between second and third, which meant that Jack got to the plate with one on and nobody out, his walk up song back to the one he’d used for his first two at bats. 

Caleb was nearly vibrating with excitement, his phone out and aimed at Jack once more - and you decided to do the same. Fuck it, you thought, pressing the record button. I’m just a fan right now. He took the first pitch - a called strike - and you watched him shake his head in disagreement, though he didn’t argue for too long. 

The second pitch slipped from the pitcher’s hand and veered downward, and even though Jack moved quickly, he couldn’t get out of the way. It hit the ankle guard he wore and bounced away, and for a few horrifying seconds, you worried that his return to the team would be short lived. 

The entire stadium booed, but the sound turned to a cheer when Jack bent over and pulled the protection off, tossing it to the side along with his batting helmet, and jogged to first. His trainer was close behind, the woman’s arms crossed over her chest as she assessed his condition and finally gave him the go-ahead to stay in. 

The game continued once she’d jogged back across the field and into the dugout, and you - along with thousands of others - watched anxiously, waiting. 

You didn’t have long to wait. On the third pitch of the at bat, he blooped a hit into shallow right, the ball hitting the ground and then skipping through the legs of the outfielder. 

The entire stadium roared, and the four of you did, too, cheering and clapping as the winning run crossed the plate. Erin wrapped you in her arms in celebration, but you kept your eyes on the field. I don’t want to miss this. Jack didn’t even finish rounding the bases and instead cut across the infield and headed for home, both arms out in front of him as he clapped and cheered. 

He’d lost his hat again as he hurried in, and by the time he was hugging his teammate, all of them jumping up and down, his hair had curled over his forehead - one lock hanging between his eyes. He got swallowed up in the crowd of people and you turned away, pulling free from Erin’s hold. 

“Hell yeah!” Troy pumped his fist in the air. “What a win.” It took a few seconds, but all of you managed to calm down and look back at the field, watching as the teams did their congratulatory handshakes and then broke for the dugouts and locker rooms. 

Jack got pulled for an interview, but you could barely see it, and so the four of you began to pack up, heading back inside after one final look at the field. The attendant was back, and she asked if you wanted a group photo before you left - something that Caleb agreed to for all of you. 

But once those were taken on all four phones, you had no reason to stay in the suite. She led you back down the hallway and to the main concourse, thanking you for coming and telling you to have a safe drive home before saying goodbye.

It was strange to be around so many people again after having no crowd to deal with for the entire night, but the mood was cheerful, and that hadn’t changed after walking back to the car and putting everything you carried into the trunk. 

You hoped you wouldn’t have to sit in traffic for very long. Because you’d gotten to the game so early and were on one of the lower garage floors, you got your wish. Only ten minutes later, you were out of the garage and on your way home. Caleb and Troy were having an intense conversation in the back seat, and Erin was leaning against her window, head propped up on one hand. 

“That was really cool.” You nodded, keeping your eyes on the road. “Make sure you thank the person that got those tickets for us.” You knew what she was doing - but refused to take the bait. “Or I can, if -”

“I’ll text when I get home.” You narrowed your eyes and looked over at her. “I promise.” You heard Troy snort in the back seat, but Erin thankfully didn’t say anything else. 

Caleb was the first one out of the car as soon as you parked, the boy yelling a ‘thank you’ at you before he sprinted toward the front door, bursting to tell his parents about the game. Troy and Erin hung back, and you were surprised to hear him speak first, after leaning forward to slot himself between the seats. 

“That was really fucking cool. Please, make sure you tell Jack that we appreciated tonight.” You assured him you would, and when Erin reached over to squeeze your knee, you cleared your throat. 

“Thank both of you for being … discreet.” Shrugging, you gripped the wheel with both hands. “I don’t want to make too much of -” You were cut off when your phone rang, and thanks to the fact that it was connected to your car via Bluetooth, they were both able to see exactly who was calling: Jack. “Not a word from either of you.” 

Erin laughed, but as you reached for the screen to answer the phone, she opened the door and got out, Troy not far behind. Your finger hovered for a second and then you answered, closing your eyes and taking a deep breath. “Hey, Jack.” 

“I’m not interruptin’, am I?” 

“No, I just dropped everyone off, and I’m getting ready to go home.” Backing out of the driveway, you turned in the direction of your place. “What are -”

“Come over.” You sucked in a breath, looking away from the road and toward the display. What? “I mean, if you’re not busy, and want to, you can come over tonight. You should come over.”

“I don’t know where you live.” You glanced down, realizing that you were still wearing your clothes from the game. “And I need to go home and change, I’m -”

“You still wearin’ my jersey?” Confirming that you were, you were relieved to hear his groan, Jack’s continued words spoken in a much softer tone than he’d been using before. “Then you definitely don’t need to go home. I’d sure like to see you in that without a net between us.” 

You stopped at a light, pressing your fingertips to your mouth and thinking. You wanted to see him again. You wanted to spend more time with him. And if he’d called you immediately after arriving home from a walk off win, he obviously wanted to spend more time with you, too. Fuck it. Why not? 

“Alright, Jack. Send me your address and I’ll be there soon.” 

—

Sample dugout suite view:

Alternate Players Weekend photo (thank you @stealyourblorbos):

[floralcyanidee]

ʜᴀᴠɪɴɢ ᴀɴ ᴀʟᴛ ᴘᴀʀᴛɴᴇʀ - ᴊᴏɴᴀᴛʜᴀɴ ᴄʀᴀɴᴇ

Jonathan Crane x GN/AFAB!Reader Headcanons

Headcanons about Jonathan Crane and his life with an alt (emo/ goth) partner.

warnings: mentions of taxidermy, mentions of witchcraft, mentions of religion, mentions of animal remains, theft, innuendo, mature themes, mentions of body modifications

word count: 696

author's note: as ya'll know I'm a slut for Jonathan so I decided to do some headcanons about him with an alt partner (I'm alt soo it was warranted) I based these headcanons on universal and well known characteristics of alt peeps as well some based on me and my friends. i hope everyone enjoys! (:

main masterlist | cillian murphy masterlist | add yourself to the taglist here

＊ Jonathan is obviously a criminal, so nothing is stopping him from stealing. this includes him stealing things from inbound patients at Arkham Asylum. He often finds things that remind him of you and will give them to you. You know where they come from, obviously, because you know who Jonathan is, but you find it endearing and romantic that he thinks of you.

＊ You and Jonathan live on the outskirts of the city, where there’s plenty of woodland to explore. Jonathan enjoys it because it gives him peace from work and being a villain, you enjoy it because there are oodles of animal bones and plants to scavenge. 

＊ Keeping that in mind, you often use the plants or bones or even still-fresh remains you find for your spells/ rituals/ altars/ taxidermy/ crafts. Sometimes, Jonathan will also find things when he’s out exploring or getting away from things. Every now and then, he’ll try different plants for new toxins, so he’s out scouring the woods. He’s always thinking of you, of course, so whenever Jonathan comes across a cool-looking plant or the skull of an animal, he snatches it up immediately.

＊ He admires your belief system. Whether it’s Witchcraft, Hellenism, etc., he appreciates the art and dedication you put into it. Jonathan sees it as equivalent to science in a way- creating spells and mixtures and getting something new from it. Sometimes, he asks for your help with his experiments simply because of your knowledge of apothecaries and spells.

＊  Black is your color. Jonathan knows this and doesn’t mind that you’re clad in all black whenever he has to make an appearance in Gotham. You get plenty of stares, sure, but he doesn’t care about that. Jonathan doesn’t really care about anything except his experiments and you.

＊ Jonathan finds your body mods (tattoos, piercings, etc.) intriguing. When you first met, he had a ton of questions about them. Did they hurt? What do they mean? He loves the different jewelry you wear as well. 

＊ Your obsession with horror is one of Jonathan’s favorite things about you. He finds it adorable that you can quote numerous horror movies and even recite lines as they’re being said. When Halloween comes around, it’s always a treat (non pun intended.) You love cosplaying various horror characters from movies, shows, and video games. Jonathan adores it and sometimes plays along.

＊ Speaking of Halloween, one year, he dressed as a priest, and you dressed as an undead nun. This year, you’re becoming a crow, and he’s dressing as you guessed it- a scarecrow. You’re already planning next year’s costumes.

＊ You’ll drag Jonathan to concerts and cons all the time. At first, he was hesitant to go to them, but the more you’ve taken him, the more he’s grown interested. Your favorite bands are now his favorite bands. He’s found himself humming the heaviest of songs you introduced him to. You used to beg him to dress for the cons, but now you don’t have to. Jonathan already has ideas for the next con, even.

＊ You and Jonathan surprisingly have a lot in common. You had rough childhoods, you have a genuine disdain for other people most of the time, cats are interesting to both of you, and you have some mental illness as well, and so does he, obviously. You also have a mutual hatred for Batman. You think he’s overrated, and Jonathan, well, why he hates him is obvious, too.

＊ Did someone say fishnets? Jonathan has bought you so many pairs of those and knee socks because he’ll literally rip them off you. He gets you a bunch of fishnets in different colors to match the lingerie sets he buys you. Jonathan thinks you look the hottest in red.

＊ Jonathan’s favorite intimate thing to do is dye your roots or paint your nails. At first, he hated doing your hair, but now he does it without a problem, plus he’ll even touch up your layers. He’s delicate when painting your nails, holding your hands softly but firmly. Jonathan is very intricate in nature, so he does them flawlessly every time.

taglist:

@sstar-ggirl @cillsmurphs @ldklollord @thecherrycocktail @dunklerkeks1611 @hllywdwhre @ecstaticforus @faelvz @ceruleanrainblues @yongi-lee @baizzhu @aporiasposts @queenshelby @amanda08319 @orijanko @naty-1001 @raineeace @nela-cutie @cutexlr @flwrs4aust @langdons-slut @shynovelist @trixie23 @cillianbabe @slut4thebroken @mypoisonedvine @burnyouwithacigarettelighter @cranesbathtowel @arieslost @nefhertari @forgottenpeakywriter @llucky-llove @october-atoner @madlittlecriminal @ynisthatyou @starbxnny @darkmoviesquotespizza @newtsniffles

[honeesucker]

Pairing: ProHero!DynaMight | Katsuki Bakugo x Puppygirl!Reader

Word count: 4,244

Series Content Warnings: Slow start... Graphic Depictions of Past Abuse & Trauma Response | Profuse Usage of Pet Names / All-around Softness | Bakugo Experienced Work-Related Trauma (causing near deafness, being put on leave from the agency, PTSD) | Eventual smut™ (will be tagged in individual chapters - to include but not limited to KiriBaku, HybridxHybrid, Hybrid heat trope, sex toy usage).

Chapter Warning: just some good ole KirixBaku intimacy / softness in this one.

*Not proofread.

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Bakugo had spent the better part of the next three days after leaving the rescue facility overthinking everything – the layout of his apartment would need to be changed, for instance – made to be safer for a hybrid in a new environment until they adjusted, and also just add things for the hybrid to share in their new home – switching out his office to give the hybrid their own room (Bakugo read that having their own space is important from a mental health perspective, in general for anyone, even more so when healing from trauma). He had already cleared out the spare room, adjusting his own to fit the scant amount of a home office he had to leave the room bare, Bakugo wanted to make sure the hybrid could feel free to choose their own furniture, to fill the room with things they liked and wanted... wanted to make sure that whoever he brought home felt comfortable. 

Whoever, Bakugo mused, while an image of you snuggled into Kirishima made his heart clench tightly. That night he had wrapped up the tour and ended up in the common room to see the sight of you curled between his friend and the wolf hybrid... it did something to him – called to some part of him instantly in a way he had never known before... more than his innate desire to protect citizens as a Pro Hero – no, this was something deeper than that. His night was spent tossing and turning in and out of daydreams that bore your face, imagining more of a life than Bakugo knew to hope for – firstly because in his heart his greatest fear being that he wasn’t worthy of safety, of love, of comfort or anything else in a similar vein... he had been an absolute explosive shithead of a child, and while he grew from his experiences, he knew he was still as brash and sharp-edged as ever and his relationships with others over the years bore witness to that truth. The only exception being Kirishima – whose quirk hardened him to the world, and whose soft heart and unending perseverance lent him an upper hand with Bakugo... everything else after that came easy between them as it always had since they were kids, as their relationship grew and transformed into what it was today. 

Bakugo’s second fear being one that had him worrying his teeth against the skin of his bottom lip all night until the fragile skin tore, the copper taste of his blood turning his mouth sour – would you want to come home with him? He knew one of the introductory processes in the rehabilitation program was to match the hybrid with the person, and within that list of candidates was a choice: the hybrid held the final say in whether or not they wanted to be placed with whomever met the qualifications and requested their placement with them. 

Bakugo didn’t get to introduce himself to you that night, TetsuTetsu had carried your sleeping form back to your room after another ten minutes or so when the tour had ended and Bakugo had given a gentle shake to Kirishima’s shoulder. Kirishima – who observed a new look on his friend's face – watched as Bakugo watched you; his ears and cheeks were a dusty shade of pink, his eyes softer than he had ever seen them as his friend’s crimson eyes watched you disappear down a hallway.  

Bzzzzzzzzt. Bzzzzzzztttt. Bzzzzzzzzzztttt. 

Bakugo froze at the sound of the harsh vibration from his phone jarring the silence of his apartment and tearing him out of the hole his thoughts were digging him into. The device sat on the shelf by his entryway where he dropped it after coming in from his morning run, the gentle melodic tinkling sounds of his ringtone being drowned out by the phone’s assault of the wooden surface. He nearly blasted himself to his entryway and saw an unknown number on his caller ID, normally he would let it go to voicemail but a tug in the back of his mind was urging him to answer.  

“Hello?” Bakugo answered, and was met with a quick reply. “Yes, hello – I am calling for a Mr. Katsuki Bakugo?” 

“Yeah, you got him - whad’ya want?” Bakugo was used to randoms getting his number and was always prepared to handle anything... anything but the unexpected reply that came from the other end of this call. 

“I’m sorry to bother you Mr. Bakugo but after careful consideration I wanted to extend the good news that you have been approved for a hybrid license through the rehabilitation program and are free to come in anytime to discuss next steps.” Bakugo froze on the spot, phone nearly dropping out of his sweaty palm. “Mr. Baku-?” Bakugo cut off the query. 

“I’m here, sorry,” his mumbled reply came through, “my schedule is open. I would like to come as soon as possible.” Bakugo’s mind went blank as he made his way through the rest of the conversation on autopilot. He had an appointment the following morning to head back to the facility to begin his classes, as well as move forward in the decision of which hybrid would suit him after meeting those they gathered based on his lifestyle. 

Bakugo’s finger slipped across the screen as the call ended, typing a quick “Come over, please” to who he needed the most right now. A reply chimed backed but Bakugo didn’t look at his screen to read the message, just felt his body slip down the wall, his butt landing on the bench in his entryway. He didn’t know how much time had passed before he heard the melodic beeping of the keypad entry to his home being pressed and soon the door pushed opened to revealed an out of breath Kirishima. Kirishima, whose eyes went wide with worry as he made his way further into Bakugo’s home, closing and locking the door behind him before heading over to where his friend sat, pulling him up by his arm and leading him to the living room to plop down onto the large, plush couch. Kirishima seated himself behind Bakugo, who rested his head against the larger man’s chest, tucked under a massive arm. 

“Wanna talk about it?” Kirishima finally vocalized, breaking the silence as he traced gentle random patterns on Bakugos exposed skin around his neck and shoulders, occasionally bringing his hand up to card large fingers through soft blonde hair. A quiet “Mm” was the only reply he received and he just nodded, continuing to provide what comfort he could until Bakugo could settle his thoughts and speak clearly. “Did you get denied from the program?” Kirishima was afraid to ask, but he needed to help Bakugo navigate whatever feelings he was having and knowing the explosive blonde, his anxiety was eating away at him as the silence continued on. 

“No,” Bakugo finally answered. “I was approved for the hybrid license and have an appointment tomorrow to move forward with classes and introductions...” 

 “That’s great news, isn’t it Kats?” Kirishima’s tone was gentle and even, navigating a conversation when he was unsure of the blonde’s feelings; a grumble sounded against his chest with a soft vibration. “What’s got you worrying?” 

“M’scared,” Bakugo mumbled against Kirishima’s chest, “what if I never get better? What if I fuck up and cause the hybrid more trauma? If I can’t control myself and hurt them with my quirk, or yell too loud... what if no hybrid at the center wants to go home with me?” Kirishima’s head was swimming with Bakugo’s rapid-fire questions and all he could think to do was squeeze his large arms around the blonde (Kirishima knew that deep pressure therapy was helpful with some anxiety attacks) and pressed his lips against the top of the blonde’s head, drinking in the clean smell that he had come to know so well. Eventually Kirishima felt Bakugo relax in his arms fully, body going limp as each muscle, each limb, relaxed.  

“You can always ask for help when you’re doubting anything, Kats – you know I will drop everything to be there for you,” Kirishima started, going back to his earlier motion of tracing random patterns on Bakugo’s skin. “You will definitely have to be careful of how you act and react around a new hybrid, but I’m not worried about anything like you are – it's gonna work out a lot better than you think,” a gentle hum of a reply sounded, “and I’m sure you’ll find yourself surprised at how many hybrids would be happy to go home with you, and the center is super good at matching people with most unusually perfect hybrids... TetsuTetsu wasn’t my first choice, I worried over how similar we were at first but it all came together perfectly, and you’ve witnessed that,” Bakugo’s mind was still swimming, but the electrified panic that had set alight to his blood was quelled for now between Kirishima’s calm dissection of his worries, and the feel of his fingers over his skin and the steady thump thump thump of Kirishima’s heart beating rhythmically against Bakugo’s ear. 

It wasn’t long before Kirishima heard a small snore from Bakugo and smiled down at the way his face softened in his relaxed state. His mind mulling over how this intimacy between them was something Kirishima held dearly to his heart – sure they were close friends at UA, Bakugo often opening up to Kirishima more and more over the years, though nowhere near as much as he does now – actually asking for help – and they’ve also found comfort in each other physically through their natural chemistry and need for intimacy given their isolating lifestyles as they aged. Kirishima pulled the soft black throw Bakugo had draped on the back of the couch and pulled it over the blonde as he settled in, continuing to trace patterns along his back as the gentle thump of his heart and soft snores lulled him off to sleep as well. 

˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗ 

Kirishima awoke to the sounds of shuffling, and quiet clinks of glass when he opened his eyes to see Bakugo in the kitchen, black sweats hung low on his hips, hair still damp and lying flat around his head. Bakugo was sipped from a coffee mug as he scrolled through his phone. 

“Coffee is ready,” Bakugo mumbled out, a yawn threatening to escape as he took another sip. “Y’also didn’t have to stay with me Red, would’ve been fine.” Kirishima stretched, long limbs taking up space in Bakugo’s living room as he stood and made his way to the kitchen for the steaming coffee.  

“TetsuTetsu is with Denki, and as fine as I know you’d be you still shouldn’t have to be alone at a time like that,” Kirishima stated simply, and Bakugo appreciated it – knowing the red-haired Hero always meant what he said, never having to worry if his emotions, his worries, were too burdensome on his friend, or if he wasn’t worth the effort. Kirishima was a good person but he was also honest, didn’t waste his time or say things he didn’t mean – something Bakugo could always count on to reassure him. “Want me to go with you to the rescue facility today? I could call off patr-” before Kirishima could even finish Bakugo was shaking his head and protesting. 

“Nah,” he said, “I’ll be okay to go it alone today and don’t need you slacking on patrol either – it's shitty enough with me being out.” Bakugo’s frustration on being put on leave with light-duty was evident but Kirishima only nodded, knowing when to reply with words and when Bakugo was just looking to get something out. 

“Alright - I better get going then but shoot me a text when you wrap up and we can meet up after,” Kirishima said, stepping close to press a quick kiss to Bakugo’s temple as he set his coffee cup down on the counter behind him. “I mean it, Kats, send the damn text or you’ll find me at your door come the end of my shift.” Bakugo only snorted, cocked eyebrow and smirked as Kirishima returned the look with his own wide smile, before stepping into the entryway and grabbing his shoes and keys. “You’ll do great, Bakugo!” 

The silence that enveloped the apartment after Kirishima shut the door left Bakugo with an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach, the heavy lead weighing him down as he swallowed hard, rubbing his palms on his sweats as he made his way to his room to get dressed and make the drive via cab out to the rescue facility. 

˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗ 

It was within the hour that Bakugo found himself back in front of the large expanse of greenery and sleek architecture that was the Musutafu Hybrid Rehabilitation Center. His anxiety still a heavy weight tied to the bottom of his heart, dragging painful minutes by as he made his way through the automatic doors, and was greeted by the same employee who was there the last time he visited for his initial interview. 

“Ah, Mr. DynaMight!” The cheery voice greeted, a bright smile accompanying it. “So happy to see you back with us! The Director is waiting for you in the same conference room as last time, just down the hall there and to your left – did you need me to walk you there?” 

“Nah,” Bakugo managed, starting to turn his body. “I got it, thanks.” Hina, Bakugo recalled, was just as cheery with his short reply and waved him off as she called after him to seek her out if he needs any assistance. Bakugo found the conference room easily enough, even after years of taking damage to his head in more ways than one, his mind and memory were still sharp. Bakugo knocked twice before hearing a soft Come in, and opened the door to see the Director thumbing through some paperwork before she set it down and welcomed him in with a warm smile. 

“Mr. Bakugo, so happy to see you again so soon,” she started, motioning the blonde to take a seat opposite her. “I was just finalizing the schedule for classes you need to participate in regarding this rehabilitation program, as well as what is required by our facility’s standards to ensure our hybrids are entering the right home with the right fit in an adopter. I have sent you an email a moment ago that provides a login for you to watch most of the informational teachings we require via an online classroom where you’d still be in touch with an instructor who will go over the information provided and how it relates to your hybrid ownership as well as the few in-person classes we require here at the facility. I have also arranged for you to join us as we’re hosting an informative event today, so it’ll be good for you to see a variety of our hybrids as well as have time to interact with them and get more of a sense of what we do here as well.”  

Bakugo and the Director had an easy chat as she led him down to the other side of the building, where he recalls being last time, where they were holding the informative open house with hybrids, staff and public alike. He already heard a gentle thrum of a musical beat, accompanied by the white noise of people talking before he rounded a corner to see the brightly lit room filled with people and hybrids alike. They door to the outdoor courtyard was also open, the fresh garden air pushing in and comingling with the scent of pastries from a food table a few feet away from the doors. Bakugo swallowed, palms clamming up at the sight of so many people, but as he and the Director walked through the crown, her even stopping to speak to a few people, no one seemed to spare Bakugo more than a lingering glance before their attention was moved back to the original subject. The director bid Bakugo goodbye as she was needed elsewhere in the event, but said he could stick around and engage as much as he liked before setting off.  

What felt like an eternity, but after a quick glance at his watch only turned out to be an hour and a half, of Bakugo moving about the room, engaging with the different setups and the information they were providing – he even entered a raffle for prizes he didn’t look closely enough at the list to see – Bakugo found himself with a soft piece of sweet milk bread in his hand as he headed out to the garden to get away from the noise and crowd. 

He had just seated himself on a short stone wall, a perfect height for a makeshift bench to lounge on, and taken the first bite of his bread before he felt a small pressure against his back on the lower right side, before he heard a soft sniffling sound. His initial instinct was to blast first, ask questions later but as his palm popped and sparked with the sudden contact on his back he decided just to turn around and intimidate with looks. 

What Bakugo didn’t expect was to see you. 

You in all your tiny glory compared to him. Soft, plush tail swishing behind you slowly as you continued to nose at his jacket, unknowingly being watched with a quirked brow from the blonde, admiring the soft little points of your ears atop your head – as straight as he had ever seen ears short of those that were cropped – which yours didn’t appear to be. He wanted to reach out and touch them but didn’t want to spook you from... whatever it was that you were doing right now. 

It was with one final sniff you decided to look up, tail having picked up to wag at a faster pace before your eyes met his, and instantly your whole body went rigid. Tail frozen, eyes wide. 

“M’sorry,” it came out so fast Bakugo almost didn’t register you said a real word, “smelled like Red.” 

“Red?” Bakugo parroted, before it hit him. “Big guy, red hair?”  

You nodded slowly, wanting to take a step back from the stranger but something about the smell he gave off beneath the familiar scent of Kirishima made you stay close, taking in small huffs of air, Bakugo’s sharp eyes noticing the tiny bunny-like twitches of your nose. 

“He’s a friend of mine,” Bakugo wanted to keep this interaction going, for reasons beyond his rationality, he wanted you to stay, “he was at my house this morning so it probably still smells like him a lot, hm?” 

“Friend,” you parroted back to him while nodding, a little lost in thought. “TetsuTetsu’s’a friend of Red.” 

“You like that annoying wolf, huh?” Bakugo chuckled at the way you gave a comically flat smile with a nod. 

“Yeah, kinda decided we were friends before I did,” Bakugo just nodded, carmine eyes watching you closely as he tried to keep his pounding heart under control. 

“Sounds like him,” Bakugo muttered with a dry laugh and watched as you hopped up onto the concrete wall next to him before hopping back down onto your feet, you were going between looking at him and the ground as you worried your bottom lip between your teeth, tiny little canines poking over in a way that made you look like a little cartoon vampire. 

“Can I sniff?” You finally said, and Bakugo’s brain short-circuited for a moment, not expecting that to be what came out of your mouth next. He didn’t fully know what you meant to sniff, but he simply nodded, taking any excuse to extend this meeting. Your tail gave away your emotions as it swished quickly behind you, the air making a soft whooshing noise in the fluffy fur. You stepped forward slowly before you found yourself pressing into Bakugo’s side, nosing along the front of his shift before you hit his armpit, scrunching your nose at the strong musk that surprised you with how pleasant it actually was. Bakugo stayed completely still as he eyed you, watching as you eventually made your way across the top neckline of his shirt, cold nose occasionally touching the skin of his throat, and then you did something unexpected – you picked up his hand and held his palm to your nose as well. “Hm,” was all you said every so often, sometimes quick and concise like you were confirming something, and other times it was a gentle hum like you were trapped in a faraway thought. 

“Smelling for bombs, pup?” Bakugo finally broke the silence as you turned his hand over in your own, nosing at his wrist with one final huff. You not catching onto the joke the explosive hero made because you appeared to have zero idea who he was. 

“M’not,” you said, plopping yourself down into the grass at Bakugo’s feet as you looked up at him with bright eyes, and a careful smile. “You smell like something I’ve smelled before but I can’t remember what.” Bakugo’s blood pressure nearly skyrocketing when he caught the whispered end of your comment, “smell safe.” He didn’t totally catch on to what you meant by saying that, but the fact you said ‘safe’ as a word synonymous with him, or at least his smell, made his chest puff up a little. The garden courtyard had darkened a little as the sun dipped below the roof, casting long shadows across the grass though you were still plopped in the last chunk of light.  

“Should you be back inside with everyone?” Bakugo asked, afraid that him bringing it up would cause you to leave before he was ready but he had nothing else to say that wouldn’t come off totally insane. 

“Don’t really like being around so many people,” you said, pulling fistfuls of grass up as you spoke. “Hana said it would be good for progress but if socialization means crowds, I don’t want it.”  

“Who’s Hana?” Bakugo questioned. 

“Counselor,” you said, “she’s always mine when I come back.” Bakugo stopped in his questioning tracks as that seemingly innocuous sentence hit him. When you come back. You said it so simply, like the regularity of your return was expected at this point for you. 

“Do you like coming back?” Bakugo asked, careful to treat in this unknown space with you. 

“Ah,” you eyed him sheepishly, before refocusing back on the grass you were gouging up from the ground. “I don’t mind being here because everyone is nice even when I’m not,” he watched the corner of your lips quirk up in a small smile, but your eyes looked so sad. “I would rather just stay here if I'll always end up coming back.” 

“Would you give going away another try if it happened?” Carefully. 

You eyed him, not with suspicion or anything else, just took in the way he was watching you, the careful tone of his voice. “Red has TetsuTetsu, so he can’t have me.” You said it in such a way that Bakugo was left stunned for a moment before he recognized what you were saying beneath that. 

“Would you want to go to a place where you see Red and TetsuTetsu more?” Carefully. 

He watched as your brows furrowed, taking in his question for what it was before answering, “mm, that would be nice.” 

Bakugo was going to ask one final question before both of your attentions turned to the open facility doors where a staff member was calling out for you.  

“There you are, little puppy!” The girl’s sing-songy voice grated in Bakugo’s ears but you just jumped up and dusted yourself off, the girl at the door stating it was time for your dinner, calling to the events end as well. You had turned to watch as Bakugo stood, towering over you.  

“Thank you,” you had started your walk back to the door, when Bakugo had called back what you were thanking him for, “for letting me sniff you.” 

“Anytime, Pup.” Bakugo’s heart was crashing against his chest wall as he watched you retreat inside, thinking what a weird thing to be thanked for, but the fact that he provided you with something that it seemed you wanted, he was only happy to oblige. 

He had made his way inside where the Director was saying goodbyes to some people making their way out, and directing staff to put things away a certain way before he spotted Bakugo and smiled her bright smile at him. 

“Mr. Bakugo, glad to see you still here!” She beamed, in between her interaction with Bakugo she was barking out orders like a good leader does. “Did you find anything enlightening at the event?” 

“I did,” Bakugo started, telling her all he had done that afternoon, the information that surprised him and even his impromptu raffle entry to which the Director gave a surprised smile. That made Bakugo wonder what the hell he signed up for before he caught sight of a familiar tail walking down a long hallway. “I did want to speak with you, Director,” Bakugo rushed out, nodding his head to get the Director’s attention down the hallway where you and the staff girl from earlier were. “I would like to know more about that hybrid in particular.” 

[dr-futbol-blog]

Duet, Pt. 5

Next, we finally meet Katie Brown. Having been forced to vacate the hangar lab with his own damn staff, McKay would really rather be alone but alas, Cadman is there talking his ear (brain) off. While we know that McKay left the hangar with the wraith dart, we don't actually know where he was going, or if he even had a destination in mind. It's possible he was heading straight to Heightmeyer, as ordered by Weir, anxious to get that over with. But more than anything, it seems like he just wanted to get away from under the eyes of all the people that had been looking at him like he was crazy. And the fact that he was now here, seemingly talking to himself, did not make him look less crazy. What's more, Cadman was really starting to rile him up:

Cadman: Oh, stop sulking. You're acting like a two year old. McKay: This is your fault, you know. Cadman: How do you figure that? McKay: All you had to do was keep your mouth shut while I was working. Cadman: You have no idea what it's like in here, OK? McKay: Yes, yes, I do. I know exactly what it's like in here because I live in here. I like it here!

While it's probably not Cadman's intention to pass judgement on his body (this time), McKay interprets her words as an all-around condemnation of his physical condition. Most people have some hang-ups about their appearance and shape, and no one is healthy and young perpetually. The human condition is to start dying the moment we are born, death is the first gift given to us by ours mothers. But even so, McKay seems to be all around an average guy with nothing to be ashamed of, and yet he has terrible self-esteem that has only been reinforced by negative feedback he gets from the abrasive way he usually meets other people.

He already feels like he's the most unlovable man in the world, and having met John Sheppard, someone that he sees as representing physical perfection up to and including on the genetic level, having fallen in love with him, has really only made him feel worse about himself. Having grown so intimate with the man, he can't help but compare the two of them and feel like he falls short. Now, while he may have some genetic advantages, Sheppard isn't perfect by any means. At the very least he feels his age, as we see shortly. There are many ways in which Sheppard, too, feels like he falls short of what McKay represents to him. But again, even though they are able to read each other's thoughts right off of each other's faces, neither of them see the way the other looks at them. They can't see each other through the other's eyes.

But, and again make note that he doesn't really care what a woman thinks about his body, McKay does stand up for himself, does challenge what he feels is her wholesale condemnation of his physical condition. He says that he likes being in his body. The earnest way in which he says it tells us that he must have had some good experiences in his body in recent times. His body has given him joy, and likely pleasure. Now, since McKay is not precisely a gourmand and known for deriving pleasure from food, his pleasures must come from other sources.

This line has a connection to Sheppard in that it's one of the first things we ever hear him say. He tells Gen. O'Neill "I kind of like it here," which O'Neill later abbreviates into "He likes it here."

They're talking about the Antarctic. O'Neill does not like it there because he has several bad memories connected to the place. Sheppard likes it there because he has no bad memories attached to it. Now, McKay very likely does have bad memories attached to his body, but it seems as though for him, at this time, the good memories far outweigh the bad memories. What ever has happened recently, he has enough good memories connected to his body to like it there. And since Cadman has not experienced these things in his body, she has no way of knowing what it is like to be him. McKay's voice breaks as he says "I like it here!", revealing just how deeply this is affecting him.

As they are walking and smack in the middle of this existential conversation, they are interrupted by Katie Brown, who calls out for McKay as she comes up from behind (relevant for later):

Brown: Rodney? Cadman: Be cool! McKay: Katie! Hi. Brown: Is everything OK? McKay: Yes! Yes! Everything is just fine. I was just... Cadman: Talking on the radio! McKay: ...talking on the radio. You're well, I take it?

From this initial meeting, we can conclude a few things. First, Katie Brown is much more interested in McKay than McKay is in her. McKay is not happy to see her and were he a man falling in love, a man with a crush, a man just enjoying the company of a woman, he would not look like he'd just swallowed a bitter potion upon seeing her. The situation and the fact that he is trying to conceal his current condition from her is making him anxious, which Cadman (and possibly the audience, as well) interprets as nervousness. Obviously he's rendered into a stuttering fool because he's just so into her. She's just so special, you know. He can (performatively) flirt with women like Samantha Carter with confidence but when it's the real deal, he turns into a teenage boy. Right? He just has too many feelings, they're overwhelming him and making him into a nervous wreck. It's easy to interpret his anxiety as nervousness due to his inexperience with women, and that it is the sheer loveliness of this lady that is making him act this way. Or how ever people explain this.

Regardless, she is the one trying to get his attention, she is the one that maintains eye contact with him, she is the one that steps into his personal space, she is the one who smiles and attempts to flirt with him. She's the one who is trying to secure a date with him (that he has apparently already canceled multiple times), she turns to look at him as she leaves.

Now, her interest in McKay seems genuine, albeit superficial in the way that she never gets to know him and when she is finally forced to look at him as he is, she does not like him very much. All throughout their... involvement, it seems as though Katie does not really even see McKay, she only sees what she projects onto him. But there may be other reasons beyond finding him cute that she could be pursuing a relationship with him. As mentioned previously, Katie Brown likely was chosen by McKay, as a representative of the senior staff, for the expedition. She is a member of the science team of which he is the leader. More than one female member of the science team actually has expressed interest in him, and as a brilliant scientist in a position of power, he does have qualities that many women find desirable even in spite of certain short-comings.

McKay's position in the expedition alone is enough for some women to overlook some of his more charming qualities. And Katie Brown likely is feeling grateful for having been chosen for the expedition, she is likely lonely because a lack of attachments to Earth seems to have been one of the qualifications they looked for in people that were chosen for the mission, and she didn't know many people there beyond McKay, whom presumably had interviewed her on Earth, and who ever attended ladies' poker nights. The new arrivals were all probably looking to get to know people, and in particular to befriend people who had been in the city longer. And hey, if they happened to be cute, brilliant, seemingly harmless and had a lot of sway in how things got done in the city, they might be quite the catch.

So even if none of these were among the reasons Katie Brown had originally developed an interest in him (and they probably were), these reasons are certainly behind her sustained interest in him even when he seems to be expressing a lot of trepidation toward dating her, and this certainly explains why she kept on "dating" him even when he wanted to take things reeeeaaal slow since, as far as we know, they never got past first base and the only time they got to first base was in this very episode, and that wasn't even him.

It might be that she either enjoys the status of dating the head scientist or there's something deeply wrong with her, and we never find out enough about her to know which is the case (and we never find out that much about her because McKay is not interested in her, is not interested in finding out who she is, is not interested in spending time with her enough for us to get to know her). Even here, as McKay inquires about her wellness, he's doing it to shift attention away from himself to her, not because he is particularly interested or even cares how she is. For him, she's a prop. For her, he's probably a trophy, or otherwise a pet or a houseplant that she feels the need to take care of (and note that when McKay asks how she is, she does not actually share anything about herself with him, she wants info on him). Either way, Katie Brown and McKay never form a couple in the definition given for a couple in this episode.

Now, likely bored out of her mind by not being able to do anything, Cadman gets the idea that she's Cyrano de Bergerac and that she's going to help poor McKay who just has no game with women to score living out her romantic comedy plot, where McKay feels like he's caught in The Puppet Masters or "a very strange Outer Limits episode". She thinks it's real clever to give him the excuse that he was talking into his headset so that he might look less crazy for having just been caught arguing with himself, and hence decides to become his woman-whisperer. While from Cadman's perspective, she's trapped in a prison of flesh wanting to connect with the outside world, from McKay's perspective his body is being invaded by an alien consciousness, not unlike the Go'auld.

Now, it's also noticeable that it is Katie Brown who attempts to keep the conversation going here. McKay clearly would rather be anywhere else but stuck in this conversation with her. And let's not gloss over the fact that he lies to her several times during this very short exchange. Not only is not a good foundation for a relationship, it also tells us that he's not particularly keen on sharing himself with her, in letting her get to know him. He is being evasive, and his evasiveness is not just because he has another woman on his mind... literally. And yet in spite of his rather obvious evasiveness, she keeps pursuing (and clearly, has been keeping tabs on his whereabouts):

Brown: I heard you ran into some trouble off-world today. McKay: Oh, yes. Yes, yes, yes, but everything's fine now, it's all been sorted out. Back to normal.

So, the way McKay sounds here is exactly like when Han Solo was trying to get an imperial officer to ignore them on the Death Star:

Han Solo: Everything's under control, situation normal. Imperial officer: What happened? Han Solo: Had a slight weapons' malfunction but everything's perfectly alright now. We're fine. We're all fine here now, thank you. How are you?

This is to say, McKay is very obviously full on lying to her here. And he's not lying to spare her feelings, he simply does not deem her worthy of the truth. McKay, like Han Solo, is also trying to get rid of her. He's trying to get out of this conversation that he does not want to be in. But whether or not Katie Brown can sense this, she seems insistent on getting that date with him:

Brown: Good. So we're still on for tomorrow? McKay: Yes, yes. Yes, actually, I'm... very much looking forward to it. In fact, I'm sure it'll be a... you know, a wonderful... evening, and what not. Brown: Right! Well, I'll see you then. McKay: Mmm.

Note the noncommittal answer McKay gives her, and also the way her smile vanishes as she takes off and has her back to him. Again, he has apparently cancelled on her multiple times (even if the intention was for "two adults to simply share some friendly..." conversation?) already, and given his current condition, he very likely was going to cancel on her again. Even if he was going have dinner with her, he was damn sure not going to do it now. But apparently, he had been putting this off for a while, possibly ever since they returned to Atlantis. Because he doesn't want to have dinner with her. He doesn't want to go on a date with her. He doesn't want to get to know her. That much is obvious just from this short interaction.

Like Sheppard, McKay is trying to exercise good leadership, and being seen with a woman that seems harmless besides would really be really good for his reputation and the cover he is trying to maintain, all things considered, but he still seems really, really reluctant to go through with it. And since he had already established a pattern of canceling on her obvious enough for her to have discussed it at ladies' poker night, it has nothing to do with his current condition. And it has nothing to do with being shy and nervous around women, either, as he had no trouble telling Cadman off earlier on the field and he literally started his flirting with Samantha Carter by calling her a dumb blonde right to her face. He's not shy and nervous around women. He's... just not that into her. Because she's a woman. Because he's not into women. Is the thing. But Cadman, like a part of the audience, are going to think that it's just because he's bad with women and has absolutely no game:

Cadman: You really know nothing about women, do you? McKay: I know plenty.

McKay has a sister but they are estranged and she seems considerably younger than him. We know that he went on two dates with a woman in college. He works with women and under women, and probably has done so in the past. And he would probably tell you that he knows as much about women as he wants to know. He's not interested in getting to know how women work. There is precious little he wants or needs from women and none of which has to do with the fact that they are women and hence, he's not really bothered about this. And it doesn't even occur to Cadman, who seems both young and naive, that not all men are into women like that.

Furthermore, Cadman's idea that all women are some kind of a hive mind that respond the same way to the same stimulus is sexist. If he really wanted to do McKay a favour, he might help him see Katie Brown as an individual person with individual needs rather than as a representative of a category because that is already how McKay views her. He never does learn to see her as a person but that's all the same, as Katie does not see him as he is either. Perhaps unwittingly and even unintentionally, they are both using the other. But they're not there yet, and the way McKay describes his feeling during these early stages of their getting to know one another tells us all we need to know:

Cadman: Maybe this is a good thing. McKay: Excuse me? Cadman: I could teach you a thing or two about the opposite sex, McKay. Lord knows you need it! McKay: This is hell! This is my own personal hell!

McKay literally describes this as his personal hell. Sheppard later describes what Cadman went through as his "worst nightmare" but this, having to pretend to be straight to a military officer who is a) a woman, b) under the command of his former lover and the man that he still loves, c) stuck inside his brain and d) under the impression he wants to hook up with women and decides to take it upon herself to make sure that it happens is his personal hell. He is in hell.

Now, it was only because Cadman pushed Beckett away instead of McKay that this happened to him but it could easily have been Beckett this happened to. And the experience would likely have been much easier for a (mostly) straight guy like Beckett--straight both in the sense of sexual orientation and not hiding as many secrets for himself and others as McKay does. Likely, Beckett would have taken the opportunity to get to know Cadman through conversation and waited patiently until McKay fixed the situation, and then gone about his day. With McKay, it's different. If this episode teaches us anything, it is that Rodney McKay does not like women and he barely tolerates to be around them.

Now that we have this very heterosexual scene here to make sure that everyone thinks McKay is interested in women, the show can safely present something extremely homoerotic with Sheppard. If the audience has been convinced that McKay is pursuing a woman, it casts an effective "no homo!" on the subsequent scene. And oh boy.

Both testing Ronon and trying to integrate him as part of Atlantis, Sheppard is watching him spar with four young marines in the gym. He's leaning on a rubber torso used for practicing strikes, a body opponent. We've never seen it before and it's at least never featured prominently again, so the prop has been inserted into this particular scene for a reason. And the thing is, Sheppard leaning with his pelvis out, resting his arm on the shoulder of the naked man doll is doing nothing to make this less homoerotic.

The entire composition of the scene is meant to make us think about sweating, grunting and heaving man bodies tangled together in the throes of physical activity. And as we watch them, so does Sheppard.

For sure, his lean is going for nonchalant. Like it's no big deal, he's just here to check out the new recruit and test out his skill-set. Like he can barely be bothered to watch this but he might as well, since he's already here. But it's really not necessary for him to be thrusting his dick out like that for it.

Now, Sheppard certainly seems turned on. A freshly single guy that has (probably) not had sex for months, he's allowed to be turned on by this. Ronan is a fine physical specimen, and the young marines are the best of the best they've got. But even so, Sheppard would never actually pursue any of them. Young soldiers under his command are off limits to him, and he counts Ronon among these men. And make no mistake, his age is a factor here. Watching them, he seems very much to be feeling his age. Although his age and trying to maintain his authority are probably not the only reasons he turns down the opportunity to throw down with Ronon himself:

Sheppard: Alright. Let's try that again. Marine: How about you try that again? Sir. Sheppard: Maybe that's enough for today.

For Sheppard, this is a purely look-don't-touch situation. He's just window shopping for the briefest moment because one, it's damn hot and two, he needs something for how his life has been going recently. Watching them tussle for a moment doesn't hurt anybody, and if any of this is going in his mental bank for later, that's no one's business but his own.

But as hot as this is, he is also looking at it with a professional eye. He likes what he sees when it comes to Ronon's skill-set and he's more convinced than ever that he's the man for the job he needs him for.

But what's really important is this: Sheppard came here directly from watching McKay having what can only be described as a mental break down in front of his own staff. McKay was clearly injured by what ever happened to him inside the dart, and that was all Sheppard's fault. He had not been there to protect McKay, he had paired him up with a rookie Lieutenant, he had taken him with to the planet in the first place, he had shot down the dart holding him. In so many ways, what had happened to McKay had been his fault, and it had clearly exerted a heavy toll on the man. He was so fucking tired of not being able to keep McKay safe.

And that's why he's here, now.

Back in the commissary probably less than an hour ago, he had told Ronon to take his time deciding whether to join them. And then he went right back to Ronon from having watched McKay's breakdown. Because he needs to make this happen. Having witnessed that, he needs Ronon to join them more than ever. And so, he's doing the hard sell. He's not going to take no for an answer from this man. The reason he's working so hard to get Ronon to join them in this episode has everything to do with the McKay situation. He needs this man, and he while he would like to give him time to make his decision, right now he has none to give.

What's also interesting is that Sheppard looks down at the ground while the scene is playing out before him, seeming lost in his thoughts for a moment. The ground has a mat used in combat training. These kinds of mats are used, for example, when practicing forward rolls. That McKay had been learning. That Sheppard probably had been teaching him. Very likely in the gym. On a mat such as this. Perhaps on this very mat. And if he managed to do that and not have sex with him on the mat, he's made of stronger stuff than most men. As mentioned previously, there was no way for them to actually show us Sheppard teaching McKay forward rolls because it's not possible to disguise the touch of a lover as collegial. It's not possible for him to disguise touching McKay as the touch of a friend, or a team leader, because he knows that body far too well. All he can think to do is to keep a distance between them.

Continued in Pt. 6

[headintheclouds-posts]

Was it worth it?

Seonghwa x Y/N: Angst & potential cheating

S/N - Fake GG

Synopsis: You’re madly in love with the man of your dreams, but a phone call changes everything, causing your life to spiral and your worst fears to be met.

Another Saturday night alone you thought to yourself, pouring a large glass of wine and making your way to the sofa. Silence echoed throughout your apartment which was caused you to slightly shiver as you sunk back into the chair. 

Dating an idol wasn’t easy, but you loved Seonghwa so much that not much else mattered. There was a lot of lonely nights like this one, but when you were with him all of that was forgotten and you just embraced being in love. Was your relationship normal? of course not, but for most idols and other celebrities, a normal relationship isn’t possible, so you just have to make do with what you have.

You pick up the remote and switch channel to watch the award show, smiling as you see the boys all dressed up, including your handsome boyfriend in his fitted suit. Surrounding them was a lot of well known groups, smiling for the camera’s and waving to the fans earning them loud cheers and cries. You noticed that the newly debuted girl group W1SH was sat next to Ateez. You couldn’t really help but watch them. Their sequined outfits fit to their petite bodies like skin and bright silky hair adorned their heads. You realised you weren't the only was fixated on them, as you noticed many other idols sneaking glances at their beauty.

Recently a story had come out shipping Seonghwa with the groups leader Minali. When you first read about it you couldn’t help the anxiety that hit you, Minali was beautiful. She had long auburn hair that cascaded down her back in loose curls and bright doe eyes that drew you in. Seonghwa laughed off the story saying it was ridiculous and that you shouldn’t believe such things, squashing any fear you may of felt... that was until this moment. You leaned closer to the TV with wide eyes watching the looks she aimed at your boyfriend, fluttering her eyelashes and smiling in his direction. Now usually this wouldn’t bother you as with your experience of dating Seonghwa, many girls made advances but this felt different, he was acknowledging her flirtatious looks and you could see the blush rising on his cheeks. 

‘Calm down y/n’ you scold yourself, ‘he’s probably just feeling nervous’. You walk to the kitchen again to pour another glass of wine in the hopes that it calms your nerves and settles your now pounding heart that was trying to jump through your t-shirt. 

The rest of the awards show went on smoothly, though you continued to notice small glances between your boyfriend and the pretty leader. At this point you were sat crossed legged in front of the TV screen with your nose almost pressed up against the glass, trying to figure out if your eyes were playing tricks on you or if indeed your world was being enticed by another. 

Once the ceremony had ended and the group interviews started, giving the idols time to thank their fans for helping them with the awards. The next group appeared causing the presenter to cheer into the microphone. 

‘Welcome Ateez, a big win for you guys tonight. Hongjoong please tell me how you’re feeling’ the interviewer asks, to which the leader answers beautifully with a well versed response on their evenings achievements. 

‘Now Seonghwa, we all couldn't help but notice the tension between you and Minali’ the interviewers laughs, ‘is there anything going on there?’ this question makes your boyfriend to blush and look down at his feet, ‘No comment’ he responds which causes the people in the room to gasp loudly. 

You don’t realise how tense your body is at this point as a sinking feeling tugs inside your chest. You continue to stare at the screen questioning whether you had heard it wrong and your boyfriend of 2 years didn’t just say that. You’re quickly pulled out of your trance as you notice W1SH were now chatting with the reporter and the same question is asked to Minali. ‘Come on Minali can you tell us if something is going on with you and Seonghwa?’... you wait with bated breath for her response as you see a smirk playing on her lips. ‘I don’t like to kiss and tell’ she answers. 

You turn the TV off with anger and hurt running through your veins and start pacing your apartment back and forth. Seonghwa wouldn’t cheat on you, you try to tell yourself. He’s not that type of person. You couldn’t seem to wrap your head around what you had saw, nothing was adding up, yet everything started to make sense. Maybe the late night practices and overnight stays at the dorm was all just lies. Was he with her? Was she the one he held at night whilst you slept alone holding his pillow close just to get his scent. 

You needed answers, so you picked up your phone and dialled his number, the show finished a while ago so he had no reason not to answer. After several rings the number connects and your heart sinks. ‘Hello Seonghwa’s phone’ a sweet voice says. The voice sounded all too familiar but you couldn’t help yourself but question if you were right. ‘Who is this?’ you questioned. ‘This is Minali, who is this?’ she responds. 

You couldn’t speak, the words were lost in your mouth and you had to bite your tongue to stop the sob threatening to escape. ‘Hwa, there’s someone on the phone for you’ the voice sings out to your boyfriend, but at this point you didn’t need to speak to him, you had the answer you needed to know and you hang up the phone and launch it across the room. 

You slump to the ground, the pain in your chest is growing stronger by the second as you feel your world collapse around you. Everything you shared together was a lie. You fought for this relationship, spent endless nights alone waiting for a person who was too busy loving someone else. You were done fighting, done being lied to and feeling disappointed. You felt so much at once that you started to feel nothing. He betrayed you and he hurt you, just to make himself feel better.

You pull your suitcase from under the bed and start throwing all your belongings in at once. You can barely see what you’re putting in at this point as your eyes are cluttered with the tears you couldn’t hold in. It hits you all at once how much stuff in this apartment was your shared memories, from the pictures hanging on the wall of you both to the pretty jewellery box he bought you for your birthday. None of that was coming with you, because leaving him meant leaving all those memories behind that were now tainted with infidelity. All those memories were now lies, you thought to yourself as you finish packing up your things. Your phone still laid bare with no traces of texts or calls, he didn’t care that he hurt you or broke your heart. 

You stand in your apartment taking one last look at the place you called home. It’s almost eerie how empty it feels without your belongings, making you realise that this was never really a couples home, but the home of a lonely person constantly waiting for her lover who only ever saw her as an option. With that you turn your back on the pain and close the door behind you, and the only traces of you that are left behind are broken memories and a note for the person who hurt you the most.

‘I hope she was worth it’.

[baileypie-writes]

Can you please do head cannons on how Lupin III gang characters (including Zenigata) met female thief reader and how they fell in love?

A/N ~ Sure! I don’t write for Zenigata, and I don’t write female Readers paired with Jigen, but I can do the other two! Hope you enjoy!

~Lupin and Goemon Falling for a Female Theif~

Fandom: Lupin the Third: the First

Fanfic Type: Headcanons

Reader: Female

Relationship: Romantic

Characters Included: Arsène Lupin III, Goemon Ishikawa XIII

Genre: Fluff

Rating: PG

Warnings: Stealing(obviously)

Disclaimer: I have only seen the 2019 film, and Castle of Cagliostro. I have not yet seen the series. So if anything is inaccurate, I apologize.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~Arsène Lupin III~

~ Lupin already has his experience with female thieves. Him and Fujiko have known each other for forever. So he knows what to expect when it comes to them.

~ You met when you were attempting to steal his wallet. And you thought you’ve succeeded, only to open it and see it mostly empty. The only thing in it was a paper with a doodle of a face, with the words “Nice try!” written on it. Cue Lupin saying “Looking for this?” and showing you all his cash, in his hands.

~ He wouldn’t be upset. Instead, he’d give you tips on how to be better(which was annoying, considering that you were a pretty well known thief). And of course, he’d be flirting too. Before leaving, he’d say “I’ll be waiting for your next attempt.” then disappear.

~ Over the next few months, you’d follow him. You’ve made countless attempts at stealing from him, and each time, you’d fail. It was frustrating, because he was the only person you hadn’t successfully stolen from. Everyone else was a breeze. But you didn’t hate Lupin for it. In fact, you enjoyed talking with him. The two of you would share a nice conversation afterwards, before he would leave again.

~ During those periods of time where you weren’t around, Lupin would find himself thinking about you. He would laugh at all your failed tries, almost feeling bad for you. He even thought about making it easier for you to steal from him, but it was just too fun. And Lupin loves to be entertained. So it wasn’t long before his feelings for you were more than just the typical ones he felt for women in general. He was actually in love.

~ Eventually, you didn’t even care about cash. You just wanted to see him. And of course, Lupin knew this. It wasn’t until you finally successfully stole his wallet that you realized this for yourself. You opened it, and was surprised by the money inside. You checked and double checked to see if it was counterfeit, but it was the real deal. You expected to be more happy, but you were just disappointed that the chase was over.

~ You suddenly heard a voice behind you say “Guess you finally succeeded. Great job.”. You turned around to see Lupin. He wore his typical, mischievous grin. He told you to take the money as a reward for your improvement. But he knew you didn’t want to. So instead, he offered for you to join him and his gang. You accepted, and the two of you were inseparable ever since.

~~~🎩~~~🎩~~~🎩~~~

(He’s so pretty I can’t)

~Goemon Ishikawa XIII~

~ You first saw Goemon in an isolated park. It was late at night, and you were looking for someone to rob. He was meditating, and you thought it would be a good idea to try to steal from him. Little did you know, you were about to attempt to sneak up on the world’s greatest samurai.

~ You hid behind a nearby tree, and thought he wouldn’t notice you. But then, a branch suddenly fell right on your head. You looked down at it once it hit the ground. It looked like it was perfectly cut. You then felt a presence behind you, and saw Goemon. He actually recognized you from the news, and made a jab at you for trying to rob a stranger instead of something bigger. You started laughing, but he didn’t. His face was completely serious, and you could tell he was pissed. So you just apologized, and left.

~ It wasn’t until Lupin and the gang were on a heist that you met again. You didn’t know they were there until they met you at the safe. You and Jigen argued about who gets the money, and Goemon said you could share if you both did work. And that’s just what you did. Even when Lupin and Jigen tried to take it all for themselves, Goemon made them be fair. You were very grateful for that. You had no idea why he was so kind, considering your last encounter with him.

~ You “randomly” kept running into each other. But you were kind of seeking for him; hoping to meet you again. Goemon noticed this, but kept quiet. It wasn’t until you helped them out yet again, and you were celebrating your victory with the gang, that he said something.

~ You were embarrassed. And now that he knew, you decided to stop helping them. And you thought that was that.

~ A while later, you were robbing a museum by yourself, and you were having quite a bit of trouble. A squad of police was heading your way, and with the giant sack of artifacts on your back, you weren’t in a good place to fight. You prepared for the worst, when they all suddenly dropped to the floor. And there, standing with his sword in hand, was Goemon.

~ He asked you why he hasn’t seen you in a while, and you told him. His face was mostly neutral, besides a small bit of red on his cheeks. He told you that he enjoyed your company, and that he’d like if you came by more often. Then he left.

~ It’s safe to say that you did start stopping by again. In fact, you helped the gang with so many heists, that you became a part of their team. And you and Goemon became even closer.

~~~🗡️~~~🗡️~~~🗡️~~~

~~baileypie-writes

[maggie-004]

(Un-) Lucky coincidence – 6

Jenna Ortega x Fem reader

Summary: In the aftermath of their electrifying chemistry read, Y/N and Jenna celebrate Y/N's successful casting as Friday Addams. They spend a joyful evening together, sharing laughter, stories, and an unexpected night of intimate connection. The next morning, as Y/N prepares for her last day of work at the hospital, they face the challenges of leaked identities and paparazzi attention.

Words: 1543

GIF von experienceandobservation

Jenna beamed at me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You were absolutely incredible! I knew you had talent, but seeing you live was something else. The energy you bring to your sets is infectious, and I can see why you have such a dedicated fan base.” I blushed, feeling a mix of pride and gratitude. "Thank you, Jenna. It means a lot to hear that coming from you. I've worked hard to get where I am, and to have your support means the world to me." We spent the rest of the evening talking, laughing, and sharing stories. Jenna opened up about her own experiences in the industry, and I listened intently, hanging onto her every word. It was a beautiful connection, a genuine bond that continued to grow stronger with each passing moment. Jenna's phone buzzed with a notification. She glanced at it and then looked up at me, excitement evident in her eyes. "Guess what? Tim just messaged me. He loved our chemistry read so much that he wants to include more scenes between Friday and Wednesday in the script! It's amazing to see the impact we've made already." My heart swelled with joy. The fact that our chemistry had impressed Tim, the director himself, was beyond anything I could have imagined. "That's incredible news, Jenna! I can't believe how everything is falling into place. I'm so grateful for this opportunity. Her smile was mirroring my own joy.

As the night deepened, we found ourselves drawn to the comfort of the couch, the weariness of the day melting away. Jenna hesitated, her eyes filled with a certain look I couldn’t read. The unspoken yearning hung in the air, both of us longing for more than just a night of platonic slumber. In a moment of quiet surrender, I spoke softly, my voice barely above a whisper, "Jenna, you don't have to sleep in the guest room if you don't want to." A blush colored her cheeks as she met my gaze, understanding the depth of my invitation. But with only one bedcover, we were faced with a dilemma Without a word, she moved closer, her warmth radiating against my skin. We settled into the bed, our bodies fitting together with a natural ease, the air around us crackling with unspoken emotions. As the night unfolded, our bodies molded together in an embrace, seeking solace and comfort in each other's arms. It was a dance of surrender, of hearts finding their way to one another. The boundaries that once separated us began to blur, the distinction between friendship and love becoming indistinguishable. In the stillness of the night, I marveled at the way our hearts beat in synchrony, as if they had always known this was where they belonged. Our whispers of affection filled the air, intertwining with the soft rustle of the sheets. Each touch, each caress, spoke volumes, carrying the weight of unspoken confessions. The night passed in a haze of love and tenderness, the world beyond our sanctuary fading away. In that sacred space, we discovered the depths of our emotions, and our connection blossomed into something extraordinary. As the first rays of sunlight kissed the room, I stirred from my slumber, reluctantly untangling myself from Jenna's embrace.

The realization that my last day of work in the hospital awaited me added a bittersweet tinge to the morning. Silently, I made my way to the bathroom, allowing the warm water to wash away the remnants of sleep. The mirror reflected a face filled with a mix of contentment and longing. Subtly applying makeup, I hoped to capture the essence of the night, to carry it with me throughout the day. Emerging from the bathroom, I prepared a cup of coffee and savored the quiet solitude. Scribbling a note for Jenna, telling her where the apartment Keyes are, if she wants to take a walk, and telling her that she can use everything she wants. As I approached the nightstand to leave the note, I couldn't help but notice Jenna's phone, its battery nearing dying. A small smile played at my lips as I plugged it in, knowing that when she woke, she would find it fully charged, ready to reconnect with the world. With a sense of anticipation, I set a timer for the release of my latest YouTube video, allowing the world a glimpse into my DJing journey. The thought of Jenna watching it filled me with excitement and nerves, but above all, a deep longing for her to understand the emotions that danced within my heart. The morning sunlight spilled through the windows, casting a golden glow upon the hospital walls. It was my last day of work, a bittersweet realization that marked the end of an era.

As I entered the bustling corridors, a sense of purpose guided my steps. I moved with a determined stride, ready to face the challenges that awaited me. But little did I know that this day would test my resolve and tug at the delicate balance between my personal and professional life. The day started off on an unexpectedly busy note. Patient rounds were followed by a series of urgent calls and consultations. Time slipped through my fingers like sand, each passing moment demanding my undivided attention. As the morning stretched into the afternoon, Jenna's face flashed in my mind. We had planned to grab lunch together, a simple moment of respite amidst the chaos. But fate had other plans in store for us. One of my patients suddenly went into cardiac arrest, his condition deteriorating rapidly. The urgent call for assistance echoed through the hospital, drawing the attention of the medical team. I sprung into action, adrenaline coursing through my veins. Minutes turned into an eternity as we fought to stabilize the patient, every second hanging in the balance between life and death. Time seemed to stand still as we worked tirelessly, pushing the boundaries of our abilities. Finally, the patient's condition stabilized enough to be transferred to the Intensive Care Unit. The relief washed over me, tinged with exhaustion. But as I glanced at the clock, I realized that the lunch hour had slipped away, leaving me with a sense of disappointment. My mentor, sensing my frustration, approached me with a sympathetic smile. "Y/n, I know today has been demanding. Let's document everything together, and once we're finished, you can finally go home. You've earned a well-deserved rest." Her words brought a glimmer of hope to my weary heart. The thought of spending a few precious moments with Jenna lifted my spirits, reminding me of the warm feeling that awaited me beyond these hospital walls. With renewed determination, I focused on completing the necessary paperwork, knowing that soon I would be free to embrace the day with Jenna by my side. The minutes crawled by, each stroke of the pen feeling like an eternity. Finally, the documentation was complete, marking the end of my final day at the hospital. A mix of relief and anticipation surged through me as I bid farewell to my mentor and stepped into the world outside.

Jenna was waiting for me, her eyes filled with understanding and patience. We locked gazes, the unspoken connection between us weaving a tapestry of comfort. Together, we ventured out to find a quaint café, seeking solace in the simple act of sharing a meal. As we settled into our seats, conversation flowed effortlessly between us, filling the air with laughter and warmth. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of delectable dishes, creating an ambiance of comfort and contentment. But amidst our shared joy, the universe had other plans in store for us… again. A glance from a neighboring table, a whisper of recognition, and before we knew it, whispers of Jenna's fame filled the room. Cameras flashed, capturing her every move, leaving no corner untouched by the prying eyes of the public. In the midst of the chaos, a pang of realization struck me. My identity as a DJ, a secret I had carefully guarded, was now exposed. The delicate balance between my two worlds had been shattered, leaving me vulnerable and exposed, by the paparazzi and the trash magazines because they compared my facial features with the ones, where I normally wear masks, of course they matched. Jenna sensed my unease and reached out, her touch grounding me in the storm. "Y/n, we'll get through this together," she whispered, her voice filled with determination. Nodding, I mustered a smile, finding solace in her unwavering support. Our connection, though now thrust into the spotlight, remained steadfast, a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. Finishing our meal, we left the café with our hands brushing against each others over and over again, ready to face the challenges that awaited us. The world may have learned my secret, but it couldn't diminish that bound, Jenna and me. As the day drew to a close, we returned to the sanctuary of my apartment, seeking solace in each other's arms. Those touches became normal within the first few hours of knowing each other. Jenna’s and my Love language is physical touch and through the weight of the day Jenna sensed that I needed her in my arms more than ever.

A/N: I tried a new method of proof reading so my English may is better than normally, or worse, I can’t really tell.  But I still hope you like it. :)

[still-a-morosexual-help]

!!!no okay yes I get what you're saying but they actually tell us that there is a specific story on Mammon's part as well!!

Ok so hear me out:

First off, ok yes I agree with all that but that's not what I'm asking for exactly? I'm not exactly asking for what made them see each other as family or what made them love each other because that definitely takes time and many instances, specially in the case of an adopted family, specially from the kid's point of view

Family absolutely doesn't start in one second but what I'm asking for is the specific moment they met and the the specific moment that was the tipping point for both of them in their relationship. For instance the moment that made Lucifer decide this angel who already had a caregiver/mentor is now his child thank you very much.

The way how Beel had known about Lucifer from the beginning but only met him when he came to talk to Beel about using his strength to protect people instead of trying to fight (and so accidentally destroy things). That's the first moment that Beel's love and loyalty for Lucifer blossomed. And that's what I want to see: the first moments and/or the tipping points.

We know that the younger brothers were all the oddballs in the celestial realm while Lucifer was the perfect angel. So how did he meet the very first oddball he ended up adopting? What lead to them becoming a family, not only the very first true family either of them have had but also a family in a world that does not have families!

Isn't that insane? In a world that doesn't have typical families the way humans and demons have, what was the catalyst, the start, of these two angels seeing each other like that when (as far as we know) no previous examples of this existed in their world

Also with kids, at least in my experience, (dunno if Mammon was a kid when they met but I feel like this might still apply in this context? Also I'm very attached to the hc that Lucifer met his brothers when they were children because he has such parental energy that it could have only come from experience) who are mischievous/don't like to listen to authority it actually is helpful to have that first spark, something that makes them interested or at least intrigued in listening to you from the first conversation itself, something they can use to set you apart from other adults/authority figures they don't trust/who have consciously or unconsciously hurt them or angered them. Something that makes them willing to hear you out/give you the time of day the next time around instead of nodding their head and tuning you out. Of course you can still earn their trust without this but it will generally take longer and be a much more painful process (as with Lucifer and Satan).

With Mammon we know it's the first type because we're literally told it is;

And I desperately want to know what happened during that first meeting, what made Mammon warm up to Lucifer like that, what created that first spark that made Mammon trust Lucifer and eventually lead to the insane loyalty Mammon has for Lucifer, in the face of anything including Lucifer's own shit attitude (that granted was mostly a result of his fear and overprotectiveness boiling over and has since calmed down after he started trusting diavolo post s1 BUT STILL!!)

SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP WHO HURT MY BABY?!!?

but like ive deadass never seen this dialogue i didn’t know it existed ??!

@still-a-morosexual-help ur the om expert pls help have u seen this before did i do something wrong why doesnt he love me anymore /j

[pen-observing]

Hcs of liyue or inazuma boys tripping over a rock in front of their crush please

sddakj i imagined all of them tripping like in those short tiktok videos strung together

headcanons of inazuma boys tripping over a rock in front of their crush: (includes: thoma, gorou, kazuha, scaramouche, ayato and itto.)

THOMA: (i know he is from mond but i am still putting him here)

The thing with Thoma is that he is equal parts serious about what he does but lets out his silly side freely when he is able to without fear of failing or disappointing others.

When he likes you - he trusts you and Thoma is glad for that. It means his natural disposition for joking and comedy get to flourish.

However, because he is proud to be known as a 'fixer' and 'the reason the Kamisato clan has no need for any other retainer'; he wants to show it to you too.

so the worst dilemma of his life with you up to this moment comes unexpectedly.

because thoma is observant; and because he loves looking at your hair move while the two of you take a walk; he disregards the rock and trips over it.

what is he supposed to do now? which side of his does this even present to you?!

he fell slowly letting out a little 'oomph' sound.

but how does he react to this?!

really, he does what usually happens with you.

watches what you do and acts from then on.

he is not hurt - so you laugh; and thoma laughs with you because even this is a meaningful way to spend time with you.

GOROU:

Gorou is someone who understands the position that has been assigned to him and according to the expectations of it is how he tries to act but in reality; he is easily excitable and his emotions always show in one way or another.

he also likes enjoying the new privileges and more free time which he can spend with you now that the vision hunt decree has ended.

now when he asks you to take a walk with him he knows that it will be longer and present itself as more intimate than before

he can even try to hold your hand! he can try to walk closer next to you no matter how much his ears and tail give away his excitement!

he had faced many enemies but he had never been humiliated like this!

just when he grabbed your hand, just when he was about to nonchalantly lock your fingers together; his heart was beating too fast and he tripped on a rock.

he does not allow himself to fall on the ground tho! he is able to do a spin and land on his feet but he just knows that the moment was ruined!

when you laugh softly and go to take his hand on your own - he forgets about his humiliation.

instead; Gorou smiles and his ears twitch and starts to tell you how this reminds him of his siblings and their childhood fascination on getting each other to trip on anything close by.

KAZUHA:

When Kazuha was forced to experience this feeling; he almost forgot the wind was his friend.

Maybe, him simply tripping was not important enough to be mentioned but he surely thinks it was.

When the two of you met, he had still been on Beidou's ship as an outlaw. The crux fleet does many things well but they still like to get respite when possible and that is how Kazuha found himself on your land.

When he first saw you it was almost dusk but you continued to spend time with them well into the evening.

Beidou does like to really experience what it is that taverns and new lands have to offer.

You were tired from work and wished them well on their next journey before leaving the tavern.

Kazuha has realised a long time ago that being passive does not work out for him: so he decided to leave after you (maybe walk you home) in hopes of spending more time together. He would leave soon and who knows when he would come back again.

You walk slow, he notes. And in deciding on how to approach you now; he trips on the rock that some drunkard probably kicked here.

kazuha swears that it was not there when he first came and he swears that it being late at night is his saving grace because: even when you turn around at the noise - he thinks you can't see the full extent of his embarrassing position.

To try and save face he continues to lay down on the grass and stretches out his hands while looking at the sky.

when you come and lean in to see if he is fine and your face is decorated with the starry night sky; he almost thinks it is worth it.

Even with this - he still walks you home and likes that you're witty enough to ask if the wind truly is his friend.

SCARAMOUCHE:

Now, the first thing you need to know is that he will not admit to having any sort of crush on you.

he will not admit it to himself; let alone you - the new fatui member.

he will never let you know that he volunteered to give you the tour and rundown of this delusion fabric either!

why should you know?

scaramouche loves to feel like he knows more than he is letting you in on; so he thrives off of this.

he gets to talk to you plus he gets to see that you consider him important

and with this air of confidence he is a split second away from losing it all when he trips and falls on his knees

he is not sure which fool left this rock INSIDE the hidden factory but he knows that they will pay for this negligence!

it all lasts a second but he immediately stands up and makes the rock break with his electro as he turns to you.

you're not laughing at least; but he can see that this is entertaining to you.

you might be his crush but as he is not willing to admit it or go easy on you so he says:

'find me the useless person who left this rock here and bring them to me. and if you ever tell anyone about this and laugh about me just know another fatui member will be bringing you to me!"

he really just doesn't want you to laugh AT him

AYATO:

Inazuma has never been blessed with a more graceful man.

Everyone knows Ayato; the stories about him are vivid enough. Nobody can miss the delicate silver hair. even if they haven't seen him; everyone knows who is coming through just from the way his steps make him seem like he is walking on water.

Ayato knows that this certainly means pressure but he is also aware of how a crush should always be impressed.

And what better than this? Shouldn't his grace help him in wooing you.

He also likes the fact that you are Ayaka's friend which means that when the two of you come face to face it is usually at the Kamisato estate and not many people can distract you from him.

Ayato sees you in their courtyard as he comes back from a business lunch. Is this not the perfect time to walk towards you, ask you how you have been and give a small compliment that will leave you hopefully thinking of it when you go to bed?

He is a natural and does not need to stress.

He does in fact, walk up to you with a sweet smile and his back straight, he does, also, ask how you have been and gives you a compliment.

where it goes wrong is when he walks past you towards his door and then trips.

ayato is so glad that you were speaking with ayaka at that moment and he was able to pull himself up quickly enough for you not to have seen him on the ground.

he is also glad his back is already turned towards you so his blush is not visible.

ITTO:

when he trips it is because he was trying to establish dominance over this small puny thing anyways. in fact, he is glad you were there to witness this moment and he totally does not want to turn back time.

[moondustimagines]

Princess (MJF x Fem!McMahon!Reader)

Reader makes some new friends from across enemy lines

Warnings: Drinking

You love your job, there is nothing else in the world you would rather do.If you could spend every second wrestling you would but, unfortunately, you couldn’t. There always seemed to be hundreds of things that all wanted your attention at once. Between the interviews, creative meetings and public appearances, you never really got a minute to yourself. It was exhausting.

Sometimes, if you were on early on a show, you could sneak away to a quiet corner of a bar. A VIP area if you could swing it. It would give you some time to yourself, without anyone expecting anything from you.

Tonight was one of those nights. Sometimes, being on the kickoff show had it’s benefits. You were tucked away in a quiet corner where, hopefully, no one would bother you. Your vodka lemonade was almost gone, you were too well hidden to get another without going to the bar. You got up and made your way over, the bartender must have remembered what you were drinking as he started pouring it as soon as he spotted you. As you waited, someone came to stand next to you.

“Hey” He said. You didn’t turn to face him, just muttered a hello back. 

“I’m getting the cold shoulder off you too? You guys really know how to freeze a guy out”

That made you look at him. Adam Cole grinned back at you, you should’ve known. You and Cole had become good friends during his time at NXT, you had been there all the time to work with your dad. You had been disappointed when he left but you understood why he did.

“Christ, Cole! I must not be used to your hair looking so dry” You teased. He chuckled and insisted on paying for your drink. You both caught up for awhile, about all the goings on at your respective workplaces.

“Come sit with us, the guys would love to see you” He said. That made you slightly nervous. You knew there was nothing wrong with it but there were certain people in your family and the company that would frown upon it. However, Cole had always been one hell of a negotiator.

There were already five people squeezed around the table, not including you and Cole. But Fish and O’Reilly practically jumped up to meet you so how could you leave now? You reintroduced yourself to Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood, you had met them in passing a few years ago. Then you were introduced to the last member of this group, Maxwell. Better known as MJF. He seemed quiet, almost wary of you. You were somewhat used to that, especially guys who were still quite new to the industry, they could get intimidated by your name before even meeting you.

Max, knew exactly who you were from the second he spotted you at the bar with Cole. When you walked over with him was when he placed you on his mental list of reasons he should’ve just gone back to the hotel. He had let Dax talk him in to coming out for one drink. He kept repeating that “one drink” in his head as he nursed his fourth drink. The last thing he wanted to deal with was some spoiled little princess. He could be pretentious but god, no one did it like the McMahon’s in his experience.

But as the night went on, he discovered that he may have misjudged you. You were relatively normal, all things considered. You just wanted to wrestle and perfect your craft, just like him. The guys discovered there was a karaoke machine and quickly disappeared to show the whole place their skills, leaving him alone with you. 

“Do we run away from this embarrassment now or when they hit the high notes?” You laughed

“I would say now but I just got this drink” He replied. Both of you watched as Kyle tripped over a wire while doing what might be described as dancing.

Both of you watched with slightly amused embarrassment for another twenty minutes. Luckily, the other people in the bar didn’t seem to mind the antics too much.

“So, why are you out by yourself? Isn’t this a pay-per-view night for you guys?” Max asked. He watched your smile falter for a second as you thought of an excuse, you could hardly tell him that you were entirely sick of all the backstage drama.

“Got stuff on tomorrow morning, thought I’d go out early then go in early” You explained. He watched you for a second without saying a word.

“You’re a terrible liar”

“Well, why are you here? To sit here and sulk?” You questioned

“I’m not sulking” He replied, sulking more.

You didn’t even realise that you were sitting closer than ever to him, some might say too close. Maybe that last drink was one too many.

“I say you are” You whispered. His eyes darted to your lips for a split second, so fast you almost missed it. 

“Why don’t you cheer me up then?” He replied

You lips connected almost instantly. His hand cradled the back of your head as you deepened the kiss. He tasted like the expensive whiskey he had been downing all night. As you finally pulled away, you looked at him wide eyed. He almost mirrored your expression.

“I don’t think they’ll miss us” You said breathlessly

He grabbed your hand and all but dragged you out of the bar. He barely got you out of the door before you were all over him again. Your arms were looped around his neck to stop you from stumbling. 

“Do you want my room key?” You mumbled, grinning up at him. His hand went to grip your hip as he smiled back.

“I’m not going anywhere near those losers you work with. My room is more expensive anyway”

--

The next morning, you thought your head might explode. The first thing you noticed was that this room was far too bright for your liking. The second thing you noticed was ringing. You sat up and clumsily looked around for your phone to turn the damn alarm off. When you found it, you discovered it was a call. From your father.

You looked at the time, 10:24 am. Shit. You were supposed to be in a meeting 10 minutes ago. You scrambled out of the bed to get dressed, which made you notice a third thing. The man trying to sleep next to you. Max. He didn’t seem to happy to be woken.

“What the hell is your problem?” He muttered

“I’m so late. I need to go” You panicked, pulling your clothes on as fast as you could.

“Do it quietly then” He replied, throwing your panties at you. Part of you wanted to slap him, another part of you wanted to fall back into bed with him. Your phone started to ring again, you had to get going.

You made sure you had all your stuff and went to leave. Max shuffled around in the bed behind you, already fast asleep again. In that moment, your heart softened a little. You found a pen and a scrap of paper to scribble down your number before you rushed out of the room.

Later in the day, after a very long lecture from your parents about being late. You were sitting in yet another production meeting when your phone buzzed with a text. You secretly looked at the screen to see a message from an unknown number before your father kicked you under the table.

Unknown number: Until next time, Princess.

[versadies]

Hey hey!! I've been following you for a while now and I love your work sm aaa

Saw the event, I love soulmate au's 😩‼ as a gemini, may I request a gemini prompt + kaeya? Up to you who the enemy is, I trust you ^ ^

-🦚 @pavo-ocell-me

someday, one day (hc scenario)

penpal: omg hi !! im glad u love my work, i hope this is to ur liking 🙌

prompt: gemini the twins, enemy-lover soulmate au

pairing/s: kaeya x gn!reader

sypnosis: when you thought he was your enemy but is actually your lover.

includes: spoilers on diluc and kaeya's backstory, spoilers on genshin's official webtoon, violence, physical pain, burns, arguing, enthusiastic!diluc (pls take note that its canon that he USED to be like all the other pyro characters b4 his father's death.),

when you first met diluc, it felt like he was your knight in shining armor.

the first time you two met was when you accidentally fell down from your balcony after leaning too much on the railing and diluc managed to catch you bridal-style whilst he was on patrol around the city as a knight.

it truly was romantic– and a near-death experience for you.

so when you found out that his name is imprinted on your wrist, you felt ecstatic, and so did he.

since then, you two were known as the youngest soulmates who had found each other in mondstadt, people admiring your relationship with envy and happiness.

of course, you and diluc were a happy couple. although you would be lying if you said diluc is overall your type, you managed to find yourself falling in love with the man.

when crepus, diluc's father, found out about diluc's once-in-a-lifetime moment, he simply laughs and pats you and his son by your backs with a proud smile.

"by the time my son turns 18, we better make arrangements of your wedding! it's a ragnvindr tradition, after all." he comments eagerly. you honestly weren't sure if the man was joking or not.

it didn't take long before you meet his dear brother, kaeya.

when you find out his brother's name is the same as the one that's imprinted on your other wrist, being surprised is far from your reaction.

"don't worry about it, y/n." diluc reassures you one night as the two of you stroll around the city together. "i'll make sure nothing will go wrong between you and my brother. besides, you always have me, right?"

if diluc hadn't tried what he said, perhaps things would've gone differently than now.

in fear of being enemies with your future brother-in-law, you decided to avoid kaeya like a plague, giving the young man apologetic looks whenever you walk away from his presence.

as much as you're avoiding the man, you couldn't imagine hating on kaeya. every night, you always think of what can make kaeya your enemy. what is there to hate him? he's funny, chivalrous, everything that screams your type of men.

wait.. type?

your heart drops from the moment you started thinking romantic things about diluc's brother, looking behind you to see your soulmate sleeping soundly with a frown plastered on your face.

is diluc really your lover?

doubts started to cross your mind. what if diluc isn't your soulmate? what is there to prove that kaeya is your enemy? are you just overthinking things?

"i can't think about this." you murmured to yourself, pulling up your comforter before laying back down on your bed and try to fall asleep.

"i have a wedding to worry about next year."

just as you said, you did try not to think about the possibilities you have with the two brothers, distracting yourself with tasks and dates with your lover, who's quite oblivious to your problems going on inside your head.

unnoticed by you, you weren't the only one who has been burdened with your thoughts.

by the time diluc's birthday has arrived, the two of you started to get excited from your future wedding, excited to finally marry each other after years of spending your adolescence together.

you didn't expect an inconvenience during diluc and crepus's trip.

you didn't expect crepus trying to save diluc from a monster using something that no one but snezhnaya has ever heard of.

you didn't expect crepus asking diluc to put him out of his misery.

you didn't expect diluc to come strolling back to your shared home with blood stained in his clothing at a late hour.

you never, ever, expected your lover to fight his own brother when he took a visit.

and you did not expect your lover to plan on leaving you and everyone.

"what do you mean you're... you're leaving?" you ask in disbelief, staring at diluc as though he has two heads. "can't i go with you–?"

"no, this journey will be too dangerous for you–"

"this applies to you as well! you're not an immortal or some god–"

"i can do this on my own, y/n." he says with his eyes narrowed. you couldn't help but scoff in disbelief. this isn't the diluc you know and loved.

"but diluc.. isn't this too much? your father... i know crepus's death is too much but, why can't you stay?" you whispered, cupping his cheeks. "what about our wedding? the life you and i planned after your bi–"

"my father died and you're seriously thinking about our wedding?!" diluc forces your hands away from his face, glaring at you. "why can't you understand that i'm trying to find out the truth on this delusion–"

"i do understand!" you yelled out. "i do understand that you want to do this for him but what about monstadt? the knights? what about your brother–"

"HE'S NOT MY BROTHER!" he yelled, lashing out at you as you screamed in surprise when you saw fire in front of you, immediately covering your face with your arms out of reflex.

you didn't notice how your lover's eyes widens on what he did,

you couldn't notice him, not when you're too focused on the huge burns on your arms.

"oh my god..." diluc murmurs, slowly taking a few steps back as he takes a look of what he did, ignoring the sudden presence of adelaide and elzer, who both gasped from the scene.

your eyes starts to water from the intense pain, trying not to cry out and scream your heart out in fear of making your lover feel regret. you could honestly care less on what diluc is doing, all you could think about was the intense burns from your arms.

suddenly, the door was slammed open by kaeya– who was wet from the rain outside.

"what the hell did you do to them?!" kaeya exclaims, running towards you with a shocked look on his face. "i'll take you to the cathedral alright? the sisters will heal you." he whispers, wiping off the tears from your face as he wraps his arm around your shoulder and takes you towards the doors.

before diluc could let out a word from his mouth, kaeya gives him a glare.

"you may hate me for what happened," kaeya says.

"but for celestia's sake, don't ever come to them or call them your lover ever again."

that was the last time you saw diluc.

you eventually find out from the chattering nuns that the man had already left monstadt with no news of when he'll return, causing everyone to pity you and for diluc about what happened.

you were thankful that no one except the nuns found out about the incident of your arms.

throughout your stay in the cathedral, you usually find kaeya beside you, keeping an eye on you with a concerned look on his face. you honestly couldn't imagine what would've happened if the man didn't storm inside dawn winery. would diluc actually try to help you later on and leave? would you have suffered more with your injuries as he stands by watching you in disbelief?

whatever outcome you could think of, your heart ached from them all.

would diluc stayed had he been the one who tries to take care of your injuries?

either way, you knew the man is no longer the one you fell in love with from those years ago.

as years grew by, so did your friendship with kaeya.

although it was awkward from the start, you eventually warmed up to the man who you thought is your enemy, feeling more comfortable with him than before.

the two of you started having careers by then, with you having a successful career whilst kaeya becomes the calvary captain of the knights of favonius.

although the two of you are busy, you agreed to always meet each other at night in angel's share, where you drink the night away and talk about anything that comes out of your minds.

there wasn't a day when you thought about diluc.

thankfully, your burns weren't too severe and is slowly fading away throughout the years. but that doesn't mean the memories you had from it disappeared as well.

ever since that dreadful night, you started having nightmares about the incident, always finding yourself sitting up from your bed with a scared look on your face.

you wished you didn't want to see diluc this way, but you honestly couldn't bare to face him if he ever comes back to the city.

you don't see him as a lover or a friend. all he is to you at this very moment is your nightmare.

your nightmares simply washes away when kaeya comes up in your mind.

whenever you think about your so-called destined enemy, you felt comforted and safe. it was understandable really! you were touched by how he took care of you regardless of you being his "enemy".

however... now that you could think about it, the calvary captain has a lot more common with you than diluc himself. the fact that his brother made you laugh a lot and supported you in many ways made you started thinking that maybe diluc really isn't your destined lover.

your heart skips a beat from the thought of kaeya being your true lover, the smile you wore never fading away.

perhaps when you're finally starting to move on from the relationship you had with diluc, maybe... just maybe, kaeya could be the one you've been hoping for.

you started to sleep more peacefully, excited for the future that awaits.

somewhere in the calvary captain's home, the man is dreaming and hoping of you too.

[softredrobin]

Rounding out our elementals with air, here’s Lasko! First of all I want everyone to know that my browser does not believe “Lasko” is spelled right, even when capitalized, and it has suggested Laski, Lasso, and the ever-hilarious Lasky as proper spellings. Admittedly I listen to Lasko the least of the three, but he’s still a special boi who gets a gold star in my heart. These two quotes are from Nervous Air Elemental Confesses His Feelings For You and the preview for his BA audio.

By this point I think you probably know what you’ll find below the cut: flowers and rambling! There’s also some extra goodies down there this time, plus a bit about next sets and such in this series.

These four flowers:

Peony: honor, love at first sight, beauty in all forms, bashfulness

Dandelion: overcoming hardship

Queen Anne’s Lace: haven, sanctuary, complexity, delicateness

Heather: solitude, beauty, admiration, protection

I listened to a not-mine playlist while doing this one, so if you’re interested you can find that playlist here. It’s a good one! As someone who loves Ricky Montgomery the fact that so many of his songs were included just fits my fancy, especially since I’ve always seen his music as a very Lasko-esque vibe :-)

Let’s talk flowers! First up for rambles is Queen Anne’s Lace. I grew up in a place where you could see a lot of QAL growing along the roadsides, bordering the fields (woot woot for rural areas and the abundance of farmland). This is the only flower I decided on before doing any research into its meaning, and only a little bit because I already knew about what it meant. Anyway, this paragraph is getting out of hand because I just want to recommend My Queen Anne’s Lace Bouquet by SincerelyWhistler on Ao3 for anyone who hasn’t read it yet.

Peony for the obviousness of bashfulness but also for Lasko’s confession, where he mentions that “I’ve had a crush on you for as long as I’ve known you, literally since the first time I met you, t-t-that first time you came into my office”, hence love at first sight. Dandelion with overcoming hardship for Lasko overcoming managing to confess and doing things even when they make him anxious or nervous, for FL’s difficulty with their first semester at D.A.M.N., and for their shared experiences with the humanborn experience. Heather for finding safety in someone you love.

And now an admission: I had literally never listened to Lasko’s BA before I needed to find quotes for this set... I listened to a part of the Lasko/FL/Gavin BA but that was it? I’m not really sure why because actually, it was nice, though to be fair I really only listened to the beginning (which is in the preview on YouTube). But! The quote I used from that one jumped out at me. Maybe I’ll actually listen to the whole thing at some point.

If you read this far, thanks for reading! I actually want to ask if anyone has any requests for the next set? I’m nearly out of characters I’ve planned anything for. I’d also appreciate quotes if you have a request since there’s always a chance I haven’t really listened to much of any specific character. 

I will say right now that I don’t plan on doing a set for Vega-influenced Ivan at all -- I’ve never listened to Sadism’s Hold, and I don’t plan on it. I’m on the fence about Regulus, so if I do that one it’ll be when there are more videos (both to pick quotes from and determine how I feel about the character). Characters like Geordi and Guy who don’t have many videos right now I will consider but it’ll depend on how I feel about the number of quotes I can get out of a lower pool of videos (I might want to wait until they have more). 

So far I’ve got a pool of quotes for Vincent, though if anyone wants a specific quote from Vincent I’d also love to hear it. Be assured also that Asher will be coming to finish off our wolf boi trio, I just have to go listen to his playlist for quotes (once again, any specific ones would be welcome). I also... well.

I had planned on doing a set for Caelum. I picked flowers and hand poses a while ago, and I was excited because it would really make the D.A.M.N. set complete. However, up until now, I’ve only done romantic interests with these sets. I had never even considered that the set might be interpreted in any way other than that platonic/familial context of the relationship FL and Caelum have, and so wasn’t concerned about that. But with the recent discourse, I’m worried about anyone interpreting it that way. Should I still do it? I love Caelum, he’s my buttercup and I was excited to do his set :-( Maybe if I put explicitly that I do not want my art to be interpreted in any way other than platonic and familial and to please not interact if you’re going to make it anything else? Let me know what you guys think.